tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59263868750781696612024-02-19T07:39:01.099+00:00☆ ☆ ☆ c l a r a n e e ☆ ☆ ☆rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-86734332830223942512015-12-27T00:07:00.001+00:002015-12-27T00:07:34.787+00:0010 MonthsWowwww, it's been a long time since I last wrote to you all.<br />
<br />
First of all, Merry (belated!) Christmas! I hope gyaru Santa was kind to you all this year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I disappeared again.<br />
<br />
Thank you for all of the comments asking if I'm okay and where I am, I'm fine, thank you. ♥ 2015 has been a very weird year for me.<br />
<br />
After a long time of thinking there was nothing out there better for me I bit the bullet and quit my little office job. As a result I've had no money for most of the year and I distanced myself from gyaru to stop the urge to splurge (hey, I rhymed!!) on absolutely everything. MA*RS still has a place in my heart and everytime I see news about MA*RS I just want to buy everything!! Money was so tight for awhile I even stopped wearing make-up because I couldn't afford new foundation and I'm still very carefully rationing Diamond Lash eyelashes (whilst weeping as I'm on my last set of lower lashes).<br />
<br />
Since February I've worn gyaru around 5 times, maybe 4.<br />
<br />
It sucked to read and follow the scene for awhile because I still wanted to be part of the culture and buy <i>everything</i> so I just... stopped. Went cold turkey. Bing, bang, boom.<br />
<br />
Instead I replaced it with perhaps one of my biggest mistakes so far. The time I spent reading blogs, researching gyaru, looking at the new trends all went into...<br />
<br />
<b>MMO Gaming.</b><br />
<br />
Aka the biggest time sink you can imagine. I also tried streaming on Twitch for awhile (which was fun and if you tuned in you would've seen me running around with no make-up on due to literally being so freaking broke).<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if I'll ever come back into blogging as frequently as I did again but I'd like to a lot. ♥<br />
<br />
Please tear me away from MMO Addiction, LOL!<br />
<br />
However, I recently got an amazing job. It's hard work and does restrict some of my appearance (nude nails, natural hair colours only, etc.) so soon I'll be able to tentatively take steps into going back into gyaru. <br />
<br />
Or at least replacing my false lashes. Those are getting nasty, yo.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
<center><p> <img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/8DP2Mg0.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Jvj8eVk.png" border="0"></a> <a title='cosplay page href='https://www.facebook.com/violitcosplay?ref=ts&fref=ts><img src="http://i.imgur.com/2kxdjxT.png" border="0"></a><a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/0xJ2niX.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-55612683542307321882015-02-09T09:20:00.000+00:002015-02-09T09:20:30.516+00:00Where have the Bloggers Gone?Back in 2010 when I had the first glimmer of interest in gyaru fashion, things were pretty different. Tans were the dying out trend, usamimi were the <i>amazing</i> new trend and circle lenses were starting to gain their status as a staple in gyaru make-up. There were other things that were different too.<br />
<br />
There were a lot of gaijin gyaru bloggers.<br />
<br />
I loved those girls and they were the girls who filled my head up with the knowledge of what being gyaru was. ZhiZhi was my absolute idol, Universal Doll was my trend bible and I absolutely adored lurking in the comment sections of blogs because there'd be a lot of new girls to follow in there. Unfortunately, time has passed.<br />
<br />
ZhiZhi has left the scene, Universal Doll has slowed down to a steady plod and comment sections are slowly dying out.<br />
<br />
My blog feeds are empty, old blogs I used to follow have become overrun by spam bots and a lot of the blogs I do manage to stumble across are <i>dead</i>.<br />
<br />
It's sad and it begs the question:<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/BiKBBLv.png"></center><br />
<b>1. They've left the style.</b><br />
<br />
It's sad but this happens. <br />
<br />
People change style, they grow out of it and move onto other things. It's sad for us who followed those girls and admired them but everything changes. Recently, a lot of the <i>prominent</i> gyaru who pushed the style forward have upped and disappeared. The scene of bloggers to follow is completely different two years ago compared to the present!<br />
<br />
<b>2. Blogging became less important.</b><br />
<br />
Let's not beat about the bush - blogging is <i>hard</i>. <br />
<br />
Staying motivated to come up with interesting topics to talk about is draining and it's not for everyone. Some people prefer to post about their life, others don't. When you're constantly trying to think of blog posts or things to do or things to buy just in order to push out a new content saps creativity until you'r left with nothing but a barren wasteland.<br />
<br />
It's a lot easier to put the blog on the backburner whilst focusing on things which are <i>really</i> important.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Drama, drama, drama!</b><br />
<br />
It's not a secret that there are certain communities dedicated to gyaru drama. We're a community full of girls and unfortunately, girls are notorious for stabbing each other in the back and getting into cat fights.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, if enough drama and negativity are focused on one person enough then it'll be likely for that particular gyaru to stop blogging. Sad, but true.<br />
<br />
<b>4. BRB, Tumblr.</b><br />
<br />
Tumblr is a fantastic blogging platform. There's thousands of pictures for inspiration there at the touch of a button and it's a lot easier to post mini updates than longer blog posts like this. As a result, some gyaru prefer to use Tumblr and leave their other blogs behind. <br />
<br />
Whilst this isn't a bad thing it does leave people who aren't in the Tumblr loop to wistfully hope that their favourite gyaru get around to updating their main blog. I personally also find a lot of useful articles and posts tend to get buried underneath the plethora of inspiration pictures on Tumblr which is a shame.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Real Life</b><br />
<br />
Real life eats up a lot of time. For example, I work full time and finding the time to sit and blog is a pain in the behind. There are girls with even heavier schedule and in between everything they need to do, blogging is one of their very last priorities.<br />
<br />
When it comes to extra sleep for a busy day of work or writing a blog post, sleep wins out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/zGJE8fb.png"></center><br />
There are still plenty of gaijin gyaru who keep their blogs up to date and plenty of new resource sites to replace the ones who faded out. I've listed my favourite ones below:<br />
<br />
✩ <a href="http://www.galviponline.com/">Gal VIP</a> - if you haven't checked out Gal VIP then you've been living under a rock. They're an e-magazine dedicated to the gyaru style and are a 100% must read for any gaijin gyaru.<br />
<br />
✩ <a href="http://thegalbible.blogspot.co.uk/">Gal Bible</a> - another fantastic gyaru resource. One of the highlights of their blog for me personally is their Weekly Roundup of gyaru related posts. It's helped me to discover bloggers I hadn't heard of before and expand my reading list.<br />
<br />
✩ <a href="http://emixlea.blogspot.co.uk/">Emi and Lea</a> - one of the best gyaru blogger duos who are currently posting (in my opinion). They update frequently and have a lot of useful, helpful and interesting content. Love, love, love!<br />
<br />
✩ <a href="http://www.blacksaliva.org/">BLACK SALVIA</a> - after a brief hiatus Viivi is back. Having been around in the scene for years, she's one of the best gaijin gyaru out there and definitely one to be reading. I know I am.<br />
<br />
✩ <a href="http://chewieepon.blogspot.co.uk/">Chewieepon</a> - a little bit biased as I know and love this particular gyaru to pieces but Chewie is wonderful; although she doesn't update much when she does get around to her looks are inspiring. It feels like playing keep up with her look (even though I'm 10 steps behind wtf)<br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/8DP2Mg0.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Jvj8eVk.png" border="0"></a> <a title='cosplay page href='https://www.facebook.com/violitcosplay?ref=ts&fref=ts><img src="http://i.imgur.com/2kxdjxT.png" border="0"></a><a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/0xJ2niX.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-24749932258019321022015-02-02T16:46:00.000+00:002015-02-03T09:14:46.902+00:00Thank You GiveawaySince starting up this blog there's been one thing I've always wanted to do and never could figure out how or when. I'm a pretty small blogger and this is a pastime and it's always felt <i>daunting</i> to do something that would get lots of you guys involved.<br />
<br />
However...<br />
<br />
I've finally bucked up and gotten my head together to throw a <b>giveaway</b> for you guys as a thank you for sticking with my little blog throughout the year.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/1QBfjj7.png"></center><br />
<i>(Forgive the picture, my DSLR's memory card has gone awol so I had to use my phone!)</i><br />
<br />
There's lots of goodies for grabs, including:<br />
<br />
✩ Liz Lisa x Popteen make-up bag<br />
✩ Be Luxury Babe Circle Lenses in Luxury 77 (Brown)<br />
✩ Ifairy Super Crystal Circle Lenses in Blue<br />
✩ 2 Hello Kitty Contact Lens Cases<br />
✩ Dolly Wink lower lashes in Pure Little<br />
✩ MA*RS upper lashes in Glamorous Vodka<br />
✩ Diamond Lash upper lashes in Sexy Eye<br />
✩ Make-up Revolution lipstick in Cheer<br />
✩ Make-up Revolution lipstick in Sweetheart<br />
✩ Make-up Revolution Eye Foil in Black Diamond<br />
✩ Make-up Revolution powder blush in Wow<br />
✩ Make-up Revolution blush lacquer in O'Boy<br />
✩ Lipsy Kabuki Brush<br />
✩ Etude House Sweet Recipe Cupcake in Blueberry Cheesecake<br />
<br />
I chose these as they're some of my favourite brands (especially Make-up Revolution, I adore the palettes I own from them!) and I'm super excited for you guys to try these out!<br />
<br />
<b>✩ RULES ✩</b><br />
<br />
- <u>One</u> random winner will receive the above prizes.<br />
- Giveaway starts now until 23:59 (GMT+1) on 13th February 2015<br />
- Open internationally<br />
- Items will be shipped free of charge to the winner<br />
- Winner must be open to supplying myself with their e-mail address and personal address<br />
- If under the age of 16, please have parental consent before entering<br />
- Enter via the Rafflecopter widget below<br />
- No following to just unfollow after the giveaway is over; this is unfair for people who actually want to follow my content and ruins the ideals of a 'thank you' giveaway<br />
- All entries will be checked; if the winner is found to have been somehow cheating their entry will be null and void<br />
- Winner will be e-mailed on 14th February 2015; they have 5 days to respond. If there is no response another winner will be chosen at random<br />
<br />
<b>✩ ENTER HERE ✩</b><br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b3ae04541/" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="b3ae04541" data-theme="classic" data-template="" id="rcwidget_e2kwruxk">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<br />
Good luck and have fun! <br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/8DP2Mg0.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Jvj8eVk.png" border="0"></a> <a title='cosplay page href='https://www.facebook.com/violitcosplay?ref=ts&fref=ts><img src="http://i.imgur.com/2kxdjxT.png" border="0"></a><a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/0xJ2niX.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-66029134018276019512015-01-26T14:11:00.001+00:002015-01-26T14:11:35.467+00:00J-FASHION ATTENTION WHOREAs I sit here typing this I can already tell that this post in particular is going to prove quite unpopular. This isn't going to be the most eloquent thing ever but please remember that this is just my own personal opinion.<br />
<br />
I feel like <i>a lot of people use J-Fashion as a way to gain attention.</i><br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/LgcEXdB.png"></center><br />
Before you sit down to tell me how wrong I am, you're right to do that but please read this post. This doesn't encapsulate everyone who is in the J-Fashion community. There are plenty of people who fall outside of this category and I think a large majority of the J-Fashion community does. <br />
<br />
You're not an attention whore if you post a selfie (c'mon, everyone loves the fuzzy feeling of validation from having people 'like' your photo). You're not an attention whore if you post on social media a lot or if you cause drama or post outfits of the day. Maybe you just like sharing a lot which is perfectly okay!<br />
<br />
<b>I'm talking about <b>people who jump from J-Fashion to J-Fashion.</b></b><br />
<br />
Even then, if you've been in one or two J-Fashion communities that's fine. Great, even! Personal style evolves over time so it's natural to see someone maybe growing tired with their current style after many months and years and moving on to something that is usually a bit different yet similar at the same time.<br />
<br />
I call this <b>natural progression</b>.<br />
<br />
Maybe there's a different term for this, I'm not sure. <br />
<br />
For example, an example of natural progression is my friend who is a gorgeous lolita who asked me on tips for himekaji. It may feel like a big jump from style to style but they also have a lot in common. Another great example of natural progression is Lizzie from <a href="http://www.mysticthorn.com/2015/01/baby-steps-to-hime-gyaru.html">Mystic Thorn.</a> The linked post is showing her making some 'baby steps' into hime. Coming from agejo to hime is a natural progression as although the styles are different they're also similar. I experimented and flirted with these rules whilst going for my <a href="http://claranee.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/ootd-ayacon-ball.html">Ayacon Ball</a> outfit.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/7cwJqTW.png"></center><br />
People who are SJAWs (Serial J-Fashion Attention Whores) are those who jump from style to style because it's <i>popular</i> or will gain them enough attention. It's an attempt to stay relevant in the fashion community because J-Fashion is both unique and different enough to drag the eye of people who aren't involved and unaccustomed to the unique look of J-Fashion.<br />
<br />
<b>Face it:</b> if you're wearing normal clothes with normal make-up or outlandish J-Fashion clothes with J-Fashion make-up which one will net you more attention?<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
I don't think I need to state the obvious answer.<br />
<br />
A SJAW will jump from J-Fashion to J-Fashion and they feed off the attention. They're gyaru for 6 months, the next 6 months they're lolita, the following 6 months they're mori, then next they're fairy-kei...<br />
<br />
If you truly loved and felt invested into a style there would be no need to jump from style to style in such a small space of time.<br />
<br />
There are a lot of arguments that people may come up with in order to defend their notorious jumping from J-Fashion to J-Fashion as an excuse for the <i>real</i> reason of, well, being a SJAW.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/UcQo4RW.png"></center><br />
<b>No.</b> Do not even go there with me. There may be a case where you feel too old to wear a certain fashion but abandoning that and jumping straight onto another J-Fashion isn't progressive but rather a continuation of absolutely needing attention regardless if it's positive or negative. <br />
<br />
There's plenty of examples of older people wearing fashions that people were 'too old' for such as <a href="http://claranee.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/too-old.html">Mao-chan</a> and even Sakurina for gyaru. Misako Aoki, the super famous lolita model and ambassador, is 32. Junnyan is a great example of someone who looks older and is rocking the clothes he wants to wear. Age isn't a reason and is more of an excuse to jump to the next interesting J-Fashion.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/M9j5mnT.png"></center><br />
Furthermore if you're too old to wear, for example, lolita, is jumping to gyaru going to make things better? Fashion isn't meant for just young people; if it was then everyone over the age 30 would be wearing jeans and t-shirts every day.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/51zSNMo.png"></center><br />
<b>Why</b> would you choose gyaru over a Western fashion, for example? As it isn't as exotic as a J-Fashion the clothing we see in the Western world may feel boring in comparison but gyaru, for example, has many elements which are borrowed from Western fashion but with a bit of a twist on it. <br />
<br />
If it's not truly about attention then why is it that people always jump to J-Fashion and more recently, K-Fashion?<br />
<br />
A lot of people use the argument that Western fashion is 'boring', yet with styles such as onee-gyaru and the now infamous <a href="http://claranee.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/trend-neogal.html">Neo Gal</a> which are slowly progressing towards the Western aesthetic and with many of these Western girls jumping onto these trends, I can't help but watch with distain. When Neogal became the 'new' thing a lot of SJAWs jumped onto it.<br />
<br />
Feizl, for example, is another Asian aesthetic yet it's rare that girls jump onto the bandwagon of being feizl because it's not <i>popular</i> and will not net them attention (it's basically the Chinese version of ulzzang which is also on the rise). In fact, people are more likely to tag ulzzang than feizl because, as previously mentioned, it's simply not popular despite being extremely similar to the well known ulzzang movement. <br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/t6R7mY7.png"></center><br />
Shironuri is yet to explode in popularity although there are one or two girls who have jumped from other J-Fashions and are now shironuri for no reason other than it's slowly increasing popualarity.<br />
<br />
People who were once very prominent and very dedicated to a particular fashion often completely tone down once they have moved to a 'new' fashion. <br />
<br />
Upon graduating the increasingly toned down Popteen just last year, Kumicky changed to me a 'mature' adult which meant that some of the very staples of J-Fashion make-up such as false eyelashes were gone. The image she has now is a feminine yet still westernised look. I may be wrong but I have never heard of a prominent figure go from gyaru to fairy-kei, for example, nor have I seen the reverse happen (although there may be cases; I will admit I'm not reliably informed and have no idea which figures were once considered prominent in Shibuhara styles unless you're talking about Kyary or Kimura).<br />
<br />
In the gaijin community especially I see girls jumping from these fashions like it's normal, yet never once do Western or other Eastern fashions ever enter their new image. It's always J-Fashion. Lolita to gyaru and vice versa is common and one of the jumps I often see which is one of the ones that doesn't bother me personally; a lot of people discover one and then realise the other fashion suits them a little more afterwards. For myself, it's where the fashion jumps keep happening that an issue arises.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/OjFPAoM.png"></center><br />
Another common symptom of a SJAW is that no matter what they're wearing it will somehow be related to J-Fashion. A darker, edgier look will instantly be rokku or v-kei. A boho look will be mori. A preppier look will be gyaru. A head bow of a slightly poofier skirt will be instantly labelled as lolita.<br />
<br />
First off, there is <i>nothing</i> wrong with using the English equivalents of these words.<br />
<br />
People use the J-Fashion term (even if it looks nothing like it) to describe these looks because they want the attention that J-Fashion will bring them. It's the equivalent of girls who tag their photos with everything (non-gyaru tagging everything as gyaru and ulzzang and doll and all of those 'popular' buzzwords) because it will reach more people and show them how unique and special they are.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course this isn't a catch all post. For example, a lolita who followed the style for 2 or 3 years before moving onto the 'ulzzang' aesthetic (I'm still not 100% sure how this can be called a style) for 2 - 3 years before moving onto gyaru would fall outside of this threshold. This could be seen as a natural progression as mentioned earlier.<br />
<br />
It's hard to define through words and perhaps I don't have the best way to communicate on an issue that is genuinely just irritating not only to myself but a few other people. Personally I was worried about putting this up but the people who <u>will</u> get offended by this post are those who I would personally describe as a SJAW.<br />
<br />
I'd love if a discussion on any of the points I've raised could be discussed. There's a few more I personally wanted to say but I honestly do not have the words to eloquently get into aesthetics, reasons, etc. It's possible to like more than one style (I do!) but I can't fathom how expensive it must be to have a gyaru wardrobe and then a full lolita wardrobe, haha!<br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/8DP2Mg0.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Jvj8eVk.png" border="0"></a> <a title='cosplay page href='https://www.facebook.com/violitcosplay?ref=ts&fref=ts><img src="http://i.imgur.com/2kxdjxT.png" border="0"></a><a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/0xJ2niX.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-89358100827591462182015-01-19T12:52:00.000+00:002015-01-19T12:52:03.780+00:00Gyaru Progression 2014In 2014 I began to take gyaru a bit more seriously and thought I'd do that kind of meme where you post what your make-up looks were over the course of a year just to see how I'd improved!<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/qpWWL7I.jpg"></center><br />
This starts at March 2014.<br />
<br />
<b>March 2014</b><br />
<br />
I'd bought my few gyaru brand and my first pair of DreamV shoes and I was in love with them. Although I didn't have the make-up down I still did a bit of light contour on my face and wore Dolly Wink lashes which was my staple throughout the years. <br />
<br />
I've always had a love/hate affair with white eyeliner (ick) on the lower lashline and in this phase I was all about it. Yikes.<br />
<br />
I was still too nervous to wear circle lenses with my 'gyaru' look because it felt like a big step although I had started being able to wear lenses by this point (also the day I took this selfie I'd been wearing circle lenses as part of a cosplay so I was a bit wary of keeping them in for too long). Also: half wigs. I'd discovered how magical they were a few months prior and loved them as they made hairstyling super quick and easy.<br />
<br />
<b>April 2014</B><br />
<br />
I was in London during this time of year. I'd actually started applying the circle lenses to go out in and loved it. I was able to keep them in for a little longer than recommended too and I felt fabulous. Those cat ears... I loved them soooo much and wanted them to be on trend forever so I stubbornly kept wearing them to try and bring them back.<br />
<br />
I had no lower lashes at this time because I was still stuck in the era of, "I LOOK STUPID WITH THESE BOO HOO." I also was wearing that GOLDS Infinity dress as it was my most 'gyaruable' item that wasn't himekaji. Shortly after this I went back into the himekaji route only to fall out of it shortly after.<br />
<br />
<b>June 2014</b><br />
<br />
May was a terrible return to himekaji and I refuse to talk about it as I feel so dumb looking back at it.<br />
<br />
This month was... questionable.<br />
<br />
The photo I'm using was from a girls night out where I was too nervous to bring full gyaru out with me but attempted to attempt an eyeshape with black kohl liner which I hadn't worn in <i>years</i>. Coordinate-wise I think there was something a bit 'party-gal' about it but I'm not too impressed with myself.<br />
<br />
<b>July 2014</b><br />
<br />
This month was where I started trying to make a serious attempt. I was still relying on wigs for my hair as my hair styling skills are nonexistent. I'd purchased a few of my first ever MA*RS items and applied to an English gyarusa, JEWEL (although I freaked out when they messaged me back and ran away like a coward because I was so nervous and awkward). I put together my first ever agejo coordinate and I'm still in love with it and the items I bought. I think I'll always treasure those first few MA*RS items.<br />
<br />
I tried not doing the heavy gyaru make-up I'd began learning but I think that suits me more which is a lesson I'd learnt. By this point I'd stepped away from Dolly Wink and was using JEWERICH lashes which I'd purchased for my Junko cosplay. I also had lower lashes from Diamond Lash at this point so... ~improvement~.<br />
<br />
<b>August/September 2014</b><br />
<br />
As much as I loved agejo I went into experimenting with hime for a ball outfit. I learnt a lot during this phase.<br />
<br />
I began doing my nails again and I learnt how to use my half wig to make my hair huge and with lots of POOF. I was wearing six types of wigs on my head including two fringes and two rope wigs, it was <i>crazy</i>. I had also gone back to using the eyeshape I really loved and purchased my first Jesus Diamante item.<br />
<br />
I had a lot of fun researching hime that month.<br />
<br />
<b>October 2014</B><br />
<br />
I put two pictures down as I did a lot that month. Both codes are MA*RS because I was in love; the first code was the same one from July but improved. I had better jewellery and a better understanding of how to use my half-wig to make my hair have more volume. I also became a lot more comfortable with how I posed in photos and what to do!<br />
<br />
I also began to experiment how to mix other fashion brands into codes - I wore Harajuku brand KOKOkim with MA*RS and it worked a lot better than I had anticiapted. Codes aren't always my strongest point but I was very proud of that evening. I'd also tried mixing some Shibuhara looks together but I'm not personally sure I liked them.<br />
<br />
<b>November 2014</b><br />
<br />
I'd done <i>big</i> gyaru hair but I wanted to try going more relaxed for everyday things, as well as using clothes that didn't look gyaru and making everything look gyaru (that turtleneck is MA*RS I'll have you know!!). Natural hair colours have been making their way back into fashion so I attempted something I'd seen by mode brands but with... well, my natural hair. Still undecided on this. It was a experiment but I think it looks a bit creepy.<br />
<br />
Still... I learnt something which is what the point of this is all about. Mixing and matching.<br />
<br />
<b>December 2014</b><br />
<br />
OKAY, I lie. This is January 2015 but I wanted to use this photo.<br />
<br />
I once again began experimenting with make-up. I'd never used lipliner before, I started using lipliner. I also began on experimenting with how to make my lips look bigger as I'm unfortunate enough to have small, thin lips. I experimented with warmer winter codes and overall I feel satisfied. I also used another pair of false lower lashes I'd never tried and felt super satisfied with the result.<br />
<br />
Just need to lose weight as I put a lot on!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
To be honest I never felt much of an improvement throughout the year until I've seen everything put together. My peak this year was August - October, definitely. Now, for another year to see how I improve.<br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/8DP2Mg0.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Jvj8eVk.png" border="0"></a> <a title='cosplay page href='https://www.facebook.com/violitcosplay?ref=ts&fref=ts><img src="http://i.imgur.com/2kxdjxT.png" border="0"></a><a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/0xJ2niX.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-20587801088133598732015-01-12T18:06:00.000+00:002015-01-12T18:06:24.608+00:00Holiday SeasonI thought I'd do a personal post as it's been... well, "awhile". I got focused on writing and researching too much and I thought this would be a nice break. I had such a good Christmas this year despite it being a bit of a rough time of year due to personal reasons I'd mentioned earlier in the year.<br />
<br />
<center><b>★ W O R K ★ P A R T Y ★</b></center><br />
As you all know I work as an office manager and I kinda have to go to my office Christmas party. My boyfriend couldn't make it with me so I losered out and brought my mum as everything was paid for by my boss. I'd been totally set to dress 'normally' and not appear weird or eccentric but I got carried away with hair and make-up and next thing I knew I was rocking a pseudo-gyaru look:<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Ay1Yd0D.jpg"></center><br />
My dress is a cheap ass dress I'd picked up in a market back when I was 17 and felt like wearing because it was sparkly and festive.<br />
<br />
Although... it did get kinda <b><i>awkward</i></b>.<br />
<br />
I'd completely forgotten by boss had lived in Japan for a few months a few years back and he kept making comments about how I reminded him of something. He was all, "You remind me of g... g... gy... gya.... GEISHA!" I just froze up and laughed it off but I was all, "OH NO," on the inside because I had a very good idea what he meant.<br />
<br />
Woopsie. Silly me, etc. etc.<br />
<br />
<center><b>★ C H R I S T M A S ★ D A Y ★</b></center><br />
Christmas was amazing.<br />
<br />
I'm so grateful for my family in so many ways. I'd been speaking with my mum and knew not to expect much because I'm not from a very well off family. I'd been asked what I wanted and I'd said the Electric Urban Decay palette (which my sister got me) and mentioned about how I was going to save up for a PS Vita.<br />
<br />
So when I woke up on Christmas morning to a small pile of presents I was super shocked!<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/uTAnYhH.jpg"></center><br />
A lot of it was clothing, pyjamas, other nice things and I got to a box and I was totally clueless to what was inside of it. I assumed it was something what my sister had so I was looking through what she'd opened to see if I could guess, I was soooo certain. So when I opened it and it was a PS Vita with one of the games I was looking for (FFX) I was super stunned and ended up crying and hugging my mum because I hadn't expected it.<br />
<br />
I'm actually getting overemotional writing this, woops!<br />
<br />
I just hadn't expected it and it was something I was looking at treating myself with for a few months; sure I love clothes and make-up but at heart I've always been about video games and neat technology and Christmas is never complete without me playing on a new video game hee hee. ♥<br />
<br />
I then spent the rest of the Christmas playing FFXIV because I'm a dorkazoid (I'm Ciahnna Amariyo on Zodiark server if you wanna play ♥).<br />
<br />
<b><center>★ N E W ★ Y E A R ★</center></b><br />
<br />
For the New Year I went to visit my boyfriend at his parents place in London. I was super muted and toned down in hair and make-up because I wanted to make a good impression so there's not many pictures of me in gyaru, sorry!<br />
<br />
We went to the Haagen-Dasz cafe which is one of my favourite places <i>ever</i>. I don't care if I've walked around in the cold and been shivering for the last hour, gimme ice-cream.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/qohYkpV.jpg"></center><br />
It was super yummy. And expensive. But yummy.<br />
<br />
We never ended up doing much for New Years Eve but we did order pizza and watch Zoolander and American Hustle. I've never seen Zoolander before but I love it now. BLUE STEEEEEEEEEEEEEL.<br />
<br />
We also went to Winter Wonderland in London which was amazing! It was like a giant wintery fairground with rollercoasters, carousels, chestnuts and Santa of course. ♥<br />
<br />
I made my boyfriend take a selfie with me so he decided to be cute.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/5KWVq9x.jpg"></center><br />
I also did a kind of gyaru look but my coord wasn't on point because I wanted to wrap up warm since I was going to be out in the cold all day. Freezing and having a runny nose and sneezing everywhere so isn't a hot look.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/z3ocrz3.png"><br />
<b>Coat:</b> Lipsy (new!!)<br />
<b>Jumper:</b> Christmas gift (new!!)<br />
<b>Skirt:</b> MA*RS<br />
<b>Necklace</b>: MA*RS<br />
<b>Tights:</b> Offbrand<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/TKDJQFc.jpg"><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/CPkmCLu.jpg"></center><br />
Winter Wonderland was so much fun! Unfortunately I ended up falling really, really ill over the course of the day and ended up so sick I was doubled over in agony and unable to do anything. It sucks but that's life. I wanted to go on the big rides and I couldn't, I wanted to ride the rollercoasters to see if my eyelashes would come off (legit!!).<br />
<br />
ALSO<br />
<br />
I broke one of my New Years Resolutions already. By January 5th I already had 5 new clothing items (Lipsy coat, Lipsy cardigan, MA*RS stockings/garters, MA*RS Dress, MA*RS Jumper). So much for a new year, new me. Are you guys holding up any better than me?<br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/8DP2Mg0.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Jvj8eVk.png" border="0"></a> <a title='cosplay page href='https://www.facebook.com/violitcosplay?ref=ts&fref=ts><img src="http://i.imgur.com/2kxdjxT.png" border="0"></a><a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/0xJ2niX.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-9042730071446174622015-01-05T09:44:00.000+00:002015-01-05T09:44:17.916+00:00New Years ResolutionsIt doesn't feel like it's time for 2015 to be honest. I'm still living in the middle of 2014 somewhere wishing the days away and mindlessly daydreaming about something or other (and probably looking for more ways to fund my MA*RS addiction much to the chagrin of my poor boyfriend). I've been thinking about what goals I'd like to set for the new year even though I'm not the type of person who's able to keep their resolutions too well and I thought I'd document them here incase it'll inspire some of you girls, even if it's just a little!<br />
<br />
The new year is a great time to take a moment of self reflection and think about things you'd like to change or improve. There's also the added challenge of having a full year to keep working on them even though it can be <i>seriously</i> difficult.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/8DdQQnF.png"></center><br />
<b>1. Dress gyaru more!</b><br />
<br />
I haven't dressed up enough this year to be honest. I'm a very shy and reclusive person by nature so I make excuses to stay home in my pyjamas and laptop whenever I'm given the opportunity. Social butterfly I am not. I'm not the only one, right? I absolutely adore the chance to get all dressed up and feel like a prissy princess in my MA*RS and GOLDs Infinity but getting the drive to go out and do it is just a huge chore for me. Therefore I'm going to make my very first resolution of 2015 to dress gyaru a little more!<br />
<br />
<b>2. Spend less money on clothing!</b><br />
<br />
I have a confession: I'm a serial shopping addict. I have spend thousands on my wardrobe. I have so many items of clothing and jewellery and shoes which I've worn for a grand total of once and then gotten bored with it and look for the next new, shiny thing to keep me entertained. It's great to have a choice but it's extremely harsh on my poor bank balance. Wearing my MA*RS clothes more than once really isn't going to kill me and I'm not going to be judged for it so... let's slow down on the spending. ♥<br />
<br />
<b>3. Meet more people!</b><br />
<br />
As previously mentioned I'm a ridiculously shy and reclusive person. Whenever I see someone I admire or who look absolutely great I tend to squeak and skitter past and <i>freak</i> the hell out about talking to them even though I know they're really friendly. I want to meet more gyaru who live local or in my country so this year I'm definitely going ot be more confident. Confidence is sexy, gyaru are sexy, it fits okay?! (I'm a dork)<br />
<br />
<b>4. Keep up a blogging routine!</b><br />
<br />
Sometimes running a blog is hard. Struggling for new content ideas is the very bane of my existance and I always feel pretty awful if I can't update my blog because it's not fair on you guys. If I keep a regular routine up it should make finding new ideas a lot easier on myself and keep you guys happy.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Talk to my blogders more!</b><br />
<br />
This sort of links to the previous resolution but I'd honestly love to take the time to talk to you guys more and get to know you all. I want to know what you like and how your days have been and I want to hang out with you all if I could. I always get slightly startled whenever one of you guys comment or drop me an e-mail and I super appreciate it. It makes me happy, honestly. If you guys leave your blog links in the comments I always do check them out as I'm gagging for new blogs to follow.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Experiment with make-up!</b><br />
<br />
I've stuck to the 'use neutrals' for years now but I recently purchased a palette with a lot of *gasp* <i>bright</i> colours and after experimenting with it, I loved it. I want to try and corporate a little more colour into my make-up for special coordinates and just to have fun with my make-up again instead of stressing if my eyeliner looks decent.<br />
<br />
<br />
What are your guys resolutions? Let me know so I can take some inspiration for them. A new year, a new me as they say!<br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/8DP2Mg0.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Jvj8eVk.png" border="0"></a> <a title='cosplay page href='https://www.facebook.com/violitcosplay?ref=ts&fref=ts><img src="http://i.imgur.com/2kxdjxT.png" border="0"></a><a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/0xJ2niX.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-63156487863368514842014-12-22T09:09:00.000+00:002014-12-22T09:09:54.231+00:00Make-up ShieldsOne of the things I've always loved about gyaru is how different it can make you look. Sure, it's <i>fake</i> with the <a href="http://claranee.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/before-after-make-up.html">heavy make-up</a> and false hair and all of the other additions but it's different. It almost feels like I'm dressing up in some sort of elaborate costume or as my 'true' self that only the addition of a ton of blusher and false eyelashes can bring out. I know that I'm not the only one.<br />
<br />
But I also recently realised that I use gyaru as a shield to protect my true self.<br />
<br />
It all stems back to a lack of self-confidence and some self-loathing that sits deep rooted within my very core but am I really the only person who hides behind a layer of foundation? Not really. And it's <i>okay</i> to feel like that (to be honest I'd die if any of my real life friends saw me without make-up and I make a ton of apologies whenever I show up without a scrap of it on!). I think that there's a fraction of us girls who do follow the gyaru style to enable us to hide our ourselves from those around her; it's hard to believe I'm the only one who wears it as warpaint!<br />
<br />
Looking around some old books I picked up over the years I found <i>Japanese Schoolgirl Inferno</i> which does cover some of the legacy of <a href="http://claranee.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/buriteri-what-has-she-been-up-to.html">Buriteri</a>, one of the most famous gyaru of all time, and this particularly struck a chord with me:<br />
<br />
<i>'Buriteri never showed her face without make-up. ...... Buriteri would shout back, "I am too shy to show you my real face!" She said doing herself up like that was a tool to hide her true personality. She was actually really shy and inhibited.'</i><br />
<br />
If Buriteri, one of the most famous gyaru pioneers who helped evolve gyaru into what it would eventually become today, was using the gyaru persona and make-up to hide her true self then how many other people are doing it? How many other gyaru are taking off their make-up at the end of a day and falling into bed and burying underneath the duvets? How many other people are using their make-up as a shield?<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/US4tJux.png"></center><br />
Sure, the gyaru make-up in recent times cannot even begin to be compared to the highs of ganguro and gonguro and manba but there's still a lot to it. Even though it's toned down and become less about the bleach blonde hair and the fake tans there's still girls hiding behind their make-up.<br />
<br />
And why? Why is that? <br />
<br />
Is it the pressures of society? Is it the that we feel as though our own beings have no self-worth but only physical worth? Do we not feel as though our make-upless selves are adequate enough?<br />
<br />
I wonder how many girls feel the same under their false eyelashes and cheers of, "Agepoyo~! ✩" I know <i>I'm</i> not on my own when I say my false eyelashes are my sword and my circle lenses are my shield.<br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/8DP2Mg0.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Jvj8eVk.png" border="0"></a> <a title='cosplay page href='https://www.facebook.com/violitcosplay?ref=ts&fref=ts><img src="http://i.imgur.com/2kxdjxT.png" border="0"></a><a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/0xJ2niX.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-78116529952257594272014-12-15T09:11:00.000+00:002014-12-15T09:11:07.625+00:00Cosplaying Junko EnoshimaEver since the increasingly popular Dangan Ronpa made it's way into international attention it's become somewhat cool to cosplay the infamous Junko Enoshima, a super gyaru model, especially amongst those who consider themselves gyaru. I've cosplayed her, someone you know has probably cosplayed her and your pet cat has also probably cosplayed her. At every convention it's not unusual to see at <i>least</i> a handful of this super endearing character.<br />
<br />
But the thing that grinds my gears about people who cosplay her the most is that people who mess up on her make-up. For someone who doesn't know that she's supposed to be gyaru that's <i>okay</i> but for those people who do and don't make an attempt on the make-up? Oh dear.<br />
<br />
I'm going to cover the most common make-up mistakes I see for Junko.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ydQbsou.png"></center><br />
<b>1. Circle Lenses</b><br />
<br />
These aren't optional unless there's some sort of medical reason why you're unable to wear these. Junko has blue eyes - implied to be natural - but as Junko is gyaru we're wanting to go for the full look. Try and obtain a pair which have a dark limbal ring for that dramatic effect such as <a href="http://www.pinkyparadise.com/Max-Pure-Blue-p/c22-mp-bl.htm">G & G Max Pure Blue</a> or <a href="http://www.pinkyparadise.com/Super-Pinky-Blue-p/g15-s.pinky-bl.htm">Super Pinky Blue</a>. The main purpose of this is to prep your eyes for the dramatic gyaru make-up Junko would wear and to give your eyes her colour.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Eyelashes</b><br />
<br />
In order to stand out in photos, I recommend rokku or agejo styled make-up as this shows up on camera better and considering Junko's personality I feel like she'd opt for one of these styles. The main focus is going to be your <i>eyelashes</i>. The best brands to go with for this are Japanese lashes that are intended for gyaru such as Diamond Lash or Jewerich, especially in their bolder and more dramatic styles. Dolly Wink <i>doesn't</i> work for Junko as the lashes aren't dramatic enough for her.<br />
<br />
For her upper lashes you're looking at one of the bolder styles as opposed to a half lash. It's best to get the 'spiky' kind of lashes as opposed to fanned out lashes as these look more dramatic and more 'old school gyaru' which is what we're going for with Junko. Diamond Wink has plenty of lashes in their Series 1 and Series 2 collections which are suited for this!<br />
<br />
For her lower lashes you're looking at something that you're going to be able to use to extend your lashline. Personally, I think it's a good idea to make a good investment in these as I think the eBay lashes are a bit harder to make look nice. I once again recommend Diamond Lash as I've never had a problem with their lower lashes. <br />
<br />
<b>3. Cheeks</b><br />
<br />
Pink blush. Lots of it. Do it.<br />
<br />
Gyaru are famed for their pink cheeks so it's important to apply this to Junko. It's even more important if you want the blush to show up on camera. It's an infamous cosplay secret to do your make-up to drag queen levels so it shows up on camera and it shows. It can look a little ridiculous in real life but on photos I guarantee it'll show up.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Lips</b><br />
<br />
"Oh, she's a fashion model who wears lots of make-up. I'll give her a red lip!"<br />
<br />
If that fits your line of thinking stop right there. As we've put a lot of emphasis on her eyes with the circle lenses, false lashes, eyeliner and all of the other important make-up we don't want to be having red lipstick for Junko. The best thing to do in this case is to use a neutral lipstick or a light pink shade to let Junko's eyes do the talking.<br />
<br />
After all, she is crazy. Better let it show.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Nails</b><br />
<br />
Most girls do her nails false and red which is completely correct, but my favourite thing in the whole wide world is when girls gyaru-fy Junko's nails. We're talking about accents, beads, nailart, sparkles, claw shaped nails... whatever suits. It's not necessary and the standard red nails will work, but adding that extra detail just goes the extra mile for Junko's personality.<br />
<br />
<br />
That's it. Those are the 5 things about Junko Enoshima that bother me the most when people cosplay her. Of course, there's the outfit but I always tend to harshly judge people by their make-up when I see cosplays of her. Even though I've cosplayed her three times myself I'm still unhappy about my own rendition of the character.<br />
<br />
It never ends.<br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<b>Eyes</b><center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/8DP2Mg0.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Jvj8eVk.png" border="0"></a> <a title='cosplay page href='https://www.facebook.com/violitcosplay?ref=ts&fref=ts><img src="http://i.imgur.com/2kxdjxT.png" border="0"></a><a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/0xJ2niX.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-56340609049796178362014-12-08T11:20:00.000+00:002014-12-08T11:20:13.218+00:00Gyaru vs UlzzangThe biggest mistake I see amongst J-Fashion enthusiasts is the amount of people who get these two terms mixed up. Whether or not it's through not being educated in the way the two fashions are or through ignorance, it's actually frustrating. There are so many differences between the two that it shouldn't be difficult. I believe the main reason that the two styles get completely confused it because they're both asian make-up styles, and with gyaru toning down compared to old school it's easier than ever to get mixed up between the two.<br />
<br />
But the two styles aren't interchangable.<br />
<br />
<b>Gyaru is not ulzzang.<br />
<br />
Ulzzang is not gyaru.</b><br />
<br />
With the natural beauty that ulzzang covets, most gyaru would be irritated to be mislabelled as following ulzzang trends. Gyaru is about rebelling, standing out and it's a style that is completely <i>fake</i>. Whilst ulzzang uses make-up it's much lighter than that of gyaru.<br />
<br />
The two styles that have the most in common and are most likely to be be mixed up and confused is an old favourite of mine, himekaji.<br />
<br />
For gyaru I'll be using Yui Kanno as an example.<br />
For ulzzang I'll be using Shin Ae Sol as an example.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/GALNMXV.png"></center><br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/a7Nhzh5.png"></center><br />
Throughout the years gyaru has toned down from it's hair and make-up and is much more relaxed compared to what was all over gyaru magazines back in 2008. Himekaji make-up is definitely much more relaxed compared to what would make it in the past.<br />
<br />
Instead of big, bold eyelashes you have more natural looking brown eyelashes and there's a trend towards more natural looking lower lashes. Brown circle lenses are more trendy than blues, greens, and other colours that would be unnatural to asian colours which is a trend that's been in ulzzang for quite some time. Instead of using bold, black liner it's more common to use muted browns and eyeliner on the lower lash line? A thing of the past. It's much more popular to use eyeshadow to line the lower lashline. Blusher is still prominent but there's a trend to place it towards the eye area as opposed to the cheeks.<br />
<br />
As for lips? Trusty pinks and neutral colours for lipsticks are still in. Some girls do rock a bright lip for a pop of colour although it's not usually the staple for himekaji girls.<br />
<br />
Ulzzangs, on the other hand, tend to go for a even more natural look than this (some exceptions though due to the photoshoot like nature of ulzzangs but standard trend is much more natural looking).<br />
<br />
Instead of the carefully groomed and arched brows of gyaru, ulzzang trends point to a straight brow. As for false lashes, some ulzzang to wear the more natural kinds but they absolutely <i>aren't</i> a staple of ulzzang make-up. You could still wear your make-up as an ulzzang girl and still be considered to following the style (whereas a gyaru without her false lashes will absolutely not be called gyaru). Natural brown or black circle lenses are the normal and although a more natural look is favoured, some ulzzang do rock different eyeliner styles; just last year the infamous gyaru 'puppy eyeliner' was trending. Blusher can be used but it's not important and it's usually light to the touch - if anything stains are much more popular. Lip-wise, ulzzang tend to go for a natural lip but the now famous <i>gradient</i> lip is a popular ulzzang trend. <br />
<br />
Although the two styles do share similarities there are differences.<br />
<br />
<b>Similarities:</b><br />
♥ Trending natural looking circle lenses in browns<br />
♥ Natural lips<br />
♥ More natural looking eyeliner are trending for both styles presently<br />
♥ Nude tones are trending for both styles<br />
<br />
<b>Differences:</b><br />
♥ Stronger blusher is trending in gyaru compared to ulzzang<br />
♥ Gradient lips are completely ulzzang; gyaru will tend to not favour this trend<br />
♥ An ulzzang can be an ulzzang without false lashes; a gyaru cannot be a gyaru without her false top lashes at <i>minimum</i> and there's a lot of debate whether someone without lower lashes can or cannot be considered gyaru<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ll8gOJG.png"><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/i5FEZkC.png"></center><br />
Himekaji gyaru and ulzzang are very similar when it comes to their hairstyles. <br />
<br />
For ulzzang, natural hair colours such as black and browns are favored. It's rare that a ulzzang will choose to dye her hair any lighter than a medium brown and any girls with hair lighter than this tend to be wearing wigs of some sort. Hair is usually kept natural or waved; styling wise the hair is kept in cute, easy to do styles. It's rare that elaborate hairdos or hair pieces will be used.<br />
<br />
For himekaji, presently medium brown to light brown hair is trending. Although in the past gyaru were known for having blonde locks but times have changed. Their hair is very rarely straight and will always be curled or waved. It's popular to keep hair in updos such as cute ponytails, pigtails or dual-buns at the moment but it's not to say that the hair won't be worn down. Hairpieces may sometimes be used to add extra body to the hair. Gyaru will tend to use more hair accessories.<br />
<br />
<b>Similarities:</b><br />
♥ Natural colours are trending<br />
♥ Waved hair<br />
<br />
<b>Differences:</b><br />
♥ Gyaru has lighter hair colours trending than ulzzang<br />
♥ Gyaru hair is always curled or waved; it's rare to see them with straight hair, especially in himekaji<br />
♥ Ulzzang may choose to use a full wig whereas gyaru will usually go for a half-wig<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/kuDPC78.png"><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/V898gVR.png"></center><br />
All gyaru will follow what is currently on trend, whether they're himekaji, agejo, rokku or whatever. Most gyaru will have a favourite few brands that they will choose to follow; himekaji would be Liz Lisa, Ank Rouge, Swankiss, Larme... there's a lot. Himekaji is 'princess-casual' so they follow sweet clothing designs that a princess may choose to wear on her day off. Each style has their own rules so the gyaru who follow that style will stick to those rules.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, ulzzang tend to wear comfy outfits and follow many different brands. One day a ulzzang could be rocking a big, comfy jumper and the next oozing glamour with a pretty dress. It's not important that your outfit is a brand name, so long as it looks good. Ulzzang will always follow Korean fashion trends.<br />
<br />
<b>Similarities:</b><br />
♥ Cute clothing rules all<br />
♥ Outfits tend to be well coordinated<br />
<br />
<b>Differences:</b><br />
♥ Gyaru will follow substyles and trends whereas ulzzang will not. Ulzzang girls may dabble in many different styles.<br />
♥ Gyaru love their brands whereas ulzzang will go for what looks good<br />
♥ Ulzzang cherish comfort over all else<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/SXYIg42.png"></center><br />
<br />
<b>In conclusion</b> although there are similarities between ulzzang and gyaru they <i>aren't</i> the same. Both styles borrow from each other and adapt as new trends come out but they absolutely are not one and the same. Your gyaru brands such as Liz Lisa aren't ulzzang although some ulzzang may wear Liz Lisa. Just because a girl who follows ulzzang wears false lashes she isn't automatically classified as gyaru.<br />
<br />
Both styles are different and cater for different demographics. If a girl is gyaru she'll look gyaru compared to ulzzang; although there are similarities visually it's easy to tell the difference.<br />
<br />
Any questions?<br />
<br />
Stay sweet ♥<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/8DP2Mg0.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Jvj8eVk.png" border="0"></a> <a title='cosplay page href='https://www.facebook.com/violitcosplay?ref=ts&fref=ts><img src="http://i.imgur.com/2kxdjxT.png" border="0"></a><a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/0xJ2niX.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-66059818472608008012014-11-17T09:28:00.000+00:002014-11-17T09:28:51.697+00:0010 More Gyaru BrandsGyaru brands come in and out of Shibuya 109 like a revolving door. In comes a new brand, out goes a dearly beloved brand that just couldn't make it (remember when everyone loved W♥C?) in the number one fashion haven. With that in mind it's time to look at some of the brands we didn't look at back in <a href="http://claranee.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/15-popular-gyaru-brands.html">2012</a> when there was the little Gyaru Month back on the blog.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/WFjYSlH.png"><br />
<br />
<b>Ank Rouge</b><br />
<br />
Following the sweet style and taking cues from the famous Liz Lisa, Ank Rouge follows the himekaji style to a route. It's a little different from Liz Lisa so it's perfect for those girls who love himekaji but aren't a fan of the cookie cutter look that Liz Lisa has a tendency to bring with it.<br />
<br />
<b>Popular with:</b> Himekaji, Hime Gyaru, Roma Gyaru<br />
<i><a href="http://ankrouge.net/">Website</a></i><br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/7mlf4yb.png"></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>DreamV</b><br />
<br />
Also known as Yumetenbo.<br />
<br />
DreamV may not be considered a 'brand' by some but it's cheap, affordable gyaru clothing that ships <i>overseas</i>. It follows himekaji and agejo styles mainly but with cheap shoes and cheap clothes it's easy to mix and match for the perfect look.<br />
<br />
<b>Popular with:</b> Himekaji, Agejo, Rokku, Onee<br />
<i><a href="http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/dreamv/">Website</i></a><br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/1jnpGUJ.png"></center><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/AijmRtU.png"><br />
<br />
<b>GHOST OF HARLEM</b><br />
<br />
Ghost of Harlem's main aim to make clothing that 'expresses the unusual world'. Now, Ghost of Harlem isn't a Shibuya 109 store and is found in La Foret and Harajuku but it's still a gyaru brand; the girls love it. Sakurina is a huge fan of the brand and models for it. She's also snapped shopping there frequently.<br />
<br />
<b>Popular with:</b> Rokku, Harajuku<br />
<i><a href="http://www.harlem-japan.com/">Website</a></i><br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VUVWqSf.png"></center><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/F3T8twQ.png"><br />
<br />
<b>JSG</b><br />
<br />
JSG is a <i>fun</i> brand (think: Galaxxxy). Whilst it might not fit the gyaru style outright a few items tend to be picked up and used. Standing for Japanese Super Girl the brand is fun with bright prints and bold, brash colours. It's not for everyone.<br />
<br />
<b>Popular with:</b> Manba, Tsuyome, B-Gal, Gyaru-kei, Harajuku<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/2AJzooc.png"></center><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/idnl6lM.png"><br />
<br />
<b>JugeETTA</b><br />
<br />
JugeETTA is Liz Lisa's older sister. It has himekaji and roma elements whilst being suitable for the older girls who are afraid that they have outgrown Liz Lisa. It's not as sweet as Liz Lisa and definitely has a more mature look that some girls who can't give up himekaji are looking for.<br />
<br />
<b>Popular with:</b> Himekaji, Roma Gyaru, Onee <br />
<i><a href="http://jugeetta.com/">Website</a></i><br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/FBfiv3E.png"></center><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/lw0BESJ.png"><br />
<br />
<b>Laguna Moon</b><br />
<br />
At a first glance, Laguna Moon may not scream, "THIS IS GYARU," at you as it looks somewhat similar to what you could find at your local shopping centre but I assure you, it is. The gyaru who grace the pages of magazines love this brand. This is more suitable for your onee girls.<br />
<br />
<b>Popular with:</b> Onee<br />
<i><a href="http://www.lagunamoon.net/">Website</i></a><br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/6aghgqU.png"></center><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/lgNmmzw.png"><br />
<br />
<b>me Jane</b><br />
<br />
It genuinely makes me sad that I never see girls announce that they're wearing me Jane. They're another onee kind of brand with a celebrity like look. The clothes I've seen are luxurious and more glamourous than that some of the other stores offer. It can be overlooked easily, though.<br />
<br />
<b>Popular with:</b> Onee, Gyaru-kei<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/cOQN9jV.png"></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Princess Melody</b><br />
<br />
Another hime gyaru brand. It's a little more agejo style than the others whilst still being distinctively hime. It's not as elaborate as Jesus Diamante or La Parfait but the dresses are genuinely nice and it's modelled by Himena, one of the leading himegyaru models.<br />
<br />
<b>Popular with:</b> Himegyaru<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/MdMVZKs.png"></center><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/2tg81Bm.png"><br />
<br />
<b>Sexpot Revenge</b><br />
<br />
Dark, gritty and edgy, Sexpot Revenge is another rokku brand. What's unique is that as well as women, this brand also caters to mean and is more likely to be seen on the page of Kera than it is Popteen. <br />
<br />
<b>Popular with:</b> Rokku, Harajuku<br />
<i><a href="http://sexpot.jp/">Website</i></a><br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/68yCNwk.png"></center><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/IVANLmX.png"><br />
<br />
<b>titty&co.</b><br />
<br />
Things you never thought you would have to say: "I got my shirt from titty." titty&co. is a nice brand that manages to cover a wide range of styles without sitting too much in one substyle. <br />
<br />
<b>Popular with:</b> Onee, Roma Gyaru<br />
<i><a href="http://tittyandco.net/">Website</i></a><br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/b0v3nlV.png"></center><br />
There are so many gyaru brands! What's your favourite?<br />
<br />
Stay sweet. ♥<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/8DP2Mg0.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Jvj8eVk.png" border="0"></a> <a title='cosplay page href='https://www.facebook.com/violitcosplay?ref=ts&fref=ts><img src="http://i.imgur.com/2kxdjxT.png" border="0"></a><a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/0xJ2niX.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-11799822811750854752014-11-10T09:21:00.000+00:002014-11-10T09:21:44.857+00:00Gyaru Makeup CHEAT SHEETMake-up. Every girl uses it, whether they love it or hate it. <br />
<br />
I personally adore make-up as it allows me to change myself into someone who looks better than they usually do. Make-up is absolutely essential in gyaru; without their trademark eye make-up a gyaru is nothing. Not even gyaru. Nope. Don't even try arguing that you are when the basics just aren't there.<br />
<br />
But not to worry, I've brought what I call a cheat sheet for you girls.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><center>★ BREAKING DOWN MAKE-UP ★</center></b><br />
<br />
<br />
The first step is breaking down gyaru make-up. Most gyaru will wear the same kind of make-up but how heavy they wear it is completely optional on what style they're going for. Someone embracing oraora-kei is going to want to wear more eyeliner than someone who is himekaji. An agejo girl is going to have darker and more prominent blush than a girl who is dedicated to onee-gyaru.<br />
<br />
One of the gyaru who wears the most 'natural' make-up to me at the moment would be darling Tsubasa Masuwaka.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/erx3gSx.png"></center><br />
Forgive the crude image, I'm terrible at Photoshop. Truthfully she probably wears more than this but my arrows won't fit that much sadly! As you can see there's, well, a <i>lot</i> of product there and that's without including her hair styling. A gyaru's make-up is important to her whole look and looking gyaru. I did a <a href="http://claranee.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/before-after-make-up.html">post</a> on before and afters which shows the sheer difference that gyaru make-up makes.<br />
<br />
See the below image of Serina. She wears a lot of the same kind of make-up as Tsubasa but applies it differently, giving her a heavier make-up look but still distinctively gyaru.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/nf6F19S.png"></center><br />
Her eyelashes are a lot more dramatic than Tsubasa's and her contouring is a lot more noticable but they essentially are using the same make-up types. The difference is that it's applied differently.<br />
<br />
Something to note is that although both girls are wearing nude eyeshadows, it's not uncommon for gyaru to wear bright eyeshadows and others. I used browns for the sake of this comparison.<br />
<br />
A gyaru tends to have a nude lip but some gyaru choose to wear brighter lip colours such as red on <i>occasion.</i> It's not usually a day to day thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><b> ★ CONTOURING & HIGHLIGHTING ★ </b></center><br />
<br />
Contouring is amazing. It can make you look like you have a completely different face from the one you were born with. Recently make-up artists have praised contouring, particularly in the Western scene, but contouring has been a thing for years in the gyaru scene. It can change the shape of your nose, give you cheekbones, etc.<br />
<br />
I mentioned contouring being a part of Tsubasa and Serina's make-up and I've made the below image (v. high quality as you can tell) to show where contouring would be. Contouring is in brown, highlighting is in the pale pink.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/qq0BdFu.png"></center><br />
Contouring around the face gives the illusion of a slimmer face. Contouring around the chin gives the illusion of a smaller chin. Contouring around the nose gives the illusion of a smaller nose.<br />
Highlighting the cheekbones helps bring out the illusion of cheekbones you created by contouring. Highlighting the bridge of the nose makes it seem more prominent. <br />
<br />
It's all simple. Draw out and draw in what features you like and create shadows and depth on your face.<br />
<br />
Contouring is important and is actually really simple to learn.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><b> ★ THE CHEAT SHEET ★</B></center><br />
<br />
I've compiled a little cheat sheet for you. This has the basics as well as some extras that you might find useful for your look. I hope that this helps someone.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/7q0MGl9.png"></center><br />
I'm certain I've missed something so any tips you guys want to share would be fab!<br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/8DP2Mg0.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Jvj8eVk.png" border="0"></a> <a title='cosplay page href='https://www.facebook.com/violitcosplay?ref=ts&fref=ts><img src="http://i.imgur.com/2kxdjxT.png" border="0"></a><a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/0xJ2niX.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-23705156613002539292014-11-03T15:02:00.000+00:002014-11-03T15:02:44.989+00:005 Things I Learnt about Gyaru through CosplayCosplay is mainstream. Cosplay is popular. Long ago those who consumed and enjoyed Japanese media were labelled as <i>'otaku'</i> (not a good thing, I promise) or even worse; a <b>weeaboo</b>. Nobody wants to be tarnished with that brush or have that insult hanging above their head. Nowadays the hobby has started sneaking into mainstream media and gyaru are beginning to open up and admit that they actually enjoy this sort of activity. <br />
<br />
For example, take Pikarin. She's cosplayed characters such as Madoka Kaname, from Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Miku Hatsune and even Himura Kenshin from Rurouni Kenshin. Ageha (RIP) had a feature on titan make-up from Shingeki no Kyojin as well as <a href="http://claranee.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/cosplay-in-gyaru.html">other</a> subjects.<br />
<br />
Although I've learnt a lot from following gyaru that aids cosplay (usually make-up), I've also learnt a lot of skills from cosplay that can be used in gyaru.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/quaRsxB.png"></center><br />
<b>1. Wearing high heels for a long period of time.</b><br />
<br />
I won't lie. I have naturally weak ankles which tend to collapse if I so much take a step once the colder weather stepped in and if it hadn't of been for cosplay I wouldn't have even dared to wear high heels in this weather. However, for the sake of cosplay I was forced to and I found out that I could wear heels as well as have comfy feet all day long.<br />
<br />
We've all had that incident where you have to whip your heels off and wonder why you're subjecting your poor tootsies to something so painful. Thanks to cosplay I can avoid that for the most part. Mostly. I still have times where my feet scream, "WHY," at me.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Eyelashes make a difference.</b><br />
<br />
I thought a pair of false eyelashes is just that; a pair of false eyelashes. I never imagined the difference the style of them would make to my eyes! I was the type of girl who used to bulk buy off eBay and then settled for my oh-so-gyaru Dolly Wink lashes that would make me look like an Ageha model (spoiler: they didn't). It was when I bought a pair of Jewerich lashes for my Junko Enoshima cosplay that I realised that there was a difference to be made here.<br />
<br />
Your false eyelashes can change the way your eyes look. Whether it's a cute himekaji look or whether you're going for a rokku look, the eyelashes make a world of difference. I can't imagine Dolly Wink lashes being dramatic enough to be rokku in any way, shape or form. Maybe if you wore 3 pairs of them simultaneously, maybe.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Styling wigs. And halfwigs.</b><br />
<br />
For years wigs have been part of gyaru, whether you wear them or not. Hairpieces, too. There's no way that a girl with thin hair is going to be able to have a huge sujimori style without some assistance and there's not a chance in hell that you're going to have blonde hair one day and red the next without wrecking your hair. With cosplay the importance of wigs is stressed and unless you're a pro at cutting hair, you have to learn how to do things the hard way. Styling wigs isn't like styling hair as unless you're working with a heat resistant wig, I'd be wary of sticking the hairdryer on close to the plastic fibres. Mmm, plastic gloopy mess. Just what I wanted.<br />
<br />
By being a cosplayer I learnt how to both style and care for wigs before I moved onto my pricey half-wigs and billion hair pieces. I've been known to wear 5 - 6 wig pieces at <i>once</i> which I don't think I'd be able to deal with if I didn't have some sort of experience.<br />
<br />
Thank you cosplay gods.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Wearing your make-up like a drag queen.</b><br />
<br />
I'm sure that all gyaru want their make-up to show up in their photos. Heck, if I've made an effort I want some of it to show up instead of looking like I'm going au-naturale. If I've done my make-up especially for photos I've learnt from photos that I want it to look heavy; like a drag queen. That way it's gonna show up.<br />
<br />
Same applies with gyaru make-up. At present I'm not happy with how may own make-up shows up on camera so I have to make it heavier. Bah. I don't need the natural look at all.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Fixing accessories.</b><br />
<br />
Raise your hand if you've been guilty of breaking an accessory over time. I am. I remember how I watched on in horror as I watched the clasp of my brand new MA*RS necklace go flying across the room as I tipsily tried to pull the thing over my head. I was pretty devastated. Thanks to some jewellery pliers I had laying around it was easy enough to attach a new clasp to my precious brand. If I hadn't of had those pliers laying around from the time I made some earrings for a cosplay I would've probably still been scratching my head.<br />
<br />
I'm terrible at creative things. Doing this was easy peasy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you guys have any tips I'd love it if you left them in the comments. <br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/8DP2Mg0.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Jvj8eVk.png" border="0"></a> <a title='cosplay page href='https://www.facebook.com/violitcosplay?ref=ts&fref=ts><img src="http://i.imgur.com/2kxdjxT.png" border="0"></a><a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/0xJ2niX.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-41750261632566895602014-10-31T11:35:00.001+00:002014-10-31T11:35:53.311+00:00Halloween: Shibuya109 StyleHappy Halloween!<br />
<br />
At this time of the year it's not unusual to see spooks, ghouls and other horrifying, terrible creatures prowling the floor of Shibuya109. Well, to be honest, most of them aren't terrifying.<br />
<br />
The brands of Shibuya109 released their 2014 Halloween collection and what better date to post it than Halloween itself? <br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/y5mbb2c.png"><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/NFGEFf7.png"><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/nbq9Gz1.png"><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/EzYVCwp.png"><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/NRbcWKS.png"><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/Q3qLFB0.png"><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/VpUp7VY.png"><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/pZL21W6.png"></center><br />
My picks are:<br />
<br />
⋆ Swankiss<br />
⋆ MA*RS<br />
⋆ one*spo<br />
⋆ Fig & Viper<br />
⋆ Liz Lisa<br />
⋆ SPIGA<br />
⋆ GARULA<br />
⋆ tutuHA<br />
⋆ Cocolulu<br />
⋆ SLY<br />
<br />
The accessories from Ruby Rose are really cute too!<br />
<br />
My question to you girls is if you had to wear something from one of these brands, which one would it be? I think I'd have to go with MA*RS because it looks like typical MA*RS whilst also being a bunny. ♥<br />
<br />
Stay spooky! ♥<center><p> <img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/Lmpebh3.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PW0T8gI.png" border="0"></a> <a title='claranee on bloglovin' href='http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3476730/clara-nee'><img src="http://i.imgur.com/EoiBn2p.png" border="0"></a><a TITLE="follow in instagram" href="http://instagram.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/h0xUhLH.png"></a> <a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ymTBN0W.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-50765731427891441892014-10-29T10:49:00.000+00:002014-10-29T10:51:05.508+00:00Misc OOTDsI'm a guilty blogger with a secret: I recently broke my iPhone by dropping it on the floor. As a result I've fallen behind which is why there was no blog post on Monday. I've had it fixed and I figured you guys might want to see some OOTD posts whilst I get back on my feet.<br />
<br />
Things will be back to normal... soonish.<br />
<br />
<center><b>O U T F I T # 1</b></center><br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Etn7GCb.png"></center><br />
<b>Top:</b> MA*RS<br />
<b>Skirt:</b> MA*RS<br />
<b>Tights:</b> eBay<br />
<b>Shoes:</b> New Look<br />
<b>Head Bow:</b> MA*RS<br />
<b>Both Necklaces</b>: MA*RS<br />
<br />
Okay, I like MA*RS a lot. I'd been wearing a MA*RS bracelet as well during the day. Also, bare nails. I had a nasty infection due to a hangnail and couldn't do my nails as a result. It <i>sucks</i>.<br />
<br />
I like MA*RS. A lot. Did I mention that already?<br />
<br />
<center><b>O U T F I T # 2</B></CENTER><br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/sBRv2g7.png"></center><br />
<b>Dress:</b> <a href="http://claranee.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/cutesy-kink-fake-liz-lisa.html">'Liya Lisa'</a><br />
<b>Necklace:</b> Chocomint<br />
<b>Shoes:</b> Melissa<br />
<br />
Everytime I wear himekaji I feel like some sort of Stepford Wife. I'm not feeling that style much anymore.<br />
<br />
<center><b>O U T F I T # 3</b><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/50Dpi6D.png"></center><br />
<b>Dress:</b> MA*RS<br />
<b>Headbow:</b> MA*RS<br />
<b>Choker:</b> KOKOkim<br />
<b>Necklace:</b> MA*RS<br />
<b>Stockings:</b> eBay<br />
<b>Shoes (unseen):</b> New Look<br />
<br />
I'm not sure; did I mention I really like MA*RS? I really loved this outfit; I felt like a princess and ever so fancy in it. I think if I could wear MA*RS forever I would be happy.<br />
<br />
<center><b>O U T F I T # 4</B><br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/xJthVID.png"></center></center><br />
<b>Dress:</b> DreamV<br />
<b>Legwarmers:</b>DreamV<br />
<b>Necklace:</b> MA*RS<br />
<b>Choker:</b> Vivienne Westwood<br />
<br />
I didn't like my face so I mosaic'd it. My hair was in pigtails but it's not so obvious from the picture. I really like agejo style a lot recently.<br />
<br />
Which is your favourite from the four looks? Let me know!<br />
<br />
Stay sweet ♥<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/Lmpebh3.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PW0T8gI.png" border="0"></a> <a title='claranee on bloglovin' href='http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3476730/clara-nee'><img src="http://i.imgur.com/EoiBn2p.png" border="0"></a><a TITLE="follow in instagram" href="http://instagram.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/h0xUhLH.png"></a> <a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ymTBN0W.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-19111201570004314922014-10-20T12:43:00.000+01:002014-10-20T12:43:56.480+01:00Gyaru iPhones : 5 Favourite Apps!So, I'm not sure about you guys but I absolutely, 100% could not live without my apps. To be honest, I'm not sure how I functioned without them if I'm honest. As we're in an increasingly vain world it's easy to rely on apps for everything from entertainment to photography to even lifestyle. <br />
<br />
I've listed some of my favourite apps below that I think that you guys may find useful.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ukgQe3O.png"></center><br />
<b>Instagram</b><br />
<br />
Starting off the list with an obvious choice. Instagram is a fun way to share photos and connect with people. There's so many girls on there it's great for co-ord and make-up inspiration. People on Instagram are super friendly, too. There's no excuse to <i>not</i> have this.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/xwXum6p.jpg"></center><br />
<b>Camera 360</b><br />
<br />
I swear by this app. This app is the light of my life, the apple of my eye, the chocolate sprinkles to my ice-cream... you get the hint. I've written about this app <a href="http://claranee.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/cotton-candy-filter.html">before</a> and I swear it gets better with every new update. The filters are gorgeous, the skin effects are beautiful, and it allows some basic photoshop features. Even better is that it's all in English so there's no fiddling around trying to read Chinese.<br />
<br />
The app is updated frequently with new features and the makers of the app have several other photography apps that may pique your interest. Definitely worth a look!<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/LHCbpsO.jpg"></center><br />
<b>Poco</b><br />
<br />
I'm not actually sure of the name of this app as it's in Chinese, but I was able to find it in the store using the term <i>Poco</i>. This app is one of my favourites at the moment, it's amazing! It has a liquify tool and it even allows you to apply make-up and circle lenses so it looks <i>natural</i>. It also has a healing tool, filters, even some purikura! It even has options to remove undereye bags naturally.<br />
<br />
As it's in Chinese it can be difficult to work so I recommend just clicking around until you get what result you want. It's worth it. <br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/gyQRe5g.jpg"></center><br />
<b>DecoCamera</b><br />
<br />
This is a really Ageha style purikura app. I've seen better purikura apps out there but this is the most 'gyaru' app I've seen and the frames are absolutely gorgeous. It's one of my favourite apps to purikura with just for how gorgeous it is, even if the styles are limited.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/X8heDzJ.jpg"></center><br />
<b>Girls Camera</b><br />
<br />
One of my biggest issues with Purikura apps is that the stamps can be limited and can therefore get boring. It's a pain when your favourite app just gets tired and uninteresting to you. What I really like about Girls Camera is that it's a purikura app that's constantly updated. Why? It allows the users of the app to draw their own stamps and you can use the stamps other girls have shared. There's a neverending supply of new stamps that way!<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/8lWQMrD.jpg"></center><br />
What are your guys favourite apps? I love trying new ones out so anything new and interesting would be appreciated.<br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/Lmpebh3.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PW0T8gI.png" border="0"></a> <a title='claranee on bloglovin' href='http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3476730/clara-nee'><img src="http://i.imgur.com/EoiBn2p.png" border="0"></a><a TITLE="follow in instagram" href="http://instagram.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/h0xUhLH.png"></a> <a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ymTBN0W.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-21122374036464186932014-10-13T09:15:00.000+01:002014-10-13T09:15:58.176+01:00GALOWEEN 2014<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/X9tjJsv.png"></center><br />
Halloween is one of <i>the</i> only times of year that it's acceptable to go out looking like a total weirdo. No one will bat an eyelid at you if you go out in dresses adorned in eyeballs, bats hanging from your ears or even blood cascading from your eyes. Okay, maybe that last one might get you some looks but most likely not. Either way Halloween is meant for fun and there's no better way to do that than dressing up in a creepy costume.<br />
<br />
With the rising popularity of creepy cute on the Internet it's now easier than ever to find some perfectly ~spooky~ items for people who don't want to particularly dress up. There's also a billion costumes to do, with some gyaru <a href="http://claranee.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/this-is-galoween.html">stores</a> catering to them as well as the cheap options from your local party store.<br />
<br />
If you haven't made your mind up for what you want to dress up as for Halloween, here's some ideas!<br />
<br />
<b>1. Generic cat</b> Easy peasy. A black/leopard print dress with a matching pair of kitty ears is stupidly simple to do. Teamed with some whiskers drawn on your face (and perhaps a cute little nose) there's absolutely nothing complicated about this costume at all.<br />
<b>2. Devil</b> Also another generic idea. Devil horns and a black or red outfit. It's easy to find horns that are different colours so if red isn't your thing you could run with pink, blue, purple, green... the possibilities are endless.<br />
<b>3. Vampire</b> Wear a perfectly suitable vampire outfit - something black perhaps. Paired with blood leaking from the corner of your lips and a pair of fangs you're a more legit vampire than Edward Cullen.<br />
<b>4. Ghost</b> Dress in an all white outfit with white shoes and white skin make-up to match. With the addition of a black or white wig you're bound to look like a fashionable ghost - or spooky. Much cuter than wearing a bedsheet with eye holes cut out.<br />
<b>5. Doll</b> I can't be the only one who finds wind up dolls creepy, right? With the use of make-up in the correct places it's easy to turn yourself into a puppet or a doll. Pair this with a blank scare and you're bound to scare someone - even me.<br />
<b>6. Zombie</b> Use makeup to make it appear as though, well, you're dead. Bruises are super simple to make using eyeshadows and with fake blood you're bound to look like you're craving some flesh. For extra authenticity rip up your clothes. Or don't; fashionable zombies exist too!<br />
<b>7. Mad Scientist</b> This one is super easy! All it takes is a lab coat - smear it with fake blood or other nasties for the best affect. Use make-up to your will and backcomb your hair until it's a crazy, untamed poof. It'll definitely make you seem crazy.<br />
<b>8. Werewolf</b> You're going for the same look as the generic cat here, but with extra fur. Awooga, baby.<br />
<b>9. Spider Queen</b> This is an interesting one. Wear all black and adorn the spider webs you can buy from Halloween stores on your outfit. Wear a black veil and add little spiders all over. Not recommended for those with a spider phobia.<br />
<b>10. Frankenstein</b> This one is almost all exclusively make-up. Using green face paint, paint yourself green and do your make-up as usual. Add one or two stitches with either liquid eyeliner of black body paint and BAM! Done.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VZDxV8l.png"></center><br />
What're your plans for Halloween? I'm completely undecided still so I'd love to bounce some ideas off you all.<br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/Lmpebh3.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PW0T8gI.png" border="0"></a> <a title='claranee on bloglovin' href='http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3476730/clara-nee'><img src="http://i.imgur.com/EoiBn2p.png" border="0"></a><a TITLE="follow in instagram" href="http://instagram.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/h0xUhLH.png"></a> <a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ymTBN0W.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-29479312381916653972014-10-06T09:24:00.000+01:002014-10-06T09:24:27.198+01:00Gyaru JourneyThis is something I've been wanting to do personally for myself and I thought that perhaps some of you girls would be interested in seeing the evolution of my 'gyaru' style. I've been absolutely everywhere the last few years with my fashion choices. I was inspired by gyaru, I decided I wanted to be creepy cute, I decided to be a normal girl, I decided to wear cute Japanese clothes and suddenly I found myself actually embracing gyaru style as a whole after being scared to take the plunge. My favourite bloggers have changed throughout the years too as well as my fashion inspirations which I thinks shows a lot.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/3FDqfaR.png"></center><br />
<center><b>★ 2 0 1 1 ★</B></center><br />
From the beginning I always claimed I was 'gyaru inspired'. I used gyaru fashion as an inspiration for myself to dress better. To be honest I lived in t-shirts and jeans and whilst those are all cool and all, I wanted to look after myself a little better. I stumbled upon what came to be my bias, Liz Lisa, and aspired to dress like that using primarily UK fashion.<br />
<br />
Did it work? No, not really. <br />
<br />
I didn't think I needed lower lashes as my own lower lashes were long enough with mascara on and circle lenses were something I was in complete denial about. I didn't need <i>those!</i> My vision was also pretty bad and I wasn't confident with getting them incase I order the wrong prescription and my optician would've murdered me if they'd known I wanted to shove those infamous 'Lady Gaga' lenses into my eyes.<br />
<br />
I stumbled across gyaru in 2010 to be honest and perhaps my grasp of it was a little better than what it was as 2011 progressed. I started off with curled extensions and false lashes at least! My natural hair was cut into a cutesy bob which was cute for every day wear but no good for gyaru in the slightest. I barely bothered to style my hair! I had no idea how to put a coord together or anything. As a teenager I was never a fashion conscious girl as I was very studies focused and in my early years it showed.<br />
<br />
As opposed to what I wanted to be I was a silly girl who was just 'inspired' by it. I knew if I claimed to by gyaru it would be pointed out that I was absolutely, 100% not this thing I claimed to be.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/g2XC5Ia.png"></center><br />
<center><b>★ 2 0 1 2 ★</B></center><br />
From here I actually made a bit more of an effort. I was gifted my first set of Dolly Wink lashes, both upper and lower, and I felt thrilled and actually felt a little bit more legitimate. I also stopped biting my nails and letting them grow out which was great. I still loosely followed gyaru trends; during winter 2012 I went crazy trying to get hold of anything that was pastel because that was the new thing. Seriously.<br />
<br />
I actually tried doing proper gyaru make-up as I had the lower lashes to do so but I still sucked. Looking back, those eyelashes were no good for the make-up I wanted but they were <i>Dolly Wink</i> so it was okay, right? No. Not at all. I did discover hairpieces other than extensions which helped me spruce things up a little and I was less reluctant to wear wigs. Clothes wise I was still off the mark but I did manage to purchase some key wardrobe staples so everything wasn't a complete loss!<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/K4hgh9c.png"></center><br />
<center><b>★ 2 0 1 3 ★</B></center><br />
I barely posted at all during 2013 on my blog due to some personal issues. This is the year things actually started changing and I began making small improvements.<br />
<br />
I purchased my first ever pair of circle lenses (for my Christa Renz from SNK cosplay) and found that they weren't as scary as I thought they were. This made me more relaxed and much more receptive to purchasing future lenses. I also purchased clothes from DreamV which was a big shove in my style and made me feel a lot more confident. I also discovered the miracle of half wigs and realised that they weren't as scary as I thought they were. In fact, they were stupidly easy to apply!<br />
<br />
I was also approached in public and asked if I was gyaru for the first time which was... well, not something I expected. I still denied that I was and just said the same old line; that I was <i>inspired</i> by the fashion.<br />
<br />
I shed what was holding me back and continued experimenting with my make-up although I was never satisfied; it still wasn't what I wanted. <br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/GnwCPFx.png"></center><br />
<center><b>★ 2 0 1 4 ★</B></center><br />
2014 has been the year of experimenting and pushing myself further and further. I purchased eyelashes other than Dolly Wink which improved my upper eye make-up, I think! I pushed myself to wear agejo style clothes and purchased my first gyaru brand item from GOLDS Infinity and my first pair of gyaru style shoes. Even then I still denied I was gyaru but instead was 'gyaru inspired' because the gyaru community scared me and I still felt inadequate compared to some of the other gyaru I had seen, especially the other UK gyaru.<br />
<br />
The biggest changing point for me was May Expo. I was determined to do Junko Enoshima justice and looked up how to do rokku style gyaru make-up and applied it for the first time. For the first time in my life I felt like I looked gyaru which was kinda silly because I was in <i>cosplay</i>! I couldn't believe it.<br />
<br />
Even then I noted the changing state of gyaru and tried to follow the make-up trends but no matter what I still didn't feel like I looked gyaru without the rokku style make-up. I purchased MA*RS clothes and cute pumps and even more circle lenses and felt confident in myself for the first time in forever. Even when I had some potentially serious health issues that was marking my body I still felt confidence when I was dressed in my precious MA*RS. I purchased more wigs and hair pieces and began experimenting with my look and image.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/sQw9EMo.png"></center><br />
I also met some of the UK Gyaru at MCM Expo and following them has helped me a lot, I think. Watching them inspired me to spruce up my own image and I gathered the courage to even apply for a gyaru unit (although I got too scared after to even reply to any of their messages) but even doing that has just helped.<br />
<br />
To be honest, 2014 has been one of the worst years of my <i>life</i> so it's almost funny that this is the year I've had the most improvement. The year isn't even over yet! I'm still finding my feet because I don't know if I'm agejo or if I like rokku or hime better or if onee would be better for me but... I'll get there somehow.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/XbfDHi0.png"></center><br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/Lmpebh3.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PW0T8gI.png" border="0"></a> <a title='claranee on bloglovin' href='http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3476730/clara-nee'><img src="http://i.imgur.com/EoiBn2p.png" border="0"></a><a TITLE="follow in instagram" href="http://instagram.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/h0xUhLH.png"></a> <a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ymTBN0W.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-59245710430394287942014-09-29T09:13:00.000+01:002014-09-29T09:13:21.245+01:00Gyaru Phones There's one thing that a gyaru can't live without. Or, any girl really. We have our nice hair, our nice clothes, our perfect make-up but it's easy to say that without our mobile phones we would all be lost. Personally, whenever my phone is out of battery I feel like I'm missing an arm or some other body part!<br />
<br />
For years the Japanese gyaru have been accessorising their phones to the very limits of customisation. With gyaru brands such as Cocolulu and Liz Lisa releasing phones in collaboration with Docomo the Japanese girls have been absolutely spoilt for choice. Western shores are starting to catch up on the trends making phone customisation easier than it has ever been. Custom phone cases are more popular than ever and dustplug charms are starting to make their way into stores as an alternative to the ridiculously popular phone charms that used to be everywhere just a few years ago.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/UCADYvm.png"></center><br />
<center><b>★ W A L L P A P E R ★</B></center><br />
Customising the software and inside of a phone has never been easier. For years custom wallpapers have been gracing phones (I remember having my first phone at 8 years of age and having a rather crude custom wallpaper!) and there's no reason why you shouldn't have a personalised wallpaper. To get your own custom wallpaper it's easy as snapping a cute picture with your camera or even googling. Gyaru brands have even been releasing their own official wallpapers, no to mention there's countless of fan made ones making the rounds on the Internet.<br />
<br />
♥ <a href="http://universal-doll.com/2012/03/gyaru-iphone-backgrounds-3/">Universal Doll</a><br />
♥ <a href="http://www.kawaiisheepie.com/2014/03/gyaru-iphone-backgrounds-for-iphone-5.html">Kawaii Sheepie</a><br />
♥ <a href="http://japanesegyaru.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/gal-iphone-backgrounds.html">Japanese Gyaru</a><br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/xIJIfjp.png"></center><br />
I've even seen girls use purikura as their wallpapers. They're so easy and so customisable that there's no excuse not to have one. <br />
<br />
<center><b>★ I C O N S ★</B></center><br />
There are so many apps nowadays that you can do almost anything with your phone. There's apps that allow you to change your ringtone easily, there's apps that allows you to add custom emoticons, so it's not strange that there would be an app which allows you to change the icon of your apps. For reference, here is my phone's home screen.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/QlpsyDR.png"></center><br />
Using the app <i>CocoPPa</i> it's easy to change your icons to something that matches your phone wallpaper. It creates a shortcut to the app so it's important not to delete the original app. Personally, I have mine in a folder on it's own page in the phone so I can access the originals if I need to. If you delete them the app will be deleted from your phone and your shortcut won't take you anywhere at all. Nope. Nada. There are thousands of icons on the app that can be used.<br />
<br />
The app isn't able to create a shortcut for every app out there but for those it can, it makes your phone icons into something really cute. I use an iPhone that isn't jailbroken for this.<br />
<br />
I'll be posting some of my favourite apps soon. Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/Lmpebh3.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PW0T8gI.png" border="0"></a> <a title='claranee on bloglovin' href='http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3476730/clara-nee'><img src="http://i.imgur.com/EoiBn2p.png" border="0"></a><a TITLE="follow in instagram" href="http://instagram.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/h0xUhLH.png"></a> <a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ymTBN0W.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-28412725193122727032014-09-22T09:11:00.000+01:002014-09-22T09:11:52.272+01:00Upsides to Being Alone<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ZtM8Zde.png"></center><br />
You've seen them everywhere; gyaru on the front of magazines, gyaru on various blogs on the big old Internet, gyaru in the streets-- or maybe not. Living in the North East of England, I find that finding other people who share similar fashion interests to be non-existent. Nil. Nope. Nada. Not gonna happen. I've heard of the lolita meets with their frilly petticoats, I've heard of V-kei meets with their overly impressive hair but I've never heard of a gyaru meet-up this far up North.<br />
<br />
It feels like all of the gyaru in the UK live further South. (In fact, when I met one of them I sort of drunkenly screeched, "I LOVE YOUR OUTFIT!" oops)<br />
<br />
As a North Eastern, Newcastle born and bred gyaru, I often find myself running around on my own with my somewhat eccentric clothes and make-up which often leads to negative comments, even from a city that prides itself on big hair and make-up. I'm sure there are other girls out there who have to settle for being alone whilst being gyaru.<br />
<br />
There's plenty of things to do whilst being by yourself.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Being confident.</b><br />
<br />
I cannot stress this enough. If you're going to act shy then perhaps it's not a good idea to wear a fashion and make-up style that is absolutely going to garner attention because it'll make you vulnerable and an easy target for people who want to make rude comments. Gyaru fashion is different from the norm and whenever something is different people will look. Being by yourself makes you an even bigger target to people. Confidence is key.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Experiment with new things.</b><br />
<br />
You know those times when you want to try something new and it just goes completely wrong? Without having other gyaru peers who can pick up on your make-up, fashion, hair, etc. mistakes, being by yourself means that you can laugh it off to people who ask. That extra line on your eyeliner? Totally intentional. Just because you know it isn't doesn't mean others need to. <br />
<br />
<b>3. Shopping becomes easier.</b><br />
<br />
As a girl, there's nothing better than shopping. I could spend hours in a store just looking at what's there. One of the fortunate things about being a lone gyaru is that I can spend as long as I want in a store without feeling like I'm holding the other girls up, or I can leave when I'm ready without waiting for anyone. It's nice to go browsing by yourself once in awhile.<br />
<br />
<b>4. There's less pressure.</b><br />
<br />
Maybe I've got this all wrong but there's less pressure on being a 'perfect' gyaru when you're by yourself. Sure, there's standards to upkeep but there's no urge to be constantly dressed up to the 9s. If I want to dress gyaru and maybe wear a pair of flat shoes, it's comforting knowing there's not going to be anyone turning their nose up at my shoes when I could've worn a cuter pair of heels.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Be who <i>you</i> want.</b><br />
<br />
I think this one goes without saying. I've heard of some girls sucking up to others to score brownie points with them which I think is just wrong. If you're by yourself there's no one to suck up to and you can be yourself, or the person you want to be. There's no need to tell someone who's outfit completely sucks that they look great, there's no pressure on feeling like you're underdressed compared to your friends, and there's no one to compare yourself to and nitpick over. It might suck being alone but there will always be the opportunity to be the person who you want to be; in some friendship groups there's so much fakeness to make even the fakest of people sick. You're free to be who you want; you can nerd out over what you want without worrying what the other gyaru will think, for example.<br />
<br />
There's a plethora of other reasons, of course, but these are what I can think of. If you have any further tips, feel free to leave them in the comments below.<br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/Lmpebh3.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PW0T8gI.png" border="0"></a> <a title='claranee on bloglovin' href='http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3476730/clara-nee'><img src="http://i.imgur.com/EoiBn2p.png" border="0"></a><a TITLE="follow in instagram" href="http://instagram.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/h0xUhLH.png"></a> <a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ymTBN0W.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-80142888095384046862014-09-15T09:37:00.000+01:002014-09-15T09:37:38.809+01:00OOTD: Ayacon BallI recently had the pleasure of attending the Ayacon Ball in Stratford, London. Can I just say that I had an amazing time? I'm not sure what I expected but I can safely say that I didn't expect to have such a great time there. It was lovely seeing old and new faces and just catching up with some people who I haven't seen for the longest time! The music was great too; I have a soft spot for strings instruments and the quartet made me very, very happy.<br />
<br />
I tried out a new style that I haven't tried before for the ball and I'm really pleased that I did. I felt like a princess. ♥<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/StE1jW1.png"></center><br />
<b>Dress:</b> Priscilla Dawn<br />
<b>Bow:</b> ASOS<br />
<b>Necklace:</b> Jesus Diamante<br />
<b>Wrist Cuffs:</b> Peacockalorum<br />
<b>Rings:</b> LoveHeartTrinkets<br />
<b>Shoes:</b> DreamV<br />
<br />
My shoes actually broke on the way to the ball which was slightly upsetting. I also felt super self conscious on the way there but I got stopped by so many people and told that I looked beautiful which was flattering and gave me a boost in my self esteem. I've always heard stories of Londoners being really rude but they were nothing but charming, friendly and lovely towards me.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/xOFZp86.png"></center><br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/Lmpebh3.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PW0T8gI.png" border="0"></a> <a title='claranee on bloglovin' href='http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3476730/clara-nee'><img src="http://i.imgur.com/EoiBn2p.png" border="0"></a><a TITLE="follow in instagram" href="http://instagram.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/h0xUhLH.png"></a> <a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ymTBN0W.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-91747799768014609072014-09-08T22:32:00.000+01:002014-09-08T22:32:24.049+01:0010 Convention Beauty Commandments<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/qNuA2xL.png"></center><br />
As an avid cosplayer I'm no stranger to the world of anime conventions. I've braved the heat and the crowds for the sake of a photo or to meet a new friend and I'm all too aware of how little sleep I'm getting; socialising and drinking all night is fun at the time but it soon takes a toll. There's the stress leading up to conventions and remembering to pack absolutely everything and if you're staying far away, there may even be the event of dragging a heavy case across the country.<br />
<br />
Usually you wouldn't put gyaru + anime together but with more and more brands such as MA*RS, GOLDS Infinity and those from other sub-styles more fashionista types are heading there. As these brands can be difficult to obtain in the West it can sometimes be cheaper just to attend these events.<br />
<br />
It's perfectly fun at the time but it's playing havoc with your skin. No one looks good with pimples. Or wants them. <i>Ever.</i> End of.<br />
<br />
That's why I'm going to impose the 10 Convention Beauty Commandments on you all!<br />
<br />
<b>♛ 1. Thou shalt pack in advance</b><br />
<br />
It seems like it's pretty foolproof but I've been super guilty of not doing this. I've forgotten parts of outfits, part of coordinates I've had planned, I've left major parts of costumes back in my closet 200 miles away... and it's a nightmare no one wants. At the past <a href="http://claranee.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/may-mcm-expo-2014.html">London Expo</a> I left my false lashes at home (and luckily the Dreamy Bows stand saved my makeup for the weekend) and at Kitacon I left a part of every costume at home. Oopsie. By making a list you won't forget anything. Also bringing a full make-up kit is a big no-no. Set a separate make-up bag aside and fill this with make-up samples, your can't-live-without essentials. You don't need to bring four kinds of mascara with you after all. One will do for a few days.<br />
<br />
<b>♛ 2. Thou shalt continue with face care</b><br />
<br />
I'm 100% guilty of dropping most of my facial care routine at cons. I know some of you are too. Really, we shouldn't be doing this! Most pharmacies and supermarkets will sell travel sized kits of face care such as cleansers and make-up wipes so there's really no excuse not to uphold it. Instead of using a clay based face mask, disposable sheet face masks are a great, lightweight and travel safe alternative. They work just as well too.<br />
<br />
<b>♛ 3. Thou shalt remove make-up before going to sleep</b><br />
<br />
This should be a big part of any girl's make-up routine but we've all been guilty of going to sleep with make-up on. Anyone who says they haven't is probably fibbing! Although it may be tempting to crash with a face full of foundation and false eyelashes on make sure you take it off! Make-up wipes are perfect for this situation and it takes literally 2 minutes to do. Your skin will love you for it. If you're like me and apply heavy make-up twice a day for 3 - 4 days in a row your skin will definitely love you for it.<br />
<br />
<b>♛ 4. Thou shalt wear circle lenses for no more than 8 hours</b><br />
<br />
This is also common sense but sometimes in order for our make-up to be <i>extra</i> cute we force our eyes to strain and continue to wear these. Not only can it get uncomfortable and painful but it's super unhealthy for your eyes. Personally, I wear them if they're part of a costume and forego them on the evening because sight is precious.<br />
<br />
<b>♛ 5. Thou shalt sleep for no less than 5 hours</b><br />
<br />
Sleep is good. In fact, sleep is <i>great</i>. So why forego it even at a convention? Granted you should be getting somewhere around the 8 mark or whatever is normal for yourself but sometimes it's tempting to stay up and continue talking to people. By making sure you have at least 5 hours sleep you'll prevent the unsightly under eye circles and bags that tend to pop up with a lack of sleep and the pimples that may pop up if your body deems you to be stressed. Sometimes sleeping at overnight at a convention can mean less than optimal sleeping conditions so eye masks and ear plugs will be your best friend. It's a small investment but the dividends it reaps is worth it.<br />
<br />
<b>♛ 6. Thou shalt stay hydrated</b><br />
<br />
This is stupidly important and it amazes me how many people forget about this. It's absolutely important to stay hydrated, not for your skin but for your own health. Alcohol and coffee won't give you the hydration you need so it's really important to carry a bottle of water with you in your bag. With more water your skin is more likely to stay clear and glowing which is important considering all of the make-up and lack of sleep it'll most likely already be enduring.<br />
<br />
<b>♛ 7. Thou shalt carry extra beauty supplies</b><br />
<br />
Do you know what really sucks? When your false eyelashes are pulling themselves free of your eyelid and you have no glue to shove it back in place. Carrying your essentials for reapplication such as mascara, lipstick, etc. is almost common sense but it's always surprising that people don't think of carrying their eyelash glue with them. Conventions tend to be hot due to the amount of people that get crammed inside and that can cause your make-up to melt - not a good look. By carrying a few extras you can fix up your make-up in literally seconds. It's worth the investment instead of needing to go back to your hotel room.<br />
<br />
<b>♛ 8. Thou shalt wear sunblock</b><br />
<br />
Conventions take place at all times of year but summer is when the majority of them pop up. Summer weather tends to lead for beautiful photos except it's <i>sunny</i> and if you go outdoors you're risking sun damage to your face. That's why it's important to wear sunblock. Nowadays a lot of make-up carries SPF in it from BB Creams to even lipsticks. Sunblock that sprays onto your skin as opposed to a liquid is also available. There's no excuse not to apply these and it'll stop any sunburn and most importantly <i>wrinkles</i>.<br />
<br />
<b>♛ 9. Thou shalt have have clean hair at all times</b><br />
<br />
The amount of people I've met at conventions who forgo washing their hair in favour of wigs is just... ugh, no. You'd think it's common sense but because of wigs I've met some people who think wearing a wig to hide their dirty hair is acceptable. Even if you're wearing a wig make sure you have clean hair. Having dirty hair just makes you feel gross and the oils from your hair can affect your face and clog your pores. After all, you're not going to sleep in a wig! Dry shampoos exist for a reason and it's easy to pick up at any beauty store. Really, there's no excuse not to do this.<br />
<br />
Don't be gross.<br />
<br />
<b>♛ 10. Thou shalt sanitise, sanitise, sanitise!</b><br />
<br />
Conventions tend to attract large crowds of people, each with their own unique sense of being. That being said, it's easy to pass bacteria along in big crowds. Not only can this lead to sickness (which is gonna make you look haggard) it can lead to bacteria and other nasties being transferred into your cosmetics if you touch them without washing hands. Hand sanitiser can help stop these from being transferred and potentially ruining that pretty face of yours.<br />
<br />
<br />
As well as beauty tips, there's plenty of other tips to learn for conventions. Basic etiquette such as asking a cosplayer for a photo before snapping is polite and looking up the con schedule in advance to plan your days can be a total life saver.<br />
<br />
Do you have any more tips? Let me know!<br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/Lmpebh3.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PW0T8gI.png" border="0"></a> <a title='claranee on bloglovin' href='http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3476730/clara-nee'><img src="http://i.imgur.com/EoiBn2p.png" border="0"></a><a TITLE="follow in instagram" href="http://instagram.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/h0xUhLH.png"></a> <a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ymTBN0W.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-88326259984269384782014-09-01T09:20:00.000+01:002014-09-01T09:20:00.621+01:00Barbie: Tsubasa Masuwaka's Plastic Surgery Provided you haven't been living under a rock for the past goodness knows how long, you've most likely heard of Tsubasa Masuwaka, the darling of Popteen and Popsister and producer of both Candy Doll and Dolly Wink. She's arguably one of the most famous gyaru models out there; even non-gyaru absolutely adore her because of how charismatic she is and how pretty and cute she is. She's one of the leaders of the hime-kaji gyaru styles: she says jump, her followers all do that. Not that there's a problem with that as even Tsubasa holds a space dear in my own heart.<br />
<br />
However:<br />
<br />
There is a lot of controversy surrounding Tsubasa. I've heard arguing that whether or not she's had plastic surgery, over whether or not she's too old to be wearing such cutesy styles, even over the colour of her hair. It's almost ridiculous. I'm going to take a look at one of the most controversial things surrounding Tsubasa:<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/VvmT3Tr.png"></center><br />
It's hard to find pictures of young Tsubasa Masuwaka floating around the Internet from before she debuted as the new hottest gyaru model. But this is the Internet we're talking about, and anything can be found on here with a bit of sleuth work. Please note that due to the drastic changes there is absolutely no guarantee this is Tsubasa but these three pictures have a tendency to pop up as being attributed to being her back when she was in school and when she was working as a 'reader model'.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/kXLMqvP.png"></center><br />
If these pictures are her, she looks like an ordinary girl with nothing so special about her. She almost looks like any girl you could see wandering around the streets. There's absolutely zero star factor about her and nothing that would make you look twice which is the opposite of how she is now. People age and make-up is absolutely wonderful and can be used to make yourself seem like a different person.<br />
<br />
Just looking at these confirms that compared to the Tsubasa Masuwaka of 2014, it'd easy to deduce that she's most likely had the following surgeries:<br />
<br />
♥ Rhinoplasty<br />
♥ Lip Fillers<br />
♥ Double Eyelid Surgery<br />
♥ Cheek Bones and Jaw Bones Shaved Down<br />
♥ Chin Fillers<br />
♥ Cheek Fillers<br />
<br />
Tsubasa debuted in Popteen back somewhere in 2004 and 2005 and already exhibited some of her charming characteristics. By the time she debuted in Popteen she'd had her rhinoplasty, lip fillers and double eyelid surgery completed at least. <br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ndYCOrU.png"></center><br />
With being one of the reasons why Popeten exploded in popularity and becoming 'the' iconic gyaru to people who didn't understand the style, the pressure was definitely on Tsubasa to keep evolving and keep herself looking young and fresh. Being the leader of make-up trends, of clothing trends and on the pages of glossy magazine covers helped to keep her in the spotlight. But with how cut throat the modelling world is, it's no surprise that Tsubasa would begin changing her image and get even further plastic surgery to help her stay relevant.<br />
<br />
If any of you have seen the movie Helter Skelter staring Erika Sawajiri, it's very relevant to how Tsubasa probably feels. No matter how good she is there's always going to be someone younger, prettier and skinnier to replace her.<br />
<br />
In 2008 Tsubasa launched her own line of lucrative eyelashes under the name of Dolly Wink.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/UYGIj7o.png"></center><br />
Leaving behind trends of past, Tsubasa's skin began to lighten and with it so did her cheek bones and jaw line. Since her debut as a Popteen model Tsubasa had managed to find time to squeeze in bone shaving surgeries to make her face appear longer and slimmer. Granted, photoshop may have had a part to play but it was consistent throughout which points to surgery. In my opinion, this is when Tsubasa looked her very best and was at her prime.<br />
<br />
As various new looks came into fashion, Tsubasa has evolved with them. With influences from K-Pop, eye bags became the new trendy must have. Tanned skin wasn't as desirable as pale skin and kudos to Tsubasa for staying bang on trend.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/lOKdoWa.png"></center><br />
I believe Tsubasa's eyebags are a result of a cosmetic procedure. In her magazine pictures, in her promo pictures, even in her candid pictures she previously never had these until they became the new 'popular' thing to have. She also had a chin implant and potential cheek implants making her face more round and more child like and youthful. At present she hasn't changed her look for awhile now.<br />
<br />
Personally, I don't have a problem with Tsubasa having surgery. I admire her for seeing what she didn't like about herself and changing herself for the better because if I were in her situation I would definitely do the same. As long as she doesn't take the look over the top ala Donatella Versace there's no reason for her to be ashamed.<br />
<br />
<b>What do you guys think? I'm really interested in hearing your opinion so please let me know below!</b><br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/Lmpebh3.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PW0T8gI.png" border="0"></a> <a title='claranee on bloglovin' href='http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3476730/clara-nee'><img src="http://i.imgur.com/EoiBn2p.png" border="0"></a><a TITLE="follow in instagram" href="http://instagram.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/h0xUhLH.png"></a> <a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ymTBN0W.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-5579331360790584382014-08-25T19:49:00.001+01:002014-08-25T19:49:14.530+01:00Can I Be Gyaru if I Can't Wear Circle Lenses?<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/JEp9g28.png"></center><br />
It's a question I often see girls who are new to gyaru asking: <i>can I still be gyaru if I can't wear circle lenses?</i><br />
<br />
The answer: <b>Yes.</b><br />
<br />
Before the rising popularity of circle lenses that's swept across not just Japan but Asia, gyaru didn't wear these. They're considered a staple item by some gyaru. But whilst false eyelashes and lower lashes and the deco'd nails have been around for years and years thanks to the influence of ganguro and manba, wearing circle lenses is still a trend that's in it's teenage years. Whilst the old gyaru occasionally did wear crazy contacts to spruce up their look, it wasn't considered a staple.<br />
<br />
There's plenty of reasons why circle lenses may be inappropriate for you to wear. Maybe your eyes are unsuitable for them. Maybe they cause a great amount of discomfort. Personally, I wear them where I can but due to my eyes becoming painful after 6 hours of wear or so I tend to wear them based off what I'm doing that day. Outdoors from 12pm to 11pm? I'll forego them for now even though it does make me feel like my makeup is incomplete.<br />
<br />
Personally, I feel like the circle lenses are the cherry on the top of a cake. If the rest of the make-up is icing, circle lenses are the thing that sets it off. In order to pull off not wearing circle lenses efficiently with current gyaru trends, you need heavy makeup that alters the eye shape to make your make-up scream, "I AM GYARU." <a href="http://pikkupin.tumblr.com/">Pin</a> is an excellent example of a gyaru without circle lenses.<br />
<br />
Natural make-up is on trend for most gyaru styles at the moment, such as onee, hime-kaji, sweet which can be a nightmare to pull off whilst still looking gyaru. I've tried it. It's <i>hard</i>. Your make-up definitely needs to be big and bold and just scream gyaru. Make up for the lack of lenses by having an amazing hair do or coordinate. Whatever it is, you <i>will</i> need to compensate for your lack of circle lens.<br />
<br />
Not wearing them will give some girls the impression you're being lazy. Having incredible make-up will prove otherwise.<br />
<br />
So, can you be gyaru if you can't wear circle lenses? <i>Hell yes.</i><br />
<br />
Just prepare to work.<br />
<br />
Stay sweet. ♥<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/Lmpebh3.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PW0T8gI.png" border="0"></a> <a title='claranee on bloglovin' href='http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3476730/clara-nee'><img src="http://i.imgur.com/EoiBn2p.png" border="0"></a><a TITLE="follow in instagram" href="http://instagram.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/h0xUhLH.png"></a> <a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ymTBN0W.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926386875078169661.post-1559889032593221582014-08-18T09:17:00.000+01:002014-08-18T09:17:18.860+01:00Before & After Make-UpMake-up is wonderful and whether or not we intend it to, it can rule a girl's life. There's nothing better than erasing all of your flaws and enhancing everything that makes you, well... you! As a guy once said to me whilst I was getting ready, "Make-up is real life Photoshop."<br />
<br />
Maybe it can't conceal all of our flaws but it does a good job of trying it's very best. It also allows for any one of us girls or boys to be beautiful, something that whether or not we're willing to admit we all want to be.<br />
<br />
I've put together a small collection of images showing the impact that make-up can have on our own appearance. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/AkOPB0n.png"><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/rKXK1Wz.png"><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/eBcpp3p.png"><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/Wk7U0KO.png"><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/YFoiOuk.png"><br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/h9KiYiW.png"></center><br />
I included my own transformation because I can. Privileges of being a blog owner~<br />
<br />
Stay sweet! ♥<br />
<br />
<center><p><img style="border:0;"
align="center"
src="http://i.imgur.com/Lmpebh3.png"
/> </p><a title="follow on twitter" href="http://twitter.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PW0T8gI.png" border="0"></a> <a title='claranee on bloglovin' href='http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3476730/clara-nee'><img src="http://i.imgur.com/EoiBn2p.png" border="0"></a><a TITLE="follow in instagram" href="http://instagram.com/claranee"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/h0xUhLH.png"></a> <a href="mailto:claranee@hotmail.co.uk"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ymTBN0W.png" alt="email me" /></a></center>rachiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07904770340299245323noreply@blogger.com0