Picture post; Life in Japan

Thank you to all who replied to the 'Picture Post; Request' post!

It will stay open for all of you who wish to make more requests. 

In other news, the Japan picture posts shall now be known as 'Life in Japan'. I may continue to make specific picture posts like the 'Sweets' and 'Kamakura' ones, but all the requests and random pictures shall fall into this new category.

This picture post includes:
- 109
- EGGnam Arcade
- School Girls
- UFO Catchers
- Alpacas
- Host Club & Hosts
- Festival Sweets
Location: Tokyo
Click on pictures to enlarge.

 Kumickey promoting the new 109 branded cellphones on the front of...109

EGG Namco Arcade 

Some schoolgirls going to take purikura.

As so many of you requested it, I shall pluck up the courage to take proper photos soon!

UFO Catcher goodies 

Kaomoji plushies 

 You can even win cheesecake in UFO catchers.

Maybe you fancy another brand?

Or some giant packets of chewy sweets?! 

Some of the goodies I/my boyf won in UFO catchers recently.

Giant Alpaca ♥ ♥ ♥

The giant Alpacas can no longer taunt me! 

Love Twitter Host Club 

Champagne call~ 

Sake, water, apple juice, ginger ale...and carmex.

The glamour of Host Clubs haha 

My Host Riku #2 (right), Toni's (left) and クリーミーちゃん the Alpaca 

I should have stolen his bow tie/shirt...and the D&G leopard print belt!!

Finally, some sweet treats to tempt you~

Hina Matsuri themed @ Daiso

Don't forget that the picture request post is always open for your comments and requests~

Shokotan in 109...

All the following images are from MMTS clothing line.

Whilst browsing109 today I noticed something that I found quite interesting.

Popular Japanese Idol and blogger Shokotan (Shoko Nakagawa) has opened a pop-up store on 109's B2F in collaboration with her clothing brand MMTS, which will be open from the 22 Oct 2010 - 31 Jan 2011 - from what I could figure out from the Japanese blog.

When I walked past there were some beautiful 'congratulations' bouquets placed outside (this is common for a new store), one of which caught my eye as it was from Tsubasa Masuwaka.

The clothing line itself is very cutesy and has a Valentines High vibe about it. Lots of pinks and pastels, which isn't particularly my style but I saw maybe a few pieces I could easily work into my everyday look.

The online store says that the majority of the pieces are either sold out, or low in stock so it's obviously popular right now.

By the way, if you're not familiar with Shokotan, she is a Japanese idol who has grown popularity over the last few years with her blog, which she updates several times a day about her cats and the other loves in her life. She has even confessed herself to be an Otaku - as she cosplays often and enjoys writing and drawing Manga.

She is also known as a singer, actress and often makes appearances on Japanese TV.

I like the idea that an Otaku who loves Cosplay and Manga now has a pop-up store in 109. Even geeks have to look good too ;D

So please go check out her store if you are in Tokyo and get the time, whether you're a fan or just curious.

Fianlly, does this surprise you at all?

What do you think of Shokotan opening a store in 109?

Source; 1, 2, and thanks to Kirin who noticed it in the first place.

From Tokyo with Love [1]

I thought I would give my new mini-series (that I talked about here) a name. So welcome to....
'From Tokyo with Love'- original, right? ;D

As often as I can, I plan to make filler posts during the week and between my larger posts. These will feature pictures from Tokyo, mainly Gal related but sometimes not - I can't go a year in Tokyo without showing you guys something other than Gals, clothes and shops XD

For the first post in the series, I took a few shots when I made a quick stop to Shibuya 109 this week.

An advertisement for Vivi's 109 book.

A couple of girls being interviewed.

It's not out of the ordinary to see camera crews in Shibuya.

AYU x JELLY are featured on 109's store-front right now.

Some interesting English outside TWISTY in 109.

In terms of Engrish, I think this is a pretty decent attempt - they just need spell check ;D

Chinatsu Wakatsuki promoting Diamond Lash (eyelashes) on 109's top floor.

You're encouraged to take your photo here!

W♥C need to get their new stock in!!

My friend was converted by this ad...well she wanted the jumper.

Stopped by the SBY cafe for a crepe.

The side window is decorated with photos of EGG models and...

...random Gal's purikura.

- I don't mind posting this (in terms of privacy) as you can't see anyone's face properly -

Last months issue of HAPPIE NUTS dispels the 'red lipstick' myth.

Finally a 'happy' note from the SBY Gals ;D

Shibuya and 109....

Perky promotional Gal invites you in.

The last week I have been so busy meeting with friends, that I ended up going to Shibuya on Tue, Wed and Friday. I don't know how I made it through the days this week - we've had highs of 37 degrees. That's crazy!!

So this post is just going to be about coordinates, make-up and purchases (of course I ended up in 109 a few times) from those past few days. I also included some fun photos that I took on those days, all Gal related of course ;D

I actually haven't added a few things in this picture as I purchased them later but that can be for another post ;D

I picked up the W♥C Tiger t-shirt before the sale ended and managed to get it half price, which I'm quite pleased with. I bought the SBY scrunchie and S.12.C (109-2) skirt as inspiration from the t-shirt haha. It's terrible how I fashion an outfit around one item, and I won't give up until I find what I want.

As you can see I picked up quite a few of the A/W catalogues from the stores too. I choose MA*RS, Gilfy, Lip Service and Heaven & Earth (for Maya Mori). I received the W♥C one when I made a purchase.

I also bought the Cecil McBee A/W Mook as it came with a free fur tote bag, which is reversible to leopard print - very cute - and picked up the new issue of JELLY. I did have pics of them, but I took them on my camera...the one with the missing cable D:

Coordinates & Make-up

Crop top: H&M

Bandage skirt: H&M

Usamimi: H&M

Bag: Gilfy

T-Shirt: W♥C

Skirt: S.12.C (109-2)

Nude lips are growing on me, so I'm currently hunting for a good lipstick.

I'm considering one by KATE at the moment.

Close-up of my eye make;

Orange & blue shadow, liner and criss-cross lashes.

Finally bought some under-lashes the other day so review soon.

Nothing special, just something to chill in.

Vest: tutuHA

Shorts: Gilfy

And a few bonus pics I took around Shibuya...

These Gals were so cute, just lounging in the heat and enjoying an ice cream.

The 2nd girl from the left was so energetic when I asked for a photo that she replied in English with a big "YES!"

The girl on the far left was really sweet too. She thought I was only asking the others for a photo, and she quietly asked if she could be in it too.

One of them turned away from the camera, until the 2nd girl moaned at her and gave her a push. I didn't hear but she was probably telling her to stop being so moody ;D

Can you tell which one didn't want to be in the photo?

Introducing the gorgeous Gaby in all her Co&Lu lovelyness. I've known Gaby for about 5 years now and she's from my hometown. How ridiculous is it that we're both living in Tokyo for a year (for diff reasons), at the same time XD

And finally, I shall leave you with a picture of yours truly ;D

I look like such a mess next to this lovely W♥C staff-chan - props to anyone who can link me to her blog. She was so cute and liked that we had the same t-shirt on. I also love that we both felt the leopard print vibe with our coordinates.

Shibuya 109 Press...

Just a quick update...

The new issue of the Shibuya 109 Press was released recently and I thought it brought up some interesting points with the staff-chans and upcoming Autumn trends.

Staff-chan questions

MA*RS Staff-chan

In the recent issue of the Shibuya 109 Press, a selection of 109 staff-chans were asked some interesting questions about nails, hair, eyelashes and their work life.

Do you paint your own nails?

Surprisingly 85% of the staff-chans said yes they do.

This is probably due to the current vivid and nude trend which has made fashionable yet easy nails more accessible this season. NAIL CRAFT in 109 are even offering simple nail courses for around £19 ($31), where you can learn tricks to achieving gal nails. I've not been to NAIL CRAFT but they have reasonable prices and their work looks good, if a little less eccentric than most nail salons.

Some simple but cute nails by NAIL CRAFT

Do you use fake eyelashes?

Not so surprisingly 95% of the staff-chan said yes, they do.

I am a recent convert to eyelashes, and now I can't get enough. They really are a Gal essential...so unless you have the most amazingly long and luscious lashes, please invest in some.

Brands currently favoured by 109 staff-chan include: MAC, CANMAKE, RMK, Dolly Wink and SBY - Yesstyle and Ichibankao carry some of the mentioned brands.

Dolly Wink; Dolly Sweet lashes

What is your current hair style?

Out of the 20 staff-chan interviewed the results looked like this:

• Long hair - 10 staff-chan; milk tea colour, curls, super long, two tone, thick hair with extensions and wigs are popular with this length.
• Medium - 4 staff-chan; Some Gals find this style easy to maintain - and I agree XD
• Bob cut - 4 staff-chan; bleached hair and wearing heavy wigs are big right now.
• Short & Very Short - 2 staff-chans; It can be done, just look at Emina. Gals with short hair are favouring blonde colouring right now.

Emina workin' the short-do

What is your next ideal hairstyle?

Once again some varied answers, but I love this because it shows that not every Gal MUST have long, blonde, curly hair.

• Long - thick fringes and side partings with a fringe are on the rise.
• Medium - layers, and lots of them - let's see some volume.
• Bob cut - light and bouncy.
• Very short - Red, with a side parting and a fringe.

I really loved some of the answers the staff-chan gave to working in 109 - 'I wanted to be able to stand in front of others...' - and the things that made them happy - 'when you see a customer really happy after buying clothes that suited them'.

I hope that the 109 press continues to do items like these for their English readers as well as Japanese. It's always great to see what the people behind the brands wear, and what they think will be trending soon.

Autumn Trends

I was going to write a little something about Autumn trends, but I think Mitsu has done such an amazing job with it that I wouldn't be able to compare ;D

Once I get to Tokyo and visit 109 again I'll probably make a post about Autumn trends and my likes/dislikes. But for now enjoy these latest posts by the gorgeous Mitsu:

1. A/W Gyaru Exhibition Collections, Part 1
2. A/W Gyaru Exhibition Collections, Part 2
3. Trendwatching: Leopard & JELLY Sept. issue

Sources; 1, 2, 3, 4

Quick update - Cocolulu....

COCOLULU Image Group

"Four members of the NICE GIRL! project are forming a new unit called COCOCREW.

The members consist of Ogawa Mana, Robin, Eri~na and Tokki.

They will be used as a image group for the clothing store 'COCOLULU'."

A special event will be held in-store on 8th May (3pm~) where you can meet the 'COCOCREW' and watch them perform a special live show. There will also be Ranzuki models in attendance and Cocolulu's new productions will be in-store as promoted by the Cocolulu Campaign Girls.

The song;

What do you think of a unit/an image group for stores?

Maybe more will follow in CO&LU's footsteps?!

Source; 1

Shibuya 109 news....

You guys asked for Shibuya 109 news, so here are some updates.

Glad News

After synchronising with Men's Glad News the popular Mickey Mouse collaboration items from January will now be up for another 3 months. You can get your hands on t-shirts, bags, innerwear and more.

There is also a sale scheduled for mid-February.

MA*RS

The new Spring/Summer '10 catalogue hit stores on February the 1st (check out some of the pieces in my post below, or on Mitsu's catalogue post). The new collection is gorgeous and it looks like it will be a big hit, so order your items online asap, before they're gone.

Vanquish

After undergoing a renewal, the new look Vanquish opened again on February 11th. In celebration of the renovations, there will be character collaboration t-shirts available.

Rodeo Crowns

February 19th sees a limited time set go on sale, nationwide. This includes a jacket and jeans, each available in 3 colours and will cost 15,750円

MISTUMARU HEAVEN and Earth

The store are showing off some new items for Spring. Riders Jacket 10,290円, Onepiece 6,195円, Leggings 3,675円 and studded booties 13,340円.

R&E

The shoe store has new Spring stock arriving soon - Suede pumps are popular, and boots are everywhere, in a whole lot of varieties.

I hope that was of some help to you all. I will try and update properly tomorrow...

Source; 1

Birthday presents...

As the picture and the title of this post would suggest, I thought I would bore you all and show you what I received for my Birthday...more specifically, from my boyfriend.

My birthday actually also happens to fall on the same day as our anniversary - and last Friday also happened to be our 1 year anniversary, haha. Therefore I was treated extra special.

I was taken out on Saturday, and told to pick out something for our anniversary. He had mentioned rings, because he knew I had wanted another one. I am a swarovski addict, from the crystals to the jewellery - I can't get enough!! So I ended up picking out this gorgeous little number to the left. It has a row of larger crystals on top and 2 rows of smaller crystals along the side. It also has hearts engraved on the inside - the perfect ring ;D

As for my birthday presents, well I was very lucky and he bought me those early, whilst we were in Tokyo.

I picked this dress out from the little known store 'Anthony's' hidden away on Shibuya 109's B2. It is grey and black striped, with stud detailing and is made from a Cashmere-esque material.

I personally love this store, albeit tiny and slightly cramped. They offer a variety of t-shirt's, dresses etc. and brand goods, such as Chanel and Gucci. Although they are probably best known for their selection of Pet wear & goods.

The store clerk was lovely and kept complimenting my Japanese. She was also really interested to find out where I was from, and laughed when I dragged my boyfriend in to pay for the dress. She seemed to understand what was going on ;D lol

The other item I picked out in Tokyo, were these gorgeous boots. I had seen Gal's dotted around Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku sporting these during our stay. To start with I wasn't really that interested in them, because the majority seemed a little too 'girly-girl' for me. But then I saw a girl wearing these with a Gilfy ensemble, and the rest is history. A lot of the cheaper stores had versions for around 3,000円 but they weren't great quality and didn't have the laces. I ended up in Harajuku's, La Foret (I missed you Sami, my shopping companion!! haha), and found the above pair in 「エフエー コレクション」 a cute shoe store on the 5F.

They offer a variety of shoes, and accessories. The store clerks were fashionable and very knowledgeable. I have had problems with Japanese shoes in the past, even though I'm only a tiny UK4, therefore I voiced my concerns to the store clerk but she was very helpful. And all for a reasonable 6,000円.

I won't be updating this weekend, as I am visiting my family back home - late Birthday presents yay~!! But I promise my next update will be a lot more Gal specific, and a lot less about myself haha.

What were they thinking?

「What were they thinking?」

I don't like to hate, but sometimes something in Gal comes along and makes me wonder - WHY?! Of course this happens in every fashion circle, but this blog is dedicated to Gal...so we'll just stick with that for now ;D

This time round the culprit is 'MITSUMARU'S HEAVEN and EARTH', which can be found on 109's 1st floor. A mixture of sexy and feminine, it boasts top sales. So why then did I find this on EGG's outlet store:


Yes, that is an upside down skirt. Ok, so it isn't particularly hideous but really...is that the best they could come up with? It's no wonder I found it on an outlet store - which can have some great items, but also the kind of stock that makes you think it's only there because it won't sell instore or on the official site.

Luckily I haven't seen this anywhere else, so it's unlikely it's a new trend. Here's hoping it's just last season's remnants.

Source; 1