Gaijin Gyaru Series; Alanna [Week 5]

Here is the fourth interview in the 'Gaijin Gyaru Series' - the gorgeous...

Name: Alanna

Location: England

1. First off, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about your fashion background and how you got into gal.

Thank you for including me in your series.

I’ve not got a particularly interesting fashion background. I dabbled in trendier styles when I entered high school and then went down the route of grunge/mosher clothing. Eventually I found Fruits magazine and then on to Kera which was a major influence to me when I was 16/17.

It was sometime in the summer of '07 that I got into gyaru. I found some himegyaru images online and from there it just grew and grew. Though I didn’t fully commit to the style until summer '08 and it was a difficult transition as I was in my comfort zone but I was never 100% happy with my style before...whereas now I am!

2. What are you favourite things about gal?

My favourite things about gal are definitely the hair and make up, which is what originally drew me into the style. I love the amount of detail and effort that goes into it.

3. Do you have any style preferences and is there anything you wouldn't try?

Now that I have narrowed down the styles I like, I’d say my preferences switch from rock, agejo, onee, shibuhara and more recently mode - I like elements of all of them.

Jelly has been a massive influence to me in the last year; I can easily imagine myself in the coordinates and the styles. It feels more age appropriate for me.

I don’t think I’d do mamba, the make up doesn’t appeal to me but I admire anyone who has the balls to do it.

4. Your make-up is always flawless, what are your favourite products and what resources do you use for tutorials?

Aww thank you, although I’m not a slave to particular make up brands, I do own and love a lot of MAC products. My fave products (I have too many) are:

• all my blushes including my MAC, Sleek and Topshop ones,
• my gel liner-MAC fluid line,
• YSL #7,
• Bourjois trio d’ombres-#41,
• Ben Nye eye shadows,
• MAC Stable eye shadow,
• Candydoll lipgloss,
• Mac painterly paint pot (by far one of my most used and loved products ~perfect for eye shadow bases and I use it for creating nude lips).

Saying that, I don’t think you need an entire collection of high end items to create stunning gal make up. I’ve seen some pretty fabulous make up done entirely with drugstore products.

As for resources, I’m forever researching tutorials and techniques but most of my techniques now are down to practice and adapting tutorials for my own needs. Magazine tutorials can be very good; though I can’t read Japanese so I just look at the pics. A lot of gaijin gyarus do tutorials too which can be valuable. On the flipside though you can get a fair amount of awful ones, it’s just a case of being selective.

5. You recently did a spam of models/gals and their coordinates. Whose look do you admire most and why?

That’s a difficult one; I find that I admire a lot of different gyarus - Japanese and Western. I really love Mipo’s style but she doesn’t blog anymore. The others I like and regularly check blogs of are Chinatsu, Suzu, Nori and Tae, Marimo, Maichi, Maya and more recently Ena Matsumoto. I‘ve got a long list of models and shop staffs blogs that I like looking at as well.

6. Your own personal coordinates are gorgeous. Which trends are you loving right now, and what do you hope to see next season?

Thank you, though its getting nearer autumn now, I’m still loving the floral and denim trends and mode is something I’m very interested in at the moment - I like the sophistication.

I’m looking forward to bowler hats coming in for autumn as I’ve wanted one since I was 14 (I’m baffled as to why I’ve not bought one since then) and I’m usually lucky for winter trends as rock items seem to be more prominent when the weather gets grim and cold :D

7. With the rise of styles aimed at a slightly older clientele (mode etc.) do you think gal has an expiry date? How long do you plan to carry on with it?

I think it does, but I also feel you’re only as old as you feel.

I always liked the phrase “mutton dressed as lamb” and keep it in mind for when I’m older.

Thankfully my own style preferences seem to be evolving into more mature styles anyways, so I think I’ve a while yet to be into gal.

While I do think it has an expiration date, to me I think it has a pretty big range of ages to begin with and elements of the younger styles can easily be merged into more mature styles. A lot of the models are shockingly alot younger than me but there are also a lot of models that are my age and older, so that gives me comfort.

8. You live in the UK, so do you have any hints or tips for other British gals?

Gal in the UK can be a little awkward but not impossible. In regards to fashion, you just have to pinpoint the items from trends you want and hunt them down. I’ve luckily (or unluckily) inherited from my aunt an intense desire to seek specific items. If I’m after a particular item, I search everywhere, ebay, google, high streets etc until I find it or something like it :O

Anyways I always found the best shops for picking up the trends from Japan were Zara and Berksha, slowly followed by the usual of River Island, New Look and Topshop/Miss Selfridges. Internationale occasionally has some good items as do Bik Bok on Oxford Street.

As for make up, well a lot of Japanese gals use make up from brands that are available here as well, like Revlon, Maybelline, Bourjois and higher end brands such as MAC, NARS, Bobbie Brown, YSL and Chanel.

As for the Japanese cosmetic companies of Canmake, Charcott and Candydoll amongst others, I can’t say I’ve found a place where I can physically buy them, so I buy them online at Ichibankao or Alphabeauty (on ebay).

9. Do you have any advice for newcomers who feel a little apprehensive about joining the style?

If you decided to join communities and post photos of your style, just be prepared for the outcome and take the con criticism onboard, and ignore the negative criticism as it serves no purpose.

10. Finally, as you know the aim of this series is to promote a better image of 'Gaijin Gyaru' by showing that it's not only the Japanese gals who can get it right. How are YOU representing Gaijin Gyaru?

ahh how do I represent gaijin gyaru :O

Eee this is a difficult one as I sometimes don’t feel very gal if I’m honest but I try and am always trying to be better.

I‘d say I represent it with my blog, although its not 100% gal because it includes my other interest as well. I try to update with news about gal make up items, gal photo spams and my own coordinates and make up photos.

Also whenever anyone in my tiny town compliments an aspect of my style I’ll mention gal to them and see if they seem interested.

I’d like to be more physically involved in gal events in the UK but money and time doesn’t permit it.

A note from bloomzy: Alanna is a good friend of mine, and without trying to be too bias she carries off Gal very well. Her make-up skills are amazing, and she really does the latest make-up trends perfectly. I also admire her for being able to carry off so many styles without losing her identity/looking any less gal.

Her posts are interesting and helpful - I especially enjoy her reviews and tutorials. Check Alanna out @ Viva Rilakkuma Time.

Gaijin Gyaru Series; Hana [Week 4]

Here is the fourth interview in the 'Gaijin Gyaru Series' - meet the always wonderful...

Name: Hana

Location: Tokyo

1. First off, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about your fashion background and how you got into gal.

I have been a lover of fashion since junior-high school. I used to watch runway shows instead of whatever kids my age then were watching. I used to have a lot of fun predicting trends. I got into gal style around the time I found out about the internet. Pure accident. I still remember the first two sites I ever found about Japanese fashion, trust me there were not many at all out there during that time. I was hooked from the moment I saw the huge socks, platforms and white lipstick. It is nice to see such a large resource on the internet now.

2. What are you favourite things about gal?

The over-indulgence of attempting to look and live your own ideal lifestyle. I like how gal is associated with a lifestyle, even if it isn`t always associated with a good one. I love that gals wear clothes the way they want, take trends and turn them on their head, and basically promote a fun, free, party life. I no longer have a party life (ha ha) but I still love how that is an image associated with gal (despite all the nastiness that goes with it!). So, instead of naming trends (which are always changing) or models (which decline in popularity) I will say I love the lifestyle that goes with the look. I love how people will deco everything, design their room to match their very own style, and transform their own look to model the life they want: the gyaru life. I love the extremes of gal style.

3. Do you have any style preferences and is there anything you wouldn't try?

I tend to like more rock-inspired looks or looks that I can mix and match easily with more classic looks in my wardrobe (mode is a nice trend for me). I wouldn`t try some of the styles geared toward younger gals, I am afraid I would just look silly as I am no longer 16 and while age doesn`t matter I feel that it would make me feel childish to wear certain styles like American-casual. I also have little love for anything Hime in my life. It can be nice to look at, but I am not partial to frills.

4. You are currently living in Tokyo with your fiance. What does he think of your interest in Gal?

He is amused by it more than anything. Sometimes, he will suggest I try a makeup look or look "gyaru" for a day when we go out. But then, we met at club ATOM which is kind of known for being a place where gals go so...he can`t say much about it. I have an interest in all types of styles, so my own style is more of a blend rather than all out gal.

5. As a fiance and a working girl, do you find that you have to tone down your gal style? If so, how do you do this?

I do, but mainly because my job is in a more business-oriented environment so I am expected to wear certain things. I keep my nails short and save fake nails for weekends or a night out. I also keep my makeup less eye-heavy and have a more natural look. If I plan to go out after work, I bring some fake eyelashes or eyeliner to put on in the bathroom (along with a change of clothes). For work, I follow a more body conscious style, such as skirts with a wide belt etc. It is professional, but it still looks good and follows current trends.

6. Your weekly wrapups of what's going on in Japan/fashion/gal related blogs is always great to read. But what makes you choose a post?

I choose posts that interest me, of course! Seriously, though, I like posts that can incite discussion or bring up a particular point that I haven`t thought about before. I also love posts with pictures of someone`s style. Pictures and someone talking about what gal means for them is a sure fire way to get your post on my weekly wrapup. Also, emailing me and informing me of your post is another way :) I try to pick things that I like but also that I think my readers will be interested in.

7. You also like to talk about cultural and social issues/phenomemons in Japan, on your blog. Keeping this in mind, how do you view gal?

I am not sure how to answer this question. I guess I have a pretty mixed view, simply because Sho (and other Japanese people I know) do not have a fondness for gal. I am sure that seems pretty surprising for some people to hear from me! However, mostly it is because I understand where the bad stereotypes come from because I see those types of ladies (ones who sell themselves to older men for money or goods etc.) in society and guess what style of clothes they are wearing? Exactly. This is not everyone and I have met Japanese gyaru who seem totally awesome and the shop staff have always -- always -- been wonderful to me. So I guess my opinion is people are people, no matter the style they wear.

8. You recently started a series of 'self-love' posts on your blog. Do you think there is a problem with this in the gal community?

I think our community (blogging) is very self-loving and I absolutely adore this community we are creating together! However, on anonymous forums or even on personal blogs, you can see people put down not only themselves but others and I find that so sad and discouraging. The world already sends so many messages of unrealistic beauty ideals and gal magazines do too (hello, massive amounts of photoshop, models who have had plastic surgery done) -- I have no real problem with this choice but for those who don`t realize work has been done it can create another unrealistic ideal -- and with the constant image of dieting and messages that these magazines promote so that you can become a skinner, better you, I want to try to encourage people to love themselves as much as possible. You can be beautiful and never realize it, simply because all you see are flaws. I want to change that around, so I try to make a weekly post that shows people how to not only love their outside, but also their personality, skills, and what they have contributed to in their life. The most beautiful women are always the most confident women, no matter your size, style, or appearance.

9. Do you have any advice for newcomers who feel a little apprehensive about joining the style?

Don`t be afraid to jump right in! Make mistakes, find out what your style is, keep a notebook with pages torn out of your favorite magazines or a tumblr full of images you love, rock a look for a night -- honestly, just have fun. After all, I showed up when I was in school, in America, in a short skirt with baggy leg-warmers and outrageous 90s-styled makeup for a day and while there might have been comments no one dared to make fun of me to my face (and even if they did, I would have ignored them or asked what their problem was)! As long as you don`t care what other people think, their comments will mean nothing. There is absolutely nothing to be apprehensive about, this style is supposed to be fun!

10. Finally, as you know the aim of this series is to promote a better image of 'Gaijin Gyaru' by showing that it's not only the Japanese gals who can get it right. How are YOU representing Gaijin Gyaru?

What a loaded question! I think the only reason people think Japanese ladies can do it right is simply because the style originated here! As for how I represent gaijin gyaru, well, I keep a blog that hopefully inspires a lot of people and also links to a lot of other wonderful gaijin gals. In this way, I try to connect people with other bloggers so no one feels alone in this style -- it is so much more fun to gossip about makeup and photoshoots and trends with each other, after all. Also, I hope I try to think outside of the box in my own style. A lot of ladies in Japan (especially the Japanese ladies -- I am looking at you!) take magazine copying to the extreme. So definitely, I try to develop a personal style that can still relate to the basics of gyaru and I try to bring that across in my blog.

This is why I love gaijin gyaru, they definitely have a lot of great personal style going on and I think, as a whole, we could develop our own trends instead of just following what is happening in Japan. Does that sound lofty? Maybe it is because I live here, but I think a lot of gaijin gals are so incredibly creative and they have to find their own way of doing the style simply because they don`t have everything available to them like people in Japan do (nor do they have shop staff making coordinates for them in-store!). I suppose, in that way, I am a bit jealous of other gaijin gals...I have it easy, after all! So, I hope I represent gaijin gals by encouraging them and repeatedly telling them how awesome they are--because really, ladies (& gents) you are awesome!

A note from bloomzy: Hana is, like myself, relatively new to the blogging community. However that doesn't mean she lacks talent. Her posts are always packed full of interesting topics, personal opinions and amazing photographs taken by the lovely lady herself. I enjoy her gal related topics (of course) but the fact that she also posts about her life in Tokyo really adds a personal touch to her blog....and her style is super cute ;D

Keep up with the busy Tokyoite herself @ Finding Tokyo.

Gaijin Gyaru Series; Ash (Hedonists) [Week 3]

Here is the third interview in the 'Gaijin Gyaru Series' - meet the fabulous...

1. First off, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about your fashion background and how you got into gal.

I've been all over the place in terms of fashion. In middle school I went through a phase where I had NO fashion sense at all. I actually used to steal my brother's clothes and change out of my "girl clothes" before school. I had about a billion "alternative" phases after that. As I started leaning further away from "alternative" I got a bit girlier, and even leaned on the hipster side clothing wise.

As many people already know, I have family here in Japan. From a young age on I'd always annually visited. In my visits to Japan I never really cared about fashion till about age 17, 18 as everyone lives in Chiba… for those of you who don't know Japan well, that's like living in New Jersey suburbs instead of NYC. Meaning I wasn't really exposed to fashion in Japan much anyway. Around 17, 18 I started venturing into Tokyo by train with cousins… that's where I had my first run ins with Shibuya, gals, an SERIOUS FASHION as a whole. It was love at first sight.

I didn't really seriously pursue it, however, till I realized a friend of mine in the US were into it too. Though she and I don't really talk anymore, I really consider her my motivator.

2. What are you favourite things about gal?

The confidence it brings, the fact that its ultimately girls dressing for the admiration of other girls rather than dressing for guys, and the immaculate detail required for even the most haphazard of coordinates.

3. Do you have any style preferences and is there anything you wouldn't try?

I could never see myself as manba. Seeing as that style is more or less dying here in Tokyo, it's not saying much.

That and I really can't see myself in either him or mori gal styles. They're just too frilly for me, and there's not many ways to tone them down in that way. I'm very feminine, but I like an emasculate and rough touch. Hence my love of skulls, crosses, chains, etc. Note that I generally carry a man's bag and have a lot of men's accessories.

4. In your pictures you always have flawless hair, but how do you stay on trend with it? And do you have any hints or tips for those wanting to carry off something similar?

It's safe to call me hair obsessed. Teasing, curling, straightening, setting. I own more product than anyone should. I certainly wouldn't call it flawless though. On a good day, I'm at best 80% satisfied with my hair.

In terms of being on trend, I watch magazines (both men's and women's oddly enough) as well as people I see on the streets, and take what I like and apply it to myself. Hair is a very personal thing as it really needs to flatter YOUR face shape and YOUR overall style. There're many styles I love that simply look ridiculous on me and as such I never wear them or I've only worn them once.

Hints/tips… Hmm… One: definitely have a very layered cut-- no matter how long or short your hair is. Layers help give thin hair more volume and help give thick hair more playability. Two: Don't be afraid to play. Watch tutorials, mess around. Days you have no plans are awesome for this-- you stay entertained and you learn a new style. Three: Invest in a GOOD tail comb for teasing. I'm talking like the ones you see at salons. Those cheap plastic ones tend to break too easy and they also tend to tease your hair in a more messy/visible way as the teeth are a bit further apart.

5. You always have the perfect mix of casual and sexy in your coordinates, but who and what do you look to for inspiration?

In terms of WHO, I really love Sakurina, Kanako, Hiromin, Lie… the list goes on and on really. I'd say I relate most to Sakurina as she, like me, likes to add edge to girly styles. Kanako and Hiromin I love for them being themselves in such a girly and feminine style. Even while their personal styles tend to be a little TOO tomboyish for my own taste. Lie aka Kei… She's just ridiculously sexy. I buy EDGE's just for her really. She was my favorite NUTS model.

I also look at gals I see on the street a lot for ideas… and even let my eyes wander to OTHER style subcultures.

6. You currently live in Tokyo and are often socializing with gyaru-o and hosts. Do they relate to you as a gal and how do you get on with them?

First let me say, to put nicely most gyaru-o and hosts are none too bright. I've met a lot of nice guys and I've met a lot of assholes-- but nearly all of them are relatively empty headed. It's kind of unfortunate. It's as if to be cute and fashionable means your brain has to disappear.

I get approached pretty easily as being mixed people take the chance I understand Japanese more often-- even though half go both ways. About 50% speak and about 50% don't. Guess that 50/50 shot is good enough odds as generally the fear a foreigner won't understand them is pretty much the number one thing that stops guys from hitting on foreign girls here.

About half the guys who talk to me would drop any interest in me in a second if they were to meet a "cute tall nosed blonde" who speaks Japanese. I've seen it happen as one of my best friends is a cute German girl with quite the proficiency in the language, hahaha. Of course, there're guys who will approach despite not speaking English and despite knowing the girl likely won't understand, but yeah… many don't for fear of communication failure.

One thing I hate though is because of the lifestyle of ViVi model Marie, a lot of these guys assume mixed girls are easy so I've had to teach a few idiots a lesson here and there. In general though, most of my friends are male and I relate pretty well to the GOOD guys I've met of the host and gyaru-o variety.

7. It's always interesting to know how Japanese gals relate to Gaijin Gyaru, however have you found they relate to you differently - being part-Japanese?

I don't know how differently… Though I've actually found some girls to be a little more cautious of me from time to time, then they would if they liked the style of a "real foreigner"… though at the same time I've had girls I've never met before run up to me in the club and ask if I speak English and if I can translate for them cause they really wanna shag some foreign guy they met, ahahaha. I'd say it really depends on the girl.

One obstacle I've had is there're a lot of stereotypes here that all mixed Japanese and Caucasian people are what we call here "motteru hito". Basically an expression meaning they're good looking, fashionable and/or people want to date them. While I don't apply to many of these factors in my personal opinion, I think it makes some girls afraid I might be a bit of a bitch.

8. Recently more and more Western gals are complaining about negativity in the community. As someone who has been on the receieving end of this, how do you deal?

I have to be honest, the crueler the secrets got, the more entertained I was. Call me a masochist but I enjoyed most of my hate hahaha. I don't generally get much negative attention online, so it was almost a relief to get some flack, even if it was malicious. To those not like myself who take these things to heart I just have to say-- keep your head up. The secrets are anonymous for a reason. These are generally people who lack the cajones to say these things to your face. Anyone who can't stand behind their words isn't worth your concern.

9. Do you have any advice for newcomers who feel a little apprehensive about joining the style?

Absolutely go for it. Everyone has the potential to make a great gal provided they tap into it. Just remember to take advice and to constantly work at it. While one or two people are fortunate to look gal or close to gal on their first try, most work hard to get to the point where they're undeniably IT.

10. Finally, as you know the aim of this series is to promote a better image of 'Gaijin Gyaru' by showing that it's not only the Japanese gals who can get it right. How are YOU representing Gaijin Gyaru?

I think that by even being here, being involved in gear and gyaru-o social circles I'm contributing to a degree. But I'm not the only one here doing that… There're a few great gals from other countries out here. I wish I was doing something better for us than just being gal 24/7 and partying with/hanging out with gals and gal-o's but at the moment it's all I got. However, I was recently scouted by a modeling agency so I suppose of I get to model as a gal I guess that'd be a real way to really represent those of us with a Western background in the gal scene. My agency's pretty tiny though so I don't know. If I get work at all I may have very little say in the style genre.

A note from bloomzy: I love Ash because she has such a strong-willed, honest attitude. She always looks great and her coordinates are to die for. She doesn't give out advice often but when she does it's very valuable, so hold onto it ;D

If you're a friend of Ash (hedonists) on livejournal then you can enjoy her frequent and interesting posts on her life in Tokyo - she offers an in-depth view of the Gal culture, and often posts photo's and purikura.

You can also find her on ricoche and see posts by Ash on livejournal in the gyaru communities. Keep an eye out for her coordinates @ everyday_gyaru.

Gaijin Gyaru Series; Lucie-Liu [Week 2]

Here is the second interview in the 'Gaijin Gyaru Series' - say 'hello' to...

Name: Lucie-Liu

Age: 22

Location: Northumberland, UK

1. First off, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about your fashion background and how you got into gal.

You're more than welcome! I'm flattered to have been asked to take part!

My fashion background isn't terribly good; I never had much of an interest in following trends when I was younger...I started getting more into it once I went to uni and wasn't stuck in a school uniform all week and a work one all weekend. I was a bit alternative and gothy/emo for a while but I wasn't very good at that either! I started getting a lot more girly when I was in my final year and it was around then that I started to get into parapara which lead me towards Gal!

I joined Hibiscgyaru as a first generation member and through the more experienced and knowledgeable girls I learnt more about Gal and how to style myself better...I also got a lot more interested in clothes, and following trends.

2. What are you favourite things about gal?

My favourite thing about Gal is probably the way I feel when I've taken the time to make sure my make-up and hair is good. It's true that knowing you look put together and good makes you feel better about yourself and I know I feel awesome when I've spent an hour and a half doing my hair and make-up before I've even got my clothes on.

Other than that, I'd have to say I love how dedicated each style is; if you're into the pale denim, floral, cowboy type trend that is currently around then there are shops like Liz Lisa which have clothing just for that style; if you want to look ultra-sexy there is MA*RS which is packed out with brilliantly sexy clothing...it's dedication to a trend or a specific look which you don't see in the Western world. When a trend emerges here, shops tend to carry carbon copies of the same pieces of clothing but in Japan the shops make the trends their own and each has an individual look and each store has fiercely loyal customers who subscribe to this look to represent themselves.

3. Do you have any style preferences and is there anything you wouldn't try?

I have to say, I do love a range of styles but I find that some just don't fit with the way I look. I really love the cowgirl trend that I have already mentioned but with the 5 tattoos I have on my legs alone, I don't feel I can really pull this look off.

I absolutely love Gilfy, Backs, and Glad News. I feel like the slightly edgier, rockier look of these brands suits my image and my personality, although I also like Cecil McBee for more 'grown-up' clothing, and Co&Lu when I want to be less dressed up and more playful and bright in my clothing. I also love MA*RS for the sex appeal its clothing pretty much oozes.

I think I would steer clear of the cuter, pastel type outfits seen a lot in Popteen because although I enjoy the clothing, I don't think it's for me. I also probably wouldn't try wearing Liz Lisa, or more hime type clothing.

Lucie-Liu workin' some of her Co&Lu

4. You live in the UK, so how do you keep up with the latest gal trends?

I am a religious saver of any Gal photos I see online; the ohyeahgyaru tumblr is brilliant for this, and any photos can be used as inspiration for hair, make-up or outfits! I follow several Gal blogs including the awesome Universal Doll which offers excellent breakdowns of the latest trends and a huge database of information, links and tips! I try to buy Ranzuki and Ageha when I can from the Japan Centre in London and I have a back catalogue of Popteen that I refer to for hair and make-up ideas also. I, personally, have found that posting on message boards can be very counterproductive as there ends up with so many conflicting views on how something should be done, or if it is indeed a Gal look.

When I have been to Japan I take a note of what is popular in the stores and I will either pick up something that is right on trend for the moment or basics that will outlast the trends!

5. Are there any British stores that you would recommend for the gals who can't afford to go to Japan or use a shopping service?

I love River Island, and recently H&M has been producing some items that can be worked into an outfit and made Gal. I find it useful to make a note of specific items I want to create a look and then browsing several different shops until I find as close to what I want as I can!

6. Your make-up is always gorgeous. Do you always use the same routine, or do you like to try out different trends?

Thank you! Most days I use the same routine to be honest...I like saving trying out new things for when I'm either going out or when I don't have to catch a train as I find it very time-consuming!! It's the same with hair; if I'm trying out something new I'll wait til I have the time to spend on it rather than rushing it to get somewhere on time!

7. How did you find 109 and the gal scene in general when you first visited Tokyo?

The first time I visited 109 and Tokyo, I wasn't sure what to expect...Because I was there while the January sale was on, I experience the mania that is 109 at its height! I felt a little intimidated by 109 and the huge amount of fashion it has to offer because I hadn't yet figured out my own personal style, and I hadn't found the confidence to work the style into everyday British life.

When I returned earlier this year I found shopping to be a much more enjoyable experience as I knew what the trends were and I knew the shops that I preferred and what I wanted from them. I found all the staff to be absolutely lovely (apart from one incident in SBY >.<) and practically falling over themselves to help me and make sure I got things that looked good! I'm still not entirely used to how unbelievably busy the most popular shops are (oh my goodness W*C...) but I think that Western clothes shops could learn a LOT from the way the shops are run in 109!!

Lucie-Liu's nails from Donki - I need to steal these ;D

8. You were previously in a UK Gal Circle and are part of the Western gal blogging community. Do you find it easier to 'do' gal when have the support of others who follow the trend?

I find 'doing' Gal a lot easier when I have people who are familiar with it to give me advice and help on it. I talk about the trends to my friends who aren't into it and they are interested but not for long and it's obviously preferable to get advice and information from those who know what you are talking about!!! It's also helpful as people are able to provide links, tips and the meet-ups are always so much fun to go to! If I didn't have contact with people who were interested in Gal, or had negative opinions of it, I don't think I would be wearing the clothes, or investing as much in this style as I do.

On the flip side of this though, the communities like Gal Secrets are so negative that I can understand why people might feel apprehensive of sharing their interest with others. I prefer to stick to my blog than join with the communities on LiveJournal, or Ricoche, purely because I know that the people who comment on my blog are not keyboard warriors trying to start drama for drama's sakes; I get decent concrit and positive feedback!!

9. Do you have any advice for newcomers who feel a little apprehensive about joining the style?

Although it seems intimidating and like an enormous task to overhaul your personal image so that your hair, make-up and style reflect the Gal style, the reward of taking care of yourself and dressing well, and the compliments you receive as a result are worth it!! Don't take every negative criticism to heart; if it's concrit then listen and try and use it to your advantage to improve...if it's just straight criticism and nasty then ignore it. No-one should give up something because someone else thinks something nasty; brush it off and just keep doing your research and talking to the people who are willing to tell you how to improve, not just that you need it! No-one looks perfect from the start, and not 100% of the time either!

10. Finally, as you know the aim of this series is to promote a better image of 'Gaijin Gyaru' by showing that it's not only the Japanese gals who can get it right. How are YOU representing Gaijin Gyaru?

Wow! I think this is really hard to answer without sounding really egotistical, and there will be people who read this who will be saying 'But she doesn't look Gal' at their computer screens but I'll give it my best!!

I think I represent Gaijin Gyaru because I am someone who has to really try in order to make the look work. I've experimented with various styles and I'm finding my niche at last!! Since beginning to develop my Gal style I have improved so much in various areas of my life; I am better at make-up and hair, as well as better dressed (most of the time!). I take better care of myself than ever and my health has improved as I try harder to keep in shape.

I always do my best to make sure I look my best, and I put a lot of thought into my clothes and appearance and as a result, my confidence has improved which is an enormous part in pulling off the Gal look! I am always willing to try a new style or technique and to show people the results weather they are good or bad!

I might not get it right all the time but I'm constantly taking advice and researching through the internet and the magazines for new looks, ideas I could try out using my own wardrobe or British shops, and I'm constantly trying to improve myself. I think that this determined attitude demonstrates my determination to be a good Gaijin Gyaru, and hopefully I will continue to improve and become better at this!! Thank you for interviewing me!!

A note from bloomzy: I have been lucky enough to personally meet Lucie-Liu and she is even more gorgeous than in her pictures. She's a very genuine and kind person who I can tell gives 100% to gal. Her blog focuses on gal, tips and advice, and her own personal life. I love her personal style, especially her adoration of Gilfy and Cocolulu - and she totally does the brands justice with her coordinates. You can check out her coodinates and more @ No-One Sleep in Tokyo