GETS!☆

I must admit I've been on a bit of a spending spree since returning to uni

Don't worry though, I haven't been throwing my student loan away. I was waiting on some money to come through and it finally did so this week. 

So what did I waste it on?

The iPhone 4, of course!!

I was planning on waiting until the iPhone 5 came out and buying one of those but more and more sources have been saying that it will be a different design to the 4 - which was the big selling point for me - so I decided to buy this

Of course I needed a case for it as well. I had seen a few nice ones but I'm a bit odd and I really wanted one that fitted my style and personality

This Kate Spade one is perfect!! I knew I had to have it as soon as I saw it and luckily for those of us outside of the US you can purchase them on the apple store.

Now onto the clothes mwhahaha

Star prints (and polka dots) are big this season in the Western fashion world, and I'm sure it will transition over into gal soon. Don't forget; polka dots have continued to be popular this season in gal already!

Either way I don't care because I love the print on this dress, and the red belt just makes it pop!! I will hopefully be pulling this out for a twin code with the gorgeous Tori sometime soon, so keep an eye out.

Pleats are another trend that are popular with both gal and Western designers this season. I don't own many 'orange' items so I wanted to take a chance and add this skirt to my wardrobe. So far I'm not regretting it, because it's just so girly & comfortable. 

Topshop didn't let me down either as I managed to grab this tshirt whilst browsing for some leather shorts. I had wanted one in this style for a while, and whilst I do love it it's VERY big for a size small...more like a dress haha

Last but certainly not least, these gorgeous wedge boots! They look wonderful on and pair well with lots of codes. Not only that but they are so so comfortable!

Bad pic of the top & shoes

Trend Alert: Wavy Hair

You may have noticed it in your favourite magazine/on your favourite model; wavy hair is big right now. Think along the lines of surfer/boho chic, come blogger style meets the 90's crimp-craze and you got it!

Edge Style

But don't be mistaken in thinking that it's limited to particular styles. Gal Models from Popteen to Happie Nuts are workin' the wavy look. It may have started off slow, but Gal power-figures such as Momoko Ogihara & Romihi have shown that it certainly has staying power. 

Romihi

Aina

How can you recreate it? When I tried out loose waves, I used only a hair iron which can actually be incredibly effective. You can also create a similar effect with a curling iron of course, but be careful not to tread into curl territory and keep it wavy. Plaiting/Putting your hair in buns overnight is also a possibility. 

Murua will soon be offering a special in-store novelty (see above picture) for their customers when they spend over 21,000円 (around £150); 3 barrelled iron - the kind that Momoko uses on her gorgeous locks, and has also been featured in various Gal mags. 

Jelly

Popteen

Ageha

Popteen have also gone wave crazy, and included some great tutorials on how to re-create the perfect wave look for all different kinds of gal, in this months issue.

Will it last into A/W? I'm not sure. Personally I thought this would have died by now, as Autumn drew closer, but it seems to only be getting stronger. Of course as the colder weather hits, curls will be more do-able and maybe this kind of wavy hair is at its peak and will fade away soon, but for now and until I hear otherwise I'll certainly be enjoying it

Trend Alert: Mix those Colours!!

Magazines such as Edge Style, Jelly, Blenda and Happie Nuts have been going crazy over mixing colours lately. A trend which has been popular with Western designer brands this year too - check out Tori's post

So what are the basics and how can you get the look

Obviously this is better suited to a more Otona look and is popular in Mode styles, but I really think that anyone can work this kind of look into their wardrobe

The trick to achieving the look is to mix bold, block colours such as; yellow x pink, blue x red, purple x orange etc. etc. And it's not just tops and bottoms that count - bold coloured shoes, handbags and accessories also make a statement

Mixing black/white with bold colours is also prominent in a lot of magazines right now. Patterned items (florals, stripes, polka dot) in bold colours is also big, especially when paired with black top or bottom layers This leans it more towards a mode look than high-fashion

JELLY's 'white top, coloured bottom' feature

Happie Nuts & Blenda

The possibilities are endless, just go with the flow and pair whatever you think looks best. My favourite combo right now is turqouise x pink

JELLY'S HOT PICKS!

This month's issue of JELLY featured the current items their style team and readers are trying to get their hands on. Fancy a peek?

Click pictures to enlarge!

1, 2, 3

What? 

1. Chiffon Tunics
2. Border Tops
3. Crochet Tops

Where?

1. Laguna Moon, Duras, LOVE BOAT
2. Barak, Cecil McBee, Titty&Co
3. Cecil McBee, BACKS, Lip Service

Which Trends?

1. French Mix, Casual
2. Retro Marine, Resort Casual
3. Ethnic, Blogger

 4, 5, 6

What? 

1. American Flag Print Tops
2. Lace Tops
3. Loose Knits

Where?

1. Barak, muse muse by Royal Party, Gimlet
2. Laguna Moon, Duras, Dazzlin
3. LOVE BOAT, BACKS, Dazzlin

Which Trends?

1. American Casual, Rock
2. Mexican Mix, Mode
3. Simple Casual, Vintage

Cropped Tops  

Something which is popular every Summer, with all trends. JELLY show how to coordinate it with a simple black maxi, but the options are endless.

Cinched waist tops & dresses

A cute coordinate for most casual Summer looks. JELLY suggest mini-rompers but you'll find plenty of dresses and tops in most stores sporting the same look.

- Mitsu mentions the crochet trend in one of her latest posts.

- Hana of Hanalovely tells us about Barak and her reasons for loving the brand.

Get the 'Retro' look!!

Everyone knows 'Retro Girly' is one of the biggest trends in Gal this Spring/Summer...

So how do you get the look? For those who don't have access to gal brands or are thinking of trying out this kind of style for the first time (it's not just for girly-girls or people in their teens!), it might seem difficult. Therefore I thought I would compile a list of the key items for this trend [image heavy]

• Blouses - Airy, lace, chiffon, frills and pale colours.

Dazzlin' & Rojita

• High Waist Bottoms - tuck in tops/blouses

Ank Rouge

• Small Polka Dots

Min Plume & Titty&Co

• Apron & Denim Onepieces

Rojita & Dazzlin'

• Collared Tops - onepieces & tops (cardigans too), plain and lace, with ribbons and accents

Miel Crishunant & Pinky Girls

• Red Gingham Check - think pin-up girl style

Ank Rouge & BACKS

• Flower Print - bright florals, great for an 'otona' retro look

Spiral Girl & Cecil McBee

• Scarves - neck, head or on bags

Rose Fan Fan & Duras

• Ribbon/thin belts - red being very popular
• Small Socks - think; lace, frills, floral and ribbons, wear with pumps or boots

Pinky Girls & tutuanna

• 'Vintage' style accessories & shoes - vintage-looking, brown & camel (colours) are big

MILSQUR, Liz Lisa & R&E

• Marine styles can also be worked in, but be careful not to go ott.
• Bell bottom jeans are also great for the 'retro' trend, although they tend to suit a more 'adult' style - but they can still work!
• The Gal brands really representing 'retro girly' right now?! Liz Lisa, Rojita, Dazzlin', Ank Rouge, Minir Dees, Titty & Co and Pinky Girls.

Source; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11