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11 Mart 2016 Cuma

larme kei

Mart 11, 2016 0
larme kei




What is Larme Kei?

Larme-kei is named after the style of clothing and makeup popularized by the bi-monthly magazine Larme.Meaning "tears" in French, Larme or Larme-kei is look that is sweet, sophisticated and little bit girly. 




What makes Larme Kei?

Soft pastels colors, and typically red, black or gray.

No harsh or hard-type fabrics. Lace and chiffon are staple fabrics.

 Lace designs, fluff, ruffles and other features make up the small but meaningful details in Larme kei.



Makeup is soft and feminine. Dewy eyes resembling tears and blush under the eyes are popular.

Hair styles vary, but are still feminine. These styles often include twists, curls, braids, buns, or pigtails.

Gingham and strawberry or cherry motifs are common.




Brands: 




fyeahlarmekei, a helpful resource



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26 Şubat 2016 Cuma

The age of Ahoges?

Şubat 26, 2016 0
The age of Ahoges?

Recently "Ahoge"'s have been popping up in Japanese fashion snaps. 

What is an Ahoge?

They are an visual trait usually seen in manga and anime where a small strand of the hair is separated.
The aim is to bring 2D Moe into the real world.

What is moe?

Moe is an Japanese slang word which is often used to refer to anime characters. Moe refers to feelings of affection towards something cute.

Colomoooo, from the Candye Syrup store in Shimokitazawa  is the chairman of the Ahoge Kyoukai. Click here to go to her twitter.

Ahoge kyoukai
The Ahoge association (Kyoukai) is a small club for people who style their hair with an ahoge.It doesn't matter your gender or nationality and you just send an  image of you with an ahoge and send it to the link above.

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7 Ocak 2016 Perşembe

Kawaii-B All About: Randoseru

Ocak 07, 2016 0
Kawaii-B All About: Randoseru


randoseru (ランドセル) is a hard Japanese backpack made from leather, or leather-like material, most commonly used by primary school children in Japan. Traditionally, a randoseru is given to a child when they start their first year at school. 


Quality randoseru on sale in a Japanese store
The word derives from the Dutch "ransel" meaning "backpack".The use of the "randoseru" began in the Edo era, along with a wave of western reforms in the Japanese military, the Netherlands-style rucksack called "ransel" was introduced as a new way for the foot soldiers to carry their baggage. The shape much resembled the "randoseru" bags used today. In 1885, the Japanese government, proposed the use of a backpack as the new ideal for Japanese elementary school students. Ever since, the bags have evolved into an important part of Japanese culture, and fashion wear.


Japanese first year school children are blessed, along with their bags, at a Shinto shrine

Traditionally, randoseru are red in colour, but many styles and colours are now available both in Japan, and online all across the world. Although it is rare to see adults using them in Japan (because they are so strongly associated with childhood) , fashion bloggers and lolita models have been photographed wearing them, combining the sleek, colourful look as a part of their outfit.


Image from Elizabunni, wearing a pink randoseru
Because of their attractive, sturdy yet super practical design, even celebrities have been spotted wearing them. Below, an image of the actress Zooey Dashenal with a classic red randoseru. This photo even made it into the Japanese media, because it was so odd to the Japanese, that these bags would be worn as a fashion item when usually they are a once bought, expensive (usually between £150 and £500) schooling necessity, almost like a briefcase.



The range of these bags now available is as varied as they are pricey, however in the UK you can get your hands on one today on Ebay or Amazon from around £50 (remember those sneaky import feeds though). 

What do you think about these stylish school bags? Leave us a comment below.




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4 Aralık 2015 Cuma

Inside the world of "Kawaii metal"

Aralık 04, 2015 0
Inside the world of "Kawaii metal"

What is Kawaii Metal?

Kawaii metal is a new type of Japanese music genre that is the fusion of Jpop (Japanese pop idols) with heavy metal.  While many metalheads have complained that mixing heavy metal with pop makes it not metal, this genre of music is slowly getting more popular , with many bands trying this idea. 

Honorable Kawaii metal bands: 


Baby Metal
Baby metal would have to be one of the first groups under the Kawaii metal genre. Active since 2010, the three members consisting of Su-Metal (Suzuka Nakamoto) who's in charge of voicals and Yuimetal (Yui Mizuno) and Moametal (Moa Kikuchi) , who are both in charge of the cute Jpop dancing and the scream, along with the accompanying band.

 Since 2013 they have visited a variety of events including heavy metal festivals and Hyper Japan in London. The group takes one the theme of a fox god which is represented through their signature fox head hand gesture.


Offical Website . On  April 2nd 2016 , They will be performing in London once again.
To Buy tickets Online, click  here .






Lady baby
A new group That HAS a high Popularity. The group Consists of three members. Teenaged Rie Kaneko and Rei Kuromiya Are in charge of the cute, pop side of Lady baby. " Ladybeard "IS in charge of the metal side of the Songs. He is one of the reasons why Lady Baby are getting more famous since he is an unique cross dresser from Australia.



Band-maid
Band maid were formed in 2013 with their first mini album "Maid in Japan" and are still currently active. The name of the group comes from the fact that their uniforms consist of maid uniforms. The members consist of Miku (Guitar and vocals), Saiki (Vocals), Kanami (Guitar), Akane (Drums) and Misa ( on Base)
Official youtube. Official website



Passcode
Passcode debuted in 2013. The members consists of  Yuna Imada (twitter), Kaede Takashima (twitter),  Yuri Kurohara and Nao Minami (twitter) The members acting in their music videos makes Passcode stand out.





Pikarin
Hikari Shiina or "Pikarin" is an Otaku (anime fan) who cosplays as well as models for varies fashion magazines including Kera and Popteen. In 2015 she started to shine on the Kawaii metal scene.


Official website.

That was it for our short guide into the world of Kawaii metal. Are you a fan? Comment below.


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2 Kasım 2015 Pazartesi

A Guide To Taobao

Kasım 02, 2015 0
A Guide To Taobao

What is Taobao? 

 Taobao is a large Chinese shopping website, similar to eBay featuring thousands and thousands of individual stores supplying a wide range of products including anime merchandise and Japanese street fashion. 


To buy from Taobao you will need a shopping service (SS) since Taobao only delivers within China. A few reliable and popular Shoping services used are: Taobaospree and Taobaonow, however there are many more options to choose from if you look around. 

To Alice

The currency used is Yuan (¥) The prices of the products tend to be low but remember you have to include shopping service fees and shipping fee's on-top. Also keep in mind, you might get charged customs if your order is over a certain amount.


Some products will have weird prices such as "999" or "9999", this is a way to say that the product is sold out or not yet available. 

Sizes: Most stores carry one sized clothes, sometimes S/M/L, but  measurements can vary a lot. Some helpful word you might see as part of measurements:


腰围 /中腰 : waist                                          
臀围 : hips                                                     
胸围 : bust                                                     
肩宽 : shoulder to shoulder length              
袖围 : sleeve cuff circumference
袖長 : sleeve length
衣长 : general length of item


It's also possible to view an item on either Buychina or Yoybuy where you copy and paste the taobao url into the url bar on the website. 


Taobao stores have feedback scores that start with hearts (The lowest) and go up to gold crowns (The highest).

At the top of every Taobao page will be an orange search bar where you can type in what you want to find and look through the "Babys" (AKA products) 






To Alice

Here's a quick guide through a few popular kawaii themed stores:

Gyaru
Luckynail Studio- Gyaru nails. There's also nails that can be good with Lolita and Fairy Kei. 
Bobon21- A Popular Hime styled brand. Perfect for the summer as well as selling coats. Clothing and accessories.
Enew- Cute wigs
Doudousz- Shoes
Maijiwigs- Casual wigs
Candy Rain- Similar style to Liz Lisa. Otome style. Clothes, shoes, outerwear and accessories.
Ayra- Onee-gyaru style
521feizhuliu- That brand you've seen allover Storenvy. 
Maykii- Hime Kaji and korean fashion styled 

Lolita:
An*tai*na- A popular shoe brand
Chess story- Sweet prints as well as a few casual Lolita items
Classical puppets- Classical lolita. They all so supply petticoats.
Dear Celine- Classical Lolita
Secret shop- Shoes and socks
Infanta- Classical and sweet clothing.
Ichigo15- Lolita punk and goth clothing

Others:

Tomybear "To Alice"- A personal favorite.
Binbinhly - Casual cute and Fairy Kei. 
Cream made- Fairy Kei,Spank,Mahou kei. 
Dearli- Mori, Cult and Dolly Kei. 
Forest girl- Otome and Mori Kei. 




Have you ever bought from Taobao? If so, how was your experience? We'd love to hear about it!


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25 Ekim 2015 Pazar

Taxes and Customs on Orders From Abroad - A Simple Guide

Ekim 25, 2015 0
Taxes and Customs on Orders From Abroad - A Simple Guide


We all love placing orders of clothes, shoes and general kawaii goodies from abroad. You can buy things that aren't available in the UK and often save money. Sometimes though, if you don't know the information, you can get hit with unwanted charges.

Tax/VAT (Value added tax): You pay because you are importing items into your country, and in many countries you have to pay tax on none-essential items. In the UK this rate is 20%

Duty/Customs Charges: A charge applied for the handling/sorting/paperwork that has to be done on more expensive orders and items

If your post is coming from within the EU, you will not have to pay any VAT/Tax or Customs charges.


From outside the EU, or from EU special territories you will have to pay 20% VAT/Tax on anything you order that is:


  • A gift worth more than £36 
  • Anything else worth more than £15


    This VAT/tax is worked out based on the value of your order as a whole. 

    Example: If your items cost you £10, and the shopping costs you £6, then that is a total value of £16 meaning if it's coming from outside the EU, you will have to pay VAT/Tax on that order. So in total it will cost you:

    £10 for the items
    +
    £6 for your shipping
    +
    20% of £16 added on as VAT/tax (£3.20)

    Total = £19.20



    On anything worth over £135 in total (including items, postage AND insurance), you also have to pay customs duty

    Type and value of goodsCustoms Duty
    Anything under £135No charge
    Gifts worth £135-£6302.5%, but rates are lower for some goods - call the helpline
    Gifts above £630 and other goods above £135The rate depends on the type of goods and where they came from - call the helpline


    And if you have to pay customs/duty, you will also have to pay a handling fee. 

    If you have recently placed an order, and not paid your VAT/Tax or Customs Duty for it, you should get a letter from the postage company explaining how you can pay, and how much you owe so your package can be delivered to you. 

    Example: If you ordered a package from Japan on Ebay for £155 (including postage):

    £140 for the items
    +
    £15 postage
    +
    20% of £155 added on as VAT/Tax (£30)
    +
    2.5% of £155 added on as Customs/Duty Charge (£3.80)
    +
    Handling Fee of the postage service (£8 for Royal Mail)

    Total = £196.80


    If you don't pay, the package will be sent back to where it came from after 3 weeks in holding (but always check how long you have, by checking the letter sent from the postal company). 

    In that letter will be instructions on how you can pay any charges you owe, usually this is easiest to do online, on the postal companies website. 

    We hope you found this short, but simple guide useful, if you have any questions or comments please leave them below!

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    13 Ekim 2015 Salı

    Spooky Cute Halloween Ideas

    Ekim 13, 2015 0
    Spooky Cute Halloween Ideas

    Spooky Cute Halloween style 
    It's october, which means for one month only, bats, skeletons and pumpkin motif accessories and clothing are easier to find. Within this article there will be style idea to having a spooky cute Halloween and October.



    Creepy cute 
    If you want to celebrate the spooky atmosphere and still look cute doing it, Creepy Cute style is a good way to bring cute pastels and dark monochromes together. Japanese brands such as Listen flavor or Sex Pot revenge feature products that combine creepy and cute.



    Kawaii demon horns! 
    Add a creepy touch to your Kawaii coord with pastel (Or dark colored) demon horns. You can find the ones pictured above here

    A free option! 

    If you follow these simple steps to can use your hair to create cat ear like horns.



     For an even cuter look, clip small bows in-front of the horns.



    Eyeball bows
    These creepy cute bows fit in with a cute style, topped off with the creepy aspects of eyeballs. There are a variety of eyeball themed accessories to be found in October.

    Some spooky cute ideas:


    Are you going for a spooky cute look this halloween or wearing a costume? Comment below!

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