Nicki Minaj Explains 'Harajuku Barbie" ... I think?

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So! Of course being all Lolita and stuff, on a typical dress down day, my style looks more Harajuku ... Simply put, I just dress how I feel ... HOWEVER, the combination of dressing how I feel with ruffle & bow accents AND being black puts me in this wretched "Barbie" category that Nikki Minaj lovingly flaunts.

NO! this is not a post of hating on her. But, sweet baby Jesus! I'm not Barbie. I'm me ... I get up, I want to wear stripes with ruffle bloomers, leg warmers, cool kicks, a svelte tee ... all topped off with a few bows & some blush & wig or not, this equals Barbie (go figure!). Since I have these random moments where dressed full Lolita I want to yell "I'M NOT YOUR EFFIN' BARBIE!" I decided to go on a Nikki Minaj fashion dig. Not surprising, most of it is *meh* BUT there is a video where she (kinda) explains her Harajuku Barbie concept. In my opinion, she fell short with her explaination of Harajuku fashion so here's a HARAJUKU FASHION GUIDE ;-D

Now! After watching this and checking in with the fashion guide, I'd LOVE to hear what my Lolitas and Harajuku fashion lovers everywhere feel. What types of responses do you get when in public? Ever have any "Barbie" moments that you're just NOT a fan of? etc, etc, etc.

I REALLY want to hear from you!



until next time
~je t'adore! >^.^<


Cosplay ... or Fashion ...

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It's my personal belief that Cosplay can cross over into everyday fashion, if done right. And if done spectacular, you can cosplay all day and make it seem to be something that's ALWAYS meant to be worn as an everyday outfit.

Of course, roaming the halls of the Gaylord during Katsucon was not a disappointment to that. As I clicked photos, my imagination started to run wild about the different styles that can happen.

But enough yapping on his fashionably beautiful Sunday. Here are some of my favs!


  
 
 
 
   

My Katsucon Weekend Lolita Looks
  
This is an entire functioning wardrobbe. Would it work for you? >^.^<
Til Nex Time
~je t'adore!

African American Lolitas

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Great Day Otakus, Geeks, Fashionistas, Loli's ... EVERYBODY! I hope all has been fashionably well in my absence. Of which, I sincerely apologize and I missed you all bunches, but I've been busy launching my Kick Starter for a solo exhibit, iPukeKAWAiI! I'm back though and have a treat! As an African American everyday Lolita, it was a breath of fresh air to meet another at this year's Katsucon 18.

As it happened, I was dashing off to an afternoon tea party when I ran into and her style instantly hit home. Her style, simple, sweet, and of all things comfortable, was enough to make me stop and ask to photograph her. We exchanged photos of each other's Lolita looks, talked a bit, and hugged. Seemingly to part ways ... and then I mentioned the tea party. As we scurried there we started talking about being local to the DMV (DC, MD, VA) area and finding other Lolitas, we exchanged fashion tips and such and then it hit me ... This was waaayyyyy cooler than the tea party. So we had our own - minus the tea, but we scored comfy seats and had good Lolita conversation. So it still equals such a tea party in my head.

Caitlin, an art teacher by profession and 2nd year Katsucon attendee, admitted to being a "very bad Loli" when she started dressing. She expressed that she used to be bent on boycotting large & expensive brands until she started doing research the more she dressed and getting into the Lolita lifestyle. As such, she's since turned that boycott frown upside down and gave props to brands such as Angelic Pretty and Fan Plus Friend, to name a few. Taking note from these brands and reading publications such as the Goth Lolita Bible, she's taken to making her own Lolita garments with her bits of personal touches such as beaded trim around a skirts lining or bows to some fresh Adidas

Of course, being an African American Lolita, you could probably imagine my excitement to sit and talk with her. As we started talking of some of the more "ethnic" parts of life, we both shared that while we're both great fans of the Japanese culture we are also greatly proud of our ethnic looks aside from being Lolita. Of those things, the biggest being the hair. Sure we can add cute blush to our cheeks and attach some of the BEST eyelashes, ruffles, bows, deco, and otherwise to add to an extravagant Lolita look, but what happens when it comes to the hair! With both of us noticing the same trend, that when we do see African American Lolita's, there hair is usually straight or they have a wig on to get closer to the Japanese style Lolita look. However, it's always a great day when you can create your own lane. Which is, agreeably, what African American Lolitas should take advantage of. Not to take anything away from Japanese-style Lolita or cause any divide, but to add to the fashion and culture as a whole. As such, we posed the question,


'Where are our Lolitas with the locks, twists, afros or afro puffs, braids, etc.? We want to meet YOU!"

So ending there, that question is not a rhetorical one. We WANT to know that you're there and we want you to share your Lolita experiences as you've come into this lifestyle.

If you want to see more of the great looks at Katsucon 18, feel free to check out the Katsucon blog!
Until next time!
~je t'adore!
>^.^<

SteamPunk Lolita Ultimate Looks #1

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Below is an outline of the basic anatomy of any Lolita outfit. I'll be sure to repost it for the coming looks. However, I would encourage you to be sure to check out Lolita Fashion, for a more detailed explanation of its parts.

Now!!!!! Shopping. For Look #1 I've visited Fan Plus Friend and Clockwork Couture. I have found that most relate a steampunk look to muted colors, like brown and orange. But as the rules state in last week's post, it has NO color. So why not a cutesy bright Steampunk Lolita?!

SteamPunk dress by manufactured by Fan Plus Friend

Since the dress isn't very printed and overly exaggerated with details, as some Lolita outfits would be, I think some prints and straps would be what makes the dress sing. It also comes with a hairpiece, but I've decided that you should have options. And if you're feeling extra cutesy, why not make them both work together, right. ;-D

If you'd like to see the actual product, feel free to click on any of the pics to take you there.

Tomorrow, Steampunk Lolita Look #2 

until then!
~je t'adore! <3 IKB  

Steam Punk ... Rules of Engagement

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So! There's good news and then there's bad news. I'd ask which you'd like to know first, but the good news that I am getting some good tips on dressing Steampunk and marrying it with Lolita. However ... it's gonne be EXPENSIVE! I'm not too sure kiddies that I'll be able to pull off looks the way I would like. But future cosplay at San Diego Comic Con may be a great place for some outfit critiques.

For now, I'll take this time to give you a head's up about Steampunk and we can set a hot date and try it ... togther?

Fortunately for us, I've found some rules to live by and some other gems to be shared in the near future.

{Rule One: Steampunk fashion is a real-world reproduction of the clothing that is or could be found in steampunk literature. It's that simple.

Rule Two: When in doubt, dress Victorian and then add. The Victorians were the first people to fully capitalize upon steam technology in a way that affected everyday life, so it is no surprise that most steampunk writing either takes place in the Victorian world or is strongly inspired by it. If you're afraid that your outfit is "too Victorian" you're probably doing it right.

Rule Three: Steampunk fashion is about creating an outfit that delights the senses, entertains the wearer, and engages the viewer. Never feel obliged to take away from the style or appeal of an outfit simply because you fear it will be "not steampunk enough." Do not be misled, coerced, or second-guessed into including a collection of "steampunk status symbols" (goggles are the most infamous, though we do love them) if they do not fit with the outfit, or with the vision you are attempting to produce.
  
Rule Four: There is no "steampunk color." Some people have claimed that steampunk is only brown, or only black, or only white, or only light, or only dark. They are wrong. Virtually any color can be steampunk (though perhaps one might balk at neon). If you like to wear black, there is a steampunk justification; if you like to wear brown, there is a steampunk justification; if you like to wear bright colors, there is a steampunk justification. Remember, steampunk is set in a world of comparatively advanced technology, so it is perfectly reasonable to have vibrant colors and complicated machine-made patterns.


Rule Five: You are allowed to like other genres. If you like a style of fashion that does not fit into steampunk (Enlightenment era, Pulp Adventure, Mod 60s, Medieval, etc.) be proud of it. Do not feel compelled to try and wedge it under the steampunk caption. These are all genres that people have worked very hard to create, expand, and explore; so we rather owe it to them to respect the diversity and uniqueness of their differences. You are all diverse and well-rounded people with differing interests. Let that be a source of pride.


Rule Six: Have fun and be yourself. That's what this is about. Don't feel compelled to conform with everyone else. Don't feel shy about posting just because you don't want to dress like the other people who you've seen post. And don't post with the question "do you guys think this is steampunk enough?" Post with the statement "I feel that this is steampunk, and here is why I think so." At worst, someone will disagree and then the two of you can discuss your conflicting views, get to know each other, and come to an understanding; or, you can simply feel free to ignore them, and you have every right to do so if you don't feel like arguing over a simple difference of opinion.}

Don't worry! There'll be more to come for next week as we wrap up! PROMISE ^.^

until then ...
~je t'adore!

Steampunk + Lolita = Heaven?

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Happy SUNDAY!!!!!!

So, it's no secret that I am thoroughly obsessed with Lolita fashion. It's been a little over a year and being bored is no where in sight. Consequently, last night I was watching Firefly and started paying attention to the fashion. In allllll the times I've loved to curl up to this series, I've never once taken notice to that fashion. Of course, the setting allows for something very Steampunk

To make a long story short, it's my latest sub-obesession in fashion. I promise, it could not have come at a better time. I've been looking through my closet and while I love the Lolita pieces I have acquired ... it is definitely time for more. And now that I am comfortable in some of my latest fashion skin, I feel like its time for some more "grown-up" fanciness.

Since Steampunk fashion is a happy marriage of goth meets victorian ... we'll pair it with Lolita & blast off into fashion heaven! Here are a few of my inspirations and next week I'll share some of what's in my closet that can be all Steampunk dressed up.


Let's have some fun shall we!
~je t'adore

Take a SUGAR PILL!

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We're always yapping about clothes and fashion and blah blah blah girly stuff! Not that this week is annnnyyyyy different. But we've seemingly forgot that any girl who IS a girly girl, will not leave the house without putting her "face" on.

Now, I'll be the first to say that I am a girly girl at heart. However on a daily, despite the ruffles, bows, and excessive amounts of pink, I am truly a tomboy. So! When I put my face on, I look for make-up that accents the important facial features ... Eyes, cheeks, lips. that's it! That's all I got! I want to spend less than 15 minutes in the mirror, still look the same when I'm done, but a bit enhanced and somewhat on the colorful side (occasionally).



With all of that being said, my FAVORITE make-up obsessions are eyeshadows and eyelashes. usually a M.A.C girl, I have finally found another that makes my heart stop and my mouth water. with some of the BRIGHTEST colors I've seen by far. That would be the goodness of SugarPill! Now, M.A.C has the everyday and not so everyday make-up items from beginning to end. But what I love, love, LOVE about SugarPill is that they're "eye" specific, specializing in luxury eyeshadows and a few pair of lashes to die for! They offer bold colors in a great formula that last forever in a day! Ladies ... do you KNOW how hard that is to find?! ... 
I won't say too much more, but here are some pics I've been able to grab of Sugarpill at work, via Facebook! And while I was not able to catch up to Amy, just yet for an interview, here's what she's shared with the public via Cinnamon Kitten. 



Be sure to check out SugarPill's Make-Up Tutorials. Follow them on Twitter & Like 'em on Facebook! You'll never lose with these goods ... for sure!

~je t'adore! <3 IKB

Butt Ugly Sweaters

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It's THAT time of year again! A week away from Christmas and the celebrations are going to peak! The one thing that is bound to show up aside from unwanted fruit cake is ... Ugly Sweaters!!!!!! That's right! Though they make their way into our lives on a daily basis, I think they purposely hide in closets waiting to celebrate the holidays!

I was going to just share some ugly sweater photos but then, I came across this site, Butt Ugly Sweaters, and simply HAD to share! Below are some sweaters, not the ugliest of their bunches, but the most amusing to my eye. Hopefully, they'll move you to visit the site ... and maybe buy a couple to hibernate in your closet until next season. ;-D         ~je t'adore!

 
  




RUNE Boutique World Debut Videos

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Of course I went surfing the net for video content on the Rune Boutique World Debut. To my surprise, I found some great highlights of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu performing live, for the first time in the U.S.
  
  
These are the two music videos released for her hit single PonPonPon & TsukemaTsukeru, to be her first single released in January. 
And what would such an event be without featuring the fashions of 6% DokiDoki ... here are 3 parts to their presentation! And if you just want to see the entire party live, head on over to NicoNico!
  

RUNE Boutique World Debut

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"Transmitting the tradition of kawaii from Japan to the rest of the world"

You don't have to be into fashion hard for this one! You just need to know the word "kawaii" and while it is Japanese for "cute", saying anything other than kawaii just doesn't hold the sale weight. All lolitas, otakus, fashionistas & such have the one and only Rune Naito to thank for that!

Since Naito's passing in 2007, the kawaii surge has been on a rise, though that's an understatement. As a lolita, I was extremely happy to see that the home to the Rune Naito Boutique launch was in Los Angeles. However, just like trying to get to Japan for such marvelous events & gatherings, I was not able to make it to LA ... Mostly due to timing and being on tour in Atlanta, and paryly due to $$$ ... BUT ...

I made a call & after a bit of begging and pleading (not really, but I did ask nicely and bat my eyelashes LOL), my good friend, artist collegue, and collective member - Kelly Crown (@crowniemarie) - agreed tongo in my stead. While I forgot to ask her if she attelpted to dress the part for the occassion, she did report that I'd have experienced a bit of sugar overload & lost myself in the expereince. Simply put, it was KAWAII (duuuhhhhh!)

Here is some of the best that K. Crown had to offer for experiencing such a history making event.
If you're in the LA Area, be sure to visit the Rune Boutique before it closes, January 9, 2012.
Royal/T Cafe
8910 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

I PROMISE it wouldn't be a wasted effort ... Eveyone's a bit kawaii at heart ;-) ~je t'adore

** this post DOES have a Part 2. Stay Tuned for another hot date tomorrow, 12/13, at 1pm for a follow-up to 'This Week in ... Fashion, <3 IKB'
enjoy & je t'adore!

  
 
 
    
 
 
 
 

mercibeaucoup,

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'purely, happily, beautifully. mercibeacoup,
neat and proper, but with some fun.
do have something to say, but never with airs put on.
mercibeacoup,
in the name, we show our dedication
never to forget but everyday cherish,
the precious feeling of appreciation and thank.'
                               ~mercibeaucoup,

Happy Sunday! I found a post a while ago that hipped me to a great brand to share, MERCIBEAUCOUP. Surfing Tokyo Fashion's site, the name appears numerous times, but it wasn't until I went on a random, but thankfully short, Hello Kitty obsession back in October that I truly paid attention to this brand.

Here are some of the fun images I ran across as I read, ooh'd & ahh'd, and lusted over the collection on Kawaii Paradise's blog. Needless to say, I googled and found soooo much more ... BUT ...



... They have an OFFICIAL SITE. Not only was I in awe of past collections, but I peeped the video of their 2012 Spring/ Summer Collection. Be sure to head over there and check i out. In my opinion, it is among one of the most creative ways to present a collection, to date. Might I suggest, in you checking it out, that you pay special attention to the last minute and 16 seconds and note their Brand Concept ... it definitely goes hand in hand. Though their latest news is posted in Japanese, you'll get the point ... 

Here are some shares of their 2012 Spring/ Summer Collection, but this does NO justice for their presentation, so be sure go & 
'keep running. 
keep wishing'
                         ~mercibeaucoup
 
  

~je t'adore!





Some TEE's to Talk About

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Who doesn't looovveeeee an awesome graphic tee or two ... well, maybe more. I thought, this post of a few words, should point you in the direction of some classic tee goodness great for ANY occasion!

Called for Help, glennz tees
Bill Murray, dutch southern

IN SPACE, threadless tees

Peek Into the DarkSide, split reason
Obamadeus, loiter

The Hall of Cliche Super Heroes, threadless tees
SPORK, tee fury

Who Watches the Watches, the awesomer
Vince Vulcan, the awesomer

Be sure to follow Otakus & Geeks on Twitter for some more cool tee yummies!

Until next time cats & kittens
~je t'adore!
>^.*<

New Holiday Products From Her Universe

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A while ago we interviewed Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka from Star Wars Clone Wars. We talked about her clothing line for Geeky Girls Her Universe. (Interview here Interview With Ashley Eckstein. Well here is some cool stuff for the holidays.

New items will debut on Cyber Monday, November 28TH, at www.heruniverse.com. Representing Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, Warehouse 13 and Eureka, female fans, and those buying presents for the fangirl in their life, will find the perfect geeky gifts from Her Universe for this holiday season.

In addition to presenting assorted new Geek Girl pieces to the Her Universe product line, Ashley is offering a FREE Limited Edition Star Wars holiday pin of everyone’s favorite Jedi Master, Yoda. For the first 500 orders placed on Heruniverse.com shoppers will receive this pin along with a signed card from Eckstein, herself. For orders of $40.00 or more, heruniverse.com customers will receive FREE SHIPPING as well.

Yoda Pin


Available for the first time this holiday season is a new thermal hoodie design with original art by Star Wars artist, Cat Staggs. Also from the beloved Star Wars franchise is a regal sterling silver plated Jedi charm to add to the already popular Star Wars charm bracelet. For Syfy, Eckstein has created several new products for their television shows including a Battlestar Galactica pajama set and a stunning, sterling silver plated Battlestar Galactica necklace featuring Admiral Adama’s senior pilot wings. For followers of Warehouse 13, Eckstein has produced an ultra-soft WH 13 logo burnout tee so you can imagine you’re a Warehouse agent seeking supernatural artifacts while you “snag it, bag it and tag it.” As a fan of the Syfy series, Eureka, Eckstein has created a useful holiday tote bag featuring the cast of Eureka in animated form with exclusive art from the holiday episode of this fan favorite show. All of these new items will be available to order on the Her Universe website starting on November 28th.

Available for the first time this holiday season is a new thermal hoodie design with original art by Star Wars artist, Cat Staggs. Also from the beloved Star Wars franchise is a regal sterling silver plated Jedi charm to add to the already popular Star Wars charm bracelet.

Shop At Her Universe

Thermal Hoodie

Cosplay, CosPlaY, COSPLAY!

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Raise your hands if you love cosplay!!!!! While there's good and bad cosplay, beginners & elitests, and ideas that should probably remain as such ... Cosplay is just downright entertaining.

We got a chance to catch one of the daily Cosplay contests that took place on the Kids Habsbro Stage. The contests were short, but I PROMISE at the end of the 15 minutes, they had a winner! And truthfully, with Uncle Yo being our gracious emcee, it was that much more entertaing.

Let's CosPlay ... shall we?


... And the winner is ... 
Idris, Dr. Who's wife ... and boy did she embody EVERYTHING about the character. 
I think she may have set my personal bar for future cosplay. ;-)

*Q: What type of dress does Idris wear in The Doctor's Wife & why; who wrote this episode; what number doctor?*

OHIYA:: The Art of Making Friends

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 I walked past this booth once and totally fell in LOVE! So much so that while I was tending to other Cultyard business, I had to make it my business & stop past to make a new friend. The gemtatstic thing about this company is that they've ONLY been around since March. Talk about hitting the ground running! And it seems like they're loving every second of it!


Be sure to peep Ohiya Friends and buy tons of tee's. It's almost impossible to choose one piece over the other here, so be prepared. And don't say I didn't warn you ... it's EXTREMELY kawaii, and boys love it too! OHIYA!!!!!
 
 
 Don't forget to like them on Facebook & follow 'em on Twitter!

Enjoy & as always
~je t'adore!


Tokyo Fashion

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Often, I love that my twitter feed bings me with some cool new snaps from Tokyo Fashion. Not only do I usually feel like I'm walking down the streets of Tokyo, and getting updates on all of the latest fashion trends, but I use it for my own inspiration in dressing exactly how I feel! -Some days I'm overly animated and some days extremely demure ... whatever my mood, someone that Tokyo Fashion has snapped has inspired such fashion greatness!
Take a peek! & be sure to hit 'em up!
Tokyo Fashion on the web
Tweet 'em
Like 'em on Facebook
Tokyo on Tumbler

Harajuku Snaps



Shibuya Snaps

Shinjuku Snaps

Some Fllickrs











Adam's Morgan Day :: Art & Fashion!

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 Adam's Morgan Day is a great outdoor festival for one of the most eccentric melting pots of neighborhoods in Washington, DC. -Adam's Morgan. As invitees, Indian Pussy Brand moved their goodies from Artistic Sole headquarters to 18th Street, NW in the heart of Adam's Morgan. 
Once I got settled I decided to take a stroll & find some otaku goodness to share! OZKER of Sleeper Cell Productions & Indian Pussy Brand model/ noted piercer, Sarah, & Seven stayed back at our temporary headquarters partying with the good people interested in our art!   

On my stroll, it was a pleasure to run into one of our good friends, Kelly Chin, of Chinhamaya Organization. Kelly is GREAT! Not only is she the area's adopted mom for us otakus ... & geeks!, but she also oversees a youth taiko drumming group. The kids in the group are amazingly talented and dedicated to their individual arts. Kelly's super power is that she specializes in making kimekomi dolls.
If you're ever in the area and want to take a class of how-to's ... be sure to check her out! 

 

Mean while ...
 
Back at the tent, The Peligro Brothers, DJ Provoke & OZKER, are getting it in! I think by the time I stopped back in, they were on to some dance music & kept the crowd there!

Since everyone was occupied and happy, I snuck off to see t-shirts! In REAL LIFE ... what otaku, fan boy/girl, or every day person does not need a dope tee in their life!
Please, do me a solid & check out these tees from Fuzzy Ink. Their tagline is "It'll grow on you" ... and trust!, it doesn't take very long. 
Be sure to check out their sight for some cool fashionably affordable tees!




Well! I had to get back & shut down shop, so til next week ...
~je t'adore!

Cool Stuff From Boomslank.Com

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Hey Otakus and Geeks readers. I just wanted you guys and gals to know about a cool site, that sells some nice original shirts, I-Pod cases and more. The site is called Boomslank.com What I like about Boomslank is that all of their designs are original, also the prices are good as well. Here are some of there cool shirts below, don't forget to check out their site at Boomslank.com for prices and more cool stuff.

Zero Frame: This shirt was inspired by Mech Anime. As a Mech fan myself I really love the design and color choice of this shirt.


Strike Witch: Otaku boys please don't have a nerdgasm. Needless to say the design of the Strike Witch is awesome. The horns, the gun and the sassy look on her face is great.


Zero Frame Case: The Zero design for I-Phone cases, another well done job.