Photo credit - Kitty Eden - Things I Made
Cutesy Kawaii Totes!
Tote bags today are not just an ordinary bag that is used to carry a women’s belonging, rather, they are becoming as trendy and fashionable as other women accessories. This is especially true in Japan, where you can find hundreds of totes ranging from size, colors, illustrations and graphics, all suited to different tastes and preferences. You can find so many tote bags that come in different styles, brands, materials and prices!
Depending on your preferences, you may want more than a few totes for your daily use. Get a few of different colors and styles to suit your wardrobes and cute you up effortlessly! Tote bags are also very durable, and you can fit a lot of things into your bag. You can also buy one as a gift to your friends, family, or loved one. It’s a very convenient bag to have and is multi-purpose too.
And you can even go the extra mile and have it monogrammed or personalized to add that special touch. These bags serve as a means for personal expression while retaining the credibility of knowing that their bag came from a famous designer. Not only have canvas tote bags become popular, but tote bags made specifically out of recycled plastic have swept cities such as New York by storm. There have been tote bags made out of used soda plastic, carton labels, and other miscellaneous thrown away goods; these items are worn proudly by the upper-class and elite as symbols of their environmental conscience. Going ‘green’ has become the staple of the upper-class, the fashion world, and canvas tote bags serve as a prime example.
You can get a clean, sleek black or white tote for your professional, office purpose, and several other colorful ones to match when you go outdoors for a picnic, to the shopping malls, to the beach and much much more. This time around, we here at Harajuku Fashion Street brings you fashionable totes that are colorful, preppy, cute and most importantly, kawaii!
Window Shopping
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Photo credits - Okinawa Soba - Geishas
Fashionable Kimono Patterns
The literal translation to the word kimono is very simply implying “something worn”, but this complex historical tradition is one that stretched far back into ancient Japan in the fifth century. The earliest kimonos were influenced by Chinese traders who introduced traditional clothing known as Hanfu. Later this was modified throughout Japan’s history resulting in today’s contemporary kimono.
From the beginning of Japan’s recorded history until present day the Kimono has been an integral part of Japanese fashion, adapting to changing lifestyles and trends. Customarily, woven patterns and dyed repeat patterns are considered informal. Formal kimono usually have a freestyle design dyed over the whole surface or along the hem. Originally, the kimono were worn in multiple layers of different colors. Up to a dozen or more colorful layers of contrasting colored kimono would be worn. Today, the kimono is normally worn with a single layer on top of a slip style undergarment.
The beautiful and colorful patterns has inspired plentiful modern interpretation to this everlasting fashion trend. Over the years, it has evolved from a simple traditional clothing into a modern, elegant influence that you can find in various branded luxury goods. Here are but a sample few of the modern apparel that are heavily influenced by the humble kimono –
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Photo credits - Anna Fischer - Cloisters Lolita Meetup
Gothic Elegance
One of the most popular cosplay trend amongst Japanese anime lovers is the Gothic Lolita look, a trend which began as early as 1999 and became famous among female teens. The main giveaway of this trend is baby doll costumes in black and white, with red hues (or any bold colors really) mixed with Gothic accessories. Think of Alice in Wonderland mixed with Barbie Doll, with a dash of humble servitude of the French Maid. The Gothic Lolita look is very glamorous and beautiful, a perfect mixture of cutesy with rock and roll culture.
Get The Look
Start with a base of black and white for an elegantly gothic look. Add dashes of bold colors based on your own preferences. Girlishness is an important trait of the Gothic Lolita look, use plenty of ribbons and frills, trims, big bows, knee-length skirts, fishnet stockings and high-heeled boots. Accessorize with headbands adorned with large bows, or small Lolita hats. Pigtails and bangs are great addition to complete the look. Avoid wearing heavy eye shadows, you’re supposed to get all girlish so opt for a natural, light makeup if you must. And finally, act the part! Be shy and timid, and don’t talk nor laugh too loudly. Imagine yourself a twelve years old teenager, and have fun!
