by VioletLeBeaux | Jul 15, 2009 | About Me, Decoden, Hime Gyaru, Inspiration, Life, Nails
Well I’ve had quite a few questions about what inspires me to do the things I do and clothes I wear. I’ve been asked what blogs I read too so I thought I’d use today’s post to give a bit of a shout out to people I admire and my favorite things! This is going to be a pretty long post because I have a lot of wonderful people to talk about, at the end there are random facts about me you didn’t know so keep reading!
I’m also going to be adding to this over time too.(All photos other than the one above credited to their original owners and found via google images ^_^ Also these are all my opinions, I’m not being paid to endorse anything hahaha!)
Styles that Inspire me:
Hime Gyaru Hime style is what I’m most inspired by at the moment. The philosophy is basically to live like a princess! Big hair, big accessories and big nails, I love it all. Many people refer to this style as “Lolita’s older sister” because many Lolitas graduate to this style. It’s slightly more grown up but not much! I think it’s less restrictive though, I can wear beautiful high heels π
Lolita One of my first fashion loves was Lolita and no matter what I do I’ll never shake it completely! While I still love the over the top-ness that is Sweet Style, after almost 5 years or so I’m moving towards Classic styles. Still love my pettis though π
1950-60’s and RockabillyI love the music and the dresses. I may not have ben alive when it happened but I sure love that style! I know it’s oversimplifying it but I wish girls still got all dolled up for a night at the Malt Shop ^_^ So classy and classicly beautiful. This cut of dress is flattering on almost anyone.
Shops that I Love: Angelic Pretty- The ultimate Lolita store, enough said. I still love their accessories and a lot of the dresses.
http://www.angelicpretty.com/en/ http://www.angelicpretty.com/ Jesus Diamante- Jesus Diamante is to Hime Gyaru what AP is to Lolita. I looove so many of their accessories and dresses. I would kill for some of their shoes… so expensive though ;_;
http://www.jesusdiamante.com/ OC Nails- Kathleen over at OC nails is a champion! They sell fantastic Konad supplies and they regularly offer free shipping for orders over $20… even international shipping! I’ve placed orders and the communication is fantastic and the shipping was very promt. Proper review next time I order π Anyway if you need any Konad nail art supplies check them out!
http://www.ocnailart.com/ NailsEtoile.com– This nail shop is run by Mitsue in Adelaide. She seriosly has some of the prettiest and most creative designs I’ve ever seen! She’s super nice too π Currently her shop is under construction but you can still see all her tutorials here:http://www.create-magical-nails.com/ Full Moon Deco- Yuki runs this shop out of Australia, she sells lots of fake nails but also she sells a lot of imported
http://fullmoon07xxx.ocnk.net/ Blogs that I Loooove:
In no particular order…
Create Magical Nails This is Mitsue’s blog, she writes the best nail art tutorials. She’s also my Princess Sister from another city ^_^ You might have already clicked the link to her shop in the section above, if not check this out because she makes the best acrylic nails I’ve ever seen! http://miniblog.create-magical-nails.com/mini_nail_blog/ Getcha Nails Did Brooke is the champi on of nail polish. If you are into nails and haven’t been to her blog get there quickly! http://getchanailsdid.blogspot.com/ Jimmy America My wonderful boyfriend James’ blog. I sure do love him. He writes about random things and cameras. http://jimmyamerica.blogspot.com/ Sigmate’s Studio Sigmate writes about comic books and comic book artists. He features a different artist and interviews them every week! http://sigmatestudio.com/ Princessly Living A very well written blog about Lolita fashion. There are great articles and Lady Kristen writes with inteligence and knowledge that can only come with being in the subcultre for a long time. http://princess-living.blogspot.com/ Not sure the title… An adorable blog of a Japanese Lolita girl. I haven’t gotten a chance to read much of it yet but the pictures are enough to keep me coming back! http://utsugixtarte.blog74.fc2.com/ Hey Lola One word: hilarious. http://www.loveheylola.com/ Vestque’s Creations Vestque makes some really fantastic artwork, she’s also a really nice person! My favorite works of hers are the cute anime versions of real people she does, check a couple of posts back to see the ones she did of me, too cute! http://vestque.wordpress.com/ One Thousand Frills An intelectual take on Lolita. Several really well writen essays and thoughts on Lolita fashion. Cassandra is also a really great comic book artist. http://onethousandfrills.blogspot.com/ Super Kawaii Mama A melbourne fashion icon… but mostly just a really nice lady! Candice gives style tips for retro themed looks and regularly blogs about her awesome outfits. http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/ Blue Crane Design My work blog… of course I read it, I write it! Writings about graphic design and all kinds of other junk π http://bluecranedesign.blogspot.com/ Himehood Has quite a few tutorials on how to make hime style things at home. http://himehood.blogspot.com/ Konaddict A relatively new blog which features some of the prettiest Konad designs I’ve ever seen. Tutorials for all of them too! http://konaddict.blogspot.com/ Xiaxue Ok a lot of people hate her but I think she’s pretty damn funny! Outrageous but hilarious. http://xiaxue.blogspot.com/ Koakumachou Adorable little Siru’s blog. She’s a beautiful girl who’s interested in Gyaru fashion and does a fantastic job at it! Lots of cute photos. http://koakumachou.blogspot.com/ Never Too Much Glitter Written by a girl living in Japan with a love for glitter and rhinestones, this blog has super cute nail art. Almost a new nail art pic every day. If you love bling, you’ll love this! http://nevertoomuchglitter.wordpress.com/ Hearty and Hearty Japanese hime blog, makes her own increadible hime deco items. Lots of pink and frills, written by one of the cutest princesses I’ve ever seen π http://hearty2.blogspot.com Madam Salami Hand made and recycled goods by Madam Salami. Full of cute one of a kind clothing and cute anecdotes. http://handmadebymadamsalami.blogspot.com/ Clockwork Dahlia Lots of nail polish reviews and swatches as well as some other interesting and random things. http://clockworkdahlia.blogspot.com/ Cranky Twin Mom LOVE this blog! Heather has her own etsy shop which I’ve reviewed here before. She talks about her new products and being a mother of twins, very funny! http://crankytwinmom.blogspot.com/ Cherry Pop Lots of Japanese magazine scans and gyaru pictures. Also sometimes includes videos and pictures of fashion shows. http://cherrypop.over-blog.com/ Groups and websites: Ricoche Ricoche is a forum/gallery/meeting place/everything for all types of Gyaru. There aren’t many Hime style girls here but keep an eye out and you’ll spot them ^_^ Has a massive amount of information and photos. http://www.ricoche.net/ Poupee Girl Fantastic time wasting site! Upload your wardrobe and comment, then dress up your virtual doll. So much fun! http://pupe.ameba.jp/ People/celebrities/models I admire: Keiko Mizoe Keiko is the ultimate Hime Gyaru. She is the top shop assistant at Jesus Diamante and models for the magazine Ageha. I’m jealous! Ah can you imagine an unlimited JD wardrobe at your disposal? *sigh* one day. So I admire her because she works hard at what she does, she has style and she does it very well! James McDuff Yep James gets another mention because he’s awesome. I really do admire him, he’s so good to me. He has a great outlook on life and is always positive when I tend to be negative. He’s put up with a lot and we’re still together and going strong! Also I just enjoy posting unflattering photos of him π This was when he was cleaning the bathroom and I ran in and surprised him! To be honest as much as I’m inspired by the looks of some famous people, the people who inspire me most of all are you guys! I love reading your blogs and especially your comments, you all make my day and make me want to keep posting often! Some random things you didn’t know about me: -I looove candy and sweet things but my favorite food is pasta -I don’t like ice cream or people who smoke -I had blue hair for around 6 months -I am fanatical about saving money for a rainy day -I have lived in 23 houses… so far -I cut my finger today while making lunch π -I have been ill for the last 2 years with a disease no one can figure out, I have seizures and that sucks. -I love playing video games! Especially Super Smash Bros, I am champion at it! For the future: -I’m going to grow my hair out or maybe I’ll get some proper extensions. -I’m going to buckle down and learn more Japanese, at the moment I think I could chat to a kindergardener ^_^ Kanji here I come! -Saving money for a trip to Japan and a house deposit -WORK WORK WORK! Hard work sees results so I am going to work my butt off π
by VioletLeBeaux | Jul 13, 2009 | Beauty, Craft, Decoden, Hair, Hime Gyaru, Nails
Yes that’s right I’m blonde now… I finally took the plunge!
All I’ve got at the moment are crappy cell phone pics because I was sick all weekend *again*
I was aiming for Ageha caramel blonde. It looks a lot lighter than this in the light…
Unfortunately after bleaching for an hour and a half the black tips were so strong that they are still dark brown, it looks like cool gradation though… so hmm… I totally cant decide whether
I like it or if I want to just dye it back to red again. So I’ve created a poll for you to vote on in my left side bar π
Please excuse me looking like death, I was so sick and snotty!Yay or nay?
Now on to my new nails! This is a Japanese technique called “paving”. Basically it’s a silver base coat and then covered in various sized jewels.
Very time consuming.
But I really love how it turned out!
Zomg where did my nails go? They’re camouflaged!
What did you all do over the weekend? I would love any tips you all have for blonde hair!
by VioletLeBeaux | Jun 29, 2009 | Beauty, Craft, Hair, Hime Gyaru, Nails
Hello lovely readers time for more nail art!
Today I’m getting back to my roots and showing you the nail art I was talking about last post. Very Hime-style and very over the top π Exactly my style.
It’s been ages since I’ve done something this 3-d but I just couldn’t resist using these pretty flowers that I ordered a while ago.
The blue and pink polish was mixed with shimmer dust to make it a little bit more opaque and shiny.
I love how they turned out, the only problem I have is that because the little flowers are made of ceramics rather than sculpy they are very sharp so I keep scratching myself π
Lastly I’ve been trying out new hairstyles for when I cant be bothered/don’t have time to do a proper Hime pouf. I figured I’ll get everyone’s opinion and then once I’ve done a few you can all vote on them π
So here’s style number 1… The Giant Updo Pouf with Flowers!
Created by teasing everything except the fringe, pinning it up at the back, spraying and sticking in flowers. Good for showing off earrings.
Yay or nay? I’m hoping for more nail art soon too.
by VioletLeBeaux | Jun 24, 2009 | Craft, Decoden, Hime Gyaru
So as I’m sure you all know by now I’ve been sick with the icky flu for the last week or so… Well I’m not one to sit around and do nothing while I’m feeling gross. When I’m feeling my worst I cheer myself up by trying to look my best!
Now as you’ve probably seen everyone is freaking out about the H1N1 Swine Flu. Personally I think that people are over reacting, I mean last year the normal flu killed 3,000 people in Australia, so far Swine Flu has only killed 2 and they were both very sick with other things beforehand.
Either way I don’t think it demands that people wear flu masks everywhere and cancel large events but people are panicking so in the event of being forced to wear these I decided to make mine pretty!
A little bit of glue, a couple of jewels, some ruffled chiffon from a Strapya lucky pack and taadaa! Creepy huh? It reminds my of something Guro Lolita would wear. The photos didn’t really capture it well but the ruffle is all along the top and a very cute shade of pink. The jewels are in the shape of a red cross inside a heart.
Look I’m in a B-Grade horror film called “Creepy Princess From The Deep… Of Doom!!”
Watch out or she’ll come after you while you sleep and steal your jewelery! Oooowww *dramatic music*
Well I’ve had my fun I have to get back to work. I give lots of virtual tea and chicken soup to everyone reading this who has the flu, get some rest and rug up nice and tight!
Feel better π
by VioletLeBeaux | Jun 22, 2009 | Craft, Hime Gyaru, Notices, Outfit Of The Day, Shoe-Tutorials, Tutorial
Outfit time!
Firstly thank you all for your well wishes while I’ve been ill! It made me feel much better every morning to wake up to everyone’s lovely comments π I’m all rested up now and should be fine to blog 3 times a week again!
Unfortunately I’ve run out of jewels to finish my decoden tutorial at the moment but I’ll be right on it when the next batch arrive! My next post will be some of the things I’ve been deco-ing lately so you can all get your rhinestone fix π Actually I did something a little bit funny with my deco while I was sick… I’m going to keep you guessing until next post though!
Now on to my outfit… OMG I love these shoes. They are incredibly painful but they look so pretty! Here is a close up…
Sexy right? The cut out bit is velvet so they even feel nice.
This brings me to today’s topic… shoes. It may be hard to believe but up until about 6 years ago I was the biggest tomboy you imagine. I refused to wear skirts and you would be hard pressed to find me in anything other than my scuffed old pair of converse chucks. In fact that’s where my old screen name chucks_bitch came from.
These are my newest acquisition. Cute but still comfy so I can shop all day, oh and work etc. They were a birthday present from my Mum, thanks Mum!
So long story short I missed out on those years where young girls are supposed to learn to walk in heels and I’m just doing it now. I got the first pair that I regularly wear last Christmas and haven’t been able to stop since. So much pain though! I’m very stubborn so I picked the highest most ridiculous pair and assumed I would be fine… I have now learned my lesson and am easing in much more sloooowly.
Β
Mini Tutorial time!
Β
Now a couple of people have asked me how I did this. It really couldn’t be simpler.
Step 1. Buy cute simple shoes on sale. Step 2. Buy matching flowers. Step 3. Get some thread and a needle and sew the flowers on to the shoes. Note, don’t sew through the leather just in case you ever change your mind! Step 4. Enjoy your new awesomely cute Hime-Style shoes π
See easy…
Lastly are any of you guys who use Nuffnang having problems when you log in? I can log in but I my stats won’t seem to show up… Just wanted to know if I’m the only one before I go and bug tech support!
Anyway it’s good to be back! Hope you enjoyed the outfit post ^_^
by VioletLeBeaux | Jun 9, 2009 | Hime Gyaru, Life, Outfit Of The Day
Currently this is my faaavorite outfit!
Most of that has to do with the fact that it includes my awesome shoes! They were on sale, so I bought them and added flowers to make them Hime style. Much cuter!
I also found opaque stockings on sale a Myer for $7.50! And they are *actually* opaque.
James also surprised me with this belated “Un-Birthday” cake. He made it himself, how cute is it? Btw yes my real name is Nikki but I’ve been Violet online so long now that I prefer it!
Loooove it! It was so sweet and yummy, we could only eat a tiny bit because it was so rich.
This is just a quick snapshot, see I’m not glamorous all the time π It’s getting cold here in Aus so at home it’s comfy pj’s and jumpers all the way!
Ah I have the best boyfriend ever π