and now for a way overdue halloween post

Dear fairies,

It has been so very long since I've posted! I have decided to that I need to find a more efficient way to continue posts on here. I'll admit I'm not perfect in anyway. Not to mention, I am still trying to find the best photo editor for my phone >.< I admit I'm just too lazy for a real camera.

So, this Halloween, I didn't have any plans, but I did wear a nice outfit/costume for the day complete with a lolita dress, a witch hat, and goth makeup with star and moon shapes below each of my eyes. I got an invite on Facebook for a free maid cafe on Halloween happening at a college about an hour away from my house, so I decided it would be a lovely time to go with two of my friends. Regrettably, I did not take any pictures of this cafe, but we had a nice time with cute maids and butlers serving everyone cake, coffee, and tea. Also, some of the maids performed J-pop dances throughout our time there. I mingled amongst the other people there, saying hello to familiar faces, and asking the maids where they bought their petticoats (Classical Puppets of course). It was a great time and I had a slice of chocolate cake and some hot green tea.

Afterward, my friends and I decided to head to a very nice mall a few minutes away. We walked around and shopped a bit. All of the stores even had bowls of candy for trick-or-treating. I didn't buy anything, but I enjoyed myself as we talked to a lot of people, especially about what I was wearing. I decided to stop at the Starbucks in the mall and order the "butterbeer" drink on the secret menu. It was delicious and I definitely recommend it to Harry Potter fans. All you have to do is find the recipe for it online and then show it to the barista.

Back home, my friends and I decided to watch a horror flick. Unfortunately, my family selection for horror films was a bit slim, so I suggested we watch "the scariest horror movie of all time," The Exorcist. My friends had never seen it before, and thought it was time they see this film. To get into the Halloween spirit, we also watched it outside on an outdoor patio at night.

All in all, it was a great day for being a slightly improvised Halloween. At least I looked fabulous ;-)

What I Wore

Crush Velvet Witch Hat: Offbrand (taken from a costume and then I added silk roses)

White Blouse: Offbrand

Kuranosuke Stripe Jumperskirt: Alice and the Pirates

Dark Red Tights: Offbrand

Black and White Shoes: Forever 21

Bead Flower Bracelet: Offbrand

Hello Kitty Purse: Loungefly

~Sparkling Ga Eul

Faith, Trust and Fairy Kei Dust!

confession #9: i am a "part-time" lolita

Dear fairies,

Yes, I am a sort of "part time" lolita of sorts I suppose, but I guess I don't like to say "I am a lolita," since fairy kei is what I wear most often. I have always been an admirer of the fashion on and off, but after seriously delving into historical fashions and costume design, I have come to love the classic lolita style specifically since lolita is based on historical styles.

Interestingly enough, I think as a fairy, that I am probably the minority when it comes to the style of lolita I dress in. Most girls who are sweet lolitas come to fairy kei and most fairies who come to lolita go towards sweet lolita. Of course, the reason behind this is obvious as the two styles share a dominant pastel palette and a young girly flair. 

Personally, I love classic lolita with a bit of a twist, and the current dominant color scheme in my wardrobe is composed  of browns, ivorys, reds, and golds.

I have been building up a small wardrobe for a few years now, and I usually wear lolita for specific occasions. I have loved going out for afternoon tea even before I began my wardrobe, so naturally I now wear lolita when I am having tea with my boyfriend or mother. I also have many opportunities to go to nice dinners and events where I would don a lolita coord. Of course, if a local lolita group is having a meetup that strikes my fancy, I will dress up. 

 

While fairy kei is my main fashion that I aim to wear regularly, lolita is there for those occasions that call for nicer dress. Therefore, as someone who doesn't wear lolita often, I try to keep my lolita wardrobe to a minimum without all the extra "frills," if you will. I do love all the pretty things that lolita has to offer, especially those things which I find a personal affinity with, such as the Swan Lake print here which shows my extreme love for the composer Tchaikovsky. No, I will not hide my Twilight Sparkle-inspired hair under a wig with my lolita coords!

So, with that, I will be posting a few lolita or other JFashion things not related directly to fairy kei in the future ^_^

~Sparkling Ga Eul

Faith, Trust and Fairy Kei Dust!

Confession #3: it can sometimes be weird that there doesn't seem to be a straight "definition" of fairy kei

Dear fairies,

For my next confession, I have to say that I’ve come to realize that fairy kei is an almost loose term…

Did 6% DokiDoki or Spank! invent fairy kei? Tabuchi Sayuri (founder of Spank!) thought her clothing line differed from the “fairy kei” style itself, but in a way, she has defined the style. After all, I read in an interview with her that “fairy kei” came around after the opening of her store. At the same time, 6% DokiDoki, open long before Spank!, seems to be defined as a fairy kei (and decora) brand by TokyoFashion.com 

6% DokiDoki

Ok, well, there isn’t a REAL answer to the origin, but I realize that Spank! is by no means decora, while 6%DokiDoki seems to have decora as one of their main proponents, yet both brands are described as fairy kei.

But there HAS to be several defining factors that make or break a fairy kei ensemble or otherwise it would just be considered decora, lolita, deco-lolita, cult party kei, or other Japanese fashion. I would like to try and define these things in many more future posts.

Spank!

With that said, look at other fashions such as scene, punk, goth, hipster, lolita, cyberpunk, and steampunk. Each of those styles may be related in many ways (especially the first three) to each other but there are several things which make them distinct from one another.

Nile Perch

You can say that goth and scene may have stemmed from the punk style, but that does not make those two styles punk or make punk goth or scene, right? Therefore, I think this idea could be similarly applied to fairy kei or any other Japanese fashion. 

Fairy kei likely has its origins, but has come into its own kind of fashion that is not the same as its origin.

%6Dokidoki, Spank! and Nile Perch

TokyoFashion.com seems to define all three of these brands as residing under the "fairy kei" umbrella but all three have very distinct looks from each other. Dokidoki 6% has decora elements with bright colors, Spank! plays more on vintage clothing with a combination of brights and pastels, and Nile Perch is a sweeter look with mostly pastels.

~Sparkling Ga Eul

Faith, Trust and Fairy Kei Dust!

confession #2: i don’t follow western fairy kei trends

Dear fairies,

So, for my second confession, I have realized, over the years, that learning about anything is best to go to the place of origin!

Therefore, I think it’s safe to say that the Japanese are the ones with the best inspiration in fairy kei considering that it is a Japanese style. So, my research and inspirations come from all Japanese women and girls, such as Spank! girls and other fairies who are just lovers of the fashion.

One Japanese woman, in particular, is a huge pioneer when it comes to fairy kei ! Her name is Tabuchi Sayuri. If you dont know her, then you should! She is the founder of Spank!. To me, she is the mother fairy, and I look to her whenever I am in a fairy kei outfit predicament (colors, accessories, pieces, hair, etc).

This is a picture of Tabuchi Sayuri surrounded by 80s cuteness ^_^

~Sparkling Ga Eul

Faith, Trust and Fairy Kei Dust!

confession #1: yes, i'm new to fairy kei

I found fairy kei fashion a few months ago and I was taken in completely by the fashion for its cute 80s/DIY style elements. I may be new to the fairy kei fashion, but I have been a Japanese fashion enthusiast for nearly 7 years now. 

This is my blog on my own thoughts and adventures in fairy kei and Japanese fashion. I’m hoping that anyone reading this will not only enjoy and benefit from my own posts, but will share any thoughts, ideas, experiences, and pictures with me! I think it may be helpful to those who are stuck or unsure in how to go about fairy kei as well!

I am also an aspiring theatre costume designer and Japanese fashion has always been one of my guilty pleasures.

Please feel free to submit a fairy kei related questions, pictures, thoughts, ideas, DIY pages or experiences to me!

Also, I will call all fairy kei girls “fairies” because it’s fitting, so darn cute and I absolutely adore fairies!

Now for my first confession of many to come! 

Yes, I had only been aware of fairy kei for only about four months or so when I began this blog on Tumblr. With that said, I don't claim to have an amazing wardrobe or that I am fairy kei expert. But I have definitely done much research and tried my best to understand fairy kei. So, hopefully this blog will show my own progression and be a help to those new (or even not so new) to fairy kei.

I hope to give my own and ideas on fairy kei through this blog, and while I think I have good points to make, again, I dont claim to be an expert at all! There is still much for me to learn and I want so much for other Japanese fashionistas to see what I have to say and maybe learn from me too!

~Sparkling Ga Eul

Faith, Trust and Fairy Kei Dust!

confession #5: i think fairy kei shouldn't have to be expensive

Dear Fairies,

Yes, fairy kei can be and is much more cost effective, practical, and efficient than many other alternative fashions. This is one of the main reasons I love the fashion~ The 80s/90s kitschy aspect of fairy kei makes it easy to get clothing from thrift stores, vintage stores mainstream stores, and DIY.

Although many have tried to make excuses as to why they could never afford a fairy kei wardrobe, I beg to differ. While there are brands and stores that sell fairy-esque clothing and accessories that can get a bit pricey, they are by no means necessary in creating a super kawaii fairy look. This is similar to the “lolita on a budget” argument, except likely less expensive, with a wider scope, with more possibilities, and maybe with less leg work.

Think about a veteran street fashion like punk. Vivenne Westwood may be the most awesome punk clothing, but punk thrives on being a fashion that is solely DIY. My friend, who’s a glamorous punk doesn’t know how to sew but DIYs and thrifts like a beast and she looks amazing all the time. Only when it’s on sale and a must-have item does she splurge on Westwood.

I love shopping for vintage and thrift finds that are inexpensive online and in-store. Also, when I hit up the mall or any other mainstream stores, I always head to the sale racks for any fairy kei-able pieces. I love getting crafty and creative in designing and making my own accessories with inexpensive fabrics and odds and ends. To me, finding more ways to save money actually lends itself to the very kitschy little girl look. I love the fact that fairy kei is quite easy to shop for and doesn’t have to cost over $100 for a single outfit. I have learned to trust in my abilities to create my own look creatively on a budget. Not to mention, fairy kei is also easy to sew things for. A simple skirt or tutu with an elastic waistband or a simple empire or shift style dress could do the trick in many cases with the right fabrics.

Basically, I just love that getting “cheap” makes me think outside the box by look for fairy kei pieces in places like antique shops, flea markets, dollar sections, young girls’ sections, and even my mom’s old clothing! But remember that inexpensive doesn't have to mean lower quality. I always try to find good deals on good quality items. I don't buy inexpensive items that look like they will fall apart anytime soon. It's generally better to find good quality items with a good price than something that is both "cheap" in price and quality.

Because of all the possibilities and wide scope of fairy kei, it makes it easier to find pieces on a budget. Check out this post I put up last for a little list I compiled for “cheap” fairy kei links.

This is a typical fairy kei outfit I might wear on a given day which is comprised of items I bought from several different places. Not including the price of shoes (which are usually the most pricey items I own), this outfit cost a little less than $40 altogether (Including shoes, it comes to about $100). A Japanese brand shirt alone could cost $40 or more!

What I’m Wearing:

White Ribbon Bow w/ Pink Trim: Antique Mall <$1

Ponytail Holder: <$1

Rhinestone Studded Glasses: Claire’s ~$3

80s Pink and White Sparkly Sweater: Thrift Store ~$4

Tutu: Hot Topic ~$14

Tights: Target ~$6

Cuff Socks: Target 4 pairs~ $5

Old Shoes: Asics ~$60 (on sale)

Bow Shoe Toppers: Made by me ~$2

Necklace: Made by me <$1

Scrunchie: Made by me w/ old fabric ~$1

Princess Ribbon: Dollar Store $1

~Sparkling Ga Eul

Faith, Trust and Fairy Kei Dust!

less expensive fairy kei clothing?

his-bee asked:Do you have any links for a starter out fairy to places that sell cheaper fairy kei clothing? Thanks ^^ 

Dear Fairy,

This is a tricky one, I must say. Of course a lot of brand things from Japan are going to cost a fortune, especially with shipping involved. So, a few other main options are retail shopping, independent sellers, secondhand shops, or thrifting. If you know anything about shopping for lolita, it’s basically the same for fairy kei, except better because you can’t exactly find lolita dresses at a retail or thrift store.

I highly recommend thrift shopping at your local thrift or vintage stores. Look for good condition clothing/accessories that emulate an 80s/90s sweet style, young girls’ clothing, pastel clothing. Even going to mainstream clothing stores now is a good venture with 80s/90s styles coming back into fashion or looking in the young girls’ sections is good too.

When it comes to shopping at retail stores such as Hot Topic, Forever 21, or Old Navy, I always find it useful to look in almost every store in the mall when the big sales are going on (50% off or more). Again, look for those items that emulate a nostalgic and sweet look reminiscent of the 80s/90s. The most unlikely place I found one of my favorite shirts to wear was American Eagle! I also suggest buying a size larger than you might normally wear since it will give a less fitted look. Remember, when you get a gift card from someone for a retail store, try looking around that store to find any items to wear in fairy kei when you go shopping.

Though if you are looking for online independent seller sources, Ebay, Etsy , and Storenvy have many things for sale which are good for fairy kei if you do some searching. Etsy has lots of independent sellers who make very nice fairy kei style accessories and clothing of varying prices. Also, Etsy is another good source for cheap vintage clothing. You can easily find lots of cool 80s/90s stuff for cheap. Storenvy is a bunch of independent sellers similar to Etsy, but they usually sell things that are imported from other places or are secondhand as opposed to handmade items. Like Etsy, Storenvy is also varying in prices. 

REMEMBER that if you're looking for a specific price range of items in places like Ebay, Etsy, or Storenvy, always adjust the price range search option on the left side of the screen! 

Retro Magic Store is a cool store that sells retro graphic tees with My Little Pony, Popples, anime, Disney, etc. for one good price across the store. 

I highly recommend looking at the LiveJournal and Facebook community sales as well where people will sell their secondhand or brand new J-fashion items at various prices.

Below are some links where you can find good priced secondhand fairy kei/lolita pieces and a few general shop lists.

http://popkei.livejournal.com/ (Fairy Kei LiveJournal Comm Group)

http://80s-cuties.livejournal.com/ (Fairy Kei LiveJournal Comm Group)

Fairy Kei Sales (Facebook Group)

Fairy Kei Sales N’ Swap (Fairy Kei Facebook Group)

http://fairy-tips.tumblr.com/shops (General Fairy Kei Shop List)

Where to Find Lolita Sales on Facebook (Lolita Facebook Group List)

http://egl-comm-sales.livejournal.com/ (Lolita LiveJournal Secondhand Sales Comm Group)


Etsy (Independent Designers/Sellers/ Secondhand/ Vintage)
Storenvy (Independent Sellers/Secondhand/ Vintage)

Closet Child (Japanese Brand Secondhand)
Lacemarket (Secondhand Sales and Auctions)


Lacemarket is a recent development that has almost become an extension of the EGL Comm Sales on LiveJournal. It is basically the "Ebay" of lolita with both immediate sales and auctions. I also recommend looking here since there are new items updated every day by users and I've seen a few fairy kei worthy pieces on here as well. The option to search by brand can be helpful as well~

Another option that is very helpful are online Japanese secondhand shops such as Closet Child. Closet Child has mainly gothic and lolita brand pieces, but many pieces that go through there can be used in fairy kei. I got my first Nile Perch dress from there. Also, be sure to check their "New Accessory" category for relatively good-priced kawaii accessories~

I hope this helps a bit and that it isn’t just a rehash of what you already know haha ^_^

 Later on I hope to keep updating posts with my personal fairy kei finds and recommendations, so keep an eye out.

~Sparkling Ga Eul

Faith, Trust and Fairy Kei Dust!

laduree shirts and tea

Dear Fairies,

I got a lovely bunch of gifts from my mother when she went to France. Laduree is a famous sweets shop in France that specializes in macaron and Uniqlo had a line of collaboration shirts with Laduree. I got three shirts from Uniqlo and a Marie Antoinette tea from Laduree. The Uniqlo shopping bag even has a bunch of macaron on it.

Laduree unfortunately has locations in only one city in certain countries, so the only one in the US is in New York City. I hope to go check it out next time I'm in the big city though.

The tea is wonderful and I love the shirts. Uniqlo definitely has some of the best quality clothing.

~Sparkling Ga Eul

Faith, Trust and Fairy Kei Dust!

college japanese street fashion show!

Dear Fairies,

Wow, I've got so many posts which I probably should have posted ages ago, but I'll post them anyway!

So, a little while back I was invited, by a lolita friend, Vivian, to participate in a Japanese street fashion show at a university. All I have to say is I was so excited for this!! It was so great that these students were getting together to basically inform the student body on the different street fashions of Japan.

Photo Taken by Brian Lee Trewitt

Of course, I saw this as an opportunity to get fairy kei more recognition by wearing fairy kei in the fashion show. In fact, no one in the fashion show seemed to know what fairy kei was so I was happy to explain the fashion to everyone! It was also a wonderful opportunity to meet new J-fashion fans and make friends.

Photo Taken by Gaby Trisna

It was just like a real fashion show! We had a little runway, loud music, cheering people, flashing camera lights from all the photography students... It was awesome! This lovely little show was put together by the lovely Crystal and Jacky of the wonderful Japanese Student Association on campus.

The fashion show consisted of lolita, visual kei, gyaru styles, and decora/kawaii styles.

Photo Taken by Tania Raharja

Two friends I made modeled decora in the kawaii style group: Aaron and Caroline. Even though I wasn’t even a student at this college, I felt extremely welcome and so happy to be among fellow Japanese culture enthusiasts ^_^

Photo Taken by Tania Raharja

Photo Taken by Tania Raharja

Not only did I wear fairy kei, but since I dabble a bit in lolita, I decided to be an addition to the gothic lolita group by dressing in aristocrat style. My friend, Vivan, lovely musician and lolita, rocked the catwalk with her Vampire Requiem replica skirt, bonnet,and black parasol. I wore an “offbrand” (LipService) Victorian style gown with a lovely hat I found at a Claire’s once a while back.

Photo Taken by Gaby Trisna

Photo Taken by Tania Raharja

Watch the whole show in a vlog by The Lovely Ify !

See my fairy kei intro at 13:06 and aristocrat at 4:25

What I Wore

Bow: Made by me

Shirt: Popples from Retro Magic Store

Petticoat: 50s Vintage

Underskirt: H&M

Cardigan: 60s Vintage

Tights: Offbrand

Legwarners: Offbrand

Shoes: Keds (w/ added bows)

Glasses: Hello Kitty

Earrings: Made by me

"HUG" Heart Necklace: Spank!

Scrunchie: Made by me

It was so wonderful to be a part of my first ever fashion show, and on top of that, wearing fairy kei. I made quite a few friends during this show and it was full of the most awesome and fun people!

Until next time, fairies~

~Sparkling Ga Eul

Faith, Trust and Fairy Kei Dust!