Window shopping when I'm not supposed to..

     Soooo not sure why I decided to jump back into the bottomless pit that is taobao but, I went searching and found a few things I need want.  I initially turned to taobao in search of a cute wig.  Now I know I purchased one with my last (?) taobao haul, but I want something different.  Don't get me wrong, I love the quality of the brown one I bought but I got a little lost with the color selections and ended up with a color lighter than I anticipated.

     I think I finally found what I've been looking for~  I want to play around with colors but not look too unnatural; meaning something with black or dark roots.  I really wish I could just rock all pink wig or a blonde shade, but I don't see myself being comfortable with that just yet. (,,꒪꒫꒪,,)

     There's a wig shop on taobao called DreamHolic and they make flawless wigs! ♥  The range of colors they offer are amazing.  The color I'm most interested in is "onyx" and this is one of the styles I would love to have:

     Isn't it fabulous?  I think it's different from what I usually go for: super long wigs.  This is just one of the colors I like, Black Berry is also nice; it's black with a purple undertone.  Rose Gold and Berry Jam are also gorgeous but like I said, I don't think I'd like how I would look.  BUT back to this wig.  The style is adorable with the fringe and bobbed / bumped ends.

Another wig I've got my sights on is yet another ombre type wig.  This time a pink blend (❁°͈▵°͈)

     Color wise it's new for me, but style and cut wise it's definitely what I'd typically look for in a wig.  I can't help it y'all.  I hope it looks as pretty and "soft" as it appears in pictures!  Since taobao has that feature where customers can leave feedback along with pictures, I always peruse the pages to get a better idea of what the item will look like in person.  Here's one of the pictures, I think it looks lovely~

     You'd think I'd stop there but no . . . I kept "window shopping" all night ｡ﾟ･（ ;﹏ ;）･ﾟ｡ I'm so over this cold weather, seems like I don't have enough sweaters!  If I had all the sweaters in the world, then I'd be happy lol.  With that being said, I was in search of some nice turtle necks and other cute winter wear.  Here are a few things I bookmarked:

     Looks like a normal turtleneck, yes?  Nope!  The inside is lined with this super soft material that says it insulates body heat while remaining breathable so that your sweat is kept in control.  The felt like material looks so soft T~T  I also found this cute ruffle collar top!  I love it in white and pink.  I can't choose!

 

     Now I know I said the point was to look for things that would keep me warm during the winter but, keyhole tops are my weakness lol.  I want one in black since I already have white.  And the heart keyhole shirt is just too precious to pass on! ♥

Lastly I couldn't stop my "big eyes" from gravitating to these shoes ꒰˘̩̩̩⌣˘̩̩̩๑꒱♡  And yes, they go up to my huge size! :

That's all so far for my taobao wishlist!

Most likely I'll end up doing this purchase at the end of
February but I really want to wait longer than that.  But I'm
not sure how this will work out.  Until next time, loves!
~ Love you! x Amiman ~

GC Day 13: Best websites for Gyaru! (shopping + social)

Hello Cuties~ I've been collecting links for this

Gyaru Challenge entry lol

♥Websites for Gals!♥

I've broken up this post into sections like: social sites, clothing

sites, circle lens, etc.

SOCIAL
• aminoapp, blogger

Amino: While Amino app is not a website, it is a great platform to keep up with each other that isn't instagram.  I say this because Instagram is broad where Amino app, I feel, is a lot more intimate.  Gaijin gyaru have created a personal space for sharing.  I love it because it's open to newcomers and at the same time a kind of private space for us all since we monitor and run it.  As if it's only for Gals and gyaru lovers.  Amino app can be used in many different ways; you can post short or lengthy blog posts, post only pictures, create polls, ask questions and opinions, or share links!  It's also the most active place I've noticed (compared to facebook groups that I'm in that are scarcely updated).

Blogger: So if you're viewing this post right now~ I'm using Blogger~ It's a huge platform to write and share whatever you please!  So while you have a "profile" on Amino, here on Blogger you have an entire page for yourself.  This is important for Gals who want to share their Gyaru lifestyle! There's plenty of space for you to talk about your day to day experiences or share your recent coordinates, make, and gets.  It's also similar to Amino in the way you can follow certain accounts and create your own community.  Only major difference is your audience is waaay larger.  Just about anyone can view your content.

CLOTHES
[[preowned]]
• yahoo! japan auctions , Gyaru community sales (GCS) , Depop
Yahoo! Japan auctions: I spoke about this website before here (x).  In the link provided, I talk about the shopping service, Dejapan, and explained how to buy from Yahoo! Japan.  There are a few sites like this, a space to obtain Japanese brand secondhand.  Sellers post articles of clothing and miscellaneous items onto Yahoo! Japan auctions.  Since the sellers are located in Japan, it's most likely and more common to find Japanese brand clothing like Liz Lisa, Ank Rouge, Ma*rs, d.i.a, etc.  You bid on a postings for chances to win, just like eBay.

Gyaru community sales:  The only downside I see is that GCS isn't updated as frequently as yahoo! Japan auctions.

Depop:  As for Depop, I just know of gals that are selling their items from Depop.  So while Depop is not solely for buying secondhand Japanese brand, it is possible to find some.  Depop is an app and not an actual website you can purchase from.

[[new]]
• tokyo otaku mode , multipal store , kawaii gyaru , ageha gyaru , rakuten , taobao , eBay?
Tokyo Otaku Mode: (TOM) I've never used Tokyo otaku mode myself but I know that it's a well known shop for gaijin gaijin gals.  Now you can actually get alll kinds of things from TOM but there's an entire section for J-fashion.  You can find brands like Listen Flavor, Liz Lisa, Swankiss.  Emi has posted about ordering from TOM multiple times btw!

MultiPal store + Ageha gyaru shop:  These two websites are almost identical it seems.  However, I've yet to try multipal store or Ageha gyaru shop.  But I constantly see new releases from Multipal store; they carry alot of Liz Lisa and likewise brands but it is not the only style they carry.  Both ship internationally! Ageha gyaru shop can be found on depop, storenvy, and facebook.  If you'd like to see about shopping with AGS, Kieli has two reviews here and here!

Kawaii gyaru shop:  This website is actually very much like the previous two.  But I feel like I haven't seen many talking about Kawaii gyaru shop like they used to, but it is still up and running.  Many Gaijin Gals used to get sponsored by them and they seemed to be a huge plug for Liz Lisa items (especially older pieces).  Kieli has a review for KGS as well! (post link x)

Rakuten:  Rakuten is about the only place I've bought gyaru clothing from that wasn't preowned.  I ordered from DreamV of course lol  For those who don't know, Rakuten is constantly compared to ebay.  There are many sellers and shops on the website, and the range of items you can purchase are endless.  Although it's not solely for clothing, there are tons of shops that sell Gyaru suitable clothing.  (Fave shop: DreamV)

Taobao:  I talk about taobao way too much lol.  Taobao is similar to rakuten and ebay with its many sellers and shops.  Even though this is a Chinese website, you can definitely find Gyaru style clothing.  I've listed all my favorite shops in a previous post (here x).

eBay:  Something new to me, but Liz Lisa has an official eBay store? Thanks to Emi's informing blogpost, you can learn about shopping from here! (post link x) Emi graciously explains step by step about ordering from Tokyo Otaku Mode vs. eBay!  Hopefully once I gain more experience with ordering things, I can make helpful blog posts too~

CIRCLE LENS
• pinkicon , rakuten
Pinkicon:  Off the top of my head, I think I've purchased from Pinkicon 3 times.  They have a wider selection of 1 day lenses which is not super common for circle lens shops; majority carry 98% of yearly lenses.

Rakuten:  There are lots of lens shops on rakuten but there is only one I've purchased from, LOOOK shop.
There are plenty of circle lens websites out there like pinkyparadise, candylens, uniqso, eyecandys, honeycolor, lensvillage, and maplelens.

MAKEUP
• the cosme box
The Cosme Box:  A website where you can get all types of makeup and can shop brands like CandyDoll, Diamond Lash, Eyemazing, and Jewelove.
Most of the circle lens shops I listed above also sell Japanese brand makeup and lashes; as well as some rakuten shops and Tokyo Otaku Mode.

EDIT

(sweet, sweet) Kieli contributed some info to this post!

These are comments from her experience and familiarity

with these shops:

• Otaku (TOM) is a bit pricier with their Jfashion (compared to MultiPal, Ageha / Kawaii gyaru shop) But there are usually a few coupons you can use!

• Multipal sells out quick (so their items are limited quantity) but they have a lovely collection of Liz Lisa stuff! You can also find rare / older Liz Lisa items.

• Kawaii Gyaru and Ageha Gyaru shop are actually more different than you think! Ageha tends to have a lot more for rokku, tsuyome and other similar styles. Kawaii Gyaru is more for sweet and himekaji style with a few in between of other styles.  They both have wonderful pieces and prices! And the owners are uber sweet! (that's a bonus hehe~)

I hope this post will be helpful to some!  It also benefits me to
write these types of posts because it allows me to gather all of
my links together in one place that is easy to locate.
Happy shopping!!!
ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ
~ Love you! x Amiman ~

GC Day 10: Fav Shops + Resources (for Gyaru + other Jfashion)♥

Hello Cuties~

I wanted to continue with the 30 day

Gyaru Challenge but struggled with writing a post

for day #10.  Therefore, I've changed the topic!

{inspired by Lizziebee's recent post♥}

♥My Favorite Shops + Resources♥

*for Gyaru purposes lol

I've separated them into categories.  Also, this compiled

list is just my opinion based off of my experiences ^^

Circle Lenses

 Rakuten shop: LOOOK

     So far, my favorite place to buy lenses specifically because this shop caters to those in search of 1 day, 1 week or 1 month lenses.  My search for 1 day lenses was very hard and my sources seemed extremely limited before.

     Although I've only purchased 2 items, it was the quickest process I've experienced with buying circle lenses.  You aren't limited to just this shop though.  There are many other lens shops that include yearly lenses.  (post where I briefly talk about buying from Rakuten: link♥)

 Pinkicon shop

     Has a pretty nice variety of circle lenses: yearly, 1 month, 1 week, and 1 day.  The site is constantly circling around the lenses they sell, bringing in newer lenses as they are released.  Before attempting to order from Rakuten, Pinkicon was where I could find the 1 day lenses I wanted.  Pinkicon has a lot of 1 day lens brands compared to other circle lens shops like PinkyParadise, Eyecandy, etc.  But the shipping / process time is alike in these sites; takes about 2+ weeks.  I've ordered from pinkicon twice but have tried 5 different lenses.  Links: ♥ ♥ ♥

Clothes + accessories

Some places listed aren't exclusively J-fashion stores but

items fit specific Japanese styles~

 Angelcat1225 (taobao link)

     90% Himekaji style clothing, most likely all replicas but lovely quality!  The shop includes lots of Liz Lisa "in store" comparison pictures.  The prices vary but are very fair/low.  I believe some listings compile secondhand items, but I am not 100% positive.  Some items in the shop are very fitting for Larme style!  I've purchased 5 items from Angelcat1225~

 

 Bobon21 (taobao link)

     Previously, this shop was soley Himekaji and Himegyaru.  It now includes a great amount of Larme items.  I loved the past seasons' designs, they've changed a little but the clothing is still cute!  I've only purchased 2 items from Bobon21~

 Rakuten: Dreamv (link♥)

     Dreamv is the home of many different styles!  You can find items for Himekaji, Onee, Kurogyaru, Ora Ora, Agejo. . .  I've purchased 2 items (both tops)~  (You can read about shopping experience with Rakuten and Dejapan at these links: ♥ ♥).

 Yahoo! Auctions Japan

     This one was always tricky to me when I first got into Gyaru.  I couldn't wrap my mind around how gals were purchasing secondhand brand items and assumed it was too difficult.  I gave Yahoo! Auctions a try via Dejapan and it went well ໒( ͡ᵔ ▾ ͡ᵔ )७ Although I've only shopped here once, I do see myself making future purchases; and it's already staple shopping source for gals (besides Gyaru community sales).  Gyaru community sales is basically the same as Yahoo! Auctions, I've just never bought anything through Gyaru community sales.

Thrifting

     There's nothing wrong with some thrifting~  Personally I love coming across clothes that fit well into Japanese fashion styles.  Not everything has to be name brand.  I also think it's helpful to have general pieces so that they are interchangeable and used in multiple ways.  Here are some 'gal like' items I've picked up from thrift stores.

*a suede and faux fur coat great for himekaji

*purse great for agejo coords

*handbag that could fit kurogyaru or onee style

*faux fur coat ideal for agejo and kurogyaru

Honorable Mentions:

 Candy Rain (taobao link)

Main styles are Himekaji and Himegyaru.  I loooove the designs of many of their dresses but some items are kind of over priced if you ask me.  I say this because I don't imagine that the quality is superb but hey I don't know that for sure, that's just my assumption.

 Elfe in Our House (taobao link)

This shop is just my kind of aesthetic lol Their items can be incorporated into Larme and Menhera! 

 Lizbabe (taobao link)

Mainly Agejo and Onee style pieces!

KawaiiGyaruShop (link♥)

For all your authentic Japanese brand needs~ I hear you gotta act fast if you see something you really want!  I hope to buy from them one day.

Makeup

*basically just false eyelashes lol

     I don't have much opinion on these places because I usually use western makeup brands, apart from some falsies.  In the past, I was gifted with Dolly Wink, Diamond Lash, and Eyemazing lashes.  (meaning I haven't purchases Japanese makeup on my own)

     However, I'm aware that you can find some lashes like Diamond Lash, Eyemazing, and Dolly Wink on amazon and ebay.  You can find tons on Rakuten as well; other makeup brands like Canmake and Heroine Make / Kiss Me too!  These brands can also be found on circle lens shops like Pinkyparadise but personally, I've had too many issues / incidents with ordering from them.

     A site I'm dying to buy from is The Cosme Box! (link♥)  They sell lots of brands and different products for lips, eyes, eyebrows, and face.  At the moment, I am awaiting my Japanese makeup haul (from dejapan); so I will have a better opinion once I receive it all.  ﾍ(=￣∇￣)ﾉ

Helpful Resources

If you're going to go down the taobao route, you'll need a few things to help you out!

 Taobao terms / dictionary links ♥ ♥

     The entire site is in Chinese so if you can't read it like me, you can use the links I've provided above!  The first link is a list of terms that can be very useful when searching for items.  Whether you just want to know the search term for boots or something as specific as "galaxy seifuku"; it's in here!  The second link is more for finding terms like: pre-order, secondhand, custom made, in stock, etc.

 Shopping Services (link ♥)

     Within this link, you will find a list of various shopping services.  The chart breaks down each site's payment and shipping methods.  In order to shop from taobao, you have to use a shopping service if you don't have a Chinese address.  My go-to shopping service is taobaoring!  Here's my blog post on how to use taobaoring (link ♥).

 Japanese terms + sizing

Phew~

That took a very long time to type and put together lol

If you have some places you love to shop for J-fashion needs,

I'd love to know what they are!

~ Love you! x Amiman ~