My Inspirations…
Jul 15, 2009 by Violet
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!
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 :D
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 :D
I 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 :) 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 :D 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 ;)
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 :)
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 :D 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 :(
-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 :D
Wow! Thanks so much for the mention on your post. :) Good luck with saving for your trip to Japan.
I liked your post a lot, it was nice to read about your inspirations and random tidbits!
Wow tons of info! I love it! Thanks for the shout out, you know I just LOVE and ADORE your blog too! You are such a genuine, sweet person and I'm so glad we have gotten to know each other better through our blogs and emails!!
Love ya girl!
Sigmate- Aww no worries! I really love reading your blog! Don't worry, once I get back to Japan, I'll be spamming you all with pics ;)
Kae- I'm really glad you enjoyed :D
Brooke- Yeah this took foreeever to write XD Aww no worries, I'm just glad to have met you! You are one of the sweetest people I've met online and I'm so glad to have gotten to know you too <3<3<3 Lots of love!
Wow, there is a lot of useful information in this post. Thank you for sharing. I'm going through some of the websites you love now right now.
Info: I love video games too. X)
*blushes* I never thought my blog would appear on your list. ♥_♥ Thank you so so much for mentioning me!
Lady Kristen- I'm so glad you enjoyed, I hope you find some fun websites here! Heehee what sort of video games do you like? I am perminitely glued to my DS :D Aww of course your blog is here, I absolutely love it! You always write really informative articles :D
Aw aw aw~Violet!! Thank you soooo very much for adding my website and blog as your favourites!! …a little embarrassed（//∀//）, but I'm really happy!!
hehee, I love video games too!! I used to play too much and my mum had to stop me(^-^;
Well! It's time for me to start visiting all the websites that you recommended!!
Thank you Thank you Thank you~!!みにぃひめ☆
I love playing my DS. My fiance is trying to get me to play pokemon at the moment. I love RPGs. My favorites would have to be Lunar, Suikoden, and of course Final Fantasy.
P.S. So you know my url was updated.
Mitsue- Aww please don't feel embarrassed! I love your blog so much ^_^ Heehee, I play way too many video games too!
ありがとう！
Lady Kristen- I love RPG's too, though all my game time is taken up with educational learning Japanese games at the moment! I used to play Lunar Genesis aaaall the time though, and Pokemon is surprisingly addictive! (I've fixed your link too)
Fantastic post and all the effort really shines through. I'm very honored to be on your list too.
I've been having SO much fun reading through your inspirations list and have lots of new reads to add to my list now.
Super Kawaii Mama- I'm so glad you enjoyed reading it and I hope you found some great links! I really love your blog too, you are a wonderfully stylish woman!