EMODA meets Lindsay Lohan

After posting about the new EMODA collection only a few days ago, a new spread has popped up in JJ magazine featuring the brand. So why am I blogging about a photoshoot in a magazine?

Well that's because it is a special feature on Ena Matsumoto and...Lindsay Lohan o.O

It's nothing new for Japanese magazines to do collaboration pieces with Hollywood stars, although this one interested me mainly for the subject of a Gal brand doing a piece with someone as infamous as Lindsay. I think it's always interesting and holds a slight fascination for us Western fans of Gyaru when something like this pops up. It kind of reminds me of that terrible song Koda Kumi collaborated with Fergie on.

Even though Lindsay isn't Gal and EMODA is prominently a 'Gal Brand' I think they matched her style well for the shoot. I could actually see Lindsay wearing these pieces...which probably rings bells for some of you who commented in the last post about EMODA being a duplicate of Western fashion, right now.

I think it also backs up the idea that just wearing Gal brands doesn't make someone Gal...but that's another long and complicated story for another time.

So what do you think of the spread?
Do you like the idea? Is Lindsay working the clothes or falling flat?

EMODA meets Lindsay Lohan

After posting about the new EMODA collection only a few days ago, a new spread has popped up in JJ magazine featuring the brand. So why am I blogging about a photoshoot in a magazine?

Well that's because it is a special feature on Ena Matsumoto and...Lindsay Lohan o.O

It's nothing new for Japanese magazines to do collaboration pieces with Hollywood stars, although this one interested me mainly for the subject of a Gal brand doing a piece with someone as infamous as Lindsay. I think it's always interesting and holds a slight fascination for us Western fans of Gyaru when something like this pops up. It kind of reminds me of that terrible song Koda Kumi collaborated with Fergie on.

Even though Lindsay isn't Gal and EMODA is prominently a 'Gal Brand' I think they matched her style well for the shoot. I could actually see Lindsay wearing these pieces...which probably rings bells for some of you who commented in the last post about EMODA being a duplicate of Western fashion, right now.

I think it also backs up the idea that just wearing Gal brands doesn't make someone Gal...but that's another long and complicated story for another time.

So what do you think of the spread?
Do you like the idea? Is Lindsay working the clothes or falling flat?

EMODA 1st Anniversary items

EMODA are celebrating their 1st anniversary this year, so they are bringing out some special items to say thank you to all their loyal customers.

I picked up a copy of their new catalogue that features all of these items. The special items/offers have been placed into 3 categories; Sets, Limited Edition and Novelty.

So what are these special items all about?

The catalogue mentions 2 types of style;

-MODE GAL-

Emoda is high sense and real clothing bland (oh Engrish) which comply with women who want to have a fun with fashion.

-ROUGH RICH WOMAN-
Who wear classical and loose clothing like an actress. They like to spend high class hotel in NY City during their holiday.

Make of those what you will, at least the English is better than some other attempts I have seen. Even so it looks like EMODA are still going strong with their signature Mode look, but also working in the popular Celeb ('Rich Woman') style into the new collection.

SETS

Sukashi border maxi knit onepiece 
x
Bare onepiece
6,980yen
(on sale from 4th March)
~
All lace short long t-shirt
x
Gather bare onepiece
5,980yen
(on sale from 25th March)

Even though it says that the lace t-shirt set will go on sale in March I actually saw it in-store last week for the price quoted in the catalogue.

Maxi knit cardigan

x

Gather tank top onpiece

6,980yen

(on sale from 11th March)

~

All lace high waist skirt

x

Chiffon furil tops

5,980yen

(on sale from 18th March)

LIMITED EDITION

Chiffon Dolman Combi Shirt & Wedge Pumps

3,900yen each

(on sale from 25th February)

Indigo & Light blue Paggings

3,900yen each

(on sale from 25th February) 

NOVELTY

Editors Tassel Bag

Free gift when you spend over 20,000yen

(starts on 11th March)

 ~

Quilting Tassel Bag

Free gift when you spend over 15,000yen

(starts on 4th March)

Chain Tassel Bag

Free gift when you spend over 15,000yen

(starts on 18th March)

~

Carry Case

Free gift when you spend over 30,000yen

(starts on 25th March)

I loved all of the items featured in the catalogue (minus the maxi knits) and I think they're such great deals. The limited edition items and the sets are totally affordable for EMODA and a great addition to any Mode lovers wardrobe, or a lovely start for anyone who feels like transitioning to the style. The Novelties are particularly tempting, especially that 'Editors Bag' and the 'Carry Case'.

Check out the EMODA webstore - here.

Did anything catch your eye?
Will you be celebrating EMODA's anniversary by treating yourself to something?

EMODA 1st Anniversary items

EMODA are celebrating their 1st anniversary this year, so they are bringing out some special items to say thank you to all their loyal customers.

I picked up a copy of their new catalogue that features all of these items. The special items/offers have been placed into 3 categories; Sets, Limited Edition and Novelty.

So what are these special items all about?

The catalogue mentions 2 types of style;

-MODE GAL-

Emoda is high sense and real clothing bland (oh Engrish) which comply with women who want to have a fun with fashion.

-ROUGH RICH WOMAN-
Who wear classical and loose clothing like an actress. They like to spend high class hotel in NY City during their holiday.

Make of those what you will, at least the English is better than some other attempts I have seen. Even so it looks like EMODA are still going strong with their signature Mode look, but also working in the popular Celeb ('Rich Woman') style into the new collection.

SETS

Sukashi border maxi knit onepiece 
x
Bare onepiece
6,980yen
(on sale from 4th March)
~
All lace short long t-shirt
x
Gather bare onepiece
5,980yen
(on sale from 25th March)

Even though it says that the lace t-shirt set will go on sale in March I actually saw it in-store last week for the price quoted in the catalogue.

Maxi knit cardigan

x

Gather tank top onpiece

6,980yen

(on sale from 11th March)

~

All lace high waist skirt

x

Chiffon furil tops

5,980yen

(on sale from 18th March)

LIMITED EDITION

Chiffon Dolman Combi Shirt & Wedge Pumps

3,900yen each

(on sale from 25th February)

Indigo & Light blue Paggings

3,900yen each

(on sale from 25th February) 

NOVELTY

Editors Tassel Bag

Free gift when you spend over 20,000yen

(starts on 11th March)

 ~

Quilting Tassel Bag

Free gift when you spend over 15,000yen

(starts on 4th March)

Chain Tassel Bag

Free gift when you spend over 15,000yen

(starts on 18th March)

~

Carry Case

Free gift when you spend over 30,000yen

(starts on 25th March)

I loved all of the items featured in the catalogue (minus the maxi knits) and I think they're such great deals. The limited edition items and the sets are totally affordable for EMODA and a great addition to any Mode lovers wardrobe, or a lovely start for anyone who feels like transitioning to the style. The Novelties are particularly tempting, especially that 'Editors Bag' and the 'Carry Case'.

Check out the EMODA webstore - here.

Did anything catch your eye?
Will you be celebrating EMODA's anniversary by treating yourself to something?

Street snaps and store fronts....

Well I was planning to write a review of a few Japanese make-up products today, but I went out with some friends last night and I don't really think I'm in the best state for it haha

However I will not leave you empty handed. I took a few photos of some Gal store fronts on Friday and a couple of street snaps during the last night's festivities, so enjoy ;D

W♥C, in Shinjuku Lumine EST

Definitely the best looking of all their Tokyo stores,

but wayyyyy too small inside.

Emoda - loved this store, so gorgeous.

Murua - there were plenty of chic staff-chan here.

Street Snaps

I adored this Gal, she had a real Nonoka-vibe.

These Gals were so cute and sweet.

I loved that one of them had the Gilfy U.K flag skirt.

Sorry for the pixel-heart noses, just want to preserve peoples privacy as much as possible.

Is this something you guys would be interested in seeing more of?

I want to update more often but I don't usually have the time to make big posts during the week, so I'd like to maybe do little 'filler' posts when I can.

Please let me know your ideas on what you would like to see.

Street snaps and store fronts....

Well I was planning to write a review of a few Japanese make-up products today, but I went out with some friends last night and I don't really think I'm in the best state for it haha

However I will not leave you empty handed. I took a few photos of some Gal store fronts on Friday and a couple of street snaps during the last night's festivities, so enjoy ;D

W♥C, in Shinjuku Lumine EST

Definitely the best looking of all their Tokyo stores,

but wayyyyy too small inside.

Emoda - loved this store, so gorgeous.

Murua - there were plenty of chic staff-chan here.

Street Snaps

I adored this Gal, she had a real Nonoka-vibe.

These Gals were so cute and sweet.

I loved that one of them had the Gilfy U.K flag skirt.

Sorry for the pixel-heart noses, just want to preserve peoples privacy as much as possible.

Is this something you guys would be interested in seeing more of?

I want to update more often but I don't usually have the time to make big posts during the week, so I'd like to maybe do little 'filler' posts when I can.

Please let me know your ideas on what you would like to see.

Mode hair & Skin care....

Mode Hair

If you haven't heard about the current MODE trend in Gal, then check out Mitsu's amazing introduction, or pick up the current issue of Happie Nuts which features Emoda's Ena Matsumoto.

I really love the look and idea of Mode, because it's a more sophisticated and stylish kind of Gal without being too boring or old - even if Mode is aimed at the older Gal. By this I mean that whilst chic is always great, I don't want to look like I'm going to the office (blouses and pencil skirts etc.) or too old for my time whilst I'm still a university student.

Anyway, Mitsu also posted a wonderful hair tutorial to Ena's Mode style bun. I loved the look of it and thought it could be a more stylised alternative to my usual messy top bun. When I mentioned this she said how she would like to see my version as my hair is the polar opposite to hers - long and thin.

See the full tutorial here.

Please excuse the bad webcam pics. I didn't have any make-up on so I didn't want to show my ugly half-awake/half-asleep face.

An example of the length of my hair/how thin my hair is.

I was really shocked when I put my hair up into the ponytail because it was so thin. I thought it was getting thicker, but I guess it's going to take longer D:

My take on the 'Mode bun'

I should mention that this was rather rushed. It took me about 20mins and I did it as soon as I had woken up. This was because of an impromptu visit to the beach so I was in a bit of a rush to get everything together and get ready. However no more excuses, I plan to have another go next time I want to carry off the Mode look.

I found it very hard to get this style right as my hair is so thin and long.

I found rolling my hair under to be slightly challenging as it was so long, but I managed.

My second dilemma was down to how thin my hair was. Even after back-combing I found that my hair could have been thicker to make it work better. This was probably because it didn't really have the volume/thickness that Ena and Mitsu managed. Maybe this was due to my lack of time or maybe this style just isn't meant for those with thin hair. Even so I do want to try it again - maybe using a thickening shampoo just before - as I really liked the overall look of it. I felt as though I looked more like my age, then when I do a messy top bun...don't ask me how that makes any sense but I have trouble with people always thinking I'm younger than I am haha

I thought my version was too messy to start with, but then I saw the original picture of Ena and I didn't feel so bad because it seemed that was the look she was going for, albeit with a more sleek outfit than mine ;D

So this style, whilst difficult, is still a winner for me.

Skin Care

In the last few weeks leading up to the end of last term (at uni) I found myself going out to lots of restaurants, comedy clubs (eating food such as nachos etc.) and takeaways with friends. Whilst I enjoyed this immensely I am now suffering from the consequences. My skin and body are at a low. The weight/toning-up post will come later but for now I want to talk about skin.

Thanks to the wonders of the female body (hello PMS) and too much junk food, my skin broke out. This probably isn't a big deal for most people, but my skin has always been relatively spot free and smooth. So you can understand that this got me down a little bit. Therefore I started eating healthier and I tried out a few skin care products to battle the blemish.

Please note that I have sensitive skin so I don't usually use spot fighting scrubs/facial moisturisers.

1. Deep Action Facial Scrub - I usually buy this as it is really effective. It can be used as a daily wash or as a mask. But for some reason the bottles always tend to break on me. I wanted to buy it again this time but they didn't have any so I went for...

2. Tea Tree & Peppermint Cleanser/Toner - I have used Tea Tree before and I know it can have brilliant effects on your hair but I haven't used it on my skin before. Unfortunately this just made my skin break out even more. I don't know if this was because my skin disagreed with the product or if it would have done it anyway. I stopped using it as I didn't find it any help at all D:

3. Deep Action Daily Exfoliating Wash - I thought this may have been the first product I know and love, but re branded so I bought it...but it wasn't. It had a different feel to it and I couldn't use it as a mask like the first one. However it did start to clear my skin up, but after using it daily - as it is supposed to be used - I found my skin drying up, and not just a little bit. It caused my skin to flake and it left my face feeling rough and dry. Definitely the worst out of the two.

4. Savlon - What? An antiseptic cream?! It may sound ridiculous but when I told my boyfriends mum how I had dry skin and spots she recommended me this - if anyone is interested she did also give me some Clinique moisturiser but it didn't work anywhere near as good as this. I never knew you could use it for spots but apparently you can (the website mentions it too), and it works wonders. The majority of the blemishes are gone and my skin feels normal again.

It really makes me wonder why I spend all my money on skin care products when something so simple and universal can help. As you can see I like Superdrug's range of skin products but after this I think I will either stick to the Savlon when I have a break-out or choose something more natural like The Body Shop's products.

Do you have any odd cures for blemishes or strange skin care routines?

Mode hair & Skin care....

Mode Hair

If you haven't heard about the current MODE trend in Gal, then check out Mitsu's amazing introduction, or pick up the current issue of Happie Nuts which features Emoda's Ena Matsumoto.

I really love the look and idea of Mode, because it's a more sophisticated and stylish kind of Gal without being too boring or old - even if Mode is aimed at the older Gal. By this I mean that whilst chic is always great, I don't want to look like I'm going to the office (blouses and pencil skirts etc.) or too old for my time whilst I'm still a university student.

Anyway, Mitsu also posted a wonderful hair tutorial to Ena's Mode style bun. I loved the look of it and thought it could be a more stylised alternative to my usual messy top bun. When I mentioned this she said how she would like to see my version as my hair is the polar opposite to hers - long and thin.

See the full tutorial here.

Please excuse the bad webcam pics. I didn't have any make-up on so I didn't want to show my ugly half-awake/half-asleep face.

An example of the length of my hair/how thin my hair is.

I was really shocked when I put my hair up into the ponytail because it was so thin. I thought it was getting thicker, but I guess it's going to take longer D:

My take on the 'Mode bun'

I should mention that this was rather rushed. It took me about 20mins and I did it as soon as I had woken up. This was because of an impromptu visit to the beach so I was in a bit of a rush to get everything together and get ready. However no more excuses, I plan to have another go next time I want to carry off the Mode look.

I found it very hard to get this style right as my hair is so thin and long.

I found rolling my hair under to be slightly challenging as it was so long, but I managed.

My second dilemma was down to how thin my hair was. Even after back-combing I found that my hair could have been thicker to make it work better. This was probably because it didn't really have the volume/thickness that Ena and Mitsu managed. Maybe this was due to my lack of time or maybe this style just isn't meant for those with thin hair. Even so I do want to try it again - maybe using a thickening shampoo just before - as I really liked the overall look of it. I felt as though I looked more like my age, then when I do a messy top bun...don't ask me how that makes any sense but I have trouble with people always thinking I'm younger than I am haha

I thought my version was too messy to start with, but then I saw the original picture of Ena and I didn't feel so bad because it seemed that was the look she was going for, albeit with a more sleek outfit than mine ;D

So this style, whilst difficult, is still a winner for me.

Skin Care

In the last few weeks leading up to the end of last term (at uni) I found myself going out to lots of restaurants, comedy clubs (eating food such as nachos etc.) and takeaways with friends. Whilst I enjoyed this immensely I am now suffering from the consequences. My skin and body are at a low. The weight/toning-up post will come later but for now I want to talk about skin.

Thanks to the wonders of the female body (hello PMS) and too much junk food, my skin broke out. This probably isn't a big deal for most people, but my skin has always been relatively spot free and smooth. So you can understand that this got me down a little bit. Therefore I started eating healthier and I tried out a few skin care products to battle the blemish.

Please note that I have sensitive skin so I don't usually use spot fighting scrubs/facial moisturisers.

1. Deep Action Facial Scrub - I usually buy this as it is really effective. It can be used as a daily wash or as a mask. But for some reason the bottles always tend to break on me. I wanted to buy it again this time but they didn't have any so I went for...

2. Tea Tree & Peppermint Cleanser/Toner - I have used Tea Tree before and I know it can have brilliant effects on your hair but I haven't used it on my skin before. Unfortunately this just made my skin break out even more. I don't know if this was because my skin disagreed with the product or if it would have done it anyway. I stopped using it as I didn't find it any help at all D:

3. Deep Action Daily Exfoliating Wash - I thought this may have been the first product I know and love, but re branded so I bought it...but it wasn't. It had a different feel to it and I couldn't use it as a mask like the first one. However it did start to clear my skin up, but after using it daily - as it is supposed to be used - I found my skin drying up, and not just a little bit. It caused my skin to flake and it left my face feeling rough and dry. Definitely the worst out of the two.

4. Savlon - What? An antiseptic cream?! It may sound ridiculous but when I told my boyfriends mum how I had dry skin and spots she recommended me this - if anyone is interested she did also give me some Clinique moisturiser but it didn't work anywhere near as good as this. I never knew you could use it for spots but apparently you can (the website mentions it too), and it works wonders. The majority of the blemishes are gone and my skin feels normal again.

It really makes me wonder why I spend all my money on skin care products when something so simple and universal can help. As you can see I like Superdrug's range of skin products but after this I think I will either stick to the Savlon when I have a break-out or choose something more natural like The Body Shop's products.

Do you have any odd cures for blemishes or strange skin care routines?

Current Faves....

Eurgh, technology and I are not cooperating well today. I figured I'd do a long awaited 'April Gets' but I forgot my camera lead. Then I thought of maybe talking about some current trends in the latest issues of JELLY & Happie Nuts but my laptop charger broke, and now all the USB ports are messing up DDD:

I have a feeling that it's karma for leaving you guys waiting so long. Sorry!!

So instead I'm going to do a short but sweet post on some of my current favourite items this season.

Reminiscent of last seasons WC sandals, and keeping with the open-toe boot trend.

I love these boots, especially in white. They'd be perfect for the current MODE trend.

This t-shirt is also perfect for the MODE look.

H&M have a very similar one in-store now.

I haven't really been feeling WC lately, but I do love the Kumatan scarf.

Perfect for the current scarf trend, whether you wear it in your hair,

around your neck or as an accessory on your bag.

This 5 item set from the GLAD NEWS Rakuten store is a bargain.

For around £39 you can get an entire Summer outfit.

Including; maxi dress, cropped tee, bag, flip-flops and a hat.

I really like the mix of denim and floral in this, surprise, surprise ;D

You can find some similar items on YesStyle.

Want everyone to know how much you love this seasons MODE trend?

Then this simple but chic tee is for you ;D

And finally, this ethnic onepiece by GIMLET.

I just love the pattern and overall look.

Ethnic has hit the UK highstreet too, so keep an eye out for similar pieces.

Source; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6