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Friday, April 30, 2010

If the Shoe Fits...

Fairy Kei Shoes. The Ultimate Guide.
It's a well known fact that shoes can make or break an outfit. However, when it gets to fairy kei, there are so many shoe options, it's often hard to choose the best pair for your wardrobe. Another problem that many fairy kei-admirers run into, is finding brands that sell a specific style they are looking for. I've done my research, and complied a list of shoes that will suit many styles! Whether you love Spank!, fairy deco, fairy lolita, or even something more on the neon spectrum, you no longer need to worry about shoes!

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Spank! style is a bit more hip and retro than Fairy Kei, in general. Dr. Marten combat boots and ReebokXMilkfed freestyle hi-tops are popular looks that will go with any outfit. If you want to dress up an outfit, vintage pumps are always a great option, however they are not always easy to find. Not to worry! RANDA has an amazing selection of 80's-inspired heels. If you are looking for something both comfortable and hip, moccasins and UGGs are popular options. But if you are someone on the cutting-edge, looking for the next "it" shoe, look no further than the vintage Converse platform. There is only one problem, they are close to impossible to find in the U.S.
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My remedy? Buy similar platform Vans, if you can find any, or buy the H&M platform Vans look-alikes. However, the best option would be to buy some Converse All Stars and bring them to a cobbler. They can stack sloes onto them, to make them into platforms. I know this sounds crazy, but it's what all the club kids did in the early 90's, so it must work!

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Although quite a few different styles of shoes are seen with fairy deco, I love the way chunky hi-top sneakers polish off the look. I've seen a lot of German decora-chans rocking these shoes, and I must say, they look AMAZING! I personally own some pastel pink Osiris Bronx. They are very comfortable and sturdy, as a skate shoe should be.

Unfortunately, what I really lust after are pink Sketchers children's hi-tops. They are a pretty popular choice amongst the Western fairy-kei community. Too bad my feet are nowhere near children's sizes! If you would rather have something from Japan, I'd suggestShaun PalmerXRobot Luv sneakers. There's nothing quite like glittery shoes! Last but not least, there's something for all the boys out there, Reebok Ex-O-Fit hi-tops. Although they are men's shoes, I don't see why a girl can't buy some as well!

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Although fairy loli IS lolita, that doesn't necessarily mean that lolia shoes are the only option. Pastel Combat Boots* or opalescent pumps are a great way to add more fairy-kei style to a lolita outfit! If you prefer to stick to lolita brand, but want something different, BTSSB has some adorable converse-style sneakers with the
"Pony in Sweet Dream"print. However, If you simply cannot stand to wear shoes that are not lolita-style, solid colors are the way to go. The solid colors give your outfit a more "pop" feel and are somewhat reminiscent of Barbie shoes. AP tea party shoes are classic! If looking for boots, BTSSB has adorable heart cut-out boots, perfect for cold-weather.

If you are a lolita on a budget, Bodyline is a well-known option. As well as being cheap, they also sell a larger range of sizes than brand lolita shoes. Their pastel blue heels would look great with a pink/blue coordinate. I also think their pastel pink boots would look great in a fairy-loli coordinate.

*Dr. Marten no longer sells pastel pink patent leather combat boots. However, you can get similar boots from Double Decker.


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I'd like to define "pop style" as being something between Spank! and new rave. When I chose these shoes, I had the 6% Doki Doki shop girls in mind. It's bright, edgy, and a tad bit retro. It's great for the girl who wants to add something bright to a pastel coordinate. As with almost any style, Dr. Martens are a great choice, so why not make a bold statement with metallic pink ones? Another great boot that I can't keep my eyes off of are Yosuke U.S.A's shiny pink engineer boots. Prefer heels? RANDA has some great options. If you'd prefer something more alternative T.U.K. has adorable heels with a darker style.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

The Fairy Kei Playlist!


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Music. It's the sound of a subculture's beating heart. Fashion trends are often started by musicians, but sometimes fashion comes first. Sometimes designers come up with a completely original idea and musicians adopt the style later. Fairy kei and Spank! style are such examples. Because of that, there really is no definite "fairy kei" or "Spank!"-related music genres. However, there are musicians who embrace the style as well as musical preferences amongst designers. Without further ado, I bring to you a list of musicians you might want to put into a "fairy kei playlist".

Riot Grrrl
Riot Grrrl music is a favorite amongst third wave feminists and punk girls alike! However, what many American fans don't know is that it's also quite popular with the Spank! girls in Japan. I'm proud to say that I currently live in the home state of Riot Grrrl music! I am also proud to say I am a fan. In fact, I was quite surprised and pleased to find out it was making it's rounds in Japan, let alone within my favorite subculture!

Favorite and Most Notable Riot Grrrl Bands

Favorite Feminist Electroclash
Although Le Tigre and Chicks on Speed are similar to Riot Grrrl music (Le Tigre was even formed by Bikini Kill frontwoman Kathleen Hanna ), they are electronic and therefor fit better into the "electroclash" category, which is rather loosely defined.

Musical Fans
Spank! style as well as Fairy Kei are both very popular fashion genres in Tokyo, so it's no surprise that some musical artists have interests in the style. In fact, one of Japan's ambassadors of "Kawaii culture", Yu Kimura is a fan of fairy kei, as well as the lead singer of her band PEEP4U.

Favorite Fairy Kei and Spank! fan Musicians
*Neeko is also a well known model and voice actress.

80's Pop
80's pop. Is there anything more Spank! than that? When I think of Spank! , two musical artists come to mind. Cindy Lauper and Stacey Q. Many artists could be added to this list, but here are the ones that really represent the Spank! philosophy to me.

My favorite 80's pop artists
*Although I prefer recent Kylie Minogue, I think 80's Kylie is more appropriate for the blog's theme.

I think that concludes my list! Although there are many musical artists that make me think of fairy kei and Spank!'s philosophy and style, they really have no connection to either. However, I want to thank you for reading! Also, I would love to hear what you would add to your "fairy kei playlist"!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Fairy Kei Every Day has a new baby sister!

Hello my friends! I'd like to take this moment to introduce you to Fairy Kei's* sister!

Her name is Cute Crate! Cute Crate is inspired by one of my boyfriend's favorite blogs Uncrate. I took their philosophy and applied it to all things cute and girly! I post up multiple items of interest every day and say a little something about them. If I have tried or own the product and really like it, I do reviews. This is something that I am having so much fun with! Please join me!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

I fixed my blog!

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A dear and lovely reader notified me about my comment option not working.
I took her advice and changed it to "pop-up" and by golly, it worked! I really am a noob...
Anyway, feel free to comment! I'm very sorry for the past inconvenience!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Uwagimaya and Daiso haul #1


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It took me a while to decide whether or not I would feature hauls on Fairy Kei Every Day.
I believe it really just boils down the simple question "Will this be of my reader's interest?"
We here at Fairy Kei Every Day (me) believe that our readers are intelligent consumers with a love of all things cute and pop! So, without further ado, I present to you my celebration of consuming all things cute!


Kinokuniya

Kinokuniya is a Japanese bookstore located within the Uwagimaya in Seattle. They have a very expansive selection of Japanese magazines! I really couldn't ask for more!

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I of course had to get the latest issue of Kera. I have to say that this is one of my favorite issues! The clothing was divided by color coordination (the pastel was my favorite!).
I also found the makeup tips to very useful for getting a nice "giant-eyed" look.
However, I had to cry over the fact that I couldn't read their Amo interview. I love her too much! At least they had pictures of her favorite things. It appears that she is very fond of Kitty Surprise and High School Musical!
I'll make sure to do some scans later!
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FRUiTS! With Amo on the cover! Need I say more?!
By the way, sorry for my gross unmanicured nails.
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Did I ever mention that deco is my other hobby?
Also, check out that pimp hair dryer! Magnum Revolver!
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The free macaroon cabochon that came with it is rather cute!
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Also, I HAD TO BUY THIS!
Maru. Has. His. Own. Movie.
and he's in a trashcan.
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Rilakkuma. Doing what he does on a macaroon.

Uwagimaya
After having fun in the bookstore, I headed over to the main Uwagimaya store.
Well, actually I sprinted straight to the Sanrio section without even glancing at the delicious groceries.
Sadly, I found nothing worth buying in the Sanrio section. However, the beauty department was a different story.
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I bought some eyelid glue. This is something I've been meaning to do for sometime.
Now, if you have seen me in person or have seen close-up photos of my face (most likely you haven't), you know that I have double lids.
If you know what eyelid glue is, you may be wondering why I would have any use for it. Well, let me let you in on a little secret: not only does it gives you double lids, it also makes your eyes appear bigger. All you do is apply a little glue slightly above your upper lashline, then use the stick thing to push your lid up. Your "lower-upper lid" will adhere to your "upper-upper lid", giving your eyes a larger, rounder look while still having a visible eye crease.
The downside is that it's hard to close my eyes all the way, giving me dry eyes and a headache. BUT AT LEAST MY EYES LOOK CUTE!
Also, it came with a cute hair bobble.
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I really liked the Uwagimaya shopping bags! So cute!
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Here's the back! Look at those little curry blocks! Japanese curry is one of my favorite foods. SO CUTE!
Fact: Do you know that Japanese curry was originally imported from British colonials? The recipe was a British interpretation of Indian curry. Now days British curry restaurants have authentic Indian curry as well as great fusion styles! However, Japan held on to the colonial curry, which is fine because I LOVE IT!

Daiso
After splurging at Uwagimaya, I decided to do the rest of my shopping somewhere more affordable. Good ol' dependable Daiso. Oh, how I love you.
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I found out, to my delight that Diaso sold the same stationary as Kinokunia but for much less. This one in particular caught my eye. The paper is quite cute! I should have taken a picture!
"Which would you like coffee, tea or milk?"
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I love these kind of mirrors! I especially liked this one because my boyfriend always calls me "sweets". He picked it up and was like "Sweets! It has your name on it! Literally!" Lol.
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I thought this one was cute too. I think I'll deco around the parfait.
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I've been needing some measuring tape for some time! I've been wanting to make some clothing and I'm also on a diet so it's ideal for taking my measurements. It's in cm, so that's a plus. I like knowing what my measurements are in Japanese clothing sizes. Lastly, did you notice that IT'S A BEAR FACE?! CUTE!
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Last, but not least on today's haul are my eyelashes. How could I go to Daiso and not get eyelashes? Now, some of you may disagree with me on their quality. Yes, you do get your money's worth. However, I think that $1.50 lashes look just fine, as long as you are not going for a natural look. Not that lashes like these could ever look natural.
The lashes on top/middle looks amazing, by the way! They really make your eyes look HUGE!

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Now, if only I had circle lenses. *Sigh*
Also, sorry my hair is so messy in this picture. It was SUPER windy.

Well, that is all for now! Thank you so much for reading! Bye bye!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Of Kittens and Kitten Heels

Outfit Post!
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get around to posting again!
I'll start off with a picture of my outfit today!
After all, I can't have a fashion blog without showcasing my style!

Today's Outfit
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Jacket: Miss Sixty
Hoodie: Old Navy
Top: Ebay
Skirt: Wild Man Vintage (Lawrence, KS)
Tights: Sears
Pumps: Goodwill
Necklace: Claire's
At the moment I can't afford to buy expensive imported clothing, nor fit into it.
However, I do whatever I can to incorporate clothing from cheap and accessible shops into a style that I can admire.
My biggest inspirations in fashion are Spank! and Kera magazine.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Taking a Break

Sorry!
It's going to be awhile until I make another post. Most likely the wait won't be any longer than a few days. All my post ideas involve me taking photographs, which I can't do at the moment. The camera I use ate up all the batteries (yes, it's that outdated). Anyhow, I'll back on when I get some batteries.

I don't want to leave you empty-handed so here's the first episode of Samurai Pizza Cats. Why? Because I said so. That's why.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Spank Boys!

Boys in my Spank!? It's more likely than you think.
Every once in a while on the Spank! shop girl's blogs or in a Kera street snap I see him...The illusive Spank! boy. He's often in a leather jacket or pastel cardigan. He wears his pants tight and tucked into retro hi-tops. He looks both cute and fearless.
I'm all for gender equality, so today I'm all about giving a shout out to my male counterparts!

Spank! Boys
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As you can see, there is more than one pic of Tsun. I seriously spent all day on the Spank! shop girl's blogs and this was all I could come up with. I couldn't find any of the Kera street snaps I previously saw, either. T_T If you find any pics of Spank! or fairy kei boys please show me!
Get the Look
Many of these items are not from fairy kei brands. This is just my interpretation of men's Spank! style and fairy kei fashion and some things that I think would make cute outfits.
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1.American Apparel (unisex), 2.Drakes London, 3. AC/DC Rag, 4.Chocomint, 5. Swimmer, 6.Chocomint (ring), 7. Jansport, 8.typical motorcycle jacket (a shorter one may be better), 9.Topman, 10. Reebok, 11. Topman,
12. Braintree Clothing (women's- can still work), 13. Casio, 14. Listen Flavor, 15. Urban Outfitters, 16.Piknic, 17. TruffleShuffle, 18.Double Decker, 19. Reebok, 20.Ohmysocute.com, 21. TruffleShuffle, 22. AC/DC Rag, 23. Truffle Shuffle, 24. Spank!, 25.Fred Flare, 26. Ohmysocute.com, 27.Spank!, 28.Spank!, 29. Chocomint, 30.axelrodco.com

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Fairy Kei Checklist


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Fairy Kei Checklist
Hello again, my friends! I'm sorry it's been so long since I've last posted! I've been having troubles deciding what will and will not be on my blog. Today I decided that one of the things I do want on Fairy Kei Every Day is a checklist. I was inspired by the "Mori Girl Checklist" and the "Lolita Checklist" from Lolita Charm. Sooo, without further ado, I bring to you the "Fairy Kei Checklist":
  • Loves vintage toys with hidden secrets.
  • Scoffs at the term "age appropriate" .
  • Loves Cindy Lauper
  • Agrees that "girls just wanna' have fun!"
  • Thinks a scarf can never be too long.
  • Doesn't mind being "the cute and quirky girl".
  • Liked scrunchies before they made a comeback.
  • Wears "grandma shirts" because she finds them oddly charming, not ironic.
  • Wears vintage prescription glasses with the lenses popped out.
  • Loves deco (especially sweets), but makes her own with a pastel-pop twist.
  • Puts her makeup in a Caboodle.
  • Loves unusual scented items.
  • Is a thrifty shopper.
  • Likes to incorporate sweet lolita, especially Angelic Pretty.
  • Has fun piling on Chocomint or 6% accessories.
  • It may be a well kept secret, but she likely was once a lolita or decora-chan.
  • Buys candy solely on it's packaging.
  • Material of choice can be described as "moko moko".
  • Prefers acrylic to finer materials.
  • Thinks pajama tops and petticoats can be main components of an outfit.
  • Wishes she had "My Little Pony hair".
  • Prefers things that glow, change color, light up, have hidden compartments, etc.
  • Chooses polka dots over stripes.
  • Still writes in a paper diary.
  • Wears a backpack outside of school.
  • Loves items disguised as other objects.
  • Sneakers and boots go with EVERYTHING!
  • Secretly wishes she could still fit into her childhood clothes.
  • Wishes shoe companies made light-up shoes for adults.
  • Thinks everything is cuter with bows.
  • Her friends say she looks like she's from the 80's.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Craft Tutorial #1

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Knitting Bows
If you love Spank!, you may have already noticed their adorable knitted bows that adorn some of their items. If you haven't started knitting yet, a knitted bow is an ideal beginner project! It's just as easy to make as a scarf but much faster, so you won't get discouraged. Below are the videos that helped me learn how to knit!


Just fast forward past the casting on part on this one. The last video is better for that.

I recommend using large needles for your first knit. They are easier to use. However, too large of needles will make your bow flimsy and silly-looking. My needles are 8.0mm and I think they are perfect for starting off. I also recommend using wooden needles. The yarn is less likely to slip off. You should also use a very basic yarn* that is not too rough (scratchy wool) or too soft (baby blanket yarn).

I casted on 6 stitches and made 9 rows for the little bows. For the big bows, I casted on 14 stitches and did 19 rows. To bunch up the bows, I just wrapped yarn around the middle and tied it into a knot on the back. Bobby pins and headbands work best for putting the bows in your hair and I recommend safety pins to temporarily put them on your clothing.

*no crazy, stringy, confetti-lint madness

Monday, March 15, 2010

Wishlist #1

Spring 2010 Wishlist!

It's almost that time of year. For many people here in the states it seems like this harsh winter will never end, but don't let that get you down! I've complied a list of adorable items that I would love in my spring wardrobe. I made sure to put in something for everyone, with a range of different suppliers/brands. I also separated my wishlist into two different categories: one for girls/ boys on a budget (i.e. me), and another for shoppers interested in brand/botique goods from Japan. I hope you love these as much as I do!
Affordable Adorable!
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1. American Apparel, 2. AC/DC Rag, 3. Bodyline, 4. Bodyline, 5. Chocomint ,
6.Refuse to be Usual, 7.
Etsy seller pechepastel,
8.
Ebay seller zeestees4u,
9.
Etsy seller CutWithTheCakeKnife
, 10. Swimmer, 11. Sugarpop Clothing,
12. Refuse to be Usual, 13. Infanta, 14. Modcloth, 15.Sugarpop Clothing ,
16.Swimmer (ipod case),
17. Ribbon Holic (Cocomint)
Brand or Bust!

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1) 6% Doki Doki, 2. 6% Doki Doki, 3. Angelic Pretty, 4. Angelic Pretty, 5. Listen Flavor, 6. Milk, 7. ReebokxMilkfed, 8.Milk, 9.Nile Perch, 10. Spank!, 11) Spank!, 12) Spank!

Welcome!

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Hello everyone and welcome to Fairy Kei's first post! My name is Kitty and I am an avid fairy kei admirer and enthusiast. I check Live Journal's Pop Kei community as well as Spank's shop staff blogs daily. However, lately I feel like something has been missing and that something is a Western-based blog about fairy kei/ Spank! style in general. Today I have decided to break the silence in the Western blogsphere and shout my love for fairy kei!
If you are not (yet) a fan of fairy kei, let my explain it to you. "Fairy kei" or literally, "fairy style" is a Japanese fashion genre taking inspiration from American Children's pop culture from the 80's and early 90's. According to Tokyo New Tribe Sebastian Masudea, a fashion producer, set the grounds for Fairy Kei fashion when he opened his boutique 6% Doki Doki in 1996. Later in 2004 a vintage store named Spank! opened up in Kouenji. They sold American clothing from the 1980's as well as origional handmade goods. They later opened up sister shops Ticket to Darling and Spank Me! Many people consider Spank! to be fairy kei, however Spank! owner, Tabuchi (aka Tavuchi) said in an interview that Spank! is not fairy kei but is it's own unique style. Other Fairy Kei shops of interest are Nile Perch, Mania Q, and B Be Bee. There are also many shops that sell Fairy kei items but not exclusively, for example; Listen Flavor, Swimmer, AC/DC Rags, Milk, Chocomint, Bodyline, and many more.
Fairy Kei fashion can take many forms, however it tends to keep to a pastel pallet, with pastel pink and lilac as almost essentials. Black, White, red, neon colors, as well as other colors are often but not always added to the look. As with many Japanese fashion genres, layers are prevalent. Petticoats, panniers, rompers, and baby doll tops layered over t-shirts are extremely popular in the fashion. Bows, conversation hearts, confetti, polka dots, pastel cartoon animals, teddy bears, ice cream, unicorns, carosousels, and popular 80's plush toys (i.e. Carebears, Popples, and Yum Yums) are all popular Fairy Kei imagery. Fairy kei also has sub genres such as Fairy deco and Fairy loli but I will cover those later.
Overall, interest in Fairy Kei outside of Japan is growing fast. Luckily for myself and many other North Americans, like Americana and heritage fashion, many Spank! items are imported to Japan from America, making it an easy to achieve look. I get my fairy kei clothes almost exclusively from thift stores and ebay. Spank! and Nile Perch-style items also happen to be very easy to make! I will have tutorials later. Anyhow, thank you for reading and I hope you check this new blog often!

Great links to check out:

Shopping:

Notable Fairy kei enthusiasts:
Spank! Girls Tabuchi, Maga, Saki, Eric, Asami, Maasa, and Nachiko
6% Doki Doki shop girls Reika and Yuka
Ambassador of Kawaii Culture Yu Kimura (Peep4U lead singer and Kera model)
Amo (Kera and Angelic Pretty model)





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