Something cute for a Sunday night!

This is not much of a post tonight, I do apologise, as I am trying to make my blog more of a daily fashion flash - like a little fash mag each day - well that's the aim! Tonight though I am exhausted, after a weekend of gorgeous babies (not mine!) family, friends, engagement parties and a 500 mile round trip in a car with the boy getting very frustrated at the traffic, I have just walked into my nook, had a cuppa, watched in distress and pure fury the X-Factor results (seriously, what the hell?!) and want to do the smallest of postings of something I am a little obsessed with.

You've gathered my now my love of Japanese fashion, well, I also have an obsession with all things Japanese, and these little Momji dolls are among my favourite! Momiji Dolls are collectable friendship dolls, each with their own characteristics, likes and dislikes. At the base of every doll is a slot into which can be used to hide a secret or friendship message for someone special - cuuuute! They are so gorgeous, I currently have about 6 scattered around the house. They just add a gorgeous bit of colour and personality and they make the sweetest presents. They come wrapped in little japanese take out boxes and little sayings on the side. I am not a doll fan, in fact, I hate dolls, creepy little bastards, but these are something else. So sweet, so collectable, and perfect for Chrismakuh presents, or a little gift for yourself.

They're stocked at John Lewis and Selfridges, as well as plenty of other places and are about £11 each. Check out the website http://lovemomiji.com/ and be prepared to go: awwwwwwwwwww!!! enjoy!

Japanese Street Style - You are the Best Stylist to Express Yourself

I am totally obsessed with Japanese street style, in fact, going to Japan and seeing the amazing style there is what started my journey in fashion.

I don’t know what it is, the mix of colour, textures, designs, all of the above, not to mention there total freedom of style, and their uninhibited way of being able to put on whatever they want, without giving a damn as to what the rest of the world thinks. The girls, and the guys, who deck themselves out in this way, have created a fashion movement of their very own, which puts to shame the street style of so many other nationalities.

There are seven main styles in Japanese street fashion, and they can all be seen walking up and down the streets of Tokyo and beyond. Just to give you a brief rundown of these styles and influences, they are:

Gothic Lolita: Lacey, Victoriana, gothic and dark, these girls where petticoats, stockings, ruffles and parasols. A bit creepy, but gorgeous none the less. There is also, Sweet Lolita – childlike, kitsch, Hello Kitty and colours everywhere, Punk Lolita – exactly as it sounds and Classic Lolita – feminine, cute and ever so slightly more grown up.

Ganguro: think brightly coloured outfits, mini skirts, platform shoes, bleached hair and lots of make up (think Kensington Roof Gardens on a Saturday night for make up visuals!)

Kogal: a style that a lot of people will be familiar with, schoolgirl! So think baggy school uniform with a short skirt and knee-high socks.

Visual Kei: crazy make up and even crazier hairstyles – the guys nail this look even better than the girls!

Dolly Kei: a new love of fairy tales and the middle ages has created this style, which is all about vintage clothing styled in unusual ways.

Cosplay: short for costume role play, elaborate costumes and accessories, fashionistas of this style will dress up to resemble characters from films, manga, anime or computer games.

If you can find yourself a copy, check out Fruits, a Japanese fashion magazine covering the fashions of the Harajuku district of Tokyo, established in 1997 by photographer Shoichi Aoki. Excerpts from the magazine were compiled to create the Phaidon Press books Fruits and Fresh Fruits. I’ve got a copy of these (in case anyone wants to borrow!) Otherwise they’re available at decent bookstores. If I’m ever having a fashion funk, I just flick through these books and the inspiration comes a flowing!

I’ve put some pics below to give you a better idea of the styles of Japanese Street Fashion…enjoy…and don’t be scared!

All images could be subject to copyright