Growing up in Gwen Stefani’s prime Harajuku Girls days {the Love Angel Music Baby album WAS my childhood and yes, I am playing it on repeat as I write this post}, I took an interest in girly, playful kawaii style from a young age. When I found out that I was going to Tokyo, I knew that if I didn’t at least *attempt* to try my own take on kawaii, Harajuku style, it would be a missed opportunity
Kawaii literally translates into “cute” from Japanese. Kawaii style tends to be ultra feminine, has an air of innocence, and is somewhat childlike. It relies heavily on pastels, ruffles, sparkles, florals, pleated skirts, lace up detail, scallops, and corsets/bustiers. There’s a lot of crazy colored hair, and a candy-like presence in general. I wasn’t about to dye my hair and I swore off wigs ever again after I went as Hannah Montana when I was 10, so I opted for curled pigtails and a silk twilly tied as a headband.
I found my earrings for an absolute steal here. They were under $10 and I felt as though they fit the look perfectly 1. because the pearls in them match the pearls on my shoes and 2. because kawaii style definitely influences/is influenced by Japanese anime, and these flowers definitely seemed almost cartoonish.
The bustier stood out to me because it’s just. so. pretty. Blush pink with scalloped, rose gold foil lace. It has the feminine vintage influence that kawaii style is known for, but in a more modern way.
The skirt was an obvious choice the moment I saw it. From the pleats to the lilac purple, it practically screams Harajuku. I was concerned that the bustier and skirt wouldn’t really go together, but I think part of the charm of kawaii fashion is how it’s kind of a mishmash of colors and prints, and even though everything might not pair absolutely perfectly, it comes together in the end as kind of a smorgasbord of style. My skirt is from American Apparel’s glory days, however this one is identical and only $10.
If there’s one thing I wish I could change about how I styled this look, it would be the shoes. While I think the shoes I wore go with the look and work, sky high, thick chunky platform heels are iconic Harajuku. I only brought a carry on suitcase and personal item on my flight to Tokyo, so I was definitely limited on footwear space. I took these shots before I actually shopped on Takeshita Street in Harajuku {read my Harajuku shopping guide here}. While shopping I found tons of chunky platform options that definitely would’ve worked to complete the look a bit better!
Overall, I had such a fun time trying to dress in the kawaii style of Harajuku! I think it kind of ended up being an extension of my usual feminine style. My style, but on steroids. Takeshita Street’s pastel colors made the perfect backdrop, and felt almost like a girly storybook dreamland I stepped into. I definitely didn’t have the craziest outfit on Takeshita, but I really enjoyed being able to wear something I typically wouldn’t be able to.
xx,
E
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Omg! This is a super cute look! I LOVE your purple pleated skirt! I def need one in a different color! Omg I remember that crepe place in Harajuku. I wish I could go back! 🙂
xo, Chloe // https://funinthecloset.com/aurate-fine-jewelry-affordable/
Can’t get over this ‘fit!! So cute and makes me want to go to Japan.
-Austen
http://www.keepcalmandchiffon.com/blog/1/2/the-most-worn-items-in-my-closet-in-2018
Regardless of the chunky shoes, the outfit is super cute! I actually use kawaii stickers for my planner and never realized what the word meant at all so thank you for educating me.
I saw this look on Reddit and had to stop by! I used to live in Japan and dream of going back to Tokyo someday- the style is so fun! I love the bright colors and adorable accessories!
-Anna // theyoungeclectic.com