The Shibuya 109 Girls Festival 2012 held earlier on May 12th was a total fashion extravaganza! Besides a runway show, attendees were treated to appearances by popular gal models, fashion personalities as well as music performances by Kana Nishino and Korean girl group After School. The runway stage was split into two parts: the first half, “free stage”, included young and up and coming brands like Neon Soda, AGAINST, FIG&VIPER, and mercy; the second, “premium stage,” showcased verteran brands including rienda, SPIRAL GIRL, CECIL McBEE, EGOIST, and LIZ LISA. Those interested can conveniently purchase items from the show here. 

And the timing couldn’t really be more perfect for gal fashion enthusiasts. While the Tokyo Girls Collection has long played host to the likes of LIZ LISA and CECIL McBEE, the majority of its runway lineup for the past few seasons has consisted more of contemporary women’s labels rather than recognized gal brands. Despite this, events like the Shibuya 109 Festival make it clear that there’s still enthusiasm for gal brands—both old and new—as well as the Shibuya fashion culture they continue to shape. 

Check out event photos below:

So much variety! Additional photos can be found here. Now check out these snaps of models Yunkoro, Natsumi Saito, and Nemoyayo, showing off their 109 Festival style (Source).

In the market for a new wig? Take a look at these stylish PRISILA Loves CECIL McBEE collaboration wigs! Modeled by EDGE♥S magazine model Ryo, the collection includes full wigs as well as clip-in extensions and hair pieces. All wigs come with a special branded CECIL McBEE pouch and can be purchased here. 

Pretty new spring coordinates from CECIL McBEE. Shop these pieces and see more coordinates here.

One of my favorite looks from CECIL McBEE’s latest offerings. Various pieces and more coordinates can be found here. 

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Gal brand CECIL McBEE recently debuted a new cosmetics line called Fabulous Beaute. The line currently includes mascara, liquid eyeliner, false lashes, lip stick, and lip gloss, as well as scented body items and candles. Take a look below:

Each mascara features a different formula (length or volume) and brush (curved or straight). The volume mascara is waterproof.

The waterproof liquid liner comes with a fine brush tip like many Japanese eyeliners. Brown is a nice option for those who want a precise look but in a softer color.

At ¥1,050 for five pairs, these rival the price of ever-popular brand Diamond Lash. The range of designs isn’t nearly as extensive, but I really like the look of all of these lashes.

Available in three nude and pink shades, the lipsticks promise a creamy finish with a plumping effect.

The lip glosses come in a similar assortment of nude and pink colors. The packaging also features a spatula-type applicator, similar to Candy Doll’s original pink lip gloss.

The body and hand creams contain moisturizing avocado and macadamia nut oils plus shea butter. Two scent types are available.

The candle is available in three different scents.

All items range between ¥1,050 and ¥2,625. There are also bundle sets available for purchase here.

Finally, check out snaps of various Cecil shop staff showing off the new products!

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So what is blogger style? Simply put, it’s fashion influenced by some of the Internet’s most fashionable ladies, a group which includes the likes of Rumi Neely, Carolina Engman, Christine L., and Louise Ebel…and it’s everywhere. Pretty much every young women’s fashion magazine in Japan from ELLE girl to happie Nuts to ViVi has been tracking blogger style in some way for the past couple months. 

Take this feature from the May 2011 issue of SCawaii, showcasing what the magazine calls “international blogger style”:

The same issue also features a spread styled after LOOKBOOK’s iconic interface, made more authentic by a direct-from-Los Angeles photo shoot with Jillian Kate: 

Blogger style makeup? You bet! SCawaii shows you how:

More looks, as seen in the May 2011 issue of Happie nuts:

ViVi can’t get enough of blogger style, either. A lengthy feature in the June 2011 issue highlighted overseas bloggers and brands to watch as well as featured a blogger style look book:

Blogger style naturally favors a bevy of Western brands, which is great news for girls without ready access to Japanese clothing. Of course, many Japanese brands like EGOIST, GILFY, EMODA, and MURUA are turning out their own blogger style duds, too. (Check out off-brand shop GALSTAR for low-cost alternatives.)

So ready to give blogger style a spin? This article from the June 2011 issue of Popteen is a basic crash-course in key colors, clothing, and accessories, includinglots of black and neutrals; loose knits, blouses, and jackets; shorts; platform shoes; and simple jewelry:

While blogger style’s effortlessly cool chic is definitely a hit with older gals, it’s interesting to see it branch out into magazines like Popteen, which are aimed at typically younger audiences. 

Finally, always a good measuring stick for trends, the 109 shopping site recently put together this feature incorporating blogger-inspired style with various gal brands, including CECIL McBEE, GILFY, Gimlet, LIZ LISA, and BACKS:

Could blogger style be a lingering trend within gal fashion? There’s a distinct possibility. What we’re seeing is really shaping up to be more of a large-scale movement rather than just a small-scale trend. The sweet dolly look that ushered itself in two or three years ago is starting to show signs of age, so it’s not surprising that Japanese girls are starting to turn their attention elsewhere…well, for now at least. Fashion bloggers are living proof of the appeal of “real clothes” styled by real people as well as a new, global generation of women with both style and Internet savvy. 

What do you think of blogger style? Would you give it try? Tell us more on the forums!

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Rhinestone cowgirl.

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Ruffles! 

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Summer-like temperatures are already hitting some parts of the world right now, so what better way to beat the heat than with shorts! Here’s what to be on the lookout for…

The two biggest trends in shorts right now are high-waisted and wide leg/balloon silhouettes, both of which fit right in with the whole retro-girly boom that’s been rocking gal fashion lately. The good news is that either can be extremely figure flattering! Girls with defined waist lines will appreciate the middle-hugging fit of high-waisted styles while those with fuller thighs will like the balance created by more voluminous leg lines. Have a look at some of what the 109 brands have come up with. (To get more info and purchase, simply click each picture.)

Take your pick with this group of adorable puffy shorts from dazzlin (¥6,195), one spo (¥5,775), mmts (¥6,720), me Jane (¥3,465), LOVE GIRLS MARKET (¥5,985), and ROSE FAN FAN (¥3,990). 

Girls who love monotone prints won’t be left behind this summer. Here are some chic numbers from GIRLS DOORS (¥4,935), DURAS (¥4,935), and LOVE BOAT (¥4,935).

Ready to reveal your girly side? These lace and floral shorts from one spo (¥3,045), LIP SERVICE (¥5,985), ROJITA (¥6,825), CECIL MCBEE (¥4,935), and Miel Crishunant (¥3,570) are perfect for you!

Ahoy there! Check out the marine-themed influences with this crop of sailor shorts from SHAKE SHAKE (¥4,725; ¥3,990), Minir Dees (¥6,195), and ROJITA (¥6,825).

Make a statement in these cute shorts from ROSE FAN FAN (¥3, 990) and Ank Rouge (¥5,985) featuring trendy seasonal prints. 

None of these doing it for you? Several brands have skipped both trends in favor of an edgier look. Distressed denim cut-offs are in and there’s a lot to choose from, complete with plenty of studs, rips, and interesting finishes. Here’s a selection from brands including CECIL McBEE (¥3,990), GILFY (¥7,350), BACKS (¥7,245), LIP SERVICE (¥7,245), NAVANA (¥5,145), MA*RS (¥5,985), and GILFY (¥7,350). 

Which styles of shorts are your favorites? Let us know on the forums!

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CECIL McBEE Skull Print Pullover - ¥3,990

Also available in purple, white, and grey.

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