Mori girl is back?

 Or is it 'mori kei' these days?

Now I am 30 years old, living my days in Tokyo with my Japanese husband.
Seems surreal looking back on this blog I started 13 years ago.

Even more surreal is seeing mori fashion make a comeback to some degree...

(Not to be a pedant, but 'mori kei' as a title really wasn't/isn't a thing in Japan- rather 'mori girl' was the title. But I digress). 

Anywho- living in Japan now, it is still exciting to see the brands and clothes and stores I pined for back in high school. As I do occasional freelance modeling now (feel free to roast me about this), it is even more exciting to sometimes work with the brands that I saved to my Pinterest all those years ago!

As a forever mori-girl-at-heart, here are a few life updates that would have had 20-year-old me squealing with glee:

• Grimoire (which doesn't seem to be around anymore at the time of writing this post) - was a store I had dreamt about visiting. Although more dolly-kei, their whimsical store and styling captivated me. Back in 2017 (which in itself is already 7 years ago!), I had the chance to model for their online store.

• Closer to my 'style icons': Whilst I haven't had the chance to meet them in person, my husband (who is involved with film & TV media - a whole other story in itself) has- and I've made sure to ask him to put in a good word for me! A year or so ago, he met Aoi Yu- and mentioned that I was a fan, and about my love for her style back in my 'mori girl' days. One day, I can meet her face-to-face, and be an obnoxious fan. Sigh.

• Writing for and being featured in Japanese magazines that, as I teenager, I would download illegal scans of from shady websites - Popeye, GINZA, Madame Figaro - a few of the publications I have worked with for both translation, modeling and as a person interested in shopping and vintage fashion in Japan. Some of my work is featured on my Instagram highlights! (1, 2)

• Talking and working with people involved in the fashion that was so near and dear to me when I was in high school - being able to share similar interests, and expressing my appreciation for their work.

Whilst I can't say I will dress in the mori girl style again any time soon (although if there is a complete revival of it all, who knows!), it is still an important part of my character. Heck, I still find myself buying issues of old mori girl magazines I find in the second-hand book stores around the city!

Who knows, I might start up this blog again to share more information about mori fashion of that time (eek - it was only 15 years ago at the very latest!) - let me know if you are interested. 

I am somewhat active on Instagram (@akafukuu), where you can see some of my more recent fashion and work, and occasionally post to TikTok. 

Thank you all :)

24°C!

Phew, even though it's only the start of December, it's already pretty hot here! („#ﾟДﾟ)

Whilst running some errands I found my local Giant Sylvanian Family critter had become adapted to the holiday season!

I've also been spending a lot of time just lying on the grass, looking at the sky~

・・・・・・・・・

Here's something I wore the other day, but didn't get around to uploading!

 Dress; Sussans・ Shirt; Glassons ・ Tights; Gift ・ Socks; CottonOn・ Shoes; Thrifted・ Bag; MarbleSud・ Scarf; Gift

Although it's been quite hot here, there's been quite a breeze about which takes off a lot of the harsh heat!

・・・・・・・・・

Day 5 – 10 items from your wish list.

To be honest, I don't even have 10 things on a 'wishlist' or anything, but I do have a few things that are lovely (and wouldn't mind having if the chance to get them arose!)

1. Another issue of Pocheé magazine. The patterns in these are so easy to use, and they make lovely pieces of clothing. I really wish I had a few more of these, as they are well worth the price (An issue contains about 40 pieces of clothing for only 1000 yen, compare that to the price of a single pattern!). The patterns mostly use linen or cotton fabrics too.
2. A Bambi image skirt from &sloe. To be honest, I didn't grow up watching Disney movies, so I don't really have a childhood connection to Bambi. However, these skirts are quite different and are a very cute statement item!
3. Tabio socks and tights. I am a total sucker for tights and socks- I'm not going to lie. I wear them all year round. To me, Tabio is the king of socks and tights; their designs and quality (from what I've heard) are really good!
4. Some cute sandals. With summer rapidly approaching (or is it already here? ヾ( ﾟДﾟ)ﾉ ), I still don't have any good summer footwear! I refuse to wear flip-flops (Jandals for you non-NZ folks), but I've yet to find any really nice proper sandals. If anyone knows of any, please send them my way haha!

Day 6 – 10 things you can’t live without in mori.

1. Lacey scarf.
2. Socks! The more socks the better!
3. Lace vest. Instantly adds a little extra to an outfit.
4. My trusty, comfy brown shoes (which are currently looking very sickly because I wear them too often!).
5. Peter-pan collared blouse. 
6. The recently made dress- It's proven to be very versatile.
7. Floral rucksack. I used it all year at school and have gotten many compliments on it!
8. Straw boater hat. Cute final touch!
9. Baggy cardigan
10. My 'bear' dress. Simple and comfy!

Day 7 – 10 people who inspire your mori style.

Ah! This is going to be difficult because there are so many inspirations for me! I'll just put down the first 10 that come to mind, but there are many, many more than ten!

1. Gabrielle of Fern & Fawn. She's super creative, and always surprises me with all the things she makes, and her attention to detail!
2. Anya of Fawn & Doll. She was one of the first mori blogs I followed, and I'm so happy I did! Like Gabrielle, she's also very creative and I always look forward to her posts!
3. Kairii of La Petite Princesse. Although she's not always dressed in the mori style, her ability to coordinate an outfit and her eye for style is amazing! She seems to be a pro at finding awesome second hand clothes, and she always posts really delicious looking food! °Д°
4. Myakiin. Sadly, she doesn't blog anymore (I think!), but I really, really loved her blog and photos.
5. SugarPlumMilk. She was one of the first mori blogs I found, and she probably is one of the reasons I decided to actually dress in the mori style!
6. Chelsea Maika. She models in many magazines such as Spoon, Fudge, Zipper and many mori mooks! I really like the shape of her face (●´ω｀●)ゞ
7. Merii. Like Chelsea, she's in many magazines. She's also the main model for the brand Mother. I suggest you take a look at this tumblr; OhYesMerii !
8. Kodama Masumi. She's a model for SEDA magazine, and is usually seen promoting the brand Crisp. She has the most adorable, child like face! She always makes me want to wear what she's wearing!
9. Popoyans. They inspire me for both their music and their simple style.
10. Aoi Miyazaki. Although she probably usually wouldn't be considered a mori girl, she pulls off the style very well, and she seems to have a very light and friendly air about her!

・・・・・・・・・

Droplets ・ MEG

Wah! Lots of typing! I hope you have a good weekend!

Thanks for reading! ❀

日本のために祈る

My thoughts and love go out to Japan and all the people affected,

Kia Kaha. ♥

*:･ﾟ’✿,｡･:*:❀･ﾟ’❁,*:❀･ﾟ’❁,✿,｡･:*❀･ﾟ’❁

Ahhh! ・°・(ノД｀)・°・

Sorry for not posting or commenting on other blogs for a while! (Mixture of homework, job and laziness º~º) Our school managed to raise over $3500 for Christchurch! (which is amazing as we barely raise $600 usually...) Tomorrow we are spending a day cleaning the school to get ready for a big event!

Introducing one of my cats!

I hope everyone has been having a good week!

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Here's the usual outfit post! I apologise for the hideous yellow tinge to all the photos- I take the photos in the morning (and my room is quite dark) with the main light on. It has a rather unfortunate glow...

I am very thankful for autumn's abrupt arrival! I can comfortably wear cardigans and tights for the majority of the day ｡♥‿♥｡

I have been trying out many different hair styles recently...

...Including ram-like curls on the side of my head!

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In my last post I talked about visiting Atrium on Elliot. Today I want to show you my 'gets' from Auckland, and other places over the past few weeks °ω° 

Lepsim Lowrys Farm lace vest. I have been search for so so so long for a lace vest. The ones sold various chain stores where I live are over priced and quite ugly. I am over the moon to have found this vest as it was very cheap and very pretty. It was also a plus to be from one of my favourite mori brands!

On the right is a lace collar and trim tunic. This wrinkles so easily! I only put it down for 5 minutes after ironing, and it ended up looking like that! This was in a bargin bin and is quite cute ◠‿◠

 

The lacey cardigan-thing was at a retail sale and at a 3rd of its retail price!

On the right is an Olive Des Olive button down shirt that I found at a second-hand designer store!

On the left is a peterpan collared dress that I found at Recycle Boutique! It is handmade and trimmed with tiny crocheted lace ♥‿♥

This cardigan has quickly become my closet staple! It only cost me $1 at a garage sale!

I also found SM2 jeans at the garage sale too! They were only $1 too!!  ﾟДﾟ

On Monday after school, my friend and I went to the local auction house to rummage through boxes of gorgeous shoes. A shoe shop had recently closed and the auction house was selling sets of 6 brand new pairs of shoes for $30 ($5 dollars a pair!). Through hysterical giggling fits and squishing feet into itty bitty heels, we managed to pick 6 pairs. The majority of them are heels, but the cream of the crop were these beautiful leather boots! ♥‿♥

I've always got my eye out for a deal! (°w°；≡°w°)

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In the weekend I brought one of my dollhouses up from the basement. I'm wanting to do it up in a forest-y theme! Anyone have any ideas for the interior or exterior? ●´ω｀●

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Lastly, I wanted to introduce you to the mori-girl musical duo 'PoPoyans'. Cheru and Nonchan make very soft and simple music- very reflective of the mori girl style. The duo started making music in 2007, and released their first album, 祝日 (Holiday), in 2008. I'm not one to describe music, so I'll let it speak for itself! 

PoPoyans in Mori Girl Lesson 3 & Nonchan's blog

Not only is their music and style lovely; their website and blogs (Cheru & Nonchan) are an endless source of inspiration!

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I hope you have enjoyed PoPoyans, and put up with my mindless consumerism! I hope this post wasn't too dull...  ｡◕x◕｡ What do you think of PoPoyans' music and style?

Time to catch up on commenting on blogs! haha
Bye bye! ･ﾟ’❁,✿,｡･:*❀･ﾟ’❁ 

Clogging about!

Hello!
A week into school and I'm already tired! ╯_╰ And it's almost halfway through the weekend too! Never enough sleeping time, time to do crafts or homework!
But, somehow, there's always time for the internet! So since I have been indoors more than I should be, I thought I'd post these two pictures of interiors that are oh-so wonderful! (Well... It made sense in my mind...)

Hattifnatt Café & 'Zen'

Enough with the interior eye-candy! And on with photos of things I've been wearing recently! A lot of the teachers at my school have been complementing me on my clothing recently (To be honest I think it's because I dress a lot more modest than the majority of my year, who wear very short shorts that are fashionable here right now! I just feel uncomfortable with the shortness of them!・°・(ノД｀)・°・)

I still can't wait for winter so I can do SUPER layering!

I'm not quite sure why I bother wearing cardigans and tights right now- I get overheated really quickly ✖‿✖

In some sad news (alright, it's not that sad)- one of my clogs are broken! I need to fix them asap; they're my favourite shoes! ｡･ﾟ･(ﾉД｀)･ﾟ･｡

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Speaking of clogs... (Also; I didn't purposely plan these things to match, it just happened ≧◡≦) Today my friend invited me out to "Fryslân Ferbynt", a day celebrating Friesland! Neither of us have any Dutch roots, but we were really interested in finding out about Frisians!

As soon as we arrived, there were plenty of awesome traditional outfits to be seen!

We watched some folk dancing! The dancers looked like they were really having a good time- even in the burning hot midday sun! I really loved all of the costumes, especially the lace bonnets!

After that, it was time for the clog boat race! Free of charge, you could decorate a clog-turned-sailing boat and put in a race across the lake! Sadly for us, we arrived late and there were no more boats left to decorate! It was pretty funny watching all the boats travel in the completely wrong direction.

They're kind of horrible photos as I had to use maximum zoom to actually see them!

I really enjoyed going to the event with my friend! It was kind of a shock seeing so many Frisians here!

For lunch I had a Dutch croquette which was good, but I was a bit dubious as to what kind of meat was actually in it. ⊙_◎

My favourite photo is of the bottom of this woman's outfit and her 'carry box' (Does anyone know the actual name? I'm not getting any help from google). The box is hand painted, and contains smaller compartments that are hand painted to match. It looked kind of like a Dutch picnic basket or bento box!

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I have discovered the name of the model from the 'Nostalgic Mode' photoshoot that I posted about earlier!

The model's name is Katalina Orlova, and she's with Noah Models in St. Petersburg, Russia! I discovered that she was in the Alice in Wonderland shoot for Spoon magazine (still sporting the Rapunzel-like hair with the short fringe!)!

I've been kind of horrible at commenting on other blogs recently! ╯︵╰,  I'll make sure to comment properly now! 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Zie je binnenkort! (See you later in Dutch!)･ﾟ’❁,✿,｡･:*❀･ﾟ’❁ 

Woops!

Sorry guys! I got so caught up in my laziness that I forgot to update! °Д°
Well, there's only one weekend left before school starts. In some ways I am thankful as I will finally get out of the house, but I wouldn't mind staying as lazy as I am right now haha ´ω｀
February is generally hotter than December and January, so having to sit through classes in the heat is going to be tough.
Anyway! I hope everyone has had a great January! Also, hello to my friend who is now stalking following my blog! ♥♥

Here's a few things I've been wearing lately:

 

Nothing too spectacular... ´‿ゝ｀ Although these images probably deceive you into thinking that it's Autumn or something...

One thing that I've been excited about recently is the UNIQLO x Franche Lippee collab! These are limited-edition shirts that have been designed by the adorable Franche Lippee. The good thing about this collaboration is not only the cute designs, but the affordability. Usually a Franche Lippee shirt would cost over 10,000 yen, but these shirts are only 1,500 yen! 

Sigh... if only overseas people could actually buy UNIQLO online... ・°・(ノД｀)・°・

Click on an image to go to the UNIQLO website!

 *:･ﾟ’✿,｡･:*:❀･ﾟ’❁,*:❀･ﾟ’❁,✿,｡･:*❀･ﾟ’❁

 The other day I was cleaning my room, and I found a box of miniatures I made. A couple of years ago, I was really into dollhouses and miniatures, and would spend hours making itty bitty things.

These are just a few of the HUNDREDS of things I made...

I kind of miss all of the fiddly work involved with making dollhouse stuff. ;_ゝ; Maybe I could start making accessories incorporating miniatures? ^▽^

What kind of hobbies did you have when you were younger? Do you still do them today?

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On a completely different subject, in the December issue of SEDA, there's a feature on plaiting your hair! Even though it's in Japanese, the pictures are pretty clear and straight forward. 

I got my scans from Tokyo_Jam on lj!

This year, I hope to learn how to plait my hair properly... (～￣▽￣)～ 

I hope these will be useful for someone!

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Today I was in the garden and found a toadstool! I have no idea how why it is growing in this weather, but it made me excited for all the mushrooms and toadstools that will hopefully grow later in the year!

PHEW. So many topics in one post! I hope I'm not being incredibly vague about everything... ゜Д゜

I promise I'll write sooner next time!

Bye bye! ･ﾟ’❁,✿,｡･:*❀･ﾟ’❁