(*´ω｀*) Shibuya x Harajuku

Sep 14 2012: Today my Boyfriend had the day off work, so we headed out to Tokyo for the day. Originally we were going to head to a Garden in Yokohama, but the weather is sometimes really off putting with the heat. We stopped off at Shibuya 109, though I had only two shops in mind so we didn't dilly dally around. The new CO&LU items were out, which makes me miserable because I was too big for them. Damn my ass. I was tempted to buy a shirt, but the Staff were insisting I purchased three shirts, which would have saved me around 500/1000JPY, but, I saved myself 3,500JPY by not buying. HAH.
I have a bad track record with hand mirrors, and I knew CO&LU had hand mirrors which were not the plastic folding ones, so I bought this one! I had a choice of two colours but my Boyfriend suggested this one.

After we moved on to Laforet because I wanted to check out the fliers, but they hadn't been updated, or worth bothering to pick any up. So I then dragged the Boy towards Monomania - again nothing worth buying. I was tempted to buy the dripping heart ring, however in Harajuku there is an offbrand version of the SAME ring for perhaps 1,000JPY less. We slowly made our way towards Harajuku and stopped by the first shop, 777. Everything was apparently priced at 777JPY (or more or less, tssk) I was going to buy my Brother a new iPhone case but it was so impractical, since it was the same size as a retro camera, therefore not possible to fit into his pocket. Oh, my Boyfriend purchased this keychain for us. It's disgustingly romantic and it glows in the dark.. I admit, I stared at this for a good 10 minutes waiting for a leg to twitch.

Talking about romance and all that kissy stuff, I pointed out the 10ST store to my Boyfriend and out of interest I went down to see who they had left. Not many decent bands actually - though the Staff were quick to point out my own bracelet. I noticed a sign saying you could make your own bracelet for a set price, so I nudged my Boyfriend. I only wanted him to make his own - but instead we ended up making two bracelets of the same colour.

Of course when you are in Harajuku, it is the tradition to get a crepe!! I was going to treat my Boyfriend but he rushed in with his money, but struggled with finding the 30JPY in change so I managed to pay SOME. I probably have the most boring taste to him since this is my second strawberry and cream crepe. He had a.. pizza crepe. Tuna, lettuce, tomatoe sauce and I think mayonnaise.. and.. no. A crepe is a sweet! Why?!

We visited a couple more shops, Closet Child and Pet Paradise, we ended up buying his Dog a little Stitch outfit! So cute! Since it was my Boyfriend's Mothers Birthday I was allowed to give it to her when we next met! It was getting late so after stopping off to buy Kanako some perfume we headed back home. However we got stopped by someone photographing accessories etc and taking notes? It was so odd and he spoke so fast that I couldn't pick up much of the conversation either. Eventually he took photos of our bracelets, asked where we were from, he seemed surprised when we told him 'England'. On the walk back to Shibuya, I took some photographs of the graffiti tags there, so I may do a picture blog later, since there are a couple places here in Yokohama with graffiti tags. Oh we stopped off in the Disney Store, but some fat hag of a foreigner was stood in front of the Halloween stuff.
Still, really enjoying it out here~ I was going to add another two blogs here, but it's too lengthy and I need to shower, I'm not sure if we are going out later, I'm going to hint to go out, even if it's for a walk. I love it here.

★ B BE BEE ★

Recently, I told my Friend about a store I found in Tokyo this year! Being absolutely bored right now I decided to blog to keep my mind active, though we all know I should be studying. Oops~

B BE BEE is a cute little accessory stall located on the basement floor in Laforet, Harajuku. Laforet is easily accessible from multiple directions, walking distance between Harajuku and Shibuya.Guaranteed most people who read my blog will possibly be interested in Japanese Fashion and Pop culture, so Laforet is a MUST GO for your music and fashion needs! I may blog at a later date all the stores in Laforet and try and grab as many links for you possible!

I discovered B Be Bee earlier this year in March. I had read about it previously on numerous band blogs in the past, v(neu), AWAKE and even 【PaRADEiS】 members are frequent visitors to B Be Bee! While I was in the store, I realised a familiar band would be lurking there soon, 美女♂men Vlossom!

Although the date read 28th of March on the flier, so I was no longer in Japan at this time! I have never seen 美♂men Vlossom wear any noticeable B Be Bee, but I'm forgetting that they do a range of jewellery suitable for Lolita and -- well, the only thing in store that TRULY caught my attention was most of the brand AWAKE wear! Stars, eyeballs and bright colours!  I really admire the promotion going on between bands and stores.

 

Here is Mashiro signing an almost life size cut out of himself, and next photo is the shop owner, and vocalist Eru from AWAKE. I should add here that the shop owner is an adorable sweetie! She speaks little English, but will try her hardest to talk to you and ask where you are from. If you dress daring and vibrant enough the shop will ask to take an outfit snap shot of you to upload to their blog!

B BE BEE are home to their own original brand, as well as the following:

B.Be.Bee.オリジナル

L.CHANCE

TEDDY MONSTER

ribcage

PLISIRA (ウィッグ/WIGS)

STUDIO POAC (ソックス/SOCKS)

If cute is not entirely your cup of tea, then I heavily suggest you check out TEDDY MONSTER! If you like 'creepy cute' then this is BEYOND 'creepy cute'. Each item is hand made, so no two items are the same. Well, I guess if you wanted to be picky, you could point out that each bear (before hand) was manufactured the same as the next one, so okay - each item is different after it's own unique customisation!

B Be Bee is a mix of frilly cute, and creepy cute; but I hate the term 'creepy cute'. The store is only small - so don't be too worried if you go from blood covered bears, to lolita socks, wigs and accessories, it's the same shop! B Be Bee will also provide you with a selection of (free) fliers to take, as well as promoting current band releases, playing them while in store. The prices vary from which brand you are buying from, Teddy Monster can seem excessive for bigger pieces but don't forget that each item is custom designed, and it takes time to create! You are paying for workmanship!  I found the store overall was relatively cheap, and I know for certain I will revisit this shop time and time again! So I hope my readers will too!!

 

Links:

B Be Bee: Ameba + Twitter

Teddy Monster: Ameba
L-Chance: OHP

Photos used are all

 © Be Be Bee blog!

(★ω★。) Tokyo ・ March 2012 ・ PT3

On day 4, which was the 11th we decided to take a trip to Shibuya! We were fully aware of how packed Shibuya was going to be, considering it was a year after the Tsunami and Earthquake - and because naturally Shibuya is one very busy place. Street lights and buses were flagged with banners reading 'Action for Nippon' and 'THANK YOU' but I didn't get a photo of the buses. We headed straight to Shibuya 109 of course to do some major shopping.

 

I headed to COCOLULU because I had read somewhere about a Spring School Lucky Pack, however it is either online sales only, or not in stock anymore. But it was really cool in store, regardless. I followed Juu and Imke around some of the super girly shops such as Liz Lisa, but we made smaller pitstops in other stores too like COCOLULU, JSG and MARPLE-Q - I only purchased one thing from MARPLE-Q which is an amazing long shirt with really cute engrish on. After purchasing it, Juu also purchased the same shirt too! (We had a live for the 12th and we wanted to twin!) I think COCOLULU has been over taken by MARPLE-Q, clothing wise.

After walking around Shibuya 109 for what seemed like forever, our feet were aching so we went to Starbucks, despite the weather I ended up with a mango frappuccino.We sat for awhile just people watching which was rather amusing and relaxing too, we saw an original 'ganguro' - basically an old old crusty man. Then plenty of foreigners with bad fashion taste! Come on guys, you're in Shibuya! After Starbucks, it was my turn to take the lead, and we headed off towards Harajuku as it was only a small walk away from Starbucks. Plus on the way there I really wanted to go inside CHEER, but we ended up walking right by it because my voice was so little in asking. Oops.. On the way to Harajuku I spotted some rather interesting graffiti stickers. Powerful message, right?

 

Finally reaching Harajuku and how crazy the place is, we ventured into one or two couple shops, I know Like an Edison was a mini detour to pick up some fliers and to see the latest release. (I was waiting for the 14th since so many releases were happening!) Then we headed to Harajuku's Closet Child - shamefully, I only purchased one thing, a cheki of Tokyo Shitei - Runchu. It was a really old one of him too. I felt bad, because Juu's Friend is not really into Visual Kei, so she waited outside listening to god (amazing) awful rap music.

While in Harajuku I finally spotted the 10st store, which I have previously spoken about before in my blog here! It was amazing, just a really small store with a really nice shop owner who was so helpful. Juu was on a mission to find A, but it had literally sold out everywhere. While looking through the beads, OZ, Kiryuu, ROYZ and LANDZ, I spotted something so similar - but slightly out of place, a bead with a lizard. Haha, my reaction must have been so amazing, since it was the 10st x コドモドラゴン so I pretty much pounced on it demanding the price without a second thought! After awhile, Juu purchased her own while I was still in awe I had found their bracelet. (There is a story which follows after this, which will be in the next entry!) So now I own two 10st bracelets, and people would probably smack me for the price of these, but they're so pretty and my photo REALLY doesn't do justice, but I had to show it!

Afterwards we went for food in Harajuku, I cannot remember the name of the place either, my memory is really bad! But it was yummy, I had pasta - I no longer am a fan of pasta, I ate it so much again in Japan. Uggh, I think it got to the point I wanted to cry every time I saw pasta or pizza on the menu.

So, that was it for the 11th March 2012. I will leave you with an interesting photo of a vending machine in Japan and the graffiti tags people use over there. Here in the UK we have really boring 'I LOVE XXX' or just your very creative curse words.

(*´ω｀*) Places: #2 Harajuku

 Harajuku

原宿

Next stop, Harajuku! During my trips to Tokyo I will always visit Harajuku more than once! It's just a short walk or train ride from Shibuya, conveniently placed between Shibuya and Shinjuku it's an easy place to locate. Harajuku is well known for it's street fashion and vibrant, visual style worldwide! It is a popular destination for young tourists who want to grab themselves some bargains. I tend to find Japan is ahead of the current fashion trends. While in Japan 2010/2011 the 'Norwegian print' was very hot, only to find a couple months later that shops in the UK were selling very similar. I also noticed the trend in furry boot covers too! Which were popular in Japan with Gyaru.

Takeshita Dori / 竹下通り is a very busy and lively pedestrian only street. Either side of the street you will see a variety of Japanese fashion shops. Amongst the fashion shops there is a variety of restaurants, cafes and even a wide selection of crepe stalls. Your trip along Takeshita Dori would not be complete without a delicious crepe! Takeshita Dori has such a variety of fashion stores that I would not be able to name just a couple without feeling like I had missed out other great names, so please browse the pictures here @Tokyo Fashion to get an idea of the wide selection Harajuku has to offer! There's also a cute little pet boutique hidden between various stalls. A popular chain I like to visit is called 'Closet Child' they sell a lot of second hand and new goods. There is always a big selection of well known Japanese brands for sale, everything from SEX POT ReVeNGe to Baby The Stars Shine Bright (a bad comparison). Located neatly in a corner of Takeshita Dori, Closet Child also owns a second hand store for Vivienne Westwood items, of course don't expect to find huge discounts on these second hand goods, it is Vivienne Westwood after all!

Closet Child, Harajuku also owns a store that sells Music Memorabilia! Which is popular amongst the Visual Kei lovers or those who enjoy JRock in general. You can pretty much find everything and any merchandise that is sold from past shows, or online shops which are no longer available. Closet Child is very much my guilty pleasure where I end up spending hundreds of pounds at a time on items such as cheki, tour goods and lots of CDs. Closet Child also sell rare FC goods, magazines both new and old and will even help unsigned bands get noticed by giving away free demo CD to customers. It's a very small but unlimited shop, the stock is always amazing and never fails to amaze!

Finally, I would like to add, Takeshita Dori is definitely not for those who dislike close spaces and a mass of people! Expect to be bumped into! Here the term, 'go with the flow' applies very well. However don't worry, usually people are not rude, so if you want to cross from one side to another, there will always be a chance to wade through the moving crowd.

Harajuku is a very fun and lively fashionable place, it's young culture is always refreshing the fashion scene with new trends, there is always something amazing no matter what kind of day it is, Harajuku will always breathe a breath of fresh air into the fashion world.