Tamashii Convention

Last March 28, 2014, I joined the Tamashii Convention organized by De Lasalle University's Nihon Kenkyuu Kai. The event was held at the SMX Mall of Asia in Pasay City




And it was really fun! the place was well packed but was still enjoyable! We really had fun selling Mori Kei items at these events


The day started with me getting injured. My pinky got caught at the door when it slammed, and it bled nonstop >< Had my own blood all over my hands for the rest of the morning. I had to drink Hemostan to make the bleeding stop.

I guess sacrificing blood is good for business?



I brought my cousins to help me with the shop. Yup, even children when exposed to business are very helpful! They assisted us in making coordinates and looking for change, while the grown ups talked with the customers. I'm happy the kids enjoyed the area despite being crowded.



even Mannie (the Mannequin) did her best to sell our products! I think she wears everything so well. I had to dress up the panels to make the clothes pop out, since most of what I sold were creams and whites. The place would look blanched out




Although I was selling Mori Kei items and all of its sub styles plus cousins, I guess it attracted everyone who isn't into that fashion. A lot of ladies in Lolita style dropped by.



We also had a few consignors in the events



Tea Pawty mugs were brought out! they're quite adorable!



Incidentally we found a consignor for Berry Lens. Imie, the seller for Berry Lenses, thought it was funny since we had the same name. Berry Drop selling Berry lenses. I also liked the idea




Aside from the Zakka Items, I also decided to sell a few gardening things as well as herbs. We sold a miniature gardening tools ( a spade, a hand shovel, and small rake) as a novelty item, but they were very useful especially if you have indoor plants in small pot. Not shown is my cousin's magic egg that sprouts plants after watering it.  A Mori Girl always have a plant to accompany her.






And here's what was being sold across us! The salesman for this kind of merchandises was a straight guy. I kind of respect him for being able to tolerate the fujoshi goodies. Most guys would be pretty uncomfortable.

Speaking of men, there were a lot of supportive boyfriends who dropped by our store with their SO's and as their bae's personal shopper. Gotta respect those sweet boyfriends who can walk with their heads high in a very girly shop.



#ootd went with Mori gyaru for this event since I haven't had the chance to wear that dress and the green skirt. sorry for the belt bag ruining the look. I worked as the cashier since I couldn't hold the items



some of my friends dropped by our shop too :) I couldn't recognize them with them wearing the wigs

The girl who was interrupted with her salutatorian speech

It's March and graduation is just around the corner. Recently there was a flood of issue where a salutatorian was interrupted in her Salutatorian speech

http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/87716-girl-interrupted-school-officials-cut-salutatorian-speech

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/88ZZugdI-Vs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


A lot have been bashing her for being a spoil sport but, I'm one of those who agree with her and was touched when this child spoke her thoughts and feelings regarding the transparancies in school.

When I was in college, we all know about the "ceiling" grade, and it was 92%. So even if you perfect your exams you can never get a 1.00... We were segregated into grades and one of our subjects automatically gave us the same grade, 85, 84 or 83. It didn't matter if you're bright or if you did your work better than anyone, you will only get the same 83.

I'm sure, even if we were already segregated by our averages, it's impossible for all of us to get one grade.

When I graduated college and went to Med school, I learnt about "curves" You know those bells you solve in statistics? those curves... exactly like those. your grade will depend on who is the highest and who is the lowest, if the lowest is really low, the curve will suffer, and a lot of students will fail. If the highest will also very high (say get a 100), then the curve will suffer as well. What kind of measurement is that when it depends on your batch?

it's very frustrating when you're not making your own grades. You may be, partially, but you will still depend on the curve.

And when you see that guy the one who didn't go to class and marked failed due to absences, but passed, it is a bit annoying.

And yet if you belong on these institutions, and you raise these concerns, you will suffer even more.

The words she says are true, but not a lot of people understand the frustration of doing your absolute best, and being proud of your work,  then get a marking lower than expected, it is bothering. Very bothering.

They call her a sore loser. But what if she's right? there are bad teachers, and teachers who favors students. For me, school was all about politics. If you're quiet and just do your job, you won't get much. But if you're that bright kid and friendly to all the faculty and staff, it's easier.

if you're thinking why won't we just do what she did? well because we are afraid. Because if we ask for transparency, we're pretty sure to get a failing mark instead. and you know what, we don't have evidence of a good grade because they never return our exams. and we never lay our eyes in our finals.

these things taught me, some schools are just plain greedy. They prefer failing students cause they cash in more money. if you're too bright, you just pass or else they'll be questioned.

One thing that those things teaches you is this. In the end, once you graduate, grades doesn't matter. some companies want TORs with your resume, but you can always forge those anyway. But there are a lot more companies who can offer you great salaries without basing it on your grade.

it's all about your skills. Most of the brightest of the bright becomes sad. Scholars are required by the school to teach, instead of going to the field and doing their course. A lot of them get stuck because it's their first job and treated right. It becomes their comfort spot. I'm sure some just do a career change altogether and become professors. They can't make the same amount of money that the average person can make when they graduated without honors.

Cut the child some slack. Let her complain her heart out cause she just graduated and can finally leave that institution that made her sad. One day she'll realize, just choose what things to do your best at, not at everything.

Mori Substyle; The Mori Gyaru

The Mori Girl fashion style has becoming more and more popular and with that, people have started incorporating their own styles, creating what we call a substyle. Now I do not clam to be an expert but these are my opinions and impressions.

Way back, Mori Girl fashion became so trendy that it actually caught the attention of Big Brands from Japan such as

Liz Lisa

Yumetenbou/Dearly

And a lot more. Not only was Mori girl loved by these big brands, it was also loved and endorsed by magazines like Popteen as well as all the pretty Gyaru models

Yui Kanno <3

Isn't it pretty?

What I love with this substyle is that it's very wearable. 

Unlike the archetypal mori girl, the Mori Gyaru isn't afraid to use synthetic materials. They also have less layering. 

while everyone is in love with Aoi as a Mori Girl icon, personally I look up to Yui Kanno more. Not only is she pretty but she can pull this fashion well that mainstream media and brands have kept a lot of Mori Girl inspiration. 

What are the points in wearing Mori Gyaru? Most of them follows Choco's rule, I noticed, but twisted to compliment the gyaru look. Don't you think it's amusing that these Gyaru whom people call materialistic could actually be turned into ladies who love simple and mundane things? But I think it works well. I'm sure there are Gyarus who love their phones, makeup and other glittery things but have a soft spot with nature and animals!

The mori gyaru is pretty simple! you simply take the best of both worlds and combine them together to get something beautiful. Although there is a romantic mori girl look, I suppose Mori Gyaru is a sexier version of the mori girl, but keeps it modest and less slutty. She's the type of girl who could capture your heart. If you want to look impressive on a first date or want to show your hubby some love but do not want to stray from the mori girl look, the Mori Gyaru is the best alternative! 

Here's a few more Mori Gyaru inspiration and pointers

Gorgeous! She looks like forest fairy

Keep it romantic and lacey! It's not bad to show some skin

Think of yourself as a lovely flower in the forest! Florals are a must for the Mori Gyaru.

Stick to natural colors! If you think these colors are too bland, then add some colors with flowers!

Don't be afraid to look cutesy! but don't make it too sweet. Remember Mori Girls are not cute girls. They are beautiful woman, and the same rules apply 

Plaids are always in vogue!

For accessories, wicker bags, baskets and leathers with frills are a fave of the mori gyarus!

Don't be afraid of makeup! Although the usual mori girls keep their makeup minimal, the mori gyaru keeps their signature well defined and lashed eyes. Lippies and blushes are remains natural though. 

 

How to wear Mori Girl clothes while living in the Tropics

I read a lot of guides regarding how to wear the forest girl style, But one thing I find unfair is that these guides are only suitable for temperate countries. I know most countries have four season and its mostly cold where they're from. Most likely their definition of warm is 20 degrees celcius, which is chilly for us tropical girls.

One of my good client told us how grateful she was when she saw our shop. Not only did it cater to Mori Girls, it was also very wearable for a warm country. Maybe one reason for her to say that about our items is because when my sister/partner taught me about picking our supplies, she told me to stick to Choco's Mori Girl List, but to always, ALWAYS consider the weather. Although I understood what she meant, apparently, it's not as simple as that for a lot of girls, especially those who are new to this style.

So I made a guide (or a cheat) on how you can enjoy the dreamy Mori Girl fashion style, without the danger of being brought to the hospital. Or sweating like a construction worker. Please note, that this serves only as a guide and not as rigid rules to be followed. If you have some tips that I have not covered, please share them so I can add them up to this guide.

1. Choose cotton or other absorbent/airy materials.

Although the Mori Kei is changing and slowly incorporating synthetic materials, there is still value in sticking with the old school. Cotton allows cool air to flow through your body and allows sweat to evaporate to keep you from being too warm. Don't get discouraged with long sleeves as well! As long as the material is good, anything can keep you cool 

2. When purchasing clothes, buy something that's already layered

Of all the tips and guide that I can give you, this 2nd one is the most important one of all! You can skip the fabric guide, color guide and layering guide if you remember this.

The Mori Girl style is all about layering. It's like the bell skirt for the Lolita styles. It doesn't define the style but it is very vital. But let's face it. You can't wear a base dress, plus a fancy dress, an outer wear, a skirt plus a scarf. Although you can pull it through if you're probably going to spend all time inside an airconditioned building, you'd get odd looks from people, which is something you wouldn't like. You want to look fashionable, not a total drag. Or a loonatic.

To pull this through, you can simply save three layers of clothes by buying an layered one to begin with, like the dress I posted above. That dress, for example, is like wearing a base dress, a fancy sleeveless blouse and a skirt. All you need is a light cardigan and you're good to go. Or you can just wear that and add an accessory or two. Minimize your need to layer

or add a skirt

3. When it gets too hot, wear light colors

Although I believe colors shouldn't be limited with this style, we also have to remember our doctors' and teachers' advice. In physics class, we learn that dark colors retain warmth as it absorbs all the light from the sun. Although cool for the eyes, dark colors actually makes you feel warm.

If you have Mori Girl styled clothes made of synthetic/warm materials (like chiffon, organza, polyester etc.) try to pick the light colors. (unless you like the dark mori)

3.5 If you want to wear dark color, again choose the material! 
Of course, if you simply must wear dark colors like burgundy and forest greens, remember the first rule instead. Choose the material! 

Another bunch of "layered" lies. It's just ONE outfit! 

This item in particular is made of just one dress. And its fabric is very soft and thin. Although it looks warm, this dress is actually very refreshing. It's a combination of 1 and 2, and an exception for the 3. 

For the temperate girls, I'm sure you know this just as well. Just because an item has long sleeves, doesn't mean it's warm. Choose the material wisely.

4. Pick loosely fitted material

Yup, back to basic Mori! I know that some Mori Girl outfits are also form fitting nowadays, but no, I'm not rubbing you Choco's List. Some people say loose materials keep you warmer. I disagree. from experience, I would sweat buckets just from wearing a fitted blouse than if I wear a loose flowy maxi dress. with long butterfly sleeves. I suppose it is because If you wear tightly fitted materials, your body gets more constricted, trapping your body warmth. If you wear a loose one, air doesn't get trapped, but instead, it flows through your body. 

5. If wearing a full outfit (Base dress+outerwear+skirt etc), avoid longsleeves, specially if it is constricting.  

Although like I said in 3.5, where you shouldn't be discourage with long sleeves, a shorter one is still better and more refreshing in warm climate. I did not say total elimination. 

If you must wear long sleeves, then limit it to one. And if your coordination has two or more long sleeves, make sure at least one of them is loose. Never wear two long sleeves at once like in the photo above. Instead, layer in other aspects. Wear a skirt, add a vest or layer with a sleeveless item. 

Topper+layered dress

6. A lot of Layers doesn't necessarily have to be WARM. Don't be afraid of layering/,

Most people around you would often think that layering means a warm outfit. But if you wear a skirt underneath a dress, it actually feels..... no difference.  you're still wearing a skirt. and it is still very breezy underneath. 

When layering clothes, choose a base dress that has short sleeves, 3/4 sleeves or none at all. if you plan on wearing an outerwear (like a cardigan, poncho etc) for your coordinate, then go for a sleeveless base. Not only is it more practical, aesthetically it will also look nicer since it doesn't give your outerwear those weird bumps and creases at the sleeves.   Adding light vests also makes for an interesting look. 

Don't be afraid of layering. Instead, use it to your advantage! 

6. Don't think too much about wearing a lot of layers.

The mori girl stereotype lives in a temperate forest. She wears a lot of layers to keep her warm and safe from all the harsh elements. But, always remember. The Mori Girl is a fashion style that reflects you. It is not cosplay.

The photo is that of my friend, Neji, stolen from my friend, Nikko's page (it's a collab with my shop so I have rights too, lol)

Here she wears a simple A-line tunic,  a floral shorts, and a lace scarf

 

Although there's not a lot of layers, It is still mori kei. She's not even wearing socks, stockings nor leggings. Just her green creepers.  

If you wear a lot of useless and unnecessary layers while in a warm setting, and internally suffering all the heat brought by the layers, then you're not being yourself. You're just cosplaying the Mori Kei Subculture, the beloved girl who lives with nature and her critters.

The Mori Girl style is very distinct. Although the layers are important, I think it's one of the aspect which you can mute as long as you stick to its style, especially when its warm.

Here's another two-piece coordinate (although this one has a cheat since the dress is layered) 

 

plus her stockings. This shot was taken during February when it was still a little cold. 

Remember that the mori girl has a lot of substyles. One of them is the casual mori look and the gyaru mori look, both of which you can wear everyday without earning an odd glare from other people since the emphasis is on the style of the clothes and not much in the layering. When you simply cannot see yourself wearing the layers like a lot of the Mori Girl inspiration you see, then go for a casual Mori look. I'm sure a lot of us started there before we discovered that the style has a name.

7. Scarf!



Scarf is as essential to Mori Girls as the rocking horse shoes to the Lolitas! But Scarves are tricky when worn wrongly.

When choosing scarves, look for "Pashmina" if you prefer knitted scarves. Pashmina is a magical fabric that keeps you cool in hot weathers and warm in cold environments!

you can also look for wispy and delicate looking scarves




Keep away from wool or any thick scarves however
 
 as they may trap your body heat. Not only will it ruin a delicate summer look of your coordinates, it may also prove to be uncomfortable in the process

For now those are the tips I can give you! if you have other tips, then feel free to comment! 

3-8-15 Berry Drop items

The cold air abruptly changed into a warm one, and we said goodbye to the fresh cool winds that we rarely meet when March came.




For Casual wear, I picked out this pretty long top. It's an interesting twist to the usual tshirt.

this one is the crowd favorite. Personall, I'm attracted to those sleeves. So cool and airy.

if you love the romantic mori, then this one is a good pick! the dress is perfect for a date as well.

mori gyaru! but I think it's more Gyaru than Mori

This last one is my fave. I love the combination of the lace and cotton of this piece. I also love the color.

What's your favorite for this pick?