FASHION: Amai Furiku? 11

Amai Furiku?-The sweet freak's guide to VK fashion


First off, I'm really sorry for the wait this month! I'm sure you all understand that technology doesn't always do what you want it to...but finally, I am able to upload this month's edition of Amai Furiku?!

This month, it's all about showing your support for your favourite bands. The music industry is quite harsh with most bands only earning money from merchandise sold at shows. If you are not based in Japan, you may have noticed Japanese bands rarely take the leap across the sea to other countries. There are various factors for this, but a major one is money. When bands do come to your country, show some love! Buy a ticket and buy a shirt.

Want to show your appreciation even more? Customise your shirt! Make it individual so that no one else will have the same one.

I recently bought the SR J-rock Updater limited edition tshirt and I love it, but I want to make it fit with my style.

But before we go into the tutorial, here are my top favourite items for this summer!

Here we have an adorable dress from DelilaH at 16,590 yen.

This is pretty expensive, but a quick search of “cherry print dress” on eBay brings up a fair few nice, similar dresses. It's a style that is flattering for most shapes and sizes and the light, airy print and material make it perfect for those warm summer days. I'd definitely match this with Spank! and 6%dokidoki style accessories, or for go for a more simple rockabilly style by simply adding a pair of cute peep toe wedge sandals.

Next, for those who prefer to style themselves based on old Fruits magazine shots, try this “Old Skool” top from Super Lovers. Perfect for those hot summer days with its bright colours and small straps.













It comes in 3 different colourways so there is bound to be one that will match something in your wardrobe!

I know I've had a few people mention their love of Angura kei, so for all of you, here is my top pick from Qutie Flash.

Although expensive, it has a light and flowy design, but with the long sleeves, is perfect for the chilly summer evenings. Similar tops and dresses could be found on eBay and customised to fit your style. You can always search for a cheap fancy dress yukata and adapt it.

Lastly, another great addition to your wardrobe for chilly evening strolls would be this 2 in 1 cardigan and shirt from Deoart. The cardigan is made of a thin, but warm material, while the shirt part can be left open or buttoned up for different looks.

I'm sure you'll find there are a fair few 2 in 1 shirts in highstreet stores right now, but it may be worth a look in the kids-teens sections for some brighter, bolder ones.

I hope you can all find something to your taste out of those items! All of these can be found on the Kera Shop website, and alternatives can always be found closer to home than you may first think; it's always worth shopping around.

Now, here for you is a tutorial on how to easily customise your old band tshirts! (click to enlarge)

Fans of rock kei may want to add slashes in the back of the shirt, or studs and chains across the shoulders. This is super simple! Studs usually have little flaps on the back so you can punch them through the material and then fold down the flaps to secure, with chains you can take one end and sew around it and into the shirt, then take the other end and sew it wherever you like. As for slashing the shirt up, grab an old newspaper or some cardboard and a sharp craft knife. Place the cardboard inside the shirt and then score along the areas where you want the holes to be. Done!

Fans of more gothic styles may wish to add lace along the bottom (if it is long enough to fit you as a short dress).

Whatever you're a fan of, you may also want to slash the bottom of the shirt like this (as beautifully customised by Emilie) for a cute, but slouchy look that would match well with leggings and boots or shorts and heels! The top shown in Emilie's post is in fact a copy from H&M of Japanese brand SBY. It's amazing what you can find in highstreet stores.

Something else I have seen a lot lately amongst Japanese brands is the use of fur and sequins – very extravagant looking, but cheap and easy to use! A few weeks ago, I found these amazing boots by Listen Flavour – the use of fur and PVC makes them really stand out. Highlighting or accenting your shirt's print with sequins or fur shapes will really make a difference, and the great thing about these materials is that you need only use fabric glue, you don't have to sew at all.

Now, with the leftover fabric, you could try making eye patches. Although they won't look as polished as if you bought fabric specifically for it, you will be making the most of the shirt and getting your money's worth. Again, click to enlarge the tutorial!




So, that's all for this month, but if any of you decide to customise your old shirts, please snap a photo and email me at missescupcakeface@hotmail.co.uk I'd love to see the results! And if any of you would like to email me photos of you wearing your favourite J fashions, email them and they may be included in next month's bumper edition to mark the 1 year anniversary of Amai Furiku?!

Share on Google Plus