Japanese Street Style

McCloud plaid pants? Union Jack tie? Cardigan? I need this entire ensemble right now!

For the new year, I thought I might post something completely out of the ordinary. I'm not sure how many of you know anything about style and fashion trends in Japan, but for those of you who don't know, the Japanese have some truly extreme style trends. 

I love the color combination!

I love the Hansel and Gretel feel of this dress! I would totally wear it.

They kind of look like they're out of a video game.

There are two different and distinct avenues of style: Lolita and Gothic. The first being a very cute, little girl, Hello Kitty approach. The second, somewhat self-explanatory, is all dark and black and macabre. I feel it important to state that both of these genre's are extremely Japanese in personality and flair. From my online perusing there does also seem to be another, more punk style that seems to mix both of these styles together.

Scary awesome!

Honestly. I think this outfit is really cool. It has a certain samurai feel to it.

I'm not sure if it's wings or just wing. Awesome!

Wow!

What I love most about these crazy, extreme styles is that each of these people have found a distinct way of expressing themselves through the way they dress. I feel that America lacks a lot of this kind of sensibility in it's overall culture, and that makes life pretty boring. I wish that more people would feel free to go a little crazy sometimes. 

So, so cool! And I love her cotton candy hair!

Another win. You had me at Union Jack and electric blue fur.

Apparently, many of these individuals flock to a street called Shibuya in Tokyo in order to show off their amazing clothing creations. Aside from the food, this is one of the first things I want to go see when I finally get to travel to Japan. True fashion inspiration, even if it's extreme, it's a very rare and exciting thing!

Christmas Fashion

For this post I decided to veer as far away from ugly sweaters as I could. Please enjoy my bountiful banquet of Christmas inspired fashion. I do love themes in fashion that continue to repeat themselves decade after decade. These festive designs have truly inspired me to embrace all of the wonders of the season. 

I love this picture of Janet Gaynor!

A festive Carole Lombard

Pink is my favorite Christmas color!

This is one of my particular favorites!

Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope you have a great one and get lots of awesome clothes and accessories!

Allright, so this isn't exactly "fashion," but I couldn't help myself.

I want those trousers!

Such a great shot!

Because nothing says Merry Christmas like little Asian girls dressed like soldiers!

I'm not sure what this is, but I like it.

That is exactly how I dress when I head out into the snow.

Scarf Love

Hermes, 2014

I first decided to do a post on scarves since it is winter time and definitely scarf weather. Though, the truth is, I am happy to wear a scarf year-round, and also happy to see other's wearing them as well. There is something special about wearing a scarf as a fashion accessory. They can add so much color and attitude to an otherwise boring outfit. They make it easy to make a statement. Whether the scarf is casual or fancy. They're either the exclamation point or the period to any ensemble. 

This late 18th century gown is perhaps one of my favorites of all time. That delicate, lace scarf is sublimely perfect!

Lady With a Green Scarf by George Henry.

Clara Bow and the perfect flapper head scarf!

This 30's scarf is absolutely divine! I love how it swoops dramatically over one shoulder!

It seems the 40's used scarfs in a more casual way. Ginger Rogers is perfect!

I've decided not to attempt a full history of the scarf as that would take way too much research and would most likely go as far back as the cave man. Instead I've found some lovely examples of scarves starting in the 18th century and extending through to modern times. I hope you enjoy the lovely pictures I've found! 

This quintessential 50's chiffon scarf knotted around the neck (here on Natalie Wood). One of my favorite looks.

It's hard to imagine Audrey Hepburn without a scarf.

This is one of my favorites! The 60's were good to scarves!

So many things are wrong with this 70's pic. But if you take the clown out, I like the yellow scarf ensemble.

This 80's scarf shirt was in practically every closet in the US.

Thanks to Versace, the 90's brought us scarf print shirts and clothing.

I just love this crazy fringed, beaded scarf! So much going on, but I love it!

Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) in her famous sweater-scarf.

Kate Middleton looking very royal in her colorful scarf.

Emily Blunt looking beautiful and casual.

Emma Watson in Burberry

Kate Winslet channelling Elizabeth Taylor. Amazing!!!