Goodbye French Manicure, Hello Kitty Manicure

There was a time when fantasy manicures were relegated to the halls of nail art competitions, rarely seen by the general public. But, as super kawaii girls ahead of the Japanese fashion curve continue to push boundaries in search of bigger and better ways to express their unique fashion sensibilities, the rhinestone-clad, airbrushed nail has been trumped by fingertips piled high with all things cute -- candy, fruit, bows, cupcakes, kittens. Just about anything goes, as long as it's dripping with pinky-sized sweetness.

"The Japanese nail art scene is presumably one of the most vibrant in the world. Why? Look at the hordes of Shibuya garu that practically live to care about their looks! It has to be more than just nail stickers for casual nail fashion; salons are dotted all about town to enhance you with the most elaborately designed nail chips." (pingmag.jp)

Of course, everything moves west eventually. So, expect to see more kitty-clad fingertips in your neck of the woods shortly. A set of pre-fab designs will set you back around $60. A custom pair done in a salon will put you back $100+. (And if that isn't incentive enough to never pick your nose again, I don't know what is!)

Swastika + Kawaii = Swastikawaii?

'Baby Deer Loves Hitler' [link]

In 2006, London-based label 'Voyage' designers Rocky and Louise Mazzilli shocked the fashion world with a collection containing controversial Nazi-inspired prints (including one of Hilter sunbathing naked with the caption "Wish You Were Here.") They were later tossed from a Soho nightclub for parading around in swastika-printed garments, with Rocky stating that the symbol was merely a statement of anarchy, rebellion and nonconformism. (Um, yeah. Whatever. You're an idiot.)

Pink Nazi [link]

The Nazi swastika then began appearing on Harajuku girls, with entire stores in Tokyo dedicated to this form of fascist fashion. One possible explanation lies in the book, "Nazi Inventions" in which author Takeda Tomohiro writes:

"Did you know that the Nazis were responsible for TV, highways, space travel, and other wonders of the modern era? At last, someone bravely sticks up for the Nazis and restores their honor as Mothers of Invention for a New Tomorrow. Now I finally understand why all those kids in Harajuku proudly wear the swastika: they are saluting the innovation of the Autobahn!"

I wonder if they would also find children in Nazi death camps cuter if they were wearing Hello Kitty t-shirts?

Now, sugary-sweet Nazi creations are popping up which has me wondering if the holocaust is still taught in public schools? Because, with just a small bit of research, these kids would know something else about the Nazis: They murdered millions of Jews, Gypsies, Czechs, Poles, Catholics, the mentally and physically handicapped, homosexuals and others not belonging to the "great race." (Just wondering -- If 'kawaii' is the Japanese word for 'cute', what are the Japanese words for 'duh,' and 'oblivious'?)

Hitler Button [link]

Hug Hitler Tee [link]

Kawaii Nazi Hat [link]

Cute Hitler [link]

Hitler Dansen [link]

My Little Nazi Pony [link]

Hitler Doll [link]

Hitler Says, "Love Me" Card [link]

Hitler Plush [link]

Hello Hitler [link]

Hilter Loves Cupcakes [link]

Hitler Doll [link]

Car Bags: Yay or Nay?

A small handful of car handbags have been popping up and I haven't decided if I love them or hate them. On the one hand, they have that 'Hello Kitty-esque' appeal (you know, the smaller the cuter?) On the other hand, they scream, "Look at me! Look at me!" and/or "My other car is an eel skin wallet." (Okay, maybe not the latter. I just couldn't resist.) Your thoughts?

Black & Red Beetle Handbag

Blue Car Face Handbag

Red Bus Handbag

Race Car Handbag

White BMW Handbag

Antique Car Handbag

Yellow Bus Handbag

Pink Zippered Beetle Handbag

Poo Has Never Been So Cute

[Image: kawaiinot.com]

Not since the 1990's (when the children's book "Everyone Poops" took the U.S. by storm) has poop been such a hot topic. We appear to be in the grips of a poo explosion (no, not that kind of explosion) that won't be letting up any time soon.

Earlier this year, the books "What's Your Poo Telling You?" and "Poop Culture" became best sellers. Oprah invited her audience to speak publicly about their very private bowel habits. Scientists have been feverishly searching for orca whale poop. And rumor even has it that Tyra Banks did the unmentionable in her pants at New York Fashion Week. (Probably not true, but what the heck.)

My advice? Avoid the real poop wave at all costs and jump on the cute poop wagon. (Don't you just love how the Hello Kitty effect can make even the nastiest body secretions adorable?)

• Cutesypoo Pillow at grumbletoy.com
• Poo & Pee Dolls at uncommongoods.com
• Fudgey Brown and Curly Brown Poop Dolls at burgerlog.com
• Dookie Poo Doll at studiounicorn.com

TP & Poo Magnet Set by Acrylicana at etsy

'The Deuce' Charm Necklace and Ring by Metal Sugar at etsy

Lucky Crap Cellphone Strap at strapya-world.com

Stinky Poo Onesie at boredinc.net

Lolita Lingerie: When Plushy Ears Replace Angel Wings

Move over sexy angel wings, stuffed animals and twigs are the new aphrodisiac (?) One might assume that based on these looks presented at the Bunka Fashion College "Triumph Inspiration Award" lingerie show in Tokyo today. (When I wrote about Hello Kitty losing her virginity earlier this year, I was only kidding. Or was I?) Now, be nice and pet the bunny. (Just stay away from the girl with the large red lips. She might need some medical attention to fix that.)





Photo link: Mainichi Newspapers

I Still <3 Lisa Frank!

A Trendinista reader posted this old-school Lisa Frank ad on my MySpace page the other day. (Thanks Bridgette!) At first glance I thought, "Crap, am I that old?" My next thought was, "Oh my god, Lisa Frank rocks!" (Or at least she did when I was 10.) I was then shocked to find out that Lisa Frank is still around, churning out the same color-saturated, doe-eyed characters (that look vaguely similar to modern-day Bratz dolls).

Back in the day, I was seriously addicted to Lisa Frank stickers, stationary, pencils, etc. (Is it just my imagination, or did they have bubblegum scented erasers?) At the ripe old age of 10, I actually believed I was "too old" for Hello Kitty, thus graduating myself up to rainbow unicorns and starry-eyed pandas. So, in honor of my Lisa Frank days, I present to you some L.F. inspired looks:

• Betsey Johnson Sweetie Pie Illusion Necklace at betseyjohnson.com
• Rainbow Thigh High Stockings at 80stees.com
• Amy Secrest Lollipop Necklace & Earrings at shanalogic.com
• Sunshine Yellow Flutter Sleeve Top at candysays.co.uk
• Mary Jane Ballerina Flat at topshop.com

• Mary L Couture Butterfly Halter Dress at nordstrom.com
• Large Butterfly Cut-Out Pendant Necklace at asos.com
• Jami Rodriguez Butterfly Bracelet at jamirodriguezjewelry.com
• Blue Butterfly Cushion at mijnes.com
  

When Did Hello Kitty Lose Her Virginity, And Why Didn’t I Get The Memo?

When I was a little girl, my world of Hello Kitty consisted of stickers, scented erasers, pencil sharpeners, and citrus-flavored gum. But, like me, Hello Kitty is all grown up now and trying to make her way in this world. So, to get to know "Grown Up" Hello Kitty better, I spent the day with her to see what she's been up to. (And, to my surprise, she and Paris Hilton actually have a lot in common.)

Before getting dressed, Hello Kitty checked her body fat. (I thought she looked fine, but she says her plush is starting to show signs of dimpling.)

Then she slipped into a strawberry printed mini dress and push up bra. (I asked her if she thought jeans and a t-shirt might be more appropriate, but she said it was the only way to get the paparazzi to follow her.)

Before we left the house, she stepped outside to have her morning smoke. (She's cutting back these days, preferring the "yummy" flavor of Swisher Sweets over her standard menthols.)

We stopped by the drugstore to pick up a few items--toilet paper, maxi pads, and some douche. (Apparently, Kitty has a problem with that "not so fresh feeling.")

Next, we stopped by the salon for manicures and pedicures. (Kitty talked on her cell phone most of the time--so much for getting the inside scoop.)

Then it was off to the dentist to have a cracked filling replaced. (Kitty decided to have her fangs whitened while we were there, which took another two hours. I began to realize that this day was going nowhere.)

When we got home, Hello Kitty changed into something "even sexier" and popped open a bottle of wine. (Her boyfriend, Badtz Maru, was on his way over.)

When Badtz arrived, they busted out the video camera and asked me if I wanted to make some "home movies" (at which time I packed up my belongings and got the hell out of there).