Hey there all of you up and coming fashionista’s of Japan! Or at least that seems to be what this weeks topic centers around so why not check out a great anime centering around that same genre? That’s right, I’m talking about Paradise Kiss, a fun and heart-wrenching story about a teenage school girl and her run-in with the world of fashion, modeling and love.

With great poppy and catchy song from singers like Franz Ferdinand and Tommy February6, who couldn’t love this elaborately colored and edge of your seat series? Honestly, after watching just one episode it was nearly impossible to just stop myself there until the entire span of 12 episodes had been unloaded and played through.

Follow Yukari as she slowly begins to break away from the hold of her mother and school life, discovering not only an entire new world but also a new part of herself as she battles with love-interest, notoriously charismatic George, university exams and learning how to balance all of it together with her new self. You won’t help but to laugh and cry along as you discover new things and gain a taste for the fashion industry all in one!

This anime is recommended for ages 15+!

To become part of the Parakissu trend and watch the first episode, don’t miss checking out these great sites:

Youtube: Paradise Kiss Episode 1 of 1
Funimation Presents: Paradise Kiss
Anime News Network: Paradise Kiss

Love anime? Love bright colors and lots of fun? Then you’ve come to the correct place! This week we’re going to focus on one of the many fashion-fun styles of dress in Japan that many would closely relate with anime. If you ever take a stroll down Harajuku street or heck, maybe just any old place, you’re definately more than likely to see people dressed in crazy, fun, springy bright colors with lots of hairbows, jewelry and many layers of clothing.

This style is what we call ‘decora’ in the fashion industry and normally is compossed of bright accessories, matching outfits with super layers and many many bright colors. This is one of the many styles that links to the general ‘GAL’ fashion trend and has a bit more freedom of fruitsy expression.

So how does this apply to what you might want to wear this spring and summer? Easy! This year as we all know, super bright beachy colors are in. Enhanced hot pinks, crazy glitzy blues and blinding lime greens. And let’s not forget the ever popular animal print is taking a turn for zebra. So the next time you plan to go out, why not toss on a cute zebra mini with those capri leggings? And maybe some hot pink flats and a few crazy chunky bracelts and necklace! Decora is all about expression so make it as wild or tame as you want.

For a few more examples of decora, check out these awesome sites:

Decora Fashion Blogspot
Decora Livejournal Community
Ask Yahoo DecoraAcQ
Fruits Fashion Magazine
Japanese Streets Fashion

I have yet to talk to our insider at the Anime Convention but I have seen for myself some of the activities that went on last weekend. It was truly amazing how creative people got with their outfits. I saw blue, green, red, orange, and every other color of the rainbow everywhere. People had dyed their hair, made or bought their own costumes, and much more. There was even people with tails and cat ears! It was a totally awesome to see so many different people come together and celebrate something that they truly loved… ANIME!!

Of course there is! And this weekend, one of our own group is going to experience it firsthand. So, by next week we’ll have all the juicy details of what REALLY happens at these Anime-Fests! Everyone dresses up as their favortie anime characters and there’s a great time to be had by all. The following is some up-and-coming conventions on the east coast for any who are interested:

• Anime Weekend Atlanta:
  • Sept. 19-21, 2008
  •  Renaissance Waverly Hotel & Cobb Galleria Centre Atlanta, GA
• New York Anime Festival:
  • Sept. 26-28, 2008
  • Jacob K. Javits Center New York, NY
• Tsubasacon:
  • Sept.26-28, 2008
  • Riverfront Ballroom & Conference Center Huntington, WV
• Chibi-Pa:
  • Sept.27-28, 2008
  • Palm Beach County Convention Center Palm Beach, FL
• Anime USA:
  • Oct. 10-12, 2008
  • Hyatt Regency Crystal City Arlington, VA