Tokyo’s Fashion

Currently residing in Tokyo, Japan, I have noticed that beauty is something necessary for many females and males. Most women carry around designer bags and highly decorated cell phones with sparkle and flowers. Men carry designer wallets and wear cowboy fashioned shoes. One can easily notice that the people in Tokyo pay very close attention to the way they look. However, I must remind the readers that this is Tokyo fashion and not that of Japan. We all know that the fashion sense in New York is nothing like the one in Dallas. The ideals of Paris are not the ideals of Southern France. Therefore, Tokyo does not represent Japan neither culturally nor fashionably, and yet it's a common mistake to assume so.

The women in Tokyo must be the hardest working, highest paying customers of beauty products. It seems most of the working women can't afford to go to their office without make-up. They would be perceived as unclean if they should ever appear without it. They also shave their arm hair, their legs, armpits, and pay extra close attention to their eyebrows and eyelashes. Beautiful eyes are those with double lids, heavy mascara, thick upper and lower lid eyeliner and a light-colored eye shadow. Eye-lid surgery, along with colored contact lenses, is very popular. For those who can't afford surgery, special glue and tape are sold to create the double eyelid as a temporary solution.

As for body shape, a large behind is not desirable in women, and it is better to have large breasts. Though not many Japanese women are born with large breasts. To solve this, breast enhancers of all varieties are sold from silicon cups to herbal medicines to even massages that claim to boost the breast size. Generally speaking, the women are very slim. The average woman is about 160 centimeters tall, or 5 feet and 3 inches. Weight loss advertisements, however, often portray women who used to weigh 58 kilograms (127 lbs) and now weigh 46 kilograms (101.5 lbs) thanks to this or that miracle solution! Everyone is very quick to notice if one has lost only one kilogram or so. And in come the compliments.

Hair is important too. Black is boring, instead, blonde, reddish brown, orange, and dark brown are in. Perms are very popular, making for a huge-curls hairdo. Big, purposely messed-up hair is the Shibuya girls' fashion. These same girls will sometimes tan to the extent o...

Teen fashion trends

There are many articles dedicated to fashion trends: trends for men or women, trends for kids and even for dogs. What about teens? Try to do a web search and you will see that finding nice guidelines about teen fashion trends is not as easy as it may seem. Why is it this way? The reason for this lack of information is teen fashion being more complicated than any other. Teenagers are fighting against society; they put a lot of effort to be different, but they also invent new trends and fashion styles.

The latest trend is EMO (emotional) style. EMO style is definitely for those who adore bright colors. Green, pink, red, yellow matched with black will undoubtedly make you noticeable. If you are into this style, you must have an appropriate hairdo: Zelda hairdo for girls and jet black mop top for boys. Pencil or at least cigarette-shaped jeans with studded belt is also a must-have. Rules for top are not that strict, you may choose anything you want, just be sure it's close-fitting and bright colored. You must wear large amounts jewelry and it's even better if you pierce your face (small lip ring would do perfectly). EMO style is perfect for those who wear glasses - it's a great accent and EMOs love nerdy ones.

Hip hop never goes out of fashion. Music that speaks street language is definitely for young rebellious souls. Hip-hop style for teen boys and girls is rather different. Boys are usually wearing baggy pants and t-shirt, while girls chose sexy outfits. Cap is a must for both. When it comes to colors - choose anything you want. Boys usually prefer blue jeans and white-colored top while girls are totally unpredictable. Girls wear big rounded earrings and boys must wear at least one ring.

What fashion designers have come up to this season is gothic youth. Although this fashion has existed for a number of years and has been discussed in various ways, it is the first time it is fashionable. Dressing all-black, coloring your hair black, using only black makeup means or even whitening your face to make everything else look even blacker is a hot trend. Choose big shoes with chunky heels; go for metal details all over your clothing and accessories and you're a perfect goth. No matter if you are wearing a short or a long skirt, a close fitting top or a loose one - it's ok as long as it's black.

Bohemian style is also fashionable among teenagers. Loose light colored clothes, wraps and wooden, stone or amber accessories will make you look like a real bohemian girl or boy. Peop...