International Harajuku Fashion Walk Day - The Netherlands

The weekend of July 25th and 26th was a very special one, since it was International Harajuku Fashion Walk Day! Every month in Harajuku in Tokyo, Japan, a big fashion walk is held. Now, the organisers of the Japanese fashion walk decided to ‘organise’ an international fashion walk all over the world! They made a video asking everyone who wanted to organise a fashion walk in the weekend of 25/26 July and the idea was very well received! Fashion walk event pages popped up from all over the world, from South America to Europe to Israel to Asia! Luckily, there would be a fashion walk in my own country too and I was very excited to participate!
Unfortunately, due to circumstances, the original organiser wasn’t able to continue the preparations for the fashion walk, but a lot of people were already looking forward to it! In some strange way, I ended up taking over together with my two friends Anna and Marinda! We were very happy the fashion walk could take place after all and put quite a bit of work into our preparations, including travelling to Utrecht (the city the walk would take place in) to test the route we had set up.
Finally, Sunday July 26th came. I decided to go with a very bright pastelly Sweet Lolita outfit. I am never sure when something is considered OTT Sweet Lolita, but I did feel very OTT happy with my outfit! I really needed a bit of a Sweet boost after my literal hot adventures in Paris. This was my outfit, I hope you like it! ♥

✯ Jewelry Sugar Jelly ✯
My outfit rundown:
Head bow: Angelic Pretty’s Jewelry Jelly
Blouse: Bodyline
Jsk: Angelic Pretty’s Jewelry Jelly
Socks: Angelic Pretty
Shoes: Bodyline
Hairclips: Claire’s and Chocomint
Necklaces: Angelic Pretty and Claire’s
Rosette: Summer Tales Boutique
Pink bow: Chocomint
Bracelets: 6% Dokidoki, Paris Kid’s, Primark and offbrand
Wristcuffs: Angelic Pretty
Rings: 6% Dokidoki

Sorry for the mountain of pictures, but my mom took too many nice ones. ^^ I especially adored the pastel cross I wore. I always felt a bit reluctant to wear crosses, but this one is just so over the top sparkly it’s just too pretty not to wear! ✧
Together with my faithful personal photographer (and mom) I went to Utrecht by car, took the bus and soon arrived at Utrecht Central Station, where everyone would meet. I was the very first to arrive, but was soon joined by other people. Even though the poll we had set up in the Facebook group asking people what style they would wear and ‘Lolita’ came out the most, there were a lot of different styles present which was awesome! Mori, fairy kei, decore, ouji, visual kei and even an amazing guy wearing shironuri! You’ll see some pictures down this post.
Finally, it was time to start walking!

Time to start walking!
We followed the route through Hoog Catharijne, which is the shopping mall attached to the station. Very soon we discovered that no matter how slow we walked in the front, the back somehow couldn’t keep up. It was challenging, but we learned quickly and had one of the organisers walk in the back.

Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun already!
We were super lucky since the weather was amazing! A blue sky with some white clouds and lots of sun.
We did, as expected, draw a lot of attention. I could hear one or two negative comments, but the plus side of walking in a group is that people notice ‘something is going on’ and bug you a bit less. ^^
We followed the route (standing still now and then) and walked up to the amazing Domtower. Utrecht truly is one of my favourite places in my country, I was so happy we were doing the fashion walk here!

Walking up to the Domtower.
We walked underneath the Domtower, where Anna, Marinda and I announced we would have a little break in the Domtower garden. The Domtower garden is a lovely place to take pictures, since it’s such a lovely place.

The Domtower garden. The open halls surrounding it always remind me of Hogwarts.
People spread and went to take pictures, which gave me the perfect opportunity to film a bit for my video (which you can see down this post).
I was so happy to see so many people wearing such wonderful styles! I was especially incredibly happy Jochem had decided to attend as well. I had seen pictures of him at a different event and he looked so amazing I was really hoping I could meet him someday! So when he walked into the station I was overjoyed!

Me and Jochem. He looked so incredibly amazing!
Before you ask: yes, he really is that tall. Not only does he do an amazing job at shironuri, with his incredible height he is like an ethereal being. ♥ I hope I wasn’t too awkward because I was fangirling like an idiot… ^^’
Because my mom took pictures I could focus on making videos. I made sure I filmed a lot for my video this time and I think I quite succeeded. In the meantime, I admired everyone’s awesome outfits!

A small selection of some of the amazing outfits at the fashion walk.
I was happy to see people talking, taking outfit pictures and taking a break for a moment. The weather was so lovely and the Domtower garden was, despite a group of tourists, quite serene.

Some of the lovely Lolitas attending the walk. ♥
Finally the break was over and the walk continued. We left the Domtower garden and walked back underneath the Domtower itself.

Our fashionable fashion walk group walking underneath the Domtower.
We walked on through the beautiful streets of Utrecht. I ran back and forth a lot to make videos, so I probably walked the whole route twice technically speaking! But well, I enjoyed myself a lot so it was more than ok. ^^

‘Wave at the camera everyone!’
We walked around one of the canals, through a small side street and arrived at our final destination: a big open square called ‘Vredenburg’. Even though there were quite some people, we weren’t bothered by them at all when we took our group picture.

The Harajuku Fashion Walk Group - the Netherlands!
The walk had come to an end and Marinda, Anna and I thanked everyone for coming. We were very happy to hear everyone had enjoyed themselves! Later, when we asked the Facebook group for feedback, most of the comments were ‘Please make the walk longer next time’, so that is definitely a good sign! ^^

The three organisers: Marinda, me and Anna. ♥ I loved how the
other two girls tried a style different from their usual Lolita style!
I was happy to be able to take some last pictures with people. I had been running around so much I didn’t really have the chance to do so before, so this was the perfect opportunity.

A final collage to show you some more awesome outfits!
Slowly, people were leaving to go to the Starbucks and I made sure I was the last one to leave. I was sad the walk was over, but I had also noticed the sky was slowly getting more grey. Actually, it started raining in the afternoon, so we were really lucky! ^^

Bye bye~!
My mom and I walked around to find a place to eat, but we ended up in our favourite restaurant next to the Domtower, where we had some lovely sandwiches. A girl sitting on the table next to us asked me for a picture, because her friend is a Lolita! How lovely! ♥ There was also an older couple completely in awe when they spotted me. It was so cute!

Posing in front of the Domtower and our lovely lunch.
After our delicious lunch, we went to have some frozen yoghurt and then headed for the bus. It had been a super fun day and I am glad everyone enjoyed themselves! See you next year..?

And to finish this post: here is the video I made of the Dutch Harajuku Fashion Walk. Please check it out if you have to time. I hope you like it! ♥


Thank you for reading! ~☆~

Paris ‘15, Day 4 – Fashion Walk

On Sunday July 5th I woke up and the first thing I realised was: it was cooler! I cannot tell you how incredibly happy I was! Sunday was my last day in Paris. I would join in the Fashion Walk organised by Angelic Pretty and at the end of the day Iris and I would be leaving. I took another lovely shower and Marina and I started to get dressed, when unfortunately I heard Iris was unable to come since she wasn’t feeling very well. We agreed to meet at Marina’s place after the Fashion Walk.
I had decided to wear my Promenade de Paris dress to the Fashion Walk. What’s more appropriate than that? ‘Promenade’ means ‘walk’ or ‘stroll’ and Paris, well for obvious reasons. ^^ I had decided to combine it with a very unexpected colour: red. This dress contains a lot of colours, but red is not one of them. I wanted to experiment with this concept.
I got fully dressed and Marina and I went on our way to the Jardin du Palais Royal, where the Fashion Walk would start.
The Jardin du Palais Royal is a really big square surrounded by beautiful Parisian houses and a big fountain. It was a really lovely place! ♥ When we arrived, there was barely anyone there yet. Luckily, soon we were joined by other people. This gave us some time to take outfit pictures! This was my outfit, I hope you like it! ♥

☼ A Walk in Paris ☼
My outfit rundown:
Head bow: Angelic Pretty’s Promenade de Paris
Blouse: Angelic Pretty
Jsk: Angelic Pretty’s Promenade de Paris
Socks: Summer Tales Boutique
Shoes: Bodyline
Pink bow: Summer Tales Boutique
Flowers: Claire’s and offbrand
Necklace: Angelic Pretty
Badge: Angelic Pretty
Red bow: Angelic Pretty
Bracelets: offbrand

I accidentally brightened up the pictures a little too much, but I ended up liking the result so much I kept it. ^^ Do you like the hints of red in this outfit? I personally really like the result. Also, sorry I look so tired, but well I was… really tired. XD
I also took pictures of some of the first people who arrived. It was fun to catch up for a bit. ^^

The first girls to arrive.
Everyone who joined in the Fashion Walk looked super cute. I was glad I had some time to take pictures of several outfits.

Marina. ♥
I really loved Marina’s outfit. She has this really cute, unique style that seems casual but is so well put together with a lot of attention to detail. Of course her fabulous hair is really the finishing touch!

Alice & Marlessa. ♥
Whoa what can I say about these two amazing girls other than ‘They look so fabulous!’? When Alice wears Sweet Lolita, she always manages to add something so unique and cool, like her cat scarf in this case. And Marlessa… No matter what style she wears, she always looks to die for! The Russians always astound you!

Solenn. ♥
I really adored Solenn’s amazing outfit. It’s retro and cute at the same time. I never thought a Lady Rose skirt could be used in such a quirky way! She really made a unique outfit with such a classy print.

A cute couple. ♥
Unfortunately I forgot their names, but isn’t this couple amazing!? His outfit is not only fabulous and suits him so well, there are also a lot of tiny details! I also really loved the girl’s outfit: Fancy Paper Dolls is just so cute in real life! She came up with a coord I simply adore! Also, that bag… pure love.

Emilie. ♥
Emilie wore a simple outfit (her words) with Cream Cookie Collection and I must say I really love it! She came up with a colour combination I don’t see often, but which I really like. Also, that badge looks familiar, hehe.

Pom. ♥
Oh Pom, how does she do it? She always looks so refined, elegant, tough and cool at the same time! It’s truly amazing! Also, this dress suits her so well.
We also had some accidental; twinning going on! Alice and I were wearing the same print in different colours. Marina and Roxane had decided to wear the same print, but accidentally dressed and styled their hair quite similar too!

Accidentally twinning always makes for nice surprises!
In the meantime, more people were arriving and we were finally becoming a group. I was quite excited for the Walk to start, but well: we were still waiting for Maki and Asuka. And it wasn’t time yet anyway. ^^

A small group picture that I really like. ^^
Soon Maki, Asuka and their crew arrived. Since it wasn’t time to start the Fashion Walk yet, everyone had plenty of time to take pictures with them!

With dear Maki and Asuka. ♥
Maki was wearing lavender again, Asuka was wearing pink again. I absolutely adored both their outfits. Maki really made me love Milky Cross more, with her simple yet elegant outfit. She also wore her phone in one of the most beautiful phone covers I’ve ever seen: it was from the brand Anna Sui and shaped like a perfume bottle. And thanks to Asuka, I actually like Fantasic Carnival now! Doesn’t she look super cute!?

Maki’s fabulous Anna Sui phone cover. ☆
Finally, it was time for the Walk to start. First, we took a group picture. These things always take a long time, haha!

The first group picture.
Then the walk started! We left the Jardin du Palais Royal and started our journey to l’Opéra. Everyone was talking and laughing (and walking of course), it was a lot of fun!

Fashion Walk: start~!
I tried to film and take pictures as much as I could while also talking to other people. I was so, SO happy it was much cooler that day!
We drew a lot of attention of course, but I must say I barely noticed it myself. The only times I did they were positive responses of smiling people. ^^

Colourful, Harajuku Fashion-loving people.
At a certain point, we passed a big bike parade on the street. I am not sure why they were cycling (A protest? Just for fun?), but it look quite fun! We waved at each other which was nice. ^^

Cute friends smiling for the picture. ^^
I felt really inspired by my fellow Fashion Walkers. There were so many lovely and amazing outfits! Most of us were wearing complete Lolita, others Lolita-inspired and others wore different styles. We were quite the colourful mass, haha!
We soon approached l’Opéra, one of my most favourite buildings in Paris. I was sad the Walk was coming to an end, but also a bit relieved: I needed to go back to Marina’s apartment on time to get changed and pack my last things.

Approaching l’Opéra.
The Walk went really well: we never got separated except for the very last traffic light, where Maki and Asuka managed to get to the other side while the rest of the group had to wait. It resulted into this cute picture.

Maki and Asuka taking pictures of the Fashion Walk group.
Of course, a second group picture in front of l’Opéra had to be taken! Luckily the friendly Angelic Pretty lady who had taken the first for me didn’t mind to take a picture here as well.

Group picture in front of l’Opéra.
After talking for a bit and taking some last pictures, it was time for me to go. I hugged however I could ask managed to get a last picture with Maki, Asuka and Honda-san. They definitely need to come back next year! ♪

A last picture with Asuka, Honda-san and Maki. ♥
Marina and I went back to her apartment, where I met up with Iris, got changed and packed my last things. It was quite hard for me to say goodbye to my dear Marina. Staying with her was such a wonderful experience. ;_; She is such a sweetheart. ♥
Iris and I headed to the station. We had plenty of time before our bus would depart, so we took our time, took a different metro due to weird signs and arrived at the shopping mall next to the bus parking lot. There, we had some frozen yoghurt at a café. The café seemed really dodgy, the people working there were slow and slightly odd, but the frozen yoghurt was heaven.

My delicious frozen yoghurt. No, those are no rocks, they’re Oreo crumbles.
We headed to the parking lot and sat down for a while, until I joked ‘Well maybe our bus is already here?’ I looked around another bus and yes! Our bus really was already there! We put our luggage inside and soon we left Paris.
Our bus ride was really nice and also really horrible. I am really not in the mood to tell you how stressed I was about our transfer in Brussels (a transfer, yes you read that right), so instead I will just say Iris and I talked and ate a lot which was fun. ^^
Finally, late at night, we arrived back in Amsterdam where my parents and brother (haha) picked us up. We talked until 2 am and the finally went to bed. It had been an amazing adventure!
In the meantime, Angelic Pretty has posted their event report on their site. To my great honour my outfit was posted in a solo picture! This was my fourth Tea Party, but this is my first time getting a snap shot by myself! I am so happy! Also, a picture of me and Maki walking in the Fashion Walk made it to the site. I remember the exact moment Asuka took that picture, whah! ;_; ♥

Pictures from the Angelic Pretty event report.
This was my last summer events in Paris post! I really hope you enjoyed them.To end this post with, here is the video I made about the Fashion Walk. Please check it out if you have the time! ^^ Thank you!


Thank you for reading! ~☆~