G.

I found the "G" theme more challenging outfit-wise than any of the other Harajuku girls, as Gwen Stefani has represented so many different styles and things over the years that it becomes somewhat challenging to pick one specifically and claim that it embodies her even in the slightest. In lieu of this predicament I made the executive decision to not even try to re-create Gwen's style or anything about her and instead just wear things that I love and feel good in - in my opinion, that's kind of what Gwen is all about anyways, hence the highly individual and personalized fashion choices she's become known for.
I'm aware that a tutu is an odd choice for an outfit post, but I spent a great deal of my formative years in one, and the feeling of being wrapped up in stiff tulle is quite probably one which I will adore until I cease to exist. I've had a penchant for the theatrical for as far back as I can recall, and I highly doubt that my lifelong passion for outrageously fabulous dramatic clothing is going to leave me anytime soon.
The black tights and patent oxford booties are obviously a bit dichotomous with the floral-print cardigan (an homage to "G" the fragrance, which is truly a tropical and sunny delight...but more on that later) and white tutu...but, then again, I'm a bit dichotomous too. I'm a huge fan of classicism and grunge, which I understand totally doesn't make any sense theoretically, but it somehow makes perfect sense to me so I can live with being alone in that theory if I must.
Back to the fragrance: the Harajuku Lovers scent "G" is my personal favourite of the set. It's strongest note is coconut (which I loathe the taste of but am absolutely in love with the smell of) and, as it wears, develops lighter notes of cottonwood, apple and mandarin which are lovely and refreshing when combined with the heavy sweetness of the coconut. More than the fact that "G" just smells wonderful, I also think that it also suits me better than any of the others.
Now this may be my roundabout way of attempting to dodge the 'why it suits me best' part of the equation, but I always feel somewhat uncomfortable when trying to describe myself or my style...it's such a daunting task, particularly in consideration of the fact that I believe no one is capable of seeing themselves as they truly are.
But I'm going to stop myself before I get too philosophical and introspective: I think that "G" is edgy, deep, feminine and unique, which I suppose implies that I believe myself to be these things...so that's just that then.
Today's "G" is the last installment of this past week's Harajuku Lovers theme, which has been marvelous fun for [my] G and I, and has resulted in some pretty awesome photos if I do say so myself - it's quite fun to get a little bit focused and directional with things!
Wearing
Cardigan: vintage
Tutu: my own
Tights: H&M
Shoes: F21
P.S. If you, my beloved readers, have any opinions whatsoever about anything G and I have done on Modern-Guilt this past week it would be absolutely AMAZING if you followed through to this survey where the lovely people who gave me the opportunity to get the pre-release of the fragrances and share it with you are collecting responses and opinions and whatnot, good or bad.

Angel.

While white is technically the absence of colour, I nonetheless deem it appropriate for my Colour Challenge '08. The challenge's raison d'être is, in fact, that I refrain from wearing black (which I'm pretty certain is technically all of the colours in the universe jumbled together or something along those lines). I probably should have paid more attention in kindergarten as opposed to happily and ignorantly making masterpieces out of playdough, because I actually just googled this to confirm that my colour-jumbling theory wasn't way out of left field. Moving on, albeit slightly shamefully...

Today's Harajuku Lovers theme is Angel or, as the perfume's actual name suggests, ('Lil) Angel. I am not particularly little - though I suppose when standing next to certain people I am - but I believe I got the angel thing down pretty well, at least externally speaking. Yesterday's outfit was definitely in underwear-as-outerwear territory which most 'normal' folk tend to shy away from/not understand/look down upon, but I think that, if done correctly and in the appropriate setting, why not? Not very angelic of me perhaps, but I've got to have my fun right?
The fragrance itself is a clean, citrusy floral with a really fruity kick to it, and I find it to be the most unique of the bunch. There's not much which I personally find to connotative of angel in the actual scent, but then again I would probably dislike that more, as 'connotative of angel' from my perspective means sugary, powdery and grossly sweet.
Angel is extremely pleasant and wearable and something I would definitely not mind being stuck in an elevator with (if you have never had the misfortune of being stuck in an elevator with an individual who reeks of knockoff designer perfume as I did this morning and have many a time prior, then I seriously envy you), but probably not the one which suits me and my style best. I cannot, however, say that I wouldn't buy it - as the tag line of the Harajuku Lovers product line blatantly suggests, the set of characters is irresistibly adorable.
Yesterday after work was spent in this beautiful park I discovered while walking home from work, which I cannot believe I've passed by without a thought all this time. I always find it interesting to find green spaces in the heart of downtown - it's so dichotomous and fun to see a skyscraper next to a tree and just spend some time enjoying where you are when you're there and not thinking about all of the crazy, busy, exciting, non-exciting, etc. things in life that generally consume 99.99% of one's brain space. In short, it's really nice.
Wearing
Tank and slip: La Vie En Rose
Pants: Rock & Republic
Shoes: Juicy Couture
Necklace: thrifted
Pins: the "S" pin with the angel on it (which you can see in the above photo) was given to me a long time ago as a gift. It's something I rarely if ever wear, but I felt it to be highly appropriate given the theme.

Bag: Chanel, vintage

Pure Phase

In continuing with this week's theme...surprise, surpise, I yet again wore predominantly black yesterday! I've decided that I'm going to allow myself to finish out the week on this note, but force myself into entirely switching it up and not wearing anything even remotely black Monday through Friday of next week with the exception of undergarments, hosiery and an accessory here or there. It's undoubtedly a little bit petty to challenge myself to such an endeavour to begin with but really, what else am I going to do to amuse myself?
Fashion is clearly an interest and hobby for me, and just as those who enjoy playing soccer tend to go out and play the sport on occasion, I think up little personal ways to express my interest in fashion, hence the inception of Modern Guilt to begin with. See how I manage to justify and convince myself of things? It's quite a nice skill to have if I do say so myself...
Well then. While I'm not a big television person by any means (truly...I haven't had cable for about a year now), I've found what I believe to be one of the most hilarious British comedies in current existence. It's called 'How Not To Live Your Life', and I admittedly spent the majority of yesterday evening being a couch potato and watching it. The only reason I mention this is because I've noticed that British television personalities tend to dress much better and/or more interestingly than their North American counterparts. Well, obviously there's no 'better' since it really comes down to a matter of personal taste, but I really cannot resist the lovely slim-fit mod suits and perfectly distressed leather bomber jackets and the like.
If it weren't the most expensive place on the planet I would undoubtedly move to London in a heartbeat. Alas, that's just going to have to wait until I figure out how to grow a money tree on my current high-rise balcony.

Wearing

Jacket: Urban Planet

Cardigan: Club Monaco

Skirt: thrifted

Tights: H&M