Hi there Kawaiisters!
This is Pinkuiro Pixie from Life in the Kawaii Lane here with a special guest blog all about my favourite kawaii style; Decora!! ^^
If you haven't heard about Decora – don't worry! This post will tell you all you need to know to understand this totally kawaii fashion style!
The vital thing about Decora fashion is accessories – and lots of them! Bracelets, necklaces, rings, hair clips, bows, bags, even plushies and toys!
As you can see – it's important to strike a balance with your accessories – often through a carefully chosen colour palette, or through heavily featuring a particular kawaii character (Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars, Mickey Mouse, Rilakkuma etc). It's not as simple as just wearing every accessory you own, it's about finding your own balance that works for you.
A quick pointer about hair accessories in particular – these are absolutely essential to the Decora style! Lots of kawaii clips, slides, bobbles and bows really set this style apart! The most iconic look is wearing lots of small clips/slides in the fringe.
Don't worry if you don't have a fringe! You can still work the Decora style, here is my take on using clips, bobbles and bows!
Clothes wise, it's gotta be kawaii! Cute sneakers or platforms, knee high socks (sometimes multiple pairs or 'odd' socks), layers of skirts and tops and almost sporty-style jackets/hoodies complete the look.
Don't forget – not every Decora is about bright colours; you can also do a 'Dark Decora' look if that is your style! Just remember the key points about accessories and do it your way! Fairy Kei, famous for its pastel colour palette, is an extension of the Decora style too.
The absolute number one Decora brand has to be 6% Dokidoki. Based in the Kawaii Capital, Harajuku, 6% Dokidoki does a range of accessories, jewellry and clothing that totally shouts out 'Harajuku!' ^^ These include statement rings that have become iconic in their own right, such as the famous '6%' and 'Doki' word rings.
Decora is gaining popularity once again – with people like Mai Rainbow (www.facebook.com/mai.rainbowdecora) and the 6% Dokidoki Shop Girls (http://6girls.jugem.jp/) being super kawaii ambassadors for this awesome style!
You can get lots of accessories online to build your Decora look – places like eBay and Etsy have lots of sellers all around the world with some super kawaii items – but it is always worth checking out shops like Claire's Accessories, H&M and even supermarkets; the accessory section for kids in these shops can often contain lots of kawaii pieces to complement your Decora look!
So, if you feel that Decora captures your imagination, then go for it! It takes confidence to wear a full Decora look, but it's one of the most personal J-fashions out there; you can take it in any direction that you like, as long as it is kawaii and you have plenty of accessories! ^^
