How to Be a Harajuku Girl in L.A.

by JCsuperstar  -  November 06, 2008

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Gwen Stefani said it best: "Harajuku Girls you got the wicked style I like the way that you are, I am your biggest fan... You're so original girls, You got the look that makes you stand out... You mix and match it, girls... You dress so fly and just parade around." Although trendy Harajuku Girls (decked out in crazy-creative ensembles and over-the-top hair and makeup to boot) have been bopping around the streets of Japan for quite some time; it wasn't until Stefani's bubble-pop-electric beats praising the cultural trend-setters that the term 'Harajuku Girl' gained in mainstream popularity here in the U.S. Are you sick of worshiping clueless Hollywood socialites for their cookie-cutter style? Would you rather break out from the norm and add some serious Harajuku hotness to your L.A. life? Read on!

BeDazzle EVERYTHING.

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Get out your glue gun and sprinkle the essentials in your life (your phone, your nails, your stapler, your laptop, your bedpost, etc.) with glittering Swarovski crystals.

Everything is cuter when it sparkles!

Bead Source

10606 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Rhinestone heaven. So many Swarovski crystals (every color, every shape, every size!) in store, you’ll find reasons to crystallize everything in sight.

Rhinestone heaven. So many Swarovski crystals (every color, every shape, every size!) in store, you’ll find reasons to crystallize everything in sight.

Hime Nails

14161 Newport Ave Ste F Tustin, CA 92780

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Take your nails to a whole new level.

Hime Nails are super cute, creative ways to get your nails done in true Japanese style. Bows, hearts, flowers, crystals, leopard print, stars and more! Okay so it might take 2+ hours for a full set, but it last for about 4 weeks!

So worth it.

Street Style

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One word? Fierce. Harajuku Girls have serious style (and confidence!), no matter the occasion.

Thigh-highs in broad daylight? Yes, you can.

Rule of Thumb: Animal Print NEVER Goes Out of Style.

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Take your style cues from the girls pictured above. Animal print scarf? Done. You’re halfway there.

Available at AsiaJam.com

AsiaJam.com

PEACE Be With You

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Don’t forget to flash the peace sign with both hands whenever there’s a camera in sight. Make sure your friends follow suit.

Tarina Tarantino

7957 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

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Tarina Tarantino is the queen of all things sparkly and fun, AND Hello Kitty is her muse!

Pick up some colorful baubles here and mix and match with everything you own.

Your New Obsession

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Hello, Kitty!

Nail It.

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She encrusted her nails with massive rhinestones. So should you.

Marie Nails

8616 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Yogurtland Sunset

5541 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

You Love Yogurt!

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Asians can’t get enough of yogurt and fruit. Pick your flavor(s) and pile on the toppings! At $.30/ounce, it’s hard not to go overboard. But then again, if you’re a Harajuku Girl—you should go overboard.

Taka Hair Salon

2010 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

The BEST salon for Asian hair. The stylists are super-skilled and friendly; and always offer honest opinions. Get your hair perfectly-razored, gently waved or sun-kissed with color to complete your Harajuku transformation.

The BEST salon for Asian hair. The stylists are super-skilled and friendly; and always offer honest opinions. Get your hair perfectly-razored, gently waved or sun-kissed with color to complete your Harajuku transformation.

Wear Costumes All Year Round

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The buddy system will amp up the adorable factor.

Trashy Lingerie

402 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048

The mecca of costumes, lingerie, sexy ensembles and more. Seamstresses are in-store to customize your get-up and ensure that you’re feeling your absolute girliest!

The mecca of costumes, lingerie, sexy ensembles and more. Seamstresses are in-store to customize your get-up and ensure that you’re feeling your absolute girliest!

Hit up this Melrose vintage boutique for a wild and crazy selection of funky costumes, sexy dresses, wild accessories and more. Get creative. Remember every Harajuku Girl knows the art of mixing and matching. Let your imagination roam free!

Hit up this Melrose vintage boutique for a wild and crazy selection of funky costumes, sexy dresses, wild accessories and more. Get creative. Remember every Harajuku Girl knows the art of mixing and matching. Let your imagination roam free!

Sanrio Gift Gate

Beverly Ctr, Los Angeles, CA 90001

Your one-stop shop for all things Hello Kitty. Snap up some stationery, a few throw pillows and a wallet for good measure. You can always come back for more.

Your one-stop shop for all things Hello Kitty. Snap up some stationery, a few throw pillows and a wallet for good measure. You can always come back for more.

Onatoko.com

Get Asian style online!

Get-Gorgeous Gadget

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This Japanese faux eyelash setter will help you apply your lashes every day with ease!

Sushi-Gen

422 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

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Fresh sushi? Delicious!

Karaoke Bleu

2064 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Party, party! Sing the night away (with or without some sake assistance) and take plenty of pics. Don’t forget the peace sign poses!

Party, party! Sing the night away (with or without some sake assistance) and take plenty of pics. Don’t forget the peace sign poses!

Nijiya Market

124 Japanese Village Pla, Los Angeles, CA 90012

 

Embrace Artificial Beauty

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Lighten your hair, get extensions, tan your skin, add false lashes.

Done!

Sunset Tan

8539 W Sunset Blvd Ste 12, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Just Remember...A.B.C.! Always. Be. Cute.

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If that means sticking a ginormous bow on your head and wearing Peter Pan collar blouses, so be it.

Do Your Homework.

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Buy Japanese fashion magazines at Mitsuwa (so what if you don’t read Japanese?) and oogle their funky fashions and cutesy models.

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Harajuku Girl in Training

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Giant Bow? Check. Lace? Check. Thigh-high stockings? Check.

She’s well on her way to Harajuku Hotness!

Break Time!

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Relax with friends and giggle about boys over bubble tea! Milk Green Tea with boba is the way to go.

Lollicup West La

2012 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Be BOLD.

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Dramatic make-up and crazy hair are just part of the fun! Black eyeliner is your best friend. Never leave home without perfectly-rimmed eyes.

People may stare. They’re just jealous.

Mac Cosmetics

133 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Heavy glitter eye make-up and gel eyeliners will get the job done. MAC carries the best of both.

Heavy glitter eye make-up and gel eyeliners will get the job done. MAC carries the best of both.

Travel in Groups.

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Look the same, But Different.

Fulfilled Pastries

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Snack on yummy Imas (Japanese pastries with savory or sweet fillings!) This brand-new adorable Beverly Hills shop will satisfy your post-shopping cravings.

P.S. Paris Hilton is already a fan of the Karaoke Kitty: strawberry, cream cheese and Ghiradelli white chocolate!

Paris Hilton Loves Fulfilled Pastries

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Paris stops in for a snack!

Fulfilled
9405 S. Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, California 90210

Harajuku Girl Hot Spots

All Hail Gwen.

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Be her back-up dancer, inspire her style and pose appropriately.

Sweet Scents

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Oh, look. Harajuku Lovers perfume! So irresistibly adorable. Just like you.

Buy the whole set.

Mitsuwa Marketplace

333 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

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Mitsuwa is not only a killer market, but also a bustling Japanese food court! Fast and affordable place to grab authentic snacks, curry plates, sushi, udon and more!

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

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Milk has oodles of yummy sweets. Pick the cutest confection and nibble politely.

Milk

8209 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

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Discussions

-621559098

I saw some Harajuku girls in LA! Their style was very interesting.

-619778718

Wow. you seem to know quite a bit about Harajuku girls. And I’m surprised that you found a few close enough to take pictures! I love the yellow harajuku girl scent!

Default_author_xsmall

The Hime nails look so cute! I think I’m going to try those next time. Do you know how much they cost?