Lately I've been poking through issues of Bijin Hyakka, Ray, and Sweet looking for more everyday looks that are still feminine. I'm loving the trend of long skirts, soft sweaters, and florals! The typical OL off duty looks are very appealing even though they are the opposite of what I love about alt fashions, especially gyaru. But still I'd like to work these sorts of looks into my regular rotation for when I'm wanting to tone it down a bit more than just himekaji.
Brands like Le Reve Vaniller, Maison de FLEUR, and Jill by Jill Stuart have been very inspiring as they're still cute but laid back. It's lead me to make a few outfit collages to help flesh out what I've been looking for. I threw in pieces from other brands I absolutely love for a soft, feminine style (Ted Baker, Kate Spade, Chicwish)
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| Dress: Chicwish Bag: Ted Baker Shoes and Jewelry: Kate Spade |
I'm a sucker for polka dots and this dress really caught my eye! I'm hoping to pick it up soon as I've got a pair of pumps that would be too cute with it.
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| Dress: Chicwish Shawl and Earrings: Ted Baker Bag: Maison de FLEUR Shoes: Kate Spade |
A simple sweet summery look! I love the straw bag trend going on right now and Maison de FLEUR's take is adorable.
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| Skirt: Chicwish Cardigan, Cami, and Bag: Ted Baker Shoes: Jill by Jill Stuart |
One of my favorite outfits that I put together! I really love that gingham skirt, I'll have to get my hands on it eventually.
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| Dress: Ted Baker Cardigan, Shoes, and Earrings: Ted Baker Bag: Maison de FLEUR |
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| Skirt and Sweater: Chicwish Bag: Ted Baker Shoes and Earrings: Kate Spade |
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| Sweater and Skirt: Chicwish Bag and Shoes: Ted Baker Jewelry: Kate Spade |
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| Skirt and Sweater: Chicwish Bag: Maison de FLEUR Shoes: Ted Baker Jewelry: Kate Spade Another one of my favorites! I could see myself wearing this outfit quite often. |
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| Dress: Chicwish Jewelry: Ted Baker Bag: Jill by Jill Stuart Shoes: Kate Spade |
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| Blouse: Chicwish Bag, Skirt and Shoes: Ted Baker Jewelry: Kate Spade |
This one is my fiancé's favorite of the bunch, maybe I'll get it sometime to have a nice date in. 
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| Sweater: Chicwish Skirt: Jill by Jill Stuart Shoes and Jewelry: Ted Baker Bag: Maison de FLEUR |
Another favorite, this one just looks so comfy and cute.
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| Skirt and Blouse: Chicwish Shoes: Jill by Jill Stuart Bag: Ted Baker Jewelry: Kate Spade |
I've picked up some second hand pieces from an old favorite brand L'est Rose in my quest for floral feminine finds. It seems like they are defunct now which saddens me, they were my go to brand to mix with Liz Lisa for a romantic floral style. Buuut that also means picking up older pieces will be a steal, as was the case when I was searching for what to add to my wardrobe.
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| I managed to find the dress on the right for a great deal! I'm super excited! |
Some cute older inspiration from L'est Rose!
Another great thing about this sort of style is that it's very easy to find second hand and in US shops, something I wish was the case with lolita but that's a labor of love. Either way I look forward to picking up some of these looks, they'll be nice for family get togethers so I'm not ALWAYS the one doing the most.
