cel style (#4)

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Woops! It's been quite awhile since I've done one of these fun little Miyazaki inspired outfit posts. I've been focusing quite a bit of energy on my freelance work and this ol' bloggy has been pretty clearly reflecting it. So let's take a little break, shall we?

Spirited Away! Even though this is a pretty popular Miyazaki movie, I'd been avoiding doing an outfit post for it because Chihiro (the main character, another great multi-faceted heroine who grows with the plot) spends the entire movie in very childish clothing OR a salmon colored garment. A little much, either way. However with the oncoming late summer/early fall weather I think I have something figured out - even with a little nod to Yubaba's totally amazing earrings and Chihiro's adorable soot buddies.

earrings / scarf / dress / boots / bag

cel style (#3)

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HEY DUDES. Remember forever ago when I would pick a Miyazaki movie and make one or two dream outfits based on the film? Yeah, it's been awhile, but Mallory over at Gems has been making some STUNNING fantasy outfit posts, and I couldn't help myself. 

This time around I picked Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, as a little challenge - this one is decidedly more fantasy/sci fi than the last two films I picked, but just as good! Yet another rock n' roll lady hero (and a princess at that!), kickin' butt and trying to find a way to save the world without destroying the environment. Miyazaki certainly knows how to make a great female character. Oh and did I mention she has an adorable fox squirrel sidekick? Aweeessooommmeee!!

Guys, go watch this movie immediately (or read the comic!), and in the meantime let's think about how we can emulate Nausicaä's sweet blue & white style with a little spring-y outfit.

sunglasses / top / bracelet / bag / shorts / sandals / necklace

cel style (#2)

I couldn't wait any longer - Kiki's Delivery Service will always be one of my favorite movies, the kind that feel safe and comforting, that you could watch when you're feeling sick and need a blanket and a cup of tea. It's such a sweet story, and as always the work of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli totally shine. The sets are gorgeous, and there's plenty of old timey vehicles (cars, bikes, airplanes).

I also couldn't help but make a set for our heroine, Kiki... and the young fellow who takes a liking to her, Tombo. They're both so stylish!

kiki

tote / dress / scarf / flats / radio

tombo

bike / shirt / belt / jeans / glasses / loafers

cel style (#1)

I've said it before, but I was a tiny bit of a nerd in high school. The kind that kept sketchbooks filled to the brim with manga-style girls with angel wings, which might seem embarrassing but I try to keep it all in focus. My interest in anime and manga sparked an interest in art in middle school, which lead me on the path to MCAD and Minnesota. I love it here, and sometimes I think I have the animators and artists of Japan to thank for that. This means you, CLAMP.

One animator/director/mastermind that I'll always love is the ubiquitous Hayao Miyazaki. Even if you haven't heard his name there's a good chance you'll have seen at least one of his films. Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away are probably the most well known. The other day I realized how fashionable his characters are, and realized I had to do a series of posts on how to dress like a Miyazaki character!

Nerds + fashion = go!

Here's an outfit inspired by Fio (pictured above on the left) from Porco Rosso. She's a spitfire lady pilot with a pig as a best friend - what more could you ask for? Studio Ghibli films do such a great job with the look of the early 1900s, and Fio's fantastic tomboy style is no different. Straw hat, blue jeans and gingham shirts? Yes please. You should seriously go watch this movie if you haven't yet, it's terribly charming. Just look at it!

backpack / hat / similar jeans / blouse / sandals / bracelet was from tiffany's, but I can't locate it!

BONUS: a drawing I did in (eek) 2003, and me playing game boy and wearing a tiara. That's just how I used to roll, folks.