Street Style in Harajuku, Tokyo

From the moment we arrived in Tokyo, I wanted to visit Harajuku. It's young, trendy and has an incredible energy. The city is alive with people and fashion. In the Ginza district which is very professional, I noticed many people there wore white tops and navy blue bottoms. It seemed to be a uniform of sorts. But in Harajuku, style was an individualized form of self expression, and completely ecclectic and cool. It was as if they were way ahead of what's happening in the states (at least where I live) and yet, it came off effortless. I'm talking New Balance sneakers, denim skirts, socks, a sense of 90's nostalgia and beyond. Sure, I've seen tiny doses of it. But no matter where I looked, or who I saw, they were pulling something off that seemed nonconformist back home, yet so normal here. While there, I couldn't help but reflect on fashion in the US and came to this conclusion - it seems that in the States, there is this strong desire to be perfect. Looking at beauty magazines, and blogs, movies, etc. it's easy to lose a sense of self, or individuality, and long for a "Pinterest" style life. I know I am guilty of it. In the States, it is as if style is like the uniform in Ginza. Albeit, it's not a uniform of white and navy blue, but a uniform of conformity - people trying to be more or less, the same. But maybe fashion isn't really what they're selling us of high priced perfection. Maybe fashion is a few high end pieces here and there. Something vintage. Something borrowed from your boyfriend. Something that represents you. Maybe fashion is a trip across the world. Or maybe it's tucked away in your closet. But it doesn't require a depleted bank account, an infinite amount of shoes, or someone or something telling you who to be. As in life and as in fashion, it is all about what you make of it.