This morning if you watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, you saw a new float somewhere between Dora the Explorer and that super fun Sesame Street number. Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Girls made their inflatable figure debut, boogying to an instrumental version of Hollaback Girl.
Crazy.
I was a Gwen Stefani fan from early on — I still remember seeing the video for Trapped in a Box on 120 Minutes on MTV back in the day and thinking, “wow, her voice is kinda crazy.” Then the band blew up with Just a Girl and the rest is history.
I love Tragic Kingdom to this day, and I also loved Return of Saturn and Rock Steady. I am really excited about the upcoming No Doubt reunion and album.
And I’m even more excited about this giveaway!
I recently reviewed Gwen Stefani’s new Harajuku Lovers perfume, and now Harajuku Lovers is offering Afrobella readers a special giveaway!
One very lucky Afrobella reader will win the Harajuku Lovers Solid Fragrance Coffret Set — 5 solid fragrances all adorably packaged. So cute for your dresser, no?
The scents are:
LOVE
Super cute and frilly. Sweet, caring, and free-spirited, Love is always off in her own little world.
LIL’ ANGEL
Sassy and sexy! Lil’ Angel is constantly looking out for others because she knows there are two sides to every story.
MUSIC
Tough, with an attitude! Always looking to make someone laugh, charismatic Music has no qualms telling it like it is!
BABY
Girlie and sweet! One bat of her lashes and Baby has all the boys in the palm of her hand!
G
Leader of the pack! Quirky, unique, and undeniably cool, G has a style all her own.
All you need to tell me, bellas — is which fragrance suits your personality most, and why?
I will close these comments on Monday morning and choose a winner next week. Happy Thanksgiving!
** Edited Monday morning at 7:35: so said, so done bellas! I’ll announce a winner later this week. Thanks to those of you who entered and those of you who expressed concern about the brand. I’ll address that later this week too!
i would have to say “Music,” because not only do i love getting my dance on but i also sometimes talk myself into trouble with all the blunt honesty! oops!
Definitely ANGEL, because although it’s in my name, as a FIRE sign, I also have my dramatic, blunt, do-as-I-please, Carib-Kween, love-to-have-a-good-time style!
My fav is ‘Love’…I heart (pun intended) that fragrance and when it comes to life in general, I’m definitely in my own world!
And I ‘Love’ that about me!
i LOVE all of the scents because i am not just one girl, i am many girls rolled into one and there are enough scents for me to be a different girl everyday!!!
While I am a kameleon.. Music will be my most dominant fragrance as I have no cut cards.. LOL.. I have to be tough yet fun as a fitness instructor and music makes me lose control!
i’m a “love” girl out of the womb. free spirited. always marched to my own beat. followed my own path. being a yoga teacher just adds to me spreading the love, sharing my heart and passion for life. Live. Love. Laugh.
I am most definitely a G! LOL. I have been called “weird” and strange” way too many times, but I can’t help it!
I think I like Angel….seems to fit me to a tee!
Without a doubt my personality is LOVE.
I am always doing what I do in the way that I do, in the way that I was designed to do it. And for me that’s deep gladness!!
I’m Lil Angel because I’m sweet but I have a sassy side 😉
“Music” is a universal language, but for me it is a way of life. “Music” makes you happy when you are sad, it’s something that you can relate to when you feel misunderstood, and it can bring joy to sadness. That is me, all the way….Always positive, full of life and always wanting to help….Full of imagination and personality…..That is what “music” is to me….That’s why I am “music”….
wouldnt mind to win the whole pack as I am looking for new interesting perfumes all the time. I havent heard much about harajuku in our little city just yet. Would love to be the latest fashionista in our small city. People would SO look up to me! LOL
devonm @ sasktel . net
Love sounds like me, because I am a romanthic at heart:)
Love is who I am. I’m the one with the smile always encouraging people do their best. All my friends and family know they can come to me and get nothing but kindness, caring and positivity. I’m a bit of dreamer which is where part of my blog’s name come from.
Happy Thanksgiving, Bella. Hope it’s going good.
“Love” sounds most like me (especially being off in my own little world!)
I am most like Angel. I am a sucker for an underdog, and don’t like anyone messing with my f&fs.
I would have to say the “G” fragrance would best represent my personality. Since I was a child, I have always been described as “quirky” and nonconformist always marching to the beat of my own drum.
Cool I was just thinking since I turned 20 I should really get a scent. I think Lil Angel because while I am quiet and somewhat reserved (depends on the people that I am with) the more people get to know me they see that i do have a personality that’ll keep you in 1)in stitches 2)will always be there to listen and 3)to tell you the truth. So I think I am the true definition having two sides to a story.
G represents me best: quirky,kinda wierd but in a cool way. My mom taught me early on to be myself and not worry about following the crowd. She taught me to be independent in my thinking and style. Plus she was too darn cheap to buy name brands so a sister had to make it work. For example when I was in high school nobody ever realized that my ‘style’-pants above the ankles was a result of a growth spurt. I rocked that look by adding intereasting socks…people were in awe of my fashion forward ways. Thats what G is to me- working with what you have and doing you.
I am -LOVE!I got love and i give my love!And in my lil world you can see and smell LOVE!:))
I think I’m more like Music except for the tough with an attitude part, I’m nothing like that but I do try my best to make people laugh and it actually works 🙂 I just love putting a smile on someone’s face especially when they’re down
I am a “G” by all means…always a trendsetter and leader of the pack without trying. I love being the different one, the cry baby, the mushy one, the cultural one, the spiritual one, the one who always tells my friends (and anyone who will listen) we need to pray, let’s go, you don’t read Afrobella, girl you are missing out, you don’t know about Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie, well now you know. That’s me, Sunny, ray of light, always illuminating and being inspired by folks living out their dreams. Thank you Queen Bella for another dope giveaway!
LOVE
Super cute and frilly. Sweet, caring, and free-spirited, Love is always off in her own little world.
Ohhhh… Bella, thank you for having good taste. I love Gwen Stefani as well, and these perfumes all smell wonderful.
But as far as one fitting my personality it is definitely “Love”.
I’m a Pisces and we are definitively dreamers, and can get lost in our own worlds, incredibly sweet, caring and affectionate. Sometimes too sweet. I love the dream world that I create in my head, it often relives me of stress and gives me some perspective in my “real world”.
And as far as free-spirited, Oh child that is me too a “t”. But I do have my mother and she has a way of bringing my free-spirited self back to life!
I’ma have to be greedy and say I’m a bit of all of them. Super cute, sassy and sexy, always looking to make people laugh, the ability to attract all the boys ;0)and I’m most definitely quirky (or just plain weird).
I swear… If I one this giveaway I would definitely have to put them all on at the same time to see if something beautiful happens because I definitely see elements of myself in each! but If that doesnt quite work out, Id say Love… because I think Im pretty cute 😉 and definitely very frilly right now (just did the BC, sooo overcompensating!) Whats not to love about love!? *throws up peace sign* 😀 Pick me!
BM
Since i would give this set to my daughter(we are both big fans of No Doubt and Gwen Stefani) I will say that she is Music- first off she loooves music – she is in all the bands in her high school – marching , small wind ensemble, orchestra etc – she is smart and straight talker who frequently holds opinions contrary to the norm
I am the Angel, sweet and sassy yet friends come to me for advice because I tend to be level-headed and see different sides of the situation. Now I hope to apply this skill in law school, and I know these scents would just enhance my sweet, sassy, and sensible being.
Hi,
This is pretty hard. I’m not one way all the time, but two of the fragrances caught my eye and they were “Love” and “G”. I have definitely been told that I’m in my own little world many times throughout my life. I tend to do my own thing and love it and I don’t mind if others think that it’s quirky or weird at all.
In this black woman’s opinion, Gwen and I are definitely kindred spirits in terms of being a little out there and making it work to our advantage. LOL at Trapped in a Box. Take it back girl! I’m Just a Girl, Spider Webs, Don’t Speak, Luxurious, Cool, Hollaback Girl are my jams. Punk Gwen, Gangsta Gwen, Ska Gwen, R & B, Pop, Rock Gwen, or Reggae and Dancehall Gwen. I love them all.
P.S. Gwen and Pisces rock!
If there were a fragrance out there that could make me smell “tough, with attitude,” I would be ALL over it.
Seriously though, I’m fairly petite and I work in a classically male-dominated industry. But I’m opinionated, loud, (and dare I say fierce?), and people often forget how tall I am.
LIL’ ANGEL
Sassy and sexy – that’s me to a T!
I think I am Lil’Angel because I always try to look on the positive side and see both sides of the story. I’m sassy and people think I’m quiet till they say something that I need to speak on, then watch out! So I guess I’m a bit of a split personality.
G is my style because I’m a unique soul, and I speak my mind and follow my heart. I do things because they make me happy and I’m the leader of the pack because of it. Besides, I kick major butt 😀
I am definitely both G and Music because I do things my way and on my time. I wear what I want , not because some person says its in style . I am usually the ringleader , because Im naturally assertive and I have this ability to tell you what you need to hear – not what you want to hear . This quality has gotten me in trouble sometimes because it can come across as abrasive , but I can usually talk and smile my way out of major trouble .
nobody can be like gwen, but i think i am more like gwen (scent: G) than any of the other scents. i’m very quirky and sometimesit’s like i’m living in my own world–but only sometimes. i might not be the coolest person (because gwen is!) but i’m pretty close ;). i had the joy of being able to smell one of the harajuku scents and the scent was G and it smelled amazing. it was this beautiful tropical scent, it was so rich and joyous. and usually i like musky scents with lots of amber or vanilla but this was a completely different scent and i still enjoyed it. to me, that means i’ll be able to enjoy the other scents too. also, i’ve never tried solid perfumes before so i wonder how that would be.
i’ve won a giveaway before so i won’t die if i don’t win this one…even though this is the best prize ever…however i’d like to know one thing at least, have you ever tried solid perfumes, if so–how were they? oh, and what’s your favorite scent?
Going to have to go with Music. If only because I cannot lay claim to the others. And blunt honesty? That I’ve got.
Sorry but I am a triple threat in every sense: A “LIL’ LOVE ANGEL with the soul of a G” I revel in the fact that my personality is so diverse. I can be sassy yet stern enough for others to take me seriously. I am confident in my physical enough to be sexy without even trying;Loving enough to accept the world and people ‘as is’ but without sacrificing my creative urges to make my own paths; Walking to the MUSIC of a different drum and exuding flyness with every BABY step, lol. ***I had to throw the Music and Baby in there because I see those aspects in myself too but didnt want to be greedy 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity!
I’m definitely a “Love” girl. I have always been a bit different from other folks in my family and as I’ve grown older, I have accepted my unique qualities. As a kid, I had a great imagination and enjoyed reading and writing my won stories and creating my own little world. As an adult, I am always in a struggle with how things actual are and how much better I know they could be. I would’ve mad a great hippie chick! LOL
I’m a Lil Angel, because I’m sweet and friendly, but also spunky!
Music is me all day, every day! I would say I’m kinda like that Jill Scott line from “The Real Thing”…”like Cleopatra Jones, I’m gon’ set you straight.” I think I (as well as most people) have elements of all the fragrances in my character, but the most undeniable facet of me is my committment to speaking the truth as I see it, and doing me. There was definitely a time that I tried to suppress that, because, let’s face it, not everyone can handle the truth. But now, I’m on the”bump that” tip about it! I gotta do me! That’s something that actually always attracted me to Gwen Stefani, from the early No Doubt days. That’s one ballsy woman, who has never been afraid to be herself!
Music suits my personality,because making my son smile gives me the greatest joy.I am a tough single mom with a charismatic attitude,but I don’t have qualms about telling it like it is when need be.Music,yeah!that’s me.
I would have to say that I am LOVE. I am a free spirit earth mama type who is always rooting for the underdogs of the world.
Hey Bella,
I have been seeing these lately and I have to say they are growing on me. Hmm, I would say I am a cross between Music and G.
Alicia
I have loved Gwen Stefani since her No Doubt Days. I still blast “Tragic Kingdom”. “Just A Girl” is my song!!!!!!
I am a mix between “Music” and “G”. I have a style all my own. If everyone is going right, I go left. My hair has been every shade possible. I tend to make a lot of my clothing and accessories.
I’m very outspoken.I say exactly whats on my mind. My tongue is sharp therefore I never bite it. Sometimes I dont have to say anything, my facial expression speaks volumes.
Love, because “off in her own world” fits me perfectly.
I’m either Baby or Love. LOL. I always look on the bright side and have people who love me and I love near 🙂
I would have to say that I most identify with G. I believer TRUE leaders are just BORN that way, and I was in fact BORN a leader. A born leader can LEAD without a title or position. People naturally follow me or expect me to take the reigns in impromptu moments. Also, I was never one of the “popular” kids, but instead I was cool with every one!
I’m a ‘G’! LOL
Actually G would best describe my baby sister. Sadie moved to Cali with the thoughts of doing better for herself and for a change. My baby sister has went thru alot with her transition, from the “job” that she went out there for not really being a job after all, her identity was stolen, to being in a very bad drunken driver car accident. Thru it all she is set on making her own way and doing her own thing. Head strong and very determine puts her ahead of the pack, a trend cracker and leader.
If I had to pick one of the fragances tht fits my personality, I would have to pick “Music”. I am tough, yet strong. I’ve learned a lot in my 28 years of life and you have to be tough or people will run all over you. I’m always making people laugh and forget about their problems. So Music would be fit perfectly for me. Strong and edgy, with a slight attitude and with a smile on my face. But I’m a New Yorker… I have to have a lil’ attitude!
I think G would fit my personality more than the other fragrances, I have a few quirks to me!
I would say the scent that best describes my personality is LIL’ ANGEL. I’m always looking out for others and I never take one person’s side in every conflict. I just do whats fair. I would also describe myself as sassy and sexy. On weekends I take a break from schoolwork and my style is sassy and sexy. I like to make a statement. That is why my name is TrueGem…Because no two gems are identical. Each are unique.
I love them all. Before I had the chance to smell them, I though I would really like Baby because of its description–I’m pretty reserved and would describ myself as soft– and the notes. After sampling them, I have to say Music is my favorite. I’m a closet ethnomusicologist, and this fragrance combines so many different scents and notes it’s hard not to like it.
MUSIC
Tough, with an attitude! Always looking to make someone laugh, charismatic Music has no qualms telling it like it is!
not long ago, I hit 30 and came into myself. I began to love the fact that I had hit a great milestone. I began to embrace my nappy roots. I started to stand up for myself. I spoke my mind and let people have a piece of it when they needed it. I laughed hard and joked often, but started to keep a steady course all the same. The shy, pensive, pushover who was me in my 20s disappeared. I emerged a firecracker who loves her friends. I dance to a different drum now. That is why I am music. I am happy.
Definitely, LIL’ Angel because I always find myself creating ways that I can make someone’s day. With a kind word or an act of random kindness,(an email card, a present in the mail,or a phone call to say “How are things going today?”) these are the gifts that I’m passionate about.I find that people like staring at me when I enter a room, because I’m the sassy, sexy lady that smiles back at you. God’s presence in my life speaks louder than words.
Definitely G. I’m very independent and sassy. I know what I want and have my own way of doing things!
I would be Lil Angel. I am always the one wanting everyone to be together and peaceful. My angle is always to try to get the other person to see the other side of the story. The way people react to situations are usually because of things that have happened. Sometimes you have to take that into account when dealing with people. It can prove to be a very helpful tool. So, out of all the fragrences, I would be Lil Angel.
I like all of them.I am a big fan of Gwen her style her originality and her beauty.She created the best fragrance and I have been wearing L.A.M.B. since it came out.I have yet to try the Harajuku lovers fragrances but I’d like to start with Love.Reason being that Love is the best feelings and everyone needs it.
I’m LOVE….full of sweetness, goodwill and positivity. Im nine months pregnant and so happy and in love and thankful for my husband, the baby, Obama…..everything. Its beena a good year
As I experience the different stages of womanhood, I have experienced most of the stages of the fragrance. I was started as a “Baby” in my 20s. I became more of a “G” in my 30s In my 40s I was definitely at the “Music” stage. Now in my 50s I have come into my own and I am “Love”. As I continue my journey I can easily see that “Music” will be my forte and I will play my “heartsong” internally for my own entertainment, and externally for the entertainment of others. I am growing more confident everyday in my ability to share myself and my soul with others.
What an awesome giveaway! G and Music is soooo me!!
I have been a Stefani fan since “Don’t Speak” and “Just A Girl” I still play them!
Without a doubt I am a capital “G”. Unique style and individuality are my calling cards. Boldness and originality are my trademarks. As a youngster, when all my fellow bellas were rocking bone straight hair, I made the bold move to shave off my permed tresses. I have since blossomed into the beautiful afrobella that I am today (going tens years strong ya’ll). Yes, walking to the beat of your own drum is a very cool thing. Peace and blessings bellas!
My goal in life is to follow my own bliss; stay quirky and unique; forge a style all of my own; and, in the process, be undeniably cool so….G is the scent for me. Who doesn’t want to be the leader of the pack?
Thanks!
The truth is there’s a lot of me in every one of those descriptions. Today, thought, I’m feeling “Love”.
I’m definitely Baby cos I’m the youngest girl in the family :))
i might wonder if it as possible to be all of these at once except that i’m living to tell that tale!
mama says i’m aloof and free spirited; could be the skydiving incident or the formerly crayon red fro (in which i now sport a simple fire orange skunk streak).
those colors are as loud as i raise my voice; are neon shouts to the grey whisper i really am. so much that my high school friends can hardly believe i’ve been commanding the attention of college students for a few years now.
a girl of many and–i like to believe anyway–solid opinions and the big deer-in-headlight eyes of a doll (thanks to my mama) that make people take those opinions easy as sweet tea.
i am many things.
unsure of who i am (for better or worse)is not one of those things.
My name’s Twinkle, though sometimes I’m called Wink. I was named for my brilliant, star-kissed eyes. A sparkle in my right eye and a glimmer in the left.
Sugar and spice and everything nice, I did as I was told. Tryin’ to live. Tryin’ to survive. Tryin’ to be happy. But, in time, my eyes started to dim.
Then, “Love” walked in. Not just any ole love, but a free-spirited, throw-caution-to-the-wind, do-the-doggone-thing kind of love. She was my saving grace.
Well, let me tell you, something changed. I had an epiphany! “Wink, stretch outta yourself, girl. Time’s a wastin’.â€
Long story short…I’m getting my own life now. At times, taking baby steps, but always moving forward. I’m learning to become more of who I was meant to be. True color’s coming back to my dreams and light’s returning to my eyes.
And, before I retreat to my own little world, dare I say…an abiding love is now the very best part of me.
Hate to be a party pooper, but this whole Harajuku Girls concept fetishizes Asian women and really shouldn’t be supported by a woman of color. How would we feel if a white pop princess decided to have Jungle Bunnies following her around and turned them into objects? Would it all be in “fun”? I know white people don’t have a strong sense of culture, but they cannot misappropriate and bastardize others’ culture.
I am “G” because I am secure in my own skin, my individual style, and my swagger just me…
I would have to say “G” because I am very unpredictable and I step to the beat of my own drum.
Saw your tweet on twitter just droppin my 2cents i guess with your blog labelled afrobella some of your readers may have confused it with afrikan – centered consciousness theme?? i dont know but i love your spirit and energy it really shows in your selection of pics and themes. if i were u i probably wouldnt have chosen something like powerpuff girls for adults LOL but everyone wants to be “IN” and HIP so if that’s in then i guess your readers are and judging by almost ALL of the comments were happy with the giveaway.
I know i could not feature on my blog a black man who has consistently said he doesnt like black women as a giveaway say DVD, Book or anything. I know i have to be consistent with my theme, motto, message.
However to CHELLE i dont think you have looked through this blog afrobella has a consistent theme of hip + luxury = afrobella and those things were not made by Conscious Centered Companies. Bottom Line Sista Afrobella Do you and Do what your readers want/expect/become accustomed to receiving.
Ps. just subscribed 🙂
Chelle, stereotypes will never go away because the indeed exists. They exist because there is some truth to the stereotype.
For all of you Bellas who don’t know, Harajuku is the “short” name given to the area near the train station Harajuku Station in Tokyo. This area is now more famous for the young people who hang out there and embody various culture including fashion and dance.
There will always be differences of opinions as I am sure many of the young woman called Harajuku Girls don’t mind the term.
Works and phrases become malicious when they are used as such. In this instance, if it weren’t for Gwen Stefani and her dancers called Harajuku Girls, many people would have never learned about this particular subculture in Japan.
With that said and out of the way, I would say I am part Lil’ Angel, part G.
Sorry, I forgot one statement.
Chelle, did you think that Gwen Stefani added the Harajuku Girls to her group not because she sees them as a fetish but they also embody the style that she has adopted?
i would love to win this for my daughter. i had no idea there was such a fragrance, until we saw it in the store, and she screamed with glee, and begged it to be on her Christmas wish list! so, please consider us! she would definitely be G, because she is so in a league all by herself. she marches to the beat of her own drum, and is confident in who she is. thanks so much! sandra
It was easy to pick out the fragrance that best describes me – Music. When my parents emigrated to the States from Ethiopia, they emphasized musical training in their children and believed it to be an integral part of my upbringing and that of my younger brother’s. Though my brother’s interest in music waned at the tender age of 7, my musical journey as a classically trained violinist began as soon as I could walk, and continues today.
Growing up in a community where I was the only non-Asian child of immigrants to play the violin, I was forced to develop my own style early on, as I was neither the quickest learner nor the best player (hey, I can admit it:-)
While my mother insisted on straightening my hair for recitals, I refused to go on and threw endless fits unless I was able to rock my signature pigtail puffs. I had a lot of hair then and as much as my mother tried to tame it, I figured I’d found my niche. The puffs were my calling card, and after years of people asking me why I didn’t just wear my hair straight like all the other white and asian kids, my classmates (and parents mind you) all grew to appreciate what I had loved all along – the little ethiopian violinist with the puffs!
So you see, Music inspired me to be…me. I’ve moved on from the puffs but I can still throw a hell of a fit if someone tries to tell me about my hair, lol (kidding!).
Happy Thanksgiving! ‘Love’ fits me perfectly. I am in love with the world and I love to go out and see it, hear it, touch it, smell it, taste it. Sometimes, though, I need time “off in my own little world” to nourish myself and recharge. The ‘Love’ character also has both elements, the expansive happy love and the inward, quiet love. I can relate. 🙂
I’m most like Love — very caring and sometimes in my own world. This isn’t always an easy combination, especially when I want to be compassionate toward everything but can’t focus myself to tackle it all!
That’s why I want to be more like Music — not afraid to eschew sugary sweetness for being edgy and telling it like it is. (My Music side is the one who wants to get more ear piercings and kick my inherent cuteness to the curb. It’s hard to not be ‘cute’ when you’re short and look very young like I do — another Love trait.)
When I’m in a situation of conflict my Music side definitely comes out, unafraid to stand up for who I am and what I believe in. Music is also like the side I tap into when I’m doing my job as a journalist — you have to be relentless, you can’t take things personally and you have to keep going even when you hit walls.
So overall, I guess Music and Love balance each other out well as aspects of my personality. Funnily enough, though, G reminds me of what I looked like as a kid, with curled hair parted on the side and a bow in my hair, lol.
Thanks for running the contest.
@afrobella in reference to @chelle This is your blog, your thoughts, your give away. I came over just to support your idea. Why do we let others control our thinking. Some people need to be a little more open minded.
Me personally I am all these fragrances. We all are at certain points or times in our lives we are beauties inside and out. Does not matter the color or creed, we are all Lil angels, love, g, and music.
***Just to let you know I am not responding to win just thought I would give my two cents.