Why I Dress Up for Love

7/23/2021

I was glad to see an MDL article recommending this drama. This is a heartwarming drama about pursuing your dreams and growing as a person and in relationship. It was a very pleasant surprise to see so many cooking scenes and beautiful food shots. I've watched ML in "Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru" creating beautiful Japanese sweets and now seeing him making delicious Spanish food. I wonder if he likes to cook in person.

The general plot is nothing unique or new. It's been done many times about communal living and the pursuit of your dreams. In J-Drama fashion, this short 10-episode drama is jam packed with all the goodies that hook you in and get you excited from the first episode. You want to follow the romance and the journey of the main leads and you really don't know their final decision until the very last episode. The pacing of the drama is good, and there aren't any unnecessary episodes. Just don't expect dramatic plot twists.

ML's character is very different from his character in "Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru" and he played it well. At first glance, it appears that he's a goofy and sunny guy, who takes everything lightly in his carefree way of life. But as you watch the show, you noticed he's a very complicated and multi-layered character. I enjoy his character development the most, to see how he slowly becomes himself again and pursuing his dreams. FL's character is interesting due to her being an influencer. The portrayal seems pretty realistic, as to how obsessive we are with our phones and Instagram posting. ML and FL are very different in personalities and values in life. But because of how different they are, they complement each other and encourage each other. At first glance, we are worried that ML won't change and FL has to be the one to accept and change for ML. At one point, I wish FL would just be less forgiving. But that's how they complement each other, as without FL's persistence and generosity, their relationship won't work. Though there are minor misunderstandings, they are always able to openly discussed the issue a day or so later, and resolve everything. Their romance is mature. I don't mind the love triangle as much, as their love is strong enough to endure some minor bumps and bruises.

I enjoyed the acting of our leads very much. The bickering was sweet and funny, and the emotional scenes make me cry with them. The supporting cast also did an admirable job. There isn't any annoying character that I want to hate. I even like the 2ML as the third wheel and feel for him. The secondary romance is OK. I enjoyed this more "natural" acting than most of the over-the-top cutesy acting in some J-Dramas. And the dog is the surprise MVP!

Additionally, FL has great great fashion sense and an enviable wardrobe. Aside from beautiful food shots and cooking scenes, there are some really pretty cinematographic shots when they went camping and fishing.

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❤ 着飾る恋には理由があって ❤

着飾る恋には理由があって is about Mabeshiba Kurumi a girl passionate about fashion and she works as a publicist for "el Arco Iris", an interior design company that is becoming popular with young people on social media. She's a fashionista who cares a lot about her appearance and about what others think. She is also an Instagram influencer ( the same as me) and uploads on Instagram almost everyday. Kurumi starts living in a sharehouse with 3 strangers, where she meets Fujino Shun, a minimalist chef who just wants to live a simple life. Kurumi is in love with her shacho but he suddenly dissapears. kurumi starts falling in love with Shun, they go out for walks with their dog Kouji and they become closer everyday.
This drama has become the second favourite one of this year, I love everything about Yokohama Ryuusei he is soo handsome and his acting skills are amazing. I also love Kawaguchi Haruna she is one of my favourite actresses of all time.
100% I recommend you to watch this drama ❤❤❤

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Much more than just a romcom

At first glance this seems to be a light fluffy romcom about the main leads working through their problems to be together. And in the beginning that’s exactly what it is. But somewhere along the way it becomes much more. It becomes a story about not giving up when life gets you down. It’s about lifting your head up and facing your problems head on instead of running away from them.

The male lead is a very talented chef that gave his all to achieve his dreams but failed. Then, instead of facing his problems, he ran away from them. He became a free spirited minimalist. He has very few things, not even a cell phone and he shuns all material things. But underneath it all he’s miserable. And when the cracks begin to appear in his defenses and we get to see how truly passionate he is about his dreams, you can’t help but root for him. His character growth was a joy to watch.

The female lead is a smart and very talented person that is working hard to achieve her goals. She pushes herself to succeed and never waivers in her determination to better herself. But when her world comes crashing down around her she begins to doubt herself. Her first instinct is to run away from her problems. But her friends rally around her and help push her in the right direction. I really enjoyed watching her work through her problems.

The rest of the cast wasn’t just there to move the story along. They had lovable personalities and interesting storylines of their own. I enjoyed the second couples romance and was pleasantly surprised at another relationship that pops up towards the end of the drama. Even though this is a romantic drama, the romance isn’t the central focus. There are a few kisses and some sweet moments but that wasn’t what the drama was about. The drama mainly focuses on the lives of the people sharing the house. It’s more about working hard to achieve your dreams and not giving up. As each person in the house faces roadblocks on their path to happiness you can’t help but cheer them on. Seeing them overcome these obstacles is what makes this drama so interesting.

It was a great drama but there were some negatives for me. I took one star off because I just didn’t feel the chemistry between the main leads. Don’t get me wrong, they were cute together and I liked them. But they seemed more like good friends than lovers. There just didn’t seem to be that spark of electricity between them that I think is essential in a romantic drama. Maybe it’s because there weren’t enough romantic moments between the leads so I couldn’t feel the chemistry between them. But for whatever reason, the romance felt a bit lackluster to me. I also took a star off because the storyline was a little too predictable. I enjoyed watching each characters journey but I knew everything that was going to happen well in advance. I was disappointed at how predictable it was.

Overall I’d say this is a light, sweet fun drama to watch. If the leads had more chemistry and if the storyline threw me a few surprises it would have been perfect. But even though it’s not perfect, it comes pretty darn close. The characters journey and growth are a joy to watch and it’s quite touching. It definitely left me feeling all fuzzy and warm inside. You won’t regret watching it, I didn’t.

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Light, Heartwarming Drama

This was really fun to watch and I didn't get fatigued halfway through the way I sometimes do with romances. There was a major theme running through of following your dreams, and how difficult it can sometimes be to figure out what that is. I really related to that and felt it made the drama interesting and more thoughtful than your typical romance. I also love a good ensemble, and the cast was amazing together. Such great chemistry among all of them! There was a little bit of a love triangle in there, but it didn't get annoying at all. Very well done drama, I highly recommend if you want something light, thought provoking, funny, and heartwarming!

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Frustrating Watch

Another show that I don't feel that it deserves the rating. I cannot get pass how the the characters in the house can fall in love with one another so quickly without much scaffolding. The ML and FL is not comparable at all because they have different values to life and this was the first time in a drama where I am rooting the FL with the second ML. And it doesn't make sense how she can still be so close to the second ML at the end when she got together with ML. The FL can't perform the crying scenes and that is consistent with her other drama, Silent. And her emotions tend to be exaggerated. There were alot of communication issues between ML and FL and I don't see how they can be together in the end. The artist and the counsellor romantic line was slightly better than the ML and FL but I am still quite unconvinced about it especially because the counsellor move on from FL to the artist in one episode. In a gist, the show was bad because the romance felt so shallow to me.

And also whenever the ML cooks, they will insert this cringey editing and soundtrack to highlight his 'charm'. It appears in every episode, do they have to do that? It works well at first but it just becomes kind of bad when the segment appears in every episode...

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Dare to Dream.

It took me two months to complete this one, thanks to it's slice-of-life genre. But, I don't regret the time I spent. (Note: it ain't about romance at all.)
Set in an sharehouse with four people within an age range of late twenties to early 50s, we are introduced to each and everyone in detail. Their struggles, dilemmas, confusion and troubles are all laid out with equal importance.
Mameshiba Mashiba, an instagram influencer, learns the hard way of life from them.
It's my first time seeing this 'influencer' thingy as an actual occupation and I still don't know what to feel about it. Like her housemates, I too, was as stunned by her very vigorous routine and thought that she would collapse much earlier.
Fujino Shun, her minimalist housemate chef was one special character. I loved how he relentlessly pursued what his heart felt was right. Koko-san was just like him when it came to realizations and serving truth.
Another character whom I grew to care about was Hase-san and Harucho. Both of them were polar opposites when it came to emotional expression, but this reinforced the fact that not everyone can react or reflect in the same manner.
Throughout the 10 episodes, we see Mashiba-chan slowly realize what she really wants and stumble across road blocks.
I loved the synchrony among the five housemates. At the end, I even grew to like the Orca President, whom I initially thought would end up being annoying. But, his presence was crucial.
The drama's strongest aspect were the life lessons --I won't be forgetting anyone of those soon. It was a highly inspirational watch and I'll recommend this to anyone who is attempting to overcome a tough time in their lives.

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Kikakoi, story about love and that life is not only on social medias

What I loved about Kikakoi (Kikazaru Koi ni wa Riyuu ga Atte) the most was the colorful fashion of our female lead Mashiba Kurumi, who was sometimes really clumsy but also wholeheartedly dedicated to her work as an influencer, and all the funny moments that accompanied the episodes. The first encounter of our main leads was really funny starting with Kurumi falling into Shun's lap on the bus, getting a ride from him because she mistook the bus stop and lastly finding out they're living in the same shared house, with other two housemates, where all the emotions are about to bloom.

When I watched Shun for a while I thought he is acting like a dumbass most of the time but behind his not so expressive face was hiding his caring heart, which with time grew more and more and the two leads started opening to each other, one day to the point they coincidentally kissed before an open fridge. I found this scene pretty funny. For a long time I felt unsure how Shun see it between him and Kurumi after that and I felt like he's unsure the same way as me. After all he's really easy going person, he leave his phone at home, he's speaking before he think and his motto is "go with the flow", but I feel like all this makes him his original self. The characters overcame a lot of situations, like the sudden return of the former president of "el Arco Iris," an interior design company Kurumi works for, Hayama Shogo, and other stuffs their housemates were struggling with.

To be honest it took them so long to get together as a couple but I totally loved that phase! Their little signals, hand-holding, kisses and that all without anyone noticing because as Kurumi said they were gradually and naturally just being taken by the flow! I was so happy for them tho! But I felt like their love was put to a test when Shun started working at restaurant and was pretty busy with it. And with that Hayama man always around I felt like he might lost Kurumi to him. But probably thanks to Hayama Shun realised what he's doing wrong, he apologized to Kurumi and their relationship got stronger.

A lot happened at the end of the drama. Kurumi got into a scandal because of plagiarazed product, stopped working for el Arco Iris until the issue got resolved and with that I feel like she started enjoying her life a bit more and I liked that Shun was in a way there for Kurumi to cheer her up after that all. The ending was cute on it's own seeing all our main characters in love and fulfilling their personal dreams.

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A genuinely decent watch that focuses on its characters

This show is about a group a people who share their living space. Not that rare of a thing. At its core, this show is about the dreams and the goals of the characters.
Visually the show looks fresher than the usual Japanese dramas, which is definitely due to its high production. I appreciate that they made that effort 'cause it's totally worth it.
This show has quite the strong moments and doesn't lose its rhythm, or tone throughout its run. The pilot has to be praised for its smartness in presenting the whole cast and the situation without treating the audience foolishly nor outsmarting them- that balance is hard to maintain. Special mention for the dialogues of the first episode, haven't come across such caliber since I watched "One Spring Night" ( a Korean drama).
The story isn't complex nor is it that unpredictable. This drama isn't about the story, here, the spotlight is on the characters, their youth, their values and how they grow as the show progresses. This is its greatest strength. That sincerity elevates the story into something genuine and easy to sit through.
I recommend this drama to those who want to watch something good, with no thrills for a while and something that is start to end decent.

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A pleasant, transient show

While a lot of j-dramas weaponise quirkiness, this drama toys with the idea. Sure, there is a hint of idiosyncrasy, it is a j-drama after all. The ML is a minimalist, while the FL is a rising Instagram influencer but neither of them are extreme examples. It is like someone googled the term and they workshopped it. The show also goes out of its way to tell us why they are like that as if we might think that it is some kind of psychosis.

Ultimately, it is more about our leads realigning themselves and meeting in the middle. That's amore, baby! ;)

It is not all plain sailing though. The ML's bumbling approach to romance is awkward to say the least. He would say one thing and acts in a different way and vice versa. The FL was one confused puppy for half the show. 

When the handsome and debonair SML shows up, things start to get more interesting but even then, the writer-san used a light touch so there are meaningful looks and wistfulness but not a lot of real angst. That is a shame because the SML is a nice guy who deserves a fair go. He just got his timing all wrong. It did drive the ML into some decisive actions and cements his relationship with the FL. 

Speaking of relationship, this show is low key propaganda. In a share house of 5, there are two weddings and one reconciliation. That reads better than any Japanese official statistics! BTW, the 2CP is an odd couple but they are cute. Just wish they have more air time.

If you think that sounds a bit tropey, you are not wrong. It is easy to watch and easy to digest. All the actors earn their keep. It is a solid production and has a pleasant OST. It just feels a bit . . . "been there, done that". Peace.

P.S. love the bonus food porn. I want that curry recipe!

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Nice concept drama!

Umm idk exactly where to start and what to say tbh....but all i want to say is that i had a good time watching this drama.
This drama seemed to be light weight....which it is but it showed lots of things too or problem or struggles in a subtle way....not making it a heavy weight drama....it beautifully potrayed relationships of all people with each other , the personality of the people in the drama are likeable and relatable as well.

I came across this drama by just randomly scrolling😅 i dont regret it watching it! The actor/actresses did a amazing job and put their 100% effort into it!! The songs are so good to listen matches with the scene. Its a good refreshing drama!

It will be worth of your time! I hope you all like this drama!

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The reason why I dress up

I watched this without knowing the English title. It was only after finishing the series that I did some research. When I realized the title, I couldn't help but chuckle and think, What a cute and fitting name!

As an influencer, FL has to present the best parts of her life. But her struggles—whether it's crushing on her boss or navigating feelings for her new roommate—remain unseen. When you dress up, you want people to see the best version of you: chasing dreams, finding romance, and embracing life's beauty. But everyone has bad days, and people only see what’s on camera. Once the camera is off, behind the scenes, the pain and burden an influencer carries remain hidden from the world.

What I liked:
The cast: I've always had a crush on the boss! Seeing him in a different role—playing a cool-headed character instead of the usual hot-tempered, good-looking type—was a nice change. I've also followed a lot of Yokohama Ryusei’s previous works, many of which were memorable. I was excited to see him play a carefree guy who lives life by his own rules, and surprisingly, I ended up loving his character.

The OST: I searched the entire internet trying to find it—even asked Siri! 😊 The instrumental piece Your Story was my favorite, and it always played at just the right moment.

The chemistry between the characters: Whether it was between the main leads or the supporting cast, I loved how every character had depth. This is what I appreciate about J-dramas—they make sure both the lead and supporting roles have meaningful stories. The FL is uptight, always showing her best self, while the ML is the opposite—marching to the beat of his own drum. Despite their differences, food (and ahem, alcohol) brings them closer together.

Haruto & Ayaka’s relationship: I didn’t expect Haruto to have feelings for Ayaka, especially with the way his conversation with the ML about the FL played out. For the longest time, it seemed one-sided, so I was thrilled when Ayaka realized her feelings and went for it!

The dog!! OMG, the dog looked so much like mine—I couldn’t stop watching. So cute!

The meaningful dialogue: There were so many great lines, but my favorite was from the sakura picnic when Saotome Kouko mentioned the different stages of life. In your 20s, you chase your dreams. In your 30s, you think about marriage and starting a family. In your 50s, you start worrying about your parents’ health. Each stage hit me right in the heart! This is why I love J-dramas—their charm lies in these thoughtful moments.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys the slice of life genre. This is a cute, heartwarming series that beautifully portrays relationships and the struggles we all face, no matter our age.

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