Ode to My Fashion

Revamping my shoes: Corsage style I was watching Japanese national TV: NHK the other day and came across a very interesting program: Kurashi no Patona ( The partner of the living). It is a weekly program during which some expert on sewing or knitting showcases how to make pretty things. That day, some lady was showing how to revamp shoes (or any other fashion accessories) by making corsages. She made it seem rather easy and quick. Her work was so beautiful, it inspired me to do the same. However since I am on the lazy side, I decided that instead of making corsages from scratch, I would just buy them and stick them to my shoes. And that is what I did today. I was going to the Daiso in Isezaki Mall (they call it a mall, but it is rather a Shotengai). I saw several cute corsages and bought like 5 of them. I wanted more but had to limit myself. How many corsages a girl really need? Not that many! My corsages (each a 105Y or $1.30) Two Japanese design, two polka d...

It has been so hot lately that I have not put any effort into "dressing up". I usually wear a jean and a shirt or a tube dress to walk (and get on the bus) around Naka Ku. But I wanted to change a bit today. So on my way to city hall (to get my resident card) and China Town I decided to add a few accessories to my outfit.  This is what I wore: Outfit of the day Red lace tank- Factory 2 U White top - Ross Calvin Klein Jeans- Ross White scarf with red roses- bought years ago in Japan for nothing Dollhouse Lomo Sandals- Ross Hand of Fatimah necklace- bought at home Japanese design corsage- Daiso Isezakicho Silver ring- bought in Vivre Yokohama years ago Red roses scarf Dollhouse Lomo sandals Hand of Fatimah necklace and Japanese design corsage My favorite ring You ask me what is special about today's outfit (because I wear the same variation everyday, particularly this top) and I would tell you that it is the accessories. I love the scarf for its si...

In the US, you have the mall; but in Japan you have the Shotengai. (They also have malls) Shotengai are little commercial district where they sell everything from fresh produce to clothes. It is not necessarily a market because it is usually little shops along one street. Shotengai can be found almost in every populated district. And they tend to senior citizens or housewives. That is why the prices are competitive and the fashion a little suspicious. However like all bargain places, you need to dig a little to find a jewel. The reason why enjoy Shotengai so much is because you can find pretty much anything you may need. Moreover the prices are affordable. Sometimes, you can even bargain with the shop owner. On top of that, all the shops are in the same area and tiny, so it is fun to take a stroll there. It is not overwhelming like big malls  or department stores where you walk miles, take the elevators to find a specific store. My first experience with the Shotengai happened ...

I decided to do a daily look post today. There is nothing special about today. I just went out to buy Yakisoba (fried noodles) for lunch at the Lawson 100 store around the corner. Yet, the reason why I decided to do a daily look post is that I bought new shoes. In an earlier post, I talked about Barbie shoes. I stated that I would never get the plastic high heels. Instead, I would get a flat and comfortable one at a reasonable price. I was not really looking for one but I was lucky enough to find it.  Yesterday, I went shopping at a different supermarket a little far from my flat. I was surprised to discover that on the second floor of the supermarket, they had a fashion section. I went inside and saw that the prices were really cheap. I did not intend to buy anything until I saw some red peep toe rubber flats. I tried them on and they fit perfectly. I was about to purchase them when I saw the same pair but in beige. I already have patent red peep toe shoe...

Barbie Pink Shoes Since I have been back in Japan, I have been so busy that I didn't have time to window shop (plus I am temporarily living in a not so hip part of town). However my daily trips to the supermarket and family restaurants made me notice something interesting/ strange I would like to call Barbie shoes. I think every girl my age or younger living in rich or somehow developing countries knows what a Barbie doll is.I used to dream of owning one after I saw my cousins who came back from the US having a box full of them plus accessories/ I finally owned several of them including one of my favorite: a black Barbie. Anyway, remember the Barbie rubber shoes? They used to be in rubber and in pink color? Well, I saw the exact same thing one some Japanese woman's feet just a few days ago. Now Barbie shoes are different from your usual rubber shoes or jelly sandals. They have heels and the pair I saw was bright pink. I wanted to learn more about the shoes. Ther...

photo stolen from http://tokyo.metblogs.com/?s=ferris+whee+1+ It has been too long. I spent 4 years away from this marvelous place where I met the greatest people, had the most fun in my adult life: Japan. Now, I am back; and not exactly where I used to live but in a better place: Yokohama. Yokohama is such a beautiful place with the sea near by, many parks, shopping malls. There are also many foreigners so the lifestyle is not necessarily Japanese. I used to go to Yokohama to visit my best friend who lived and worked there. On weekends, I would also go for a stroll with the hubby. I have been back fairly 3 days and I am already in a mood for shopping. I went to one of my favorite place: World Porters to happily realized that things have not changed much. However, a walk around the neighborhood helped me see that they were new additions. I was happy to discover that international shops I so wanted to check but could not in the US were now present in Yokohama. I am thinking about H&...