Ode to My Fashion

One thing that Japanese people enjoy doing is observing the changes of nature during the seasons. In Spring, they do Hanami to view the Cherry blossoms (Sakura), and in Fall, they enjoy Momiji or Autumn fall leaves. There are many spots around Tokyo and Yokohama to check beautiful Autumn colors ranging from the golden to the deep purple. I did not have time to check the Momiji this year. I am always busy rushing here and there, and doing several things at the same time. I rarely take the time to just relax and enjoy nature. However this week end I got a treat as we headed to Yunessan Hakone. Yunessan is a water park with hot springs that you can enjoy wearing a swimming suit unlike other hot springs in Japan you use naked.  The area around the water park was filled with Momiji and as we walked from our hotel to the place, we got to enjoy some Autumn colored leaves. Here is what I wore: Knitted hat - H&M Coat - Thrifted Sweater - Forever 21 Turtle neck - G.U. Shirt ...

Living in Japan, you would think that I did not have to celebrate Halloween. But no, I had to a couple of times. Halloween feels like a holiday the Japanese have invented. A month before the actual holiday, stores are decorated with paper pumpkins and skeletons. They also sell a lot of that stuff. My neighbor had put a pumpkin wreath on her front door. I felt like I was in the US. Strike that, it was never that crazy even in the US. So imagine my surprise when I took a stroll down Motomachi street after I picked up my kids from school. I had heard that the Motomachi Halloween parade is something to see. But ever since we moved back to Japan, I managed to missed it. This year, I decided to go for it. And boy, was I knocked over my socks. The narrow street was packed with people in all kinds of costumes from the scariest to the cutest. Kids would line in front of stores to receive candies and other goods. They also got some balloons. It was a frenzy. I even saw some disguised pet...

I have already wrote this post at the beginning of this week but I was in such haste that instead of publishing it, I just deleted it. Anyway, here are some pictures of the places I love in Yokohama Motomachi shopping street with fancy cars and pet bar (aka somewhere dogs can drink)       Mickey and Minnie Display at Jewelry store in Motomachi shopping street   Indian designed ceiling in dome at Yamashita park   Flowers at ....   ...Yamashita park near the... ...fountain      Marine Tower   Lovely display at Bar entrance in Yamashitacho   Bear cake at Diamond Yokohama   Plate of pizza and baked potatoes at Shakey's Yokohama   Chinatown entrance gate     Isezaki Mall entrance Used Kimono stores (where I love to purchase clutch bags) in Isezaki Mall      ..and the Daiso and Uniqlo store next to it ...

Here is part II of the pictures of places I love in Yokohama   The gate at a...   ...famous wedding venue in Yokohama A glimpse inside the wedding venue (the place is so famous that it is often used as a location for movies and dramas)     A couple exchanging vows next to the Yokohama Art Museum     Acrobats/Entertainers at Jack's mall (can find many other performing on week ends at Yamashita park as well and all for free or almost)   Some random wild flowers next to the wedding venue   My kids trying out the Nisson GTR at Nissan Showroom     Night view of Bay Quarter   It is hard not to fall in love with Yokohama. The place is beautifully spacious with old buildings and parks. The atmosphere is serene with the sea at proximity. Sometimes, you do not feel like you are in Japan when you take a walk in certain places. And I like the fact that as an International city, it ho...

It rains a lot in Japan. In fact it rains enough for rain not be a factor in everyday life. In Japan, even a typhoon would not stop people from going to work or out. Coming from a country where people will not put a feet outside their doors even for slight rain, living in Japan was a bit challenging a first. But I overcame the challenge. Hell, I even became a pro at mastering being covered under the rain by riding my bicycle with one hand while grabbing an umbrella in another. Because it rains so much, Japanese people know how to get ready in case of rain. And some ladies do it in such style, it is hard not to admire them. Here is what they arm themselves with: A Trench: You all know about my love of trench coat. I would die for the perfect one. Apparently in Japan, it is also the article of choice once it rains. Many ladies would adorn one in the beige color. And the brand of choice is Burberry when you can afford it. Trench coat available at Free's mart for less than ...

I was fooling around today, trying to recreate celebrity styles I like.  There are not many celebrities that inspire me when I dress because they are way too sexy and bold for my taste. However, I love Beyonce off style, off as in when she is not on stage or walking the red carpet. The woman knows how to do casual, without being shockingly exposed (like Rihanna). So for today I had this outfit in mind.  But I decided to change at the last minute because as much as I love this combo, I just did not feel like wearing it today. Then I went for this instead: Hat - Perth Australia Top - Gap Skirt - H&M Shoes - Report via Ross Bag - Daiso Bracelet - gifted In reality I so wanted to reproduce the same exact look as this one. But I am lacking a pink top ( I am on the hunt for a fuchsia one) and a printed maxi skirt . But no worries, I just pulled two of my faves pieces together and voila. Easy, breezy for a wonderful day at the park. I decided to...