It's December again, and so much has changed since January, despite this year flying by faster than a hummingbird. Actually, I'm finally writing this post 8 whole days into January of 2019 as if nothing has really changed for my procrastination habits. To be fair, I thought about laying this whole post out weeks in advance to make sure I can get it out first thing this year - but...

My resolution last year was actually to be better about my finances... which I'm finally starting this year. So that's progress somehow right?

Anyway, there's a bunch of outfits in this post for this month as I go back from Tokyo to New York to spend the holidays at home with the family.

Outfit

December 02, 2018

Sweater: LNA (on sale)
Pants: AGOLDE (similar boyfriend styles)
Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood
Bag: Staud Clothing PVC Bag

Photo by Shun S.

Added to cart

Sweaters and knits

Outfit

December 05, 2018

Throughout the month of November through December, I really got the hang of self-portraiting on a daily basis again. To be quite honest, it's actually kind of therapeutic to pick out an outfit for whatever the day has in store, taking a walk to find a workable location, and solving the puzzle of how to place a 50mm-lensed-camera so that it captures my entire body without it being too obtrusive to the surroundings.

Some of my best-performed post on social as of late has been my self-portraits and it might or might not be due to the fact that they were taken without an actual photographer, but I'm really glad to know the efforts paid off somehow.

Double-face Beige Coat: United Arrows JP
Linen Blazer: Oversized Option
Top: Uniqlo
Pants: GRLFRND Denim
Snakeskin Booties: ATP
Bag: Meli Melo

Self-portraits

Outfit

December 08, 2018

Shearling Jacket: ASTR (similar option here)
Top: Pomelo
Olive Pants: JP Similar Style
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Chanel

Photo by Ryan C.

Outfit

December 24, 2018

Between the days or nights from Tokyo back to New York, I ended up catching the flu straight off the plane and was pretty much sick for as long as I could remember for the remainder of 2018. I even stayed home on Christmas because I just felt that crappy. Don't let this make-up filled face fool you. I was definitely dying inside.

Despite 2018 being a rollercoaster of a year, I did end it feeling quite fulfilled. Something about the balance of both the good and the bad made me overwhelmed with gushing feelings that everything is going to be alright. And there's so much in-stored for 2019.

Travel

New York

And while the trip back home was short, it was definitely sweet. Getting to see so many of my closest and dearest friends from near and far in the tight timeframe that I was back for made me realized how lucky I am to be surrounded by all of them. I'm more of an underachiever, so I honestly always thought I had like 5 friends - but a whole month back and I still couldn't catch up with a few, so that made it very clear that my calculations were totally wrong, in the best way possible.

As I looked out my window seat, ascending out of NYC, I realized something that will always keep me at ease. And that's: 'Home is just where everyone I love is.'

Shearling Coat: ASTR ('One Shearling Jacket, Two Different Outfits')
Top: Cecilie Copenhagen
Boyfriend Denim: AGOLDE
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Meli Melo

Photo by Zoe Y.

Outfit

December 30, 2018

Jacket: Mute by JL (Mansur Gavriel)
Camel Knit: Aritzia
Pants: AGOLDE
Shoes: Beige Pointed Flats
Bag: Mon-Purse

Photo by Hardy T.

Wearing

All pieces worn in this post

Here goes nothing for 2019.

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Take Your Time / 112018

If you read my 'Onjuku' post last month, then you'll probably already know why 'Take Your Time' is the title for November's super post. I admit I've been quite slacking on the last few monthly posts. This happens a lot. I always start off super strong, and somewhat doze off into a state of 'whatever'. It's something that I've realized but never really got time to actually confront and fix. It's not 2019 yet, but maybe that should be my one serious resolution for next year.

With that said, I'll take you right into all of the outfits that I wore this month. I'll also drop a few hints on what's on my wishlist for the holidays and share a few pieces I picked up during the sales period as well.

Outfit

November 6, 2018

Top: Acne Studios
Pants: AGOLDE Cropped Denim
Shoes: ATP
Bag: Chanel

Self-Portraits

Added To Cart

Winter Essentials

As you might have figured it out - shopping in Tokyo can be a little complicated since I still want to be able to purchase more global brands. Shopbop has been a site that has been coming in clutch for me, and now they're also available via Amazon (allowing me to use my prime perks for even faster shipping). I've always been a big fan of the brands that Shopbop curates, and it's great to know it's even more accessible now.

Below are some pieces that I picked up recently for winter, and you can now get them via Shopbop's Boutique on Amazon too.

Outfit

November 13, 2018

Hunter Green Sweater: Uniqlo
Top: Uniqlo
Pants: AGOLDE (similar)
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: JW Anderson Velvet Pierce Mini

Self-Portraits

Outfit

November 16, 2018

Jacket: MOONTAN Oversized Denim Jacket via W Concept
Top: Tularosa
Pants: AGOLDE Cropped Jeans
Shoes: Common Projects
Scarf: Acne Studios
Bag: Loewe

Photo by Shun S.

Outfit

November 19, 2018

Shearling Jacket: ASTR The Label
Crewneck Sweater: old (new version here)
Satin Skirt: Pixie Market
Shoes: Grey OTK boots
Bag: Chanel
Earrings: Similar

Photo by Shun S.

Outfit

November 22, 2018

Top: Acne Studios similar options here
Pants: AGOLDE
Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwoods
Bag: Staud Clothing PVC Bag with Chanel WOC

Self-portraits

Travel

Onjuku Beach, Chiba, Tokyo
November 24-25, 2018

Without a doubt, this trip I took together with Shun this past month to Onjuku was much needed. It was peaceful yet lively. It gave me an ease of being at the beach in the middle of the winter without being uncomfortably cold. I know it's weird, but honestly, it's worth a stay if you're looking for something a little different to do in Japan.

Top: Uniqlo
Pants: GRLFRND Denim similar here

Self-portraits

Wearing

All pieces in this post

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Much Needed Distractions / 102018

Feels weird to start October on a slightly good note from where I left off in September. But I guess that's what the title is for. All the good things that happened this month were all much-needed distractions.

Aside from getting to work on a couple of projects that was really fulfilling, a couple of friends came to visit in Tokyo so I got the chance to play tourist here all over again. There was also some quiet weekends where I got to spend with Shun, which was also really nice too.

Outfit

October 10, 2018

You might have remembered this outfit from this post, but I still wanted to update you and share that I've been using this bag non-stop throughout this month. Surprisingly super practical despite its circular shape.

Sweater: COS (similar here)
Pants: Uniqlo
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Meli Melo 'Santina' in White (c/o)

Outfit

October 15, 2018

On a random weekend, Shun and I were craving some curry - so of course, we took a short day trip to Shimokitazawa and had our favorite at 'Kyuyamutei Curry'. Shimokitazawa is known for many things, including great thrift shops as well. It's kind of like a Williamsburg comparison to New York, but I mostly always come here for all of its curry shops.

Sweater: Acne Studios
Skirt: Black Crane
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Loewe Puzzle Bag

Photo by Shun S.

Added To Cart

Creamy Knits

Travel

Hitachi Seaside Park - Kochia Hills
October 21, 2018

After many Fall in Tokyo, I finally got the chance to see the Kochia hills in person. I grew up with a great affinity for Dr. Seuss, so it was kind of a childhood dream come true to see the real-life version of 'Truffula Forrest'. The Kochia blooms for pretty much only a week in a single year, so although the park was packed to the brim, I couldn't blame all those people for wanting to see the hills in all it's burning glory.

Travel

Kyoto and Nara
October 25-30, 2018

I've said before that I've been to Kyoto several times before - but they were all pretty short and quite exhausting since they were focused around all of the major attractions. This time was much different with friends, and we actually got to stay in one of the chicest ryokans I've been in. Apologies for such scrappy photos from this part of the post, but maybe I'll compile all the photos to make a Kyoto part 2 including Nara.

Outfit

October 25-31, 2018

Despite it being fall and all, I didn't shop too much this month. As you can see, I wore this same outfit like twice in two weeks. But you're not wrong, I did buy a new sweater (which is technically old) in a cream. I'm a sucker for ribbed knits and it was nice that it was a little bit cheaper in Tokyo too.

Again, I feel terrible that it's such a scrappy post this month but I just haven't really felt fully myself and I'll let this sloppy post slide to represent that.

Hopefully, it'll get a little better in November.

Ribbed Wool Sweater: Acne Studios
Satin Skirt: Pixie Market
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Meli Melo previously worn here

Photo by Shun S.

Wearing

All pieces in this post

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092018 / Like A Typhoon

September started on a good note. Felt like everything was picking up its pace and I was really looking forward to fall, and cozier days. Regarding everything that came crashing down after the first week this month, I thought I would have more to write for this post, but I guess I don't. Grieve is a funny feeling, ironically-- and it's one I have yet to master how to deal with. Penning down my thoughts on paper would be much more ideal right now; so maybe I'll transcribe that over at some other point when I'm no longer this low.

Outfit

September 05, 2018

Anyhow, while browsing some online sites and stores for fall pieces, I came across a bunch of overpriced cropped flannels that caught my eyes. Between the high-street version versus the ones that can be found at Asos or Forever21, I figure I just go buy myself an 8$ one from a thrift store in Harajuku and chopping it in half instead.

Well, what do ya think?

 
Top: Thrifted
Trench Skirt: Albus Lumen
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Chanel

Photo by Shun S.

Life

September 16-23, 2018

My aunts and uncles wanted me to snap some photos to share with the rest of the family during my grandpa's burial, but between bawling my eyes out and trying to be useful throughout all of the ceremonial procedures-- I mostly just didn't have the heart to photograph everyone while they mourn. This one was a quick snap of a cage of birds we bought to set free as an act of kindness to send my grandpa off at his grave.

Thought it was one of the lighter moments through that week.

Outfit

September 25, 2018

After spending that solemn week in Vietnam, I came back to Tokyo quite worn out and tired. The weather got chillier, and life goes on. It was weird to be sad, and not really feeling the need to cry even though I wanted to, randomly throughout the days. Shun took me shopping and kept me distracted. It was great that he had a three-day weekend. We ran errands and mentally cheered ourselves up for a quick trip in Taiwan that we planned before knowing what would happen earlier this month.

The kind people at ATP sent over a pair of snakeskin booties to cheer me up. I'm always impressed by the quality of their shoes. Here's another pair I loved last year.

Top: Pomelo
Pants: GRLFRND Denim
Shoes: ATP Snake Skin Boots
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11

Photo by Shun S.

Travel

Taipei, Taiwan
September 28-October 01, 2019

To be quite honest, I wasn't expecting much with this trip to Taiwan. It's probably why I've avoided it for so long everytime Shun brought it up. But since Shun was really eager to visit Jiufen, I convinced myself to just go along with it.

Surprisingly, it was a lot of fun. Taipei was kind of easier to get around than I thought it would be. Having been to HK before, I'm pretty jaded at how cold the people can be in some Chinese cities-- but Taiwan wasn't like that at all. Mostly, I just really enjoyed eating all the food.

If you follow me on Insta, you would probably gotten annoyed at all the food stories I was sharing during that week. We also got to capture a bunch of photos since both Shun and I was behind the camera, so I can't wait to share the photo-diary with you guys!

Dress: Pomelo
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11

Photo by Shun S.

WEARING

All pieces in this post

That's pretty much it for this month, hoping that October will be a bit brighter. A few friends are coming to visit me in Tokyo, so I'm looking forward to another fall with company in this city.

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082018 / 25 To Life

These are probably not the words you were expecting to read for someone’s internet birthday anecdote. And I think sharing your age’s number worth of lessons or whatever, is super lame.

I’m usually a headstrong person, but lately, I’ve just been so easily wavered by the not-so-nice thoughts floating in the back of my head. I’m no saint, by any means. I’ve been telling everyone that if there’s a heaven or hell, I’d probably find myself in the latter.

We all have our vices, and mine seems to be, grudge. It’s so goddamn hard for me to let things go, no matter how good I am at letting them be.

One of the biggest and last lessons I learned from my dad through his divorce with my mom is that you can’t expect to be able to change anyone, even for the better (because that better is only subjectively applicable to you). With that in mind, versus all of the fluffy things I used to really believe in pre-25, really confused the crap out of me. I still would like to believe that there are Naruto-s in the world.

It's so crazy that I no longer have an interest in fashion. I can barely describe what my style is anymore. And I don't even have an opinion on what looks good versus good enough to be seen in public. Meh.

Anyway, whenever I’m not feeling my best self, I always tend to do less and observe way more than I really need to. It’s the sociologist in me to diagnose, dissect, and find answers that can help me reason more so emotionally than logically. But, in the pinnacle age of the digital world, it all spirals back to social media, and internet celebrities that you just can’t help but compare yourself to. And that brings out a part of me that I really hate - because I can be so goddamn bitter.

I know, everyone says stuff like "no one is really sharing their struggles on their highlight reel" to make themselves feel better about the shit they're going through or justify their envy. But am I really the only person who hates thinking that way? It shouldn't comfort me any better knowing someone might be having it worse. That's just being an asshole.

These days, I'm living my best life. Or so it might seem. I am, I think. I can no longer tell what's great though because I feel like I've been way too spoiled. To the point where I'm even starting to get tired of myself for being so goddamn ungrateful for how little I actually do.

Does it count as a quart life crisis if you were already going through it before you turn 25?

Anyway, here's some things that went down this month that honestly, looking back, really put a big smile on my face despite how dark and irritated my thoughts internally might seem.

Life

August 6, 2018

Where do I start. After countless trips to Japan and frantically freaking out 2x a year to meet at a completely new country with Shun to see each other for 5-10 days at a time. I can't believe we have the whole next year together, and in the same apartment too.

Although I have to say, moving into my very own apartment for the first time ever made me realized how expensive this whole process is (especially in Tokyo). Living at home for so long, I forgot that every little thing in a home costs money, a fridge, a towel, a sponge, a fork (or like 10 because we don't just have one), ect...

It's only been a full one month, but somehow it feels much longer.

Black Linen Dress: Snidel / Similar
Shoes: Ancient Greek Sandals
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini
Earrings: Majorica

Photo by Shun S.

Event

Summer Festival in Tokyo
August 11, 2018

"Yakatabune"

Earlier this year, I made my very first friend on my own in Tokyo. I told her I really wanted to attend one of Japan's summer festivals. Fast forward 5 months later, I'm in a yukata, eating sushi on a boat and watched some epic fireworks from the water in Odaiba.

That night we drank until 4am, and I could barely remember anything - but it was one of the best day I've had in awhile.

Life

August 16, 2018

8/16 for as long as I can remember has always been filled surrounded by lots of people. It's weird to say but this year more than ever, it was nice to have it be a little quieter. Back home, mom would probably have dinner and a cake ready, and that's what Shun did. It was nice not to fuss about what to wear, where to go, who to see, and how can I combine groups of friends together to avoid getting fucked up too many times separately... haha. I don't know, is this a sign I'm getting old?

Top: H&M
Army Green Pants: Solov
Shoes: Chanel Espadrilles
Bag: Chanel

Photo by Shun S.

Fashion

August 19, 2018

Top: Free People, Similar
Floral Maxi Skirt: Ganni
Shoes: Common Project
Bag: J.W Anderson Pierce Velvet Mini

Self Portraits

Event

Akeno Sunflower Festival
August 22, 2018

Top: Minkpink via Shopbop
Skirt: &OtherStories Denim Skirt
Shoes: Common Project
Bag: Chanel

Photo by Shun S.

Fashion

August 29, 2018

As if moving to Tokyo and turning 25 was not life changing enough, your girl also got to work on a special project with Shiseido's top brand Clé De Peau Beauté on something amazing too. Peep this space for a post coming soon.

Top: &OtherStories
Linen Blazer: Directourie
Pleated Skirt: Aritzia
Shoes: Common Project
Bag: Chanel
Earings: Shashi

Photo by Shun S.

Wearing

All pieces mentioned in this post

If you made it this far, thanks for reading and stopping by. Just out of curiosity... What were your thoughts at 25? Or, if you're not 25 yet, what/where do you see yourself doing when you turn 25?

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