A lot has been happening this month, mostly due to the fact that I've been constantly out and about. It's fun, but exhausting mentally, for me. And that always call for some personal space and time. I've been taking up self-portraiting again now that I'm finally easing into my own neighborhood here in Tokyo. I took these photos right before sundown. Running back and forth between 3-second-per-frame shutters while racing for every last bit of light. The third and fourth photo was definitely taken when a cute Japanese grandma stopped 2 feet away from me waiting for the last shutter of the self-timer to finish going off.

Since I'm getting back into fashion here and there (not that this super casual outfit speaks for it), I wanted to round up a few things I've been eyeing.

It doesn't hurt that there's a ton of sales going on as well.

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

Self-Portraits

By Retailers

Among my favorite sites to shop at is Shopbop, Matchesfashion, and Net-A-Porter. I love that they offer worldwide shipping and free at certain caps as well. Shopbop at the moment has an amazing sales of up to 25% off with code [ MORE18 ] on full-price and sale items. Below are things that are in my cart as well as things that are currently in my rotating fall/winter wardrobe that might be available for less, especially sweaters.

Shopbop

Net-A-Porter

Matchesfashion

By Price

Sale season is my favorite to shop for basics as well as more accent pieces that I wouldn't gravitate towards (especially when they are still full priced). For the winter, I'll definitely be stocking up on bodysuits and more fitted knit pieces. Some of these basics while on sale can be as low as $50 dollar. And that's pretty much a steal for something such as a pair of denim that you can wear whenever.

With the holiday season in mind, I'll also probably pick up a satin dress or two that's appropriate for layering for holiday/end of year parties and gatherings.

Under 50

Under 250

By Type

If breaking it down like the above isn't helpful for you- hopefully, this is. My essentials for winter and probably even into early Spring will always be a great coat, a versatile pair of shoes, maybe a bag, and foundational pieces for layering.

However, if you were to ask me the one thing I'd get among this list. It'd be the Isabel Marant color-block bomber, just saying.

Coat/Sweaters

Basics

Bag/Shoes

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Shearling Grey

It's that time of the year when dressing like a sheep is highly appreciated. I'm taking advantage of the nice weather we're having in Tokyo to wear something a bit more frilly. Pairing this satin skirt that I've been wearing non-stop underneath a ribbed crewneck to keep the top part of my outfit neutral for the sky-high grey boots on the bottom.

I'm a sucker for all things fluffy, but this shearling jacket was something that I suckered up to get on Amazon fashion since online shopping for US brands is a little of a hassle when I'm in Japan.

Stay warm out there sheepies.

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.

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Ribbed Wool Sweater Two Ways

I'm not sure if you're sick of seeing me wear this ribbed wool sweater yet, but I don't think I'll probably get tired of throwing this over possibly every kind of bottoms I own when the weather is chilly and I have one of those "I have nothing to wear" moments.

Aside from how chunky and cozy it looks, I personally haven't come across another sweater, which's structure holds up quite like it. I'm speaking from experience since I own the same one in grey that looks just as new (even though it is well over 2 years old and a million times of wear).

Ribbed Wool Sweater: Acne Studios
Pants: GRLFRND Denim
Snake Skin Boots: ATP
Bag: Chanel (vintage options)

Photo by Shun S.

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

Photo by Shun S.

When it comes to clothes, I love versatility. In this ribbed wool sweater's case, it's how easily it goes from grunge/street when paired with raw-hemmed denim and snakeskin booties, to effortlessly casual and soft with a satin skirt and some usual white sneakers.

Now I'm not saying you should get yourself the same sweater just because I'm showing you that it's probably the only sweater you'll need this winter (and more winters to come). I'm just hoping that you'll keep this in mind when tempted with fast-fashion sweaters that you'll be purchasing that are generally 100% polyester this upcoming winter season. They might be affordable, trendy, and "cute" but they leave a significantly damaging effect on the planet. In case you didn't know, regular polyester is made from petroleum (processing oil). Meaning, the sweaters, shirts, and even scarves that you picked up from any mass retailers last year that you thought you'd wear again this year sitting in the back of your closets now take anywhere from 20 to 200 years to decompose.

That said, a sweater's price tag doesn't really determine its eco-friendliness either. But even if that's not in your interest, polyester isn't even worth your money. Invest in wool, cashmere, or even wool-cashmere blends. It's durable, and will actually keep you warm (which is the whole purpose of a sweater, RIGHT?).

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Aloha

It's a bit late to be sharing a sweater/jacket-less outfit - but I couldn't help but put this one together to document how the Hawaiian craze in Tokyo won me over this summer.

If you know me, you'll know that I've never been big on prints and loud colors. Not really sure if being in Tokyo has anything to do with it but I've been gravitating towards greens and oranges-- colors that I would probably never even think about wearing in the past.

Looking at this outfit, you probably couldn't even tell that green is actually my least favorite color. Haha.

Top: Hawaiian Shirt thrifted (similar here)
Pants: Olive High-waisted Pants Solov
Shoes: Chanel Espadrilles
Bag: Chanel

Photo by Shun S.

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Weekender Whites

For someone as clumsy as me, I don't know why I'm even allowed to wear white - yet somehow, I gravitate towards white pieces no matter the time of year, occasion, or clothing article. What can I say? A girl just gotta have her whites.

Living in New York for so many years, there was a point where I avoided wearing whites on weekdays because I was afraid the messes I collected on my clothes would be too visible in public meetings, office spaces, and pretty much any other forms of social exchange. And plus, there was this other unwritten rule of not being able to wear white after Labor day that I loathed so badly.

Being able to wear white was the pinnacle point of pretty much all of my weekends. A white midi skirt, cropped top, trouser, pointed flats or even a bag- anything that could easily break the mundane spirit of dressing that typical city-chic-uniform that always called for something black.

I'll be the first to admit, although I have always had a thing for whites, never in my dreams could I imagine having a white bag- mostly for its' sake rather than mine. I was always super close to getting one because I feel like it would go with absolutely all of my clothes, and especially breakup the boring dark looks when I can't wear a white blouse or trouser. And now that I have finally found one, I regret not getting it any sooner.

Bag: Meli Melo 'Santina' in White

I received this Meli Melo 'Santina' bucket bag on a Thursday last week and immediately wished that the weekend would come already. I don't know about you but I'm one of those people that can't wait a second before wearing something new (I really can't understand those who has to wait for the right occasion to wear certain things)- so while it was still a weekday, I took this bag out for a spin in my most casual outfit. Judging from the look on my face while going through all of the pictures, I was stoked to finally have a white bag of my own.

Excitements aside, having a white bag was everything that I imagined and more. The bucket bag shape really helps to make the bag modern, yet still sleek and classic- perfect for dressing up, or down. I love that even while I'm wearing a majority of whites in this look, the bag is still able to stand out, making me look forward to pairing it with some upcoming neutral fall looks.

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

Photo by Shun S.
This post was sponsored by Meli Melo, all opinions are my own.

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5 Fall Outfits I'd Repeat

I'm one of those people who will probably want to own my favorite sweater in every color and wear everything I find the comfiest over and over again. By now, you'll probably realize that I'm shameless about outfit repeating and wearing things that are four seasons old. Habits asides, I'm a strong advocate for slow fashion, mainly because it's not just logical, but it also represents a little piece of me that grows deeply attached to certain things (aka clothes). I guess you can see it as the 'personal', in personal style.

Surprisingly, or unsurprisingly, fashion trends like the infamous history quote goes... doesn't repeat itself, but it sure does rhyme (I'm paraphrasing here). One year suede will be in, the next it'll be out. We used to diss grandma cardigans, but they're on every major retailer's top trend lists this year. And as for plaid, the last time I recall them being cool was 2015.

With all that said, it's my motto to always just wear what I really like, and invest in pieces that have some longevity. With everyone craving for those vintage vibes again, you'll never know what sort of fun you'll have by digging through last years' winter clothes that you sloppily put away. Below are 5 of my past fall outfits that I'd definitely repeat again and some trends from those look that I think are still relevant this season to give you some inspirations.

Burnt Yellow/Orange

From "Keep Out"

I've always been obsessed with earthy tones, not just during fall, but throughout the year. Lately, I've been more and more drawn to the brighter shades of those warmer tones. Think rusty oranges, bright browns, and even deep mustard yellows. And now it's obvious as to why I'd wear this outfit again in a heartbeat.

Cardigan Comeback

From "Another Navy"

For the longest time, cardigans have gotten that reputation of being a grandma piece, but I actually love oversized and chunky ones. Something like this one becomes a dress (wear a slip under it though) or can be a great substitute for a trench/jacket.

Major Blazer

From "A Radiant Day In Tokyo with Clé De Peau Beauté"

I've only started wearing blazers recently, but I'm obsessed at how they look when not so dressed up. Mixing one with ripped jeans is quite rebel-ish and makes me want to have an office job just to walk in like that one day. Despite their structural feats, they are quite versatile and can be paired effortlessly with skirts of all kinds. Invest in a good blazer and you'll probably have a bunch of outfit options for the fall.

Two-tone

From "In The Process of Processing"

As someone who loves neutrals and simple colors, two-tones add an extra oomph to some classic pieces. From two-tone boots to sweaters, blazers, and even pants-- these are the special pieces that you'll be able to rotate seasons after seasons.

Check It

From "092018 / Like A Typhoon"

Checks/plaids are all the rage right now. Careful though since if you're looking for just a flannel, I suggest you go your local thrift and pick one out instead of paying the same for an unethical purchase through Forever21 or something. BUT, if you're looking to invest in a good check/plaid blazer or even trousers - then I've got you covered.

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Fall Florals

Allow me to pick up where I left off for August. It’s been quite a long September but I wanted to keep myself and my mind busy by doing things that keep me mindlessly occupied, even if that means editing old photos. See, I can’t even compose a straight sentence.

This time of the year is usually a time when I’m the happiest. Fall never fails to lift my spirit as I can finally stop worrying about if my legs are spotlessly shaved for skirts and shorts. This year, in particular, I’m really drawn to rusty shades of browns and oranges. I can’t wait to wear this fall-of-a-floral skirt through the next few weeks of cooler temps or so with cropped knits and even oversized jackets (maybe corduroy or something since it seems to be trending at the moment).

Anyway, this is the first of maybe not many more full outfit posts in a while. Hope this makes you rethink fall florals, or midi skirts of some sort because I spent about 2 hours running back and forth self-timer-ing for these six photos.

Top: Free People
Floral Ruffle Skirt: Ganni via Shopbop
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: J.W Anderson Velvet Pierce Mini
Pearl Earrings: Similar

Self-portraits

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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