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.

VIEW POST

One Shearling Jacket, Two Different Outfits

Quite a warm winter I've been experiencing both in Tokyo and New York this year. But that's no excuse not to dress to the fullest- I mean, warmest. I don't know about you, but shearling has always been a winter material that oozes warmth, even if it can get a little bulky.

As much as I love shearling on the inside layers of outerwear, I love it when it's on the outside too. Shearling gives this great illusion of texture that feels cozy, and therefore, warm. Even if you're not into fur, you'll be able to appreciate shearling since it can be worn more casually. See how I'm just wearing this over a soft pink crewneck and a pair of skinny jeans with sneakers?

Shearling Jacket: ASTR The Label (another option)
Top: COS
Pants: J Brand
Shoes: Common Projects
White Bucket Bag: Similar here

Self-Portaits

Shearling Jacket: ASTR The Label (another option)
Top: Old (similar cream knit)
Skirt: Pixie Market
Shoes: OTK Grey Boots (via Amazon)
Bag: Chanel WOC

Photo by Shun S.

You might have already seen this shearling and satin combination before, but one thing I forgot to share about this outfit is that I love how it feels a little dressed up, but not too over the top as well. Something about this moto structure to this shearling jacket that just screams casual cool.

VIEW POST

A Working Formula

It's taken a while, a whole year to be exact. And I finally feel like I've gotten my rhythm back. Quite a journey, now that I look back, on how much I've grown, personally, this year. December has always been a month for reflecting, and this year is no difference.

I look back at my lowest and highest moments, and one thing that those have in common was really, how naive I was. Not necessarily in a bad way, but definitely something I look forward to improving in the future. Don't get me wrong, I think there's a beauty that's attached to living life a little less calculative. There has to be a reason why we adore children's innocent-ness, no?

I always feel like as someone who's always on the brighter side of things, my expectations are always way too high. The formula that I've figured out is just to take it one step at a time. Same with my clothes, tbh.

My wardrobe is an ongoing work in progress. This double-faced coat was bought last year (camel coats are always in), and now I'm layering it over a linen blazer that I wore non-stop all summer.

For the longest, I wanted to have my whole life plan out. Not sure if it's a blame I can put on living in New York. But being there put such a huge pressure of success and time limit on by when those successes are validated by. It' might be a "working" formula for some, but I guess for me, I've figured out that it isn't.

Double Faced Coat: United Arrows, similar here, here
Linen Blazer: JP, similar here
Top: UNIQLO Heattech
Pants: GRLFRND Denim
Shoes: ATP (black and white option)
Bag: meli melo

Self-portraits

VIEW POST

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

VIEW POST

Onjuku Beach, Chiba, Japan

I haven't exactly figured out what it is that attracts me so much to the ocean during the off-season. Back in my teenage years, living in New York, I would often take the D train from the Bronx all the way to Coney Island in the middle of winter, whenever my heart was heavy and my mind was cluttered. I didn't exactly get on the beach. I preferred to watch it from the train platform until my face was cold enough to make me want to go home.

A lot of things have been on my mind as of late, so a trip away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo was much needed.

I stumbled across a photo of Onjuku Beach a couple of weeks ago by chance. Not knowing that it was so close to the center of Tokyo, I still wanted to just be basking in the sun here so badly. A quick search for hotels by the beach led me to this resort featuring rooms with huge windows that face the ocean. I knew exactly that's where I wanted to be.

It's been a mild fall/winter as of late in Tokyo, so the weather was pleasant enough to stroll around the beach comfortably with a light jacket. The boyfriend and I spent most of the time by the window admiring the drop-dead gorgeous sunset and sunrise, though. Oh and also cheering for tiny people surfing as well. I personally hate getting sand in my shoes and how sticky the salt water makes my hair.

At night, we got picked up by a local fisherman for dinner at his restaurant that probably doubled as his home. The food was good, the drinks hit the spot, but it was his gentle smile and the first thing he said to Shun and me that touched me.

We were walking down from our hotel, and though we were already a couple of minutes early, he was already waiting. We hurried down the steps, just to be greeted with a 'take your time.'

It's such a simple phrase, but something that's rare to hear.

It's something that struck me, in trying to come to terms with all of the losses and changes that I've faced recently. It was a good reminder to take it easy sometime.

—
Camera Gear Used: Nikon D600 (body only) with 50mm F1/4 and 24-70mm F3.5 lens.

VIEW POST