If there’s one word in Japanese that you should learn and could learn, then repeat after me - su-mee-mah-sen. Not only are the Japanese efficient in each and every way in their daily lives, even their common words are extremely useful. Sumimasen is a word that means, excuse me, sorry and thank you, all in one. And honestly, that’s literally all you’ll need to know if you’re as slow about picking up a new language as I am.

One of the things that I’ve grown to appreciate Japan about is how thoughtful they are when it comes to the little details. In a lot of cases, details are what makes something special and unique yet too many details can be overwhelming and risk functionality at the same time. The Japanese do details so well, it’s as if adding purpose to details is just their cultural normcore.

If you ever get a chance to visit Japan, pay attention to your hotel’s bathroom mirror, how it only fogs up on the edges leaving a clear portion for you to still be able to see. And don’t be too amazed when you realized that there is Braille lettering on cans to ensure that people know that they’re drinking something hot or alcoholic.

The exaggeration of details is no longer something rare, as by now, you’ve all seen and probably own a giant bell sleeve shirt that literally disables you to perform any basic human functions (especially eating). The outfit in this post features two pieces that I picked up in Japan that captures the essence of details with purpose. The coat is double-faced in beige and cream with hidden side pockets that are not common in Western coats (why? I have no idea but I’ll look into it). The shirt takes form of a kimono wrap with two ties instead of one making it secure enough to be worn from the back or front as opposed to this one.

It’s easy to ooh and ahh at something that’s copiously filled with details, it’s important to keep in mind that not all details are necessary. Hence, minimalism isn’t about less, and it’s why everything in Japan is so god damn aesthetic.

Coat: United Arrows from Japan (also worn here - my best similar options here & here)
Top: /STYLING from Japan (very similar one here)
Pants: Topshop
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini
Accessories: Fendi Bag Bug

Photos by Shun S.

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A Radiant Day in Tokyo with Clé De Peau Beauté

I have always admired the thoughtfulness and close attention to details that can be found in pretty much all aspects of life in Japan. Hey, it's one of the reasons I decided to move to Tokyo in the first place.

My love for Japan actually wasn't one that happened at the first encounter, but I can confidently say that it has grown tremendously. In fact, not being completely head over heels for Japan at the very beginning opened up some curiosities and concerns for this place that deepened my appreciation over time. The more that I get to know and learn about the culture, the more I have come to really respect the way of thinking that embodies legendary fashion designers and beauty brands that are founded in Japan.

Within the past 2 and a half year, I've made over 8 trips to Japan. Each one significantly impacted my personal style and beauty regimen. In the past year and a half, I have been working with a beauty brand that I've come to love and pretty much bathe my skin in every day. It was an honor to be invited by the Clé de Peau Beauté team to experience a #RadiantDay right at its home city, Tokyo.

Below is just a few quick snapshots of what the day entails.

Morning

A special visit to the Ginza Shiseido Store

That morning, before the store opened up to the public, I was invited to come and peruse the space. I was blown away by all of the incorporations of the company's signature 'Camellia' flower symbol throughout -- such as the floor, counters, and displays. This was only one of the obvious aspect of how detailed-oriented the brand carries its stores and products. I even learned that there are shimmers from Clé de Peau Beauté's illuminating powder incorporated into the tiles on the floor.

Created to be the center of beauty for the brand, it takes the name of SHISEIDO THE STORE. Aside from all of the work that went into creating a space that embodies all of Shiseido brand's core beliefs, you'll probably find it super cool, like I did, that even the music of the store is carefully orchestrated. If you get the chance to visit, pay attention to the soothing natural melodies that play (called gokion) while you're contemplating on a lipstick color. I promise it's pretty awesome once it's something you start to take into account for.

Above the first floor are three other ones; each with its own purpose in providing the utmost luxurious skincare experience. The 3rd floor is the brand's very own beauty spa (where I'll be pampered with a Clé de Peau Beauté facial later on). What's cool about this space is that there's even a hair and make-up salon along with a photo studio for you to use.

Just a quick 5 minute walk away, I came upon the Clé de Peau Beauté's own brand shop in the newly established Ginza Six. The store takes inspiration of a "brilliant cell" hence the honeycomb structure and sharp cuts that emanates radiance.

Fun fact, but 'Clé de Peau' actually translate to 'key to the skin' which I found incredibly fitting for the brand and the design to harmoniously showcase the fusion of beauty and science.

Lunch

A quick stop at the Clé De Peau Beauté Boutique before a chic lunch at nR Table

Before we headed off to lunch, which happened to be close by to another Clé de Peau Beauté boutique, I obviously had to take a look. Unlike SHISEIDO THE STORE and the Clé de Peau Beauté counter at the Ginza Six, the Omotesando location was much brighter and a little less intimidating. I quickly learned that this was the whole purpose of the store -- to carry out a concept of a 'try it yourself' first.

Mid-day

Passing by the Shiseido Corporate Office to exclusively see past Clé De Peau Beauté 'La Creme' since 1982

Found myself in Ginza again right after lunch for a special treat at the Ginza Corporate office. For a brief hour, I was able to meet Clé de Peau Beauté Director of Laboratories, Mr. Ishimatsu who humbly shared all of his experiences in creating the iconic 'La Creme' with me. He even showed us personal photos from a trip to Northeastern Thailand, at a mulberry farm where they harvest the brand's very own silk cocoons to extract 'Platinum Gold Silk'.

As science and technology improve, so does the brand's 'La Creme' that was first introduced in 1982. Learning about the research behind the brand's skincare line truly helped me realize the luxury in being able to appreciate and use the products.

Afternoon

An exquisite Clé De Peau Beauté Facial Treatment at the Shiseido Ginza Salon

On to the part that I've waited all day for, the Clé de Peau Beauté facial treatment. Known to be one of the brand's most luxurious experience, it was no surprise to me that we were greeted with a type of water that was supposed to be good for your skin. After a 20 minute consultation, I was able to learn more about my personal skin type and it helped me identify issues that I wanted my treatment to focus on. I opted for a more moisturizing mask and asked to have my dark circles and red spots (which I learned was from a terrible blood circulation on my face) be the focus of the session...which was amazingly 120 minutes. I definitely fell asleep for a good 15 minute at a time somewhere in between each mask.

The second best part about the Spa? Well, for someone who doesn't have a vanity table of my own, I'm now rethinking that because I'm dreaming of the one that was available here for me to touch up after my facial. It was fully stocked with all possible Clé de Peau Beauté products available (yes, even the 'La Creme' in case you want to lather some more on your face). It was such a comfortable and cozy experience to have warm tea served to your little vanity table while getting ready again. If I didn't have a dinner to go to after this, I probably could have gone out as is because my skin was GLOWING.

Evening

Dinner at the Shiseido Parlour

While I could probably live this day forever, I couldn't have imagined spending the end of it any other way than having dinner with my boyfriend at the Shiseido Parlour Restaurant right next door. It's an elegant space that serves a mix of Western and Japanese dishes. I opted for scallops and my boyfriend steak - but we couldn't pass on the chef's famous 'omurice'.

All and all, I went to bed that night with dewy skin and the biggest smile on my face. It's honestly such a satisfying feeling to be able to spend so much time enriching yourself, taking care of yourself, and learning about such a legendary brand. I guess at the end of the day, I think that's what the brand's core beliefs are all about when they say 'Unlock Your Radiance."

Thank you Clé de Peau Beauté for allowing me to experience an incredible #RadiantDay. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Kyoto, Japan

I’m one of those lucky people that get to say I’ve been to Japan several times already in my lifetime, but visiting Kyoto finally was definitely a game changer to my previous thoughts on Japan. It’s one of those places that just feels unreal but in a really practical sense and not dramatic at all.

Kyoto was brutally cold if I’m being quite honest, but I can still recall how warm these soy-sauced rice cakes that a grandma was selling on the streets tasted that first morning I was there.

Two days of exploring some of the most noted landmarks of Kyoto resulted in about fifty-thousand steps in total according to the Health app on my iPhone but it all seemed so surreal that I barely felt tired. Although I did manage to fall on my face during my hike down through the torii gates trying to run like my ninja friend Naruto. And even that didn't crush my spirit in exploring the next day.

For someone who’s mind is constantly overflowing with thoughts, Kyoto was the only place that was able to tame my brain. For two days, I felt completely at peace. I was reflecting a lot without overthinking; it was like I was detoxing myself internally. I mean, I still can’t describe it, but I now understand a little bit of what people mean when something leaves them in awe-- because that’s how it felt when I stumbled upon an almost empty Bamboo Grove at Arashiyama on New Year's day.

Aside from the Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and other temples/shrines along the way I was able to make a quick stop in Uji and Gion as well.

I only spent a few hours in Uji but it was enough time to grab some matcha ramen and gyoza. It sounds kind of gimmicky at first, but it made sense right away after I had a green tea tasting with dessert. Having to try 4 different green teas that differ from how they are grown, harvested, dried, and processed, I realized that they all have a seaweed aftertaste which actually goes well with a lot of Japanese food.

Not sure if it was due to the festivities taking place in lieu of New Year’s Day but Gion gave me so much energy despite it being located in a very historic and reserved area. I couldn’t help but try to chase down every single person wearing a yukata. I’m not one to be intrigued by colorful clothing, but something about how these colors and prints all went together and stood out was really inspiring for me to see from a fashion perspective. It’s also one of the things that I definitely want to wear the next time I visit Kyoto again.

With all that being said, if you’re looking to visit Japan, I highly recommending making some time for Kyoto. You don’t really need to stay too long to experience everything, but I can guarantee that it will definitely be the highlight of your trip.

You can break down your trip by doing a day to Fushimi Inari in the morning to avoid large crowds. On the way back, you can stop at Uji to visit the famous green tea town and/or make time for Nara. I did Arashiyama and Gion in a single day and it was a great combination of scenery. From a place that is really peaceful, to one more lively but still very traditional. I had a really good dinner at a random place on the alley of restaurants along the Kamo river called Pontocho. When it comes to food, most places in Japan are already above average as they care a lot about the quality of their ingredients and service, so it really all depends on what you want to eat and personal preferences.

A couple of days was probably long enough to cover common grounds of Kyoto, but it definitely wasn't enough for me. I am really looking forward to being able to visit Kyoto one more time.

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