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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Lots of Love / 022019

It might be a little too late to even write this now, but I'm forcing myself to press a few keys to make a few sentences so that I can put together this post that's way too overdue. The past few weeks, actually months - has been a blur. A good blur at least. I'm finally starting to feel more settled now, emotionally and physically.

February was such a love-filled month spent with Shun. It actually makes me take back everything I've thought about dating long distance the previous few years going through it.

Below are just some of the few outfits that I've worn during the month of February hoping that by documenting them, I can look back next year and see if I'm able to restyle any of the pieces I've worn here.

Fashion

February 6, 2019

Coat: Mute by JL (oldie)
Sweater: via Shopbop
Pants: Uniqlo
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11

Self-portraits

Fashion

February 8, 2019

Coat: Maison Margiela (similar)
Top: Gap
Pants: GRLFRND
Belt: B-LOW The Belt
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Staud

Photo by Shun S.

Fashion

February 16, 2019

Top: Destroyed Knit
Skirt: Similar Leopard Skirt
Shoes: Acne Studios
Bag: J.W Anderson Pierce Mini

Self-portraits

Fashion

February 17, 2019

Working with Everlane has been something I wasn't expecting to happen while I was in Tokyo. But I'm so glad I got this opportunity. More on this outfit in a separate post 'No Grey Days'.

Coat: ASTR the Label via Shopbop (on sale)
Top: Everlane (c/o)
Pants: GRLFRND Denim
Shoes: Everlane (c/o)
Bag: Loewe Puzzle Bag (Stone Blue)

Photo by Shun S.

Wearing

All pieces in this post

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Raw

If you find yourself in a position to visit Hong Kong, I say, please do yourself a favor and go. If you’re lucky enough to be heading there soon, I suggest you take my advice seriously and pack your airiest and lightest clothing you own. Hong Kong’s humidity is just like it’s people’s attitude-- unforgiving, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

It's been a little over 2 months since my visit to this crazy city, and between New York and Tokyo, my yearning for Hong Kong grows deeper every time I feel lonely-- which overcomes me quite often these days.

Life's been moving rather quickly, which leaves little time to myself. I guess that always makes me feel alone since I find that I'm my best company. When I'm in Tokyo, I'm a tourist, a girlfriend of a pretty decent Japanese guy, which leaves me little room to f*ck up-- it's already bad enough that he has to apologize to people around on my behalf for speaking too loud when I'm already using my indoor voice. In New York, my phone doesn't stop ding-ing and there are always emails to answer and strategically compose. I go to bed telling myself I'll find some time to go through a few of my personal photos to edit, and block out a few minutes to write - but as soon as I'm relatively done with the majority of the tasks that I needed to complete for the day, I find myself feeling sick having to keep staring at a computer screen. I do really enjoy working from home though, in fact, this new gig has been so great that I haven't complained about it since I started and everyone thinks I'm really just unemployed (oh millennials problems).

For me, Hong Kong is an incredible city, for how raw it remains while thriving as one of the major cities around the world yet still so characteristically unwavering. It's a feat that not even many people can to do these days faced with the mass saturation of social media channels and the constant need to validate one's existence with a numeric profile and maybe two lines of self-proclaimed accomplishments.

I miss Hong Kong for its undiscriminating vibe. Surprisingly in a city where I know no one, knew no more than 3 facts and not a single Cantonese word, my loneliness ceased to exist. Hong Kong didn't care about who I am, where I'm from, how old I am, what's my job, or how much money I have or seem to have. Hong Kong evaporated my identity and hid it somewhere among its monstrous puff of smog. For the time I was there, Hong Kong made me feel like I belong while being lost at the same time.

Dress: RAEY via Matchesfashion
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11
Accessories: Fendi Bag Bug (similar)

Photos by Shun S.

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Tokyo Twist with Pas De Calais

Stationed underneath this train track for about 40 minutes or so -- I walked back and forth looking half crazy and half desperate. As if the scorching heat wasn't already obnoxious enough, I seem to garner even more attention from locals by staging a photoshoot in the middle of their quiet neighborhood.

I was pretty desperate trying to shoot these looks. I kept waiting for a day when the weather was cooler, but it only got hotter and hotter. I wish I had been in Japan now, during late September through early October, I hear that the weather is beautiful.

So, I could go on to tell you about how great Tokyo is and how I’m head over heels for this city. But, I won’t.

I could’ve shot these in the middle of Shibuya or in a zen garden elsewhere - but instead I decided that an under-construction train station was better. It reflected a Tokyo that I don’t think many people get the chance to see.

Don’t you find it quite ironic that bullet trains are running on these historic stations and tracks that are often times greatly in need of restoration in Tokyo? I do. I think something that is easily overlooked in Tokyo is that despite how nice and modest everyone seems - they too, are in dire need of a mentality upgrade.

For the longest time, the Scandinavian aesthetic was reigning in the fashion industry thanks to their minimalist ideology, perfectly balanced with clean lines and tasteful details; but, lately it seems as though the Japanese aesthetic is slowly taking over.

The rise in the popularity of Japanese aesthetic clothing is important because it signifies a new era of thinking. While we praise the Japanese, as a whole culture, for being innovative while maintaining their traditional roots - when it comes to some underlining societal problems that are rooted from being over conservative, the tension is widening.

One of the most fascinating things, to me, about fashion is that, it somehow reveals a lot about different cultures. For the Japanese, the tension between the older generation who are overwhelmingly conservative are starting to be challenged by the younger, more open-minded, generation. For example, many girls are now attending their coming of age ceremonies (an extremely important occasion for women in Japan) with the traditional kimono that has somehow been modified to fit their fashion preferences or a completely different version of a kimono that is not qualified for the occasion. (See article: LINK)

Still, with influences from the Western world, when people think of Japanese aesthetic clothing, the bat sleeves and dropped crotch pants as shown in these pieces from the Pas De Calais AW’15 collection are characteristics that are staying for seasons to come. The baggy but fitted look of these pieces are what speaks to the modest nature of the Japanese as well as signifying a transition in new thinking.

In the past, a traditional kimono would onion a woman’s body in numerous layers of fabric covering and concealing all that is to show. From this, the younger Japanese generation have adapted a new style that accomplished the same purpose that the kimono did, and that is through oversized clothing. Baggier clothes allowed the emphasis of the body to be hidden while maintaining a fitted form and proper look by focusing on the proper fit of the sleeves and length of pants.

Even though there have been steps taken forward — I believe that there is still refining to do for the Japanese aesthetic that could take them to new heights. This will be strongly influenced by challenging old ideas and coming up with new ones. Personally, I really can’t wait to see emerging Japanese designers break into the Western market and what new styles Japanese aesthetic will spark and how they will shape the fashion industry.

ALL PIECES ARE FROM PAS DE CALAIS AW'15 COLLECTION 

Look 1:
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 (CAMEL ON SALE!!)
Shoes: Chanel Espadrilles

Look 2: Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11
Accessories: Fendi Bag Bug Charm and Aritzia Scarf

Photos by Shun S.
Creative direction by Van Le

These images were also featured in a Finnish blog for the September 2015 Issue. Below is a scanned copy of the pages. I hope you guys enjoyed 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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042018 / Spring Things

As April passes, it now feels appropriate to start exclaiming how fast the year is going by while everyone eases from "oh beautiful Spring" to "omg can it be Fall already?". But really, it doesn't even feel like May -- and for some reason, I've been telling everyone I'm 25 already but my birthday isn't until August.

Springtime in Japan was honestly the blossomest Spring I've ever experienced in my life. I don't remember the last time I've seen this many different flowers, and being excited about it, if anything, is what was honestly shocking about all this. Somehow, I feel like I've lost all sense of time and its relevance to me. I'm growing up and slowing down while letting go of any control I ever had of life altogether. Just like that, the cherry blossoms trees all sprouted leaves and turned completely lush green even before the second week of April. Rapeseed turned wild fields golden yellow for a short period of time until they faded like the nemophila covering the hills at Hitachi Seaside Park too. For once, someone as uninterested in the circle of life as much as I was intrigued, by the nature of it all, looping me wherever I am, 365 days, at a time.

This month, I really feel like I've gotten to know Tokyo a little better. I managed to make a couple of friends and visited a few prefectures that even my Japanese boyfriend has never been to before. Of course, there were ups and down, as I was already mentally prepared for while moving to a completely foreign country, and still, I managed to pull it together for at least 50% of the month. With the weather warming up, I'm starting to run out of outfit options since there really isn't anything that exciting about sweaters and pants/skirt (so please bear with me for now). Promise it'll start to look up in May (but don't hold me too harshly against this since chances are, you'll see me wearing the same top at least five times on my Instagram stories).

Jacket: Alpha Industry Bomber
Top: Asos
Skirt: Black Crane Linen Skirt Similar
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Staud Clothing PVC Tote Bag
Floral Stud Earrings: Similar

Photo by Shun S.

Travel / Chiba Prefecture, Tokyo / Sawara

April 7, 2018

If you ever visit Tokyo on a limited time constraint and really wants to see Kyoto or the traditional vibe of Japan, I highly recommend spending a half day or a whole day in Sawara, Chiba. It's actually on the Narita train line so it's perfect if you have a layover in Japan or something too.

The specialty here is eel (unagi), so make sure to get it for lunch or dinner when you visit. If you walk around, there's even a shop that sells soy sauce gelato (which in my personal opinion tastes like salted caramel).

Outfit

April 8, 2018

Dress: Keepsake The Label / FSHNBNKR (c/o)
Shoes: Acne Studios Jensen Boots (25% off on Shopbop)
Bag: J.W Anderson Velvet Pierce Mini (new season)
Earrings: Faeber Studios

Photos by Shun S.

Outfit

April 9, 2018

Top: Tibi
Pants: GRLFRND Denim
Shoes: Acne Studios
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic
Earrings: Pearl Studs Similar

Self-timered

Outfit

April 13, 2018

Having a lot of time and a quiet neighborhood gave me no excuses to slack on honing my self-timer skill. Most days, even if I'm my usual bummy self, I'll try and get a shot or two just to keep myself busy. As usual, repurposing my boyfriend's sweater.

Sweater: Acne Studios
Pants: GRLFRND Denim
Shoes: Acne Studios
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic
Earrings: Faeber Studios

Self-timered

Travel / Ibaraki Prefecture, Tokyo / Hitachi Seaside Park

April 15, 2018

Hitachi Seaside Park has been on my list of places to see after stumbling across photos of the hills covered in Kochia bushes in the fall. I was pretty bummed to have missed it last November when I was in Japan, but was pleasantly surprised to discover that other beautiful things bloom here all throughout the year. For example, in the Spring, about 4.5 million nemophila (who's responsible for counting anyway) cover the same hills to pretty much paint the ground blue, making it pretty much one with the sky.

Unfortunately, or fortunately for me, I came on a gloomy day and there weren't nearly as many tourists. The skies were grey, but honestly, it was one of the prettiest sights I've seen so far in Tokyo.

Fashion

Anouki

It's been a while since I've gotten fascinated with a brand/designer. Anouki is a brand that I recently came to learn about while acquainting myself with Pinterest (I am so late to the game, I know). Taking a step back from much of the mainstream fashion icons/brands/designers/labels that are pretty much plastered all over the majority of well-recognized Instagram handles - I've pretty much been seeking out what else is new and interesting out there - and my eyes hyper zoned into Tbilisi-based designers/labels.

In Anouki's case, I'm obsessed by Anouki Kaladze's eccentric use of silver sequins in every wardrobe's stables like trenches, button-ups and even undershirt garments which of course only elevated her latest collections of asymmetrically cut white dresses and layered able tops and skirts. Let's also not take her line of footwear lightly too.

Outfit

April 24, 2018

Moving to a new country was rough enough but finding work and dealing with starting over in a sense have been giving me quite the anxiety. Even so, I know that things will work out because it definitely isn't my first time being in this position. At the end of the day, I would rather prefer to dress up like I have a 9-5 than actually work a 9-5. Speaking of working - can't wait to show you more photos of a quick photoshoot that I did with WYETH Eyewear. Full outfit post was published earlier here.

Suit Jacket: Boyfriend's
Belt: Madewell
Shirt: Uniqlo
Denim: GRLFRND
Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood
Bag: Staud Clothing

Self-timered

Coveting

Fresh Spring Things

I've been all about fresh whites and beige tones for Spring and into Summer. It helps that PVC and transparent pieces are now prominent in a lot of brands' collections and I'm more and more intrigued by clear accessories and small bags.

Outfit

April 26, 2018

Top: Cecilie Copenhagen
Pants: J Brand / Shopbop
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Staud Clothing PVC Tote Bag

Photos by Shun S.

Fashion

Cecilie Bahnsen

If you've been keeping up with fashion, then you've already seen the brand Cecilie Bahnsen floating around although it's only been showing for a few seasons previously. It makes me even more sure that you'll be seeing more of this brand popping up for coming fashion cycles. I came across this brand through Copenhagen Fashion Week for their Fall/Winter 2018 collection and was instantly drawn to pretty much all of the pieces featured on the runway (which is rare for me).

Cecilie Bahnsen's take on volume and texture is what I admire most about her collections since I strongly believe these are two aspects that really makes it difficult for adapting wearability for the everyday fashion enthusiastic (including myself). But hand me a random dress or skirt from her line and I can easily throw a sweater on with sneakers or boots for pretty much any occasion.

Wearing

All Pieces In This Post

And that's a wrap for April. Looking forward to what May has in stored.

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