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

Something Green +Winter Sales Picks

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

VIEW POST

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

VIEW POST