Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami, Japan

April 18, 2019

Biggest open-air bath onsen in Japan. Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami Gunma, Japan / FOREVERVANNY.com

Having been spoiled by the calmest winter I've ever experienced in my life since moving to New York City at 8 years old - I was really itching to see some snow this year in Japan. Upon a quick search, it was easy to locate a bunch of snowy destinations and snow peaks perfect for a day of snowboarding, skiing, or any other winter-related activities within hours away from the center of Tokyo. But I was looking for something a bit more relaxing. Of course, there is no shortage of onsens and ryokans that are available in Tokyo but finding one that was close to some snow took some digging. I came across Takaragawa Onsen and I was immediately mesmerized by the open-air bath. So alas, I dragged my boyfriend here for a weekend get-away to celebrate our monthnaversary (no idea why we still do this after like 6 years, but I know there are others doing this still, so I don't feel too cheesy sharing).

During the booking process, we quickly learned that this onsen actually boasts the largest open-air bath onsen in all of Japan, making us even more excited to see it in person.

Biggest open-air bath onsen in Japan. Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami Gunma station, Japan / FOREVERVANNY.comBiggest open-air bath onsen in Japan. Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami Gunma, Japan / FOREVERVANNY.comBiggest open-air bath onsen in Japan. Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami Gunma, Japan / FOREVERVANNY.comBiggest open-air bath onsen in Japan. Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami Gunma, Japan / FOREVERVANNY.com
Neutral winter outfits, camel coat and Dr. Martens boots, Biggest open-air bath onsen in Japan. Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami Gunma, Japan / FOREVERVANNY.comCamel coat portraits, wood and glass door close up portrait, camel double face coat, Biggest open-air bath onsen in Japan. Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami Gunma, Japan / FOREVERVANNY.com

Getting to this onsen was a bit of a journey though. Instead of using the JR/Shinkansen trains, we got a package that provided a kaiseki-style dinner and breakfast along with roundtrip bus rides from Shinjuku Station. Taking the train would have saved us about 2 hours from the entire journey, but, it would mean that we would have to trek our way to the location of the onsen without their shuttle service. Compared to taking the train, the bus ride lasted about 4 hours total, with stops several times throughout at some pretty cool rest stops. My boyfriend and I agreed that this was probably just as fun as the stay at the onsen to be quite honest. It's not every day that you can take a long drive through rural parts of Japan without worrying about driving and just catching up and stopping for snacks. Plus we actually went on a weekday (Thursday) meaning there was no tourists in sight and only 6 other guests on a 40 person bus with us.

Using the hotel's mode of transport ensured that we would arrive on time for check-in. Meaning we didn't have much time to really explore the grounds before our dinner promptly at 6:30 pm.

Kaiseki dinner, Biggest open-air bath onsen in Japan. Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami Gunma, Japan / FOREVERVANNY.comKaiseki dinner, sake tasting, sashimi course, Biggest open-air bath onsen in Japan. Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami Gunma, Japan / FOREVERVANNY.com
Ryokan stay, wooden japanese room, Biggest open-air bath onsen in Japan. Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami Gunma, Japan / FOREVERVANNY.com
Couple in ryokans rooms, snow window onsen, onsen room with snow backdrop, Biggest open-air bath onsen in Japan. Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami Gunma, Japan / FOREVERVANNY.com

Biggest open-air bath onsen in Japan. Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami Gunma, Japan / FOREVERVANNY.comBiggest open-air bath onsen in Japan. Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami Gunma, Japan / FOREVERVANNY.com

Sleeping early allowed us to wake up pretty early the next morning to go soak in the onsen, finally. To our surprise, there are actually 4 open-air onsens in the vicinity. One each specifically for each gender, and two co-op baths (I believe). The photos above are of me in the gloriously acclaimed "biggest open-air bath onsen" in all of Japan. It was such a cool experience to be able to float around in warm water with snow and a river surrounding me. It was also really calm and peaceful since there weren't many people in around (hence being able to take these photos despite being in an onsen). It is also worth noting that you are given a yukata to wear for walking around and between the baths when you check in. Girls are given a short dress to bathe in the co-op baths too!

Alas, my snow cravings were satisfied and I didn't even feel that much burdened by it - instead, it made me even more relieved. If you're looking for a close to nature experience in Tokyo the next time you visit, then I highly recommend this little gem. I can only imagine how pretty it is during the foliage fall season.

For more of my Japan adventures, click here.


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

March 3, 2019

Free People Ski Jacket, Gunma Prefecture Tokyo, styling Dr. Marten Jadon platform boots, snowy outfit ideas, Tokyo style / A Little Cold - FOREVERVANNY.com - Personal Style Blog by Van LeFree People Ski Jacket, Gunma Prefecture Tokyo, styling Dr. Marten Jadon platform boots, snowy outfit ideas, Tokyo style / A Little Cold - FOREVERVANNY.com - Personal Style Blog by Van LeFree People Ski Jacket, Gunma Prefecture Tokyo, styling Dr. Marten Jadon platform boots, snowy outfit ideas, Tokyo style / A Little Cold - FOREVERVANNY.com - Personal Style Blog by Van Le

If you're following me on Instagram, then you'll already know that I recently took a quick trip outside of Tokyo's center to a prefecture that's a little colder than where I am, Gunma. And quite frankly, to find a reason to dress appropriately for winter, just this once.

Living in New York and experiencing some of the worst winters of my entire life for the past 15 years or so, it just didn't feel quite right with the mild one that I've had in Tokyo last/this year. Upon landing in the middle of nowhere on a mountain full of fluffy patches of snow, my heart started to race as if I have always genuinely never been bothered by the cold. And of course, instead of taking really beautiful photos by them, my eyes automatically gravitated towards these big yellow tractor looking trucks meant for clearing snowy roads. For what it's worth, I thought that my purple puffer jacket looked pretty cool against them.

In my previous post, I mentioned trying to break in these platforms Dr. Marten for the past couple of weeks or so - and I'm so glad I did before I took them out to walk around this snowy place. I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy they feel, and how warm they are too. Definitely, an investment for future winters to come (you can get them now on sale at Shopbop since the 'GOBIG19' sale have been extended until 3/4.)

Coat: Free People
Black Sweater: Similar here
Pants: AGOLDE
Shoes: Dr. Marten 'Jadon'
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11

Photo by Shun S.

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No Grey Days

February 28, 2019

Everlane Day Boots, Tokyo street style, shearling jacket outfits, Loewe puzzle bag in Stone Blue, personal style blogger Van Le / No Grey Days - FOREVERVANNY.com
Everlane Day Boots, Tokyo street style, shearling jacket outfits, Loewe puzzle bag in Stone Blue, personal style blogger Van Le / No Grey Days - FOREVERVANNY.comEverlane Day Boots, Tokyo street style, shearling jacket outfits, Loewe puzzle bag in Stone Blue, personal style blogger Van Le / No Grey Days - FOREVERVANNY.com
Everlane Day Boots, Tokyo street style, shearling jacket outfits, Loewe puzzle bag in Stone Blue, personal style blogger Van Le / No Grey Days - FOREVERVANNY.com

It's a little weird to say this, but can construction even be called an aesthetic? If so, I really think that it suits me. I think I've written something about this a while back, but it really does make me feel like I'm in my zone whenever I pass by an interesting scaffolding situation. At a glance, you might think that this was probably photoshopped to be Tiffany blue, but this is what the scene looked like when I stopped my boyfriend for a quick shot when I saw this site.

Without taking too long, I realized that this set up went perfectly with my shearling and neutral outfit and a pop of blue. I was recently sent these pair of 'Day Boots' from Everlane's new collection, and in love is quite an understatement. Between juggling breaking into my new Jadon platform Dr. Martens and thick socks, my feet were at ease to be snug in a warm, yet light pair of boots, for a quick change. Hence the title, '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.

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Press to Resume / 012019

February 25, 2019

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Cafe Felix, pretty New York coffee shops, floral wallpaper cafe, New York personal style blogger, New York City lifestyle - Press to Resume / 012019 - FOREVERVANNY.com

Don’t get used to this regular-posts-type thing that I’ve been able to maintain in the past month or so. It’s still only the very beginning of the year, and honestly, the most productive I’ll ever be. You’ll be back to one post per month by April- I promise.

Nothing much has been happening, and I’m kind of enjoying the peacefulness of it all, for once. Last year around this time, I was drowning in emails and desperately looking for all excuses to escape my digital cell of a life. A lot of people, especially those ‘hustling’ via social media tend to glorify the idea of being busy, and working hard- and if that’s the kind of shit that’ll motivate you, then you won’t find it by reading anything I have to say.

Don’t get me wrong, I used to be there too. At 22, I felt like I had my whole life planned out. I knew exactly where I wanted to be at 24, then 25, and 28- but guess what, I could care less about how old I am anymore and what I’ll be doing in 6 months, let alone next year. I’ve found comfort in the fact that you can plan your life out a certain way, but life just has its own plans for you too. The best form of medicine to keep you sane through it all is just to take it with a grain of salt.

January was quite the month to start off 2019. It felt like it was eight weeks long as opposed to four. And now that’ll make me feel like February is only here for a week or so.

Added To Cart
Lilac Lusting



Fashion: Brand Work
January 7, 2019

Fire escape fashion editorial, sustainable denim brand, AndAgain NYC, recycled jeans, colorblocked denim, New York personal style blogger, New York City lifestyle - Press to Resume / 012019 - FOREVERVANNY.com
Fire escape fashion editorial, sustainable denim brand, AndAgain NYC, recycled jeans, colorblocked denim, New York personal style blogger, New York City lifestyle - Press to Resume / 012019 - FOREVERVANNY.comFire escape fashion editorial, sustainable denim brand, AndAgain NYC, recycled jeans, colorblocked denim, New York personal style blogger, New York City lifestyle - Press to Resume / 012019 - FOREVERVANNY.com

One of my highlights in New York was linking up with these two creatives making a difference in sustainable fashion by launching a re/up-cycled denim brand straight out of college. Morgan and Greg were such a fresh of breath air to have a conversation with as it seems like they were truly invested in what they were doing and the differences that they were making despite how labor intensive it is in customizing pretty much each product that they produce. As a partnership with them, I picked out these vintage up-cycled denim pair that was color-blocked and linked together with belt loops that are often overlook when you think about recycling denim.

Top: &Other Stories
Pants: AndAgain c/o
Shoes: Acne Studios

Shot in Bronx, NY - Self-portraits

Added To Cart
Shopbop Sale Picks

I've always been a big fan of Shopbop, especially during the sales periods. Spring is just around the corner and I've linked quite a few things that I'm currently keeping in my cart waiting for this. It was pretty mild this winter for me, so I haven't been able to play around with much layerings or anything like that. It certainly does make me gravitate towards more florals and color-block prints to add depth to my outfits.

Look out for pieces that are labeled *Key Styles* and you can get 15% off $200+, 20% off $500+, or 25% off $800+ orders that include both sales and full price items.



Fashion
January 10, 2019

Rainy outfit, winter white outfits, monochromatic looks for winter, shearing jacket and burbery scarf, New York personal style blogger, New York City lifestyle - Press to Resume / 012019 - FOREVERVANNY.comRainy outfit, winter white outfits, monochromatic looks for winter, shearing jacket and burbery scarf, New York personal style blogger, New York City lifestyle - Press to Resume / 012019 - FOREVERVANNY.com




  Coat: ASTR the Label via Shopbop
Sweater: Acne Studios
Pants: Uniqlo
Shoes: Common Projects
Scarf: Burberry
Bag: Chanel

Photo by Ying C. 

Fashion
January 13, 2019

Maman Hudson coffeeshop, cute New York coffee shops, New York personal style blogger, New York City lifestyle - Press to Resume / 012019 - FOREVERVANNY.com

Top: Cecilie Copenhagen
Pants: AGOLDE
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Meli Melo

Shot at Maman Hudson - Photo by Zoe Y.

Fashion
January 20, 2019

Tokyo vending machines, olive green coat outfits, how to dress for Tokyo in the fall, New York personal style blogger, New York City lifestyle - Press to Resume / 012019 - FOREVERVANNY.com

Olive Coat: Mute By JL (similar here)
Top: &Other Stories
Pants: AGOLDE
Shoes: Acne Studios
Bag: JW Anderson Velvet Pierce

Photo by Shun S.

Life
January 24, 2019

Lob haircut, Tokyo hairstylists, MINX Harajuku, New York personal style blogger - Press to Resume / 012019 - FOREVERVANNY.com
Up until last year, I was getting a haircut every 2 years or so, and they were really cheap ones for like 30$ in Chinatown in New York. Now that I've been fully committed to having a lob (long-bob) because it just makes my life so much easier to maintain (wash and dry every 2-3 days), I get a fresh trim every 6 months. I also think finding a great hair dresser is really important to ease into a haircut routine because I no longer feel that anxiety right before chopping off my hair. If you're in Tokyo, check out MINX in Omotesando/Harajuku area.

Fashion
January 26, 2019

Camel and beige coat outfit, Loewe Puzzle Bag in stone blue, simple outfits in Daikanyama, Tokyo streetstyle, New York personal style blogger - Press to Resume / 012019 - FOREVERVANNY.comCamel and beige coat outfit, Loewe Puzzle Bag in stone blue, simple outfits in Daikanyama, Tokyo streetstyle, New York personal style blogger - Press to Resume / 012019 - FOREVERVANNY.com

Coat: United Arrow JP (similar here)
Top: Acne Studios
Pants: GRLFRND Denim
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Loewe Puzzle Bag (Stone Blue)

Photo by Shun S.

Wearing
All pieces in this post




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Olive Green

February 4, 2019

Simple winter outfits with sheer socks, speckled knit turtleneck, how to wear white jeans in the winter, olive green coat outfit ideas, New York personal style blogger, Tokyo street style - Olive Green Coat / FOREVERVANNY Personal Style Blog in New York and TokyoSimple winter outfits, speckled knit turtleneck, how to wear white jeans in the winter, olive green coat outfit ideas, New York personal style blogger, Tokyo street style - Olive Green Coat / FOREVERVANNY Personal Style Blog in New York and TokyoSimple winter outfits, speckled knit turtleneck, how to wear white jeans in the winter, olive green coat outfit ideas, New York personal style blogger, Tokyo street style - Olive Green Coat / FOREVERVANNY Personal Style Blog in New York and TokyoSimple winter outfits, speckled knit turtleneck, how to wear white jeans in the winter, olive green coat outfit ideas, New York personal style blogger, Tokyo street style - Olive Green Coat / FOREVERVANNY Personal Style Blog in New York and TokyoSimple winter outfits, speckled knit turtleneck, how to wear white jeans in the winter, olive green coat outfit ideas, New York personal style blogger, Tokyo street style, Proenza Schouler PS11 with green coat - Olive Green Coat / FOREVERVANNY Personal Style Blog in New York and Tokyo

I hope you guys aren’t sick of this olive green coat yet - because I sure am…NOT. I haven’t been able to shop for a while, or more honestly, been in the mood to shop. I don’t know about you guys, but clothes haven’t been all that interesting as of late. Everything is way too overpriced, mainstream trends are supersaturated. I feel like I should be giving in to low-rise skinny jeans now after seeing 20 articles about it this week. I don’t know. Maybe I just haven’t realized it until now, but fashion can be quite pushy on the making-a-sales-quick kind of end?

Someone recently asked me what my style is, or how did I find my style via Instagram, and I honestly didn’t even know what my answer to that would be. I don’t even know if anyone’s style is even distinct from anyone’s anymore like it was back in 2008.

So I simply left my answer at: "I guess my style is just wearing the same things over and over again in various ways".

Olive Green Coat: Mute by JL (similar Mansur Gavriel)
Speckled Sweater: Moon River
Pants: Uniqlo (similar)
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Proenza Schouler

Self-portraits


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