I don't even know where I should begin to write about May and June. And July too. It has been way too long. I kept telling myself that I'll work on the blog every day, but truthfully, it just hasn't been easy. At first, the monthly recaps were meant to motivate me to publish on a more consistent basis, even if that meant once a month. However, as you can tell (not even sure who's even reading this anymore), it has slowly drifted from me.

Of course, beyond just publishing purposes, it might also be due to the fact that I just haven't been too moved to express anything as of late...

This year is flying by and I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not. How is it almost the middle of August already?

Anyway, while I'm feeling a little talkative today, let me finally share some snippets of what went on the past few months.

May

If you remembered, April was a pretty eventful month for me. Some of my closest friends came for a long term stay and I got to go on a few memorable adventures to enjoy the cherry blossom season in Tokyo. This made May a much-needed recovery month for me in terms of personal energy and space.

There were a lot of days that I remembered sleeping through for 13 hours at a time because I was that mentally drained. Happens pretty often for me when life is too fast-paced. To change up the mood a bit, Shun and I took a weekend trip to Kamakura for the first time since I've been in Tokyo. We didn't expect much from the trip since it seems like such a temple and shrined focused area. But, we ended up being blown away by how awesome and diverse it was in terms of terrains and things to do. So much that we ended up going back there later in July with a friend visiting and wanted to try the train cafe that we ate at too.

Towards the end of May, I went back to NYC for a couple of projects, so the rest earlier in the month was super important.

Outfit

May 05, 2019

Top: Cecillie Bahnsen and INSCIRE (oversized white tee)
Pants: GRLFRND Helena High-rise
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Proenza Schouler and Fendi Bag Bug

Photo by Shun S.

Travel

Kamakura, Tokyo

Dress: Faithfull the Brand 
Blazer: JP, similar here
Shoes: Common Project
Bag: Sezané

Photo by Shun S.

Outfit

May 28, 2019

Dress: Faithfull the Brand
Shoes: Common Project
Bag: Polené Paris

Photo by Shun S.

Wearing

All outfits in May

June

Both excited and anxious, I came back to New York with such mixed feelings. On one hand, I was looking forward to seeing my mom, sister, and friends; on another, I was worried I'd be too overwhelmed with the pace as I haven't been back for such a long time (since January). Ironically, I purposed booked such a short trip to prevent being too occupied with seeing familiar faces and making unintended plans that would drain me out. You guys probably know by now that I left NYC for a reason. Still, I can't deny how gratuitous it feels to be able to call this city home. It's such a love and hate relationship.

Outfit

June 4, 2019

Top: Thrifted
Pants: GRLFRND Helena High-rise
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Loewe Puzzle Bag

Photo by Shun S.

Outfit

June 12, 2019

Top: Stelen via NeedSupply
Pants: Trave Denim
Shoes: Textured slides (old)
Bag: Pipatchara
Accessories: Monica Vinader Signature Bracelet, Ring

Photo by Christina L.

Outfit

June 14, 2019

Dress: LPA
Shoes: Roger Vivier
Bag: Loewe Puzzle Bag

Photo by Christina L.

Outfit

June 18, 2019

Top: &OtherStories
Shorts: &OtherStories
Shoes: Common Project
Bag: Chanel (more on this vintage via Rebag)

Photo by Ying C.

Outfit

June 26, 2019

Dress: Revolve
Shoes: Common Project
Bag: MeliMelo in Black

Photo by Christina L.

Wearing

All outfits in June

July

And now finally, at last, July came. After a super productive few weeks in New York, I came back to the rainy season in Tokyo. Maybe the world is adapting to my schedule in a way, but this made it so easy to unpack, unwind, and take all the naps that my heart desired.

This year, the rainy season lasted an extra month or something according to reports. I made the most of it though, by going to slow cafes, visiting the museums, and even botanical gardens. Crazy how Tokyo is worlds apart from New York, but I never feel homesick.

With that said, I'm so relieved that I finally got to jot down these thoughts for the past few months. Hopefully, I'll be better about these posts from here on out. I still can't believe that there are only 4 months left in the year.

Outfit

July 10, 2019

Top: Slobe Ine (JP)
Pants: Agolde
Shoes: Ancient Greek Sandals (similar)
Bag: Chanel WOC

Photo by Shun S.

Outfit

July 11, 2019

Blazer: &OtherStories Double Breasted Linen Blazer
Skirt: Leopard (similar here)
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Proenza Schouler

Photo by Shun S.

Outfit

July 17, 2019

Dress: Dear Jose (Vietnamese Label)
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Polené Paris

Photo by Shun S.
Shot at the National Art Center, Tokyo

Outfit

July 29, 2019

Top: Van Gogh Museum Tee
Shorts: Agolde
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: J.W Anderson Pierce Velvet Mini

Photo by Shun S.

Wearing

All outfits in July

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Chanel Camellia Flap Bag Velvet (Pre-Owned)

The bag purchase reviews that I've written on this blog have been the ones featuring bags that I absolutely loved and have decided to personally invest in. The last bag that I wrote about was my Loewe Puzzle Bag in the color 'stone blue'. Since then, I haven't been quite active in growing my bag collection as I felt like it was pretty complete already. In recent years, more independent and young bag brands have also caught my attention, so I have been exploring that. I really love Cult Gaia, Staud, Danse Lente and Yuzefi. Seeing these new brands' take on handbags in terms of shapes, designs, and even color-ways have somewhat inspired me to compare them to bags of the pasts.

As I've mentioned in my last style posts featuring this Chanel Camellia Velvet bag, this is my first attempt at trying out the practice of investing in a pre-owned bag. For full transparency, I actually borrowed this bag for a short period of time from Rebag, as opposed to committing to actually purchasing it, to get a sense of how it would feel like. Rebag has a program where you can actually purchase one for 6 months to get you started, so definitely take advantage of this if you are like me, and are hesitant about this.

Knowing that I'm receiving a pre-owned bag, I was already prepared to see small imperfections, such as scratches and fades of metal finishes. Even so, when I actually opened up the package and saw it, I barely noticed any of those marks. This just goes to know that my worries about receiving something slightly flawed weren't stronger than my impression of how one-of-a-kind this bag was.

Now on to some of my thoughts on the bag itself. When it comes to my personal standards for what deems a bag worthy in my collection, the two things that I really focus on is uniqueness and practicality.

Upon sharing this bag via social, many people responded that this was not a typical Chanel, which of course, I couldn't agree more. However, if one really knows the history of Gabrielle Chanel, then they would also know that the camellia is actually one of her favorite flowers (making this bag, kind of truly Chanel?). Secondly, the bag is a flap bag style with three sectionals inside making it quite organized and roomy for the everyday essentials. Personally, I'm not a big fan of an accordion style bags as I'm someone that prefers to have one open compartment - but if this is your style, then you'll find that it's quite roomy as the compartments do expand quite a bit. Another thing to note about this bag that it can be pretty high maintenance since I did notice that the velvet is pretty prone to dents and dust.

Lastly, you might be wondering how such a bold bag works for my wardrobe. But let me tell you- although this bag is pre-owned and let go by someone else, it somehow felt like a piece that I owned myself. Don't let my monochromatic and grungy looks on certain days fool you- I'm a sucker for a good statement bag (and I actually already have another velvet bag in my collection). This Chanel easily dresses up any casual black dress, and even dark boyfriend jeans with a white tee shirt; it doesn't get simpler and more universal than that! The burgundy is such a classic color. If you need an outfit example, you can see this post here.

With everything said, the bag is now back with the Rebag team and will be up for grabs soon. Highly recommend this precious bag for anyone who's looking into vintage or pre-own bags.

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Chanel's Favorite Camellia

I'm not sure how long it's been since I last had a full style post on the blog but I hope that this one caught you pleasantly surprised. I recently had the chance of coming back to NYC for a quick two weeks for some industry/work related things. Being away from NYC, meant being away from my core closet so it was nice to have a chance to review clothing I haven't touched in over a year and make some adjustments to it.

For the most part, I've always considered my NYC uniform as being more monochromatic and this white on white look couldn't have been more of testimony for that. Transparently, I have been working with &OtherStories for the past couple of years and was stoked when I saw their latest sustainable capsule that included these linen blends and eco-conscious pieces. By now you're probably already familiar with my efforts in pushing towards a more ethical/sustainable approach to fashion and my latest interview with Dialogue really made me want to solidify that from here on out. Hence, another reason why I was eager to share this look and talk about it.

Along with this look is also a pre-owned Chanel bag that I got a chance to borrow from Rebag while I'm stateside. I've always been hesitant towards buying pre-owned designer things knowing well that it's also another great way of practicing sustainability because I honestly didn't feel that it would be as great of a purchase as having something brand new, and prettily wrapped up.

Maybe being in Tokyo for the past year has really had a great effect on me, but I'm now such a sucker for more novelty pieces and things that are one of a kind. How I thought I would feel, versus how I really felt when I received this velvet camellia Chanel in the mail was such a juxtaposing feeling. Despite being so bold and colorful, I actually feel like it's such a character piece to add to any of my outfits that I've been wearing for the past week or so since having it. This bag is going right back to the team when I leave for Tokyo so feel free to snatch it up!

Top: &Otherstories
Pants: &Otherstories
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Chanel Camellia Compartment Flap Bag Velvet/Leather via Rebag
Accessories: Monica Vinader Diamond Signature Bangle

Photo by Ying C.

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Cherry Blossom Season As A Local / 042019

April 2019 was one heck of a month for me this year. Not only did I get to spend my first Spring ever in Tokyo with Shun, but I also got so much company from close friends. From going on a road trip at the end of March with Brian to Christina and Sandra visiting for 3 weeks or so, it was quite eventful, to say the least. I'll keep it short since this post is way overdue and I don't quite remember all of my sentiments for everything that happened. Looking back, I just know for sure that next Spring in Japan is going to be even more spectacular.

Asides from all of the photo credits, you'll also find the location where each set of photos were taken. Hopefully, this will serve as a mini guide to where you can grab your cherry blossom shots next year from a local tourist like me.

Outfit

April 1, 2019

Coat: Alpha Industries
Top: Shopbop (similar Mara Hoffman)
Pants: AGOLDE
Shoes: Common Projects

Photo by Brian N.
Shot in Roppongi, Tokyo

Outfit

April 5, 2019

Shirt: GAP Tee
Dress: &OtherStories
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: STAUD

Photo by Christina L.
Shot in Chidorigafuchi Park, Tokyo

Outfit

April 10, 2019

Top: &OtherStories
Pants: GRLFRND
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Sezané 'Croco Victor Bag'

Photo by Christina L.
Shot in Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Tokyo

Outfit

April 13, 2019

Top: Acne Studios
Pants: AGOLDE
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Sezané 'Croco Victor Bag'

Photo by Christina L.
Shot in Shinjuku Piss Alley (Omoide Yokocho), Tokyo

Outfit

April 14, 2019

Linen Blazer: (similar &OtherStories)
Top: GAP Tee
Skirt: VICI
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Proenza Schouler

Photo by Shun S.
Shot in Itabashi-ku, Tokyo

Outfit

April 21, 2019

Denim Jacket: Moontan via WCONCEPT
Dress: VICI
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Loewe Puzzle in 'Stone Blue'

Photo by Shun S.
Shot in Shibuya, Tokyo

Wearing

All pieces in this post

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