blogs

1. Floral Items

There is a thrift shop chain, called “Tanpopo.” There are several in Tokyo. They have a 100 yen section (about 1 USD), and I use it for some of my more adventurous style choices because it is so cheap. If something doesn’t work, no problem…it was only a buck. On a recent trip I picked up these two floral items. I like the vintage feel. For the brown mini dress, I modified the back neckline to a V, changed the skirt shape from a flare to an I line and added extra lace at hem.

2. Small Stud Earrings

To pair with spring/summer clothes, I like smaller earrings like these pearl studs and gold huggie earrings. When we have more skin showing, I think smaller earrings look better and seem a bit more classy. On the other hand, in the winter, when my skin is covered and wearing darker colors, I prefer big statement earrings. In any case, I updated my earring collections with these, plus made a few by myself by simply supergluing the earring parts to pretty stones I found laying around in my sewing room.

3. Obi bag

Initially, I made this to sell at my pop up shop. I like to incorporate new items that are non-clothing items every time I do pop up. I do this to diversify and add something new for my customers to come and see. The last pop up was in an area of Tokyo called Oshiage. Oshiage is East of Tokyo where the Tokyo Sky Tree is. I made a bunch of computer cases, mini backpacks and totes using obi fabrics. I had many obis donated but was was reluctant to use them for clothes because of the fabric’s stiffness. However that kind of fabric works really well for bags. 

This particular one in silver and blue is easy to integrate into my wardrobe, and I ended up not putting it up for sale. When I first saw the obi, I could not envisioned myself wearing it, but in a mini bag form, it turned out to be a good accent piece for my wardrobe, which consists of mostly solid neutral colors. Everytime I take this with me, people comment on it. Even my brother, who is rather critical about my fashion tastes, said he liked it! 

4. Ear cuffs

I love this trend! I’ve contemplated wearing cartridge ear piercing, but was scared to actually take the plunge. With ear cuffs, I love how I can be a bit “edgy” without going through the painful experience of getting the actual piercing. I added two to my collections this Spring, both from Au-Rate(here and here). I take inspiration from Valeria Lipovetsky’s instagram on how to layer dainty jewelry.  

What have you added / will you add to your Spring 2021 wardrobe?