Ku:nel fashion

The fashion spreads in Ku:nel are so so good it makes me want to throw every bedazzled and garish piece of clothing out of my wardrobe. That won't happen though. You never know when you'll need a purple sequined batwing sleeve. My grandma taught me well.

There is something beautiful about quality materials and simple cuts that is both refreshing and bare. Sometimes simple can be in fact, quite difficult. The nice thing about Japan is you see this kind of look on the streets a lot, and everyone has their own interpretation. I apologise for the quality of the scans, my wee machine may be in need of an upgrade.

Also, thank you for the lovely comments for the competition. The winner is Joy, congratulations! You can email me your postal address at gemmarasmussen@gmail.com and I'll have that package in the post later this week. Assembling the package was A LOT of fun so I'll definitely be doing some more Japan inspired give aways in the future.

Instant

My cute wee neighbor, always ready to hi-5

Living here, I've automatically started flipping peace whenever someone whips out a camera. Can't. seem. to. help. myself.

Dance festival on Sado island. Sugoi!

These ladies told me "I am strong woman. I am boss' and then burst out laughing. I think they have a lot of fun together.

My friend Mike tried on my denim jacket. Doesn't quite fit.

Occasionally it feels so good to talk English to other native speakers in Japan.

Hip hop night at a local club. Sometimes they'll stop the music and have a dance competition. I've witnessed some really cheesy synchronized moves. Amazing!

After toying with the idea for a while, I got a fuji film instant camera. It sure is nice to have a polaroid back in my life. I forgot the thrill of watching it develop before my eyes and the joy of being able to share it with people instantly. Thanks for all the lovely comments on the hyaku en post. I'll announce the winner tomorrow! 

More than one

hellohowdyhiya

ysl rings

Socks and rings - happiness

The joy of the 100 yen store

When I first arrived in Japan I couldn't get over how amazing the hyaku (100) yen stores were. This was the place of dreams! Plants, house slippers, cute sponges, bento boxes, origami paper, washi tape and so much more, all for a pittance.

 Whenever I'm feeling rather poor but have the need for a mini shopping spree I bike on over and buy myself a pretty new plant or a nail polish bottle. Or I can pretend I'm being 'practical' and buy an array of kawaii sponges for the kitchen.  The nail polish is seriously the best I have ever tried which was a bit surprise so I've been stocking up large. It has the best finish and lasts for a week!

I'm happy to make a mini hyaku en package (some washi tape, nail polish, a set of cards, some origami paper and perhaps a few other little treats) for one special reader so just drop me a line in the comments box and I'll pick a winner next week.  

I hope you're all having a wonderful week so far! x x

It can't hurt to dream, right?

Images: mark borthwick, yataro matsuura, muji, dreamcats, cultivate modesty, freunde von freunde, that girl lucy, and fewer shades.

I went to the Muji in Sendai last week and ahh, it got me house dreaming. I sat down on one of their ultra comfy couches and actually dozed off for about five minutes. I caught more than a few bemused Japanese people looking at me!

 I would love to be a purist and have a simple light dappled home with a few sparse but beautifully placed objects but alas, I am more of a hoarder and a thifter that leads to haphazard collections of bizarre things and a cluttering of my shelves. If I could have a dream house, I think it would look a little something like this (cats included!)

ps. I just booked tickets for Christmas. London, Pareeee, Amstredam, Singapore, here I come! I'm so excited.

I love that girl

How great are these polaroids of Amy Poehler? Taken in 1998 for a tv sketch show on comedy central they really highlight how ahhhmazing she is. Hehe. The monobrow one, so good. You can read more about it at NY Mag.

Goodbye Summer

The Japanese summer departed swiftly leaving me rather surprised and clutching at my winter coats. Unlike New Zealand where the weather dilly dallies between seasons Japan is all about the sharp and defined change of the seasons. I'm now dreading seeing Australian and New Zealand friends popping up in my news feed, bathed in light and leisurely sipping on wine. Ahh the envy. I'm a summer kid! That said, here are some snaps taken over the past few weeks.