Numazu Recycle Shop Adventure!

Yesterday I set out on an adventure to find a recycle shop in Numazu. It was suggested by Leah's friend who drew a map in her notebook. She hadn't had a chance to give it to me so she took a picture of it with her cell phone and emailed it to me. It was a small map and I was terrified I was going to get lost as it was rather far from my apartment. Nevertheless I managed to find it. It was located in a strip mall in what seemed like the middle of no where. There was a 100 yen store, a Muji, a grocery store and a few restaurants. I rode my bicycle through the very industrial and eerie part of Numazu. I was sure glad to finally arrive at the right place!

The store was organized into men's and women's. The women's clothes were sorted by styles for instance, punk, goth or casual. The men's selection was quite a bit larger. It was sorted into jeans, t-shirts, hats and jackets. They also had a section for big labels like Comme des Garcons and Ralph Lauren. They even had guitars, music, cds, belt buckles, jewelry and bags. I looked in the men's for some boyfriend jeans and found a great pair of Abercrombie and Fitch but they were extremely overpriced. All in all I found the store a little bit overpriced. There were some great things there though and it was so much fun finding a new place! You can see my finds below.

Entertainment Recycle Shop Numazu

Women's.

Men's.

Women's shoes.

Women's.

Men's t-shirts.

A cool sign.

Guitars and hats anyone?

A cute pair of shoes I tried on that

didn't fit quite right!

Music anyone?

Comme des Garcons.

The Building.

There were a few other stores

inside as well.

Celine purse/make up bag.

500 yen or about five dollars.

Marforio Venezia Purse.

Does anyone know this label?

I just liked the style and

look of it. Tired of having

mass produced purses.

1,000 yen or about

ten dollars.

Some cool bangles. A bit overpriced.

700 yen each or about seven dollars.

A Rainy Season Day

Glorious Sunday. Today I went for lunch with my good friend Kaori! She took me to an Asian cafe called Cafe Su-ha in Numazu. We had spring rolls, Phở soup and chicken. For desert we had herbal Echinacea tea (Yogi tea) and she had the deep fried banana and ice cream and I had a wonderful blueberry muffin with whipped cream. I didn't have a chance to take any pictures but I hope to go back again. It was a cute cafe and the food was quite delicious! After a wonderful afternoon, I was walking to the grocery store and took these pictures of the stormy rainy season sky. I am told that rainy season is almost over. It will be a relief except for the fact that it is going to get extremely hot in the next few weeks!

I am off on a recycling shop adventure tomorrow. Kaori took me to one today and I have a map from a friend for another one in Numazu. If I am not successful, I am going back to the one I went to today to have a good look around. The recycle shops are amazing here. So cheap and all of the clothes are washed and in great shape. They had a large variety of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Tiffany's and Burberry products. Such fun!

Yves Saint Laurent-Men's Spring 2010

A few days ago Yves Saint Laurent's Stefano Pilati showcased his collection for Spring 2010. I have to say that it was not overly inspiring. There was heavy layering and everything seemed to fit loosely. The pants seemed far to short for most of the men as I am sure was intended. It just didn't look right. His suits and jackets were wonderful as always, but the casual wear just looked too busy and bulky. I did enjoy the short film that he presented before his collection. Keeping up with the other houses (Chanel and Dior) who presented short films this year to draw attention to their collections. The video stars Jules the son of director Samuel Benchetrit. What did you think of the film?



(Video courtesy of NYMag)

Yves Saint Laurent-Spring 2010

(Images via style.com)

Currently Loving Peter Som

There is definitely one thing that I love about style.com. They have the best itunes video podcasts! They are narrated by Tim Blanks and feature video footage from all of the latest collections. I usually catch up on all of the videos on my ipod touch when I am on the trains in Japan. I just recently stumbled across a video of Peter Som's Spring '09 Collection (on my way home from Tokyo) and fell in love. This gave me a boost of inspiration for dressing in the unbelievably humid Japan weather. It is only June and the rainy season! Apparently August and September get to be pretty unbearable but I am sure I will find out soon enough. Summer is going to fly by! Back to Peter. I loved the silhouettes of each and every one of his pieces. They were figure flattering and made of elegant fabrics. Many of the pieces featured tight bodices and flowing skirts. He also incorporated a variety of lengths, patterns and colors used throughout his collection. Here are a few of my favorites!

Peter Som Spring '09
(Images via style.com)

Shimmering fabrics.

The casua belts with the
more sophisticated fabrics
create a great contrast.

I love how you can sense

the movement of this piece
even though it is a still shot.

Immediately after realizing that the collection I viewed on the podcast was dated, I checked his Fall '09 Collection. I was a little bit disappointed, however I realized that he has had quite the rollercoaster of a year. This year he parted ways with his financial backer and was forced to create a self-financed capsule collection. He chose to mix a variety of patterns and textures in each of his looks, including: furs, tweeds and leathers. I found it rather confusing and distracting. Many of the pieces are quite beautiful but they are just not quite right together. Nevertheless, I love the silhouettes! Here are my top two favorite pieces of his sixteen piece collection. Thoughts?

Peter Som Fall '09

Men's Wear-Ed Westwick in GQ

My wonderful cousin sent me the link to these fabulous images of Mr. Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl's Chuck Bass) for GQ. What a wonderful way to start the day! I chose two of my favorite looks. I have never really posted much on men's wear but I'm starting to think it's not a bad idea :) I would love to hear..who are your favorite Gossip Girl Female and Male Characters?


In this image Ed Westwick is wearing a multi pocketed Gap Leather Jacket. Gap is definitely making a come back! This look is a bit different than what we are used to seeing him in and it suits him. The Tie is Rag & Bone, the pants are Prada and the boots are Aldo! I like how the stylists chose pieces that are from a variety of labels.

(Images courtesy of GQ Magazine)

Now this is what we are used to seeing "Chuck" (Gossip Girl) in. I quite like the double breasted jacket but perhaps a classic pink shirt would have suited him more? It seems like we are always seeing him in something pink. The shirt washes him out a little bit but the suit is fabulous! Agree ? The suit is by Emporio Armani, the shirt is by Tim Hamilton, the Tie is by Fred Perry, shoes by Tom Ford and pocket square by Neil Barrett.

Kamakura in the Summer

It seems like ages ago when I first ventured to Kamakura; it was only six months ago! Imagine? On Monday I met my lovely friend Shirin, visiting from Vancouver, for an afternoon admiring the shrines and Buddha. The weather was overcast but the rain held off. I couldn't believe how colorful everything was. The gardens were in full bloom and the forests were lush and vibrant. There were also crowds and crowds of people! As I practice my photography skills, I am becoming more selective in my picture taking. I took a few really interesting pictures throughout the day and thought I would share them with you. To see more of my photos you can click on my flickr. I wil have the rest of them up shortly. Thank you for all your lovely comments about the Yukata Festival!

A pond in front of the shrine.

Can you spy the dragon fly?

Kamakura beach from above.

Everyone wanted a glimpse of
Kamakura from above.

Couldn't resist this one.

A black and white buddha for a change.
We even went inside!

Something a little different.
(I think this one is similar to
something Luke the photographer
would take!)

Yoshiwara Yukata Festival

Yesterday I got to go to a wonderful Yukata Festival in Yoshiwara (Fuji). On Saturday evening, the night before the festival, Missy had us over to her house. We went to a beautiful Onsen after work to relax after yet another hectic week. On Sunday we woke up and went to SuntoMoon and did some shopping and visited the international foods store. We went back to Missy's house where her wonderful Mom, Masako, dressed us in summer Yukatas for the festival. Masako and Missy were so patient as they put on our delicate gowns and slowly wound the red obis around our waists. There are actually two: one to secure the material around your waist and then a second, thicker one, on top which is tied at the back in a bow. The Yukatas are beautiful but they are definitely not very comfortable to wear in the summer heat! After Missy and her Mom dressed us we had to rush to the station to take all of our things home before the festival and I have to say it was extremely hot and sticky. Nevertheless, we made it to the festival where we met Kaori and her friend Shiho.

As soon as we got off the train, we saw a flurry of girls and women in beautiful Yukatas and bright lights. We heard loud drumming and as we turned the corner we saw large carts lit up and carrying people enthusiastically banging taiko drums! These carts were maneuvered by people pulling them with ropes! The festival took place along four or five blocks of the main street. There was singing, dancing and hundreds of people celebrating without a worry. All along the streets there was food stood after food stand, each one looking better than the last. There was okonomiyaki, taokoyaki, french fries, mochi wrapped hot dogs, corn, cotton candy, yaki soba, candy apples and more. We walked up and down the streets and tried various foods and watched the crowds and different carts with different drummers and musicians. On our way out there was a taiko drummers fight (last few pictures). Six carts pulled up at an intersection and were competing for the audience's attention. It was loud as the crowds cheered in excitement. I took some video and will try and upload it in the next few days. It was our very first festival (hajimete=first) and it was completely magical. I am hoping to buy my own Yukata in the next few weeks as there will be a Fuji Festival as well as a Numazu Festival. There is also going to be a July Fourth Party at Oz Bar in Fuji where we will wear Yukatas and watch a live dj and celebrate summer together. In three weeks, Makensie and Tiffany will be making a trip up from Okayama so we can climb the famous Mount Fuji! I am a little bit nervous but excited to see the sunrise from the top of the mountain. This summer is sure to be full of excitement with more festivals, gatherings and adventures and a summer vacation to come!

Getting dressed.

See the pink obi?
They then put the red one
on top.

The back.

I look strangely short in this photo!

Missy's Mom lent us Yukatas
and they just happened to be
our colors. Purple for me and
Yellow for Leah. Aren't the
colors beautiful?

With Masako! Thank you :)

With Shiho and Kaori.

They had the most marvelous
obis. Kaori accessorized hers
with lace and crinoline.

On our way.

The street.

I love this photo. Magical.

Kaori, Shiho, Me, Missy and Leah.

Drummers!

Battle.