Something old, Something new

Following the last post, I came across another interesting designer who is successfully mixing tradition with modernity. This time it is a japanese brand from Tokyo, Tsukikageya, specializing in yukata (summer kimono) and all its accessories. The designer uses traditional methods for making and printing the clothing, but creates contemporary and funky patterns. The obi (kimono belts) are available in leather, snakeskin, or decorated with crystals; adding a punk twist to the classic sash.

Yukatas look so light and comfortable...perfect for hot summer days! Another thing to add to my wish list...

Some yukatas and fun patterns by Tsukikageya

All images used in the montage are taken from Tsukikageya's website


Click HERE to read an interview with the designer, Natsuki Shigeta!


:)

Shoes...enough said!

Kimonos are so pretty and elegant but since I don't live in Japan, there aren't many occasions where I can wear them. Therefore I love it when I can find a way to- at least- incorporate kimono fabrics and their colorful prints into everyday life.
The mixture of the old and the new can produce some really interesting results...For example, these lovely, lovely handmade pumps by Hetty Rose... Stilettos covered in vintage kimono fabrics....aaah...I want...!

Hetty Rose: Kimono Collection 3

Summertime...and the living's easy

It's officially summer! Yay for everything associated with the season: sun, heat, beaches, flip flops, cocktails, terrasses, cocktails on terrasses, friends, road trips, and fun music!

Punk is not dead

Camden Town may have become one of my favorite places in London...Colorful shops with huge Doc Martins or Converses above the door, and salesmen with the most fascinating mohawks walking around with signs advertising their shops, are among the first things you will notice. If you keep walking and turn into one of the side streets, you will discover food markets with the most delicious foods from all over the world. I found bubble tea, one of my favorites! A piece of advice, don't eat before you go there...you will want to try a little bit of everything. If you're patient enough to walk through all of the markets' shops offering clothes, accessories, and art work, you can probably discover some little treasures. And weather permitting, enjoying a beer while overlooking the canal sounds like the best way to spend a sunny Saturday/Sunday afternoon!

Camden Town

Voyage, Voyage

Girl Talk

Let's get a little girly and talk about summer and (mostly) shopping. Summer is by far my favorite season, and I just can't wait for flip flop season to be here! I've also always been a fan of Roxy and their cute clothes and fun prints. Today I discovered Quiksilver has launched a Quiksilver for women line. I thought Roxy was Quiksilver's line for women, but apparently this new line is aimed to be more classic, urban, and grown-up than Roxy. They have really beautiful pieces made from the softest materials....the shoppaholic in me just cannot resist this. Quiksilver, why are you doing this to me!!!

A little montage of my favorites...Don't be surprised if you see me in any of these...All pics from Quiksilver's website !

Now all we need is a little sun, warm summer nights, a beach, mojitos...

Highlights from the Highlands

Coming out of the train station, as I was stepping out on the streets of Edinburgh for the very first time, I was greeted by the sound of bagpipes. With a big smile on my face, I thought there is no better way to say 'Welcome to Scotland!' than this ( and of course, on a less romantic note, I also thought how clever that bagpiper is to position himself right by the train station where all the tourists are...but let's not spoil this magical moment!)

Welcome to Scotland!

If you are ever in Scotland, make sure you try some of the local delicacies....first, the deep fried Mars bar! In some places, you can also have other chocolate bars deep fried, so I tried the Snickers bar (which I still dream of!).

For the brave, there is also a dish called haggis. I'm not brave so I didn't try it. But it is a scottish specialty and it consists of sheep organs (we'll leave it at that) mixed with spices. I was assured it was really, really good...but when I know what it's made of, I can't really get past that.

Deep Fried Snickers Bar at Clamshell, Royal Mile street

Grassmarket

Edinburgh Castle glowing at night

Just because they're so cute, a picture of the highland cows!