As you may know, based on Instagram and general mentions throughout the blog, I just returned from Tokyo. We were there with Los Angeles Fashion Council and primarily for work, but that didn’t mean we didn’t squeeze in some sight seeing (and shopping, lot’s of shopping)

This was probably the simplest outfit I wore in Japan, and only one of two I actually got around to photographing. I went to Tokyo expecting to be inspired by the fashion – but where I thought I’d be rambling down a kawaii route I found myself inspired by a simpler way of dressing. Whilst shopping I thought I’d return with frills and cat covered merchandise, instead I purchased simple linen and denim dresses. Perhaps in turning 30 I realized “Lolita” or any watered down version of Lolita probably wasn’t going to work for me and maybe this more “zen” way of dressing is a step in a really great direction.

I think you’ll see what I mean more when I share my Tokyo purchases in a later post.

Coat: Vintage, Jeans: LOFT, Striped Top: Victoria’s Secret, Purse: Courtesy of Imoshion.

On this particular day we escaped the confines of Tokyo and spent an afternoon in nearby Kamakura. We arrived quite late in the day, but managed to find a place that had enough rice left for three bento boxes, even though their were five of us – it seemed better than starving the afternoon away, and it was entirely worth it. The place was delightful (and home to quite possibly the yummiest boiled egg I’d ever eaten!)

After lunch we went on a hunt (in a rather round about way) to find some shrines – time was limited, and we made it to Kamakura’s most famous monument just before it closed. Daibatsu is a giant Buddha statue built in 1252. It took ten years to complete and it’s quite breathtaking.

I wasn’t very zen about getting these photos (or maybe I was depending on how you look at it) I waited till the last possible moment I was allowed to remain there so I could get a picture sans tourists…!

We naturally stopped at the kitsch-est gift store on the way out (love me a gift store… always have) and then grabbed some freshly made Taiyaki (little fish shaped pancakes stuffed with sweet filling) from a hut near the station. I’d had them in Little Tokyo here in Los Angeles, but only with the traditional red bean paste – these flavours – chocolate, custard, strawberry and banana were much yummier! Ridiculously good – especially the banana!

And then it was back to Tokyo! More on my trip and LAFC at Tokyo Fashion Week shortly!

Kelsi x