TOKYO: OMOTESANDO OUTING

The February before last, we lived in Tokyo for just one month. It was such a whirlwind and wonderful experience. Our apartment was in Roppongi and every day I would take the side streets and walk to Omotesando to grab groceries from the health food store, take time for myself at Pure Cafe, and wander in and out of the many fashion shops. Returning to this neighborhood brought a new kind of comfort as familiarity in a city that is so big. 

Last time I was in Tokyo, I felt such pressure to 'fit in' and dress as the Japanese girls do. This time, I don't feel that need at all. Maybe it is because I am older and more secure in my style. What I am loving about this trip is the ability to see fashion expressed in various ways and take note of what I like and how I would wear it- adding to my fashion repertoire. 

It is still so hot here in Tokyo, so comfort is leading my street style selections. 

Book & Beauty Review- The Martian

The Martian by Andy Weir is one of the best books I've read in 2015. It is humorous, intelligent, touching and educational- I learned a lot about Mars and space! I'm not your typical sci-fi reader, so this book may seem out of place for me to review. The truth is, I'm not confined to genre when it comes to a good book, and this one climbed the charts like a rocket (hehe). Creating a beauty look to go with this book was also a fun challenge. It required a bit of imagination, and I think author Andy Weir would appreciate that.

BOOK REVIEW

Sometimes the first line in a book truly and utterly sets the stage for the rest of the book, and The Martian did that quite successfully with this opening line from main character Mark Watney: 'I'm pretty much fucked. That's my considered opinion. Fucked.' Watney enters this line into his log after discovering he has been abandoned on Mars by his crew. The thought of being stranded alone anywhere is pretty intense, but as we learn, Mars isn't exactly as hospitable as you think. It is an extremely cold planet with subzero temps, and little to no atmosphere- creating a vacuum of silence. There's no running water (update: NASA confirms that there is flowing water on Mars!) and the air isn't set at the right combo of oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen to be breathable to a human. 

Luckily, the people at NASA are very smart and sent many devices for Mark and his crew's mission that are suited to the Martian environment, and ultimately are used in ways not initially intended to help him survive. His scientific mind as well as some much appreciated props from NASA help to unfold a story of survival that thrills, entertains and ultimately touches the reader. I ended the novel in laughter and tears. A must read, sci-fi geek or not.

beauty review

You may have expected a rouge look consistent with the Red Planet for this beauty review, but I was more inspired by the actual environment I learned about through reading the book. Mars is very cold, sterile and almost icy with loneliness and isolation. No plants, or animals. Just cold dry air, and soil. So, I decided to create a frosty look. Something Mark Watney would agree suits the Martian climate.

Watch my video tutorial below to see how I created this cool Martian look, and shop the products at the bottom of this post. Enjoy!

(PS- I am still working on my video setup and production, so bear with me as I sort it out and expect it to get better over time. Thanks!)

ECO EDIT: HANNELI'S PERFECT TRANSITION

This fall, I'm taking cool girl style cues from Hanneli Mustaparta by layering up a summer frock with a couple of key pieces. Extend the life of your favorite summer dress by adding a boyfriend cardi or leather jacket and a pair of motto boots. Ready to take on cooler temps with super hot style? Check out these eco chic items:

RECLAIM TO WEAR STRAPPY DRESS, Top Shop, $80. #upcycled

ELBOW PATCH CARDI (similar to one shown), Chinti & Parker, $460. #carbonneutral #handfinished 

TAN JANE BAG, Claire V., $175. The perfect go-anywhere bag! #madeinUSA 

RIDE BOOT, Frieda Salvador, $595. I love the style of this boot- motorcycle meets equestrian! #madeinSpain #fair #ethical 

ECO OUTFIT: CRUISIN' KYOTO

For the past few weeks I have been on an awesome Asia adventure- starting in Tokyo, then to Beijing and Tianjin in China, a night in Osaka and Nara... all ending with a few days in Kyoto. Rich in nature and local traditions, Kyoto is always a favorite stop off when we come to Japan. If you haven't yet been, you MUST go! The soba alone is worth it! The shrines are too numerous to visit in one trip, so each time you come back you can visit previous ones that resonated with you and still find new gems to add to your treasure trove. The other great thing about Kyoto is the old Japanese style inns called Ryokans. You stay in a convertible room with tatami matts that host you at a low table (so you can sit on the floor) for breakfast and dinner, and then is moved aside to make way for futons that are rolled out for sleeping. The best part is that many of these ryokans have baths in the basement filled with hot (sometimes therapeutic) water. A daily visit to the bath eases sore muscles from grand days out sightseeing, and is boasted as beneficial for one's skin.

TOP AND SKIRT (worn as a dress), Eileen Fisher, $58.  #ethicallymade #organiccotton

DENIM BUTTON DOWN (similar to one shown), Current Elliot, $100. #naturalfibers

SNEAKERS, Nike Better World x Liberty London #social 

BLACK FEDORA, Rag & Bone, $195. #madeinUSA #naturalfibers

NARA: AMONG THE DEER GODS

Visiting the old capital city of Japan, Nara, we were greeted by free roaming deer who are considered gods. Never before have I had the experience of interacting with deer so closely. We were given 'deer biscuits' to offer them (which made them almost overly friendly) and they ate from our hands, allowing for an occasional scratch behind the ears. It truly was a special experience. 

Past the parade of deer, we beheld the oldest wooden building in the world, Todaiji, dating around 1300 years old. Inside was a beautiful bronze buddha with 28 lotus petals around the base which individually each signified a separate universe. The petals are meant to represent the vastness of 'being' that we may not even comprehend- separate from other forms of life and galaxies, yet all still connected as one. Deep thoughts and wisdom were conveyed by our special host, a priest from the historic temple.