Literally - literally
When I grow up, I want to be Missy Elliott. Until that day comes, I’ll seize any chance to emulate her through Japanese outerwear. Especially to pick up a completely uneventful first Friday of the new year. Didn’t realize that I grabbed mostly items from last month’s Tokyo trip. Would random pickups overseas resulting in one complete outfit count as AP Calc-level shopping?
The Tea Time Outfit
Roroldo (?) scarf (can’t read the tag - and not coming up online)
The vintage shopping in Shimokitazawa is abundant but pointless for Americans, as it’s overwhelming Americana clothing. However, I did score an amazing little leather trunk, and this scarf. This really has to be the last scarf I buy because I literally - literally - have three drawers’ worth of scarves. But this one is an interesting guy: substantial but super lofty (the wind easily picks it up, and it’s designed in a way that, when wrapped, creates a resilient standing collar that ties in place. Bonus points for the color and the ends.
Undercoverism coat
It’s like tailoring a piece of streetwear out of tarp or garbage bags - in the best possible sense. This coat has the same effect as Mylar or space jackets - it effectively traps your body heat. When I was trying this on in Tokyo, two other American guys looked at me in the mirror and said it looked cool. I was fanning myself and told them it was already making me hot, which led to a conversation about gym rats who wear Hefty bags when working out to sweat more. Not the most convincing sell, but I love how this super sackable piece of outerwear recalls Missy Elliott and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman. MEOW.
An interesting feature of this piece: it has something of a zip trunk in the back. I’m glad I pulled this out because I found one of my handkerchiefs.
Leather plimsolls
The only shoe that fits my swollen left foot at the moment. But not complaining. Look at the sharpness of the silhouette!
H&M hat
Another holiday hat from the women’s section. I’m telling you…
Prada Brique bag
The first iteration of this bag (with two main compartments and a full leather strap), purchased in Rome, November 2018. I sat on the Spanish Steps and watched the Prada sales associates set this bag out in the window display (back when Prada faced the fountain - now it’s Moncler). I waited until they opened, walked straight in, and asked to try the bag. The best impulse purchase ever. Wore it as my go-to crossbody bag for two years straight. It was cute to carry as a handbag while going out for hot tea.
Yes, hot tea was the highlight of my Friday.