Fashion Chu Hi

5am Ramen

2012-01-15T20:48:00.001+09:00

Went to see a mates fire show then to see another mate DJ. Ended up staying out all night and getting ramen at 5am. Then we took these pictures, so excuse the food baby! How was your weekend?

Dress; H&M: Harness; Topshop: Bag; Hong Kong: Boots; Matiko via Solestruck: Coat; Mango.

2012 is the year of the necklace

2012-01-14T01:45:00.002+09:00

Went into town for a delicious Chinese meal and a catch-up with friends. I've decided that 2012 is my year for fabulous necklaces (well at least the first few months anyway). I got this dress in the sale and I'm in love. It's so comfy and the little details, like the rolled down edges of the sleeves, just make it that little bit more special. Also, what do you think of my new coat? Got it in the sale too, half price. Love a good bargain. Currently curled up on the sofa watching Community. Pretty good Friday night really.

Dress; T by Alexander Wang via NetaPorter, Necklace; Topshop, Shoes; Matiko via Solestruck, Coat; Mango.

Date Night

2012-01-12T20:07:00.001+09:00

Went to the movies with my man and saw MI:4. It was actually pretty good, major eyecandy with the 3 male leads and Paula Patton!

Skirt, jumper (sweater); Zara: Shoes; Matiko via solestruck: Coat; Mango: Scarf; H&M: Bag; Hong Kong.

Christmas clothes

2012-01-04T11:30:00.000+09:00

Dinner in the village with my parents and my Grandma.
Boots; Sam Edelman via Nastygal: Dress; topshop: Fake fur gilet; Zara: Choker; H&M.

Christmas dinner.
Top, skirt, ring and bracelet; Verace by H&M: Slippers; present.

Day out in Scotland in my new shoes!
Jeans; Primark: Belt; Versace by H&M: Leopard shirt; Zara: Boots; Matiko via Solestruck.

Christmas Food!

2012-01-04T09:31:00.001+09:00

1. Haggis and cheddar panini.

2. Steak and ale pie.

3. Macaroni cheese and garlic bread.

4. Eton mess, ice cream and cream.

5. Pudding trio; banoffee pie, profiterole, Eton mess.

6. English fry up; baked beans, grilled tomatoes, black pudding, bacon, sausages, fried egg, mushrooms.

7. Thick toast to go with the fry up.

8. Lancashire Eggs Benedict; crumpet, black pudding, poached egg and hollandaise sauce.

9. Deli meat board.

NYE 2011/2012

2012-01-03T20:26:00.001+09:00

Halterneck jumpsuit; H&M: Platform pumps; Topshop: Bag; Le Ciel Bleu: Jewelry; Christmas presents.

I spent the 30th of December travelling back to Japan from the UK. I didn't land back in Osaka until 9.40am on the 31st so this NYE I had to hide the massive bags under my eyes and pretend I didn't cross the international dateline. I ended up with a super glam (for me) look. We had an awesome night though! My man and I went round to our mates house for dinner and drinks, then drinking games, then drunken karaoke. It was an awesome Japanese NYE and totally worth the crazy flight back! Hope you all had a good time!

Happy (Belated) Christmas!

2012-01-03T18:52:00.001+09:00

Hey guys so I went back to the UK for Christmas, here are some pictures from my fabulous time back home! Hope Santa found you and brought you everything you wanted.

I'll post some more of the fabulous food and my outfits later! Happy Christmas! Jen xxx

Versace for H&M

2011-12-15T02:30:00.002+09:00

My stash! I fought tooth and nail to get that skirt, and thank god I did as it sold out in a matter of hours. I went for the opening day in Osaka and it was scary! But much fun also. I've worn everything except for the red dress so far and it's all been amazing! Even the packaging was amazing! Oh and I got the notebook and tote free!
They also gave me a cute chocolate covered in gold poprocks whilst waiting in the rain to get in.
Pictures to come of me wearing it soon. I'm so busy though right now as I leave for England on Saturday and it's end of term at work so crazy, crazy busy! It's 2.30am here now and I'm up at 7am :( and I only got 6 hours sleep in the last TWO nights, argh! At least I'll sleep on the plane!
Which is you're favourite of my Versace collection?
Night night guys!
*UPDATE* Eeeek, I just nearly fell asleep at the computer editing this post, it's definitely time for bed!

Pink!

2011-12-11T17:06:00.001+09:00

Oh yeh. I have pink hair now. Some pics of my Versace stuff coming soon so check back later.

Pineapple Chuhai!

2011-12-11T17:02:00.001+09:00

Got pretty drunk on pineapple chuhai (as the name of the post suggests) at a small gathering of other native English teachers in Osaka and here's the results! These are the nice normal pictures, the night soon progressed to this however...

Oh dear!
Anyways, do you like my lipstick? I hardly ever wear such a strong colour but I think I love it!

Jumper, shorts, scarf; H&M: Boots; Hong Kong Market.

Saturday

2011-12-06T01:06:00.002+09:00

Hey guys, so busy at the moment. This is becoming my go to outfit when not at work; shorts, tights, jumper and boots. So comfy and easy to pull on when in a hurry, which is all the time at the moment!

Boots; Hong Kong market: Shorts, jumper, cardigan, necklace, scarf, headband and rings; H&M: Red heart ring; Gift (Vivienne Westwood).

A Shoe Room!

2011-12-03T00:37:00.000+09:00

So jealous of Mode Junkie's SHOE ROOM! Yes, you read that right a SHOE ROOM! If only I didn't live in Japan, where space is such an issue (and I need more shoes too...)

Check out Mode Junkie's blog here and see more fabulous shoes!

Minus a photographer

2011-12-02T23:30:00.002+09:00

Some more pics I found on my camera. Slowly catching up from when I was ill!

Leggings; Dorothy Perkins: Tank top; H&M: Denim shirt; Zara: Turband; Nasygal.com: "Pearls"; Random shop in Tokyo: Bangle; H&M.

Details and apologies

2011-12-02T22:33:00.001+09:00

Sorry I've been absent guys, I got sick, then I got really busy and the weather got a bit too crappy to take any pictures. Here are some photos I found on my camera from October. My cameraman was away in England so just me, my mirror and detail shots, sorry!

Dress; Topshop (bought for last NY): Large silver ring; Nastygal.com: Other rings and earrings; presents: Headband; H&M: Leggings; Dorothy Perkins.

Super Troopers

2011-11-11T01:06:00.000+09:00

Hey guys. Did you have a good Thursday night? I got back from work, ran to the gym where I did some (very) light exercise, taught a private lesson, jumped in the shower, ate a delicious meal cooked by my boyfriend then went round to my mate's house in town to watch Super Troopers. Awesome movie! But had very little time to get ready so just threw on my new jumper and some minimal makeup. Oh and isn't my new bag fabulous? I got it in Hong Kong and it can be worn in a number of ways. The studs are skeletons btw. Right, I'm off to bed now as I want to enjoy my Friday! Here's to the weekend.

Boots and bag; Hong Kong market: Jeans; Topshop; Sweater and jacket; H&M.

Versace for H&M

2011-11-10T11:47:00.000+09:00

It's nearly here guys! The collection launched last night, all our favourite bloggers and fashionistas were there as was Prince, the aftershow party sounds awesome, Anna Dello Russo wore a dress from the collection 2 months ago and the hysteria is rising!

So the only question that remains is; what will you buy?

Here's just a few pieces I have my eye on...

The accessories are also rather appealing. So, how excited are you? I'm at about 100 on a scale of 1 to 10!

Images via graziadaily.co.uk

Up in the Air

2011-11-09T18:30:00.001+09:00

Excuse the moody face, we hardly got any sleep before leaving for the flight back home around 7am. I love these new trousers from H&M and my choker! Clearly comfort is key on a plane but there's no need for tracksuits and pajamas!

Shoes; F21: trousers, shirt and choker; H&M.

Hong Kong 2

2011-11-09T16:05:00.002+09:00

The weather said thunderstorms for Hong Kong before I left but it was actually pretty warm and humid so very glad I packed this maxi skirt. This was on our third day when we woke up rather hungover and spent the day wandering around the city and enjoying afternoon tea at the Penisula (a truly British colonial experience). The top photo is from the entrance to a Mosque. We also visited the Botanical And Zoological Gardens, which are free! I bought the boots you can just see at the Ladies Market on Kowloon. I love paring maxi skirts and dresses with clumpy boots for Autumn, plus it's added comfort points! Am also feeling the side knot for my hair when it's a little worse for wear right now, it's something a bit different than just a topknot or a normal bun.

Boots; Ladies Market HK: skirt; Zara: tank top; T by Alexander Wang.

Hong Kong

2011-11-09T13:51:00.000+09:00

Sorry I've not blogged in a week or so, the internet at home has been down (wireless still is) and then I spent 4 days in Hong Kong with my boyfriend. Hong Kong is awesome btw! This is from Hong Kong Park on our way to the tram to go up to the top of the Peak.

Shoes, snake print jeans, harness; Topshop: top; T by Alexander Wang: cardigan; H&M: bag; nastygal.

Halloween!

2011-10-31T23:35:00.000+09:00

Last minute costume change meant I was Uncle Karl for the night :D

Countdown

2011-10-21T01:59:00.000+09:00

I'm am totally obsessed with this song and video at the moment. Never really been into Beyonce before but man she's adorable!

Goodbye My Love.

2011-10-17T01:19:00.001+09:00

As I mentioned in my last post, my boyfriend ha gone back to England for 10 days. This is what I wore to the airport to say good bye. It was really stormy this day, don't you love a bit of pathetic fallacy in real life? I got these boots for 2000 yen in UNIQLO during rainy season. They were so cheap and comfy and perfect for wet weather I got them in nude too. Pathetic fallacy and a good bargain, can't get better than that!

Wearing boots, UNIQLO; jeans, Primark; shirt and long cardigan, H&M;

An Oldie.

2011-10-16T13:03:00.000+09:00

My boyfriend is back in England for 10 days so back to using my own computer that has a cracked screen. Hopefully getting a new one around Christmas though.
Anyway I found these pictures I took when it was still crazy hot in Osaka.

Wearing sandals and earrings, H&M; jumpsuit, Zara; tank top, T by Alexander Wang; Sunglasses, small store in Namba; bag, Topshop.

England!

2011-10-11T09:00:00.001+09:00

Wore this to support my team in the rugby but...well....obviously it wasn't enough. As you can tell, I really LOVE rugby! It's one of the only sports I'm really passionate about so to say I'm gutted England are out of the World Cup is a bit of an understatement, heh. Ah well, a 3 day weekend this past weekend helped to cheer me up slightly.

Wearing T-Shirt, T by Alexander Wang; Trousers/leggings and earrings H&M; Shoes, Topshop.

An Open Letter to the Fashion Community from Diane von Furstenberg

2011-10-10T23:42:00.000+09:00

By now, I'm sure all of you are aware of the battle going on between Milan Fashion Week and the editors and peeps from Conde Naste. Here is Diane Von Furstenburg's open letter to the fashion community. A very eloquent and sensible piece I feel.

An Open Letter to the Fashion Community from Diane von Furstenberg

Fashion shows are meant to allow designers to show their collections and vision for the following season.

Everyone goes through huge efforts at a large expense to make it easy and pleasant for the editors and retailers. The market has expanded greatly in the last years with Asia, Middle East, Russia and Brazil growing so fast. It requires a lot of coordination and planning.

Editors, retailers and designers like the consistency of every designer always showing on the same day of the week season after season. It makes it so much easier for everyone to plan and attend shows. Clearly, year after year, the calendar changes. There are 7 days in the week and every new year the calendar advances 1 day. Some years it will be better for some cities, some years not.

That is what is happening in September 2012. I believe our friends in Milan did not understand that. We did not change from the decision when we agreed to start Fashion Season in New York on the same day every year, which is on the second Thursday of February and September. It is the nature of the calendar.

I also believe this conflict is a misunderstanding. I am convinced it will be resolved and that the agreement that was made 3 years ago at great cost and effort is valid and will be kept.

As the President of the CFDA, I represent my fellow designers. We share the same goals as Milan, Paris, and London. Everyone at the CFDA has great respect and admiration for the designers working in those cities Our shared goal is that we want the editors and retailers to see our work and to do theirs.

At a time of great uncertainty in the world, we are lucky to be part of an industry that is flourishing and that provides an enormous amount of jobs. We should not jeopardize that by being apart. It is most important that we show unity, fairness, and that we work together to ensure everyone is given equal benefit from our work.

As we say in fashion, the show must go on!

Diane von Fustenberg

Find the original here.

House of Holland S/S12

2011-10-10T23:04:00.000+09:00

I love leopard print so obviously I'm loving this collection, especially the catwalk. The pastels are gorgeous too, such a refreshing change of colour from autumn/winter, no? I could definitely see me wearing number 4 and number 2.

See the entire collection here.

Picstures via renanjaypacson

2011-10-10T19:33:00.000+09:00

Hello! Have you had a good weekend? I spent mine at the Sake festival in Hiroshima. So much fun! Unfortunately we watched the rugby too, bu it's still too soon to talk about that. So anyway, it was my boyfriend's birthday last week so we had a little party at our house. This is what I wore.

Wearing: jumpsuit and earrings, H&M; wedges, Baby Pure (O1O1 Deparmet Store)

Square Wheeled Bikes.

2011-10-02T23:47:00.000+09:00

Hey guys. Sorry I've been AWOL. It's all been a bit crazy at work. These are some pictures from a friend's birthday. We went to this awesome theme park that's based all around bikes. The highlight of the trip was clearly the square wheeled bikes! After the theme park we went out to a prison/dungeon themed restaurant where the drinks came in syringes and test tubes. So much fun!
It's been so hot here in Osaka until just a few days ago so can't wait to get all my Autumn clothes out.
Have you guys been watching the Rugby World Cup? I'm loving it. So there might be some red and white themed outfits coming up soon.

Sandals, Shorts, Tank Top: H&M, Hat: Market in Bali.

Lanvin Love!

2011-08-31T22:46:00.000+09:00

Raquel Zimmermann, Karen Elson and dancing...perfection! It's so nice to see movement instead of static models for a change, no? Again, love, love, love!

Have you seen the video?

This is shaping up to be one of my most favourite campaigns ever.

Bummer!

2011-08-27T13:08:00.000+09:00

So I wanted to get my hair done and go back to this colour:

However, the hairdresser talked me out of it due to regrowth issues etc etc so they just gave me more blonde highlights. It's more blonde and very pretty and well done but now I can't help be a little disappointed every time I look in the mirror and get angry at myself. Ah well, maybe in a couple of months if I still want it I'll go back and stick to my guns!

Right, I have a birthday party tonight and nothing to wear so off to decide my outfit, do some tidying and be boring, heh. Have a good Saturday!

Blondie's good for travelling in.

2011-08-25T22:47:00.000+09:00

Had a 2 hour car drive from Tulamben back to Ubud so decided something comfy but cool was needed.

Leggings, Dorothy Perkins; white vest, Jane Norman; sandals and Blondie vest; H&M.

Starbucks, Ubud, Bali.

2011-08-25T22:37:00.000+09:00

Best setting for a Starbucks ever? I think it's up there!

Sandals, H&M; Trousers and shirt, Zara; Bag, shop in Ubud.

Bali Photo Diary 3: Elephants

2011-08-25T22:22:00.003+09:00

These elephants are rescued from logging camps in Sumatra and taken to Bali. They can't be taken back to Sumatra as their habitat is disappearing from the logging. Our elephant was called Tia and she's 28 years old. Best day of my life!

Bali Photo Diary 2: Ubud.

2011-08-25T21:41:00.001+09:00

Our hotel, monkeys, rice fields, traditional Balinese dance.

All photos by Tom Stringer.

Bali Photo Diary 1: Sunsets and Beaches.

2011-08-25T16:45:00.001+09:00

Pictures, Tom Stringer.

3 Weeks in Bali!

2011-08-21T21:24:00.000+09:00

Hey guys. We got back yesterday after 3 weeks in Bali on the most amazing summer holiday. Today was spent sleeping in, doing laundry and sorting out all the photos from our hols. As well as psyching ourselves up to go back to work tomorrow after 3 weeks of pure relaxation and fun! I have so many photos for you guys but lets start with a few outfit pics from the first couple of days spent around Kuta.

Unfortunately managed to spill dinner on this dress on the first night and forgot to get it laundered, doh!

We've lived in Japan a long time so the fact that there's a Mark's in Bali was amazingly awesome for us! There's also a Topshop, Mothercare and Dorothy Perkins. It's a British invasion!

My new hat! Which Tom bargained like a pro for. Sadly I lost the band later in the holiday. Will show you how I rectified this later (and yes I'm super clumsy).

I actually wore this to the beach...got a few funny looks from most people wearing next to nothing as it's the beach but I didn't wanna burn, heh.
Skirt; Next, Shirt; Zara, Sandals; H&M.

Shorts; H&M, Vest Top; Jane Norman, Dress; UNIF, Bag; Le Ciel Bleu, Sandals; H&M.

Hope you've all had an awesome summer too! There's many more pics to come soon.

Basking in Bali

2011-08-08T18:50:00.000+09:00

Hey everyone. Currently in Bali blogging from my iPod touch. Sorry I've been AWOL for a few weeks. I've been busy sorting out visa extentions, tax forms, and buying a house in England!

I've also just recovered from a bout of Bali belly! Ate some rice today, yay! Heh.
We've spent a week here so far. We went to Kuta, which is like the Costa del Sol but with drunk and rowdy Australians instead of Brits. They have a Marks & Spencers and a Topshop, oh and a Dorothy Perkins! After living in Japan for 3 years this was rather exciting for us, haha!

We're now on a beautiful island called Nusa Lembongan, where despite getting sick we've had a great time. Tom's done 4 dives from here and we've watched the sunset on the beach every night. It's completey chilled and gorgeous. Tomorrow we're heading up to Ubud for some culture and an elephant safari. We have just under 2 weeks left.

When I'm back I'll have loads of pictures to upload.
Hope everyone is having a good summer break in the Northern Hemisphere and same for winter down South.

Elin Kling Inspired

2011-06-25T14:02:00.001+09:00

Had a fun night with my friend who is back in Japan (yay!) and our lovely boyfriends. We went for all you can eat dinner and ended up in karaoke. Oh and there was also a bike accident and a long journey home with my boyfriend having to double us back on my bike due to his being broken, lol!
Anyway, I decided to wear one of my new T by Alexander Wang tops so I went for an Elin Kling inspired look. I love the top so much. It's so comfortable and light! Which, with summer now here in Japan is a necessity!

Oh yeh, I never made it to the gym yesterday, oops! But am gonna have a workout at home today. Have a big sayonara party tonight but as I'm working all day tomorrow I can only go for the posh meal bit in the hotel. Am having a total outfit crisis as I ordered a dress form Nastygal but it's not here yet so have NO idea what to wear! Ah well, I'm sure I'll think of something. Hopefully I'll get some pics to show you guys. Have a good weekend everyone!

Top, T by Alexander Wang; Jeans, Primark; Shoes, Topshop; necklace worn as bracelet, H&M; clutch, Le Ciel Bleu.

T

2011-06-24T16:13:00.000+09:00

Hey guys. How's everyone doing? Despite not having very many lessons to teach this week, I've still had one hell of a busy week! Remember in this post I mentioned I'd bought some new basics from Netaporter? Well here's some pics. I bought a racer back vest and a 'classic muscle' T-shirt from T by Alexander Wang. I'm in love, they're so soft and comfortable. I'm off out for dinner tonight (after the gym, eek) and think I may wear one of them in an Elin Kling inspired outfit. Right, almost time for me to go to the gym. Have a good weekend everyone!

Jelly Shel'tter

2011-06-22T14:33:00.000+09:00

I've not gone mad, the title is the names of two fashion magazines in Japan. Shel'tter is also a shop. I don't know why it's spelt that way....but anyway, do you remember in this post I was talking about how popular layering with maxi dresses is in Japan, well Osaka anyways, at the moment? Well here are some scans from the aforementioned magazines. First up we have Shel'tter:

If the top is crochet or a loose knit it seems to be even better. And of course no self respecting Shel'tter girl would be in flats, it's heels all the way!

Here's a look at Jelly magazine:

So here we have some street style photos. Yes these gorgeous girlies are 'normal' girls on the street, not models. Makes you want to go and cry into your bowl of Special K, no? Heh.

And here we can see some styling suggestions from the magazine itself. As you can see long and floaty is IN in a big way. Especially the layered look, be it a loose fitting top over a maxi dress or a long vest over a maxi skirt. Due to girls in Osaka being extremely fashion focused, I see the latest trend everywhere which means it starts to rub off on me, so there could be a few more posts of me in long flowy stuff over the months to come!

So what do you all think of Japanese style then?

Basics

2011-06-19T21:02:00.000+09:00

Hello everyone! How are you all doing? I've had a fun weekend of pubquizzes and housewarming parties. Unfortunately it's rainy season though and the almost constant rain has got me feeling under the weather (pun intended...maybe). I'm just feeling very blah. Work is busy and kinda monotonous atm, lots of my friends are leaving Japan this summer so, yeh, definitely a glass is half empty kinda gal atm.

However, cheering me up is Elin Kling and her blog (check it out here). I've dipped in and out on occasion but I'm now an official regular reader. I love her hair (I miss my white blonde hair) and her basic, pared down colour wardrobe. She has basics that can just all go together so easily in an infinite number of combinations. Her use of colour is very precise too.
It must be so easy to get dressed if all your stuff goes together. But she never looks boring and her outfits are always new and beautiful. I'm thinking I may have to do something similar for my work wardrobe.
Having a staple wardrobe of basics that are easy to put together for work sounds very appealing. Although I love colour so would probably go crazy at the weekends when I have more time to think of an outfit. You also have the added bonus of a wardrobe that would never go out of style as you're not constantly following the trends. You could just buy the pieces that you liked of the current trends (if any).
In fact, the idea of such basics in my wardrobe was so appealing that I purchased some from NET-A-PORTER. I love the tracking feature for my package as it's really detailed. My package is now in Osaka but I have to wait until tomorrow to receive it as there's no post on Sunday, boo!
I'm not entirely sure I've been at all articulate here, sorry! Here are some pics of Elin to illustrate my point.

Well, you get the idea. What's your take on basics?

All images from stylebykling

Platinum Blonde

2011-06-12T20:34:00.001+09:00

It's party time! My friend Valerie is back in Japan and it was her and her boyfriend's birthday. We had a delicious meal and then went on to Platinum for dancing, birthday cake and champagne.
By the way, all the pictures with me in my sunglasses in the light were taken at around 5am the morning after. Not bad, hey!
I checked out the new Topshop in Umeda and it's awesome! It's much better than the one in Tokyo I think.I got this dress and shoes there last week. I also got a gold belt to go with it but decided to leave it off this time.
Oh yeh, how do you like my hair? I finally got it done. It's much more blonde than before. I love it!
Currently eating pizza and watching TV to get over my hangover. Unfortunately have to do some work now. How's your weekend going?

Top and dress, Topshop; Clutch, H&M; Sunglasses, random shop on shopping arcade in Namba; Rings, Vivienne Westwood, Nastygal and street vendor.

The morning after the two nights before

2011-06-06T00:10:00.000+09:00

So this weekend was fun! Friday night was my friend's birthday and he was DJing too. Got to bed at 6am, taught a private lesson at 11am, went back to bed till 3pm and then went out again for another friend's birthday and got in at 4am. So as you can imagine I wanted to be as comfortable as possible today. Currently maxi dresses with t-shirts over the top a very popular style in Japan so thought I'd give it a go. It was incredibly comfy. Will have to get some scans from some Japanese magazines I bought recently and give you a look.

How was your weekend?

Dress, sandals and bangle, H&M; Top, American Apparel.

Birthday in Bali

2011-06-05T23:50:00.000+09:00

Well...a Balinese restaurant for my friend's birthday. It was a gorgeous setting and got me even more excited for my summer holiday. We're spending 3 weeks in Bali.

After dinner we went clubbing which is how this picture came about...

Oh dear!
Dress, Mango; Jacket and sandals, H&M; Bag, Le Ciel Bleu; Sunglasses, random shop in Namba; Earrings, present from Morocco.

Rain, rain go away!

2011-05-29T14:01:00.000+09:00

Rainy season has struck early and a typhoon is here, oh joy! I found these pictures from when it wasn't so rainy a week or so ago. Although right now I'm trying hard to remember when it wasn't raining, lol. My friend bought me this gorgeous dress for my birthday. It's in a print I wouldn't normally pick but I love it! Isn't it awesome when that happens?

I love that the dress has the same deep v at the front and the back.

Shoes, Zara; bracelets, street seller in Cambodia.

Sex and the City 2

2011-05-22T00:05:00.000+09:00

When I went to Vietnam last summer, I got some clothes made and a copy of this dress from Sex and the City 2 is one of them.

Due to being a pasty Brit, I had the dress made in red instead of white, what do you think?

Not sure I like comparing myself to SJP! But I love this dress. Those seamstresses in Hoi An are so talented.

Flats and leather jacket, Zara; earrings, H&M; sunglasses, random store in Namba; dress, tailor in Hoi An.

Casual Summer

2011-05-21T18:32:00.000+09:00

Image via fgr

Crayola

2011-05-20T17:22:00.000+09:00

Yet another night we decided not to cook, heh! How cute is my T-shirt? Here's a closeup for you (excuse the bra showing through due to the flash ;p)

It has Winnie the Pooh and Piglet on it and it says 'Don't trash my planet'. Cuteness overload maybe...

Shoes, F21; Trousers, Zara; T-shirt, Topshop; Bag and blazer, H&M.

Tom and I have booked our summer holiday, yay! We're off to Bali for three weeks in August! I'm so excited, but I need to get into shape badly! So we decided to go for a walk after dinner. It was a little cold though so I threw on my favourite jumper from Style by Marina. Have been meaning to show you it for ages as I've been living in it, I just haven't managed to get any pictures, weird! Anyways...here it is!

And yes...I am totally breathing in, heh.

Shoes, Converse; Jeans, Topshop; Jumper, Style by Marina.

Sushi Dinner

2011-05-19T18:54:00.001+09:00

Yet another of my Birthday money H&M purchases coming up (drum roll please).

In case you can't work out which is new, it's the blazer! It's from their conscious collection. Although the pink top from Zara is pretty new too.
Tom and I went for 100yen conveyor belt sushi for dinner and I got so full I pulled another moody face, my apologies! And I have demon eyes too, heh. Here's some more pics form the evening.

Nom!

Mmmm....prawn tempura sushi!

Boots, Jeffrey Campbell; Jeans, Topshop; Vest top, Zara; Blazer, H&M Conscious Collection; Bag, H&M.

Hisashiburi!

2011-05-19T11:41:00.000+09:00

Sorry I've been AWOL for so long. I got sick and busy and went on holiday and my parents visited for 2 weeks. However, it's test week now at school so, aside from marking, I'm pretty free now. Got loads of posts coming up for you guys!

First of all let's start off with my new jumpsuit from H&M. I got some late birthday money when my parents came so spent a lot of it in H&M. I got the jumpsuit, bag, a dress, blazer and a skirt. So I'm one happy girl!

These photos are from Sunday lunch at a cute little Italian cafe in our area. Spring is finally here in Japan so lots of nice sun for photos and new outfits coming soon I think!

Yes. that is indeed a one penny necklace! Awesome no? Sorry about the moody face! I think I was just really full!

Boots, JC Lita's; Jumpsuit and bag, H&M; Cape jacket, Topshop; Sunglasses, small shop in Namba.

Nude, leather and pleats.

2011-04-24T22:16:00.000+09:00

I bought this skirt in Zara and I'm in love! The leather is so soft and adds some great texture to an otherwise normal pleated skirt. The nude colour is great for spring too. I also got this new hat which I'm wearing with everything at the moment. I'm a bit of a hat virgin, but am addicted to leopard so bought this hat on an impulse and think it really works. The weather is really crappy in Osaka currently so only indoor pics I'm afraid, can't wait for the rain to go! Due to it being really, really wet and rainy yesterday I spent the day with Tom watching all 3 Lord of The Rings movies back to back. It was awesome! And my crush on Strider has been renewed. Man he's awesome, and manly and gorgeous...ahhhh....anyways. Hope everyone had a good weekend too.

Hat, River Island via ASOS; Skirt and vest top, Zara; Boots, Jeffery Campbell Lita's.

In my dreams...

2011-04-16T12:03:00.002+09:00

What I want to be wearing today. The reality is not so pretty as am sick atm, boo!

Images via FGR.　Zara April 2011 Lookbook.

Happy Birthday To Me From Me

2011-04-08T01:30:00.000+09:00

Here's the gorgeous bag I bought as a birthday present for myself. You can detach the chain to make it into just a clutch too. You can turn it over too if you want a stud free look. They had it in all black but the green just appealed to me. It's so big too so can definitely fit in everything I need. It's from Le Ciel Bleu in Namba Parks. I think it appealed to the old goth in me, hahaha!

Python Maxi

2011-04-07T20:05:00.000+09:00

Last weekend we went to a friends wedding reception and I wore my python print maxi dress from H&M. I didn't really get enough photos as the staff were ushering us out of the building at the end. Promise to get some more shots soon but here's a couple for your perusal.

We were on the 49th floor so the views were pretty epic!
Oh yeh, check back later to see my fabulous new bag I bought as a birthday present to myself.

Maxi dress, long cardigan, silver bangles; H&M. Vest; Zara. Bag; Nasty Gal.

It's My Birthday!

2011-04-07T02:10:00.001+09:00

Today I turned the grand old age of 25! So I got all dressed up for work, which I don't usually do and so I got a few strange looks. Also wore my hair curly for the first time in ages so confused some teachers, heh.

I had another outfit all picked out for dinner tonight, but when I got home I discovered my awesome boyfriend had organised a surprise birthday party for me! It's my first ever surprise party where I walked into a dark room and people shouted surprise and let off party poppers. To be honest it scared the crap out of me! But it was fantastic. The dress from dinner will just have to wait for another day.

Also love my birthday badge my boyfriend got me. It lights up too so will be fab for the drunken night that is this Saturday.

As it's now 2am on the day after my birthday, I will now be getting to bed me thinks. It is a Wednesday after all.

Shoes, pants, lace top; Topshop. Long sleeved top; Jane Norman. Sunglasses; Target.

Good Morning!

2011-03-31T08:34:00.000+09:00

Morning everyone! I'm up on far too little sleep but, hey. I've decided I'm on a health kick as I'm embarrassingly unfit so actually ate breakfast this morning. I went with some dried blueberries and cranberries with yoghurt. Not bad for my first foray into non holiday/weekend breakfasts for about 10 years! Now off to get ready for work and as I'm having bike trouble I'm gonna walk (should take me about an hour I reckon). Wish me luck, heh.

Anyhoo here's some lovely shoe porn to get you through your day

Gorgeous no?

Images via Lulu's

Ise Shrine

2011-03-31T00:46:00.000+09:00

Took a day trip to Ise Shrine. It's beautiful and all Japanese architecture so very natural, with no red or garish colours anywhere. It was sunny when we left but alas spring had not sprung so I was bloody freezing! Still in love with these patent oxfords, they're perfect for sightseeing. Also trying out a new pink lipstick, think I love it!

Patent Oxfords, F21; pants, belt and cape sweater, Zara; long sleeve cream top, Jane Norman; aviator jacket, H&M; backpack, NastyGal; shades, Target.

All photos Tom Stringer.

Tuesday Blues

2011-03-29T16:26:00.000+09:00

Wishing this was me at the moment! Not having the best of days. No motivation, yet loads to do. Ah holidays!

All images fgr.

Double Denim

2011-03-28T21:36:00.005+09:00

Stopped off in a sleepy little fishing village on our short lived holiday (more on that later). Decided to do double denim but grey and blue as opposed to blue and blue. Love my new shoes from F21 too! So comfy and perfect for sightseeing.

Jeans, Primark; denim button down, cardigan and leather jacket, Zara; patent nude Oxfords, F21; bag, NastGal; black and silver ring from street vendor in Kurashiki (totally got ripped off but don't care); bracelets, Marks & Spencer; Vivienne Westwood ring, gift from Tom.

All photos Tom Stringer.

Leopard Legs

2011-03-22T18:59:00.001+09:00

Went to watch a mate DJ so needed comfortable clothes and shoes to dance in. Decided this was the time to break out my new trousers from Zara. Wore with a vest top from H&M, cardigan from Zara, Converse from Hong Kong and circle scarf from American Apparel. Unfortunately I lost this scarf the next night at a friends leaving party, sad times doubled!

As I'm sure you've seen in the news over the past week or so a lot has happened in Japan. I'm currently still digesting a lot of it but I'm sure a post about it and how you can help will appear soon.

I also have a rather interesting story about the 5 and a half hours I spent in a police box here in Japan too! Don't worry we weren't arrested! And all is well now! But it did cut our holiday down a bit :(

Snow Leopard.

2011-03-15T01:27:00.000+09:00

Went out for some dinner with my man the other week in my new top from Nasty Gal. It's soooo comfy! Sorry been AWOL for a few days, I've been snowboarding in Nagano.

Sam Edelman boots sweater and bag, NastyGal; Leggings, Topshop; Vest and leather jacket; Zara

Seeing Stars!

2011-03-09T13:55:00.001+09:00

OK, cheesy title I know, and bit late on posting about a lot of FW stuff but I've been a busy bee. Aka marking tests and assessing students. But now it's all over and I can get back to the blog! So anyway, I LOVE STARS! So much I have a tattoo of 3 stars. So when I saw the Dolce & Gabbana Autumn 2011 collection from Milan Fashion Week I nearly peed my pants! It's fabulous! I love that they showed a girly look followed by a more masculine look on the runway too, made the masculine and the feminine elements stand out much more. I could post many many pictures here but I'll try and pick a select few.

I want one of these dresses in EVERY colour! Heh.

This one is gorgeous!

OK, so still many many photos! I just can't help it!
Loving how they're bringing the bum bag back (that's fanny pack for any Americans) too.
In short; stars, glitter, bum bags and socks with sandals = Fashion Chu Hi heaven!

All images via fgr.

Black and White McQueen.

2011-03-09T13:39:00.000+09:00

Anyone else get a bit of a Swan Lake vibe from Alexander McQueen's Fall 2011 collection? The black and white and fur that looked a bit like feathers, and feathers and nipped in waists with full skirts, the volume? No? Just me? Heh. See what you think.

Love this one SO much!

Also the use of zips to make pleats and contours is fab! And the shoes...well...they're to die for! Hahah! OK, cliche overload ended!

All images via fgr.

Zara Spring Look Book 2011

2011-03-09T13:28:00.000+09:00

I don't know if I like the clothes or the bright pink lipstick more in Zara's Spring Look Book! I need me some pink lipstick me thinks. Loving the simple looks with a pop of colour in the look book. Might have to pay a visit to Zara before my holiday!

Love the red skirt and red oversized clutch! And the shoes are rather cute too.

All images via fgr.

Holy Jumpsuit!

2011-03-09T13:20:00.000+09:00

Have you seen H&M's new Spring 2011 campaign with Gisele? I want the jumpsuits so bad! Loving the colours and 70s feel of the clothes too. What do you think?

Images via fgr

Picnic in the Park.

2011-02-27T23:58:00.000+09:00

Even though it's still February (just) it's getting warm enough to sit outside in the park. So I went for a picnic with my boyfriend. I wore my new trousers from Zara which are soooo comfy. And they have brown leather braces! What more can a girl want?

Not a bad spread hey? We had lots of meat, bread, olives, cheese, salsa and chips and chu hi and beer. All in all a very good Sunday!

Trousers, denim button down, shoes, cardigan: Zara. Jacket: H&M. Sunglasses: Target.

Yep, a nearly all Zara outfit, haha!

Dancing in my PJs.

2011-02-26T20:04:00.000+09:00

Spent the day dancing around the house in my PJs to my favourite music and clearing out my closet. I've just realised I've hardly eaten today though so gonna pop some outdoor clothes on and run to the supermarket. I'm thinking chicken stew for dinner. Hopefully if the weather stays nice and my boyfriend feels up to it we're off on a picnic tomorrow. How's your weekend going?

Image via fgr

Friday Night.

2011-02-25T22:50:00.000+09:00

My man's off snowboarding this weekend but I can't go due to being ill so we went to the supermarket to get him some supplies for the overnight bus. Also weirded out the local Japanese people by taking photos in front of curry sauce and such. The rest of my night included going to dinner and have just finished drawing hot dogs and hamburgers and such on paper plates for my lesson tomorrow. How was your night? Anyhoo here's what I wore this evening.

Jeans: Topshop, vest topand necklace: H&M, leather jacket, black cardigan and faux fur vest: Zara, boots Sam Edelman (from nastygal), bracelets: present from Tom's parents, shield ring: nasty gal, thumb ring: present from my Mum, red heart ring: Vivienne Westwood (present form Tom).

Just A Quickie.

2011-02-21T18:34:00.000+09:00

Here's what I wore for Valentine's dinner. Had to change my outfit due to major snowage and only had 15 minutes to get ready!

Oh yeh, I was totally unintentionally man repelling at work the other day. New black harem-esque pants with brown leather braces and elasticated cuffs, sheer zebra print shirt and my boyfriend's winter knit cardigan! I'll have to get some pictures up soon!

Primark jeans, Zara fake fur, Zara shirt, H&M necklace, Nasty Gal boots (not seen).

Happy Valentine's!

2011-02-14T19:50:00.001+09:00

How are we all doing today?! I was snowboarding over the weekend so still a little bit stiff! Today in Osaka it is snowing, which it never does! So I think I might be doing so major man repelling at dinner tonight just to keep warm, haha! Maybe a romantic dress with layers and sensible shoes?
Here are some pictures of what I want to be wearing to dinner tonight but probably can't.

Although maybe I could take some pointers like arm warmers and big boots....Will fill you in later with what I decide to wear.
Right, I need to jump in the shower before I go out!

All images fgr.

One swallow does not make a spring, nor does one fine day.

2011-02-03T21:39:00.001+09:00

I feel the need for a new tattoo. I want one on my wrist and I've wanted a swallow tattoo for ages as I love the history behind them. So I'm thinking a swallow on my wrist. But still not sure. I often take a long time before I definitely decide to get a new tattoo. I currently have four and don't regret a single one! Here are some cute tattoo pictures. I wouldn't get colour though. It's just a personal choice but I don't think colour tattoos would suit me.

Although I may get some text...hmmm....I also want a tattoo on the upper part of my forearm like this

And I also want one on the inside of my bicep like this

Due to living in Japan though tattoos are a definite taboo, especially as I'm a teacher. Most of my kids have spied my lower back tattoo due to reaching up for the screen but I try to hide them as much as possible so a wrist tattoo might be a bit much! Ah we'll have to see. Once the idea of a new tattoo gets a hold of me I really can't let it go!

Images via tattoojohnny, vanishingtattoo and karlascloset.

Cocolicious!

2011-02-03T20:57:00.001+09:00

I love Coco Rocha. She's gorgeous! Find her blogs here and here

fgr.

It's Like Christmas!

2011-02-02T00:16:00.000+09:00

My Nasty Gal package has arrived! And due to buying over the knee boots it was huge! :D And everything in it is amazing! The boots are just what I've wanted for ages, the ring is fabulous and the dress is so comfy. Altho might need to invest in some tit tape if I wear it like the model does in the post below! I'll try to get some pics up soon but am off snowboarding on Saturday and working Sunday so may have to wait a bit, sorry! Hope you are all well! I'm off to make lunch and go to bed as I have no life when I'm working, heh.

Images fgr

I'm a Nasty Gal!

2011-01-23T12:32:00.000+09:00

See what I did there with the title? I'm totally linking it with the previous post ;p
Due to having to cancel going to my friend's birthday party last night and snowboarding today with my boyfriend because I have to grade papers I'm decidedly fed up and pissed off! To remedy this I did some sale shopping and some non-sale shopping at Nasty Gal. Here's what I bought.

I've wanted some over the knee boots for ages and even more so after I made this post here. So I'm very happy I've found these ones. I love the chains and metal toes as they add something a bit different and the colour is gorge. And the dress and ring were total impulse buys, haha! In this post here I'm wearing my sweater and shield ring from Nasty Gal. It's one of my new favourite online shops (I'm a latecomer I know!).
Which is your favourite of my new purchases? I can't wait for my parcel to arrive!

Are you a Nasty Gal?

2011-01-23T12:21:00.001+09:00

Nasty Gal has some fab new things for sale and I'm having to stop myself from buying everything I want, haha! Here's a roundup of (quite a) few of my favourite things.

Awesome no? Which are your favourites?

Wedding!

2011-01-20T20:50:00.000+09:00

Hello! I'm taking a break from a very big pile of marking I currently have so I thought I'd show you what I wore to our friends wedding in Texas. I wore the same dress, necklace and shoes to mine and Tom's 1 year anniversary dinner last August but didn't get any good pictures.

How gorgeous is my friends wedding dress btw? It was just as gorgeous from the back as well.

Right, back to the work! Have a good night/day guys.

Zara dress; H&M jacket, cardigan and necklace; Max Mara shoes; Target shades.

I heart Vivienne!

2011-01-20T00:16:00.001+09:00

I am soooooooooooooo unbelievably busy at the moment so here's a small post to show you what my fabulous boyfriend got me (as a total surprise) for Christmas.

My very own Vivienne Westwood ring! I love that it's a heart too as the finger I wear it on has a heart tattoo so it's all matchy matchy in a slightly sad way, haha! Isn't it gorgeous?! OK, well it's midnight here and after a full night of marking I still have work left to do before I get up at 7 for work so I must off! Have a good day / night and hopefully I won't be so busy soon (yeh right).

Loveliness.

2011-01-16T23:52:00.000+09:00

Full length loveliness from Alexander McQueen's Spring 2011 collection.

Images via fgr.

My New Favourite Outfit

2011-01-15T15:37:00.001+09:00

When I was in Texas I put together the following outfit. Since then I've worn it sooooo many times! I think my boyfriend's getting a bit bored of seeing me in it! These pictures were taken in the garden of Guenther House waiting for our table. It's a fab place to have brunch. I had some AMAZING breakfast tacos. Anyway, if I'm not putting up any outfit posts it's because I'm living in this!

Leopard dress from H&M; cropped sweater from nastygal; leggings (to keep me warm) from Dorothy Perkins; aviator jacket from H&M; JC Lita boots; belt from American Apparel; bracelets from street vendor (aka cute child) in Cambodia; shades from Target.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-10T09:22:00.000+09:00

Hey guys. Sorry I've been AWOL. I was on holiday for 3 weeks.
My boyfriend and I went to Texas for our friends wedding. I love Texas! We went to San Antonio where they have the gorgeous River Walk and such good food! Then I went home, well up to Scotland actually, for Christmas with the family but got caught up in all the flight delays, but that's another story! Then I went down to London for New Years to see my boyfriend and do a job interview test thingy. So as you can see I've been meccha busy!

I just got back into Japan yesterday evening and the boyfriend gets back this evening so it's a day of food shopping, washing and tidying for me, oh joy!

So instead of loading all my holiday pics in one go, here's my Lanvin loves H&M dress I got. I wore it out to a birthday party just before we left for Texas and I love it! Although the width is maybe not best for Japan....kept getting squished in the street and in the bar, haha!

Lanvin loves H&M dress, H&M aviator jacket, American Apparel scarf, JC Lita boots.

Just in case Santa is reading...

2010-12-08T20:53:00.001+09:00

I would be very happy if any of these were to turn up in my stocking ;p Which are your favourites?

All images via lulus.com

On the way to the supermarket

2010-12-02T21:47:00.001+09:00

there is this cute little shrine so we stopped to take some pictures.

Blazer; Zara, Dress;Asos, Scarf; American Apparel, Boots; JC Lita's

GOLD!

2010-12-02T21:04:00.001+09:00

...Always believe in your soul! Damn you Spandau Ballet, I can never say the word gold without the rest of the line, and song, coming into my head and getting stuck for the rest of the day. Ah well here are some gorgeous pics for your perusal.

fgr

Old School Manliness

2010-11-28T11:40:00.000+09:00

I love this editorial from Elle France. The 70's feel, the menswear inspiration teamed with the long blonde hair and red lips. This is what I want to be wearing now.

Images via fashiongonerogue

Lanvin Love

2010-11-25T20:05:00.002+09:00

As I mentioned earlier I didn't make it for opening day as I'm sick, boo! But to my surprise there was a lot of stuff left in the Osaka store the next evening. So here's a little look at my purchases. And yes, I spent more than I should, haha!

Photos of me in my amazing purchases to follow soon. And yes, the quality is definitely superior to H&M's normal stuff. But more on that later. What did you guys buy?

Images from fashionista.com

Leaf Viewing in Kyoto.

2010-11-25T19:51:00.002+09:00

Leaf viewing is big business in Autumn here in Japan so the man and I thought we'd go native.

Jeffrey Campbell boots, H&M: fake leather shorts, cardigan, top and necklace, Bag: swapped with a friend.

Pretty, no? The leaves, not me ;p

LoLITA

2010-11-25T19:25:00.002+09:00

Hey, so here's some outfits from the last few days, all including my new....brown Jeffrey Campbell Lita's, woot!
I love these shoes. They're so comfortable. They even survived a whole day of sightseeing around Kyoto (post to come soon)! Also my boyfriend got an awesome new camera and we've been playing around with it a lot, so lots of lovely photos for you guys!

Blazer: Zara, Jeans: Uniqlo, Top: American Apparel, Necklace: H&M, Jeffrey Campbell Brown Leather Lita boots.

Boots: as above, Trousers: Zara, Top: American Apparel, Vest top (worn underneath): Topshop, Aviator Jacket: H&M, Handwarmers: Topshop.
My boyfriend got a little art-sy with the camera ;p

Star Struck!

2010-11-22T23:12:00.002+09:00

I have a slight obsession with stars. On clothes, bags, makeup, books; anything and everything with stars I buy, hahaha! I also love glam rock. SO you can imagine my joy over this spread in Vogue UK's December issue.

The second and last photos I totally want to try!

Sorry about lack of posting, I'm incredibly busy and currently getting sick, boo!
So sick I can't get in line for the H&M Lanvin release tomorrow :( but it' crappy weather so we're gonna take a look in the afternoon when hopefully all the madness has died down. Also living in Japan means I'm bigger than average so my sizes often don't sell out fast, unlike at home. Fingers crossed they'll have some stuff I want left over!
Also have some outfits to post soon but they're on my man's computer which I left at work today, doh! Will put them up soon!

Hope you're all well.

Jen x

Costumes!

2010-11-11T19:14:00.001+09:00

Hey guys. how you all doing? I've been super busy at school recently so here's a silly post with some costumes. First lot is from a friends birthday party a while ago. It was toga themed. Which is an awesome theme! And the second lot is from Halloween. My boyfriend and I were meccha geeky this year and went as Star Trek characters. I LOVE Star Trek. There, the (not so secret) secret is out! Haha. I went as Seven of Nine from Voyager and my Boyfriend went as Data from The Next Generation.

Oh and yes, that last one is indeed on the subway. Scared quite a few Japanese people on the 30th, haha!

Winter Chill

2010-10-26T22:31:00.002+09:00

One of the great things about living in Japan is that it doesn't really get cold until, well today! It stays lovely and warm for a long time. However, when you start to feel that chill you know it's tome to stock up on jumpers. They don't have central heating in Japan so school corridors are freezing and I have to wait a good 20 minutes for my house / classroom to heat up, hence why this editorial in Vogue Russia is so appealing to me right now!

I need me some cosy knits, stat!

Images via fashiongonerogue

The Man Repeller

2010-10-25T23:48:00.001+09:00

I have just discovered the magnificent blog that is The Man Repeller. This fantastic blog has put into words exactly how I (and my boyfriend) feel! Some fashion just down right scares men away! And not crazy fashion, simple things like clogs, harem pants, turbans and feathers! When I read my favourite fashion blogs my boyfriend will often point out how ridiculous, weird or just down right mingin' some (usually most) of the outfits are, yet I think they look lovely and want to emulate the girls/outfits/both! I have several outfits I deem inappropriate for wearing with the boyfriend as he'll just take the piss all night/day. I too man repel with out even knowing it, maybe even thinking I'm man attracting when really I'm most definitely not (blue satin-y overalls from Zara anyone?)! I love this blog as it's put a name to me and many of my clothes! And it also brings up the question, do we knowingly change our style when we're dressing to hang out with the girls as opposed to the lads? I know I do!

Haha, my boyfriend just came and sat down next to me and when I explained about The Man Repeller he said 'ah so just like all the clothes you wear then?' I rest my case.

Right I'm off to help my boyfriend get his contacts out (spent most of the evening trying to get them in as it's his first time...the things we do for the ones we love hey?). Have a good Monday night / Tuesday morning.

Now these pants I personally love, my boyfriend is currently telling my just how hideous they are. Hehe!

All images from The Man Repeller.

Miss Scarlett

2010-10-20T16:43:00.000+09:00

I get very bored with my hair very suddenly and change it drastically. For example one time I bleached it white blonde, another time I died it from white blonde to brunette. The last thing I did was to get it chemically straightened and cut it all off. Currently I'm obsessing over red hair. It's all Cheryl Cole's fault, although obviously not really, heh.

Scarlett Johansson.

Lindsay Lohan.

Old Cheryl Cole.

Cheryl Cole the other week.

Ashlee Simpson.

What dya reckon? Would it suit me?

Also it seems I'm not the only one. Liz over at Late Afternoon put this post up recently (click here).
Wonder who will do it first, if either of us do, haha!

A Poet Can Survive Everything but a Misprint

2010-10-18T23:53:00.001+09:00

Have spent all day marking my students listening tests at school. To say it's mind-numbingly boring is putting it nicely! Then I had to come home and take some of my own tests for a job application. Ergh! So not had a very exciting Monday!
Here is an outfit from Friday night. The shoes and bag don't really match but had to change my shoes at the very last minute (as in I'd already left and locked the front door) as heels made my calves hurt due to their previous injury (see previous post). Even though they don't quite go, I still love the outfit!

Shoes, Zara; Leather shorts, H&M; Zebra shirt, Zara; Bag, Zara; Bracelet, H&M.

Hiroshima Day 3.

2010-10-17T16:54:00.002+09:00

Ergh, spent the day doing laundry and ironing, boring! How's your Sunday been? Here's some pics from our last day in Hiroshima. We took the ferry across to Miyajima which is a world heritage sight. It has a Torii gate that looks like it's floating at high tide and a shrine that does the same thing. And a pagoda, temples and a mountain. We got the cable car up but walked down. An hour and a half of continuous stairs really took its toll on my calves! They've only just recovered. A sign I need to do more exercise I feel.

Waiting for the ferry...

The floating torii gate.

The shrine.

Cute right? Yeh till they eat your map, shirt, bag....

Low tide

And of course the standard Kitty photo.

Right, I must off to get ready for a friends dinner party. We're having Takoyaki, an Osaka special of octopus balls...it's tastier than it sounds, promise!

Pants, Zara; Vest top, Topshop; White semi-sheer top, Zara; Red leopard scarf, Zara; bag and jacket, Zara.

Paella!

2010-10-16T17:53:00.001+09:00

Look! I cooked a delicious paella for the boy and me the other night. :D I'm not exactly adept at cooking, just the standard pasta and sauce type things, so was rather proud of myself, lol! It was sooooo delicious and easy to make! Thanks Ainsley Harriott!

Hiroshima Day 2.

2010-10-16T17:28:00.001+09:00

On our second day we woke up a little later than planned (alcohol is bad.....) but still managed to get around the Peace Park, the Peace Museum (fantastic museum about the bomb with good history, facts and then the gruesome effects of the bomb). Then after some lunch we hopped on the train to the sake festival. Over 900 types to try....only I found out after my 5 cup or so I don't really like it, haha! So the boyfriend kept drinking and I managed to get him back to the hotel for a little nap before a really nice dinner at a Thai restaurant.

On the tram, such a reasonably priced way to get around town! Also my bag isn't actually that red in real life!

A-bomb dome during the day. This is the only structure left from when the bomb was dropped. It has been kept in the same condition it was in straight after the bombing as a reminder and memorial of such an horrific event in human history. I personally think it's an eerily beautiful memorial.

Peace museum.

Peace memorial. The flame in the memorial won't be put out until the last nuclear weapon on earth is destroyed.

Drunk people!

Erm...this whole sake thing...not so nice apparently.

Sake and chickens...makes so much sense! Huh?

This was a window display in a drugstore...eye patches are very popular here...apparently stuffed dead animals agree...love Japan's random craziness.

Dress, H&M; Leather Jacket, Zara; New favourite bag, Zara; Sunglasses, random shop in Osaka; Booties, Zara.

Hiroshima Day 1.

2010-10-15T19:38:00.001+09:00

We had a long weekend here in Japan so the boyfriend and I went to Hiroshima. It was my 3rd visit to this beautiful city but my boyfriends first so we did all the touristy things which are really good! Due to me working Saturday day and getting drunk Friday night, so didn't pack, we left a bit later than planned. Upon our arrival we went to check out the A-bomb dome at night, had Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki (different to here in Osaka) and then met up with some very very drunk friends of ours who'd been at an all day Sake festival. Much fin was had by all and we stumbled back to our little business hotel and passed out ready for sightseeing on Sunday.

A-bomb dome at night.

Hiroshima style okinomiyaki. Meccha oishii!

Zebra shirt, Zara; Belt, Zara; Jeans, Uniqlo; Earrings, H&M; rings; all presents from my Mum from various countries like Lithuania and Iceland.

Dress hoshi!

2010-09-16T18:51:00.000+09:00

I want this dress so badly! Is it's sheer panels, jersey, maxiness not simply awesome?
It's from Carin Wester S/S 11 and I've been meaning to post about it for an age but slightly busy atm (see this post).

Photo courtesy of fashiontoast.com

Vietnam Photo Diary 1: Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho.

2010-09-16T18:35:00.003+09:00

Please just hire me, I'm good, I promise!

2010-09-16T18:18:00.000+09:00

Argh! Am currently filling in my first application form since moving to Japan 2 years ago. Trust me to pick yet another highly competitive job with a long and complicated application form! Currently they want me to fill in all the modules I did at Uni, so four years worth, and their results.....erm.....what?! I so totally can't remember and all that stuff is back in my house in England so have to keep annoying my parents to find stuff. Aaaargh, tis so frustrating!

On top of that, the bf is moving in to my apartment on Sunday and I'm so not ready! Tidying and clearing is not going well and have to work till 4.15pm on Saturday.....eeeeek!

Add to that I actually have a full time job and it's all a bit hectic here at the moment and I can't wait for the weekend, after I've been to work, hehe!

On a happier note, popped in to Zara for the first time today since before my summer hols and.....I want 60-70% of it, bring on Friday (payday)!

Hope you're all having a much more stress free week!

Jen xxx