so i live on the other side of japan. Osaka is west, tokyo is east. and while i love my city (shout out to O!), lemme tell you, tokyo knows how to do shopping! now, this wasn't my first shopping trip to tokyo but, it was the BEST. namely because instead of heading to played-out harajuku, we headed to GINZA. let me explain...
everyone has heard of harajuku: (thanks gwen stefani) made famous for the experimental fashion, and every possible look under the sun, from girls dressed like french maids, goth-lolitas.. i mean imagine it and you'd probably see it in harajuku.. i guess its fun to watch but harajuku really isnt my style. im a divah (or so i'd like to think) and GINZA is where i belong!!! HarajuWHO? Child, that's so last century! ginza was all sparkly and uppity, just the way i like it.. . every one looked so posh and well dressed! it felt like paris! except i've never been to paris so... but u get my point...
and the shopping began. given that i'm on a budget, i looked longingly at the uber-luxury stores, wept silently, and made my way to my usual faves. but being in ginza made the experience all the more fun. given that i had time constraints (mere hours to find a NYE dress) i didn't shop as much as i would have, but here's what i got - minus the NYE outfit (prices are averaged in $USD as i paid ¥):
From THE GAP: Orange Knit sweater $30; Fuchsia sweater $22,; Striped Soft-touch long-sleeved tee $15. note that GAP Japan is more expensive than GAP US as its a foreign brand, the amt id pay in shipping and tax to buy from GAP US isn;t worth it. i live here so i dont mind the extra. Costs less than a plane ticket.
From Forever 21: Stretch Denim Jeans in Indigo $18; Patent black pumps $30
Also Forever 21: Necklace, $9; Gold medallion earrings $5, gold and turquoise pendant earrings $5. I seem to be going through a gold phase. and of course i MUST buy anything thats turquoise!
Budget tips: To restrict myself from going crazy i only took a small carry-on and my tote with me to tokyo. there really wasn't much room left for purchases. this prevented me from overspending and actually forced me to think about what i really wanted. when there's a sale it's easy to get carried away and purchase items you dont need, just because they're on sale; try leaving your credit and debit cards at home. sales are out to get you! walk with a shopping list and a fixed amount of cash. when that cash is done. guess what, you're done shopping.
I didn't shop as much as i usually do, but this was still my best trip to tokyo yet, and much of that is because ginza is so sparkly and i like sparkles!!! where's your favourite shopping district? look at the pics!
Dusk in ginza: Japan doesn't have an independence day (never colonised) so i guess the use their biggest holiday (new years/ Oshougatsu) to put the flag up. it thought they looked pretty as they lined the street!
The BVGLARI Japan Store, in Ginza.. i mean look at that necklace.. its intense! i've been told it's also on the flagship store in New York... BVGLARI Harajuku was rather plain.. sans oppulent pendant! lame! and do you Cartier in the reflection?
The Gap, Ginza and the tokyo metro sign (the Kanji/Japanese characters read: Gin Za Eki.)
I wish i had taken a video of this. the lights twinkled! like fireflies on a building. so pretty!
I can't wait to get back to tokyo! Hopefully i can head back out in spring. happy winter shopping!
xoxo
k.
PS i shop at American or European stores in japan because most Japanese stores don't carry anything larger than what would be a small in American or european sizes. so to save myself the emotional trauma of clothes not fitting, i stick to foreign stores.
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