Le Petit Prince Stationary

Ever since reading Le Petit Prince in high school French Class, I've been obsessed with the whimsical art style of the book. I recently bought these Christmas cards for my close friend since they took French with me.

They're pop-up cards and even come with a rubber seal sticker.


I also bought the matching stamp set too as part of a DIY kit.

Otaku to Chic.

Well, I haven't posted in a while since I've been busy with my advertising internship. BUT, I thought I'd post some mundane pictures of things I've recently bought, ranging from otaku to chic. 

The art books are from ANIMATE in Tokyo and the mangas are from Barnes & Noble. I couldn't help but splurge after seeing these cute covers!

Inside of the PIXIV 2011 art book. I use this for inspiration!

These were on sale for $20 and going by what the reviews said, they're better than iPod headphones which is what I currently use. Cute colors too!

Doc Martens I snagged up for $15 at a local flea market. SCORE. My 75 year old grandma says they're too heavy and look like they're from 1950s China.

Pastel Garden

Blouse - H&M | Shoes - Honey's | Shorts - Premium  | Purse - Thrifted

 I haven't had an outfit post in a while! Here I am featuring some of my newest summer clothes! I bought the shoes at Honey's in Japan. Honey's has so many cute staple clothing at Forever 21 prices. The purse is from Buffalo Exchange after we sold a bunch of my friend's stylist roommates' clothing. I fell in love when i first saw it - I'm a sucker for mint and gold plated things.

Kagehashi Japan (Day 6)

Chiba University | Parco Department Store

On the sixth day, we visited Chiba University to get a glimpse of student life. Chiba University is the sister school to Rice University, and I noticed some similarities between the two schools. Their campus is also draped in overhanging foliage along the roads. It also has a small charming feel to it. 

A poster calling for students to volunteer in showing Rice University and U. Wisconsin around campus. The students who came were super nice and easy to talk to. We bonded over anime among other thing. 

Kagehashi Japan (Day 5)

Makuchari Flea Market

As a show of goodwill and student exchange, the Kagehashi group volunteered at KUIS (Kanda University of International Studies)'s international festa and Makuchari event. 

What is Makuchari?

  

The name “Makuchari” comes from Makuhari Charity-Flea market, and is modeled on the charity shop in the UK called Oxfam, which has the largest number of charity shops (recycle shops.) This charitable event started to be held at KUIS (Kanda University of International Studies) in 2005 for the purpose of fundraising through the flea market.

Originally, I was allotted to Kid's items but I quickly switched to my more favorite category, fashion.

Our booth for fashion accessories with prices ranging from $1-$30. The Japanese students at my booth were so kind and spoke a little English. I was able to bond with them through naming Japanese brands that I liked, such as Liz Lisa and Rirandture. They also taught me how to say "irasshaimase" which is a form of respect to customers. I kept pronouncing it wrong though...

Kagehashi Japan (Day 3)

Waseda University | Kikkoman Factory | Chiba Downtown

In the morning, we went to a conference at Waseda University that confront the problem of decreased number of Japanese exchange students in the US. Some of the takeaway points were that initiatives need to be made in both countries to promote foreign languages, especially English in Japan. Although Japan is a very advanced country and English is an obligatory language, many of its residents don't know English. I believe if English was more heavily emphasized in Japanese schools, then the interest in western societies will rise as a result. There is also the problem of the two countries having different school schedules. It's summer in America, but Japanese students are still early in their academic year.

After the conference, we rushed to the city of Noda where we toured the Kikkoman soy sauce factory.

When I first found out we would be touring a soy sauce factory, I was a little disappointed because: 1. It's soy sauce, an everyday object for me, 2. I expected the factory to be some rinkydink metal building.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by the accommodations and tour of the Kikkoman factory. It was super modern, clean and they made learning about the soy sauce making process very entertaining.

Kagehashi Japan (Day 2)

Japan Foundation | National Museum | Kappabashi | Asakuza Shrine | Shinjuku Shopping

A healthy breakfast to start the day. I wish we had rice, miso soup and fish available for breakfast in America. I would totally wake up early for that.

I tried naoto (fermented soy beans) for the first time. The taste is neutral but the texture is the interesting part - all plasticy and stringy like cheese. Although I heard it's good for you, I don't think I will be eating it again anytime soon.

Kagehashi Japan (Day 1)

Shinjuku (Hotel, Dining, Arcade)

This summer I am taking part in the JENESYS/ Kakehashi Project - a youth-exchange program between Japan and North America. As part of this trip, a group of 24 students including me will be touring Tokyo and Chiba, and visiting local universities. We were told to keep a blog about our experiences. Because I will be taking pictures of almost every experience, I'll look even more touristy in Japan. (There were times where I had to refrain from taking pics of Japanese vending machines and airline food)

After a grueling 11 hour airplane trip from LAX to Narita International Airport, we were friendly greeted by our host of this trip. It was the first time I had ever had someone holding a sign at the airport - It felt good. Along with Sato-sensei and Mr. Jose Narbona (2 Rice teachers), he will be accompanying us on our entire journey and providing hilarious & honest commentary.

London Purchases

There were so many girls' fashion stores at Westfield and on Oxford Street - Top Shop, H&M, Uniqlo (yay!), Mango, Pull&Bear etc. I had enough to buy a few of my favorite things, but the problem I ran into at a lot of stores is that there wasn't one article that absolutely stood out.

Here are the items I did decide to buy.

+ Cecilia Birtwell Dress
+ Uniqlo Shirt
+ Chuti Cat Sweater
+ Handcut Girl with Balloon Necklace
+ Vintage Levi's High-Rise Shorts
+ Lollipops Keychain
+ Laduree Macarons
+ Lichtenstein Print
+ Hunger Fashion Magazne
+ Mugi Sketchbook & Pens

Floral, Cat Flats & A-line

Long time no post! I don't have any recent outfit posts because I've been too lazy or looking like shit because of finals - so here is my most recent purchases. My last final was today so I went out and "splurged" (if you can even call shopping at thrift stores splurging) after a 2 month shopping dry spell.

I've always wanted an old-timey floral blouse. If I don't tuck it into something, I look like a fat nursing home occupant but it's really fitting when I pair it with my newly bought pleated A-line skirt. I can't wait to wear this look in London!

I got $20 version of Charlotte Olympia's popular cat flats. Honestly, I would never spend ~$600 on flats so I'm pretty happy with my economic knock-off version.

moshi moshi

My favorite kawaii goods store is back in business! Moshi Moshi is a small shop in Chinatown, Houston located next to Tapioca House. I was so surprised by their wide variety of cute stuff at reasonable prices, which are even cheaper than those on the internet. I'm seriously going to make sure that store never goes out of business again - SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!

Some goodies I picked up for myself.

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CLOTHES FROM CHINA

My cousin from China sent me a bunch of clothes she bought me! It seems as if everyone in China is wearing long sleeved dress with an A-line cut which I absolutely adore.

HOLIDAY LOOT

Hey guys! I just got back from my vacation in Disneyworld and it was a blast! I have pictures and stories to share but that will be in a later longer post. Here are some stuffs I bought over winter break - LET ME SHARE THEM WITH YOU!

I got this super cute sticker set and postcard from the Japanese gift shop at Epcot. Omg I cutegasmed when I went in because of all the Shinzi Katoh items. There was also lots of Sanrio, Totoro and Pokemon goodies.

Necklace, Belt, Shorts by F21 | Hat by Rubi | Boots by Nurture | Leather Jacket by Kenar (thrifted)

Because my cousin is here for break, she and I went shopping almost every day - seriously, we went to like three malls. Also, my dad bought me the Chelsea style boots I've been wanting for a while as a Christmas present!

MAGAZINE ST.

Went exploring a little today in New Orleans while my dad went fishing with his friend. I stumbled upon Magazine Street in uptown Nola. Quite similar to Houston's Montrose area, this street was riddled with thrift stores, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. I also tried my first Po Boy from New Orleans at Guy's.

My only purchase today is stationary from Box Paper Scissors. This Midori envelope set automatically caught my eye and I'm going to use it on special friends only. The storekeepers were super nice and they gave me a free pencil!

I also stopped by a Goodwill in Covington. The one there had a lot of vintage items but I wasn't expecting to find a 1986 Sanrio trinket box! Holla! It was too cute to pass up and for only a buck too! 

BLACK MILK POLICE BOX

Purchased my first Black Milk leggings ever during their Black Friday Sale. Almost everything was gone but I really liked these Police Box ones - I honestly don't think i can pull the crazier prints off. Look for these in future outfit posts.

THANKSGIVING THRIFT

White Loafers by Etienne Algner

Back home for Thanksgiving! I went to my local Goodwill for funsies and found this awesome pair of white loafers for $6. There are some scratches on it and the inside is peeling, but the outside looks pristine enough! 

Happy Thanksgiving guys!