The dress I was given in Japan is made from floral and stripe cotton, with an empire line band and A-line skirt. I love the V-neck front contrasting with the square neckline at the back. I think the shape is flattering and it is really comfortable.
Cotton dress from Japan
Although this dress isn’t vintage, I think it can be styled as Twenties and Thirties. Inspiration would be films Paper Moon and O Brother, Where Art Thou? There are lots more out there, and some great original photos online. I’ve collected some on Pinterest.
My last week before returning to a wardrobe full of clothes, so outfits were repeated, but I tried to accessorise differently. The weather finally cooled down, and an umbrella was a key accessory.
Channelling Mrs Peel
Vivien of Holloway jeans
For our last week we drove up to the North of Japan to stay in a traditional Japanese inn, a Ryokan. We got to see a bit more of the countryside, with roadsigns of monkeys and wolves! The Ryokan was built over water, and we got to try out the onsen, hot spring baths.
Yakata
Yakata and view of the room
While we were at the Ryokan, we wore traditional yakata, and our shoes were kept put away in the lobby, until we wanted to go out, and they would magically appear. For one of our trips out, we visited Fox Village.
I finally found good light and somewhere to stand the camera!Another peek at the new dress
On our return to Saitama, it was time to say goodbye to our new friends and pack for an early flight. One of the lovely gifts I received was this dress which, now I’m back home, is on the ironing pile. I want to do a proper photo of it, so I’ll post it soon.
Want to ask any questions about packing a capsule wardrobe, feel free to comment or e-mail.
This week we went to Nara, Kyoto and Osaka. Beautiful parks and castles, as well as old Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.
Jasmine Guinness dress and headscarf
Flower earrings
Knitted top and wide leg trousers
One of my favourite things was feeding the deer in Nara Park.
Osaka Castle
Himeji Castle
Great little B&B in Nara with yukata (robe) and slippers, drinking green tea in a traditional Japanese cup.
Marilyn Pucci style top and Vivien of Holloway jeans for exploring Nippori fabric shops.
Lady shopping in a kimono
Giant button brooch with orange slash neck top tucked in
Next, I’m going north, to Yamagata, so I’ll pack a couple of outfits from my capsule wardrobe to take with me. Part of the journey is by train, on the Shinkansen (bullet train), so packing light makes the travelling easier.
I’ll post the last leg of my trip once I’ve returned to England. Subscribe to be notified when I’ve posted it.
In advance, I apologise for the poor quality photos. The lights where I’m staying are no good for photos, and my travelling companion is not enthusiastic about taking photos on our travels, unless it’s food.
Dressed for the long fight
Ready for departure
So, I wore this Wednesday night to London, ready for an early start on aThursday. Two flights and about 16 hours later, I arrived in Japan on Friday morning.
First trip out in Saitama, lunch and food shopping
Sunhat and gold hoops
The weather is unusually hot this September, so I’ve spent most of the week with my hair up, and wearing this hat. The ladies seem to keep a flannel with them, to ‘mop their brows’, so I have bought a flannel too, because the temperature is in the 30’s, and I’m melting.
Ready for a cycle around Saitama
The Japanese leave their shoes at the front door, so that’s why I’m not wearing shoes in some of these photos. I wore the cream Mary Jane’s for cycling. It’s fairly flat here, so it’s great for cycling.
Sunday in red, with the grey heels and gold hoops
Dinner out in the evening with brown leather
Casual
Pattern and brooch detail
So much walking and standing, my ankles were swollen. Take every opportunity to sit on the train!
Floral dress
Bow collar blouse
I still have a few things I haven’t worn, so they’ll feature next week, while other things will be worn again.
The Girl loves vintage 