Jul 9, 2013 | Fashion
Crazy Wind, founded by designer Chiyo Takahashi, utilizes authentic kasuri textiles directly from Japan to produce modern clothing with a distinctly Japanese flair. Sourced from family-run factories in remote regions of Japan, kasuri textiles are a type of ikat fabric, dyed with indigo, that take about 2 months to create, all executed by skilled craftsmen and craftswomen. Chiyo, who was born in Japan but moved to America since she was a teenager, works with her mother to source the unique fabrics. The Crazy Wind name comes from a Japanese word “Fuukyo-“, which means insanity, a mad man or a person obsessed with his/her own art. The word “Fuukyo-“ is constructed with two characters, “Wind” and “Crazy”. Chiyo found a calligraphy drawing her late father made of “Fuukyo-“ while cleaning out a closet – and loved how he redrew the word “Wind” with an angry looking gorilla character. She writes that “It was as though [my father] was saying ‘Be crazy and go your own way!'”
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Jul 5, 2013 | Fashion
Filigree earring: Carino.Gold spike-and-rhinestone necklace: H&M. Skull-Studded Foldover Bag: ? (Pineapple County) (similar
here or
here for a designer version). Double Flamingo T-Shirt:
jouetie (similar
here or
here). Bone Rings: Wildfox (similar
here). Black jeggings: UNIQLO. Gold-Heel Suede Pumps: R&E (similar
here or
here in a sandal-type or
here– with pink heels, so cute!). Mani:
DIY Ombre Sherbet Nail Art (
tutorial here).
Hi all! Hope all of you had a wonderful Fourth of July (if you celebrate it, that is). (more…)
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Jun 28, 2013 | Fashion
photo from fromthelenz.com
Welcome to another installment of F.I.L.L.! This week’s been hot and muggy here in Tokyo, punctuated by a couple window-shopping expeditions, a high-end sushi lunch, and Pool Day at Lil Tot’s elementary. Here are some links online that have caught my eye this past week:
Dream It: Inspiration & Creativity
Neuroknitting creates scarves based on your brainwaves. Interesting – and a beautiful personalized expression. (Ecouterre)
The From the Lenz artist duo photographed a series of glow sticks being dropped into waterfalls in their Neon Luminance series. Mesmerizing and brilliant. (Demilked)
The apartment from the TV series “Friends,” re-created in tiny, loving detail (and it only took 2 years to make!) What do you think of it? (Brit.co)
Buy It: Shopping Picks
ASOS is currently having a HUGE up to 50% off Sale – and I just snapped up this adorable dotted raincoat
. Perfect for Portland 10 months out of the year!!
Speaking of rain, I keep seeing these clear ombre-tinted rain boots everywhere in Tokyo, and am thinking of getting a pair too. Luckily if you don’t live here you can also get them here!
This coral red slouchy handbag seems like it would go with everything in my closet this season. I love how bright it is!!
Make It: DIY
Like origami? And anatomy? How about an anatomically-correct origami human torso? Try out this DIY Paper Torso with downloadable templates. Not for the squeamish, but a great learning tool. (ThisIsColossal)
Fellow Portlander Rachel from Transient Expression posted a 3-step tutorial for a DIY Waxed Canvas Tote Bag. Follow the whole tutorial to first sew the bag, then wax the canvas, and finally add the straps for a fun multi-part DIY project this Summer. (Transient Expression)
DesignThrift made these pretty Tasseled Hoop Earrings – I just love all the variations on the design that she posted! So perfect with a maxidress or cutoffs this season. (DesignThrift)
Live It: Lifestyle
7 Surprising Productivity Hacks will have you leaving work by noon. Sometimes I wish I actually started my workday at 9 AM so I could put these to the test. (Lift.do Blog)
If you’re concerned that major find on Ebay is a knockoff, here are 20 Foolproof Ways to Spot an Authentic Hermes Birkin. The subtle differences between hand-made and mass-manufactured are easier to spot with this list. (DesignerVault)
Brit + Co. has just raised $6.3 million to build the DIY-themed company further, expanding on video and online content. Have you checked them out yet? (Gigaom)
Get your FILL every Friday!
xo
Carly
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Jun 25, 2013 | Fashion
OSMOSIS is a brand known for coolly casual prints and pieced fabrics. A lot of their clothing is reversible too, which makes it doubly fabulous (one of my favorite reversible sweaters ever is from OSMOSIS!). Founded in 1997, the brand creates timeless pieces, updated with trend-driven details. Prices range from about $40 for a top to around $150 for a pair of heels.
You can purchase OSMOSIS from their official online store OSMOSIS loaf,or in select boutiques throughout Japan.
So, fantasy shopping time: what would you buy?
I’m partial to that drapey beige sweater over that cool black-and-white stripe zigzag dress in the 3rd photo, and the embellished collar dress with the black-striped skirt in the 2nd-to-last photo.
How about you all?
xo
Carly
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Jun 22, 2013 | Fashion
Another major holiday is coming up: how will you spend your Fourth of July? A get-together with friends? (more…)
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