FugaHum had a fabulous multi-media exhibition for their 2011 Spring/Summer collection called Wake Up cwhile I was in Tokyo. It took place in an open space and featured a video display of something straight out of the Twilight Zone, loud music, and, oh yeah, clothes! I loved the pieces. My two favorite pieces are pictured, but allow let me share my excitement over the line: Akiyoshi and Asuka are using fabric to create depth and dimension The line has several
For most Americans, Tokyo is expensive. Consider this: a tall Starbucks soy chai with flavoring (I get french vanilla) is about ¥650 which is about $8.50 using a generous conversion of ¥75. To get into a taxi, the starting fare is ¥710 which is about $9 before you even start moving….! With that said, walking the streets of Tokyo (which is just about all I can afford to do…..LOL) you will find Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci on just about
….try more color in your life? If there’s a great takeaway from Tokyo, it’s the use of color by men and women alike. Color adds depth, flavor and panache to an everyday outfit. C’mon give it a spin….
I had the opportunity to visit a number of designers and retailers while in Tokyo, but one of my favorite retailers was abahouse Designworks in Ginza. Have a look at their A/W 2010 fashions. They know how to work knits, asymmetrical styling, clean lines, and fur!! I feel in love with most of their knots which run around ¥ 24,000 to 28,000 (approx $320 to 375). *The leather is sumptuous but requires some ‘working in’…it’s all been polished to a shine!
Tokyo is a city ripe with fashion and style, but it is equal parts business too so the accomodations at Four Seasons Marunouchi remind you of how stylish, hip and modern Japanese culture can be in the midst of power playing! Four Seasons Marunouchi soothes the senses of the business-minded with a neutral color palette throughout the hotel with splashes of vibrant color (the Japanese love color); has clean lines and modern amenities that remind you that you’re in a technology savvy
Walk to the left Quiet in public Everyone carries handbags (even men and kids) Money is not exchanged hand to hand Business cards are held with both hands and read at length Service is chronic not acute (it’s a way of life) Conformity is okay Cleanliness is a given Building stomach muscles comes easy (from bowing at the waist)….beware of pulling butt muscles though Individuality is for kids and after work; blue suits are for all other occasions Small is
We’re all familiar with the Starwood brand (my fave), so the Westin Tokyo is a natural option. Upon arrival, the entire lobby is decorated in Christmas decorations (BTW – Christmas is more of an intimate, couples Holiday while New Years is more family-oriented). The Westin Tokyo brings together the comforts of western living and several Japanese traditions. The hotel reminds you immediately of an American hotel with the heavier, baroque furnishings, but shows all of the wonderful trappings of Japanese culture like
You are greeted by open space, shiny steel and colored glass; and courteous and quick assistance from the staff. The Tokyo Grand Hyatt is a representation of all that is respected in Japanese culture (customer service and modernity) yet all that is loved by Americans. With eight full restaurants with everything from French and Italian to Chinese and Japanese, and three bars, the Grand Hyatt delivers energizing surroundings amidst the vibrant and active Roppongi neighborhood. I loved it! Before heading out
14 hours of airtime, 2 hours of airport waiting-time and 2 hours of bus travel – you are officially ready to let is all go. Lucky you’ve arrived at the Four Seasons Tokyo Chinzan-so where you’re greeted by a warm smile, a courteous bow, and staff insistent on toting your luggage. The lobby quickly reminds you of old world comfort and, no matter where you’re from, a fancy home away from home. Having arrived at night, I wasn’t privy to
I am utterly jetlagged and think it’s because I was in coach, but as I chatted with a few folks in business class, they were spent too. Thus, I am led to believe it is the 14 hours at 30,000+ feet and the less-than-livable spacing. With that said, I have checked into the Four Seasons Tokyo at Chinzan-so and am plotting with my compadres a mini lifestyle romp! Tokyo – watch out!
I’m in Maui (six hours behind Eastern time) so, forgive me if my posts are ‘short n sassy’ while I’m here.
On my way to Maui today, I ran into a gentleman that provided great insight into traveling stylishly so, I thought I’d share.
Comprised of leopard print silk slippers and a do-not-disturb-me eye mask and pouch, this new Lanvin on-the-go travel essential is ideal for long, tiring flights or car rides. Coming from a well-traveled pro, the secret to happy travels comes down to having the appropriate luggage so, pack your bag with this super-luxe set, and your other travel must-haves – and get out of town. Once on board, just bundle up and dream in shades of Lanvin.
Blueprint for Style is traveling today; headed to Chicago for Ebony Magazine’s roundtable discussion on the real issues in public schools. Since I’m traveling, I’m providing a few stylish travel tips as well!!
The cool part about writing this segment on traveling in style is that it’s less about the clothes you wear when you get where you’re going, and more about how to look good getting there! Yesterday we discussed the best kicks to sport to ensure you look stylish yet can be fashionably functional moving along planes, trains and automobiles. Today, it’s all about what you’re packin’ as in what you’re packing your clothes in. For all parties, stick with carry-ons.
Question: How can I look fashion moving through the airport? Quiet as kept, flip flops are not only not comfortable but, they make it difficult to run in if necessary. And high heels are my life but, again, for quick layovers, a slip or broken heel is an easy way to lose cool points! Answer: The range of answers we fielded included flip flops, high heels, wedges, sneakers and slippers. The correct answer and most style-appropriate answer depends on what
All next week, we’re dedicated to getting everyone ready to ‘hit the road‘ in style. Get ready – we’re gonna be in motion next week… Send all of your questions before Monday so we can try to field as many as possible throughout the week!
Imagine coming home after a night-on-the-town and then segueing into something just as stylish only more comfortable…. Fashion-forward line, Keep Me, has created this essential set with their most coveted items: the Kate lounge pant, Dori tee, Drea bralette and Trish undies. Every last piece is exquisitely comfortable yet sexy and classy at the same time—aka the perfect pjs for any fashionista. Intrigued? Invest in the “Essentials” Set for your own cozy clothes drawer and show ’em how fashionably comfortable you
Spring is finally here and everyone is preparing for the first round of weekend forays and getaways. Here’s your packing list to get through Thursday evening travel, Friday running around and extended ‘happy hour’, Saturday happenings and jazz club/concert, and Sunday brunch:
One of the best ways to move forward into 2-K-10 is by going back…as in vintage goods! Portero is the premier site for pre-owned goodies and this Delvaux indigo leather tote hits the spot. Authenticate Delvaux Color: indigo Hardware: silver Interior: suede Closure: magnetic Price: $237
That’s right — I’m off to Barcelona and Valencia, Spain for a birthday vacation so, in the interim, Blueprint for Style will be posting infrequently until next Wednesday, October 28th. WAIT – it doesn’t mean I won’t be posting, it just means I won’t be doing nearly as many daily posts…unless they’re related to my Spanish fashions so there will be plenty of posts to see! Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city; and Valencia is Spain’s third largest city, home
During our time in Cape Town, Johnica and I were given the opportunity to luxuriate at The Spa at Cape Grace– and that we did! While we stayed at The Table Bay Hotel, it was Cape Grace’s recently renovated and upgraded hotel and services that left our mouth agasp and let the hectic pace melt away.
Today while in Cape Town, Johnica and I had the pleasure of partaking in a bit of ‘exhale’ at the Camelot Spa located inside The Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. A large part of being stylish and sophisticated is our ability to feel stylish and sophisticated–what better way (besides a massage and a great workout) than with a facial! The staff was very professional and courteous, and the facial hit the spot. After having spent several hours and
A large part of being stylish and sophisticated is the ability to present your ‘game face’. In this case, your game face comes as a result of taking care of yourself and your body – and that’s what Blueprint just finished doing! While in Cape Town today, Johnica and I were treated to Papaya and Pineapple body scrubs and wraps to moisturize our jetlagged skin! The results were amazing not to mention the service and the entire spa environment! The best
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