Fashion's Night Out Japan 2011 photo diary

 opening ceremony at Omotesando Hills

 gorgeous works of art at Jimmy Choo

 champagne at Jimmy Choo with my celeb-stalking partner-in-crime
[on me: Dolce Vita Haleigh dress, Sam Edelman Louie boot]

 crowd at Hermes

 and an even bigger crowd at Michael Kors

...clearly for a good reason

Jennifer Hudson and MK.

 champagne, snacks and glow-stick bracelets at Theory Aoyama

buying a Theory x Deer Dana shirt

About to get super exciting at Cavalli...

still can't wrap my mind around this picture...

intricate 50lb dresses that I would kill to wear

 Belvedere at Marc Jacobs Aoyama

Taking a break at Marc Jacobs

 Anna Tsuchiya at Chanel

horrible picture, but still... it's Franca Sozzani!

 Japanese spirit at rag & bone

 mixed with American food... Golden Brown hotdogs and popcorn

 candy bar!

 miniature hotdogs

 and the highlight of my night (along with Roberto Cavalli)

closing ceremony at Omotesando Hills

best FNO so far!

My second FNO Japan takes the cake.

Last year, I spent FNO in New York and while that was beyond exciting, it was too spread out to be able to do everything I wanted. Not to mention far too crowded. The first year of FNO I was here in Tokyo and had a great time... sometimes I think it's better to go in with absolutely no expectations. 

This year was clearly beyond belief. 

And while I'm sure the effort by Vogue to bring the whole world together for Japan's FNO was the primary reason this year was so exciting, something about FNO in Japan makes it overly unique. It could be the inherit politeness of the Japanese society that makes it seem so much less crowded. Or maybe the fact that all the participating stores are within walking distance. Either way, it seemed more put together and accessible than ever. 

While I still wish I could've at least seen Anna Wintour, BryanBoy, ADR and Emmanuelle Alt, I can't possibly complain. I met the blogger I most admire and enjoy following, as well as one of my top 5 favorite designers, Rumi Neely and Roberto Cavalli.

And I'm still in disbelief.

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missing summer

already. and it's only been gone for about a month here in Tokyo. 

But what I'm really missing is desert summer. Nothing can beat the raw, dry heat and unapologetic landscape of the gorgeous desert in the middle of the summer... combined with the freezing nights that are just as unforgiving.

Can't wait until I can go back to my uniform of jean shorts and a tank every. single. day.

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desert enchantment

[all images via Purse 'n Boots]

kind of seriously obsessing over the latest Planet Blue lookbook... it's so homey with all the desert-y colors, ethereal fabrics and obviously scorching hot weather. 

I even find myself getting reminiscent over the flagstone. 

...I may have a problem.

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House of Harlow 1960 fall collection

loving this new promotional video

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back in Tokyo!

...and this time, it's for a little bit longer than usual. Two years or so, maybe? I'm working in retail in Ginza, living in Roppongi for a month then relocating. So far, everything's been absolutely great... aside from it being so lonely here! I'm used to having lots of people to come back to, but literally every single one of my friends has moved to the US or some other country to finish their schooling. Bad timing in it's most perfect form. 

I figure once I settle in with my job and get to know people at the company, my life will pick up the pace a little bit. HA.. Shouldn't I be thankful that my first 3 days here have been somewhat quiet? Most people would crave that time to adjust, but I think one day would've sufficed. 

Just a few things I'm already missing... 

 the breathtaking hidden beauty of the desert

 In-N-Out. 

Protein style cheeseburger with grilled onions & the best fries in the world.

Warm summer night dinners on the deck, accompanied by the most perfect Cabernet, fruity drinks and fresh fruit for dessert. 

 Sprinkles Red Velvet.

 Chloe, our sweet black lab.

 fresh salad topped with avocado.

 the cool ocean spray & warm sand.

 again, mountains of avocado on anything and everything.

 the DTLA skyline

and of course, the tangy perfection that is Pinkberry.

It all comes down to family, friends and food... all you need for happiness in life, the way I see it. 

After all, seasons change, so do cities; people come into your life and people go.
But it's comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart. And if you're very lucky, a plane ride away. 

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Roma

[Zara blouse, Nordstrom Caslon skirt, Banana Republic cardigan, Gianni Chiarini bag, Sam Edelman Divine Sandals, Oliver Peoples Lainie Sunglasses]

This is one of the outfits I chose to sight see around Rome in. Though it's not my typical style, to say the least, it was refreshing to add a sort of European cleanliness to my usually unkempt relaxed look that I associate with summers at home in Southern California. 

And here are a few shots from the few days I spent in the gorgeous city of Roma... can't wait to return someday. 

 fresh mozzarella tomato pizza at a cafe by our hotel

 the majestic Pantheon

 dinner with the requisite balsamic & vinegarette

 Light seeping through the windows inside St. Peter's Basilica

 an afternoon break at a cute little cafe with the most delectable tiramisu and a much needed caffe shakerato

 the magical Trevi fountain at night

and of course, the Colosseum.

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