Hawaii wedding inspiration

Japanese fashion model Jessica Michibata, who maintains her own blog full of personal pics of her glam life, recently attended a friend's wedding in Hawaii as a bridesmaid (that's her, fourth from left). This photograph is my favorite because of the colorful fashion it showcases. The bridesmaid dresses are really unique--a kind of seafoam-colored pattern with a dash of lavender. Maxi dresses come into play as well. The girl on the far left is wearing one with a really bold pattern, and the other girl (who happens to be Jessica's younger sister, also a beautiful model...ugh, genes!) wears a multicolored, orange dress that I absolutely love! Then we have two guests in different shades of yellow. I personally prefer the brighter yellow hue with the embellished neckline. And as for all these gorgeously attired wedding guests posing against a Hawaii sunset...well, it just couldn't get more fashionably perfect than that!

Layering for fall

Even though it's still pretty sunny and warm in Los Angeles, the early mornings have started to look gray and overcast, hinting at the impending fall weather. As much as I dislike the rain and cold, fall is the perfect time to experiment with layering. Like the outfit on the left, for example: a pair of dark skinny jeans tucked into slouchy socks and red kitten heels. It's a little out there--inspired from my time in Japan, where it's common for girls to strut around in get-ups like that!--but I think the combination is really cute. And it's just plain old fun to play around with layers like that! You can achieve a similar look with these slouchy leg warmers from HeartsDeesire Vintage Emporium. Just pull 'em on over your tightest jeans and add cute, colorful heels of your choice!

Designer Spotlight: Tsumori Chisato

I first stumbled upon the designer Tsumori Chisato while shopping at a boutique in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2004. I was enamored as soon as I spotted one top--a sheer, floaty black blouse with cream trim, a braided neckline, and sash tie at the waist--which will never leave my closet. Born in Japan and a graduate of Tokyo's famous Bunka Fashion College (past students include Yohji Yamamoto and Kenzo Takada), Tsumori once worked with Issey Miyake in 1977 before starting her own line. Her clothing is beautiful, quirky, and oftentimes eclectic in her use of embroidery and embellishment.

For her Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection, Tsumori incorporated sea motifs--coral, octopus, shells, even a pretty blue starfish placed strategically on one side of a model's head. The shapes of the brilliantly multicolored clothes coming down the runway were truly unique and so unlike any other designer I've seen. For example, one model worked the Aurora, a gorgeous chiffon bubble dress with stand-up shoulder pleats and oversized sleeves, while another strutted down in a pair of tie-dye pants made to look like a skirt.

Thankfully, several online retailers carry select items from Tsumori Chisato. Two of them, probably the most well stocked I've seen so far, are Shop Zoe and Shop Bird, both offering the latest darling designs from her sea-themed spring collection.

(Credit to Elle.com for photos)

Young, Broke, and Fabulous Striped Dress

This Young, Broke, and Fabulous flirty striped dress with ruffled hem and dropped waist tie instantly reminded me of Japanese fashion. When I lived in Japan, this kind of dress is exactly what so many young Japanese girls would wear and what trendy stores like Cecil McBee carried. Japanese style isn't for everyone, but I always enjoyed seeing the girls pushing the limits of fashion and going totally over the top! I can see a Japanese girl pairing this dress with sky-high heels, leggings, long curly hair, and crazy accessories.

For the States, I'd tone down the effect and keep it simple. I think this super comfortable dress (it's a luxurious blend of cotton and cashmere) would mesh well with skinny jeans (try a stretchy pair by Cheap Monday) and vibrant shoes for an unexpected pop of color (these L.A.M.B. platforms come to mind!). With that kind of ensemble, you'll definitely look young and fabulous--just not necessarily broke!