The best part about living in Japan is the shopping... hands down! Shopping vintage, however, can be quite pricey. The Japanese especially like novelty "North American style" clothing... and for me, being from North America, it makes it all the more difficult to spend good money on second hand clothing that I know costs next to nothing at home.Varsity jackets, Vintage American tees, designer scarves, aged leather belts... they love it all! At home second hand shopping can be difficult. Its next to impossible to find garments that are in good condition AND fit well.. its all about the thrill of the hunt (rummaging through bins of old wool cardigans and keeping your fingers crossed that those beautiful leather loafers are your size). Here you have to go to the Vintage-trendy and artsy areas of Tokyo, like Shimo-kitazawa (where I found this beauty!) to shop at vintage specialty boutiques. Buyers bring over the trendier pieces and put ridiculous price tags on them. Shimo-kitazawa is a little outside of the Tokyo Metropolis so the prices are quite reasonable, but shopping Harajuku or Daikanyama will burn a hole through your pocket, fast. Oh, and good luck finding shoes.. The average shoe size at one of these stores is a 5 or a 6...
I found this 1960s mini at Chicago's Vintage shop for only 1500yen (around $17.50 CAD) woop woop! I love the retro print, and it fits like a glove! I also picked up one similar in a deep maroon with a closed crew-neck, 3/4 sleeves. Kawaii!
I feel like this dress has inspired my life.... is that crazy? Probably. xo
