Watch Out, World!

Let's face it. Japan is quirky. Trust me, after a few years living close to Tokyo, I can vouch that it is indeed the street fashion capital of the world. 

I don't actually know if it's called that. But it should be.

I declare!  

Nowhere else will you find cosplay so adamantly and consistently expressed (every Sunday in Harajuku, baby!). Nowhere else will you so often see patterns that shouldn't be seen together working perfectly (though sometimes imperfectly) on a single person. Nowhere else will you likely be the ONLY woman in your train car not wearing false eyelashes. Over are the days of sweat pants outside the house. Oh college, how I miss thee! 

There have been many facets of Japanese fashion that we've embraced. There are some that we've embraced that we really shouldn't have. And there are some that we never embraced to begin with. Although, I may enjoy dying my hair a lovely shade of lavender in my 80's. Who knows? 

Through the different phases of The-Gaynors-Take-Japan, there are a few things that have impacted us, styles we've adopted for the long run. Some are just plain practical. Some will end up, well, just being quirky. This post may be fun. But it may also be a warning to those of you who have to live with us in the future. Alas, here are the tidbits that have stuck, the quirks of Japanese fashion that we've made our own.

1. Sweater tights

These take the number one spot for a reason. After all, we need a reason to continue wearing skirts and dresses in the dead of winter, and sweater tights really stand up to the challenge. Even in Minnesota. YES, even in Minnesota! After a blizzard end to a road trip, I got to test a pair of Japanese sweater tights on my driveway with snow past my knees carrying a suitcase over my head. They check out! My legs weren't phased. And I was impressed.

tokyofashion.com

2. Tights with shorts

Weird, I know! But there's so much creativity to be had here! Colors and patterns and textures, oh my! You can play around with funky or pretty tights while still enjoying the comfort that pants give you. I love my skirts as much as any lady. But most days, I want to sit on the floor or put my legs up with ease. Don't knock it til you try it. Disclaimer: skill necessary. The shorts gotta be right. And the tights gotta be right. 

3. Sun parasols

Oh my gosh, so practical! This is a recent addition to our stock, but it is so stinkin' handy to just run out the door on a sunny day and throw open your parasol without worrying about sunscreen. This is especially handy with an infant. On short errands, I don't have to worry about his sweet little bald head becoming a tomato. And when we're out for longer, the parasol is an added protection that works well in addition to sunscreen.

commons.wikimedia.org

Also, good for protecting yourself against seahawks when you want to eat food outside.

4. Jeggings

You love them or you hate them. Either way, there's no arguing that they're comfortable.

5. Rompers

These are coming out in the States, too.  But Japan did it first and I love them! No explanation necessary. I'm currently looking for a great drapey romper that's breastfeeding friendly. My quest continues.

aliexpress.com

6. Engrish shirts

The hilarity never stops. Engrish is the Japanese take on English phrases. My favorite so far? "Become foolish laughing even with it is very painful like the monkey." So wonderful. Just. So. Wonderful. Bonus points if you can find a shirt devoted to your hometown. We've seen many Minnesota shirts floating around on people and I scored this one myself: "Minneapolis! A industrial city. Minneapolis is a city teeming with life." And in the process of writing this post, I found there's an entire website dedicated to Engrish merchandise. Fantastic!

7. Chunky boots 

These go particularly well with the shorts and tights idea, and are durable in rainy or cold weather. Love it! I have to admit, I have two pairs of boots I wear like this and one of them is pink. 

8. Riding bikes in dresses

Gotta get places. And gotta look cute. So you just make it work. I will, though, not wear heels on a bike. I am not that coordinated nor do I trust myself ever to be.

designerdenimjeansfashion.com

9. Funky pants for guys

My husband currently owns maroon cords, reversible rainbow plaid and gray shorts, and jeans with striped brown pockets that are situated on side of his bottom. It looks as if the pockets are straight up going to fall off of his rear end. But he wears them well. Day after day of denim just gets to be so boring. 

And I'm afraid ...

10. Throwing up the PEACE in photos. 

Don't worry, I only mean this when you want to be light and fun. In a world of countless selfies, I don't think a kawaii peace photo is all that bad. 

Just be thankful we've rejected rosy cheeks, fake iris contacts, and platform shoes. Things could be much, much worse, but we'll leave those things to the professionals.