I ran out of the star fabric Memory uses for the Tokyo Skirt so I went back to Tokyo for a few days. I know, it sounds like a combination of silly and insane to fly to another country just to buy more fabric. No, the store/manufacturer doesn’t ship outside the country (of course I’ve asked) and I didn’t want to bother my (very few) Japanese friends to help me with this. Besides, I had other reasons to go on a quick last-minute trip to Tokyo. Inspiration! Shopping! A break! The flight tickets weren’t very expensive and I scored on a cheap last-minute hotel deal, so I was off.
Since Memory launched a month ago it’s been nonstop. Every day I wake up with new things to do, orders to pack, errands to run, and my mind is constantly buzzing with what I should shoot/post next. (No complaints!) I am also slowly but surely starting to think of the next collection and knew that a Tokyo trip wouldn’t hurt. I find so much inspiration every time I’m there, from the graphic designs on the street and store signs to the way boutiques and shops are visually merchandised, and of course, scavenging for vintage and antique references.
I intentionally went alone (there’s really nothing I love more than being alone in Tokyo). 3 nights and 4 days was not enough time but I did hit most of my stomping grounds and then some. I haven’t been since January and since then, I had quite a few new places I found across the Internet saved that I wanted to visit. I was so pleased with myself and my findings — I sometimes can’t believe how happy material things make me …
Anyway, here’s everything I bought in Tokyo! My first haul post. I hope you enjoy.
Clothes
Hungarian Pleated Folk Skirt (pártás szoknya) - I think this is my favorite purchase of this year, not just this trip. This skirt is insane, I’m o b s e s s e d ! It’s crazy because I almost didn’t even try it on — the way they had it hung on the hanger in the store made the waist look like 10 inches across, but I was relieved to see it was just folded that way. It’s a wrap skirt so very roomy. It’s giving Chopova Lowena’s iconic belted skirts (I’m still sad I don’t own one) and after very light research I can see these folk skirts may be the original inspiration for Chopova’s famous belted ones. I just live for and love a truly vintage, very very special piece like this. They’re such a rarity and definitely not easy to come by, especially in Korea. Well well well, happiness can be bought sometimes!!
Vintage Silk Dress - One more really very special piece. I stop by this shop every time I’m in Tokyo and I’ve only bought something once before. But I go every time and try on a million things and the shop girls are so sweet but I can tell they get a bit tired of me and girls like me. Trying on a million things and not buying anything. But the thing is, I do try things on with the wholehearted intention of buying something, but the pieces here are REAL antique. The sizing is crazy finicky and almost nothing I try on ever works. Again, on this trip, I tried on maybe 10 pieces and was doing one final lap around the (tiny) shop when I saw this piece tucked away at the end of an overfilled rack wrapped in a plastic garment bag. They only keep the super fragile, delicate pieces in plastic so I was apprehensive about even asking to try it but I just had to see. And thank God I did because wow … it truly fit like a glove. I mean, I don’t remember the last time a dress fit me so well. Especially an antique one like this — it’s hand stitched and the zipper is intact but hanging by a thread. I didn’t care that it might need some TLC soon. I looked so good! I had to have it. Done and dusted!
Yellow Vintage T-Shirt - I’ve been wearing this nonstop since I got it and my friend asked me the other day if it was Adrian Cashmere, which I definitely took as a compliment. It looks expensive and nice! I almost never buy vintage t-shirts anymore (I went through a big vintage t-shirt phase many moons ago) but this one definitely stood out for its super washed, almost plushy texture and perfect butter yellow hue. I never really wore yellow before but I’ve noticed in the last year that I’m really drawn to this pale soft buttery yellow, and it’s actually quite nice on me! Once I tried it on, I was immediately sold. It’s so cute and comfy and easy to throw on.
Eyelet Skirt - This sweet skirt! I love the small details on this - the eyelet, obviously, but also the lace trim and the little appliqué detail above the slit. Who knows which way the slit’s supposed to go but my current favorite location is right at the back. It’s definitely a bit big on me but it’s so easy to throw on and go anywhere in. It was a ridiculously good/low price (all prices revealed below).
Hermès Polo & 3/4 Sleeve Top - Two Hermès tops, one shop? How did I get so lucky? I actually own a Hermès polo already but it’s quite different - it’s a men’s one so very oversized, more of a knit than a spun cotton and has a quarter zip instead of classic buttons. I thought it was such fate that I came across this one because on my way to this shop, I actually walked right by the Lacoste store and had to stop myself from going in. I’ve wanted a well-fitting polo for years but never get around to it, partially because I don’t really want a loud embroidered logo. So voilà, this appears in front of my eyes and the only brand marking there is are chic, monochromatic ‘H’s for the button closures. Ugh, vintage Hermès. Always so perfect. The three-quarter sleeve top is also pure perfection. The cotton is thick in a perfect, still-suitable-for-summer way, and the second I tried it on (and saw the sale price) I knew I needed it. I love a tight-ish top with an extended torso these days. So chic!
See by Chloe Music Top - This top was on crazy sale and I thought the music notes graphic was so sweet and cute. Plus the short sleeves are tied in little knots and have an exposed shoulder. I got it as a gift for my musician friend ♡
Yasmine Eslami Peach Bra - Oh man I lost my mind at this perfect lingerie shop that’s been on my Instagram watchlist for many many many months. I guess that’s what can be so dangerous about travel-shopping. All these places you’ve stalked online for months suddenly come alive and you get overwhelmed and overstimulated. Is that just me because I’m a shopaholic? Anyway, I am a big fan of this lingerie brand from Paris (Yasmine Eslami) and have wanted a bra from them for so long! I tried on a few different colors before succumbing to this peach tone. I’ve never bought anything in this color nor thought it would ever look good on me but alas, it was just so cute and flattering once on. CC swiped.
Cream Silk Skirt - For these insanely hot, humid, Korea/NYC summers. Sometimes all you need is a slinky silk skirt with an elastic waistband to make it all okay.
Vintage White Bralette Tank + Floral Scoopneck Top - I love these old vintage lace-trimmed/waffle/soft knit tops and they’re everywhere in Tokyo these days. But it’s really hard to find a size that works for you - they’re usually teeny tiny or so big, especially in the bust area. These are both a bit small on me but I’ll make ‘em work. I love them as easy layering/summer options!
Vivienne Westwood swimsuit - Tbh I actually got this in Seoul (a day after my Tokyo trip) but snuck it in here because it’s too good. One of my favorite vintage stores in Seoul posted that they’re closing and moving to a new location with no date in mind, so even though I was tired I made my way over to the shop because it’s pretty close to me. I’ve gotten friendly with the owner over the last few months because I visit frequently and he pulled this out of the back thinking I would like it! And like it I did! It fit perfectly, it’s got the signature Vivienne Westwood neckline, and I loved that it was made from mostly cotton. I’m curious about and want to make cotton swimwear… maybe one day. Anyway, can’t wait to try it out this summer!!
Antique Toys & Stationery
I had the time of my life at this new vintage toy store I found. I discovered it while perusing a huge, multi-story store with a full floor dedicated to stationery as well as beauty, toys, food, you name it. Anyway, I just walked by their small booth thinking it was “fake” vintage, as in, like, vintage “style” done with modern/new items. But it was still so cute/well done that I just kept looking and staring … and I quickly realized no, this was real vintage. Real antiques. I found my heaven! I live for this stuff. It’s really expensive online (I’ve done a lot of research while making Memory) plus it’s always more fun to buy small antique things in person. Anyway, I had so much fun here getting references and ideas for future Memory things … 💭
I also got a few things from the stationery floor like this glue stick pen I had saved on my Instagram, a highly-rated eraser (s/o Climax!), and other fun things like memo tape, pocket scissors, and the cutest Fueki-ku glue!
Geisha hair accessories - There’s a really big, very cheap geisha accessories store in a basement mall with lots of beautiful things, especially kanzashi (Japanese hair clips). I got a few hair ribbons and random string/ribbon ties that were so cheap and a gorgeous, bright, summer color. I thought they could make really cute hair bands or a summer belt/brooch.
Packaging/Gift Wrapping Goodies
I went back to my favorite packaging store and stocked up on various goodies like these plastic gift bags that I use for all types of gift giving and packing (see Chloe tee above), plus some fun new shopping bags and ribbons.
Very Teeny, Tiny Sanrio Haul
Because I’ve been to Japan so much over the last couple years, I intentionally make it a point to not buy Sanrio stuff anymore, unless it’s really special or useful. There is a big Sanrio store in Ginza that I went to on my first trip to Tokyo in 2024, where I went crazy/overboard, and never went back. I also never go to Don Quiote anymore (it’s just too much to handle). Anyway. My airport bus from Ginza was leaving from right in front of the Sanrio store and I had 20 minutes to spare so I went in. I really wanted this table salt (I got a few when I first went but gave them all away). I just got two really cute snacks and this little coin purse because I think I could actually wear it sometimes without looking crazy. So cute!
Books
i-D Magazine - I was caught in a typhoon on my trip which just meant rain. Yes, heavy rain, but it really was just… rain. Everyone was f r e a k i n g out, I felt like I was back in LA. People were talking about it for days out. I guess it doesn’t rain too much in Tokyo, ever? So many small shops even closed for the day. Luckily, a few book shops I went to were open (I used Climax’s Tokyo Book Guide) and I scored on this April 2004 copy of i-D Magazine with Kate Moss on the cover. I love looking through old fashion magazines, I mean who doesn’t? The ads in particular are always so good and inspiring.
Rose Bakery Cookbook - I don’t remember the last time I bought a cookbook. I don’t know if I ever have? I’ve gotten gifted a few and love them, but never go so far as to spend my own money on them. But I had a perfect little solo lunch at Rose Bakery and was reminded of how simple, good and healthy the dishes there are. (I wish there was one in Seoul!) I used to eat Rose Bakery everyday at 50% off back when I was an intern at DSMNY … I love it so much. I cook almost every day at home in Seoul and have been getting a little bored of my rotation so decided to grab this. Can’t wait to try!!
Japanese Beauty and Pharmacy Favorites
I definitely fall for the TikTok/Reels Japan traps from time to time. This time I got a few new skincare products that I’m excited to try plus my usual favorites I always buy in Japan. I also finally got an insanely perfect new eye mask. My whole life I went without using one regularly but my apt in Seoul is literally the brightest place I’ve ever lived in… and there are no blackout curtains. I’ve been using a free eyemask I got on an a flight very long ago so finally decided to invest in an upgrade and it’s the best decision I made! It’s perfect. I threw out the packaging while still in the store because I didn’t want to carry the box around all day so I can’t tell you what brand it is but it’s so perfect.
Pelican Peach Soap - This has been super viral for a long time but I never got around to getting it before now! I love an exfoliating soap bar. I love/always use the Panoxyl acne one because it’s affordable and really works. I’m excited to try this Japanese one!
Maison de Calm Mist Lotion - My all-time holy grail skincare product of the last few years is Aestura’s Cream Mist and I always wished there was an option for body. I came across this Maison de Calm one on Reels and saved it for my next Japan trip. It has a milky texture and it’s perfect for the summer or after the gym, when you don’t want to or have the time to cover yourself in thick moisturizer all over your body.
Urea Body Lotion - My favorite thing to get from Japan, always! 10% urea which is impossible to find in Korea, and pretty difficult to find in the US (unless you order online). These body lotions are in so many beauty stores in Japan and I always stock up. I love them especially for my legs and feet in the summer which get really dry and chapped from walking in flats or flip flops all day, every day.
Humidifying Masks - I still occasionally wear masks when I travel (in the airport + airplane). I’m def a bit of a germaphobe and get really bothered when people near me are coughing crazy and sometimes not even covering their mouths! I get paranoid. Plus, I hate the dryness that airplanes cause. These “humidifier” masks are perfect. They have a really light/fresh scent - you can barely smell it, don’t worry - plus provide just a little bit of moisture in your mask. They’re pretty viral on Reels so I got them a few trips back and I love them! Can’t read Japanese so don’t know what they’re called!
Mosquito Repelling Bracelets - I don’t love how strong these smell, but I also just don’t have a choice. I’m not trying to victimize myself here but I TRULY don’t know anyone who gets more mosquito bites than me!! They love me. Ever since I was little. It sucks. Also I kind of hate bug spray because it leaves skin feeling sticky and gross when it’s already such a hot and humid summer. These work!! The shapes are so random but cute. Stock up!
Places & Prices
Where did I find everything?! Below are all the specific details of everything in this haul. I’m also sharing prices (all in USD) because isn’t it fun to know? I always want to know prices when people post hauls!
I’ve updated my Tokyo Guide with the new spots too. (There aren’t too many though, as I love going back to many of the same spots every trip).
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.