Things I Bought In Japan

I’ve recently been to Japan for the first time in June. I thought you may be interested in what I bought out there. Not just for curiousity but to hopefully help plan your trip too!

All good stylists need to know their stylists requirements before shopping for them. So, I’m petite (4’ft 9) with UK 2 size feet and loose comfortable clothing (no elastic & no bottoms).

Japanese fashion has been of interest to me since I was a teenager (I’m 32 now). I love the sweet yet grunginess, clever layering and interesting details.

So I was very excited about this trip! Before going I did lots of research and I suggest you do too. This was finding brands online I was interested in and pinning them on a map. As well as searching for petite sizing.

It’s important you know how sizing works in countries other than your own. In Japan, it tended to be S, M and L or F which is free size – one size fits all.

Footwear there were also S, M and L as well as mesuring in cm of foot. Mine were particularly small even by Japanese standards. I learnt how to say do you have 21cm in Japanese for this.

With that all said, let’s jump in and see what I did buy and why!

GU lace dress and silver bag

Did you know Uniqlo has a family of brands attached to it? I particularly enjoyed its younger sister GU. Equally affordable and pretty cool too.

I had been on the lookout for a layering dress in a see-through material as this felt particularly Japanese street style to me. GU’s option was the best fit for me and I enjoy playing with fun combinations with it.

Putting darker colours under the white creates a whole new fabric. And putting a shorter length under the maxi means your skin is a fabric too.

Before travelling, I had seen a leopard print bag I had wanted to pick up. This had been my reason for stepping into GU. Unfortunately, the style had sold out but a silver version was available at a big discount – no brainer!

Silver (and metallics in general) are great accessory colours as they go with everything. This one appealed to me as it had draw string bows, a detail I saw a lot in Japan and loved.

The best bags retain cuteness whilst still being able to hold all your stuff! I can happily fit plenty in there and still look put together.

Free’s Mart checked shirt dresses

Shibuya109 is a department store with a younger swing which I particularly enjoyed spending all day in. Visiting pinned brands and unexpectedly stumbling into Free’s Mart which I really enjoyed.

The shirt dresses had caught my eye as I love how a collar and buttons can make a dress feel smarter. With trepidation, I tried on a S (a rare find) and was shocked at how great the fit was! An actually short length – dream come true.

So great, I knew I had to buy both colours. Good fits don’t come along every day! And luckily both colours worked for my skin-tone. I love the checks and the neutral tones. Pairing these with funky knitwear will make some great combos.

Luckily, there was a discount for buying two pieces. So I definitely recommend getting more colours in a style you like if the fit is there. Also make sure to ask for tax free at the till. ‘Menze dekimaska?’ is one of my go-to phrases.

Joutie white shirt dress

When doing Colour Analysis, I always wear white. Why? So that you don’t see a colour floating behind you in the mirror. This means I have a work uniform, and am always on the hunt for white clothing.

Joutie was a pinned brand that I think are both cute and grungy (the perfect combo). There were a lot of rock and roll tartans in girly styles.

What appeals to me about this dress and the other two, is the relaxed shape with the dropped waist. Comfy on the tummy and still work-wearable.

Sense of Place blue striped shirt

Sense of Place was another brand I did not know but enjoyed. This shirt spoke to me as I enjoy a cropped fit. I pop them over a dress and look more in proportion – a must for short friends!

Now as a petite person, preppy styles can make me look a bit like a school student. Preppy fashion is on trend at the moment and I want a slice of it too. So I look for pieces that have an interesting details that wouldn’t be part of a uniform…

This shirt has that bowed draw string detail I just love. And what’s interesting with it running down the front is you can choose the length of your crop in a way. Bows are very me also.

White bowling bag

On the topic of drawstring bows, I was certainly not done with them. Setting out to find a bag with that detail. I found a white bowling bag with that detail on the front flaps.

White had been a colour of choice as I was replacing an old bag that’s lining had become worn out…(look after your bags folks). Like silver, white can go with many things.

The bowling bag is quite a trendy style at the moment. This one I like as it’s a good size, quite big indeed without being too big for my little frame. The extra pockets help you fit more in too.

I can’t quite remember the brand but it was in Lumine Est department store. Another great one. La Foret is another to check out for a similar vibe.

EVOL chunky platforms

Remember those little feet? I had found this brand online that have a variety of cute styles in that rare 21cm. I was close to buying them online and sending them to my accommodation but English card wasn’t having it – maybe yours will?

Anyway, I found EVOL in a department store called Marui or OIOI in Ginza, a nice area.

Having little feet, I mainly find kids heels in the UK and those heels tend to be very low….because they are for kids. So big chunky 90’s style platforms are right up my street.

The silver pair I picked up were ones I had noticed online. The bows again, that useful colour, perfection. I didn’t mean to pick up an additional cream pair too but here we are.

Silky creamy and almost vintage nightgown-esque. Very interesting and have paired well with warm coloured outfits.

Accessories

When you’re small and hard to shop for (she said it again), one thing that never lets you down are accessories!

Luna Earth and Lattice were amazing for affordable goodness and had rows and rows to go through. 100 yen stores like Daiso, Threepy, 3Coins and Seria are cheap and cheerful and can be found in most locations with plenty of great options too.

WEGO was a particular fave, they have their own stores and are in department stores too and I picked up many great pieces from them.

If you’re someone who’s into Gasha machines, you may find your in want of a coin purse. You may also find that the keyring you’ve just picked up has a ball-chain that may not stay closed on your bag.

Another recommendation is to replace some of these with carabiners and keyrings you pick up in accessory stores. No one wants their Miffy falling off into the street. I also find these are great ways to personalise and add joy and individuality to your bags.

As well as this, many public toilets don’t have hand-dryers to picking up a small hand towel to fit into your bag will help you out. And they are cute mementos from your trip. These are sold everywhere as it’s a big part of everyday culture to have these.

A trend I’m noticing and loving is the act of clipping charms on things. I picked up shoe-charms that go on my trainers and bag charms that add flavour to a plain bag which I love.

When I’m feeling down, maybe not excited to be somewhere or do something, I add Japanese accessories to my outfit. Things like this can lift spirits, give you that boost and take you back to that holiday you loved.

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into my shopping in Japan. If you’d like me to help you shop right here in London, get in touch to arrange your own Personal Shopping trip!