Sending out our special thanks to the lovely couple who did our make-up and took some photos for us. Thanks again Nix and Agnes!
Here are some photos from the shoot ; )
XOXO,
Erika and Marga
LIVE. FASHIONABLY.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Looking Back on 2010’s Best Fashion Trends
1) Grey Nail Polish
We're almost desperate to find that perfect shade that we have half a mind to mix our own by adding a little bit of white and a doseful of black for that rich deep shade were obsessing with.
Source: www.net-a-porter.com, www.women-fashion.beautyhill.com
Perhaps the most well known of this pail-shaped breed is the Louis Vuitton Noé Bag. This monogrammed delight was originally created in 1932 as a way for the chic to carry four to five bottles of champagne for delivery without breaking.
5) Welcome the Wedges
Source: www.fashiontrendlatest.com, www.makeuprincess84.blogspot.com
Casual. Boyfriend ripped jeans and simple, basic t-shirt, flat sandals and retro sunglasses is maybe the safest and the more relaxing way of wearing this type of jeans. For a casual look, pair ripped jeans with a simple sleeveless top, derby shoes and a Panama hat. Also, for a laid-back, effortless look, mix your cuffed destroyed jeans with a white t-shirt, flat sandals or gladiators, and a straw hat. You can also choose a navy style, or a white t-shirt and a blazer with sailor stripes. In this case, accessorize the outfit with a pair of comfortable ballerina flats, a large handbag and irreplaceable sunglasses.
Urban. For an urban, modern look, wear destroyed jeans, a t-shirt, blazer, nude high-heeled shoes and a clutch. This is a perfect outfit for a night out too. The urban look can also be achieved by matching cropped ripped jeans, high-heeled platforms, simple, black tank top and a military jacket. Don’t forget the oversized sunglasses. In the same category, destroyed jeans work great with a sailor striped t-shirt, a black blazer, trendy clogs and a clutch.
Chic. For a chic and more sophisticated look, a pair of cropped destroyed jeans, a loose nude tucked in blouse and a leather jacket is the perfect combination. The element of maximum interest should be the high-heeled sandals. Feminine and masculine for a sexy look! A pair of aviators would complete the look adding a mysterious feeling. If you want, you can take a beautiful necklace. For a night out with your friends, you can try skinny destroyed jeans, a blouse and high-heeled shoes. You need to pay extra attention to skinny distressed jeans as they can emphasize certain flaws. Therefore, make sure you find the perfect pair, as if they are horizontally ripped, they can make you look shorter and larger.
Even if it sounds a little weird, ripped jeans can be worn if you are more into the bohemian style. A loose blouse, platform sandals, oversized sunglasses and destroyed jeans can create the perfect boho outfit. For a hippie touch, add a ribbon on the head. For a more unique, personal style wear them with a sleeveless top and a vest.
One of the key trends this fall for makeup is a dark, vampy lip. Best thing about it is deep berry-colored lipstick looks surprisingly good on almost all skin tones. Plus it’s super versatile, rock your berry with anything from a neutral eye to a hot smoky eye and you are sure to make a fashion statement.The recent MAC Venomous Villains Collection that hitManila gives testament to the fact that the Berry
Source: http://www.scousebeautyaddict.blogspot.com, www.stylefrizz.com, www.eyeshadowlipstick.com
Longchamp has been here for quite some time and we've loved it ever since. Were wondering why this trend has only caught on now?
XOXO,
From smoky eye of years past, now we have fallen in love for the more achievable smoky nail.
It’s our favourite 2010 Trend because girls of all shades will definitely fit different hues of grey from heather to concrete to slate. Grey nails have been chic all year long, with stars like Lauren Conrad, Sienna Miller, Jessica Szohr, and Scarlett Johansson seen sporting them.
Seems to be a little depressing that we lack nail lacquer colors to choose from here in the Philippines since we are left with the same old brands. How to find that perfect shade of grey we can’t stop thinking about?
We're almost desperate to find that perfect shade that we have half a mind to mix our own by adding a little bit of white and a doseful of black for that rich deep shade were obsessing with.
True, we may have Chanel on our shores making us one step closer to that Php 1,350 bottle of Particuliere… the only problem is its completely sold out... and its a tad bit too expensive for nail paint!
"Heather grey nails are like your favourite heather grey v-neck: easy to wear but still a little sexy," the New York Daily News quoted Cheryl Kramer Kaye, beauty director of Redbook magazine, as saying.
"It's a neutral enough shade to wear on your fingers, but if you work in a conservative office, you might want to wear it on your toes instead, although to me, while it's kind of edgy, it's not at all vampy," Kaye added.
The color grey on our nails may first seem unconventional… but we heart it and it definitely works!
Source: www.images.glam.com, http://www.lifestyle.in.msn.com, www.alllacqueredup.com
2) Call of the Clogs
Marni- Gloss leather sling back clogs
There is something oddly pretty and just plain odd about clogs. They are noisy, hard to walk with and milk maid-ish. It takes a certain "fashion trained" eye to have an appreciation for it... and as we walk in our own pair we realize, -these shoes are definitely not made for walking.
“Clogs are originally a type of Dutch shoe worn in the 70's, which at this point were completely made out of wood. They were made for easy comfort as they slipped on to the foot easily and were even sometimes used as tap dancing shoes. As time progressed clogs were re-invented in Sweden using leather which made them more fashionable and were popular amongst both sexes. One common trait in clogs and the main way of identifying them is that the sole and base of the shoe are always made out of wood.” According to Precious Chantal of fashionbeans.com
Although some will remain firm haters of the clog, it has been given a stylish and modern makeover and has become one of the biggest footwear trends in 2010. Celebs such as Rachel Bilson, Jennifer Garner, Michelle Williams and of course, Alexa Chung, have been spotted wearing the shoes, causing the our beloved fashion nation to divide into lovers and haters of clogs.
Source: www.net-a-porter.com, www.styleclone.com, www.fashionbeans.com
3) Sheer Blouse
Alberta Ferreti- Pleated silk-chiffon blouse
Roberto Cavali- Printed silk crepe de Chine blouse
Guys love mystery and adding a little bit of sheer does exactly that.Not too much and not too little leaving so much room for the imagination to run wild.
Sheers look classy and elegant if done the right way. We’re loving the flowy movement of the fabric and the light-ness of it makes it perfect for Manila weather. Pair it with pants or with a skirt, (or with anything for that matter), we just wanted to take this time to say thank you Chloe for taking the Sheer back into our lives.
So for those who are too coquette to be overtly flirty, thank God that the Sheer trend is here to stay. Dare we say, it really is, Sheer Genius!
Here are a few tips to wear Sheer by Beautyhill:
Alexander McQueen- Sheer Blouse
A sheer, see-through blouse can be the key element for a perfect feminine and elegant outfit. The most important trick in order to make this item wearable is to cover something, but not everything! This means that you must choose a suitable blazer, a fuller bra or apply pockets in the over-exposed areas. You could also wear two layers of sheer tops or choose a blouse that has only a few sheer parts.
Sheer top and boyfriend blazer
Depending on the level of transparency, the sheer blouse can be appropriate for a day at the office giving a classy look to any outfit. If your blouse is too transparent, you could choose a stylish blazer, even a boyfriend style, or another smart covering such as a vest.
Think of an outfit that includes a sheer shirt with a beautiful black bra matched with a boyfriend blazer, a black draped skirt or a pencil one and a pair of high-heels. For a more daring approach try to unbutton the blazer.
Depending on the level of transparency, the sheer blouse can be appropriate for a day at the office giving a classy look to any outfit. If your blouse is too transparent, you could choose a stylish blazer, even a boyfriend style, or another smart covering such as a vest.
Think of an outfit that includes a sheer shirt with a beautiful black bra matched with a boyfriend blazer, a black draped skirt or a pencil one and a pair of high-heels. For a more daring approach try to unbutton the blazer.
Sexy lingerie and suitable undergarments
For a feminine and sexy look, choose to wear your sheer blouse with sexy lingerie, such as a bra with full cups and straps. In this case, make sure you pair it with a high-waisted skirt or pants to not have the feeling of showing too much skin.
For a more bold appearance choose a colored bra underneath. On the other hand, if you still want to keep a classy, yet modest look that doesn't necessary attracts unwanted attention, you can add suitable undergarments under the blouse. For a more office or school look, the see-through long-sleeved blouse should be worn with a basic camisole or tank under it.
For a feminine and sexy look, choose to wear your sheer blouse with sexy lingerie, such as a bra with full cups and straps. In this case, make sure you pair it with a high-waisted skirt or pants to not have the feeling of showing too much skin.
For a more bold appearance choose a colored bra underneath. On the other hand, if you still want to keep a classy, yet modest look that doesn't necessary attracts unwanted attention, you can add suitable undergarments under the blouse. For a more office or school look, the see-through long-sleeved blouse should be worn with a basic camisole or tank under it.
Layers of sheer
If you just don't want to wear you sheer blouse with something on top or you are simply looking for a more romantic look try to wear one sheer item over another. This is one way to wear the sheer fabrics without exposing too much. Take your two favorite see-through blouses and wear them in the same time. You'll be surprised of the amazing result. A sheer plain top and a beautiful breezy blouse with floral prints works great with a pair of pants. Nevertheless, try to choose two blouses that have similar colors so they can create the illusion of a continuous piece.
If you just don't want to wear you sheer blouse with something on top or you are simply looking for a more romantic look try to wear one sheer item over another. This is one way to wear the sheer fabrics without exposing too much. Take your two favorite see-through blouses and wear them in the same time. You'll be surprised of the amazing result. A sheer plain top and a beautiful breezy blouse with floral prints works great with a pair of pants. Nevertheless, try to choose two blouses that have similar colors so they can create the illusion of a continuous piece.
Tips
For the weekend you can pair the sheer blouse with jeans and a long-sleeved tee.
For a night out wear it with a strapless camisole.
For a casual day look team the blouse with a nude camisole or a tank top underneath.
Whenever buying a sheer blouse check the fabric.
Choose a blouse in a darker color that can be worn both by day and by night.
4) The Re-invention of the Bucket Bag
Alexander Wang- Bucket Bag
The usefulness of this bag can no longer be denied. It can be used as a handbag when you feel like it or used as a messenger bag by using the long sling attached to it if you want your hands free for a more laidback look.
Perhaps the most well known of this pail-shaped breed is the Louis Vuitton Noé Bag. This monogrammed delight was originally created in 1932 as a way for the chic to carry four to five bottles of champagne for delivery without breaking.
The Louis Vuitton Noe can still be bought in LV
Whether you want to make a statement in your party dress or show-off a cool vibe with jeans, the bucket bag is definitely a handy and useful accessory to be lugging around.
Source: www.decadesinc.blogspot.com, www.allhandbagfashion.com, www.whowhatwear.com
5) Welcome the Wedges
Alaia- Leather Wedge Sandals
Bottega Venetta- Metallic Leather and Suede Wedge
Acne- Odval Desert Suede Wedge Boots
The best way to elongate one’s body without the pain and dangers involved in a sky high stiletto heel are through wedge heels. It’s the quickest and actually the most comfortable way to add some inches!
The wedge has been introduced and re-introduced many times over throughout the years but last year’s introduction has come with an edgier vengeance. The wedge has re-vamped itself with boots and clogs other than the usual sandal that we simply can’t stop raving about.
Gone are the days when women used to put their feet up to avoid spider legs after a whole day of walking in heels. The wedge has rescued us from that insatiable need to go even higher with the heels without having to worry about stumbling forward rather than actually being fashion forward.
6) Give Me Denim! The Rise of the Denim Blouse, Vest, and Shorts
Denim on Denim used to be a fashion no-no but it has quickly evolved to be a fashion yes-yes!
The year’s denim on denim trend has all gotten us by surprise but the tricky part here is using it in a cohesive manner rather than a complete and total train wreck.
The best advice we could give is to break the denim with a leather or suede belt. Make sure the look is clean and tidy without the scruffiness of 80’s past otherwise, you’d be making an ode to Madonna during her bad days.
We have seen a lot of well done outfits with a denim polo paired with shorts and jeans but we are yet to see a good rendition of a jean polo with a skirt without looking way to country for our taste.
Wonder if you can pull of this trick? Let us know!
Wonder if you can pull of this trick? Let us know!
Source: www.polyvore.com, www.coolspotters.com, www. mensdenimvest.net, www.denimblog.com
7) Here comes the Harem
The harem pants, famous from its Oriental origin, always comes in a fluid form with the use of soft fabrics, wide in the upper half and slowly tapered towards the feet, you can probably call it sort of a hybrid between a skirt and pants.
It gives praise to its origins as the “saroual” which is a baggy crotch that is much lower than in a classic trouser. The style emerged from Ancient Persia and adopted by the armies of North Africa who eventually altered it for female riders who made it a symbol of oriental elegance.
The harem pants made a small appearance in the 90's in Europe and on the catwalk last year made more popular as it was worn by many celebrities in the glossy including Diane Kruger, Gemma Aterton, Eva Longoria, Sienna Miller and Rihanna.
The past year Hermes and Givenchy had already honored the harem pants with a twist of urban chic and added a touch of colonial aesthetics. The only drawback to this basic is that it flatters long slender figures that tubby women might have thought that it would disguise their forms in the folds of loose pants. However, there is no single form of harem pants, the height of the sides, the width, length range and variety of proposals would enable each to find their way and see how high the involvement the harem pants has in their own style.
8) Sexy Edgy - Ripped Jeans
Balmain- Ripped Jeans
American Eagle Outfitters- Super Bleach Destroyed Wash Ripped Jeans
So how does the 2008 take on ripped jeans differ from its past incarnations? The short answer is, it doesn't really. Well not much anyway - it's more about how it's worn than the pieces themselves. Unlike from the rebellious heavy metal torn denim of the 80s, or the loose grungy jeans of the 90s, the 2010 ripped denim trend is all about being sexy edgy and a tad bit revealing.
We prefer to wear the trend with basic t-shirts and tank tops with a structured jacket to make it look more sophisticated and less grunge. Adding accessories such as a statement necklace to draw the eye towards the face instead of just the ripped portions of the jeans shys away from the “I just woke up and I don’t have another pair of pants look”.
Here are a few more tips to wear the ripped jeans look from Becomegorgeous:
Urban. For an urban, modern look, wear destroyed jeans, a t-shirt, blazer, nude high-heeled shoes and a clutch. This is a perfect outfit for a night out too. The urban look can also be achieved by matching cropped ripped jeans, high-heeled platforms, simple, black tank top and a military jacket. Don’t forget the oversized sunglasses. In the same category, destroyed jeans work great with a sailor striped t-shirt, a black blazer, trendy clogs and a clutch.
Even if it sounds a little weird, ripped jeans can be worn if you are more into the bohemian style. A loose blouse, platform sandals, oversized sunglasses and destroyed jeans can create the perfect boho outfit. For a hippie touch, add a ribbon on the head. For a more unique, personal style wear them with a sleeveless top and a vest.
On a hot summer day, you can also choose a pair of destroyed denim shorts. Matched with a feminine tank top or a sailor striped t-shirt and gladiator sandals you?ll look chic and trendy. You can also wear them on a shopping spree with your friends, and team them with a graphic t-shirt and ballerina flats or ankle boots.
Source: www.elle.com, www.fashionising.com, www.fashion-style.becomegorgeous.com
9) Maroon/ Burgundy Lips
One of the key trends this fall for makeup is a dark, vampy lip. Best thing about it is deep berry-colored lipstick looks surprisingly good on almost all skin tones. Plus it’s super versatile, rock your berry with anything from a neutral eye to a hot smoky eye and you are sure to make a fashion statement.The recent MAC Venomous Villains Collection that hit
Here is your first close up look at Disney’s MAC Venomous Villains Collection. The collection hit MAC Stores last September 30th and includes products designed after four of the baddest Disney Villains of all time:
- The Evil Queen from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”
- Maleficient from “Sleeping Beauty”
- Dr. Facilier from “The Princess and the Frog”
- Cruella de Ville from “101 Dalmations”
- Maleficient from “Sleeping Beauty”
- Dr. Facilier from “The Princess and the Frog”
- Cruella de Ville from “101 Dalmations”
With the great nostalgic packaging and the never failing quality of MAC, its really no wonder why these babies were sold out in all Manila MAC stores in less than 2 hours!
Source: http://www.scousebeautyaddict.blogspot.com, www.stylefrizz.com, www.eyeshadowlipstick.com
10) Manila’s Longchamp Craze
Once again French bag brand Longchamp and Jeremy Scott get together and created a couple of pieces for Fall/Winter. Usually the bags are handed out for free to visitors of his catwalk shows and are later on released in select stores around the globe.
The next season the famous Longchamp Pliage bag came in two sizes and is decorated with medals, which are embroidered onto the upper of the bags – the Colonel series. They also created the Sergent bags, which have a more heavy all-over medal design and also come in two sizes. Once again we have to vote for the Pliage – it’s a classic, practical and pricing is pretty good.
With the new twist in designs, although there are more to choose from, it is also very easy for the bag to be recognized and unfortunately- dated.
Longchamp has been here for quite some time and we've loved it ever since. Were wondering why this trend has only caught on now?
Source: http://www.highsnobiety.com/, http://www.bpmmagazine.net/, http://www.stylefrizz.com/
What trends caught you the past year? We'd love to hear 'em!
XOXO,
Erika and Marga
LIVE. FASHIONABLY.
Happy E-bay-ing!
I'm not sure about you guys but I always love a great steal.
Although I dont really have time to scout vintage stores for thrifted finds due to the location of my work, all I'm left to do is to look around on-line stores and E-bay for my vintage fix.
I used to be kinda iffy about second hand clothing- always being scared someone actually died in them, but I guess its a matter of perspective. Other people also try on the clothes we buy from stores, what makes vintage clothes so different?
In my mind, here are the
PRO's:
1) You have no look-alike
2) A LOT cheaper then brand new clothes
3) Provides the thrill of scoring a find
4) Challenges you to make something old look new
CON's:
1) You're not sure what kind of hygiene the previous owner had (which is why i recommend you to dry-clean before wearing)
2) Can't look for another size (although you can always have your treasure altered)
3) It takes more patience to discover a great find (it takes a lot of talent and will power to find the diamond in the rough)
So, in one of my many "lounging" times in the office, here is what I have discovered. Let me know whether you LOVE or HATE it!
It's unique and it has no brand but I love the color and I see that it has so much potential! I'm thinking of cutting the sleeves a bit but still retaining its "puffiness" that adds to its character. It has an old world appeal to it that I have't been able to wear for a while now. Hoping it doesn't make me look old though!
Loving the detail and the even the print is something I don't mind wearing. I've actually been attracted to this shade of green recently and for PHP 450, it's a gem!
Eeek. I hope I win the bidding wars. Fingers crossed!
So, do you LOVE it or HATE it? Let me know!
Here is another find I've been eyeing on e-bay. Yes, the secret is out. I'm actually an E-bay junkie!
This one is in Black & White which is a combination I always wear and now avoid buying but couldn't pass on this steal for Php 399. Hoping it wold fit me well so I won't have to have it altered anymore -which could end up being quite pricey.
It's in Polyester material and I'm okay with that as long as it's not shiny. Ugh. Shiny for me is cheap and it makes you look fat- though that's just my opinion.
So those are the things I've been waiting on. The excitement of winning is too much. Beware it could be quite addicting!
Now trying to find:
1) Versace print blouse
2) Long maxi skirt
3) Nautical top
Let me know what your latest vintage finds are.
XOXO,
Erika
Although I dont really have time to scout vintage stores for thrifted finds due to the location of my work, all I'm left to do is to look around on-line stores and E-bay for my vintage fix.
I used to be kinda iffy about second hand clothing- always being scared someone actually died in them, but I guess its a matter of perspective. Other people also try on the clothes we buy from stores, what makes vintage clothes so different?
In my mind, here are the
PRO's:
1) You have no look-alike
2) A LOT cheaper then brand new clothes
3) Provides the thrill of scoring a find
4) Challenges you to make something old look new
CON's:
1) You're not sure what kind of hygiene the previous owner had (which is why i recommend you to dry-clean before wearing)
2) Can't look for another size (although you can always have your treasure altered)
3) It takes more patience to discover a great find (it takes a lot of talent and will power to find the diamond in the rough)
So, in one of my many "lounging" times in the office, here is what I have discovered. Let me know whether you LOVE or HATE it!
It's unique and it has no brand but I love the color and I see that it has so much potential! I'm thinking of cutting the sleeves a bit but still retaining its "puffiness" that adds to its character. It has an old world appeal to it that I have't been able to wear for a while now. Hoping it doesn't make me look old though!
Loving the detail and the even the print is something I don't mind wearing. I've actually been attracted to this shade of green recently and for PHP 450, it's a gem!
Eeek. I hope I win the bidding wars. Fingers crossed!
So, do you LOVE it or HATE it? Let me know!
Here is another find I've been eyeing on e-bay. Yes, the secret is out. I'm actually an E-bay junkie!
This one is in Black & White which is a combination I always wear and now avoid buying but couldn't pass on this steal for Php 399. Hoping it wold fit me well so I won't have to have it altered anymore -which could end up being quite pricey.
It's in Polyester material and I'm okay with that as long as it's not shiny. Ugh. Shiny for me is cheap and it makes you look fat- though that's just my opinion.
So those are the things I've been waiting on. The excitement of winning is too much. Beware it could be quite addicting!
Now trying to find:
1) Versace print blouse
2) Long maxi skirt
3) Nautical top
Let me know what your latest vintage finds are.
XOXO,
Erika
LIVE. FASHIONABLY.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Daily Discovery: Banana Birkin
So, a friend sent us a link for the newest Longchamp designs but lo and behold saw this thumbnail of the Birkin and you've just got to click it right?
The photos got us fooled and confused at the same time! We just had to read through the descriptions and looked into other sites for more information. Basically, they all say that this solves the wait list for the elusive Hermès Birkin bag, its eco-friendly, and definitely way more affordable. They say its a big hit in Taiwan (where it originated) and was even part of the giveaways from a designer during London fashion week.
A lot came to mind when we saw this..firstly on how with this bag you could actually tote a Birkin by the beach (Haha!) but seriously speaking, its not entirely a knock-off of the original but it just screams like it? Its also very interesting since it somehow reflects the most sought after designs and brands in fashion and how people would want to make better decisions now with regards to spending in this kind of economy. Of course the infamous original collections of the brand will always be on top of our list but would you rather have a fashionable eco-friendly banana tote or one of those very good copies that we dare not say the source or price?
XOXO,
Erika and Marga
LIVE. FASHIONABLY.
Details from Gumtree, Longchamp de Manille, My Little Dress Shop
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
What's in Her Bag
Speaking of bags, they say that the quickest way to get to know someone is through the contents of what they lug around everyday.
So Marga and I thought of letting you know what we usually carry...
Erika's Bag is a Black Balenciaga City Bag with:
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Wallet
- I-phone 3GS
- Prada Cosmetic Case for my make-up and perfume
- Marc by Marc Jacobs pouch for my receipts
- Carmex LipBalm in Cherry (I swear by this!)
- H&M way-farer sunnies
- NARS blush in Orgasm and Laguna Beach
- Jill Sander Blush Brush
- Lancome Face Powder
- Various Earrings and Rings (for back-up just in case I need to go somewhere random)
Marga's bag is a Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 in Damier with:
- Hand Sanitizer
- Daycraft Planner
- BlackBerry Bold
- Mario Badescu Facial Spray
- Hand Lotion
- Make-up Kit (by Paul&Joe)
- Body Shop Paddle Brush
- Chanel translucent loose powder
- MNG round sunglasses
- Meiji Strawberry Chocolate (In case i get hungry!)
What's in your bag? Let us know!
XOXO,
Erika and Marga
LIVE. FASHIONABLY.
"Fukubukuro" Japan's Lucky Mystery Bags
As if Japanese culture wasn't charming enough, it seems they have a New Year tradition of kicking off the retailing year with "Fukubukuro" or Japanese Fortune Bags with shopping bags having unknown contents exceeding the amount of its marked price.
Japan's Fukubukuro
Department stores are hoping that this will boost consumption from the more thirfty shopper.
According to Japan today, Mitsukoshi Ltd’s flagship store in Tokyo’s Nihombashi district opened at 9:45 a.m., 15 minutes earlier than scheduled, as many people were lined up in front of the store. As one of the features of its New Year sales, the store was offering lucky bags filled with clothing for 10,500 yen.
Takashimaya Co prepared luxury lucky bags containing tickets for a cruise tour to the Antarctica, priced at 1.8 million yen, to mark the 180th anniversary of its founding.
The Seibu flagship store in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro, meanwhile, offered a series of lucky bags named after recent booms in Japan. They included lucky bags containing outdoor items for ‘‘yama (mountain) girls,’’ the nickname for the growing number of women taking to the hills in fashionable garb, and those including lunchbox and other items for ‘‘bento danshi,’’ or men who fix their own home-made lunches.
The whole idea is so novel I wonder if local retailers would be more than willing to do the same here?
In any case, how do shoppers know what size of clothes they'll be getting? Or do they just take the risk and pay for the sheer excitement of it?
Pessimists think that its a good way for stores to push for useless things and add junk to Japanese homes -as if they weren't small enough.
Happy campers on the other hand are satisfied with their purchases especially after braving the cold early morning outside Apple stores. They claim the wait was well worth it since many shoppers have hit the jockpot by finding MAC Books in their mystery bags.
Here is a list of the most common loot from their Apple Fukubukuro bag priced at 30,000 Yen or USD 380:
- Sennheiser earphones, smart remote with mic (iPod, iPhone, iPad)
- Mophie Juice Pack reserve
- iWires 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo plug retractable cable
- iPod nano OR iPod touch
- Griffin Slap case for iPod nano
- Nike + sensor
- iHome speaker system for iPhone/iPod
- Red Limited Edition Apple T-shirt
Apple's Fukubukuro Loot
With the end value estimated at USD 800, its not a bad deal (if your not looking for something in particular) after all.
If you want more juice on this Japanese tradition, Tokyo Mango does a comparison on Uniqlo vs. MUJI loot.
UNIQLO
Cost: 5000 yen
Packaging: Neatly presented in a beautiful silver-and-bronze box with a personalized note by "charismatic housewife" Chieko Kuroda. 3 items: A pink cotton cashmere cardigan, a short white cotton sweater with big buttons, and a white nylon blouse with a big ribbon in the middle.
Cost: 5000 yen
Packaging: Neatly presented in a beautiful silver-and-bronze box with a personalized note by "charismatic housewife" Chieko Kuroda. 3 items: A pink cotton cashmere cardigan, a short white cotton sweater with big buttons, and a white nylon blouse with a big ribbon in the middle.
MUJI:
Cost: 3000 yen
Packaging: Thrown together in a large clear shopping bag.
9 items: Three thigh-high socks (one gray, two black), one brown painter's hat, one brown leather bag with a single canvas strap, one beige woolen p-coat, two black t-shirts—one sleeveless, one with 3/4 length sleeves, and one taupe table mat.
Cost: 3000 yen
Packaging: Thrown together in a large clear shopping bag.
9 items: Three thigh-high socks (one gray, two black), one brown painter's hat, one brown leather bag with a single canvas strap, one beige woolen p-coat, two black t-shirts—one sleeveless, one with 3/4 length sleeves, and one taupe table mat.
Manila Fukubukuro, where are you?!?
XOXO,
Erika
LIVE. FASHIONABLY.
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