OMG This Haori

As you all know I've been pretty damn good lately and have bought anything in a long time. But once in a while a kimono item pops up that makes you drool and makes you lust after it. That my dears is what occurred today for me. The funny thing is it's yellow!!! Normally I shy away from yellow because it's just not my color but this haori made me not give a damn about that.

 I can't wait for it to come to my house. This vintage little treasure cost me a little over $50 but so wroth it! I have no clue what I'll wear it with.  

I finally bought a Yukata outfit!!! I really haven't had the funds to buy kimono lately but on my trip to LA I made an exception. Me and Adam visited Little Tokyo and it was our first time down here. At first I could not find any shops with real kimono and I was loosing hope but then we passed this shop that had film all over the windows. It was hard to see in the shop but I could make out a table filled with Geta. It peeked my interest enough to go in and I must say I'm thrilled I did! From the outside the shop appeared to be tiny but once with in it was huge. One of the biggest kimono shops I have ever been in. They had a good selection of yukata and I was thankful! I've been on a mission for one since The San Jose Festival incident with the massive nose bleed. I had bought a pair of geta for $11.99 at another small shop. They where a steal cute and a size 10 not to mention comfy.

At the shop they had a ton of cute yukata but I didn't want the ultra cute young looking ones since my 25th birthday is coming up I wanted a yukata that is cute but mature. I think I hit that mark. They also have prettied obi and since I've never had one I decided to give it a shot. I bought tis cute flower patterned obi it's actually a darker red in person.  ^ ^ Adam approved which made me very happy and commented on my good purchase. I have yet to wear it and I can't wait for it to get warmer so I can break this cutie in. <3 p="">

So this was what I wore to the San Jose Bon festival S

so yeah... I do realize that my foundation is off kinda annoyed by that Matchmaster my ass MAC. This is after the massive nose bleed.

Maybe I'm just too passionate

I've just finished reading Clamps kimono book I love it but I still have that nagging feeling that I always get when it comes to kimono rules. Yes I agree knowing the rules are important because then you can know when to break them. I know that my kistuke is not perfect but it really bothers me that people think that it's okay to just criticize right off the bat. Like I have no clue or I'm not good enough because my kitsuke isn't 100% perfect. okay rant over lol A post from a friend: Just going say, it doesn't seem logical to me to spend money on clothes on which you are judged constantly and not even wearing on a daily basis. Maybe as an outsider, I don't get it like I should, but even when I was more into the japanese culture, I never understood really what the deal was with it. My response: I may not wear them on a daily bases & people may look at me odd (a lot do) but I love kimono sooo much. It's my passion an art within it's self. No other clothing has the feeling & history behind it like kimono (that's just my opinion). It's a tradition that is not my own but I feel is worthy of continued existence even if it is not my own culture. When I put on kimono it's like I'm wearing art & my body is my canvas. My medium is silk, cotton, ro, wool, polly-blend/synthetic fabric. Pattern & texture are abundant, the smell of silk, the way to drapes the body is truly an experience. I feel that I can express myself thro kimono that I just can't in non-kimono clothing. It's sexy & famine without having to show any skin. Modestly at it's best. maybe it's a girl thing but I know no matter what I wear that i'm being judged. So yes, I get judged more for wearing kimono on some level it does bother me. But what I get upset about is when people assume that I'm Japanese & that's why I wear kimono. Or that because I'm not Japanese I have no freakin clue what I'm doing. That's what pisses me off. Your daily dose of rant has been filled lol

OBON Matsuri San Jose

So today was a lot of fun besides having a massive nose bleed that made me look like a zombie attacked my face. Lucky none got on my kimono thank god! I admit there was a Japanese lady at the kimono store she started nit picking my kitsuke. I was showing way to much of my collar, I wasn't supposed to wear my hair down but hey at least I had the collar on the right side. My response oh okay, second um yeah I know, third well of course i'm not dead. :D she shut up after that lol. Maybe I was a bit of a smartass but I've seen other women in kimono with their hair down & well I have a large chest of course my collar is going to show more. >.< Pictures to come soonish whenever Tanya posts the pictures on line. There is only kimono picture it was hot..... We watched the Takio which was awesome & visited Nichi Bei Bussan they had some nice items that weren't to bad in price range as long as it isn't a kimono. This is wear the lady was picking out the flaws.... I realized that I need a yukata BADLY!!! I was over heated & everyone else was in yukata. I had to change & we ended up going to Kinokuniya Book Store which was amazing I ended up with two kimono books the ones that IG was giving away lol. Also that complex or shopping center was amazing Japanese food market & restaurants.

Vintage Match made in Heaven

So a while back I bought a vintage fukuro obi that I wasn't 100% sure what I would pair it with but it was just too beautiful to pass up. Well, I thought that it might pair nicely with my vintage light blue furisode kimono. I tried out the coordination with my dark purple obiage and I'm quite happy with the out come. Tho I must admit the obi is really short and I could only do a small bow. >.<

Cosplay Shiemi Moriyama

So, I couldn't wait to see what my shiemi cosplay would look like all put togther. I'm rather happy tho I need to loose weight. ><

New obi

^ ^ I just love this obi that I just won. I'm not sure if I have a kimono to go with this obi. I thought I wouldn't win it either but i'm rather happy.

Kimono Hime volume 9

Here are some pictures of some of my favorite kimono outfits. I had to take pictures due to the main computer being down and my laptop not being hooked up to the scanner. Sorry about the quality of some of the pictures. Though I hope you guys enjoy. ^ ^

Wanted cute Haori

So lately I've been thinking that i should get some cute haori because I don't have any and I've been inspired by Kimono Hime volume 9. I love vintage pieces and I think buying may be out of question but maybe trading?
I have some kimono items that I don't want or just aren't wearable for me (too small and needs to be restitched because the thread snapped in the back but other wise in great condition). I will post pictures later of the items up for trade.
Side note found some cute haori on ebay that i like:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-Kimono-silk-HAORI-Rose-Weaving-Black-M11-/260971866202?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cc322a85a
Black rose haori
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bargain-Auctions-05a2935-Shibori-Japanese-Kimono-Haori-Jacket-Silk-/220965864616?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33729784a8
Adorable shibori ume haori
http://www.ebay.com/itm/22918-Japanese-KIMONO-ANTIQUE-HAORI-COAT-WOVEN-Flower-Bud-/390395856465?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ae5680651
Reminds me of cherries
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bargain-Auctions-04v2979-Vintage-Japanese-Kimono-Haori-Jacket-Meisen-Silk-/320859831604?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ab4bc7d34
Black and white graphic haori
http://www.ebay.com/itm/23172-Japanese-KIMONO-SILK-VINTAGE-HAORI-BLACK-SHIBORI-STRIPE-/350542364786?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item519df40072
Perfect for tomboy style
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Japanese-Kimono-HAORI-Coat-Inspire-Old-Age-1920s-Aged-Silk-H163-/251010463770?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a7163b81a
Out of my price range but really cute.

Kimono Hime

Recently I recieved volume 9 of kimono Hime and I must say wow every single outfit was truly drool worthy! I loved all the cute ideas that it offered even though I can't read Japenese the pictures are well worth the price. I couldnt help but be inspired and I wanted to incorperate the style in my kistuke. So today I bought a lovely new hat and lace gloves both have poke odots. I must say i'm not 100% happy with the coordination and it reminds me of Lyuba-chan. I think that I may need to buy a kimono and obi that fits the accessories much better. I love mary janes they are so cute! My brother took my picture so thats why i'm in the middle of the street. And if it looks like he's took it at an odd height it was because he took it in his lifted truck.

Cute kimono idea

Lately I've been wanting to add more personal style kimono kitsuke. I have these super cute leather and canvas oxford lace up boots in brown that I want to wear with kimono.
These hair accessories are so cute! I want to buy two hair pins.

Also this scarf is so cute! I think it would look really good with this outfit.

This kimono is so adorable and its a bit on the short side but If I could get it I would wear it like a mini dress.

This is a closeup of the kimono.

This belt instead of obijime.

I havent found the obi I want to pair it with. But I'm thinking beige and simple.
I found this obi but it says it is for yukata.... not quite sure. Can you do other ties with this obi besides butterfly?

Um padding may not be for me

Well tonight I tried padding for the 1st time on my own and I dont like it. I think it does not flatter me. I put two towels around my waist folded in half both ends on my sides over lapping. I used two obitia. I think I did a better job on the obi-jime and obiage. Tell me what would work better; no padding or just padding on my lower back? Overall do you think my kistuke looks better? Also I don't care for this color combo.....

OMG I WANT!

This is one of the most beatiful obi's i've ever seen and I'm in love! I'm going to be naughty and hopefully buy it. Luck please be with me!

Tomboy kimono ideas

Okay, so lately I've been thinking what tomboy accessories would look good with women's kimono. I think I might have some ideas: oxford boots, suspenders, masculine hats, leather/canvas bags, knee socks, leather belts or obi-jime. I think that the patterns that would work best would be plaid, strips, and geometric shapes. images of outfits might come soon. Would love to hear thoughts on this though.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bright-Blue-Kimono-Woven-Line-Design-/150761096337?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item231a0fc491#ht_500wt_1156
Possiable kimono #2
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bargain-Auction-08v1673-Vintage-Japanese-Kimono-Robe-Dress-Dark-Blue-Silk-/320851506897?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ab43d76d1#ht_3721wt_1034

Best Birthday Ever!

So yesterday was my birthday and me and my friends set out to have an adventure at the Hakone Gardens and we got some amazing pictures. We had a blast and I can honestly say this was the best Birthday EVER! I know it's because I was finally able to spend time with my Best friends who I haven't seen in a very long time. I also got spoiled by Adam and I didn't expect him too but he's such a sweetie <3. I got this gorgeous present from Adam a very pretty Koi umbrella.

Last purchase for quite some time

So I just won this gourgues black dance kimono that's mint for $55 and i'm super excitted!!! It will be my last purchase for a while seeing as I have a lot of kimono and well I need to save money. But I want to wear this baby soon and I'm thinking about wearing it to the Cherry Blossom Festival. I need to cordinate and outfit and i'm just ouber happy since i've been wanting a black kimono for a while know.

Places I would love to visit

So, I would love to explore more Japanese Gardens because I've only been to one and I loved it. Adam took me to the Japanese Tea Gardens in San Fransisco and I loved it sadly I didn't take pictures and I wasn't dressed in Kimono. But when I visit these places I would love to visit them in kimono and take pictures. I want to expand my kimono adventures because I mostly have them at Anime Conventions which I love but I don't want to limit myself at all.
Japanese Gardens in California
1)http://japaneseteagardensf.com/
2)http://www.hakone.com/visit-us/directions.html
3)http://thejapanesegarden.com/garden.html
4)http://www.csulb.edu/~jgarden/

Kimono Photo shoot at school

For fun today me and Adam had a photo shoot at school. He did an awesome job and I felt really pretty. *^-^* He's such a good boyfriend and I'm so lucky to have him in my life. <3

Shiemi from Blue Exorcist

I love this anime and I have decided to cosplay Shiemi! I love her whole look and im going to try to get it as accurate as possiable i THINK I found a good kimono thats close enough color and motif wise. I also bought a cheap lace collar too. <3 Unfortuantly I lost the kimono above but I have two alternative kimono that seem to be Shiemi's style. I also bought the wig and im contmplanting about buying a plushie of her gardien demon spirt.