Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka are home to so many temples that it is nearly impossible to visit all of them in a span of 1.5 weeks. The first temple we visited in Japan, Sensō-ji Temple, is one of the most well known and popular destinations in the country, as it is the oldest temple in Tokyo, founded in 628. Sensō-ji attracts crowds of over 30 million a year, so we can only imagine how busy it was during Golden Week earlier this month, when tourism is at its peak! When we first arrived to Japan last week, we were quickly overwhelmed by the hoards of crowds and hustle and bustle we were greeted with at Tokyo Station during our mid-afternoon arrival. Since we wanted more time to visit the temples without feeling like sardines in a can, we made the decision to get up very early in the morning to roam the streets of Tokyo and visit many of the temples without as many people around. Of course, going at 6am also allows for some pretty sweet, empty photographs as well!
Jess: When it comes to Japanese fashion, my knowledge is pretty limited, though I have always pictured kimonos in my mind from a very small age when I thought about Japan and what people wear here traditionally. Although we had a more authentic kimono experience in Kyoto this week (which will be featured in a lookbook soon), I picked up this "kimono inspired cardigan" from Forever 21 before my trip since I wanted something to keep my shoulders warm in case it got a bit chilly on the trip. I just loved the simplicity of it and admired the beautiful embroidered floral details on the bottom of the sleeves and back. I paired the kimono with a mustard bodysuit and high-waisted denim shorts, keeping the outfit pretty simple for a long day of temple hopping and site seeing! It happened to be pretty chilly and rainy the day we visited Sensō-ji, so I'm happy I had an extra layer of warmth. I wore my favorite pair of pointed toe flats (which of course, I have in 3 colors) since they are super comfy and I could easily walk our average 10 mile days in them!
Mel: Lately, I have been passing up printed sundresses and flippy skirts for more casual and basic pieces like button downs and denim. My style is always evolving, though I have always fallen on the more feminine side of the spectrum. While I do like and try to keep up with trends, I have been finding myself spending money on more timeless and staple pieces such as denim and simple tops that can be mixed and matched. I picked up these embroidered denim shorts from Abercrombie & Fitch during one of my late night, online shopping sessions last month and fell in love with the detailing, fit and overall quality of them. I honestly have not shopped at A&F since my middle school/early high school days and was so surprised/impressed with their rebranding and new, mature, Madewell-inspired style. Gone are the branded hoodies and distressed jeans, and in their place are classic button downs, culottes jumpsuits and maxi dresses. I paired my denim shorts with an old black off-the-shoulder top and slides that I purchased in South Africa! Since I am not one for over-the-top accessories and jewelry, I finished my look off with two gold necklaces to balance out the bare shoulders and my new boater hat from Nordstrom!
Love Always,
Jess & Mel
Outfit Details
Jess: Shorts - Forever 21(similar), Top - Lord & Taylor (similar), Kimono - Forever 21
Mel: Shorts - Abercrombie & Fitch , Top (similar), Hat - Nordstrom
