Last But Certainly Not Least...America-mura, Osaka

One of the first shots of the weekend, but the last to be posted from America-mura and Shinsaibashi in Osaka. Of all the shots I took in Osaka this weekend, this is the one I love the most. It's less focused than I would have liked, but that's because this was an early photo right after I got the new camera and was still learning to use it. The pose is just perfect, and when the wind blew her hair, I knew I had the shot I wanted. Love the cuffs on the jeans, the red stripe on the sweater vest, the matching clutch, the frilly scrunch bracelet, the buttoned up to the top dress shirt, the industrial looking shoes... I adore this outfit. Period.

That Scarf...Shinsaibashi, Osaka

Someone's Channeling MJ...Shinsaibashi, Osaka

Poof...Shinsaibashi, Osaka

The Illusion of Movement...Shinsaibashi, Osaka

So Bright...Shinsaibashi, Osaka

What It's All About...Shinsaibashi, Osaka

Why so Serious/Outside the Apple Store II...Shinsaibashi, Osaka

Japan Fashion Week

I just applied for a press pass to Japan Fashion Week. Since moving to Asia, I have filed with the BBC and the AP, although I never received a byline. 2004-2006 were very rich years, byline wise. This is a new blog, but I am a legit journalist... We'll see how it goes. I plan to file my reports with BBC, AP, and CNN as well as any of the publications my fellow Daily Texan alum would like me to contribute to.

This is also a test of blogger software for my iPhone.

Failmask...America-mura, Osaka

Burberry or Burberry Inspired...America-mura, Osaka.

Outside the Apple Store...Shinsaibashi/America-mura, Osaka

Mickey Mouse...Shinsaibashi, Osaka

So what....America-mura, Osaka

Check out the checks...Shinsaibashi, Osaka

So much going on here...Shinsaibashi, Osaka

Love those pants....Shinsaibashi, Osaka

The Twins, Such Contrast, Those Purple Shoes....Shinsaibashi, Osaka

Shades of Gray.....@United Colors of Benetton, Shinsaibashi, Osaka

That bag, Those Shoes.........Shinsaibashi, Osaka

@Lacoste....Shinsaibashi, Osaka

That expression. :/

Is this casual?

Blazer by Angelique (customised by me), Sweater by Uniqlo, Shirt and Tie by Polo Ralph Lauren, Pocket Square by United Colors of Benetton, Belt by J.CREW, Trousers by Jil Sander for Uniqlo, Glasses by Chelsea Morgan, Shoes by Bruno Magli

Shoes: Be a Little More Milan

Shoes- What a difference a good pair of brown lace ups can do for a look. It can bring down the formality level while at the same time hightening the elegance of a more casual ensemble. Just remember this rule: brown shoes never go with a black suit. Otherwise rock out like you're strolling through the streets of Milan. These are Bruno Maglis, which are usually very expensive (between $300-$500 for most pairs), but I found mine for about $70! Website at: http://shop.brunomagli.com/

Socks: Show a Little HumoUr (The British Way)

There is a tradition in America that you should only wear dark socks wth a suit, limiting you to only black, navy blue, and gray. Posh, I say. Perhaps if you're interviewing for or work at the World's Boringest And Stuffiest Firm, but for the rest of us, we can get away with bringing humor to our wardrobe with our socks. The Italians wear a a sock the same color as their pants, and the British wear whatever they want, whenever they want. Personally, I think the British are onto something.

Shoes: Keep them Shined, All The Time

Every gentleman should have at least one pair of black lace up dress shoes. Even better if you also have a set in brown. Keep them shined, and do it by hand, the RIGHT way. Please, no soaked sponges or squeeze brush bottles. Is it a skill? Yes! Is it time consuming? Absolutely! The true gentleman knows that shoe-shining demonstrates these two truisms: anything worth doing is worth doing yourself, and anything worth doing is worth doing RIGHT

Pocket Squares are Making A Comeback

I picked up these amazing United Colors of Bennetton pocket quares for only ¥525 each! That's like six bucks American. Very snazzy, very branded, VERY RECESSION FRIENDLY. Brought to you by Aeon Jusco, a Japanese department store (but I don't recommend buying an off the rack suit from them, no sir).


If you're looking to add a little old school flair to your suit jacket/blazer pocket, why not go with a pocket square? These used to be mandatory for the well dressed gentleman. Either folded, spiked, or ruffled, you would never have seen Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, or Sammy Davis Jr. leave home without one. They disappeared in the decade from hell, but they seem to be seeing a resurgence. Pip pip, I say.


Vice President Joseph Biden definitely has pinache and style. He's a definite gentleman. He rocks the ruffled pocket square (kind of just randomly jammed in and arranged, a favorite of The Sartorialist, Scott Schuman), and does so at some of the most serious occasions. Look for the ruffled pocket square at State of the Union Address next week.

New Suit!

I picked up this new suit designed by Jil Sander for Uniqlo for an amazing sum of about $100 (9000 something yen). Originally priced at $276, and the last one in the Fukuchiyama store, I was ecstatic. Paired with the amazing United Colors of Bennetton pocket squares mentioned in the next post, it looks awesome. Pants are too long, and they need to be hemmed up shorter. I need a hair cut and new glasses...



Suit by Jil Sander for Uniqlo, shirt by Uniqlo, Tie by Prince Consort (vintage, 1960s), Pocket Square by United Colors of Bennetton, Belt by Rosso Bianco... and I seriously need new glasses and a haircut.

Little Things

There's more to style than just fashion. My resolution this year was to better take care of myself. This includes becoming a better example of a 21st century gentleman. In the quality of my fashion, my meals, my attitude, etc. Being a gentleman is in the small details: dimpling your tie, or setting a place for yourself after cooking your own meal- even when you're alone.

365 Days of Personal Style

I started a recent program on facebook, but realise not everyone has access to it, so instead let me go ahead and post here as well. Kyoto Maiko badly needed updating. It may turn into a general Kansai fashion blog. It'll mostly be me, but I think I'll start snapping pictures in Shinsaibashi in Osaka, or around Kyoto Station. I'm disappointed that they are ignored by fashion bloggers...



Blazer by GGIO II, Trousers by Banana Republic, Shirt by Uniqlo, Cardigan by Gap, Tie by Rosso Bianco.