Trend Addiction in Japan

For the last few days, something has been constantly bothering me, I suspect I now suffer from a severe case of Japanese-aria, the first symptom being a very pronounced Trend Addiction!! And I am not being paranoid, case in point is I really really wanted a flower headband & life seemed so dull without one, not because I like it, but because I wanted to be part of the underground sub culture of the so – fashionable girls who love to flaunt their flower inspired accessories. The streets of Japan appeared swarmed by these flower wielding sisters, and I kept feeling like a sore thumb sticking out of the crowd – a complete ‘non conformista’.
But there is still a little bit of hope left, since I am not always playing the role of a follower. Sometimes, I am a leader, the influencer and this quality manifest especially when I enter a fairly empty shop, on many a occasions I have noticed several others walking in soon, probably following me, trying to figure out my fashion secrets!! So here’s a big shout out to all the empty shops in Japan – you know who to contact now if you want to increase footfalls.
I think a lot of stuff is done here just to conform, to be a part of a community, for example Japanese play golf because hey everyone seems to be enjoying playing golf & if you want to go on a holiday then Hawaii is the answer because everyone goes there!! Sometimes I see a long line of people waiting to get in a restaurant during lunch time whereas the restaurant next door is empty!!!
But come to think of it – it does simplify your life up – no need to think, no need to worry or fuss over your plans on what to wear, eat, party or holiday – leave that to somebody else – just follow the trend & hop on to the Trend Addiction wagon.
Now back to me, I wore this outfit to have afternoon tea at a cute little place in Kitahama in Osaka called “Kitahama Retro”. They have a cute retro decor with mint details and fancy teacups . It is fairly busy so reservation is required. I opted for afternoon tea set complete with cakes, tea and sandwiches. And why did I choose afternoon tea?? Well because everyone is doing it and it’s trendy, why else???

Vivalahighstreet

Vivalahighstreet

Vivalahighstreet

Vivalahighstreet

Vivalahighstreet

Vivalahighstreet

Dress – Zara , $15 on sale, 2011, also worn here;
Jacket – Numero Uno, $22, 1998, also worn here;
Shoes – 心斎橋 Shinsaibashi, 大阪 Osaka, $20, 2013; also worn here;
Flower Headband – Bershka, $10, 2014;
Sunglasses – Chanel, gift, 2014, also worn here;
Bag – Chanel, gift, 2014;
Watch – Marc Jacobs, マークジェイコブス gift, 2013, also worn here;
Bracelet – Forever 21, 8 $, 2014; also worn here;
Flowers – Aoyama Flower Market