Tokyo 01

Things have been crazy in my world lately as we finally packed up our house in Hanoi and headed back to Australia (with a detour through Thailand).

I've just started to go through our photos from our Japan trip in October- oh how I miss it every day!

Here are 11 Reasons Why We Want To Move To Japan.

Japan is Awesome: Dog Edition

So I went to Japan. Everyone said it would be amazing and it was.

I think we can all agree this is key evidence of the fact.

Triple Major: Shadow Puppets

I've really liked Beijing/LA label Triple Major ever since I saw their Pencil Pants in Singapore earlier this year (I'm also slightly obsessed with this Pirate Tee too). It's outrageously quirky but to me still very wearable. I can only imagine that great things conspire to happen whenever wearing one of their pieces.

The latest collection  is inspired by shadow puppets and is completely unisex- how awesome is that?

Check out their store which also sells lots of other cool labels here.

I Want My Hat Back

This has got to be one of the greatest children's book ever. I saw I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen in the shop at the Art Gallery of NSW and ended up reading it all the way through laughing. For some reason I find it absolutely hilarious- maybe because it reminds me so much of a ridiculous internet memes. My favourite part it dawns on him he HAS seen his hat.

Very excited to see it turned into a video (though of course the book is always better ;))

Willow: Sweater

The art of projection is nothing new but it when done well it nonetheless is still pretty amazing. An example of this is the video by director Filip Sterckx for the Willow track Sweater. Created using just 3 projectors, a floor and two walls the result makes you want to star in your own fantastical adventure. 

On another note, my friend Nic's band Cogel just released their new single and video incorporating the magic of projections too. It's rad. Check it out here.

Bejitarizumu

I am going to Japan for the first time in two weeks and in my very important preparations I came across this. 

Yes my friends, THIS is why I am going to Japan- cuteness, colour and general all round coolness (in case you were wondering how I found this it was through my new found obession and official Kawaii Ambassador of Harajuku, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu!).

Sponsored by a company to promote healthy eating, it's hard not to get this dance and song stuck in your head. The best part? The purple dancer (which was always my favourite) is a boy! 

Shoo shoo shoo sa! sa! Anyone want to learn the dance with me?

Alice McCall: Fashion Week 2012

If there was one show that stood out for me at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week earlier this year in Sydney it was Alice McCall. Testament to this is the fact that I've been thinking about the top embroidered dress ever since and waiting for them to release it so I can debate whether I should buy it (though chances are it could also look crap on me).

They've finally put the collection up on the site for pre-order and along with that,  these are all on my wishlist.

See the full, fantasically styled, show here.

Lulu and the Lampshades : You're Gonna Miss Me

Laura sent me this fabulous song which caused a flurry to find out more about the artists. The girl on the track is Louisa from Lulu and the Lampshades (now renamed Landshapes) and this video is from way back from 2009. I'm sure you'll agree this is pretty rad. I can just imagine if I attempted to do this! It's probably last all of 10 seconds.

Seonna Hong

There's something about Seonna Hong's artwork that's a little bit mod, a little bit whimsical and a little bit japanesy that I love. I'd do all sorts of things to get my hands on this piece that she did for Sanrio's 50th Anniversary.

Lazzari Spring/Summer 2012

How gorgeous is this styling? I might be a bit behind as it's for Lazarri's Spring/Summer collection but I just love her hair and all round cuteness. That whale dress needs to be mine now.

Hello Kuala Lumpur (or rather Petaling Jaya)

I made an unexpected trip back to Malaysia straight after our Bali/Singapore adventure and whenever I'm there I realise how lucky I am to have an awesome family. They're always happy to take me out and about and this time we went trekking in one of the world's largest man-made jungles. We hired a guide and it was absolutely worth it, not only because he had bug spray but he was able to tell us about what otherwise just looked like really big trees that all looked the same. He also removed the leeches from my brother and uncle's legs.

As well that I:
::Ate the most delicious roast goose and harm choy soup here. I'm still thinking about it.

:: Went shopping at Kenanga Wholesale City. Despite the name it's open to the public and it's full of amazing cheap, cute stuff. There was a shop of just bows. You could spend all day here. Ask for discounts too. I was in awe of my aunt's bargining and I felt put to shame in comparison. I was going to buy a packet of hair ties for $4AUD. She got me 2 packets for the same price. If you buy more than 1 you get a discount- most of the time up to 50% off.

:: Prayed to my grandfather and had my fortune read. In the background, my younger boy cousin read World of Warcraft the whole time.

:: Fell even more in love with my cousin's baby girl Tiffany. One look at this and you'll see why.

:: Didn't even go near town. Instead my aunt and I became obsessed with a cheesy Chinese drama called Empress In The Palace and watched it for 2-4 hours everyday. Oh the shame. Seriously, I even started having dreams about it. It was also quite educational (see that justification?) as I now know that concubines were wrapped up naked in a blanket like sushi and carried into the king's bed. Educational.