Japan Adventures- Studio Ghibli Spirited Me Away

Top: Thrifted, Skirt: Made myself, Jacket: Vintage, Shoes: Converse Taylor II, Bow headband: Made myself

I have lied again, I am creating a post that is dedicated to a single day...but it was such a magical day! I mean, I got to go to Studio Ghibli and Shinjuku Park all in one day, and even the rain could not bring me down.

My friends and I actually started the day in Shinjuku park where we were surronded my cherry blossoms. The whole area was drowning in them. There even was a beautiful carpeting of cherry blossoms on the ground. The only sad part was that because we came while it was raining a certain pathway was somewhat flooded so we couldn't walk that way. But even without seeing that portion of the park I was blown away by how beautiful everything was. And a bonus was that because it was raining there were barely any people wandering the park so we had it all to ourselves (almost).

Then it was a ride on the train to the Studio Ghibli Museum! And Oh! The Studio Ghibli Museum was just as magical as I always thought it would be. Everything, I mean everything, was based on a Studio Ghibli movie or art piece. Every small detail had something related to a film on it. The door handles, the lights, the windows, everything! And I loved it all! I wish I could have taken pictures of everything inside, but photography is not allowed and I totally understand why. I know I would have wanted a million pictures, so I can imagine everyone else also would have wanted a million pictures ruining the peaceful and magical effect of the museum. But I did get to take a picture with the robot from Laputa: Castle in the Sky! I completely and whole-heartedly recommend going to the Studio Ghibli Museum if you are in Japan! (HOWEVER, make sure to get your tickets ahead of time. My friends and I didn't realize you have to get tickets from a travel agent in the States and they only give out 100 a month. So, we missed our chance getting like that but luckily one of my friends had a friend living in Japan who got us tickets from Lawsons. I was so utterly grateful!)

After wandering the museum, my friends and I knew we had to stop and get a quick bite at the Straw Hat Cafe. The whole inside was decorated with little straw hats, and even the light shades were themed with little flying Kiki's! As I said they thought of every detail!

And quick side about my outfit. Since I knew I was going to the Studio Ghibli Museum, I knew I had to make a Kiki inspired outfit. Kiki was actually the first anime I ever saw growing up and I loved her and the movie. When I was younger, Princess Mononoke was actually my favorite Studio Ghibli movie, but as I have grown older I realize I identify with Kiki more. She starts off so sure of herself and then gets a little lost along the way, but at the end of the movie she find herself. I love that, and feel like I totally identify with Kiki. Sorry for the segway, back to the outfit...I was originally planning on making a purple dress, like Kiki, but decided on a skirt with a Kiki silhouette. And of course, I was going to make her giant bow, and looking back I actually wish I made it bigger! II hope my little spiel about Studio Ghibli was a tinge magical. Until next time, TTFN ta ta for now.

The Supreme is Back in Salem

Dress: Asos, Tights: Marshall's, Shoes: Dolce Vita (Thrifted), Hat: Forever 21, Necklace: Flea Market, Jacket: Flea Market

Continuing my super late blogging...second day in Boston and my friend and I decided to go to Salem. Before I begin my recap, if you decide to go to Salem, go early in the day! That's where we messed up; we waited too long to leave Boston and didn't leave ourselves enough time to really enjoy Salem. There is so much to see in Salem that not giving it a full day is really a crime.

However, we were able to go the House of the Seven Gables and Hawthorne's birth place, and a historical tour of Salem. It was amazing how difficult it was to find a historical tour, because all the tours were about witchcraft and Wicca. While a tour solely about witchcraft might be interesting, I really wanted to know the history of Salem. And the history of Salem and the witchcraft hysteria are so interesting that they don't need the gimmicks of witchcraft for me to want to learn more. If you are in Salem make sure to take the Hocus Pocus tour, the tour guide is amazing and so informative!

While wandering Salem, I couldn't help but take some pictures in front of this old abandon house/station. And couldn't help reference American Horror Story: Coven (even though it was the second worst season of AHS). Also, can you believe it was so cold in May that I needed to wear tights and a leather jacket! This Californian is not used to the cold.

I ended the night in Salem with a visit the statue of Bewitched and some DELICIOUS hot chocolate. Overall, Salem was amazing and I actually really want to return to Boston soon! Almost done with my East Coast blog posts! Until the next one, TTFN ta ta for now.

Welcome to Boston

 

Dress: Forever 21, Leather Jacket: Vintage, Tights: Marshall's, Boots: Dolce Vita (Thrifted), Backpack: Amazon, Watch: Vintage, Bracelet: GAP, Earrings: Jeweliq

So, these pictures are from my first full day in Boston. And man, was it a tiring day! I had not done that much walking in a long time. Looking back at these pictures just reminded me of the day my friend and I had; walking around the city, trying to find historical sites, delicious food, and standing behind tour groups to a little history without paying for the actual tour (this is bad, don't do what I did). And of course, I had to stop at the first comic book store my friend and I found. It's just a right of passage for any city I go to. After wandering the city, my friend and I were starving and we stopped to try Shake Shack for the first time, and my final opinion is...pretty good. Not as good as an In-N-Out burger but good (so expensive though!). Actually before we even got burgers, we got a cupcake from Georgetown Cupcakes, and it was delicious! And after burgers we got ice cream! It was a very fatty day. After all this exploring it was time to drank, Boston has very interesting pubs and nice bars but is not really popping on a Wednesday night.

I never realized what a beautiful city Boston was until this visit, and man do I want to go back. I feel like I only got a small sampling of the city, and would have loved to have another day or two to just explore random places. I have a ton more pictures I took from this day, but decided I didn't want to bore you (including cemeteries, libraries, parks, swan boats, etc.).

Our next stop on my East Coast adventure was Salem, which was not what I expected. Expect to see that soon. TTFN, ta ta for now.

Lauren

Put A Ribbon On It

Shirt: Asos, Jeans: GAP, Shoes: Urban Outfitters, Ribbon/Scarf: Vintage, Watch: VIntage, Bracelet: GAP Casual day at work, meant a casual outfit and a new way to wear my hair. I decided to try out my new scarf I thrifted the past weekend. It was quite the steal at $4 for a 100% silk scarf. Not much else to say, so TTFN ta ta for now.

Lauren

Modern Style

 

Shirt: Asos, Jeans: True Religion (thrifted), Shoes: Macy's (old), Earrings: Nordstrom's Rack

I decided to go for a different look, and went for a modern style, which is not my typical style. I actually really enjoy this modern look, and may incorporate more modern pieces into my wardrobe. We'll see...Well, until then, TTFN.

Lauren

Today I'm Not Doing Anything

 

Sweater: H&M, Jeans: Forever 21, Shoes: J.Crew (thrifted), Hat: Urban Outfitters, Purse: Vintage Dooney & Bourke, Watch: Vintage, Necklace: Jeweliq

I seriously did not feel like doing anything this weekend, but life called and told me to get off my lazy butt and get shit done. So, I got up went to the comic book store picked up my pull list (so hard, right!?), bought groceries, and ran to Target for face stuff. I also attempted to go to my kickboxing class, but felt ill and had to leave (lame). Anyways, after running all my errands I sat my butt down and watched House of Cards. Fun times. TTFN, ta ta for now.

Lauren

P.S. I noticed that recently I have been putting my hair in protective styles more often and my hair has been growing like crazy. I usually go every three months to dye my hair, but now I'm going every two months, which is nice because my hair is growing but my wallet doesn't like it.