Tokyo!

I've just been to Tokyo ... a whirlwind visit which has been enough to whet the appetite for more. It's a very sophisticated and buzzy sort of place, but folks - the fashion! It definitely stands out. In the main shopping arenas and CBD these very chic locals, men and women, are out in force. (See Tokyo Street Style for some great pictures.)

It's spring and very warm so I saw lots of layers, bold 70's style prints, smock dresses layered over jeans and leggings, spots and floral, huge glasses, some metallic accessories but more white, cream and tan colours. Huge bags, often draped or pleated pieces. Very groovy, but also very stylish.

Sizing is an issue for us huge westerners so some stores don't work, but I did find the chain store Zara which is an excellent budget option. Zara is a Spanish label and there are many stores in Europe. It has a mix of useful basics and very strong trend items, eg. gorgeous printed chiffon tops, strappy singlets, sundresses, leather bags and shoes, more formal jackets and jeans ... fantastic and more affordable than say Burberry or Prada!

Gap clothing is also available in Tokyo which is a great store for more classic pieces: capri pants, white ruffled shirts, canvas and denim accessories, summer slides and ballet flats. This is just the tip of the fashion iceberg ... I came home with a black shirtdress, tan coloured capris, tan and rope flat slides, white shirt and T-shirt ... and had to restrain myself with bags (or my husband did)!