Tokyo State of Mind
Travel must-haves, what I wore, and interior gems inspired by a long weekend in Japan.
Hi friends! Welcome to a Tokyo-inspired roundup that I am just head-over-heels for. The inspiration? An impromptu trip to Japan (for a long weekend! crazy but great!) to tag along for some of my husband's work travel and celebrate his birthday. In the spirit of my Tokyo state of mind, I’m sharing a list of travel must-haves, what I wore, and interior finds that I found myself yearning for after walking through a zillion fabulous Tokyo shops. This is the land of shopping and I felt very inspired. Enjoy!
Also: my Tokyo hit list for design-minded travelers is coming Tuesday, so stay tuned…
Paperweight, shelf decor, objet d’art (my favorite kind of art): I love this wrapped stone made by a mother-daughter duo, who use a traditional Japanese basket weaving technique.
These would be so cute paired with your minimalist Tokyo wardrobe (more on that below), or just padding around the hotel.
A lightweight trench saved me for the in-between Tokyo weather (and on the plane). I brought along one from Rodjeber, but I love this pale blue, lightweight nylon version from No.6 Store.
A favorite, elegant necklace that looks great with a dress in the evening or layered with other styles by day.
The only pair of earrings I need! I’m in love with these sparklers and would wear them day and night in Tokyo!
A dress worthy of said earrings! I love the button details and panels.
A coffee table book I’d love to own, rife with style inspiration.
Some very cool little sunnies to top off your outfit.
Don’t forget a swimsuit for the hotel pool.
I love traveling with a tote that’s roomy but not heavy (you can use it on the plane, but also daily for a water bottle, phone charger, and passport - make sure you bring it with you when shopping so you can receive a tax refund!). This one is pretty perfect.
My sensitive skin is even more blemish prone after two 15 hour flights in five days. These travel minis from Linne saved me.
I love this little rice bowl inspired by Mt. Fuji. I would also use it as a catchall on my desk, the design is so charming.
A stunning little bag that can be worn around the wrist (for evening) or across the body (for day). I love that it’s versatile and yet so artistic and sophisticated.
I have to pack some Pleats Please when traveling to Tokyo to pay homage to the legendary Japanese designer! But also, it doesn’t wrinkle which is key for a short trip in a carry-on. The Thicker Bottoms are my favorite.
I love pairing a monochromatic capsule wardrobe with a statement necklace!
Monochromatic dressing is one of my favorite ways to look put together. I’d pair this chic shell with my pleated pants.
Peter brought this styling cream for himself, but I stole it out of his dop kit daily. It’s brilliant!
These incense are made in Kyoto, so you can remember your travels once you're back home. Plus, the box is so beautiful, I’d display it on top of a stack of books.
I love having change purses with me when I travel to hold foreign currency. This Japanese-made version is so well priced and stocked at Front General Store in Brooklyn (which has a sister store in Tokyo).
A budget-friendly alternative to my favorite Akari Lights (available through the Noguchi Museum), these beautiful washi paper lamps have been made in Gifu, Japan for over 90 years and would give a beautiful, soft glow to a side table or book shelf.
Another easy-to-pack item: this stretchy Eolas skirt. I wore for an entire day of walking and can attest that it was extremely comfortable and cute.
I love these Japanese sake cups (made by a Japanese glass company founded in 1878, but available for purchase in Brooklyn!). I would use them for orange wine.
You could also style the shell (see 16.) with this Dries skirt (which I wore twice during my trip and many times since then). I’m all about pieces that you can get mileage out of.
Chic, cosy pajamas are a must for big trips and beating jet lag. I love this organic cotton set from Toast.
Lastly, I am all about immune support when traveling!
Okay, let’s all go to Japan now! See you Tuesday with my hit list Tokyo guide.
xx,
Lizzie