買い物

Ugh, I'm doing my best to refrain from spending money this summer so I have a nice amount of spending money for when I go to Japan, but it's gotten to the point where I'm going up the wall at the lack of shopping (which sounds stupid, but when you haven't bought anything for yourself in over 5 months, it really gets to you).  I mean, normally I don't actually buy that much stuff for myself compared to some other people I know, since my philosophy is I'd rather wait till I find something quality and unique, even if it's a bit more expensive, rather than splurge on dull, unexceptional items.  But right now there's so many nice tops and shoes and things that I really want to get...so maybe I'll give in just a little and limit myself to 5 things or less...a few tops, and perhaps one pair of heels and one pair of flats.  I'll try to think of all the wonderful things in Japan and hold on in the meantime...there's only a month and a half to go!  

Shijo-Kawaramachi Hankyu

Then again, the exchange rate's not great and things are quite expensive in Japan, so I probably won't be able to afford (or rather, won't be willing to pay so much) for a lot of the stuff I find.  Well, at the very least I plan to browse the shops and see what's there...I'm definitely planning a trip to Hankyu, the famous [and massive] department store near Kyoto Station.  If nothing else I'll just ogle the Vivienne Westwood stuff and wish I had the funds to afford even the smallest scrap of fabric designed by her (even VW t-shirts are $100+ TT_TT).

It's a shame Vivienne Westwood is so hard to find in the U.S., she's one of my favourite designers and I really like her sense of style.  So, even if I could somehow afford to buy it, it's pretty hard to get your hands on here, and the shops that carry it usually only have the Anglomania line.  What with the horrendous stuff a lot of people are wearing these days it might do the country some good to have designers like her more available.  Also, while I'm in Japan I'd like to check out another one of my favourite designers, h.Naoto (despite the fact that I most likely won't be able to afford anything...though the prices are more reasonable than VW).  Although most available in Tokyo, I hear there's a branch in Osaka, so if I head down there I'll definitely check it out.