Quick Japan update

Hi guys! I am having so much fun in Tokyo. We have been all over the place. Tuesday we went to Asakusa, Ueno, and Akihabara. Wednesday we hit up Harajuku, Thursday Kamakura, yesterday Ginza and Roppongi, and today we are just resting. Phew. Tomorrow we are headed to Shibuya, I am hoping to pick up a Blythe doll at Manadrake :] I will have a photo diary/explanation of what we did at each of these places as soon as I get back. Until then, here are just a few pictures.

I wish I could have afforded the Blythes from the first toy store I found them at. *sighhh. They sure were beautiful though :]

Guest post - Jessica Chronicled

Hi Shy Scout readers! I'm Jessica and I blog over at jessica chronicled. I'm so excited to be guest posting for Allison and so happy that she gets to take a fun little trip to Japan! The content on my own blog ranges from rambling about my hubby and our little pup to sharing my own thoughts on my faith, life, and fashion. I thought I would share a fashion post with you all today (because Miss Allison here has such great style!)

Pattern mixing has been one of my favorite recent trends. One thing that I have definitely discovered is that making one of your patterns a black & white print makes mixing so much easier. Here I paired a thick b&w stripe with leopard print on my shoes.

Blouse: Thrifted, Blazer: F21, Shoes: F21, Pants: uuuhhh, I don't remember?
Oh, and this was the first day that my pants have seen daylight since sometime in the fall. That's a little embarrassing. Perhaps I need some more twirly skirts like Allison. So, have you tried pattern mixing? Do you love it? I think I'm basically obsessed. As in, I stand in my closet for long periods of time just thinking about which patterns I could pair. I'm also a fan of pairing florals with anything, but there's really no logic behind that one other than the fact that I just love floral prints.

A special thanks to Allison again, for having me guest post! I hope the trip is the best!

Guest post - Humble Pie Vintage

Hey Shy Scout readers! Allison asked me to guest post while she's vacationing in Japan and I couldn't be more excited...or jealous! While she's having a blast, I decided to have myself an imaginary tea party.

I chose five people, dead or alive, that'd I'd invite and what yummy food I'd want served. I chose a garden themed tea party and even dressed up in a fun outfit for the occasion.



Thanks for reading and feel free to visit me at my blog, Humble Pie Vintage!
Have a great trip, Allison! :)

Guest post - C'est la belle vie

Bonjour, readers of Shy Scout! My name is Charity, and I blog about style, thrifting, and the college life over at c'est la belle vie. I'm thrilled to be guest posting for Allison while she is in Japan--I'm also jealous, but we can talk about that later. ;) Since I know Allison loves thrifting, I thought I'd show y'all one of the crazier pieces I thrifted recently: a floor-length, 90s, snakeskin print dress. 

I saw it for $4 at a tiny thrift shop and couldn't help myself! My boyfriend, roommates, and mom all laughed when I showed it to them, but that didn't tamper my love for it. I live in a very casual college town, so it may seem a bit much, but it was one of those pieces where I knew I'd regret not buying it later on. The tiny old woman who runs the thrift store raised an eyebrow while ringing it up for me, but I'm pretty sure that meant she wished she'd found it first. Right?

I love to pair vintage pieces with modern, trendy pieces, so I styled the dress with this structured white blouse from Buffalo Exchange and black booties + a neon necklace from Charlotte Russe. I'm thinking of cutting the dress to make it higher in the front, so it's shaped kind of like this--what do you guys think?

excuse my pale legs--they haven't seen the sun in MONTHS. 

Thanks for reading, and thanks to Allison for letting me share! Can't wait to see photos from Japan. For more style and thrifting posts, find me at c'est la belle vie!

xoxo Charity

Greetings from Tokyo!

Hi guys!! I made it safely and have been having a blast. I don't think I will have enough time update this regularly while I am over here, but I will try to update my facebook more often. Yesterday was my first actual day and it was so much fun. We went to Asakuasa, Akihabara, and Ueno. We had some fun in the arcades (see above), and I already have bought two peterpan collared items :].

Last night we went to a Maid cafe as well and it was pretty strange. The women servers dress in cutesy small maid outfits and serve cute food and drinks to their princess's and masters (my icecream sundae had a kittens face on it) and they cast magical spells on the food.

Needless to say, I am having a blast. Today we are headed to Harajuku to play in the park, eat sushi, and shop. This weekend I am going clubbing, haha.

I love Tokyo!!

Guest post - My Billie

Hey yall!! This is Melanie from My Billie. I'm so happy that Allison is off exploring away in Japan! And while I miss her terribly, I'm happy for the opportunity to interact with her awesome blog readers. I can tell you guys all really support what she's doing over here, and she more than deserves that!

First off--hi : ) A little about me: I'm obsessed with my sweet little Maddy cakes. She's a Chinese Crested Powderpuff and one of the best things that has ever happened to me : ) Me and my darling Matthew like to eat pancakes and drink coffee at all hours of the day. I work part-time at a coffee shop and spend the rest of my time making things..or sleeping...or playing Mah Jongg.



But speaking of making things, I ran across this great applique meant to be ironed onto a shirt and thought it'd be a much better statement necklace instead! Here's what I came up with! It's incredibly easy to make.



First grab a few supplies: an iron-on applique, a couple of jump rings, a couple of pliers, a few inches of metal chain and a clasp (I started off with plans to add a clasp onto mine but opted to keep the chain longer, meaning I didn't really need one after all!). If you have a rotary hole puncher handy, such as the one pictured above, go ahead and clip some holes in the top of the applique. If not, just puncture some tiny holes at the top with the end of your scissors (it won't be big enough to really see as long as you keep the hole small). Open up a jump ring and insert it into the hole. Before you close the ring, slide one end of your chain into it, then close up. Do the same thing to the other end and voila, a finished product!



Thanks for letting me share this with you guys! If you want to check out more DIYs and fashion posts just check out my blog. I'd love to meet you all and I've got a TONS of fun stuff coming up in the next month.

Hugs! Melanie

Guest post - Lovers Saints and Sailors

The Wardrobe You've Always Wanted!
5 Super Simple Tips

This is what my wardrobe looks like right now (literally, today). How about yours?

First up, thanks so much Allison, for letting me guest post on here while you’re away in Japan. I hope you’re having an absolute blast!

OK faithful Shy Scout readers, here’s what I’ve got in store for you…

The Wardrobe You’ve Always Wanted!
5 Super Simple Tips

Alright, who here has found themselves staring at their wardrobe thinking, “No, no, no, no, NO!” Before dramatically flinging themselves on their bed moaning, “I have nothing to wear!”

OK, maybe the flinging part is just me. But you know what I’m talking about, don’t you?

Clothes, clothes, everywhere
And not a scrap to wear
(Thanks Samuel Taylor Coleridge!)
Never fear! I’m here to help. I’ve pulled together 5, super simple tips to get the wardrobe you’ve always wanted. And best of all? You can start right now!

So let’s get cracking, shall we?

First up:

Separate your seasons

Nothing makes you feel worse than going through your overstuffed wardrobe to find you’ve got nothing to wear. Because as far as everyone else can see, you’ve got wardrobe full of perfectly wearable clothes.

So let’s take a moment to look at why you don't have anything to wear.

Often it's because you have clothes for every season in your wardrobe. There are 4 seasons competing in there…which means at any given time you are only likely to wear a quarter of your wardrobe. A quarter!

What you need to do is break your wardrobe down into seasons and pack them away accordingly.

Alright, it's spring. Away go the sweaters and coats, leggings, long sleeved tops, and heavy scarves. Much better!

But we can do better again.

It's not warm enough to bust out the shorts and sarongs yet so away they go too. What you're left with are season appropriate clothes. You can potentially wear 100% of your wardrobe now. Feel better?

Going further you need to look at what's left. Are you excited about what's in there? Is it bare? Better stock up! Or are there things in there that don't fit properly, need mending or just plain don't work. Address these issues and you'll be left with a 100% wearable wardrobe.

Plus next season it's exciting to pull out all of the clothes you carefully packed away. It's like Christmas. You may find you need to cull when you unpack. Some thing won't fit; some were a one-season-wonder and some you'll wonder what you were holding onto for. That's fine. In fact it's fun! And it's all part of the process. Remember there is nothing better than passing clothes on. Someone is going to love that purple pom-pom scarf so give often to friends, family and Goodwill.

Which brings us to tip #2…

Let go and let Goodwill

Never underestimate the power of clearing out your wardrobe. I do it 4-6 times a year. Clothes wear out, go out of style, out of shape or I just plain move past them. Clearing things out makes way for something new.

But just because you don't have feelings for it anymore doesn't mean someone else won't. I have friends who pester me for my next bag of throw outs; family members that have dibbs on that dress once I've had enough of it; I've even shared with people at work. And that's just people I know.

Goodwill receives regular donations from me. They're not always bulging bags, sometimes it's just a sweater and pair of trousers but no matter what it is, they'll find a home for it. I know people who thrift compulsively. They find the most awesome bargains from their local Salvos and they always look so unique!

I also know people that rely on op shops for all of their clothes. People that feel lucky to find an on trend dress in their size for less than a tank of gas. So don't feel bad about giving something away after only wearing it once. You’re giving so much more than the clothes you’re giving away.

OK, so you’ve separated your seasons and given away the things that just aren’t ringing your bell anymore. Your closet might be looking a little lean right now. But you know what that means, right? Yup. Shopping time!

Shop outside of season

You know what? I shop year round. It’s not a compulsion, it’s clever. Listen up: Leggings, stockings, and tights, will all be heavily reduced at the end of winter. Now is the time to stock up!

Basics (black opaques etc.) will always be in style. And it's easy to buy one or two of the trend items when next winter rolls around. Plus there is always an outfit for last season’s tights. And most importantly? It's about wearing what you like and what looks good on you. If you love purple footless tights, buy 3 pairs when they are clearing them out! Put them away and you’ll thank yourself next time the temperature drops.

And winter isn’t the only time to load up. It’s a scientific fact you can never have too many swimsuit separates. Have you seen how cheap they get at the end of summer?! You know what to do!

(Note: Remember to pack your out of season stuff away. Just because it’s brand spankin’ new doesn’t mean it should take centre stage in your wardrobe. If it’s not the right weather to wear it, pack that baby away until next time the mercury level makes a move.)

Find what works for you and stock up

My husband has 48 T-shirts in his wardrobe. I know. I counted when the hanger to shirt ratio became inverted.
The thing is though, while it may not be the most adventurous combination, jeans (or shorts) and a T-shirt works for him. He rocks that look and it sure makes shopping easy.

What works for you? Do your curves love a good wrap-dress? Start a collection! Are you a fan of a good, boat neck T? Hoard them by the (I’m about to pun here, sorry) boatload! Does that one, local designer produce jeans that, swear to god, were made for you? Buy them. Buy lots of them!

Having a wardrobe full of stuff that works is... Well, it’s a pinnacle not unlike Everest. Only with less oxygen tanks and more clothes. Few people have actually made it, but when they do, they seem to exist on another plane forever more. Oh, and it’s totally, much easier to climb. And, actually, you don’t even have to climb. OK so maybe it’s not anything like Everest…

Having a wardrobe full of stuff that works is…achievable! And hand on heart, makes everything in your life better. Everything. Even chocolate.

Hey, would you look at that? Look how far you’ve come already! By now your wardrobe should be a source of pride and joy.

But there’s just one more thing you need to know…

If it doesn’t look good on you, don’t hang it in your wardrobe Alright, this is a simple one in theory, but totally something we’re all guilty of.

OK here’s the thing...

It doesn’t matter if it cost a whole week’s pay, or if you used to fit it or if it looked good in the store.

If it doesn’t look good on you; if it doesn’t fit properly – DO NOT hang it in your wardrobe!

You have just put all this hard work into creating the perfect wardrobe for you. Don’t sabotage it by hanging onto that dress that’s too tight in the arms and cut weirdly across the chest. Give it away. Seriously. Do it. Seeing it every time you’re looking for something to wear will only make you feel like crap.

And here’s another thing. So often I see girls wearing the same things as their friends, when it very obviously doesn't suit them.

Listen to me: you will look awkward and feel bad about yourself.

Your body shape may not give too kindly in skinny jeans. If this is the case, honey, don't wear skinny jeans. I know you like the style but there are always alternatives. Try a straight leg and play up something else.

You will always look better in something that sits better on you, and that is more important than any trend. Do not sacrifice your self-esteem for a fad. It is not worth it.

So there you have it. Don’t you feel better already? I know I do.

For more hints and tips and to follow my adventures in (semi) daily dressing* head on over to www.loverssaintsandsailors.com. Be sure and say hi!

*Don’t worry, I dress every day. I just keep the shots of me in my Cowboy & Indian flannel pajama pants to myself. I save the good stuff for you guys.

What's in my bag - Japan edition

Hi guys! So I am off on my journey in less than 24 hours - wahoo!! I am beyond excited. Thank you all for the sweet comments wishing me a good trip. I will be sure to take plenty of photos, and hopefully keep you posted while I am over there.

I thought it might be fun to do a short - what's in my bag - Japan edition to show you how I got ready for my trip...so here it goes.



From top left to bottom right - The entire top row is dresses. I wanted to be able to dress up a bit on the trip but still stay comfortable. Middle row consists of tops. I packed a sweater, some long sleeves, and short sleeves to have options. I heard it has been going from the 30's in the morning to the 60's in the afternoon so layering is essential. The bottom row consists of some more tops and tanks, bathing suit, skirt, tights, a pair of jeans, and leggings.



Top to bottom - Two belts, bath stuffs, tights, goldfish for the plane (still need to pick up some stuff to read...), yen, eos lip balm, ipod, makeup case, journal, camera, purse, and shoe options.

And of course...the most essential item...



Sweetpea!!



Just kidding. She will do just about anything though, haha. She fits in my bag with her bed and blanket and still has plenty of room.

I can't wait!! Ahhh. Anywho. I have some incredible ladies stepping in for me while I am gone. Please be sure to check their upcoming posts out :]

Getting ready to go

I just got back home last night to start preparing for my trip. Wednesday night Brian and I said our goodbyes over a nice dinner. I haven't used my polaroid camera in far too long so I pulled it out for the occasion. Brian isn't in to having his picture taken in public (at least by me) so I had the roomie take a couple before we headed out. The last photo pretty much sums us up and how thrilled he was to take the photos.

When I called my bank to give them a heads up about going on my vacation the guy on the other line went on a 5 minute tangent at a million miles an hour about the Edo period. Yikes. On top of that I got his whole back story about how he is super white and Buddhist, yadda, yadda, yadda, he would never go to Japan now because he hats anime. I hope he got to putting the right info in the computer. Haha.

To do list before I leave:
1. Find some luggage
2. Pack...ugh.
3. Get my hurrr did
4. Charge my ipod - the poor thing hasn't been updated in literally 3 years.
5. Find some goodies for the 13ish hour flight
6. Do my taxes, whoops

I am sort of excited for the flight, kind of not. To keep me entertained I am sure I will watch 3 to 4 movies like last time. In addition I plan to work out fun plans for my blog for the upcoming months. Hmmm, giveaway with goodies from Japan? I am going to try to make this happen.

Image source: inventorspot. Green tea kitkat anyone?

Anywho, I will catch up on blog stuff tonight. I am off to run my errands. Have a beautiful Friday everyone!

Thrifted Thursdays - Patterned pieces

Last weekend I hit up some of my favorite thrift stores. As promised today I plan to show you a few of the pieces I picked up. The items in todays post were all thrifted from the Salvation Army. I will share my other thrifted finds from the Village once I return from Japan.



As always, the mischievious Pea jumped in to some of my shots. The items I picked up last Thursday include a paisley maxi dress, polka dot boating blouse from Ann Klein, checkered top, and polka dot dress from Forever 21.

I can't wait to style all of these pieces in upcoming wardrobe posts. My favorite item of this lot would have to be the never worn (still has it's original sales tags attached from who knows how long ago) polka dot boating blouse from Ann Klein. The blouse has the sweetest neckline ending in a bow. I can't wait to wear it. I am debating whether or not it would be too much to wear on my trip to Japan... we will see. I really hope to get some fun wardrobe shots while on vacation.

Have a great day everyone!

Wardrobe Wednesday - Mustard

Hi all! I bought some mustard colored tights a few weeks back from Target and have been wanting to wear them ever since. My go to tight color is black, so I have been in a desperate need to switch things up a bit. Starting with the tights I pieced the rest of this outfit together. I kept the look simple because the tights are so bold.



I wore this look out on Sunday to our friends show at a local bar. The tights were quite the conversation starter. I had originally taken outfit photos the same day but hated how they came out, so yesterday I took my photos out in public for the first time - EVER. *gasp!



Alright, yes I was out in public, but I definitely took the photos behind a shed at our local park so the basketball players wouldn't see me. Haha! Do you ever get comfortable taking your own outfit photos? I was so sick of taking photos indoors.



Outfit Details: Dress - thrifted | Belt - thrifted | Tights & Shoes - Target | Bag - Silk Market, Beijing.

I can't believe Japan is only 4 days away!! I am headed home in the morning to get everything in order for my trip. I need to run through my closet tonight and pick out outfits. How do you prepare for a trip?

Toy Army Tuesday - Wood Labbit

Hi all! This is a continuation of last weeks Toy Army Tuesday in which I talked about the toy on the left (Wood Donkey Dunny). Today am going to tell you all a little about the Wood Labbit by Amanda Visell and Frank Kozik (on the right).


Image source: Styletax

To start with, I think it is important to tell you exactly what a "Labbit" is. Smorkin Labbits are cute and often naughty rabbit like vinyl toys typically found smoking... among other things. Smorkin Labbits were created by the graphic artist, Frank Kozik.

"Credited with single handedly reviving the “lost” art of the concert poster, his creative career rose largely out of his enthusiasm for Austin’s growing underground punk rock scene in the mid-eighties. Starting with black and white flyers for friends’ bands posted on telephone poles, his reputation grew as an artist whose work was graphically compelling as well as culturally gripping. Kozik is based in San Francisco, California, where he produces artwork, toys and graphic design. He formerly managed his own record label, Man’s Ruin Records (1995-2001). Under which, he released over 220 singles and full length albums including the first Queens of the Stone Age single. He has produced artwork for a diverse range of musicians such as Pearl Jam, the Butthole Surfers, Green Day, Neil Young, Sonic Youth, the Melvins and many more." - Nevermind Gallery.

Needless to say he is a pretty cool guy with awesome artwork. I even bought my boyfriend one of his prints for christmas since he loves his work too. Let's get back on track though - on to the Wood Labbit.



The 5" Wood Labbit was a San Diego Comic Con exclusive in 2009. This Labbit is unique because it was the first Labbit designed by someone other than Kozik himself. According to the box the Wood Labbit roams the forest with an axe in place of his missing ear. After losing his ear to Kozeek, a deranged lumberjack, the Wood Labbit devises a quite appetizing plan for revenge (see the image of the lumberjack on his belly). Only 300 of these were made, making the item pretty rare.

As you can see, my little guy is signed by both artists! This is by far my favorite vinyl toy. Unfortunately, I did not start collecting my toys until last year, so I obviously did not get to meet the artists for their signature. I bought this little guy from Signed by Kozik.com last year as a christmas present to myself. I have no regrets as my set is complete, and I am happy to own something both the artists have touched.

Until next time...have a beautiful afternoon!!

Japan - Getting ready

Imperial Palace, Tokyo

I leave in less than a week for Japan!! I just spoke with my friend Mike, who I am staying with on the trip, this morning. Mike has been teaching over there for almost a year now and I am going to be his first visitor from home. His school has a week and a half off for spring break, so he will have the entire time off to spend traveling with me. I will post a tentative schedule later on in the week to show you what our plans are. This morning he told me we should go to an onsen - for those of you unfamiliar with the term it is a hot springs/ bathing facility. The only thing is, is that you go nude! I may be an ultra conservative American, but I don't think I am ready for that...regardless of how beautiful and relaxing the place may be, haha. Anywho, here are some pictures for your to look at from my last trip to Japan.

Asakusa


Harajuku


Other bits of Tokyo

Definitely getting my karaoke on this trip!

I think that is enough for now. I will have a TON of photos for when I get back. It is finally really setting in that this is happening. I am debating whether I should make a photo diary on here. Hmmm...