Hello from Japan!  My name is Ms. Kyla and I have journeyed here from Portland, Oregon to get some perspective on, well, life.  I am an interior designer gone rogue as an Assistant Language teacher, and though for the last 10 months teaching has been my job, it consumes merely half my day, leaving the other half to roam around this incredible country and see what the heck is going on over here! I have traveled quite a bit in my life, a few times to Europe, all over the U.S. with my previous job, but nothing could prepare me for Japan.  The way they live, the way they speak, their customs and their fashion are very different from what I am accustomed to. Yet at the same time, I find myself describing Japan to many of my friends and family “as the same [to the U.S.] but different.”

Some of you may be familiar with a few of the outrageous fashions here like the Goth Lolita look, Costume Play a.k.a. Cosplay, or even the most traditional– the Kimono.

All of these looks are Japanese fashion but maybe not necessarily what I would call the fashion in Japan. I took some snap shots as I wandered the streets of Kyoto this last weekend so I could share some of the everyday street style with you.

I call it: The Comfort and the Cuteness. I’m curious to see what you all think.

The weather right now is hot and humid and unpredictable. They call it mushiastui (mushy-ott-suey) here. You never know whether the sky is going to fall out and flood you or when the sun will melt you into a puddle. Layers are great for the changing weather and make this outfit comfortable and …cute!

Denim flouncy skirts are so IN right now! They’re so comfy and you can get them in a variety of lengths and styles.  You can also find these in culottes (see below)…taking comfort and cute to a whole new level.

The Fedora is international YO!  Of course, any Japanese fashionista knows what’s hot in the world right now…check out some of these great hats!

As you can see from the pics, they’re all about Leggings, Leggings, Leggings! This is definitely a “same but different” experience. In Japan, leggings are a must for every outfit. And STIRRUP leggings, which are a definite no-no in the U.S., trump all in Japan.

Do you see anything you like? I happen to love EVERYTHING…which makes it easy on the eyes but hard on the wallet. I did manage to make it out of Kyoto with “my” new denim skirt and just enough money for the train ride home.

More to come next Friday.

Hearts and Stars,

Kawaii Kid