Denim Bomber Jacket

I picked up this acid wash denim jacket while shopping in Harajuku and I love it! The denim is actually quite soft, almost a chambray, and the gray hood is also detachable! They only had one size available (M), but I love the fit; it's not tight or restricting, but it's not so big that you feel like you're drowning in it. The stitching pattern and the cut are very unique; needless to say, I'm in love~

Denim Bomber Jacket 

Denim Bomber Jacket - Harajuku, Tokyo

Black Beanie - Asos

Is anyone else excited for spring?!




xx mindy

Trending: Unicorn Graphic T's

Trending: Unicorn Graphic T's by curlsandmindy 

I've been seeing unicorns on graphic t's everywhere for spring! I don't mean to be a debbie-downer, but I'm not sure if I'm a fan...maybe I'm just getting old. What do you guys think?

xx mindy 

OOTD: Shibuya, Tokyo + Bershka Sunglasses

Decided to go a bit buck-wild today and left my hair au naturale-- plus a quick blow-dry. I was very excited to pick up these round, metallic framed sunglasses from Bershka in Shibuya, Tokyo! I've been eyeing an almost identical style, the Rayban 3447's (link!), forever but they are most definitely out of my price range at the moment :/ what else is new? These frames will make a good budget-friendly substitute at approx $15 USD :)

Vintage Camo Jacket: Urban Outfitters (Link)

Gray Hoodie: Second-hand

Gray Sweatshirt: H&M

Trousers: American Apparel (Link)

Sneakers: Converse

Sunglasses: Bershka (Link)

xx mindy

Zara Mirrored Tiger T-shirt

I picked this up while shopping at Zara in Shibuya, Tokyo. The material is thin and billow-y so it's perfect for spring and summer! That and the lengths is long, so it drapes nicely off the body and I don't have to worry about plumber bum.



xx mindy

Japanese Fashion Magazine JELLY

JELLY March 2013 Issue

'Jelly' is a Japanese fashion magazine geared more towards that of 'gyaru' style, that being a more tan, heavily bleached/dyed hair and dramatic nails and makeup. The models in Jelly however (compared to the traditional 'gyaru') are not as dramatic with their image. Their fashion tends to be less innocent and cute, giving off a more sexy/cool vibe.

JELLY March 2013 Issue

JELLY March 2013 Issue

The models in Jelly are more tan than most models found in Japanese magazines, and most of them (if not all) appear to be wearing circle lenses. A few of them also have their hair dyed in lighter blonde shades.

JELLY March 2013 Issue

JELLY March 2013 Issue

One notable thing about Jelly is that all their models appear to be full Japanese, whereas in the fashion magazine ViVi (Link!) almost all of the models are half-Japanese. Because of this, the styling tends to be less similar to that of British/North American fashion; it still maintains a notable Japanese 'cuteness.'

JELLY March 2013 Issue

JELLY March 2013 Issue

While there were some pieces and styles that I really liked, I couldn't call Jelly one of my preferred fashion magazines. This is only because the 'cute' Japanese style doesn't suit me at all--that and gyaru. Something else that I noticed: almost all of the high-heels the models were wearing were obviously way too big. It's definitely not a deal breaker, but I couldn't help but get annoyed since the models didn't make an effort to conceal this.



xx mindy

Uniqlo Flannel Top in Red and Black

Uniqlo Flannel Top

This is my second flannel shirt I've purchased from Uniqlo (you can see the first, here!). I knew I was going to get a lot of wear out of my first purchase, but I eventually found myself longing for more--more variety...more colour. 

Originally, I wanted to stay away from red because I already have very pink skin and mild redness on my face but I found that I needed more colour contrast in my wardrobe. This flannel top in red and black was the only colour that was able to console this material longing.

The colour contrast of the red and black is very muted, so it's quite flattering. The colour works well with my skin-tone because it's an almost distressed, washed out red and blackish-gray, making it very easy on the eyes and complimentary against the skin.

These flannel tops are just so easy to wear, I just can't get enough of them! Spaz!




xx mindy

Thrifty Finds: Autumn Attire

My favourite items to pick up while thrifting are definitely sweaters. They're easy to wear throughout the colder months, during the school year AND! they are an easy way to add some colour to your wardrobe.

I've been wearing this oversized green Gap sweater ever since I got my hands on it for $5. It is in the size XL but the v-neck makes it very wearable despite the borderline-excessive billowy-ness.

I got this red Topman sweater from a pile of free secondhand items at my dorm. It is a size S and I love it so much specifically because it's red. For a girl who wore nothing but black until only a couple years ago, this is shocking very good progress.

Notice the ethereal glow.

These Nevada black suede boots ($9) are very special purchase because I usually never find any footwear while thrifting. Not only are they my size, but they were practically brand new and unworn. Needless to say, it was destiny.


Hope you're all managing to stay warm!!



xx mindy

Uniqlo Flannel Shirt

 For those of you who have never heard of Uniqlo, it is a Japanese casual wear retailer specializing in, you guessed it, casual wear! I love Uniqlo because it's a great for everyday basics and moderate trends. You can have a gander yourself, here!

I was browsing the store and ended up in the mens section, where I found this lovely flannel shirt! I've seen a similar shirt from Monki trending online, and ever since I saw Barbara (thepersianbabe) and Essie (essiebutton) sporting them I've been keeping my eyes peeled for something similar since Monki doesn't ship to North America. 

I bought this in a size M because my style tends to be very androgynous. It's a nice loose fit, so it can be worn as an oversized button-up or something to throw on over an outfit. The fabric is also a very thick and dense cotton so it offers some warmth, as well. 

In the pictures it comes out as very purple, but it's actually a nice deep blue and green. I was debating whether I should get it in the red and black, but I decided against it feeling it would make me look too lumberjack with my pale skin and reddish-brown hair, if ya know what I'm saying.

xx mindy

Urban Outfitters Vintage Camo Army Jacket

My obsession for coats/jackets is undeniable. I just love how a nice jacket can pull a look together. Granted, it can be translated as being a bit lazy but hey it's all about personal expression right?!

I came across this lovely camo jacket while watching Barbara (alias: ThePersianbabe) rave about it on her youtube channel. You can watch her use it in an OOTD video here!

Unfortunately, it is only available on the UK website but luckily for me a friend of mine was in London this past summer who was able to pick it up for me.

The camo print gives off a very casual, yet stylish vibe so you can wear it with almost anything; a skirt, shorts, skater dress, black trousers, birthday suit, skinny jeans etc.! It would also look great layered with a cardigan or a sweater for the colder months ahead. M/L is a pretty loose, dare I say chunky, fit so definitely go a size down if you're looking for something more fitted.

Alas, it is a deadstock item so if you're looking for a one of a kind, true vintage jacket this may be up your alley!

Vintage Surplus Camo F2 Army Jacket: Urban Outfitters (UK)



xx mindy

Japanese Fashion Magazine ViVi + clutch freebie!

Vivi September 2012, Issue 11

What I like about Japanese fashion magazines is that there is a magazine that corresponds to each unique sense of style. This is my first time picking up ViVi magazine, and that was specifically because it came with a free clutch! Getting a free bag/makeup bag a few times a year is customary in Japanese fashion magazines, similar to free cosmetic samples in the UK.

Lily Brown Freebie Clutch

Back of the clutch

'Sweet or Cool? I love Both!!' Preach.

The bag is actually quite cheap in quality, but I'd be an idiot if I wasn't expecting this. Regardless,  it is quite a cute clutch, indeed. The magazine even noted that the dimensions are large enough to fit an ipad, so if you're looking for a cute cover that provides little to no protection, go for it!

Another reason why I like Japanese fashion magazines is that a lot of focus is on the clothes. Trending items are pulled and paired with other items, essentially making a whole outfit around one item. The magazine is usually divided into sections, i.e. trending shoes, shirts, skirts, dresses, etc. They also have sections dedicated to makeup looks, hair, even nails.

Every magazine usually has a set of fixed models and they appear in almost every issue. These models essentially become celebrities and the magazine will usually have sections dedicated to a the models' beauty secrets, beauty regimes etc.

I personally really like ViVi because it is targeted for young adults. The fashion is similar to what is trending in the west (more specifically in the UK) so I really like this because I could never pull the cutesy Japanese-girl look although this mag is almost pushing it. 

The layout of Japanese fashion magazines are also great for creating inspiration boards. AND! they have sections dedicated to street style; something I really really really enjoy. I think every magazine should have street style inserts that are not strictly limited to New York, etc. fashion week, thanks.

I really hope that you enjoyed this post! it's a bit different, but as we all know fashion is universal :p



xx mindy

Denim Jacket with Stud Details

Gotta love Japlish!

I mentioned in my last post that I recently relocated to Japan and I just wanted to share my first clothing purchase! It's a lovely boyfriend-style denim jacket with minimal studded details. 

I really love the look of this jacket because it's really just an oversized denim button-up shirt. The fit is spot-on because the cuffs fall just above the wrist, so there's really no need to roll up the sleeves unless that's the look you're going for.

I would also like to note that I am no longer a stud-virgin! I can understand why everyone some would argue that this is a pathetic attempt but it's a modest effort. I'm all for studs but I'm not one to advocate the trend, so this will do :)

hope everyone is well~

xx mindy

Back to School

Back to School by curlsandmindy 

Let's face it, while we all want to maintain a notable sense of style on campus, comfort always wins in the end! For me, it doesn't get any more comfortable than this. Please note: the degree of spiffiness tends to demonstrate a volatile trend  if not more accurately a decline during exam period.

Happy back-to-school shopping!!

xx mindy

Fall Monochromatics

Fall Monochromatics by curlsandmindy 

Ok, so my current polyvore obsession may be getting a bit excessive...along with my obsession for black.  I honestly have nothing to say in my defense, but I will say that black is as timeless as it is easy.

Midi skirts are oh so appropriate for the cooler months ahead, and when paired with a matching turtleneck not only do you have protection from the cold but also a sleek silhouette. Wearing chelsea boots with a pair of black socks give off a cozy, casual vibe.

What is nice about this ensemble is that it can be easily dressed up. You can substitute the boots for a classy pair of pumps and add a chain-linked gold necklace along with a clutch. All in all there are a lot of ways to wear this outfit.

I'm hoping to pick up a similar midi skirt, if not the exact one that is pictured above, in the near future. It is one item that is surely on trend this fall, and I want need it.

xx mindy