When Retail Therapy Goes Terribly Wrong

Yesterday was not one for the record books. If they ever do a lifetime movie version of my life I sincerely hope they leave that little episode out. I have never been so embarrassed/ashamed of myself in my life.


I had a major freak out in Isetan. Like to the point of almost breaking down in tears. A bit of context is probably necessary here. Isetan has this amazing plus size store, well it did anyway. I've been a couple of times so I was really pumped to be back in Japan and able to shop at the equivalent of Willa Wonk'a chocolate factory for plus sized fashion. (Isetan itself is a department store that has the style direction of Barneys, the penetration of Bloomingdales, and the white glove service of Bergdoff Goodman.) Unfortunately, the section I normally shop in had slim pickings and I could not shimmy into anything in other sections due to my bountiful bosom. I don't know if it was jet lag, all the family obligations (meeting people I don't know very is always taxing), or the language barrier. I just all of a sudden felt extremely overwhelmed and as a byproduct got extremely upset. So much so that I rushed out of the section and was extremely rude to the sales clerk. Ugh.

Even visiting the bag floor couldn't cheer me up. Well that is until I saw this amazing piece by Celine (which I would love to share but I can't track down a pic and forgot to snag one with my phone). Clocking in at over 170,000 Yen (more or less 2K in dollars), it was love at first sight and hearbreak as well as I was lacking the funds to procure it. I'm really not one for french brands in the handbag department as I feel they are always just a bit to "much" for me. I like my handbags utilitarian for the most part and I'm a stickler for leather quality (the Italians seem to be the only ones to really get it right in my opinion). Though every once in awhile I will fall in love with a French one. Last time it was a Chloe and it was the ONLY Chloe I have ever wanted in my life. Stupidly, I did not purchase it (would have required selling a kidney) and then they went in a completely different direction design wise.

I'm planing on visiting a vintage store later on in Shibuya. I'll let you all know what I find! Maybe I'll even track down that Chloe I've been chasing for years. I might also stop by Roppongi and see if I can track down that Celine bag for the sake of all you guys back home. I would go back to Isetan, but I'm not sure my obviously oh so fragile ego could take it!

Fashion Cinema: Chloe

There are many reasons I haven't blogged lately, but I highly doubt you are interested in any of it. Suffice it to say, it was not exactly the best time in my life the past couple of weeks. In short, my best piece of luck was getting a hair cut that was best described by a friend as "someone had a seizure while cutting your hair and then didn't finish".

I did, however, get the chance to catch the film Chloe. Oh and was it awesome. It's like a haute version of a Lifetime movie. Though, since I call Liam Neeson my imaginary father I had to watch it regardless. Ok, maybe I should explain myself a bit before his reps send someone to my door with a restraining order. I did not grow up with a father, and when I saw him in Taken I decided that well if I were to have a father that would be the one I would want. So, ever since then he's been my imaginary dad. No, not bizarre at all.

Back to the main point, Chloe's costuming was AMAZING. Every scene with the titular character Chloe, played by Amanda Seyfried, was like turning a page in an impeccably styled and shot magazine. The movie may have its faults, but seriously this movie deserves at least a nomination for best costuming.


This jacket is amazing. I love the usage of the intense colors and dynamic print. I searched and searched for something comparable for sale, but the closest thing I could find was this jacket from Jones New York ($158.99, Sizes M-XL).


I also fell in love with this jacket as well. You can't see it that well, but it had this amazing floppy collar, which really feminizes the traditional trench.


The closest thing I was able to find to this jacket was this hooded trench from Ellen Tracy (Sizes 0-18). It is currently out of stock at Nordstrom's the only place I have been able to find it, and I think you can see why.


Then there is the scene with this dress:


This picture does not even do the dress justice. It justified the ticket price alone! It is a Zac Posen, which accounts for the constructed sexuality of the piece. Unfortunately, I could not find a comparable piece that shared both the spirit and the likeness of the dress.

This Jeweled Satin Cocktail Dress by David Meister ($520, Sizes: 14-24) at least captures the soft sexuality of the dress quite well, even though its not a carbon copy.


This Lace Top Satin Dress by Tadashi Shoji ($415.00, Sizes: 18-24), however, is closer to the original design of the Zac Posen dress in question.


Then of course there is one of the titular pieces from the film. Chloe's hair comb! I could not for the life of me find a still of a close up of it, but you can just make it out in this scene.


Rooting around Etsty, I was able to find a comb that I felt closely resembled the piece. If you like it, you better act fast or else I may be forced to snag it for my self!


This comb is made of sterling silver and made of russet horn and priced at $60.00. You can find it on Etsy via lsadoree's page.

Honestly, these are only a few of the amazing pieces to be found in Chloe. The weather seems pretty awful today and it would be a perfect way to brighten it up. Well, for the fashion elements anyway. The story isn't exactly uplifting.