Japan Haul

Continuing from my Japan-themed series of posts, here is a haul of some things I got while visiting. It is an expensive country when it comes to shopping for certain things but I couldn't resist it of course, even though when I was planning our honeymoon itinerary, I was more concerned about the historical places and all there was to see and do in Japan (you check all of that in this post and this post). Without further ado, let's get into the different products I shopped for!

Luxury

First off, is what I really wanted to get in Japan - a Salvatore Ferragamo belt. I wanted a nice designer belt that isn't the Gucci Marmont belt and I thought this would be a nice (and very expensive 😜) memento of our honeymoon, hence why I wanted to purchase it from Japan. Anyway, I got the Reversible and Adjustable Gancini Belt in Greige/Black, two colours that I wear back to back, day in, day out.

The other high-endish purchase is this little MK Mercer small wallet which was on sale and a steal at just €64 (approximately). I wanted a purse that could hold small change and cards especially while travelling and I could also use it when I'm home when I'm carrying a smaller bag.

Stationery

Japan is a haven for stationery lovers like myself. I picked up a few different pieces from different stores such as Loft and Itoya, with the latter being my favourite - imagine 10 floors of stationery articles 😍! The store was a treasure trove of gifts for our parents and sister-in-law and yours truly of course!

I also purchased a few other items from random stores on our way, including this cute Japanese calligraphy set. Daiso, a Japanese dollar store has a fantastic range of stationery as well and of course, I got carried away. I got some Disney page markers and sticky notes and a hoard or origami papers just because they look gorgeous!

I also got some notebooks from Daiso which I plan to use as travel journals. The craft mat comes in handy from time to time and I'm glad I purchased a good quality one from Tokyu Hands. I also purchased some stamps to add to my collection.

Skincare & makeup

Japanese people look like they never age and they have really beautiful skin. Their secret? Taking very good care of their skin. Just to give you an idea, Japanese women buy their sheet masks in bulk! Of course, I followed suit but went for smaller packs instead and got some different ones to try. I also bought some cocoon balls which I haven't found the chance to try yet. I got some rice powder cleanser which is perfect for travelling as you just take a few capsules and use one at a time by mixing the contents with water to obtain a cleanser/scrub solution.

I didn't buy a lot of makeup except for this Majolica Majorca Lash Serum Booster and some goodies from Etude House.

Randoms

No trip is complete without buying some random stuff and for me, those were 3 Kimmidolls which I fell in love with while in Japan, a handmade silk pouch, some accessories and good luck charms as well as some organization trays.

Finally, I had to get something from MUJI while in Japan and I got a sunglasses organizer and a necklace organizer which I plan to use once the walk-in wardrobe is assembled in place later this year.

Pink Tea Garden | September Edition at the Farmer's Deli at Villa Bologna Gardens

Following the success of last April's edition of the Pink Tea Garden, it was, of course, natural for the team behind it to organize another one. This time, the whole 'do took place at the Farmer's Deli at the lush Gardens of Villa Bologna in Attard.

Upon arrival, iced-tea and prosecco from local artisanal tea brand Tettiera was waiting for us amid the lush gardens aptly decorated by colourful ceramic tables and tableware from Mediterranean Ceramics, cushions and throws in the picnic area and beautiful flowers by TheMaltaFlorist. The place was styled by Interior Outfitters.

I met up with some fellow bloggers and friends and we had a look around the different stands of exhibitors and we even listened to a couple of talks planned for the day, all while sampling delicious, healthy food, drinks and sweets.

A relaxing afternoon was much welcome and I look forward to the next one! Sadly I cannot make it to the Coffee Morning next Sunday as I have work commitments but do follow the other bloggers who will be there to join in the fun!

Event Sponsors and Exhibitors

myoka spas, Burlesque, My melts, Baton Baton, Parfums Clandestins, Dr.Juice, Saint James Hospital, Mediterranean Ceramics, The Prosecco Van, Jo's Delights, Food Therapy, Vanilla Mummy, Sue's Jewels, Steelo, Ayaka, Road To Belle, Gee's Jams, Dical House, Monsoon, Toghma, Oil & More, Interior Outfitters, Stephanie Borg, Wellbae, Institut Esthederm, Bioderma, Yes!, Honey & Zest, Vincent's Eco Estate, Elephant Parade Retailer, Malta International Airport, TheMaltaFlorist, Beat It!, BigMat, Tropicana, Saggar, Activia, Wasteserv, JDS Furniture

Charles & Ron present 'Fabiola' for AW19/20

Following their collection debut during New York Fashion Week, it was finally time for Malta to witness yet another grand collection from powerhouse duo Charles & Ron. Entitled 'Fabiola', the collection was inspired by antique gold and jewellery traditions from the Maltese Islands; an aspect ingrained in our society as the more ornate the jewellery you wore, the higher your social status but not only, jewellery oftentimes held sentimental value and still does to this day. 

An intriguing portrait of Saint Fabiola is what really brought the collection to life. Saint Fabiola is the patron saint of divorced people and unhappy, tumultuous marriages (of which she experienced 2 in her lifetime) and victims of abuse. Originally painted by Jean-Jacques Henner in 1885, Saint Fabiola's portrait, which went missing in 1912, has been copied by artists from all around the world and is a common occurrence in traditional, antique Maltese jewellery.

Saint Fabiola as painted by Jean-Jacques Henner

The collection includes fashion for both men and women and I think this is one of the biggest collections yet for Charles and Ron. With Glen Vella & Pamela Bezzina's choir singing popular songs from Queen and the Birkirkara band clubs accompanying them, they provided the perfect background music for the duo's rich collection. We have heavily printed garments, other less so and the classic CR logo which was revamped to a more ornate look for this collection. Bags cannot be forgotten, all in jewel tones matching the garments.

Charles & Ron's expertise is palpable all throughout the collection - from the tasteful prints to the tailoring and the magnificent gowns and wedding dress at the end of the show, this collection is a treat (and a headache for my hubby to choose what to get me for Christmas 😛)!

I feel this collection was truly cohesive with jewel tones such as purple, cardinal pink, chilli pepper red, orange and lilac, all set off against staple black and white and hand-beaded jewellery and embellishments. The materials used in this collection are silk, silk tulle, pure crepe wool, lace, velvet, chiffon and faux fur. With this collection, Charles & Ron have also introduced logo embroidered denim.

On a final note, Charles & Ron chose to dedicate this collection to Katia Sullivan aka Kiki who was a trailblazer of LGBTIQ rights both locally and abroad and she carved her name in the fashion industry. Katia has supported Charles & Ron from the very beginning but sadly, Kiki passed away while C&R's collection was in production and given the opulent nature of the collection, it was only natural for them to dedicate it to her memory.

The show was organized with the aim of raising funds for the Community Chest Fund and was hosted under the patronage of Mrs Vella, wife of His Excellency The President of Malta. The compare for the night was Claire Agius Ordway.

Makeup was done by Jean Zammit and his team using Inglot cosmetics
Hair was entrusted to Neville Zammit and his team
All photography by GoRaw Photography

Places to Visit in Japan - Part 2

Catching on from Part 1 of Places to Visit in Japan, today I will be sharing with you some other fun places to go to as well as others that have a more hefty price tag but are totally worth the splurge, just because most of them are only found in Japan and well because a little luxury never hurt anybody.

Miscellaneous

• Kyoto Tower, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree Kobe Tower & Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Admission: Price varies but admission to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is free

Almost all the big cities that we visited while in Japan have some form of a tower which you can go to to see a 360° view of said city. It is worth going just before sunset to see the city lights come to life especially in Tokyo and Kyoto - they really are a sight to behold! Apart from enjoying city views, these towers host all kinds of restaurants and shops too.

• Nishijin Textile Centre

Admission: Free, workshops at a price

The Nishijin region in Kyoto is renowned for its handmade silk weaving and kimono making. The Nishijin Textile Centre provides a one-of-a-kind experience where you can sign up for weaving workshops and also see a 10-minute kimono show while there. You can also shop for some handmade gifts for family and friends back home from their vast selection of products.

• Dotonbori

This part of Osaka, near Dotonbori river is one you just cannot miss! It is best to go at night and take your time strolling along the street and savour the different foods. One you cannot miss, Takoyaki (fried octopus balls) which are a speciality of Osaka. The food displays are out of this world and don't miss your chance to take a picture with the Glico man!

• Seiko Museum 

Admission: Free

The Seiko Museum in Tokyo is worth checking out even if you're not that into watches. There's a full history of timepieces, from the earliest ones to the more modern ones and I think everyone will appreciate the visit. It is advisable to book a time slot beforehand though as the museum is quite small and like that you are guaranteed entry and a more enjoyable experience. 

• Galaxy Harajuku

Admission: Free

We stumbled upon this tech nook purely by chance while strolling Takeshita Dori in Harajuku, Tokyo. We entered because Mario wanted to check out some gadgets to go with his new Samsung Galaxy S10 phone and not only did we ended up buying a wireless charger and earbuds, we got to spend around 3 hours in the store trying out the various activities and experiencing the phone's features. Even if you're an Apple lover, you should definitely check this place out!

Totally worth the splurge!

• Universal Studios Osaka

When visiting Osaka, a day at Universal Studios is a total must! The admission fee is hefty, I know but it is totally worth going if you love theme parks and an adrenaline-filled day. Of course, try to go there before they open so you won't have to queue in long lines for hours on end and plan your trip wisely. If you're not fussy about wanting to sit next to your partner on every ride, queuing in the singles line will help you shorten your waiting time significantly. I recommend you stay until the very end of the day and watch the parade too!

• Yamazaki Distillery

Another one to do in Osaka. The Yamazaki Whiskey Distillery is an excellent place to visit if you like whiskey. Book the tour before you go to be guaranteed a spot, alternatively, you can go into the museum and unveil the secrets of some of the most prestigious Japanese whiskeys. We even did a tasing session of their premium whiskey selection.

• Totti Candy Factory

Chances are you've already heard of this one before - the famous candy factory where the giant rainbow cotton candy is made and sold! The largest one will set you back 900 but we loved taking pictures with it and eating it of course!

• Maid cafe & Otter cafe

These are somewhat of a tourist trap but cute animal and maid cafes are part and parcel of the big Japanese cities' culture. We went to both a maid cafe in Akihabara and an otter cafe which we stumbled upon by chance in another part of Tokyo. The prices are ridiculous but if you're up some a bit of unusual fun, just go for it!

• Robot Restaurant

The king of tourist traps but oh so worth it! The world-famous Robot Restaurant in Tokyo is a must-visit. We literally left this for the last minute because when we arrived in Tokyo we still had a week and a half to go and this was an expensive stop. Ultimately, we caved in and decided to go so I made a reservation online and we went on our last night in Tokyo. The show is out of this world and we really enjoyed the robotics, laser show and dances! Steer clear of the food though as it's not that great and costs the earth for nothing.

• Oedo onsen

When visiting Japan, visiting an onsen is a must. The Oedo Onsen in Odaiba, Tokyo is perfect for first timers like us. You have to allocate a day for it though so you can enjoy all the facilities apart from the thermal baths. You can dine, watch TV and even sleep here! Be careful though because purchases made here add up.

• Cafe Dior at Ginza Six

I saved the best for last! This is probably my favourite splurge spot in all of Tokyo. Located at the Dior boutique in Ginza Six, the Dior Cafe' by Pierre Herme is one every fashionista should visit while in Tokyo. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? Also yes! The food is delicious and the pastries are to die for! I loved the decor and it is perfect for a little celebration of sorts :) Plus you'll get to eat out of Dior tableware!

That concludes my recommendations of places to visit in Japan. If you're heading there anytime soon and have any questions, just ask away! Curious to see all the stuff I got from Japan, there's a haul coming up soon as well!