As promised, photos of the new Prada Tokyo store. Below reflective knee length pants hang in front of white fur jacket.

Tokyo-style is not only about being a fashion victim. This girl, in her white cowboy boots, stripped skirt (and ‘matching’ boyfriend also in pointy-toed cowboy boots), is kawaii in all the right ways: style with a sense of humor. And, here’s another example of Aoyama casual chic. She is pure elegance.

I am in a bad mood today so I feel like being bitchy. Below are two “Glamour don’ts”. Never is it okay to wear bunny-fur slippers with black stockings nor white sandals with black knee-highs. It's just wrong, wrong, wrong. The bunny girl also wears a red jean skirt (too tight) over black jeans.

Click for full view.

One thing I was surprised to find on this trip to New York was just how big the Asian trend was. Everywhere, from the big designers, to chains, to boutiques, were Chinese collar blouses and skirts and tops cut from antique kimono.

Until recently Japanese designers rarely 'reinvented' the kimono (or so I've read but can't find the source). Now it seems like what originated in Japan, then made re-fashionable in the west, has inspired the trend back in Japan (often in a far more comical way as in this
Japanese Streets photo). Or is it the western designers who are capitalizing on the trends created by Japan's youth?

Bright red Chinese tops displayed in the Prada store in Soho.

My colleague and I have a goal: eat lunch at a different restaurant every day. So far we have hit over 40 in the Omotesando area. One stand out is Montoak, a very chic, sofa-filled, three story bar and café near Kiddy Land, recently featured in the June issue of Wallpaper*. The outdoor deck on the second floor will provide an excellent view of the Link Link "photo wall gallery" that covers the construction barriers of the Dojunkai Aoyama apartments. (via esthet)

Look for a modern smoky glass exterior; the entrance is around the side.

Out for dinner with my mom, dad, and godfather, Bob, in the back. Check out the size of my mother’s Cosmopolitan, made with Stoli Orange, of course.

More pictures of my trip are here including some of the Prada store in Soho and lots of shoes.

Just back in Tokyo from New York, where I, of course, got some fabulous shoes including two Prada’s from the Barney's sale and the Miu Miu’s featured in the photo below. I also brought back a fair amount of merchandise from J Crew, French Connection, Banana Republic, as well as magazines, CD’s and the Sex and the City 4th season DVD. Sixth (and final) season begins this Sunday.

I will post pictures of highlights including the Prada store in Soho, which in my opinion, pales in comparison to the new Tokyo store.

Had dinner and drinks (and drinks and drinks) with godfather, Bob, last night at the 'Bayside', a shack of a restaurant with an $11.95 Monday night sirloin steak special. It is a very homey, local place with a clientele consisting mostly of large guys with construction boots, baseball caps, and moustaches.

I had begun to forget just how much food is served in American restaurants. When I first moved to Japan, I thought the country was conspiring to slowly starve me by serving dinky sized portions (Obviously I haven't wasted away, and I have grown to appreciate the smaller meals). Now by comparison, American portions seem obnoxiously monstrous.

American's weight problem was once blamed on too much fat in the diet, then too much carbs. I have a brilliant idea: it's too much food. (Before you go calling the US a country of fatties, other countries' obesity rates don't trail the US by much).

The "salad bar" in front of video games at the Bayside. An ad for Genesee beer, referred to as 'piss water' by some Canadians, hangs overhead.

P.S. I'll be back in Tokyo next week.

Pumpkin, one of my mother's two dachshunds. Later today we will spike his hair into a green Mohawk, but the horns look below is also quite nice.

Check out this piece of dog-related comedic brilliance, Punchie and Pikachu. Quicktime required. Slightly sick and long loading but so worth it.

I have just come home to my parent’s in suburban, USA. I am thrilled to be in a place where cloths come in my size, 2 lb lobsters are purchased in a place called 'the Lobster Shack,' and the dogs follow you around demanding their 'pup-peroni.' Below is a photo composite of pictures taken with my new Optio S digi, which is just fabulous. Sweet!

On June 7 the new Prada building opened in Aoyama. Unfortunately, I wasn't there to see it.

These girls and guys exemplify "Aoyama casual chic." The girls walk in step wearing tight hip-hugger jeans and stappy sandals with tiny heals. The guys sport loose un-tucked tops and cool sunglasses.

As a result of last weeks earthquake (really only a small rumble in Tokyo) I was issued this earthquake survival kit at work: The Ark III ™ - When it’s up to you to help yourself! The company added a sticker: "Please do not tear off the film out of curiousity. Use for emergency purpose only." The young guy who delivered it diligently explained, "this is so you don't die." I cannot figure out if he was being totally sarcastic or completely serious.

There was no instant English news to be had. Fortunately, MJ posted a play by play.

A few weeks ago a bigger quake hit while Antipixel was in the tub.

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