What I Wore - Harajuku Bows

I hope my post doesn't hurt your eyes too much today, because we're headed to Harajuku, the land of teenage girl's dreams everywhere. No rainbow is too bright, no contact lens too strange. It is an intense place, with tourists fighting it out with the locals for a glimpse (and a stare) at the street fashion that Tokyo is famous for.

Oh yes, and because it seemed like the right thing to do, I've added a bunch of kawaii illustrations, courtesy of my extremely talented fiance. Boy can draw! It took him 5 minutes to whip these up, and me, a few hours to colour in! haha. My friend Kaori explained the "purikura" photo booths to me, which is basically a photo booth that does some 'beautifying' and then allows you to write, stamp, add glitter and text all over your photos, which are printed out as stickers at the end. If you've never been in one of these photo booths, you really should, it's crazy and fun and oh, so Japanese :) Penny and I actually stumbled across some in Sydney on the weekend and had some amazing photos made.

Before I left for Japan, I was speaking with Jacquie from Under The Shade of a Bonsai Tree, about her new range of jewellery, influenced by the fun street styles of Harajuku. It was a pretty awesome mail day when I received this little collection! The range is called Harajuku Bows and you can pick up some pretty in the form of a necklace, brooch and stud earrings, all in a range of colours. As always, they are handcrafted with skill and care, and I couldn't be happier. It was so great to be able to take them 'home' and capture some fun images along the way. I actually have a bunch more photos from this day, so I might share some more soon.

I couldn't leave without mentioning my dress! It's definitely my new favourite. Fits like a glove, beautiful fabric and the right amount of swish, it's a dream. And my jacket! There was a hushed squeal of delight when I spotted this baby for $10 in the thrift store. Who said getting lost in a typhoon couldn't lead to anything good? Have you ever taken photos in a purikura booth?

Harajuku Bows Necklace (maroon) // c/o Under The Shade Of A Bonsai Tree

Harajuku Bows Brooch (teal) // c/o Under The Shade Of A Bonsai Tree

Harajuku Bows Earrings (orange)// c/o Under The Shade Of A Bonsai Tree

Dusen Dusen Velvet Dress // c/o Emerging Thoughts

Japan Embroidered Jacket // Thrifted - Tokyo, Japan

'Betsy' Camera Bag // Jo Totes

'Benni' Boots // Modern Vice

Teal Tights // We Love Colors

Transparent Umbrella // It wouldn't be Tokyo without a convenience store umbrella

Kitty
xo

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There's less than 24 hours left to enter the Group Giveaway - including ad space and $20 to spend at Love Luna!

Meet My Rad October Sponsor Team

Sit down, relax and check out these fabulous blogs and shops that are featured on Kitty & Buck for October. Aside from introducing themselves, they're also sharing their (▴) natural talents with us today (and the natural talent they wish they had too!) I've included social media links too, so you can follow their escapades all over the internet.

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When I don't watch the sky or falling stars, while eating popcorn covered with melted cheese and rosemary, I squeeze fresh brain juice for my site; In Whirl of Inspiration. I also share there paper worlds from my favorite books, mouthwatering Mediterranean (mostly) recipes , crafts and colorful voyages. All these through a geek's perspective. Boom!

▴ I have noticed over times that I am really deftly in doing things with my hands, from crafts and painting to having a really steady hand in operations (I am a biologist guys) or in handling really small and delicate procedures. 

▴ Well, on the other hand, I wish I had the talent to squeeze all of my chores and obligations in the day's 24h. If any of you discovered any trick to expand the hours to eg 36h/per day, well I would be delightful to learn how to do it too. :) 

My favourite post // From the Voras' Mountains Foot Till its Kaimaktsalan

You can score 20% off all ad space over at In Whirl of Inspiration using the code Kittiesinwhirl!

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My So-Called Chaos is all about keeping track of my life, adventures with friends, dating experiences (both good and bad), as well as some giveaways and bloggy love to.  I also have an Etsy shop where I sell all sorts of handmade art and goodies!

▴ Art!  I'm not the best out there, but I'm talented enough at it.  :) 

My favourite post // Using the 80/20 Principle to Get Ahead With Your Money

Use code: PUMPKIN for 31% off in the So-Called Chaos shop! 

Use code: HOLIDAYS for 20% off any Ads in the My So-Called Chaos Holiday Hot List

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My name is Mo and I'm a New Orleanian, vegetarian, animal lover, pizza addict, bicycle commuter, women's college graduate who currently works in the film industry.

▴ A natural talent I have is being able to problem solve. I thrive off of breaking down stressful moments/events and figuring out how to help.

▴ I wish I had the natural talent to pick up languages easily!
My favourite post // Wishlist Wednesdays

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The Asockalypse is a NZ-based online store stocking a huge range of funky fashion socks and hosiery for sockaholics and wicked soles. Started by two best friends, we aims to offer the most awesome socks at the best prices. Many of our brands and styles are exclusive in Australasia, and you'll get free shipping in NZ for orders over $50, and in Aus for orders over $100. 

▴ I brew my own fruit wines and meads, and they are super tasty!

▴ I wish I could sing! Well, I CAN sing, technically, but I only sing one note and it's not a note recognized on any traditional scale.

My favourite product // Kittenster Crew Socks

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We are a creative couple who are also parents to an awesome little man. We love to travel, eat good food, enjoy the outdoors and indulge in our passion for fashion. Our blog is our little outlet for everything that inspires us, what we are up to, wearing, eating, listening too, as well as our attempt to be kick-ass modern parents.

▴ Laura - Naturally good at sports and anything to do with balance

▴ Wish I could play the piano really well

▴ John - Naturally good at cutting hair and growing a beard

▴ Speak another language fluently 

My favourite post // A Breath of Fresh Air

Get 35% off all ad spaces on Side Street Style, just use the code Birthday!

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Hi! My name is Lynsey and Eternally WanderLyn is a little bit of everything all rolled into one - travel, love, inspiration, sweet treats, adorable dog pics and much more. So stop on by and say hi!  

▴ I have a natural talent for sarcasm that I inherited from my father. When I visit home all anyone can think to tell me is, "You're JUST like your father."

▴ I wish I had natural musical talent such as singing, but sadly no one is buying the tickets to my shower concerts. And I've been trying to learn guitar, but haven't quite mastered the art of rocking out. One hopes they can teach such awesomeness! 

My favourite post // Wanderlust: Top 10 Things to do in London

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Hi everyone , I am a tiny lady who loves fashion and vintage. I love anything exciting and inspiring so I try and share the same on my blog! Pop over and say hi!

▴ I love love love to sing, but get extremely shy of singing in front of people!

▴ A talent I wish I had....hmmm... I wish I could dance to choreography. I am TERRIBLE at following steps.

My favourite post // Trees Painted Red

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Hi, Anna Nuttall a personal lifestyle blog  where I write subjects on women fashion, food & recipe, home decor and beauty products. It just a little fun blog where I like to put a smile on people face. I like to think of it as an online-magazine but as a blog.

▴ I graduated from uni last year doing a fashion journalism so i think my talent lies in fashion writing as I had a few thing published (*big cheesy grin*) but other then that I can make a mean homemade beef stew or a roast dinner!

My favourite post // Rush Blogger Meet

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Scrawny Girl is my personal blog where I talk about my fatal attraction to cuteness, my daughter and the dolls I make/sell in my Etsy shop. I am currently working on some new doll patterns for Christmas and some just for fun celebrity dolls, like Harry Potter.

My favourite post // One Girl Bicycle Club

You can get free shipping on anything from the Scrawny Girl store using the code KITTYFREE!

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Hi I'm Claire and I create handmade bracelets using quality semi-precious gemstones. Every item is limited edition so you can always be sure that the bracelet is special to just you. I also blog over at http://dreamsarenecessary.blogspot.co.uk which is full of my loves, creations and cats! 

▴ I'd have to say a natural talent I have is creating, and it has been since I was a child. I've always had some project on the go.

▴ I wish I could crochet, I've tried it so many times but find it really hard to pick up. I need to devote more time to practicing, I'd love to make a huge, cosy granny square blanket.

My favourite product // The Viola Bracelet

You can snag free shipping at the Love Luna store with the code FREESHIP13!

Thanks so much to my October sponsors, it's been lovely to have you!

If you have a blog or shop and you're interested in advertising, you can buy an ad right now over at my advertise page. If you have any questions at all about advertising or graphic design for your ad buttons, feel free to get in touch by email.

Kitty
xo

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Kitty & Buck is now on Facebook

It's true. And right now, one is the loneliest number, so won't you come and say hi? (Thanks to my #1 fan though, you rock!) If you have any suggestions on what you'd like to see on my Facebook, let me know, I don't have a personal page, so I am well and truly in the dark about this mysterious social media site ;) I've started by sharing some behind the scenes photos, what else would you like to see?

Like Kitty & Buck on Facebook right here.

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Interview with Miss Angie from My So-Called Chaos!

Can you give us a little introduction to your blog+shop and yourself?

Hi readers of Kitty & Buck!  My name is Angie, but I go by Miss Angie around the blogosphere world-I know it's a little weird, it's just something someone called me that stuck!  I blog over at My So-Called Chaos about my life, passions, art, and dating/love woes; and run the shop Chaotic Creations by My So-Called Chaos which has my various artistic endeavors up for adoption and looking for lovely homes!  

Where do you find inspiration?

I find my inspirations all over!  One of my biggest inspirations has been the Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead holiday and Sugar Skulls lately. I collect art like this, so I've started making my own!  I also draw inspiration from the holiday/season/weather-especially when it comes to Halloween/Fall because those are the best times of the year for me! 

I'm also inspired by other great artists and creators.  A couple of my absolute favorites right now are Painting Bliss and Kelli Murray Art.  I wish I had half of their talent! 

Do you have a favourite saying or quote to share with us?

I love quotes, so there are so many.  One of the favorites I've seen was "Don't rely on a prince, save yourself" which reminds me that I don't need anyone (especially not a significant other-as society would often have one believe) to get the things I want from life.  That I alone can push myself forward and make a life for myself.  I loved this concept so much that I got "Save yourself" tattooed on my arm (My very first tattoo) this summer as a reminder I can look at daily. 

What is your favourite food to cook? What is your favourite food to eat?

Hmmm... I love making mulled cider.  It's sort of a yearly specialty I do for my Halloween parties (I'm hoping to share a recipe on the blog this year) and then I spike it with Spiced Rum.  Yum!  That or my Egg Rolls.  To eat, I'd have to choose pretty much any kind of Asian food-Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, Indian, etc.  YUM! 

If money/education/ability were no object, what job would you choose?

I'd be a writer.  I've dreamed of writing novels since I was 7 years old-if I had the time and money to just sit down and write without school/work/life getting in the way-I'd totally do it!

Can you share a couple of your favourite blogs?

Oh yes!  Some of my must-reads include The Militant Baker, Art @ Home, Painting Bliss, The Paper Mama, Chantilly Songs, and more!  There are seriously too many to choose from.

What is your favourite thing about your blog/blogging?

Connecting with people.  The thing that keeps me blogging is all of the wonderful people around the world that I now feel are true friends, and would never have met them in my life if it hasn't been for this community that brings people together!

Thanks so much for sharing an insight into your blog, shop and life today Miss Angie! If you'd like to learn more about My So-Called Chaos, you can read my previous interview with Miss Angie, and of course, you can follow her adventures on her blog!

Kitty
xo

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Found #77

Koromiko has a beautiful selection of handcrafted goods, I could probably pore over their kitchen section all day. Then I remember that I like to generally eat my dinner propped on my wacom tablet in front of my computer.

via: Koromiko

If you've been around here for a little while, you might know already that I'm a fan of Maggie Pate. Have you seen her Etsy store, Inks And Thread? She creates the most beautiful silk scarves, a mixture of hand-dyed and artist collaborations. This picnic scarf is so beautiful.

via: Inks And Thread

Here's one for all the cat friends out there. The 9 Life is a Japanese store with all things cat-related and this welcome home shelf is the perfect perch for a furry friend (I'd probably remove the glasses first!)

via: The 9 Life

 This look from the ModCloth site is so pretty! I have a couple of thrifted dresses that would look fab with this cut, I'm considering pulling out the scissors and sewing machine... Wish me luck!

via: ModCloth

Dress // Tights // Belt // Shoes

While we were wandering around Tokyo, I spotted some gorgeous bags by a Japanese designer, sold under the brand name Goa. They have an online store, I wish they had more of the bags online, but I remember seeing this one, it's just gorgeous.

via: Goa

image via: Create As Folk

I have two favourite posts this week. The first one is from Create As Folk, and talks about "one of the biggest barriers between most people and a meaningful career". It's definitely a question I've asked myself many times, and it does pop up even now, so it's good to be reminded that I do deserve a meaningful career!

My other favourite post was from Chantilly, who asked what makes you happy? I fall in and out of the habit of posting things I am grateful for on this blog, and I haven't done it in a long time now! I like Chantilly's post, because she realised that she had been holding back from some things that make her happy, and it made me wonder how many others do that too. I bet there's a lot of you! So, as she suggested, why don't you sit down this weekend and write a list of the things that make you happy? And then make sure you have those things in your life! Here's just a couple off the top of my head:

• Since we both work from home a lot more now, spending way more time with C
• Kitty cuddles
• Enjoying tastes from my garden
• The little burst of energy after a really tough workout
• Playing music and writing silly little songs (mostly with 3 chords at best)
• Dancing ballet
• Crossing off a to-do list
• Correspondence with far away friends
• Coffee dates with close-to-me friends
• Evening walks
• The sound of the ocean

If you want, I'd definitely love for you to share some of the things that make you happy in the comments. I hope you have a lovely, happy-things-filled weekend :)

Kitty
xo

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