Postcard from Tokyo

I’ve just returned from a whirlwind week in Tokyo and still have the sounds of giddy schoolgirls calling ‘kawaii!!’ at every turn and the glorious sight of the first sakura blossoms racing around in my head in a happy, exotic fusion of memories.

It is a remarkable country, full of strange and wonderful dichotomies I relish each time I visit; of proud, ancient traditions and of others so modern it at times feels like an alternate, futuristic reality. From the peaceful stillness of the Shinto shrines to the sensory overload of Shinjuku after dark; from the sounds of the shuffling of wooden shoes shoes down tiny, neat backstreets to the blaring beats of the latest J-Pop band at the Shibuya crossing; a flash of crimson as girls in traditional Kimonos scurry past a sea of men in identical black suits; from the sight of the first cherry blossoms sprouting in the parks and mountains to the glimpse of a perfect bonsai in the window of a home; from sumo wrestlers to the unashamed embracing of all things saccharine and cute.

This really is a city of wonderful quirks so very unique to Tokyo, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Love, Miss B xx

March in Pictures

The arrival of Spring in England. Crisp mornings in Westminster. Miu Miu’s plexiglass and crystal bow earrings. Fun at Fifi Lapin’s London party. Chanel’s petal pink ‘May’ polish. A weekend trip to the Cornish seaside for downtime, views of the sea and learning to knit. The first blossoms blooming to life. Pastel Spring editorials in all my favourite magazines. Bringing out my favourite Spring fragrances.

Pink hyacinths from the farmer’s market all over my house. Skipping to Laduree on my lunchbreak for raspberry, rose and lychee concoctions and views over the Covent Garden piazza. Mulberry’s bow heels (so good I’ve ordered a second pair in cream). Dusting off my Pashley for bike rides in the Cambridge sunshine. Re-reading Fitzgerald (best done whilst wearing a tangle of jewels). Lace collars. Packages of joy arriving in the post from friends afar. Carrot cakes and flat whites at Fitzbillies in Cambridge.

Long, lazy walks through London’s parks (past a sea of daffodils). Continuing my glitter obsession with Jimmy Choo sandals. Packing my bags and jetting of to Japan. The bright lights of Shinjuku and a sea of cute girls in Shibuya. Sakura-flavoured mochi and strawberry chocolate. Adorable overload via the stationery department of Tokyu Hands and plushie toy arcade games. Wanderlust wish fulfilment at the sight of the cherry blossoms blooming in Tokyo.

I hope you all had a wonderful month!

Love, Miss B xx

Konnichiwa Tokyo

Hello my lovelies! As those of you who follow me on Twitter or Instagram will have gathered, yesterday I flew to Tokyo.

I have a huge amount of love for Japan; I first travelled here as a small child (I remember spending the entire journey with my mouth hanging open in wonderment) and then twice later as an adult (the Clever Boyfriend did his masters at Tokyo University, so I visited him here during that time).

For this, my fourth visit to the beautiful country, I am spending 6 days in Tokyo (far too short for my liking, but the only length of time I could escape from my day job). I am so excited for cherry blossoms, hot springs, incredible food, crazy youth pop culture in Harajuku on Sunday, the frenetic energy of Shibuya to the peaceful tranquility of the Meiji Shrine.

But for now, I’m off to get the train to Hakone for an overnight trip filled with hot springs, sakura blossom, royal gardens, art and a traditional Ryokan against the backdrop of Mt Fuji.

Love, Miss B xx