The story of the golden shoes

My love for Tokyo has been waning lately. I think it probably has something to do with the cold weather and my anger at still having to wear a big coat. I am envious of everyone that can go thrift store shopping whenever they want. I miss the excitement of finding something special. So to restore that love, I set out for Harajuku after work yesterday. It's pretty cool that such an amazing area of the world is only a 15 minute walk away. It was rainy and cold but I didn't care. I decided to check out some vintage stores that I had heard about but never really ventured inside.

First stop was G2 (3-22-7 Jingumae, 2F, open everyday 11-8). This shop is a great place to wander around - lots of bright colours, 80s motifs and kitsch zakka, but it is overpriced. I found the cutest vintage polka dot dress but it was nearly 8000 yen. Too much. They had some shoes that even fit me (size 9) - shock horror! I receommend it for inspiration and to have a browse.

Next stop was the kebab stand run by men from the middle east. I have been there many times before but they always ask where I am from, and then they continue to charm me by telling me how beautiful Australian women are - it always elicits a smile from me. No vintage clothes here but 500 yen got me a delicious kebab and more importantly sustenance for the rest of my shopping adventure.

I crossed the road while stuffing my face and head to the YM Square Building which is home to my favourite store, Hanjiro. You can see photos inside the store here. They really provide the full shopping experience - amazing atmosphere, good prices, awesome point system, and a very beautiful cafe with an outdoor balcony!! However before Hanjiro I went to the new secondhand store in the bottom of the YM Square Building - can't remember the name. Their stuff is cheap - nothing much more than 800 yen, but it's more secondhand with a few vintage pieces thrown in the mix. All of their winter stuff was 70% off but even so I didn't really find anything I needed/wanted. I was tempted by the 200 yen prices though.

So off I went to Hanjiro and I had one of those great shopping days when everything you try on fits and looks pretty cute. Usually in Japan I can virtually guarantee that most things won't fit right but yesterday was not one of those days. My love for Tokyo was slowly but surely seeping back into my bones. I spent most of my time on the 4th floor among the recon stuff, cute girly gold and silver shoes and of course the dresses rack. I walked out of there with ANOTHER recon tshirt and some gold heels - the grand total came to 1500 yen after using my points card and still have 150 yen discount to use the next time I go. Their point system is great - you get a 10 yen discount for every 100 yen you spend. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't find a dress I liked. I love vintage dresses and was really eager to stock up on some for spring.

I wasn't going to give up though. Most shops shut at 8, but I knew there had to be at least one still open.

We Go stays open until 9 - this was my last chance. I went straight to the basement and to the dress rack. Certainly not as cheap or as exciting as Hanjiro, but I found two super cute dresses - one brown and one red. Total came to just less than 4000 yen.

I was really happy that after two hours I had a cute new recon tshirt, a pair of gold strappy heels and two spring dresses for around 5500 yen.

My love for Tokyo is back with a vengeance.

I didn't have time to take a photo this morning, so my very kind and loving husband took one for me. It makes me smile because he found a way to sneak his skateboard into the shot!!!

oh and by the way, look who can't stand to leave our cozy home:

Comments

[Carrie]

Those shoes are FABULOUS. and they look perfect riding the skateboard! I'm glad you found some deals!

[Noreen]

Thanks for the info, I'll have to check out those stores!

[Jennifer]

Love the shoes! Have you ever been thrift store shopping in Koenji? There are some nice finds south of the JR station.

[gleek]

a successful shopping trip in the middle of winter is enough to boost anyone's spirits. nice finds!

[Gina]

Those shoes are such a find! Fantastic! I think it's very auspicious that the butterfly is comfortable in your home.

[hillary]

great shoes! glad to hear your love for tokyo is restored. anytime you want to swap japanese fabric for american thrifted spring dresses let me know! :)

[sushi]

Your new shoes are simple stunning!
The weather is so gorgeous today I think I might be a copycat, hop on my bike and head off to Hanjiro too...definitely checking out the new basement store 200 yen prices sound too good to be true!
Hope you are enjoying this sunny Tokyo weekend!

[Lucy]

Yay for Hanjiro!! :) Chirp up baby... it's just the weather I think. You'll be right as rain when those clouds start to clear.... :) long winters are so hard to cope wth... 'specially for a Brisbane girl!

LOve those shoes! I wanna see pics of the dresses though!... :)

ps) if you ever want new shoes I can post them from here! Witchery ones are smart and cheap and you could choose from their website... I share your anguish about the limits in shoe choices for ladies with long feet! :(

[Jessica]

Sounds like a rejuvenating but busy day!

Love the shoes... I have been trying on tons of gold/ bronze shoes lately. Fun!