I found this kimono for a ridiculously low price at Trendy Boutique in Berkeley. I'd never even seen kimono on sale in a shop before. The nice gal behind the counter asked if I was going to hang it on the wall as art. "Nope!" I announced in my voice that I never remember to modulate for delicate social situations, "I'm going to wear it!"
Ever since the amazingly fashionable Judith at Style Crone posted a photo of herself in a kimono here and Megan Mae mentioned owning one, I started thinking, "Why don't I own a kimono? I want one." I'm normally shy of vintage or ethnic clothing, and this is both, but whatever, it's my ancestry! I'm throwing caution to the wind! I don't know which side goes on top! I don't have an obi so I'll use a scarf! Etc.!
I am linking up to Patti of Not Dead Yet Style's Visible Monday, because a kimono is pretty visible. I am also going to try styling the trousers three different ways in a week for Anne Bray of Spy Girl's challenge. I was contemplating trying the challenge with the kimono, but then my brain tried to crawl out one of my ears.
I am determined to make a functioning outfit so I can wear this to school, because while this is clearly not the fashion equivalent, it is the comfort level of a bathrobe. Also, and I want to say this with the proper emphasis of someone who has been shivering miserably since 2005- wearing a kimono and an extra layer of silk wrapped around your waist is warm. It is so warm.
I'm kind of at a loss for what to use as a jacket over this though, save another kimono. I probably need to look into an actual belt rather than scarf, too. Any suggestions you have for the outfit are welcome.
Do you have vintage or ethnic pieces you like to wear?
Kimono: vintage (Trendy Boutique)
Athletic pants: Nike dri-fit (old)
So cool! The kimono has lots of appeal. Aesthetic, cultural, historical... And great shoes to match the look. For a covering, I'd try a cape.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Ally! I totally have a big shawl/cape that I don't know the proper name of. I'm going to give it a try.
DeleteI want one too! You look great in this kimono and crossing my fingers I would find one in my bargain hunting. I also like the Korean, Chinese national dresses it is very colorful and at the same time pretty unique. ^_^
ReplyDeleteKim,USA
The traditional dress of various Asian countries is so lovely. When my Vietnamese American friend got married, I wore an ao dai for the ceremony. It made me want to wear one more often. (:
DeleteThank you for stopping by!
This is a beautiful kimono - what a great find. You look lovely in it, and I like the scarf as belt. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday!
ReplyDeleteThank you, as always, for hosting!
Deletethat kimono is beautiful and you look lovely wearing it
ReplyDeleteThank you. And thank you for coming by again!
DeleteOh so beautiful!! My kimono is very long, and very very heavy. I've never worn it out anywhere because of that. Yours is so beautiful! Congrats on the find. I think it would look amazing worn open over a white or light colored dress! Or even over a solid black one.
ReplyDeleteOoh, it sounds like you have one of the formal ones. Is it made of a heavy brocade with lots of embroidery/patterns? I'm lucky this one is more or less the right length on me, because I don't know the trick of gathering extra fabric under the waist to customize it (my grandmother does.)
DeleteMan, I didn't even think of it over a dress. I'll have to try that. My roommate thinks it is more in-house loungewear. I say no! Outside!
I love this kimono. The color and print is gorgeous. I think you did such a good job fashioning an obe out of the scarf. They work very well together.
ReplyDeletehaha...My brain attempts escape out my ear from time to time too. Only thing to do is abort complex thinking and sing MMMM Bop by the Hanson Brothers or old Madonna songs. :P
Haha, that's great advice. I will try Cyndi Lauper.
DeleteWhat a beautiful find! I actually own a few obi but no kimono. I've actually never tried one on before. And I have always wanted a pair of hakama-like pants ... :)
ReplyDeleteThe next time I go to India, I am definitely going to splurge and buy myself a sari - the fabrics are amazing! I have no idea how to put it on myself (ways of wearing it vary according to region), but the one time I did wear one I was surprised that it was more comfortable than I expected. :)
I'm wondering whether you could wear the kimono open so it looks like a very fancy duster? Not sure how you'd gather it to deal with the excess fabric, though.
I'm not sure either, but I'll have to try it out! And I'd love to see pictures of you wearing a sari!
DeleteYou look so beautiful! The pattern on the kimono is delicate and shimmery, like a an Asian Manet, maybe? You inspire me to wear one of my saris:).
ReplyDeleteThank you. :D And thank you for coming by.
DeleteWhat a great finding. The kimono is amazing, the colors and the print are so beautiful. The scarf is matching perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sabine! Welcome back from vacation. :D
DeleteI am hoping to find an inexpensive obi at some point that matches, but until then, I will work on tying this scarf! (:
It's so lovely...what a great find! I've always loved kimonos, both the style and the fabric/prints. But I've never had much luck finding vintage ones (and I used to look pretty regularly). You look amazing in it.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I couldn't believe it when I found a few hanging in the back. I wonder if they are easier to find in some areas of California than others. For example, the San Mateo and Los Angeles areas have good-sized Japanese American populations compared to others.
DeleteWhy, you little fusion-fashionista! Brilliant. What great, referential styling ideas. I especially love your sandals with tabi! I hope you'll wear it with over big, pale bulky knit sweater, white jeans and gray boots this winter! and I bought several kimono while in Seattle, but only have the one my mother bought for herself, years ago. It's for a gentleman, but I love the sleek lines an the beautiful clan/family crest on the back.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I nominate your blog for the best name, ever.
Thank you so much! Have you ever featured your kimono on your blog? (I realize right now in the 800 degree weather is definitely not the time to be breaking it out.)
DeleteThe look you propose sounds gorgeous. I will have to keep my eye out while thrifting for those items. I could be like a modern yuki onna- happy instead of evil.
What a beautiful find! Love its pale colour and delicate pattern and of course the way it looks on you.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It is a pleasure to meet you and find your blog!
DeleteSuch a beautiful piece. I love the colours and the subtle pattern. Unfortunately, I have absolutely no clue for styling a kimono, and am quite impressed by your styling it! I'm sure you'll figure out awesome ways to wear it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous purchase, I love the soft, subtle colours. That kimono was just waiting for you to come along and buy it! My daughter bought one a while ago to use as a dressing gown. It hangs like an artwork on her bedroom door looking beautiful. You look beautiful in yours and how nice that you plan to wear it out and about.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! You look beautiful!
ReplyDelete