Share your petite-shopping woes with an Asian girlfriend, and they’ll impart sound advice: “You should go shopping in Asia.”
Of course, I’d love to cross the pond to Asia every time my wardrobe needs an update. But such extravagance is simply out of the question. So, I did what any petite gal would do. I invited my friend Makiko and Mayumi to brunch in West Hollywood. And, I interrogated them on the world of petite shopping in Japan. I was enlightened!
Jill Stuart Top
Where are you from?
We’re from Kobe and Chiba.
What size are you?
Makiko: I’m a 2P in J.Crew and a 0 in J.Jill. At home I’m a size medium.
Mayumi: I’m a medium in Japan but a small here.
Where do you like to shop when you’re home?
Mayumi:
The malls are much higher scale in Japan/Tokyo than in the U.S. They’re more like Neimans or Saks.
We shop at a mall called 109 and another called OIOI in Tokyo. Both have a great selection, are affordable, and have great quality merchandise that caters to young professionals. We like the majority of shops there – it’s one stop shopping.
What are your favorite Japanese designers?
Mayumi: I like labels that are feminine like Private Label, Vicky, Samantha Thavasa, and Samantha Vera.
Makiko: I like to buy my lingerie in Japan. I think Japanese brands are better than U.S. brands. The quality, sizing, and material is more feminine and cut for smaller women. I also think that Japanese lingerie has cooler designs and is more functional.
Amo’s Style Lingerie
For instance, I have a lot of bras that have detachable straps. The bra is simple and comfortable, but it’s great to have the option to change up all the straps with whatever I’m wearing. I have some in multi colors and others with designs. This way it’s more acceptable if they are showing outside of your top — like if you have a wide-cut t-shirt. It adds a bit of sophistication to the bra and your overall look. There is a brand called Amo’s Style that is excellent. They’re really cute, comfortable, and priced well. You can get a matching bra and panty set for $20.
Edwin Jeans
Makiko: I also really like Edwin Jeans. I can’t live without them. They have a higher cut waist so your thong doesn’t hang out and a boot cut leg (which isn’t too wide). The denim has very little stretch to it, too, which I prefer.
Makiko: I really like Uniqlo. The styles are casual — it’s stuff you would wear on the weekend. They also have great cuts and colors. You can choose from almost every color under the sun and each season they introduce new ones. Another great thing about Uniqlo: there is a sale there every weekend — you never shop there on the weekday except to determine what you plan to buy that weekend. Everything is well made and is versatile with all your clothing. I own tons of their clothing — in Japan everything is designed to fit the small woman.
Uniqlo Yukata
What else is cool about Uniqlo is that they have started selling Yukata. These are similar to kimonos but much more casual. We wear them for the summer festival Natsu Matsuri– especially for watching the fireworks. You’d never wear the Yukata everyday — historically they were considered bed clothes — but today we wear them for informal, special occasions. You can get them for about $300 at Uniqlo, which is a good deal.
What U.S. designers are popular in Japan?
Jill Stuart, Victoria Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Mark Jacobs, and bebe.
Look at the magazines Can Cam, JJ, and Ray for great Japanese designs. These are three of the top fashion magazines that all the girls read. You can find them in West L.A. on Sawtelle at Asahiya Book Store. There is a Harakuju magazine called Non-no that would be interesting for you, too.
What about trends in Japan?
Trends in Japan start and end quickly. The fashion magazines control the trends so you need to read them to stay on top of everything that is new.
What is in style right now in Japan?
It’s about the same as here. The Japanese designs follow a lot of Western designs. For instance, short pants are in style in both places. If you are college age and female you have at least one expensive bag like a Louis Vuitton or a Gucci bag. Foreign brands are really chic.
Why?
Mayumi: You just do.
Makiko: I don’t. But many girls do.
Check back in a few days for Part 2 of this interview!
Ladies, there are exactly two sales you should check out this weekend.
