NIHON

I finally went through my travel photos from my recent trip to Japan, and the sudden rush of memories leaves me craving to reach for my credit card and book another flight back. There is something so magical about Japan, whether it be the avant-garde fashion in Harajuku, the serene gardens of Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen or the constant crowded crossing in Shibuya. I was fortunate enough to stay in all three districts, each with stunning views (thanks AirBnB!), and all within walking distance to my favourite spots (hello Shibuya 109 building only 2 minutes away...). I cannot wait to visit again- hopefully later this year- and try and see more of the country! 

Experiences

Takeshita Street and LaForet in Harajuku are definitely must visits! Filled with quirky stores and THE place to buy lolita and gothic style fashion, I made several trips to stock up on kawaii goodies. 

Koenji is a small district in Tokyo but filled with the best vintage finds- think vintage Levi jeans and gorgeous prints. It is true when they say that Japan is home to amazing vintage shopping.

Fushimi Shrine in Kyoto is an iconic shrine in Japan, and is one of the most recommended places to see. It is quite a hike up to the top, however the views are amazing and I highly recommend persevering, as most of the tourists there don't venture up to the peak. 

Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori in Osaka is filled with the best food and shopping, and is probably the sole reason I am so in love with Osaka.

Highlights

I was so very fortunate to see the beginnings of the Sakura season on my last few days in Japan, as well as watch snow fall from my Shibuya balcony, and on the Shinkansen to Osaka! I was also able to see Takashi Murakami's exhibit at the Mori Art Gallery which was incredible and the one thing I so badly wanted to see in Tokyo. 

Aishiteru Japan!

bright like neon love

d(ries van noten, dolce and gabbana, christopher kane, prabal gurung, missoni, clover canyon, stella mccartney)

olivia xx

trend i love: off the shoulder

All images via Pinterest

With only a few short days left of Winter, it's time to start storing the coats away and pull out the sandals and sundresses. One of my favourite trends for spring is off the shoulder tops and dresses. It's a great way to show off tanned shoulders and feminise an outfit, and can also be paired with basically anything, however my favourite pairings are with cute summer shorts or culottes. I have shared a few of my favourite picks...

ASOS Top with Lace Off Shoulder $45 

Topshop China Doll Embroidery Top $118.15

Faithfull the Brand Garden Top $64.35 

The Fifth Label Pyramid Top $39.95

If you follow me on Instagram (@obsessionsofashopaholic) I recently purchased a super cute top by BB Dakota, which I plan to post about soon! However will probably be the first of many off the shoulder purchases for the spring and summer.

Preview of my gorgeous BB Dakota top...

Olivia xx

SHANGHAI TRAVEL DIARY

The first of several China travel posts starts in Shanghai, which was definitely a highlight of my China travels. Filled with hidden boutiques and countless malls, shopping (thankfully) wasn't a problem here, and I had no problem spending away my savings! Unfortunately I didn't have enough time to travel up north further to Beijing, but I suppose that means another trip to China in the near future (hello 2016!).

I <3 SH 

On the streets in the French Concession area wearing Stella Jean

The amazing architecture in Shanghai is very European-influenced, and makes it hard to believe you're in the middle of China.

Exploring the stunning Yu Gardens wearing Missguided jumpsuit

WHERE TO SHOP

Xintiandi Shopping Mall- the mall itself is quite exy but be sure to walk the surrounding streets as there is quite a few small boutiques offering unique pieces.

South Shaanxi Road IAPM- home to luxe flagship stores including Alexander Wang, Jimmy Choo, Kenzo, and Chloe. Also home to H&M, Muji (a must visit) and some eclectic and street-cool Shanghai designers.

Yuyuan Bazaar- a great place to pick up cheap souvenirs including silk scarves, silk dresses and t-shirts. 

WHERE TO GO

Yu Garden- a beautiful haven in the middle of Shanghai, we were lost for hours just wandering around this magical garden. 

River Boat Ferry- this very cheap city cat will get you from one side of the river to the other. A must do at night time to see the stunning lights of the city. (Tip: push your way to the front of the cue if you have to, as once the gates open to the boat everyone runs to get the best spot on the boat!)

Old French Concession area- worth spending some time wandering around here! There are plenty of quirky cafes and boutiques in this area, and like other areas of Shanghai, there is a real European vibe here.

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olivia xx

BABE ON A BUDGET

After spending two weeks in China (travel posts coming soon!), there really is nothing more exciting than finally(!!!) getting my hands on my first pay check in weeks! It was a short lived excitement however, as most of my pay went towards my uni textbooks, so instead of lusting after items I probably can't afford in the foreseeable future, I decided to better spend my time lusting after items that are just within my reach!

Mules: New Look $50.41

Jumpsuit: The Fifth Label $87.95

Pants: Shakuhachi $50

Clutch: Poppy Lissiman $89 (ok maybe a little pricey but it's a fabulous statement clutch!)

I promise to update more regularly- keep checking back for new posts!

olivia xx

MAY MOODBOARD: LIVING IN THE 70'S

images taken from style.com, pinterest

When I was fresh out of high school, my first proper fashion moment was probably in winter 2011. After seeing the Fall 2010 Chloe show I was OBSESSED with everything Chloe and had even purchased the exact same hair products they used in the show to achieve the gorgeous volume locks. So of course the fact that the seventies are such a big trend for the upcoming winter, I am incredibly happy I can bring out the big curls and waves. And if you follow my Pinterest you may have noticed I have started pinning plenty of fabulous vintage looks. 

olivia x

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EASY FRACTION

Finders Keepers Shirt
Finders Keepers Pants
Poppy Lissiman Clutch
Senso Shoes

Clearly my number one wardrobe staple this year is wide legged pants, as I have featured them in every post this year. I love the open back on this Finders Keepers shirt- it allows for easy transition from summer to autumn weather, and this Poppy Lissiman clutch is always a go to for when I wear outfits that are a little more simple. 

olivia xx