the journal
Kate Spade Japan Lucky Bag (Fukubukuro 2021) worth 170,000yen - Unboxing and Review
Monday, 18 January 2021 Tokyo, Japan
Hello everyone!
Hope you're having a great start to 2021.
Hope you're having a great start to 2021.
2020 had been a difficult year for many of us, and with moving to a new country, I also took a seemingly long break from the blog as I tried to settle down in this new culture and environment.
However, I am hoping that this year would be a lot better and decided to finally start writing again on the blog. While I do have a lot of content to share about my life in Japan and my fashion diaries; I decided to start with this blog where I am going to talk about one of my recent purchases which also happens to be a popular New Year tradition in Japan.
I am talking about 'Fukubukuro' or lucky bags that are available in the first week of January every year in Japan. Lucky bags are surprise bags that are offered by many supermarkets, brands, and department stores in Japan and consist of mostly last-season goods at amazing discounts.
I talk more about lucky bags and how this tradition started in my post for Tokyo Weekender that you can check here.
So, this year I purchased three lucky bags - the first being from the designer brand Kate Spade.
Here are some pictures, an unboxing video, and more details about the Kate Spade lucky bag 2021 :
However, I am hoping that this year would be a lot better and decided to finally start writing again on the blog. While I do have a lot of content to share about my life in Japan and my fashion diaries; I decided to start with this blog where I am going to talk about one of my recent purchases which also happens to be a popular New Year tradition in Japan.
I am talking about 'Fukubukuro' or lucky bags that are available in the first week of January every year in Japan. Lucky bags are surprise bags that are offered by many supermarkets, brands, and department stores in Japan and consist of mostly last-season goods at amazing discounts.
I talk more about lucky bags and how this tradition started in my post for Tokyo Weekender that you can check here.
So, this year I purchased three lucky bags - the first being from the designer brand Kate Spade.
Here are some pictures, an unboxing video, and more details about the Kate Spade lucky bag 2021 :
Kate Spade had launched this lucky bag on their website in December in five versions, but they didn't disclose the contents of each bag. The only detail that I knew about the lucky bag was that it will have 5 items in total comprising handbags, wallets, and/or accessories. Each lucky bag was priced at 30,000 yen plus taxes and each customer could only purchase one lucky bag at a time.
The lucky bags were finally shipped on the 31st of December and I finally received mine a few days back.
Here are the contents of the lucky bag that I purchased :
1. Crossbody Bag: A cute red crossbody bag that has one external pocket and one internal pocket with a small interior that can fit a wallet, keys, and phone.
2. Satchel Bag: A black structured satchel bag that comes with an additional long strap and can be carried in two ways. The interior is quite roomy and can even fit an iPad or a small laptop with ease.
3. Canvas Tote Bag: A canvas bag with leather handles that can be styled in two shapes and also comes with an additional long strap.
4. Cosmetic Pouch: A transparent small pouch that can mostly carry a few lipsticks or can actually be used as a case to store your mask.
5. Bracelet: A leather bracelet in a lovely olive green shade that has the cute Kate Spade logo charm lock.
While the items didn't have their original tags present, they did come with the original dust covers (except for the crossbody bag) and care tags. I was pleased to find the bags in amazing condition and excellent quality, as I had often heard that the brands tend to give away old or unwanted stock in these lucky bags. But the contents I received were in perfect condition, and a couple of bags are from the latest collection and are still being sold on their website.
As per the brand, the overall cost of the lucky bag is 170,000 yen which seems legit since the satchel bag alone comes up to be around 60-70k yen. The only item from the lucky bag with which I wasn't very satisfied is the green tote bag as that's a color I usually don't prefer in my closet.
However, I think this was a great way to pick some new bags from the brand without having to spend a huge amount. And since you can't see the contents of the lucky bag beforehand, it's actually fun to try your luck and wait to see if you've grabbed some nice items.
What do you think about this new year trend? Did you also purchase a Lucky bag this new year?
Let me know in the comments below!
Love
Nitika
However, I think this was a great way to pick some new bags from the brand without having to spend a huge amount. And since you can't see the contents of the lucky bag beforehand, it's actually fun to try your luck and wait to see if you've grabbed some nice items.
What do you think about this new year trend? Did you also purchase a Lucky bag this new year?
Let me know in the comments below!
Love
Nitika
Hey everyone!
Hope you all are keeping safe and at home during this pandemic.
Hope you all are keeping safe and at home during this pandemic.
Here in Tokyo, things are a little better since emergency was removed by the government, and I decided to get out to have an outfit shoot after ages - all thanks to Tokyo Survival Channel - who challenged me to explore the fascinating Geisha world in Japan and transform myself to a Geisha-inspired look.
While I shared the complete experience on the #TokyoChallenge blog, I thought of sharing few pictures and how I came up with this outfit, with my lovely readers all as well.
While I shared the complete experience on the #TokyoChallenge blog, I thought of sharing few pictures and how I came up with this outfit, with my lovely readers all as well.
I was sent over this stunning Kanji dress by designer Keiko Tagai who is a self-trained designer specialising in outfits that blend the rich Japanese culture and modern trends. This two-way poncho dress features a stunning hand-drawn artwork by ink painting artist 月与志 (Tsuyoshi) and has an empowering kanji that represents female strength and functionality.
Its beautiful sleeves can be worn poncho or sleeveless style, and can be styled in more ways than one.
I decided to style this beautiful dress with a tiered black skirt from ZARA that adds volume to the look and added a waist belt to cinch the waist.
Its beautiful sleeves can be worn poncho or sleeveless style, and can be styled in more ways than one.
I decided to style this beautiful dress with a tiered black skirt from ZARA that adds volume to the look and added a waist belt to cinch the waist.
Kimono Dress, mini Beret : Keiko Tagai Skirt : Zara Heels : Charles & Keith Belt : Flea market, Mumbai Hand fan : from a store in China |
I accessorised the outfit with a mini beret that is also designed by Keiko Tagai and features this stunning floral print that instantly brightens the outfit. I brought a little Indian element in the look with my lotus shaped dangler earrings and finished the look my favorite black heels from Charles & Keith.
Also, my hand fan that I had bought from China came in really handy (and finally been put to use) to add another Geisha element to this look.
What do you think of this look? Have you had a real life meeting with a Geisha before?
Let me know your experience in comments below!
Ending the post with this beautiful quote by Arthur Golden :
Ending the post with this beautiful quote by Arthur Golden :
“She paints her face to hide her face. Her eyes are deep water. It is not for Geisha to want. It is not for geisha to feel. Geisha is an artist of the floating world. She dances, she sings. She entertains you, whatever you want. The rest is shadows, the rest is secret.”
Love
Nitika
Hello everyone!
If this post has reached you, then I am really grateful that I still have a few of you who enjoy reading blog posts. I know it's been quite some time since I last published a post here, to be precise - six months.
A lot has changed in mine, in-fact even in our lives since then (well thanks to COVID), so as I took = my own sweet time to get settled into the new phase of life, I realised it was finally time to let you all know what I've been upto since my last post.
Well, to rewind - you all know I got married back in 2018, and had been living in Mumbai with my husband. I had also started working with Tiktok and I was really enjoying my work and life there. But, as I thought that I was finally in the best phase of my life, we had a major life decision to make - "to move abroad".
My husband got an amazing work opportunity back in December last year, and I had to make this decision - get ready to start our lives together in a big new city, or I stay back in Mumbai, probably move to a smaller apartment and wait a few months, find another work opportunity and then join my husband.
But well, we had less than a month to decide, and honestly I was going through so many emotions and thoughts - what if I don't get my visa later and I am unable to join my husband ; what if I don't enjoy living in Mumbai and feel miserable about my decision. I discussed it with my hubby, friends and family, and eventually I decided the right thing to do at the moment was to move abroad.
So, here I am, writing this post from my new home in Tokyo, where I moved back in February. Those who follow me on Instagram, might have seen my updates about looking for a house, moving in finally and well ofcourse what I have been doing to keep myself busy since we are all maintaining social distancing.
But if you haven't seen any of those updates, I am just going to share a few pictures of what it's been like living in Tokyo past few months :
I have been mostly keeping myself busy by doing home workouts and most days I just go out for a ride on my bicycle near my apartment building as it has a lovely stream passing by which makes for a perfect route for a jog or bike rides.
I was lucky enough to have experienced my first sakura season in Japan, which is literally the best time to be in Japan. Usually people enjoy sakura season by having Hanami, which is basically a picnic event to enjoy the blossoms. But since the entire nation is currently in the state of emergency, we decided to skip it for this year and just enjoyed walks around the sakura trees near our house and also visited the famous Meguro river to experience the stunning cherry blossoms.
Apart from going on with my daily life here, I have tried to adjust to the new routine - which is basically being at home all the time - by indulging in cooking, reading, self care and well Netflix. I am avoiding going out at the moment, except for grocery shopping and my bike rides while maintaining social distancing.
I can't tell you guys how many times I opened my laptop to publish new content or share my pictures from Tokyo with you all, but I just never got around to finishing the posts. It's only because I have been struggling to this new life, where even though I am in a beautiful city - I feel like I don't belong here, since I don't know the local language, don't know anyone around and also I miss my old life.
So, if you're also struggling with your life at the moment, or you have had setbacks - trust me, you are not alone in this. Everyone goes through tough times in their lives, but definitely you can come out way stronger and better. And that's why I finally gathered some strength to write this blog post and share with you all about my life and that even thought this might not be my time, I know that things will start shaping up soon and I have realised the best way to feel better is to pen down my thoughts, like I used to do earlier.
You can follow me on Instagram, where I am definitely more active than on the blog, but I promise I have a lot of content planned up for the blog and I can't wait to share the same with you all.
Love
Nitika
If this post has reached you, then I am really grateful that I still have a few of you who enjoy reading blog posts. I know it's been quite some time since I last published a post here, to be precise - six months.
A lot has changed in mine, in-fact even in our lives since then (well thanks to COVID), so as I took = my own sweet time to get settled into the new phase of life, I realised it was finally time to let you all know what I've been upto since my last post.
Well, to rewind - you all know I got married back in 2018, and had been living in Mumbai with my husband. I had also started working with Tiktok and I was really enjoying my work and life there. But, as I thought that I was finally in the best phase of my life, we had a major life decision to make - "to move abroad".
My husband got an amazing work opportunity back in December last year, and I had to make this decision - get ready to start our lives together in a big new city, or I stay back in Mumbai, probably move to a smaller apartment and wait a few months, find another work opportunity and then join my husband.
But well, we had less than a month to decide, and honestly I was going through so many emotions and thoughts - what if I don't get my visa later and I am unable to join my husband ; what if I don't enjoy living in Mumbai and feel miserable about my decision. I discussed it with my hubby, friends and family, and eventually I decided the right thing to do at the moment was to move abroad.
So, here I am, writing this post from my new home in Tokyo, where I moved back in February. Those who follow me on Instagram, might have seen my updates about looking for a house, moving in finally and well ofcourse what I have been doing to keep myself busy since we are all maintaining social distancing.
But if you haven't seen any of those updates, I am just going to share a few pictures of what it's been like living in Tokyo past few months :
I have been mostly keeping myself busy by doing home workouts and most days I just go out for a ride on my bicycle near my apartment building as it has a lovely stream passing by which makes for a perfect route for a jog or bike rides.
I was lucky enough to have experienced my first sakura season in Japan, which is literally the best time to be in Japan. Usually people enjoy sakura season by having Hanami, which is basically a picnic event to enjoy the blossoms. But since the entire nation is currently in the state of emergency, we decided to skip it for this year and just enjoyed walks around the sakura trees near our house and also visited the famous Meguro river to experience the stunning cherry blossoms.
Apart from going on with my daily life here, I have tried to adjust to the new routine - which is basically being at home all the time - by indulging in cooking, reading, self care and well Netflix. I am avoiding going out at the moment, except for grocery shopping and my bike rides while maintaining social distancing.
I can't tell you guys how many times I opened my laptop to publish new content or share my pictures from Tokyo with you all, but I just never got around to finishing the posts. It's only because I have been struggling to this new life, where even though I am in a beautiful city - I feel like I don't belong here, since I don't know the local language, don't know anyone around and also I miss my old life.
So, if you're also struggling with your life at the moment, or you have had setbacks - trust me, you are not alone in this. Everyone goes through tough times in their lives, but definitely you can come out way stronger and better. And that's why I finally gathered some strength to write this blog post and share with you all about my life and that even thought this might not be my time, I know that things will start shaping up soon and I have realised the best way to feel better is to pen down my thoughts, like I used to do earlier.
You can follow me on Instagram, where I am definitely more active than on the blog, but I promise I have a lot of content planned up for the blog and I can't wait to share the same with you all.
Love
Nitika
Jumpstart your Fitness Goals with Hannspree Smartwatch : Fashion Meets Technology
Friday, 29 November 2019
With a busy lifestyle and long working hours, maintaining a good level of fitness and motivation can get really difficult - but thankfully we now have the best of technology for help, and sometimes in the most surprising ways.
I am talking about one of the most efficient ways to track your fitness levels while still looking stylish - a fitness watch. And I have found out a perfect smartwatch that's not only technologically advanced but also wouldn't burn a hole into your pockets : Hannspree Hanns.w Smartwatch - which is now available on Amazon India.
The latest offering from Hannspree Hanns.w, this smart watch is like your all-around life coach that will inspire you to get fitter and better.
Here's looking at its main features :
• You can use your favorite picture in your phone as the watch face
• Camera Control, Pedometer, Blood Oxygen Monitor, Music Control , Mobile Alert and many more one-touch functionalities
• Heart beat tracker : The watch features an all day resting and active heart rate tracker that consistently monitors your heart during different sports activities as well
• Elegant and versatile watch band, Lightweight design
• Fast 1 hour charging with magnetic plug on back of the watch.
If you're still wondering why you need this smartwatch, well imagine this -
Hannspree Hanns.w Smartwatch can not only receive your calls or texts, but also help check your blood pressure, blood oxygen as well as monitor your sleep. And if that's still not enough, it would also help monitor your step count and would congratulate you once you achieve your daily count.
Also, one full charge will easily last you a whole week or even more, depending on your usage. The watch also supports Hindi language, isn't that pretty cool?
Ever since I have got my hands on this watch, I wear it almost all the time - and it has not only motivated me to meet my daily step goals (after all who doesn't want to hear a congratulatory message every day about having met your fitness goals); but also to look at my overall fitness as I can regularly keep a check on my sleeping habits, blood pressure and heart rate.
In fact, I had no clue that our heart rate could fluctuate during activities like drinking coffee or having a stressed-up meeting. Being more aware about my heart rate has helped me analyse my daily life activities better and acts as a reminder that I need to calm down at certain times.
Verdict : With its reasonable price-tag and stylish looks, I think Hannspree Hanns.w Smartwatch is definitely a must-have if you are also looking for a fuss-free, minimalistic and smart watch that gives you what you pay for - step count, fitness tracker and major phone function control; while also working out as a versatile accessory with all your outfits.
So go get your hands-on this cool smartwatch now on Amazon.in!
Also, if you are an Amazon Prime member, you can avail a 10% off on the watch between Nov 29 to Dec 2.
Click here to know more : http://bit.ly/HannswNitika !
LoveAlso, if you are an Amazon Prime member, you can avail a 10% off on the watch between Nov 29 to Dec 2.
Click here to know more : http://bit.ly/HannswNitika !
Nitika
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