In the middle of November Arian and I flew to Chicago for a week for a wedding. I had no plans on wearing kimono, but everyone insisted that I do – so I had no choice. Quite some time ago, a member of my forum posted a gorgeous ume and uguisu tsukesage. By a wonderful…
Japantown Fun!
Yesterday Arian and I hit Japantown for some fun for a change, rather than working for a taiko event. It gave me the opportunity to wear my new indigo kasuri ensemble…it really is starting to get a touch too warm for the haori – but I wanted to wear the set at least once before…
Uchikake for Concert!
A few weeks ago I participated in a taiko concert. I only had a small walk-on appearance in the finale – but the costume was spectacular! I was told often during the night that I looked like a Japanese doll. Such a flattering compliment! I must say – wearing uchikake tires you out. It is…
Kitsuke, Round 2!
After my first rather painful attempt at kitsuke, I went for Round 2. This time, I dressed much slower, paying closer attention to the instructions. It paid off, and here are the results of Kitsuke Round 2: There are obviously a lot of mistakes, as you’ll see in the following photographs, but the basic comprehension…
Encouragement a.k.a. How Not To Dress
Everyone has to start at some point, right? I finally took a deep breath and attempted my first kitsuke in March 2003. I thought I knew better. I felt I could brave the waters. I was invincible. I failed. To be brutally honest with myself, my first attempt at kitsuke was rather pitiful. Well, actually,…