Hello World.

Well isn't this exciting? Here we are in blog land, a place I have never been brave enough to visit before. But I am so psyched about my new venture that I feel my usual outlets, obligated to listen though they are, have become somewhat saturated. Plus, there's only a certain amount of satisfaction to be gained from hearing your hairy, physics-geek, socks-and-sandals-wearing boyfriend saying "ooh yeah, that gold one's really nice" when showing off your new finds via Skype. I live in the remote city of Kuji, in the remote prefecture of Iwate, in the remote district of Tohoku, in North Japan. "Fashion" hasn't got here just yet, and I'm not holding my breath - it's too cold for starters. But I don't think you need a Topshop or an Urban Outfitters to enjoy getting dressed in the morning (although I would probably hyperventilate if I so much as saw a carrier bag for either right now) - I think the creative fashion forced out of us when we are bereft of satisfactory shops or funds is the most rewarding, satisfying, exciting, and real. And that's where recycle shops come into their own!

Everywhere in Japan, you can find recycle shops. They're a bit like charity shops, but the shop buys your stuff and then sells it at a profit. And you can find anything there. They are amazing and I am obsessed and guess what - we even have one in Kuji! It's crazy - all this magical untapped awesomeness just sitting there waiting to be drooled over - and ignored, because people in Kuji don't get it. They're old, they're from a remote area, they're farmers and fishermen and housewives and they have never heard of shabby chic. I wish I could just pick up the whole shop and plonk it down in the middle of London!

So in case you didn't guess it already, recycle shops and the treasures I find there are the inspiration for this blog. As my Japanese high school students would say "Let's good shopping!".

xxxx