AJET Connect MAY 2014

Erika Ehren, Fukushima1John Weber, Hokkaido1Erika is a 3 rd -year ALT in amazing Fukushima. When she isn’tscavenger hunting around the castle grounds of Tsurugajolooking for hidden cross markings in the dead of night,you can find her with her nose in a book or plunking awayon her piano. She’s a volunteer English tour guide forAizuwakamatsu and loves showing everyone the best ofFukushima, so be sure to get in touch if you’re ever in thearea!2John is a 2 nd -year ALT from Philadelphia who wastes hisfree periods at school surfing eBay for ties with fox prints,boating blazers, white suede bucks and cotton tunics.He takes photos for JET publications and is on a quest tofind the best kaitenzushi spot in Hokkaido. While sakurahas been blooming and falling across Japan, this fashioncorrespondent is busy gearing up for the final snow flurriesin the tundra of Hokkaido.I’ve always gravitated toward clean lines and understated pieces.Since coming to Japan, I still wear the same clean lines, albeitin brighter colors accessorized with statement pieces. It’s hardsay whether my style has evolved as a result of my time spentin Japan, or is the result of growing up and growing into myself.Whatever the case is, I feel my choice of apparel reflects mycurrent state of mind, and I’ve certainly taken a hiatus from thestyle I sported in America. Some styles just don’t translate well,and you learn to adapt your personal style to reflect trends andunspoken wardrobe rules that are part of your new home, oneexample being Japan’s dislike of sleeveless shirts on women inthe workplace!When I began my time on JET, I was only 20 years old and was stilltroubled by the body insecurities of my teen years. As I’ve gottena little older (and hopefully wiser and more self-aware!), I’vecome to like myself and my body much better, and I think Japanhad a lot to do with that. Once I felt happier and more secureabout the way I looked, I found myself giving styles and trendsI had previously shied away from a go. Feeling comfortable andconfident in your own skin is one of the best feelings in the worldJapan has a culture of cute that influences a lot of the fashionhere, and I’ve started to gravitate towards softer colors andpatterns, especially floral pieces for spring. I like the doll-like,girly look a lot of Japanese women go for—muted colors andnatural materials, topped with the doe-eyed look. I like to mixthat up with a bit of retro and country. It may seem like an oddmix, but it’s been an enjoyable journey of discovery, this takingof elements from different styles to create something subtly,uniquely mine.1Denim Shirt (G.U.), Leopard Maxi Skirt (Forever 21), FangNecklace (Forever 21), White Platform Heels (Aldo)There’s still a bit of a chill in the air, but it’s nice enough tohead outdoors. Switch out the heels for some white Keds,and you’ve got the perfect outfit for a stroll amidst thegorgeous blooms of the season.2Polka Dot Sleeveless Peplum Shirt (Forever 21), White Jeans(UNIQLO), Owl Necklace (21 Love), White Platform Heels (Aldo)A bright polka-dotted shirt is the perfect accompaniment tosunny days. It’s not quite summer yet, but I’m anticipatingthat too-brief period between the chilly spring days andhumid summer hours when the weather is just right.Although this outfit has a bit of a retro feel to it, the whitejeans and pumps help inject modernity.3Chiffon Buttoned Floral Shirt (G.U.), Pearl Necklace (Forever 21),Cropped Black Pants [Not Pictured] (UNIQLO), Black Slip-ons[Not Pictured] (Vans)I love this for the office in spring. The shirt is loose-fitting butprofessional, and the floral pattern is season-appropriate.A simple compass necklace adds a touch of whimsy. To goeasily from day to night, perfect your classic black wingedeyeliner, add statement jewelry, switch from Vans to heels,and you’re set!3The casual dress code at my schools has given me a less of areason to show off silk scarfs or fedoras, and I’ve found myselfcaring less about “fashion”. Functional gear is the name ofthe game. I see young people overdressed for menial tasks allthe time. Six-inch heels and a pleather jacket won’t get you tothe top of Mt. Fuji, people. Women wearing tights and skirts inSapporo winters. Really?Most Japanese elementary and junior high school teachershave perfected the art of looking cool/obnoxious in their swishytracksuits. This is a work outfit I can get behind from a functionalstandpoint, but I’d never want a vague French phrase in neonyellow emblazoned across my chest. I take cues from what I call“gym teacher swag” mixed with “weekend mountain climber.”Look 1 is my go-to combo for junior high school. Daniel Johnstonshirt: check. Neutral jacket: check. Bright pink Pumas for theblossom lovers: check. Optional: gold chaiiiiiin. Pair with nonflarekhakis and you’re good. Well-worn jeans work too if you’regoing to kick it real casual. Rock some bling if you’re feeling wild,but the tie-dye shirt speaks volumes. I’ve pretty much lived in this34 and possibly one of the best accessories you can have! I’ve foundMountain Hardwear monkey fleece this year. Its fluff makes me353myself choosing bolder pieces, selecting more fun and colorfulaccessories, experimenting with color, texture and patterns, andexperimenting with makeup and hairstyles.feel like I’m constantly hugging teddy bears. The more outdoorsyteachers at school will think you’re a real adventurer, evenif you’re just a wannabe in fleece. Mont Bell, North Face, andPatagonia all make nice options. It’s that easy people!Look 2 is the “time-to-go-to-the-grocery-store and/or rollthrough-the-wooden-toy-museum”get-up. One-part purplegingham with two-parts neutral. It’s like baking bread, only youlook better and it doesn’t end up undercooked in the middlebecause you used a Japanese microwave oven. The hat is fromFilson and has an extra-long bill so I look like “Smalls” from theSandlot, which pleases me to no end. A wool car coat from Schottfinishes the ensemble—it’s the clean lettering that gets the jobdone. Pair with any pants you like.There you have it folks. No mysteries this month. Thank you,Japanese school system, for helping me retire most of my tiecollection in favor of casual work wear. As the token foreignteacher, you get some leeway with your fashion choices. So infusesome personal style into everything you wear. Get crazy!1Mouth swirl tie-dye and gaudy springtime sneakersCONNECTCONNECTFASHION & BEAUTY FASHION & BEAUTYMay Issue 2014 May Issue 20142Showing off the duckbill platypus hat3Awkward white dude finger pointing2