Japan's Recent Epidemic : The Thrift Bug

In all the glories of some $15-20 billion worth of Japan's luxury market that's so strong it can breeze through the difficult times of the 70's and the 80's; Japanese people can still buy $100 worth of melons or S$1000 handbags, Louis Vuitton bags or some Hermès scarves. This very fact makes luxury products in Japan seems almost like a mass market.

But not anymore.

Nowadays, seems like more and more Japanese are getting in touch with their senses and getting so big on cost saving, even the umbrella sales went up because most people don't want to spend their money on taxis and prefer to walk in the rain.

Which is environmentally friendly and I support that very much. :)


Read more of this very interesting article in the NY Times

Masks for a Rainy Days

While the swine flu rage seems to cool off, you will still need to kept a few extra masks at home, just in case. So how would you like to look disturbingly like our nearest primate relatives? But in a cool way, or course. :)



And to inspire you more, here a are a few of other interesting looking masks.





via http://www.mint-designs.com/ and http://www.viralemails.org/