Cultural festivals in Chicago. The merrymaking events that bring people together for a like-minded purpose. Whether it’d be a traditional fête or a tummy-rubbing food gala showcasing diverse ethnic cuisines in the Windy City, there’s an event for everyone to partake in. And when there’s a Japanese Festival featuring delectable cuisines and state-of-the-art jewelry designs, it was no brainer that I’d jump on that joyous bandwagon!
Scrumptious Tonkotsu Ramen, Japanese Caligraphy, Taiko (Japanese Drums) and Minyo (Japanese Folk Dance) performances. Need I say more? My favorite moments were spent strolling through the Japanese market and lauding the impeccable artworks chaperoned by high-fire stoneware, ceramics and glazed potteries.
The minutes I waited eagerly for the “準備できてる”! that the chef announces when the ramen is fully cooked and ready. The times I stood in front of the elaborate Japanese artworks in delight of the amazing origami and ukiyo-e woodblock prints.
With all the delectable food, culturally-educating shows and performances that brought out the Japanese cultural flair, I wanted to be in tandem with occasion and bring to light my floral kimono cardigan. Kudos to my talented photographer Jason J whose creative hands put together this “Flower Veil” outfit!
The style not only resonates with the “blossoming” trend this season (as reminiscent of Gucci’s 1964 luxuriant floral patterns), but also pairs well with just about anything!
Match it with a pair of mint shorts and wedge heels as I did and Voilà! You have yourself a nifty outfit from warm summery BBQs to breezy evening soirées! For any occasion incognizant to setting or dress code, a sheer floral cardigan can dress up a casual attire especially worn over a lacy bralette or a low-cut maxi dress.
Sprucing up to a graceful and elegant take of a kimono, and thanks to the flowy effect that doesn’t require a form-fitting tie, I am able to indulge in a few post-ramen delectables like kakigōri and wagashi. Can someone say OISHII!
Xoxo~ Lena
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Kimono Cardigan: H&M// Top: Ann Taylor// Shorts: H&M// Shoes: Nine West// Hat: Forever 21// Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Photos: Jason J
That first photo is GORGEOUS! ❤
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Thank you Andrea!
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Pretty Kimono! Xo
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Thanks Jennifer! I’m glad we still have warm days now and then to wear it 🙂
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Nice photos. I guess everyday is a fun day.
Christelle xxx
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Hi Christelle! Yes it was definitely a fun day! Have a great one! 🙂
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Such cool pictures Lena! Hope you’re having a great start to your week! 🙂 Dee
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Thank you Dee! So kind of you to stop by and comment. Have a great day too! 🙂 – Lena
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I’d jump on that bandwagon, too! What a fun event. Love the outfit you put together for the festival. :o)
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Thanks Jacqueline! It was a spectacular one! My tummy was happy that’s for sure 🙂
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I felt like I am also in the cultural festival you attended while looking at your beautiful photos. I’m sure you enjoyed it! 🙂
Take care always dear! Have a great week ahead!
April of: http://beybiapril.wordpress.com
IG: @beybiapril
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Hi April! I’m glad that the post was vivid enough to bring you along the journey with me! Yes it was a great experience (tummy a happy camper). Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week ahead too! 🙂
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Awesome! Looks like it was fun 😄
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Thanks Uzochi! Yes it was a great experience 🙂
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I love that kind of events and that lovely outfit !
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I love that kind of events and that lovely outfit ! The Kimono is just perfect for this festival !
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I love that kind of events and your lovely outfit ! The Kimono is just perfect for this festival !
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Thank you sweetie! It was definitely a fun experience! Have a great week ahead! 🙂
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So perfect! 😍
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Your pictures are stunning and your outfit is breathtaking!
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Thanks Vanessa!! 🙂
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Love all the photos and I LOVE ramen!!!
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Thansk Sheena!! I love them too; tonkotsu’s my favorite! What ramen do you normally get? 🙂
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I am clearly not a ramen connoisseur as I just buy the top ramen. But I do freshen up the broth with fresh ginger, scallions, sesame, ponzu, spinach, tofu and egg. I also love to add a squeeze of lime and hot sauce. When I have it out I love spicy seafood ramen! I’ve got to try some different ramen noodles next time I visit the Asian market.
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Oh cool, be sure to try out the Shin noodles if you love spicy broth! The packaging is red. Think you’ll like it!! 🙂
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Thanks so much for the recommendation!
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super cool pics!
http://www.littleprettymess.com
Instagram @littleprettymess
https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/7279767
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Thanks Tania!!
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I love the kimono and how it pulls the outfit together!
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Thanks Natalie! Yes I agree it’s a great standout piece for a neutral ensemble. Have a wonderful day! 🙂
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Lovely location. I love the simple look. The Kimono is fab
Cheers
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Thanks sweetie! It was a fun time putting this together 🙂
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GORGEOUS! 🙂 I love your kimono and your look it is beautiful xx
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Thanks Jessica! Love both of our kimono cardigans! Your pastel combo one is so chic! 🙂
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Just our your blog and I LOVE it! Hopefully we can follow each other! http://www.canthelpstare.com
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Thanks! Will definitely check out your blog. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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Wow that kimono is gorgeous! And it looks amazing on you!! 🙂
loveabby.com
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Thanks Abby! 🙂
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Thank you for sharing these photos! Wish I could be there! Looks great! 🙂
https://life15juicy.wordpress.com
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Thanks Molly! 🙂
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Amazing pictures, you look chose your outfit so well for the occasion Lena! That kimono is adorable 🙂
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Thank you Pipsysl! Yes it was definitely a great occasion worthy of a kimono dress up. Thanks for your kind comments as usual! 🙂
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Lovely!
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Thanks D-Anna! 🙂
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I love all of the vibrant colors in this post – your photographer is AWESOME. By the way, I nominated you for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award. Check it out here: http://myveganvalentine.wordpress.com/2014/09/24/sisterhood-of-the-world-bloggers-award/
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Thanks Valentina! Really appreciate the nomination! 🙂
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Lovely kimono.
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Thank you Eva! 🙂
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Buon Pomeriggio ABBRACCI! 🙂
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Thanks Simona you too! Buona giornata!! 🙂
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Hi Lena! These are gorgeous photos! So colorful and vibrant:) Looks like you had fun at the festival-did you purchase any unique pieces of jewelry? The kimono is phenomenal! ~Lauren http://www.ginnysclosetblog.com
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Hi Lauren! Yes it was a really fun event! Between summer and fall we have a lot of cultural festivals in Chicago. I love the vast array of native cuisines to try out. Sadly I didn’t get any jewelries but I did get a shodo calligraphy of my name. Have you ever been here before? I’d be happy to recommend some places if you ever drop by the Windy City!
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