NYE Tea Ceremony

I got invited to a last-minute New Year's Eve tea ceremony at a dear friend's house. It was a casual affair, and since a few of us have babies, they were invited as well. :) They both behaved surprisingly well for the most part (although they both got a little fussy during usucha). It was such a lovely time, and I hope I get more opportunities like this in the future.

Tall People Stuggles and Black and Green Bara Houmongi

As I have mentioned many, many, many, many, many times - finding kimono in taller and wider sizes is a hunt. You need patience and to able to handle the disappointment of finding tons of things you love but you'd never be able to wear properly. With the new year upon us, I am trying to lose some weight just like countless others. I have sadly gained 15-20 pounds since I got married, and it is starting to affect how I wear kimono. While I have some control over my waist size, I clearly have no control over my height. In all honesty, the biggest problem that I encounter is not only finding a kimono with the right length but the right wingspan. Not long ago, a kimono with a shorter wingspan didn't phase me too much. Now, especially after taking more lessons in nihon buyo and actually owning a few kimono with adequate wingspans, I can see that a proper wingspan really does makes one look more elegant - not to mention that it's near impossible to hold your sleeves for dance if they're too short! As I become more discerning (or maybe just picky!) about my size, the prey becomes even more elusive...

Enter this black and green bara houmongi, with a 173cm length and a whopping 152cm wingspan.

The seller states that it is a remade furisode, hence the really loud pattern. The super-wide wingspan was made possible by taking what was part of the old furisode sleeves and adding them to the cuffs of the remade piece. I think the seamstress did a decent job of matching the fabric so that the seams wouldn't be obvious from a distance.

This style is very opposed to what I usually select in a garment. The reason for my purchase is three-fold: the size, the price, and the need for a brighter kimono for shamisen performances (at my instructor's suggestion). With shipping, this piece ended up only around $50. And it certainly has the "in-your-face" factor of a stage piece.

As far as coordinating this piece goes, I'll likely go with an obi of minimal colors and simple design as to not compete with the pattern on the kimono. Without having the piece in my hands, I'm leaning toward a gold obi with lavender accessories that echo the color on the grid pattern overlaying the black part or red like the sakura, but that could easily change depending on what it looks like in person.

Navy and Grey Houmongi

I'm so excited to have bought this houmongi last night! It was one of those pieces that I didn't hesitate for even a moment about. It's very much my style ^_^

Everyone I have spoken to about coordinating this kimono has wanted me to go with a very bright obi. Subdued is sort of my signature style, so I'm unsure about what I want to do right now. I will likely have to look at several obi options in person to decide...

Also, any ideas what the white and yellow flowers are? I know the black leaves on the bottom half are kaede, but the others with the buds have me stumped...

Autumn Grasses Houmongi

I finally put together an ensemble with the autumn grass houmongi bought way back. When I originally bought it, I thought it was a much light "café au lait" color but when it arrived, it turned out to be chocolate brown. After much searching for a compatible obi, I found one a few months ago. Then came the trouble with selecting the obiage and obijime. I like the colors I've chosen (dark red obiage and brown obijime); they don't stand out very much, but they don't overpower the outfit either. For the most part, that is a look I like. But I also think green and coppery orange would suit it well. I finished the ensemble off with a yellow momiji kanzashi and pale green zori. My sweet boyfriend took the photos:

Café au Lait Houmongi

I am so excited that I won this houmongi on eBay yesterday! It's a gorgeous café au lait color with what I believe to be autumn grasses. Of course, I needed another kimono like a hole in the head, but since I sold my peony furisode, I figured the money could go toward a replacement. ^_^







Now what I do actually need are some more obi and obiage. Since I still have $11 left, I will put that toward the next purchase. =)