Mother's Day

"When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew."

Oh hello blog, long time no see. The past three months I have been lost in love with my daughter. Instead of updating posts, I have spent countless hours smiling into the eyes of an angel. I let my laundry pile up and my emails go unanswered to spend as much time as possible to snuggle, savoring these initial moments of intangible bliss. However, now between my love attacks and mastering my skills at being a complete life source for another body, I've found time to post some updates on Tokyo, motherhood, life and of course a bit of style.

As a new mom, my priorities change but my love for design, style, food, and events will forever be a part of me. I plan on sharing photos and updates of our travels, offering advice for the ever-so- unfriendly nursing fashion, and posting photos of my Lil Mama, Maya.


Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's in the World!

Maternity Photoshoot

My husband and I were a little skeptic on taking "maternity pics". I have seen some not-so-flattering shots go viral and I didn't want to become victim to "an attempt to capture memories gone wrong." However, I took the risk and am so happy I did. I wanted to freeze this part of our lives and be able to reflect and reminisce about "our" first pregnancy. The love I have for my husband grows everyday as I see him prepare for fatherhood and the love we already have for our unborn baby is indescribable. Our photographer did an excellent job capturing these moments.

We woke up early on a Saturday morning and headed to the Hie Jinga Shrine in Akasaka, Tokyo. It is pretty special for us to be delivering our first child in Japan and I wanted that to be the theme of our photoshoot. We even made an "Ema" for our soon-to-be daughter.

Our photographer, Anatole Papafillippou is awesome and his portraits for maternity and newborn are amazing. I have worked on fashion photoshoots with Anatole a number of times and always feel comfortable and confident working with him. I highly suggest using him for any portraits if you live in Tokyo or near by. For contact information and to see more of his work, please check out his website:

http://www.tokyophotostudio.com/

Maternity Style with TokyoUrbanBaby

Hi Guys!

I hope your holiday season is full of family, love, food and style :). We are celebrating here in Tokyo for the third year. I can't believe it has been this long since we moved across the ocean to this island we call home. I am just a little over three weeks away from meeting our precious lil' mama and am far too pregnant for a 10 hour flight back home. The holidays and baby preparations have been taking up my time, hence the lack of post during my last trimester. The nesting is kicking in and my chic Tokyo apartment is slowing transforming into a baby haven. Strollers, PAC & Plays and bottle warmers consume the space once occupied by stiff chairs with over stuffed pillows, ornate statues and a clutter free entrance by the doorway. However, I am still keeping the place as sophisticated as possible and refraining from going all-out Chucky Cheese playland.

Although my apartment has adjusted to the newest arrival, my wardrobe has yet to evolve to the stereotypical "motherhood" get ups. I have purchased the necessary nursing bras, tanks and forgivable waistband leggings, but still refuse the boxy, unflattering sheets that take over a pregnant belly.
I recently did an interview with Tokyo blogger and mother Kate Neath.  Her blog TokyoUrbanBaby.com, has a huge following and gives foreign mothers, like myself, the skinny on where to shop, play, eat and hangout with your baby in Tokyo. Her blog provides a wealth of information and resources for mothers within Tokyo and I praise her for sharing all of the goodies.

Kate and I spent an afternoon talking maternity fashion, where to shop and a few style tips for first time pregnant moms. Please check out the interview and if you have some time take a look around her blog.

CHECK OUT THE INTERVIEW HERE~!

http://www.tokyourbanbaby.com/2012/12/stylist-standpoint-in-tokyo-chanyns-maternity-style-fashion-advice-for-pregnant-mothers.html

Uxibal: MayaBoho Apparel

Fashion is beautiful. It is walking art, self expression, and whether intended or not, it shares a story. Recently I have been introduced to this new boot and accessories company called Uxibal. Manufactured and designed in Guatemala, the products are handmade by Mayan artisans using handwoven textiles, establishing a bohemian and free spirited flair. Uxibal is created in workshops rather than factories and is produced when an order is placed, no mass production. These boots are the epitome of walking art, and share the story of the many hands that have touched the leather and threads in which they are made. Now that my friend, is beautiful Fashion.

Please check out this video to learn more about the story behind Uxibal and how you can pledge to keep these boots walkin': CLICK HERE

How fab are these ankle boots? Paired with a sundress or leggings with a large, over-sized sweater, these can be worn all year round.

My favorite are the tall Comolapa boots. The details and patterns are unique and definitely make a statement.
You can style these true to their Bohemian swagger or make them a statement piece with a monotone look.

Boho Accessories

Uxibal also makes handwoven accessories inspired by the native women in Guatemala. This gorgeous, over-sized scarf is a beautiful piece that will stay on trend with it's intricate tribal print.

Make a pledge for Uxibal on KICKSTARTER and assist them in creating sustainable, native Fashion!