Decorté Kimono eau de Toilette collection

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When did I become a fragrance blog? No complaints, it just amuses me. I’ve been so incredibly lucky to receive a lot of these from the creator or manufacturer, and today’s collection of kimono-themed eaux de toilette from Decorté are no exception. I’ve been wanting to try them for eons, but was unable to afford the full set. I saw a box of travel sizes online so I reached out to Decorte asking if it was still available for purchase somehow. They were kind enough to just gift me the whole travel pack, for which I am very grateful!

I love the idea of a kimono-themed collection, and these are absolutely perfect because they’re all light, airy fragrances that won’t linger on fabric for too long. These would also be fantastic for someone who wants to start wearing perfume but is looking for something delicate and not overwhelming.

Also, how adorable is the packaging? The sample set are tiny version of the full-size, but those are even more charming as instead of a paper label they have a ribbon tied in the back to evoke the feeling of an obi! I love the art design of the whole line, and how it all matches the gentle feel of the scents themselves.

Of course, those scents are the most important part. I have been rotating through them for about six weeks now, and I’d love to share my thoughts and feelings, as well as Decorté’s own descriptions.

Kimono Yui

A transparent floral that invigorates with the freshness of orange water and pink pepper. Brightly energizing with a vivid facet of citrus sudachi, a fragrant invitation to a gentle feeling of happiness.

Kimono Yui was the first fragrance I tried out of the set, and it was a fantastic welcome to this line especially for June in California. It’s bright, fresh, clean, and absolutely perfect for summer. If I were to imagine a kimono for Yui, it would be a crisp usumono with water and fish motifs.

Kimono Tsuya

A vibrant floral musk that enchants with rich Japanese magnolia and rose essence, brightened by green citrus, and deepened by warm musk. Energizing, a fragrant invitation of welcome and warmth. Kimono Tsuya leaves a compelling trail that wraps the senses in warmth and reassurance.

This is a lovely, floral-forward fragrance with more of a presence than any of the others. It’s still what I’d consider a delicate perfume, but it’s more noticeable by others and seems to linger a bit longer than her sisters. “Leaves a compelling trail”If I had to rank them, Tsuya would be my lowest ranking but it’s still lovely and wearable — just less my vibe than the others.

Kimono Urara

A playful fresh floral homage to the sacred water lily, Kimono Usara is a lightly aquatic floral with sweet melon and Fuji apple top notes and a sandalwood base. Stimulating, a buoyant statement of energy and vitality. Kimono Tsuya persuades by enveloping the wearer in a sense of joy and well-being.

Urara is the “happiest of the fragrances, if that makes any sense. It’s bright and bubbly, fresh without being overly fruity or fake (which is a good thing, as I have life-threatening allergies to artificial melon fragrances). The aquatic base helps keep it from being cloying or candy-like. It smells like a picnic in the park near a lake, perfect for late spring through summer.

Kimono Rin

A woody floral that exalts the bold scents of Japanese candied plum and voluptuous jasmine, with a vibrating undercurrent of Patchouli. Sensual, a fragrant evocation of mystery. Kimono Rin leaves a compelling sillage that speaks to confidence and calm.

Kimono Rin is what I would call the most deep or rich fragrance of the bunch. It’s still not heavy or overpowering in the least, but it’s the one that feels the most suited to autumn and winter. That said, I think it might be my favourite of the bunch but that’s no surprise seeing as how I tend to be drawn to woody, warm scents. I can’t wait to wear this one more when it gets cooler out!

Kimono Kihin

A modern floral chypre that celebrates the opulence of Japanese iris. Brilliantly harmonizing top notes of blended citrus with a rich heart of Japanese iris and jasmine, the base complements with warm sandalwood and musk. Kimono Kihin leaves a trailing wake of mystery that speaks to grace and intelligence.

This one might be tied with Rin for my favourite. Again, unsurprising as it’s described as warm and musky. I’ve also come to learn that I really love iris as a perfume note. It’s more woody and spicy than floral, which makes sense as it’s typically derived from the rhizome(root) and not the blossom. Kihin is is another one that’s made it into my regular rotation and will definitely become even more frequent as autumn rolls around and I head back to California.

Overall, these are all absolutely lovely and definitely feel like they’d mesh well with kimono. I’m considering doing themed coordinates for each, the same way I did for Oshiroi by Meleg, focusing both on the fragrance notes and the vibes. What do you think, would you like to see kimono ensembles for these?

You can purchase the entire Kimono fragrance lines as well as other Decorté products directly from Decorté’s website, or from Ulta’s website if you are in the US.

 I received this item from the retailer or manufacturer for honest review purposes.If you have a topically appropriate craft, product, or service you would like me to review, please contact me. 

Home and Native Land

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Yes, I am in the process of getting a US green card. Yes, I plan to move to southern California full-time once that happens. However, I am Canadian through and through and nothing will ever change that. I don’t have blood, I have maple syrup in my veins.

Since today is Canada Day I decided to celebrate with a thematic outfit. I’ve done red and white before, so today I’m thinking outside the box. I’ve said before that this houmongi reminds me of Canadian landscape paintings done by the Group of Seven, so what better place to start? Of course, I had to work in maple leaves again so I got out my beloved momiji/hakata chuuya obi.

To amp up the maple, I used a burgundy haneri with momiji print and then used similar-coloured accents for the obiage and obijime. I tried to tie a tsunodashi musubi but it’s been eons since I did and I’m a little rusty. Everything else just fell perfectly into place and was a pleasure to do, which is always a great feeling. I love how the whole thing turned out, and while it doesn’t scream Canada, it definitely murmurs it, like the wind through trees or waves lapping up on a rocky shoreline.

Maybe in the future I’ll end up doing a stars-and-stripes themed coordinate in July to celebrate. Not for a few years yet, though…

Items used in this coordination

My Kokeshi Collection

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I didn’t set out to start collecting kokeshi ( 小芥子, こけし) dolls, but let’s be realistic — if you’re in any way involved in Japanese traditional arts it’s going to happen eventually. Whether it be gifts, souvenirs, impulse purchases, or any other myriad options, these charming little figurines will find their way into your heart and your home.

I’ve already posted about my Kimmidolls, which are a more modern Australian take on kokeshi-style figures, but as my actual kokeshi collection continues to grow, thanks in no small part to this incredible mystery bundle I got from the Los Angeles Toy, Doll and Amusements Museum, I figured it was time I gave these lovely ladies (and occasional gentleman) their moment in the spotlight.

Dento (Traditional) Kokeshi

Starting with the classic Tohoku-style lathe kokeshi most folks are familiar with, and including regional variations and tourist souvenir types. These tend to have the most “vintage” style faces and decorations.

Traditional Togatta (遠刈田)-style kokeshi

gifted by a local kimono vendor in Montreal, QC
 Yukinko (雪ん子) – Child in Snow kokeshi

LATDA kokeshi mystery box
 Koke-shoe? Yukinko (雪ん子) – Child in Snow kokeshi

LATDA kokeshi mystery box
Three Fude (筆こけし) – Ink Brush kokeshi

LATDA kokeshi mystery box
 Tall stylish kokeshi with packages and hat

LATDA kokeshi mystery box
 Tall skinny kokeshi

LATDA kokeshi mystery box
Twin girl kokeshi-nodda (nodding/bobble head)

gifted by restaurant owners in Montreal, QC
 Charming pair of kokeshi-nodda (nodding/bobble head)

LATDA kokeshi mystery box
 Couple on wooden base

LATDA kokeshi mystery box
Adorable small kokeshi with landscape

LATDA kokeshi mystery box
 Small kokeshi with charming crab motif

LATDA kokeshi mystery box

Sosaku (Modern) Kokeshi

Still crafted by Japanese artisans, these fall under the modern style that became popular in the fifties and sixties. Their designs are more fluid, the shapes are more organic. This is personally my favourite style. I love how shapely they are, and tend to have an excellent and comforting feel when held.

Ume kokeshi with interesting shape, unmarked

thrifted in Oak Glen, CA
 Slender Usaburo kokeshi

thrifted in Montreal, QC
 Petite kokeshi with bob, unmarked

gifted by a friend
Carved kimono kokeshi by Takamizawa Kazuo

LATDA kokeshi mystery box
 Hanakasumi kokeshi by Artforum

gifted by a friend
 Diminutive unpainted round kokeshi

gifted by a friend

Alternative Kokeshi

These may include Japanese dolls that don’t fit elsewhere or kokeshi-inspired art dolls from around the world.

Kokeshi stacking block toys by House Industries x Uncle Goose

purchased on Etsy
 Kokeshi stacking block toys by House Industries x Uncle Goose

purchased on Etsy
 Kokeshi stacking block toys by House Industries x Uncle Goose

purchased on Etsy
Kokeshi stacking block toys by House Industries x Uncle Goose

purchased on Etsy
 Kokeshi stacking block toys by House Industries x Uncle Goose

purchased on Etsy
 Elegant kokeshi by Canadian artist Christiane Bissonnette

thrifted in Montreal, QC
Frida Kahlo art doll Kokeshi by Lucie Kaas

purchased at Palm Springs Art Museum gift shop

Kokeshi-style trinket box, girl

purchased at Palm Springs Vintage Market
 Kokeshi-style trinket box, boy

purchased at Palm Springs Vintage Market
Mass-produced tourist kokeshi I bought because it looked like me in this outfit.

purchased in Montreal QC’s Chinatown district
 Teeeeny Tiny Kokeshi. You can view a close-up here. This one lives in this diorama now.

gifted by a friend

I do intend to get full 360 video of each of these beauties, since some of them have writing or fun details on alternate sides, but that’s a project for when I have more free time.

Because I am nothing if not shameless, I do have a wishlist of easily-available kokeshi on Amazon right now too. I am also on the hunt for the Usaburo Kuromi and may snag her soon, as well as Lucie Kaas Vincent Van Gogh but it’s not available at any North American retailers I can find at the moment.

By Any Other Name

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I found this charming rose furisode at the same time as I got the absolutely unctuous brown houmongi recently. As a married woman in her mid-forties, did I need yet another furisode? Heck no. Was I going to let that stop me? Also no. I love how subtle and demure it is, especially for a furisode. And the price was fantastic.

My beloved emerald and gold hakata packs a nice punch against the muted creme tone of the kimono, and pink accessories were a no-brainer. I’d love to get an actual rose obidome or obi-kazari to go with it, but this gold and sakura piece works in the meantime. I feel like this is a good “mature” furisode outfit, especially if I were to tie the obi in something a bit less large and fluffy next time.

The kimono is quite new so I don’t have a catalogue photo for it, but weirdly I don’t seem to have one for this sanbuhimo either? Which is odd, because I’ve had it for eons. One day I’ll get my collection catalogue up to date. One day…

Items used in this coordination

Review – Sakura Signatures Fidget Toys

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“Don’t play with that!”
“Put that down!”
“Stop fidgeting!”

Those of us on Team Neurospicy have heard these lines all through our lives. Thankfully people are becoming much more understanding of things like fidgeting, and focus disorders in general. Enter the fidget toy. Designed specifically to fill that need, they’re available in all sorts of fantastic permutations and designs, catering to every type of movement. And nowadays, with the advent of things like 3D printing, making them has become more accessible than ever. Which also means making designs to cater to every aesthetic!

Enter Sakura Signatures, a small business designing and making all sorts of fantastic fidget toys and other custom products. They make a variety of products, but of course I was drawn to these.

First off, how adorable is this takeout bento packaging?! If you purchase two fidgets, you can select a third one for free and get them packaged like this. Since I wanted a few different mechanisms, I had to go for it.

For my bento, I selected three different designs with three different fidget methods. The matcha whisk is a nice loud ratcheting spinner, the bao is a quiet magnetic slider, and the tuna maki is a soft clicking key button. I love that they offer multiple styles and volumes, for all your fussbudget needs. You can also choose to get them on a keychain, like I did, or without the chain. I’m just very prone to losing things so I knew being able to attach them to a keychain or zipper would be best.

If you would like to see these in action (and really, isn’t that the most important part?) here’s a video of me testing them all out. Ignore the giggle. I just really enjoyed them!

@kimono_tsuki

Check out these absolutely precious fidget toys from @sakura_signatures! fidget fidgettoy kawaii matcha bao sushi

♬ original sound – Kimono Tsuki 着物月 – Kimono Tsuki 着物月

The dumpling is my favourite, due to the mechanism and the general quietness of it, but they’re all going to get a ton of use. If you’re like me and need to play with things to focus, and want something that suits your style and would not look out of place as an obi-kazari, be sure to check out Sakura Signatures. Personally, I’m really hoping they bring the Advent Calendar back for next year.

 I purchased this item myself and chose to review it.If you have a topically appropriate craft, product, or service you would like me to review, please contact me.