Let The Takeover Begin...

There's an article about me on Nerve.com this week, so who knows what could be next?
Photography by the fabulous Samuel-Christophe Tedjasukmana.

Fancy Fingerwork

By now you've probably realized the extent of my nail art obsession, and like many young Japanese women, my nails have become an extension of my self expression. Most people slip on seasonal accessories; my accessories are a little more permanent, but reflect of-the-moment accoutrements from plaid to bows. Unfortunately not everyone has a penchant for nail art, and although the practice is extremely popular in Japan, its still far from the norm. The ladies of Japan's synchronized swimming team are quickly learning that according to some Olympic officials, nail art has a time and a place. Yesterday Reuters reported that members of Japan's synchronized swimming and diving disciplines, will be banned from having "dyed hair, elaborately painted nails or pierced ears." The rules were put into effect after officials declared that the athletes looked more like rock stars than swimmers. I understand why divers should have to follow these rules, since I imagine that dangling chains and built-out acrylic kittens on nails would most likely affect their performance and speed in the water... but what's so wrong with a little finger pizazz to compliment some sweet synchronized moves?

Via Jezebel

Sweet Tooth

One distinct difference between American culture, and Japanese culture, is their meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of life. From their traditional and extensive tea ceremonies, to their obsession with fashion, not one detail is overlooked. A friend of mine recently said I was born in the wrong country, that I was meant to be born in Japan - I think that was her kind way of telling me that I have OCD tendencies when it comes to certain things. One of those things being my attention to accessories, both those firmly affixed on my person (I consider hair and nails important accessories,) or those carried on my person. And what do people always carry with them? Their cell phones of course! A couple months ago when I purchased a new phone, I was ecstatic to find that I finally possessed a phone with accessory capabilities. I promptly went to my local Japanese boutique (in this case Soho's Kiteya,) and stocked up on danglies and doodads. The sweets pictured above are just a taste of the myriad of options available to those who want to sweeten their load. Whether you're adding some much needed funk to a calculator, or some ice cream to your PDA, you really can't go wrong. This trend, like many other Japanese trends, hasn't exactly crossed over to North America yet but that hasn't stopped me from dressing up my phone, and envisioning the streets of Tokyo. Super kawaii!!!

Pressed For Success

This summer I've somehow found myself consistently surrounded by flowers. Whether I'm roaming the streets in a floral print dress, ruminating about my fire escape garden (more on that later), or buying a bouquet at the corner deli - I just can't escape them! And I'm not complaining. For the past few years, my mother has told me that I should always have a bouquet of fresh flowers in my apartment, but it's just so sad when they shrivel up and wilt. I admit, there's nothing like fresh flowers to brighten up a space, and any woman who says she doesn't like getting flowers is lying. So what better way to keep 'em fresh than to seal them in CalGel on your very own nails? That's right, those are real dried flowers you see above courtesy of Mika at Valley... now if only I could figure out how to get those darn squirrels out of my flower box.

Nail photograph by Christophe Tedjasukmana.

Digable Digits

A couple years ago when I was working at TRACE, I sauntered over to the Lower East Side to check out a boutique at the behest of a coworker. They specialized in Japanese nail art, and my coworker joked that once I tried it, it would be my "thing". Oh how he was right. That fateful day I walked into Valley and a nail goddess was born. People either love it or hate it, but I'm pretty much guaranteed a reaction once they lay their eyes on my pretty polished paws. For your viewing pleasure, I've put together a Flickr album of some of my favorite sets. And as always big ups to Mika (NYC's baddest nail art-iste!) and the fabulous Werman sisters.