CPCM OPENING IN HARAJUKU

I covered the Opening for the new concept store CPCM for Savvy Tokyo. Check out my article below and the pictures from this amazing new store. Definitely check it out if you are visiting TOKYO!

www.SavvyTOKYO.com

A new hot spot has opened its doors in Jingumae. CPCM “Crafts and Permaculture Country Mall”, is a 30 meter concept store filled with artisan goods and handcrafted art pieces ranging from craftsmen leather, custom made hats, interior décor and pottery.

CPCM is the first permaculture shop in Japan and is a reproduction of the RTH store in Los Angeles, California.  Designer René Holguin, established RTH, and worked with Takashi Kumagai in mimicking his California based boutique .The aesthetic of the store takes nods from the American southwest, marrying rustic décor with stylish bohemian clothing. A mix of Edward Curtis type photographs, ceramics, and furniture creates a multi-layered merchandising experience and everything is for sale!

Poncho’s, bandana printed bags and denim shirts are amongst the men’s and women’s apparel sold by artisan brands, as well as one of a kind vintage Ralph Lauren and Levi jeans. Leather goods and accessories are seen throughout the entirety of the store, including three chairs with a” Charles Eames design” resemblance.

The second floor host’s hand woven artworks and products from designer Emily Katz, as well as ironware pottery and accessories from Iwake Prefecture. Custom hat designer, Bono Coppollo, is an onsite collaboration that is currently taking orders at the store.

The massive “mall” creates a flea market vibe with multiple vendors and crafts. Spend an afternoon checking out the artisan designs and stop by the little snack shack, which sells coffee and sandwiches.

Check out the deets below!

Website: www.cpcm-shop.com

Address: 150-0001 Tokyo Shibuya-ku Jingumae 6-12-22

Telephone: 03-33406-1104

My Crew at Midtown

Our weekends follow an unspoken routine, and somewhere in the pattern a park falls into place. One of the things I love most about Tokyo, is the neighborhood parks. No matter where you are in the city, it is certain that a child friendly, green patch of land will be a stones throw away. After brunch, we pile the kids in the submarine of a stroller and let the sounds of kids screaming and laughing guide our direction. Often we are led to Midtown Park. Slides, swings, a Japanese garden and pond all nestle in a green esplanade behind Midtown towers. A little serenity in the chaos of Roppongi and one of the most beautiful little areas in Tokyo. A picnic must for tourists and a favorite hang out for locals. 

We spent the afternoon chasing Maya up slides and keeping leaves out of Isaiah's mouth, all while enjoying the cityscape of Toks. It was a good day.

Brunching with Babies

       My baby boy is officially one years old.  The cliché phrase, "time flies", has become so redundant and overused in our era, but it is the most natural observation when raising little babies. In one year they blossom from from our tiny, 100% dependent cubs to walking, talking, messing-yet-adorable little humans. We held a party in Seattle for both kids with family and friends prior to leaving over Winter break. So for Isaiah's Tokyo celebration, we kept it just immediate family and went to his favorite brunch. Well maybe it was my husband and I's, but Isaiah, with his refined palette at the ripe age of one,  insisted on the location! :)  Whoever's decision it was in the end, all I know is that my husband shot me the look of insanity when I mentioned our intended morning escapade.  I powered back with the look,  "Don't trip my chocolate chip, we know what to do".  Three years with kids in restaurants, I think we got this. Thanking the stars above for a painless and actually super fun, fancy brunch with babies. Cheers to more in the future! Right babe? RIGHT?! 

      It is a no brainer that Park Hyatt in Shinjuku, is one of the top brunches in Tokyo. Beyond the panoramic views on the 52nd floor, the New York Grill's minimal, yet refined classic interior, is a reason to go there just to take a looksy. A grand piano greets you as you walk in, and large Matisse-esque paintings draw you in as the focal art pieces on the wall. Shall we discuss the food? I won't bore you with the detailed description of the appetizer buffet, complimentary champagne and entree choices, but the experience is above par. If you are in Tokyo, def check it out.

Brunching with the babes is always a hit or a miss, but we have broken it down to some basic rules to avoid the ever-so-lovely table tantrums. 

1.) BRING SOME TOYS - Ones that are hanging around and don't get love at home.

What we have found that bringing small little figurines (typically ones that haven't been given that much love quite yet) are the perfect treat at a restaurant. My daughter will play with these little plastic, attention-keepers for at least a good 30-45 minutes uninterrupted. (That's allows enough time to quench those champagne cravings! #doyouhearme #poundit)

2.) The obvious answer = Technology

As tacky as it may be, when it gets down to crunch time, an educational app is a sure bet. Our favorite apps are Sparkabilities for babies and toddlers, all of the Monkey Lunchbox and, Endless Alphabet. You won't feel guilty giving in to a little technology with these apps. No judgey.

3.) Getting them excited and involved in the experience

My daughter, loves taking pictures, so I bring my camera and let her snap away at all of the photo-worthy subjects along the way. She get's excited about where we are going, what we are seeing and our happy observations of her participation. I think this was her fifth Park Hyatt brunch, (disclaimer: it is a visitor must-do, which we've had many in the past year), but she actually remembers the hotel, the fun lobby and it pumps up the enthusiasm for the "experience." It is a short fix but, it makes the whole transition in and out of the hotel painless and really adorable.

4.) Let them get in on the fun! No dietary restrictions today

Rewarding their amazing behavior! Dessert bar time!

Birthday Celebrations

Can my boys be any cuter? I must say, Park Hyatt were so accommodating for the Birthday celebrations and did their best to give us a great table and nice view.

WHAT I WORE

Outfit deets:

Dress: Altuzarra for Target

Jacket: Japanese Brand: FUR FUR

Tights: H&M

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Under the Train Tracks

Last week, the hubs and I spent the evening in one of our favorite districts, Marunouchi. Sandwiched between the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, it's illuminated streets are the perfect balance of hole in the wall bars, high end retail and name brand Hotels. Missing our reservation at Andy's (blog to come soon), we crossed the street to another "go-to", 6th by Oriental Hotel. The food is good, but the view is better. The restaurant faces the busy JR line train tracks, and hustling crossing. The energy is contagious and people watching is at it's best.

Due to Tokyo's every increasing cold front, I opted for a long dress that I found at Zara and paired it with a Grammés fur chubby. Mirroring Marunouchi's "past meets modern" ambience, I felt old school glam was appropriate.

It was a lovely night under the train tracks!