Fujifilm X-T20, 23mm f2 test shots

I got a Fujifilm X-T20 as a gift to inspire me to get back into photography again. It's so easy to take photos with our mobile phones these days. I kind of miss the old days when we used to take photos with actual cameras. We used to go on photo walks and time the golden hours just right. Here are a few quick test shots, edited with Lightroom. I need a lot of practice! Will post more and do an in-depth review as I get back into it! Thanks for taking the time to stop by. If you're interested in this camera and lens, both can be found at Amazon, product links below.





Fujifilm X-T20 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/XF18-55mmF2.8-4.0 R LM OIS Lens - Silver

Fujinon XF23mmF2 R WR - Black

Day 1 at the Andaz in Tokyo, Japan

Note: There are referral links placed throughout this blog! We will both receive bonus points if you sign up through my link!

I have visited Tokyo about once a year, for the past 15 years, but have only always stayed in one hotel- the Prince Hotel in Shinagawa- based solely on location/convenience and price.

This is the first time I have stayed at Hyatt Hotels in Tokyo. Prior to checking in to the Andaz, my husband and I stayed 2 nights at the Park Hyatt and 2 nights prior at the Hyatt Regency. (Reviews of the Park and Regency coming soon!)

The Andaz was exceptional and a very pleasant hotel to end our trip to Tokyo in. The Andaz lived up to its description as a “5 Star Lifestyle Boutique Hotel.”

Prior to our arrival to the Andaz, we had our luggage sent by courier from the Park Hyatt directly to the Andaz. We were told that the luggage may arrive as late as 6:00pm, however; we had plans to be out all day (in Asakusa, blog post coming soon!), so this was not a problem.

We checked in to the Andaz at approximately 4:00pm. It was about a 5-10 minute walk from the station and easy to find the building Toranomon Hills, where the Andaz is located.





It was a challenge finding the actual hotel upon entering the building, which is a lobby for businesses at the street level.







Once we found the hotel, we entered the check in area and the staff rushed to assist us. We were seated in the waiting area and the staff took our passports for check in. As soon as we sat down, another staff member asked if we wanted anything to drink, like coffee or tea.




It was extremely blustery outside so we were appreciative of a cup of hot green tea. They served it to us as if we were in a restaurant. It was all very pleasant and relaxing. The waiting area had a nice, warm feel to it, with rich wood tables and comfortable chairs. There were a few areas to the side that were little “nooks” with a more private table and seats as well. There was a bar to the side with a fireplace that gave the area a very cozy feel.




The staff explained that we could order any non-alcoholic drinks in the area and eat snacks. There were 3 jars filled with candy and crunchy snacks. There were also newspapers and magazines. I made sure to grab a Toranomon Hills Shop & Restaurant Guide. This was a lovely place to wait!



We were informed of a nightly wine and canapé hour in the waiting area from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. My husband and I were excited to try it! But more on that later.

One of the staff took us to our room on the 47th floor. The rooms are on floors 47 to 50, so even at the lowest floor, you’re sure to get a stunning view. The staff showed us some features of the room including the curtains which have a black out feature..











The staff also informed us that all the snacks and drinks (excluding alcohol) are complimentary.



To our delight, our luggage had already been delivered to our room! I would highly recommend this service! I won’t go into detail about it here, but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!



I also love that there is a lot of room for luggage here! It’s also a nice space for hanging clothes and spreading out other items. I have always stayed in hotels in Japan which have very limited space for luggage.



We have a couple of hours before checking out the complimentary wine and canapé hour. So I was able to make a one minute tour of our room!

(Please don’t mind my shaky video. I got a GoPro for Christmas and it’s the first time I’m really experimenting with video here. I know I need more practice!)



Other details:

The Bath: This has got to be my favorite bathroom! The shower and tub are connected so you can soak after taking a shower without skipping a beat!

Also, complimentary bath products. I especially loved the bath salts!



Complimentary slippers!



Yukata is provided in most Japanese hotels but I liked the Andaz' yukata because it matched the slippers ;)



Smart toilet! It opens when you enter, flushes when you get up, and closes when you’re done.



I mentioned earlier that it was a blustery day. It also began raining, but we felt cozy in our room!



At 6:00pm we were ready to check out the wine and canapé service.

It was amazing! I’ve been to “manager’s receptions” before and this was above anything I’ve ever experienced!



The staff asked if we wanted white, red or Yuzu wine. Yep, we chose yuzu:



There were also canapé consisting of a sliced beef dish, sweet beans, and savory tartlet:



As we enjoyed our wine and canapé, we contemplated about our plans for the evening.



Since it was raining, we decided to stay in the Toranomon Hills building. There are many restaurants in the building. I know we are in Japan, but we chose a German restaurant because we were craving some different flavors! Also, we don’t have any good German restaurants in Hawaii, so this was a nice treat for us.



It was extremely cozy in the restaurant, looking out at the gloomy night. Our view was made bright by some outdoor artwork.

This particular sculpture by Jaume Plensa is called "Roots" and is a sitting figure constructed from alphabets and characters of eight languages:



After the restaurant we debated going to the roof top bar, but decided to enjoy our room’s view instead. We had purchased beer from the convenience store located in Toranomon Hills. And we broke open the complimentary snacks.







This last photo was taken by my husband.  He captured me hard at work organizing my thoughts for this blog! ;)

Please be sure to visit his blog for more photos and his experiences in Tokyo, Japan!

It was a great first night in the Andaz! Thanks for reading and stay tuned for Day 2 at the Andaz! I will be reviewing the Gym and our Late Check out!

Stitch Fix for Fall 2016

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4410929

In Hawaii, we can't wear all the same fall fashions as our friends on the mainland. We also don't have as many shops and many online retailers charge for shipping or require minimum purchase amounts. If you don't have a lot of time for shopping, don't want to bother looking for clothes online, hate shopping for clothes, are in a style rut, or just feel so limited to the choices you have available to you- (like me!) I urge you to check out Stitch Fix! Stitch Fix also has special sizes like maternity and petite- (like me again!) The sizing is spot on accurate. I've never had an item that did not fit!  The styles are also appropriate! I'm pretty sure my stylist Gillian has magical powers :D 

Read on for more info about Stitch Fix! 

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4410929

Interested in your own? Scroll down or Click on my referral links throughout this post for more information or to sign up: Stitch Fix

 Stitch Fix assigns a personal stylist to pick 5 clothing or accessories to fit your taste/budget. Buy what you like and return what you don't like.

1. Fill out your Style Profile on Stitch Fix

2. Pick the date to receive your shipment

NOTE: you will be charged a $20 styling fee, but ONLY after you pick the date to receive your shipment AND that $20 will be applied as a credit toward anything you keep from your shipment.

3. Try everything on at home!

4. Buy what you like and return the rest

You have 3 days to decide and you’re only charged for these items when you tell  Stitch Fix what you’re keeping and returning. Check out by logging in to your account to pay for those items you want to keep. The $20 styling fee will be applied as credit towards any items you purchase. If you buy all five items, you get 25% off the entire purchase!

Returns are simple! A prepaid mailing bag is included in your "Fix." All you have to do is drop it at any USPS mailbox.  Stitch Fix clients enjoy free shipping both ways! This is such a bonus if you live in Hawaii, like me :)

5. Leave specific feedback for your stylist

If you choose to receive regularly scheduled shipments,  Stitch Fix will automatically schedule the delivery date for your next shipment. You can always choose an alternative date or opt out of regularly scheduled shipments entirely.

Ready to have a closer look at my 9th Stitch Fix? If so, keep scrolling :)



 Stitch Fix unboxing! Instructions in box- details on next photo



Once you receive your  Stitch Fix, try on all 5 pieces- decide what to keep and what to send back, provide detailed feedback about what worked and what didn't, and finally, send back any items in enclosed prepaid package via USPS:



 Stitch Fix now has an awesome app that enables you to preview your pieces once it ships. Here are screenshots showing the names, prices and photos.

When you are ready to check out, be sure to leave detailed feedback! Here's what I said:

MIZ MOOZ #25195-137

Peachy Scalloped Ballet Flats  

$90.00

THANK YOU! I needed a new pair of basic black flats and the scallop was perfect.  First time seeing this brand, I LOVE it! It is pricey but I'm willing to pay for leather and well made shoes. HAPPY! 

KUT FROM THE KLOTH #25021-645

Elyse Printed Straight Leg Pant 

$88.00

At first I wasn't sure about the polka dots because my legs are wide, but I tried it on and it was subtle enough to pull off! Everything fit perfect, as usual. This is MAGIC! Thank you so much!

COFFEESHOP #20390-725

Arue Elbow Patch Cargo Jacket 

$88.00

This was super cute and something I can wear in Hawaii. A bit too light for colder weather however and pricey for what it is- the material was very wrinkly, but I will still keep it for the discount!

OCTAVIA #22883-853

Abbot Border Print Infinity Scarf 

$28.00

This was perfect! I wanted something lightweight and colorful and you really came through on this! Can't wait to wear it for travel and when the weather gets cooler. Love the navy/bright color accent!

URBAN EXPRESSIONS #25204-487

Lacie Crossbody Bag 

$68.00

This was OK, I am super picky about my bags. I carry a camera and need quick access to it so I appreciated the crossbody/slouchy shape, but didn't care for the foldover style. Will keep anyway!       

KEEPING..

All of it!! Remember, to get the 25% discount, you need to keep ALL 5 items.

Here's the price info:

Subtotal
$362.00
Buy 5 discount: 25%
-$90.50
Sales tax
$12.79
Styling fee: purchase credit
-$20.00
Order total
$264.29

Remember you have 3 days to decide what to keep and what to send back.

You can also leave feedback. Here's what I said to my stylist, Gillian:

Gillian is SO WONDERFUL. Her picks are always so perfect! I'm super picky and particular but she always manages to get the right things for me! I really appreciate her conscious effort to get me versatile pieces I can wear to work, or wear out and wear for travel. Everything fits so magically too. I'm so happy to be able to receive such amazing fixes. This was my 9th fix since December 2014. I'm happy and proud to be a Stitch Fix customer and would love to see some sort of loyalty program! Thank you so much for an awesome Fix. I'm on a budget so I won't be able to get another one for a while, but am definitely looking forward to my 10th fix! Thank you Gillian for all your hard work! xoxo, J

I didn't return anything this time, but if you need to, you the process for Stitch Fix is super simple! For example, for my first fix, I returned 2 out of the 5 items. All you need to do is place items in prepaid enclosed USPS envelope..

And place into any USPS drop box!

You can schedule your next "Fix" as soon as you check out online. Remember, you have 3 days to decide what items you will keep/return, but the sooner you decide, the sooner you can schedule your next Fix! You can schedule regular Fixes to occur as soon as 2-3 weeks (and can cancel at any time).

Questions? Feedback? What do you think? Do you receive Stitch Fixes too? Share your thoughts or questions below!

Or if you're interested in your own, click on my referral link for more information or to sign up: Stitch Fix

Some tips on getting a successful  Stitch Fix:

Be specific! You don't get a lot of space, but you can make the most of what they allow you to share. For example:

Work in law enforcement so nothing too adventurous in terms of clothing items. Always looking for basics, esp: longer length, elbow length sleeves and vests in dark colors- black/gray/navy. No trendy shapes- prefer straight hems and simple designs- no stripes for clothes, no dolman style. I incorporate fun colors/prints into my accessories- such as fun shoes and a fun clutch.

I also created a Pinterest board* which helped a LOT, because my stylist was able to find specific items I pinned. Also, be as specific as possible and say what exactly you like about the item(s) in the pin. For example, if you like a sweater in a pin, but don't like the color, etc. Be sure to leave enough room in your request box to include a link to your specific board!

*Tip: follow Stitch Fix on Pinterest to repin items you like to your own personal board and include the link in your  Stitch Fix request!