Shutting Out the Sun: How Japan Created Its Own Lost Generation (Vintage Departures)

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"Shutting Out the Sun: How Japan Created Its Own Lost Generation (Vintage Departures)" Overview

The world’s second-wealthiest country, Japan once seemed poised to overtake America. But its failure to recover from the economic collapse of the early 1990s was unprecedented, and today it confronts an array of disturbing social trends. Japan has the highest suicide rate and lowest birthrate of all industrialized countries, and a rising incidence of untreated cases of depression. Equally as troubling are the more than one million young men who shut themselves in their rooms, withdrawing from society, and the growing numbers of “parasite singles,” the name given to single women who refuse to leave home, marry, or bear children.

In Shutting Out the Sun, Michael Zielenziger argues that Japan’s rigid, tradition-steeped society, its aversion to change, and its distrust of individuality and the expression of self are stifling economic revival, political reform, and social evolution. Giving a human face to the country’s malaise, Zielenziger explains how these constraints have driven intelligent, creative young men to become modern-day hermits. At the same time, young women, better educated than their mothers and earning high salaries, are rejecting the traditional path to marriage and motherhood, preferring to spend their money on luxury goods and travel.

Smart, unconventional, and politically controversial, Shutting Out the Sun is a bold explanation of Japan’s stagnation and its implications for the rest of the world.


From the Hardcover edition.

"Shutting Out the Sun: How Japan Created Its Own Lost Generation (Vintage Departures)" Specifications

The world’s second-wealthiest country, Japan once seemed poised to overtake America. But its failure to recover from the economic collapse of the early 1990s was unprecedented, and today it confronts an array of disturbing social trends. Japan has the highest suicide rate and lowest birthrate of all industrialized countries, and a rising incidence of untreated cases of depression. Equally as troubling are the more than one million young men who shut themselves in their rooms, withdrawing from society, and the growing numbers of “parasite singles,” the name given to single women who refuse to leave home, marry, or bear children.

In Shutting Out the Sun, Michael Zielenziger argues that Japan’s rigid, tradition-steeped society, its aversion to change, and its distrust of individuality and the expression of self are stifling economic revival, political reform, and social evolution. Giving a human face to the country’s malaise, Zielenziger explains how these constraints have driven intelligent, creative young men to become modern-day hermits. At the same time, young women, better educated than their mothers and earning high salaries, are rejecting the traditional path to marriage and motherhood, preferring to spend their money on luxury goods and travel.

Smart, unconventional, and politically controversial, Shutting Out the Sun is a bold explanation of Japan’s stagnation and its implications for the rest of the world.


From the Hardcover edition.

Available at Amazon


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Flea Market Finds: How to be a Master!

I take great pride in the fact that I am a self-taught genius of flea markets. This essentially means that I am capable of finding fabulous treasures among what looks like piles of trash. People are easily overwhelmed by situations like this, but I thrive on it. It is a talent that has been honed over many years, but I want to give you, my fashion audience, some quick tips about how to "find the fab".

Take this dress to the left. It was on a sad little hanger in the back of a parking lot flea market looking tired and bored. That is until I found her and breathed new life back into her body! I was just strolling past this particular flea market, as it usually goes in NYC, and I decided to do a walk through. Nothing too crazy, I just wanted to take a glimpse. I usually only go toward jewelry and bags in these situations because they are the easiest to search through, but for some reason, I decided to look at a rack of vintage dresses. The word vintage can be deceiving. People think of celebrities wearing vintage gowns on the red carpet, but mostly it just means that things are old! And so was the story with this long, wine colored polyester gown from the 70's. Right there in the parking lot I tried this baby on over my clothing to see if it even remotely fit. And lo and behold, my eye was right on. It was a little long and a little loose, but for $25, it was sold. Of course the fun part of this story is that I then had to have it tailored for $96. The key to this type of shopping is knowing that often times, tailoring is a part of the price. I still got a floor length gown that I have worn numerous time for $130. Not too bad.

Another one of my great finds is this snake skin bag. Sure she's a little beat up, but she just keeps on ticking! Whenever I pair this bag with an outfit, I receive a compliment. It is over-sized and relaxed, creating a laid back vintage look every time I rock it. For $12 in Chicago, this snakeskin bag has been put to good use. At any retail store a new bag just like this one would be upwards of $200 to $250.

Just this weekend I found this amazing art deco bracelet at my favorite flea market in Hell's Kitchen. I am in way too many weddings this summer and I am trying to save money by styling two dresses different ways. This way I feel like I am wearing different outfits, but not buying completely new ensembles. This is totally for my own benefit since I will literally not be seeing the same people at any of the seven weddings I am attending. Yes, I said seven.

This little bauble only cost me $28 and was worth every penny. The detail and quality of it are amazing. To me, it also adds a bit of character to my look knowing that every piece of jewelry I am wearing I searched for and found a fabulous deal on! I will, of course, let everyone at every wedding know this and how much I paid for each piece. I can't help myself.

So here are a few quick tips to navigating a crazy flea market:

PATIENCE IS KEY: You are never going to find anything if you are rushing through the market. You have to accept the fact that this is an activity and enjoy the search. Sifting might take time, but it will totally be worth it if you find your next favorite piece.

DON'T GO WITH ONE THING IN MIND: You are never going to find exactly what you are looking for. Certain pieces are more plentiful then others, i.e. vintage jewelry, but this place is NOT merchandised for your pleasure. Go with the idea that you might find something fabulous.... Whatever it may be!

GO FOR QUALITY: There is a lot of junk at flea markets. Piles and piles of it. At some flea markets, that is all there is. Be discerning. If it is clothing, look at the stitching and stain possibility. Check for missing buttons. If it is jewelry, look for tarnishing and broken clasps. It may look cute, but if it is inexpensive crap, then you will look like inexpensive crap when you wear it:)

ACCESSORIES ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND: This is going to be the easiest thing to pick up. There is always a ton of bags and jewelry at any flea market. If you are looking for a trinket to get you through your shopping lull, then this is the place for you. Again, patience is key and only buy it if you love it.

CIRCLE AROUND ONCE BEFORE PURCHASING: Look at everything and make a short list of what you love. Go with a certain amount of cash and when you run out, it is time to leave. Most vendors only take cash so this is an easy way to stay on budget! Make wise choices and you will always love what you buy.

MOD-tastic! My Throw Back to the 60's

You should know by now (if you are an avid reader), that most things I buy have a story behind them. Why should this dress be any different? Almost 5 years ago, while living in Chicago, I wandered into my favorite second hand store (think Goodwill here), and found this fabulous creation. It was old, it was wrinkled, it was amazing. My eye was instantly drawn too it's Missoni-esque style. The fit was slightly off and it was a floor length gown, hardly wearable, but for 5 bucks it was mine. I seriously only paid $5. The truth is that other people would have seen grandma's old, beat up dress where as I saw lots and lots of MOD possibility.

After purchasing my new, amazing dress, I (almost) immediately went to the cleaners. After hosing down my frock, I took it to the best tailor in town. An awesome $5 purchase deserves all of the tailoring it needs. It STILL would not, could not, ever be as much as a brand new shiny cocktail dress. Plus, no one will have a copy of it and you have a fab story to tell when you wear it.

So, after cleaning it, taking it in, chopping off the bottom to a proper cocktail length, it sat in my closet for over 4 years. This is truly not my style, but I just could not find a place to wear this amazing party dress. I am usually only this dressed up for weddings and most of those take place in the warmer months. This dress was clearly made for "getting down" when there was a chill in the air. The material is thick and the silver screams for snow flakes. So it took me getting invited to judge a "Condom Couture" fashion show in October to bring this baby out! She was so happy for the world to see her.

You know that if I was going to show off my $5 "Missoni" dress from a Goodwill style store, I was going to go all the way. Why style things boring when you can style things fabulous?!? I really went with the mod feeling of the dress and pulled out all of the 60's stops. You never want to feel like you are wearing a costume, but why not use what the dress is giving you? This dress was giving me retro fabulous. I went completely vintage and pulled out my silver clutch that also cost me no more than $10. Ladies and gentleman, here we have a $15 look prior to shoes and jewelry. Who is a recession proof fashionista now? I slathered on dark sparlky silver nail polish, the color of the moment, and 2 of my favorite vintage-esque rings. All in all, I was a sparkly silver masterpiece!

My black patent leather round toe wedges completed the look. They were feminine with a bit of sex appeal. They sealed the deal on the cute, sassy 60's feel I was going for. Of course styling does not end with the ensemble, so my make-up and hair had to be done up right! Complete with a cat-eye and a teased out pony tail with side-swept bangs, I had achieved my MOD goal.

Next time you are going to a special gala, don't be afraid of going the distance. A look is about the whole package, not just the dress. Put the effort into creating a head to toe style and you will certainly have a memorable (if not stylish) evening!

Weekend Wedding Fabulous: Old Hollywood Style

I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of my best friend since I was 14 years old. If we are counting folks, that means we have known each other for 16 years, oy. He and I went to our first dance in high school together and, based on a contract I made him sign early on, our prom as well. He is my brother from another mother.

This past Labor Day weekend, he and his beautiful bride were married in Lake George at the famous Sagamore hotel. The place was absolutely to die for. It sits on a cliff side overlooking Lake George and had "old Hollywood" written all over it. At least in my mind.... It also was reminiscent of Dirty Dancing and this was only promoted by the fact that they had the soundtrack playing there. I swear, could I make that up?

I decided to go with the throwback theme and pull out a vintage light grey silk gown that I have owned for a year. This was a bit of a tricky piece as I bought it when I was a size bigger and it was see-through. Oh yea, see-through. What I had going on underneath that dress was short of a miracle that I devised. Thank God I am a stylist or this never would have been pulled off. Here is the list of goodies it took to make this fabulous look happen: Double stick tape, check. Clear stick on boobs that appeared to be actual fake breasts stuck to mine, check. Nude, barely there at all thong, check. I really wish my boyfriend had been able to make the wedding becauses I had no one to show this monstrocity to. I had to laugh at it myself:) I should also mention that I got back from Columbus on Thursday and had to leave on Friday leaving a small hour and a half window to find all of these lovely items. Sales people looked at me like I was nuts when I explained the dilema, it was then that I realized I was completely on my own.

Once the ridiculous adventure of finding all of these undergarments was threw, I rolled up the dress and stuck it in a bag for the Greyhound bus ride I had to take up there. I am so damn glamorous. But alas, it really did turn out all right. I was obsessed with how the look turned out. It was themed, but not over the top. My boobs managed to stay on all night so that was a plus. My friends joked that they were going to make shirts that read, "I danced my tits off at Eric's wedding". Thankfully, this was not true in my case!




So paired with my sassy silver shoes and vintage clutch (oh yea, I went all the way with the vintage thing), I would say I looked pretty fab. You always know you did a good job when other guests at the wedding are stopping you to tell you how amazing your dress is and how they like your throw-back to another era look. Remember, no matter where you are going it is not just about one piece, it is about the WHOLE ensemble. That is truly what styling is, making the entire outfit completely fabulous!!!

Home Made Fabulous: Layer on the Charm!

Inexpensive, fun and fabulous! Three words I often use to describe my own style. Now it is time to infiltrate these 3 little adjectives into your very own wardrobe. It often does not take millions of dollars to be stylish and interesting. In fact, some of the richest people I know have the worst fashion sense. It is not always about the dollar amount, it is about how you creatively put it all together!

Over the years I have scoured not only my own old jewelry boxes, but my grandmothers jewelry and any local salvation army store I can find. All with one purpose in mind, to find some awesome stuff. This is most easily done when looking for accessories, specifically jewelry. You can find the most random, amazing pieces that are just looking for a home. Someone to love them again... You can be that person!

The truth is, not all pieces are fabulous when they stand alone. BUT, mix them up with other interesting and creative items and you might just create something outstanding. The easiest way to make this happen is to put some of your fantastic (or not so fantastic) finds all on one chain. Like a good ensemble, it can heighten the style quotient of some of the other pieces by mixing and matching otherwise not so fabulous charms. One of my personal favorite charm necklaces combines a leaf made out shell material from NYC street shopping, a round charm that says "Betty" on it and a totem pole head that I got in Alaska. Each of them separately have personal meaning but are not outrageously great, but together they are a true party conversation piece! Who is Betty? I have no idea, I got it at Salvation army along with the chain. I just let people know that I am a "Betty", a quote straight from Clueless.... Fashion is what you make of it so be creative in your definitions as well as you ensemble items!

Knife Multi-Chain Brass Necklace with Black Chain by Cecilia Gonzales
$39.95

Toyko Joe: Awesome NYC Consignment Store

So with the special requests to see more of my own personal style, I thought it was time to invite you in to one of my favorite stores. This is not one of those places that you go to with a plan, oh no. Your sole purpose for going to Tokyo Joe's is to to find that one amazing "diamond in the ruff" type of piece. Some of my greatest purchases have been from this small 11th street consignment store and none of them have been sought after or planned.

The preparation to shop at Tokyo Joe's is simple: Just go. It is full of fabulous consignment pieces that range from Manolo's to Jimmy Choo's with a bit of Banana Republic and Theory thrown in for good measure. Basically, you can seriously get a range of items that can instantly spice up your look. The greatest part is that the buyers for the store really do sift through all of the incoming possible items to make sure they are current and fashionable. They may only take one or two items from an entire bag full of clothes which ensures that your intimate shopping experience will be that much more worth while.

The space is not that for the "merchandised" shopper, so be prepared. You are there to search in what appears to be a studio sized apartment. You must be easy going about your shopping experience and only bring those along that are also ready for the hunt. Since all of the items are one of a kind it is best to bring a friend that is not your size and super stylish. This way they will not only NOT be your size, but they will be of great assistance in finding items for YOU! Of course this theory works both ways so one must not be greedy!

Just a quick list of unbelievable things I have gotten here: A massive brown suede and pattened leather Kate Spade tote, a brand new Franco Sarto bag for half price, a white watch similar to Channels, a wrap shirt by Anne Fontaine, a large black leather clutch... I could go on and on and on..... The basic point you should take away is that even if you can't make it to NYC's east village, find your own favorite "hole in the wall" consignment or sample store. Stop in from to time and your favorite pieces collection will slowly grow and grow and grow.....

Toyko Joes: 11th street between 1st and 2nd avenues

Something Borrowed: Vintage Veils

Let's talk recession proof wedding style. Is there any better way to look fantastic and give a shout out to your mom than with her borrowed veil? I think not! You have covered three bases in one, something borrowed, acquiring a headpiece and spending NO money! I love innovative styling!

Many women have nothing to do with their beautiful gown and veil after the big day. They pack it up and tuck it nicely underneath the bed hoping that one day they will have a daughter who will wear it proudly. One huge problem, the likely hood that your daughter will not only be the same size, but actually like the dress is next to impossible! Styles come and go and trying to don a dress exactly as it was around 30 years after its original wear is a difficult task.

So, what better way to show off your mother's beautiful wedding taste than to re-wear her veil and skip over the dress. There are options to re-work it in order to modernize it without taking away the heartfelt sentiment. Adding in a new head piece such as a broach, comb or crown is the simple way to make it your own and still show mommy that you love her.

Everyone is trying to cut corners no matter where the spending is happening, so why not think outside of the box for your wedding day as well. There are plenty of vintage pieces lurking around your grandmother and mother's closets so jump on them fast! Work them not only into your wedding look, but your everyday look as well!

Photo courtesy of Queensofvintage.com

Summer Layers: Vintage Vest

Just because warmer months are on their way, doesn't mean that layering is still not an option! The vest is a perfect way to pump up the look of your ensemble without adding too much bulk or material. Sweating is never a hot accessory.

This lace vintage looking vest is a perfect option for adding a bohemian flare to any of your summer tank tops or flouncy dresses. It is light and airy with a romantic feel that will give any piece that extra style that is sometimes hard to achieve in the hottest of hot days.

If lace isn't your thing, think linen. It is also a great material for the warmer months. Try out a more structured style for a different feel. Linen is a loose material that will lend itself to the easy feel of Summer even if it is a structured, more rigid style.

Adding a vest is also a great way to cover up a little if less clothing in the Summer is not your thing. It makes any barely there piece more realistic for different occasions including the workplace. So ladies, vest it up.

Tikarani Valencienne Vest
$68.00

One Dress, Two Ways: Actually Wear Your Formal Dresses!

So here I am making you more jealous. Not only did I go away for a week and lie on a beach, now I am going to show you pictures too:) I don't want to hurt your feelings too badly, so I will just talk about my fabulous vacation style!

One thing I really hate is when people store clothing away for certain occasions... "This is my dress for evening weddings". Or, my personal favorite, "This is my funeral outfit". Seriously? Well, just take one look at my cute dinner ensemble and you will see that taking something from cocktail hour at your 3rd cousin's wedding to a date night in Florida isn't that difficult! You just need to own the right pieces and have a great on-line stylist to teach you how!

I bought this maxi dress at a vintage warehouse sale about 3 years ago. I actually paid just to get into the sale and spend money on clothing. I am crazy, but this stuff was amazing!!! This dress is circa 1970 and it still looking hot today. Usually I wear it with gold rope high heels, a long gold chain necklace (actually from a hardware store) and a gold clutch also circa 1970. But I ask you, why would I keep this fabulous frock tucked away in the back of my closet just for fancy occasions?

With the maxi dress being the hottest trend of the summer season, it is time to put this baby on display! By pairing it with a casual cropped white jacket and flat gold sandals, I have instantly made it more casual. Pulling in a white leather clutch with a tassle and layering on multiple bangles, I have pushed it even more into the "date night" category. My tousled hair and light make-up make this look perfect for a dressy, yet casual summer evening.

Love the pieces you own and let them shine!

Chloe Sevigny: Vintage Chic

Her style is consistently spoken about, yet it appears so off the cuff it is truly difficult to emulate at times. This is what makes a real fashionista, making the impossibly confusing or unattractive seem effortless and chic. Enter Chloe Sevigny.

Although it appears that she was just dragged from a second hand store, don't be fooled, there is definite thought behind this vintage fabulous look. The great combination of old and new, be it designer or flea market retro, are what truly make this look a style. She manages to easily mix together pieces that most people would consider time for Salvation Army and give them a new and fantastic life.

Pulling together her vintage chic look is also about understanding your proportions and best features, as any great fashionista already knows. Chloe has fabulous legs and presents them to the public as often as possible. Short, flouncy dresses accentuate her flower child presence while also representing her great gams. A perfectly proportioned silhouette that seems effortless is the base foundation of this incredibly personal look she has developed.

The serious key to achieving this style is to not only understand your own personal proportions, but it is to look outside of the box and see the true possibility in every garment. Would you really have grabbed the dress she is wearing on the right and thought it was fabulous?!? Remember, old pieces can look new and new pieces can look old. Vintage chic is about understanding the proper combinations to bring life into all of your individual pieces to have a completly fabulous outifit!!!

Photo courtesy of NYmagazine

The New and Improved Boho Chic for Spring

Moo moo dresses are done damn it, I have declared it so! Of course this does not mean that loose and airy clothes for Spring are not still on the fashion radar. Spring and Summer (and the rest of the months too as far as I am concerned) will always be about comfort. The difference this year, as opposed to the last few, is that the silhouettes will not allow your acquaintances to question if you are preggers. Put the pregnant fashion back.

As Sienna Miller is showing so perfectly here, you outfit must have shape and a clearly defined body lurking somewhere under your ensemble. She has done several things very well here: First off, she is off-setting the bounce and flow of the top half with a very slender jean on her bottom half. If jeans this tight are not your thing, you CANNOT wear a very over-sized top! You will just look like a big balloon if you try and wear big items with big items unless you are rail thin and even then it truly isn't that flattering.

Secondly, Sienna is defining her shape by adding a cropped vest to her flouncy top. This additional piece hangs nicely below her bust (otherwise known as an empire cut) drawing attention to the chest area. This is always a good idea when you wear a top that could overwhelm your petite frame. The vest fits perfectly because it is snug around her arms and then hangs in such a way that compliments the flowy nature of the shirt without having an excess of material. The two tones of the garments are earthy and complimentary to one another, plus, the difference of color again defines her shape even more.

Adding in a larger bag and simple ballet flats make this a completely stylish and appropriate dog-walking outfit! No one ever said wearing sweatpants to walk your dog was alright, just pretend that the paparazzi are right around the corner at all times to put your mug in US Weekly... I know I always do:)

Photo courtesy of Soundoffcolumn.com

Lovely Lace Lady: Dazzle in this Sexy Material

Michelle Williams has got a knack for being classy and alternative at the same time. She always rocks a bit of a vintage feel in any look she puts on her back. Whether she is going to the Cannes Film Festival, as seen here, or walking the streets of Brooklyn where she lives with her daughter Matilda, she always look fashionable. She is what we define here in New York City as East Village Chic. Yes, we have styles based on neighborhoods..... It is an eclectic city folks and we have to define people:)

This lacy frock could have easily gone all wrong. Hell, lace is often thought of as an "old lady" material so she is quite possibly bordering on scary for a lot of people. But you stop right there... I said stop! This material, if worn properly, can take you in quite a different direction. Obviously this head to toe lace concoction is not that of an everyday outfit, but think of the sexy possibilities you might offer your outfit by adding in a lacy piece. It says, "You want to have me and my lacy sexiness, but I am a classy lady that will make you wait.... at least a little:)".

Think of adding it in either on the top or the bottom of your outfit as to still feel comfortable and pretty at the same time. A beautiful lace-overlay skirt would be fabulously sexy and appropriate for most occasions. Even the office is a possible destination for this look depending on where you work. Corporate America might have a heart attack, so save it for after-work drinks! The most common way to work this material is as a tank top possible peaking through your button-down shirt! Just a hint is always a home-run. I cannot believe I just made a baseball reference. If you are a bit funky, taking a cut-up piece of lace and wrapping it around your wrist a few times to create a bracelet is a great idea. Add other pearl and chain-link bracelets on the same wrist to really push the envelope.

Love thy lace.

Photo courtesy of Zimbio.com