The April Zipper found at all good Tokyo magazine shops, books stores, kiosks and conbinis is all aboput keeping it simple. The pretty in pink cover states that this year's Spring fashion is all about simplicity.


To make things even more simple, inside the Zipper crew have offered up 12 'keywords' for Spring with an 8 page spread of the simple Spring looks. Wanna know what the keywords are ? Oh of course you do...

keyword 1 - retro mini

The retro mini dress is literally taking over Tokyo at the moment. Not too many are brave enough to wear it in the chill just yet but the stores are getting ready in a big way. We expect to see lots of bright tight covered thigh and plenty of gloriously patterned, spotted and striped mini dresses as soon as spring warmth really hits the streets.

A quick window shop this weekend alerted us to the retro minis best friend - the long, chunky pendant. Very cute indeed!

keyword 2 - chiffon

A big fan of the chiffon cake myself, not sure that I am wanting to look like one. According to Zipper chiffon one pieces in every color are hot to trot. In true Zipper style, the cute but simple chiffon one piece dresses are given some spice with sparkley sandals, oversized and long hanging necklaces, spunky tights and cake like hats.

keyword(s) 3 - long t-shirts and tanks

This style is super simple, looks exactly like wearing your nightie with some frilly socks, tights or slim jeans. Seriously though some of the oversized tees are ultra cool and would look good with a belt or wrap to get some shape happening.

keyword 4 - antique

Think vintage but way older. Zipeer is talking lace doilies and old leather school shoes. Not for everyone but certainly something to experiment with.

keyword 5 - balloon

I would never have called this, not in a million years. I thought the balloon/bubble look would melt away as quickly as a three scoop double choc icecream in the summer sun. Zipper shows off the balloon dress in a multitude of colors and styles. Would love to hear how the bubble dress is holding up in other parts of the world ??

keyword 6 - satin

This one is a biggie. A quick pit stop at the newly opened Hanjiro in Shinjuku on the weekend had satin on display as the under layer of choice. Very cute I must say. Vintage satin makes it all the more appealing. Lots of bright satin was seen poking out from under retro mini dresses and crop cardigans.

keyword 7 - salopette

I will admit if I just saw the word without the pictures I would have been heading straight to dictionary.com to find out what a salopette was. For those of you in the same boat as me, a salopette is like a cute pair of overalls. I must also admit I saw this style being pushed in Australia back in Dec/Jan. It is a hard look to pull off! Naturally the Zipper chicks do it so well.

keyword 8 - ribbon

There is no disputing the bow is big!

keyword 9 - shirt

While the oversized shirt look can appear simply as if you have forgotten your pants, with the right partners this look has got alot of potential. Very much digging the over sized short with cropped hoodie being spotted in a few places recently.

keyword 10 - frilly

Ouch, I know this is a keyword not too often bandied around in our hosehold but if Lily Allen and Zipper are all for it then I guess it defintiely gets a look in!

keyword 11- monotone

Who says Spring has to be all about pinks and pastels? Zipper turns on the black and white.

keyword 12 - lace stitch

By lace stitch they are obviously talking about the fabric of lace being used for all number of things. I can dig this...a little bit retro Madonna, a little bit Mary Poppins. May not be sporting it but will certainly applaud it when well done.


A delightful end to a colorful read...

These gorgeous girls adourned the back cover. Blythe bleach- how cute!