Japanese Inspired: Kimono Tops

What kind of fashion blog would this be if I didn't mention the H&M line by Madonna? (Although I'm mentioning it quite a few weeks late.)

It was a huge success - although people were wishing the designs had been more outrageous, items were flying off the shelf very quickly and were soon on ebay.com with highly embellished prices.

The kimono-inspired dress on the left is actually $69.95
Not bad for something designed by Madonna herself!!

Although, we all know a kimono would tuck those ta-tas away, not embellish them. Still, it's a great look.

Almost all the stores further down the fashion food chain have taken on Madonna's particular symmetrical pattern for their own "kimono shirts". (If you remember, the old "kimono-inspired" patterns were more heavy one side like actual kimonos.)

Here are two nice ones from Charlotte Russe...

I think this first one is just perfect. A little chic, a little trendy, and a little retro. I love it.


There's also this one, which is less chic but really brings to mind the image of a real kimono.

I also saw this next one online somewhere, and it looks a little cheap, but I thought it was interesting how the design brings together both the kimono trend AND the leopard print trend.