Faraway Isles

The islands of Ha Long Bay in Northern Vietnam beckon us with their craggy limestone formations that seem to float on water, as their evergreen summits disappear into the mist. Multi-tiered cruisers will take us around the Bay for a few dazzling days and nights. We picture ourselves in one of their panoramic staterooms, dressed in lightest silks from Karma on the Rocks. We would choose the purple printed Isa Hanabi Silk Pajamas, the Edo Hanabi Silk Slip, and the Kobe Hanabi Silk Robe to complete our meditative experience.

Next, we travel to Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, to visit the art islands of Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima. Here, in the atmosphere of an isolated fishing community, we wake up our senses to a world of contemporary art and architecture. Getting there is half the fun: by trains, ferries, buses, and feet. So we rely upon Japanese design label Aromatique to keep us sleek, hip, and happy in the Ribbed Wool and Lace Long Sleeve Top (black) and the Wool Turtleneck (choice of black or burgundy). Underneath, we are an art installation ourselves in Yuvi Kawano’s pretty Noontime Bralette Set. Arty socks? Yes, from Pierre Mantoux. And why not a pair of Lacy Vino Leather Gloves from Karma Gloves?! 

Namiseom of Nami Island, near Seoul, Korea is especially picturesque in autumn. And crowded. A sort of theme park on an artificial lake, its beautiful tree-lined avenues have been the backdrop for many Korean films. We become the photo-shoot ourselves in awesome silk chiffon from FrancesKa. We might match ourselves to the turning leaves in the Brigitte Red Lavallière Blouse (also available in black for nighttime, white for winter). The Simone Tulle Skirt would stop traffic. Which would be good. Join in the fun of this celebratory place.

Time to click our heels and be back in Portland, another outpost on the Pacific Rim. Here we’ll wrap our arms around all we’ve learned from our island hops, as Jane’s Vanity wraps us up in autumn splendor.