Muji: The Love Story

Three years ago I was new to the New York City. I was trying to find my place in my new environment. I had a few friends, but was trying to meet more people.  Naturally, I decided to sign up for a college retreat. When I got to the sign-up sheet, as fate would have it, I didn't have a pen. I saw a guy holding a pen and asked if I could borrow it: It was love at first sight.

"Where did you get this pen? It's amazing!"
"Oh- it's from Muji."
"M... what?"
"Muji. M - U - J - I, Muji."

And the rest, they say, is history.

It was slow at first, but Muji began to take over. It started with their pens and notebooks but gradually the store began to fulfill more and more of my needs (clothing, organization, home goods...)

We have been going steady for 3 years now and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon.



Ok, but really - if you haven't stopped in one of their stores I would highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.

Muji: Minimalist Gifts

Gift giving is incredibly fun if you know exactly the person wants, but 9 out of 10 times, that isn't the case.

My gifting solution is always Muji. (Surprise!)

Here are my top 3 favorite gifts from Muji:

#3.  Chopsticks
I have a friend who really enjoys all forms of Asian cuisine, but would always take several packs of chopsticks from any restaurant she visited in order to always have a supply.  So, needless to say, this gift was perfect.  The Muji chopsticks range in price from $4.35 to $13.00 so you can buy an individual pair or whole set depending on how big your budget is.

#2. Cardboard Speakers

It was Christmas, and I had absolutely no idea what to give my dad.  Guy gifts are always hard for me because 1. I'm a girl, and 2. I don't have any brothers. This find was my saving grace.  The speakers worked well as a gift for several reasons: 

- It lays flat (thus easy to transport in a suitcase)

- They are useful (my dad currently has them sitting on his office desk)

- Construction required (it gave my dad something to build while my sisters and I had a Christmas gift fashion show)

#1. Personalized Notebooks [Warning: some planning required] 

This is the favorite gift that I have given.  I love the Muji notebooks because they are super cheap, and are a joy to write in. For Christmas one year, I bought a few notebooks and sketched iconic New York City sights onto the cardboard cover.  I drew the top of Chrysler Building, the torch from the Statue of Liberty (pictured below), and even the Conservatory Water (including sailboats) from Central Park.  This gift is ideal for your family (especially grandparents) who would rather have a meaningful piece of you rather than just another knickknack from an NYC tourist shop.

Muji: SoHo

This weekend I was in SoHo so I stopped by Muji and yet again was reminded of how much I love this place. The essential oil defusers fill the air with a sweet and relaxing aroma. It's the perfect setting to wander the neatly stacked piles of linen shirts and wicker baskets.

The following photos are my best attempt at capturing the aura of Muji:

Back to the Basics

Muji gets the whole thing about basics. Everyone needs staple pieces that don't draw attention to themselves.  They are simple with no frills.  You won't find them plastered with a logo or a particular style. It simply is the piece of clothing.

Anyone looking to create a minimalist wardrobe or start a capsule wardrobe must start somewhere so here are my recommendations:

The Cotton Mix Coat

and

Wool Turtleneck

I have purchased several articles of clothing from Muji, but these are definitely my top favorites and are two essentials that everyone should have in their wardrobe because of their simplicity and versatility.

Review: Muji Cotton Coat

The Muji Cotton Mix Coat may be the best clothing purchase I have ever made.  I pretty much live in this coat 6 months out of the year because it works so well for fall and spring.

It is the perfect coat.  It's timeless, versatile and works well for all occasions. I have worn it on dates, to the grocery store, on plains and in trains (and automobiles for that matter).

It has held up extremely well over the year and I don't know what I would do without it!

Review: Muji Wool Turtleneck

There are three kinds of turtlenecks: 

1. The massive-I'm-one-big-neck sort that you only find on the Runway

2. The slouchy neck that says "I love looking chill but am actually trying really hard" (yes. poking fun at myself because I do wear these)

3. The slim sleek neck that is subtle but bold

This turtleneck falls into the last category and just happens to go with everything. 

Jeans (light and dark washes)?     Check.

Skirts (maxi, mini, midi)?                Check, Check, Check.

Flats? Heels?                                    CHECK. 

Ok. I will admit I was very suspicious of the no-itch wool that it claimed to be made of.  I have never found a "non-itch" will that made good on its claim so I wasn't holding my breath. 

Well. Once again- score for Muji. No itching. This shirt is 100% wool and comes with all the benefits without the major downfalls.  It is warm, breathable, and lays really well. 

Would I buy it again?

Definitely. 

In fact - I probably will.

Notice the shirt ^^^ 

5 Reasons Why: MUJI

If you asked me what store you should visit on your trip to NYC or LA I would tell you:

"Muji, go to Muji!"

Here are five reasons why I love, love, love Muji:

Muji...

1. ...is the most enjoyable shopping experience.
2. ...excels in Japanese design.
3. ...has a wide range of products.
4. ...is short for "no brand" in Japanese.
5. ...is perfect for gifts.

(bonus: They just opened an online store!)

There is nothing quite like this store, the experience, or their products.  Over the years I have gathered quite a Muji collection including stationary, clothing and organizational tools.  During the next few weeks, I will give you my Muji tips and will be sharing my favorite products with you!

-M