Pink Pleats on Philosopher’s Path

Jessica Sturdy on Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, Japan wearing a denim jacket and pleated pink midi skirt.

Philosopher’s Path is a must-see in Kyoto! I didn’t make it there on my first visit to Japan in 2016, but it was on our list for this April 2018 trip. Typically, this entire canal is flooded with a blanket of cherry blossoms. Seeing this surreal sight was at the top of our agenda, but as I’m sure I’ve mentioned, we totally missed the cherry blossoms this spring season because it was so warm so early this year. But even without the pretty pink flowers, it was a leisurely afternoon activity for an hour or two!

Chicago travel-based blogger and influencer Jessica Sturdy styling a denim jacket with a tee, pleated skirt, and round handbag in Kyoto, Japan along the Philosopher's Path walkway.

It’s said that famous Japanese philosophers used to walk this path on their morning meditations, and it’s easy to see why, as it’s so peaceful. I’m sure it’s even more so during the morning hours! There are little shops and small restaurants along the way… Take your time exploring the area. Yojiya Cafe is a great spot to stop and have some tea and sweets! We also stopped at Goken Uiro for a matcha shaved ice and at a more touristy-looking cafe with outdoor seating for a glass of wine.

After my first trip to Japan, I had forgotten just how widespread Kyoto was. Most of the city has such a quaint feel, but it takes quite a while to get from one side of the city to the other! The entrance to Philosopher’s Path was about a 30-40 minute walk from our apartment (each way)… Our plan was to walk there and taxi home, but we weren’t able to catch a cab back home and ended up walking both ways. (Uber isn’t a thing in Kyoto, and Philosopher’s Path is in a more remote area of the city.) Definitely got our steps in that day!

Jessica Sturdy wearing a pink pleated midi skirt and Loeffler Randall sandals on the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, Japan.

One (not-so-)little note about these sandals…

I got them back in 2016, but I still wear them con-stant-ly. They were definitely an investment (they’re Loeffler Randall), but the cost per wear at this point is probably PENNIES! And they’re so insanely comfortable — I’ve never had a single blister from them and I’ve walked MILES while wearing them when traveling. Honestly! They don’t look like they’d be the most comfortable sandals, but they truly are.

This exact style is sold out (you can find a different colorway here), but Loeffler Randall always has these same lace-up sandals available — just in different colors and with different embellishments! Before I had this pair, I had a tassel pair that I wore over and over, too. (See this post, this post, and this post.)

BUT if you’re not in the market to splurge on a new pair of sandals right now, I feel ya and YOU’RE IN LUCK! I literally just found an IDENTICAL pair for SUPER CHEAP. Thank me later. 😘

Jessica Sturdy on Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, Japan wearing a pleated skirt and a round white Brahmin handbag.

Get the Look…

Express Denim Jacket (old; identical here & here)
Old Navy Ribbed Long-Sleeve Tee (old; similar here & here)
Rachel Roy Pleated Pink Midi Skirt (old; similar here, here, here)
Loeffler Randall Pom-Pom Sandals (identical pair for way less here!)
Brahmin Embossed Round Handbag
Express Sunglasses (old; similar here & here)

Jessica Sturdy carrying the new Brahmin Lane round handbag and a pleated pink midi skirt on Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, Japan.

I know you always love to see multiple ways to wear things! So here’s a new little section I’m going to include in outfit posts…

How Else I’ve Worn It…

Denim Jacket ย | ย Check out all of my outfits with denim jackets here!

Pleated Skirt ย | ย See how I last wore it on the blog here!

Round Handbag ย | ย Wore it on repeat in Japan! See every outfit here.

Loeffler Randall Sandals ย | ย Two of my favorite past outfits here in 2017 & here in 2016! Oldies, but goodies.

Jessica Sturdy styling a Rachel Roy pleated lavender midi skirt along the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, Japan.

Chicago-based fashion influencer Jessica Sturdy wearing a denim jacket and rose gold sunglasses along the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, Japan.

Lifestyle and travel influencer Jessica Sturdy styling a light denim jacket with a white shirt and pleated midi skirt with Loeffler Randall sandals in Kyoto, Japan on Philosopher's Path.

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6 Comments

  1. 5.24.18
    Allie said:

    You look beautiful! I love the pleated skirt. We have a Japanese garden here in South Florida, and itโ€™s so lovely. When we go it makes me really eager to see the gardens in Japan, which has been compounded by seeing your lovely pictures! xAllie
    http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com

  2. 5.24.18
    Jessica said:

    Japan is still on my list of places to visit. Looks like such a beautiful place. And I love a good sandal that lasts MILES. That’s always the best!

    xo Jessica
    My Style Vita

  3. 5.24.18

    Such a cute midi skirt! I love the color!!

    xx, Merritt
    The Style Scribe

  4. 5.24.18
    Laura said:

    Love the sandals! They’re such a statement piece and go so well with the neutrals in the rest of your outfit!

    http://www.areweadultsyet.com

  5. 5.25.18
    Rena said:

    So cute how you styled the pleated skirt!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

  6. 5.27.18
    vera said:

    Beautiful!!

    Blonde in Cashmere