LOOKING GOOD
In store - Tokyo' coolest shops

Compiled by Mayumi Saito

A cornucopia of inexpensive bloom awaits at Hana Plenty Mayumi Saito

Hana Plenty
Buying flowers is relatively expensive in Japan, but Hana Plenty - an emporium of more than 100 different kinds of seasonal flowers at reasonable prices - offers the chance to deck yourself out in blooms without breaking the bank. At the "flower cave" on the first floor, you can pick flowers for JY50 a piece in a cone basket or choose small plants for JY100. The spinning platforms offer large bouquets of roses, sunflowers and other wildflowers for JY300. If your receipt is more than JY1000 it becomes as a raffle ticket that could win you a JY10,000 orchid or discount tickets. Some flowers can even be brought back to the store, where the staff will place them in a powerful dryer to preserve their crisp colors. On the second floor flower-arrangement classes and aromatherapy sessions are provided.
1-16-2 Ebisu-nishi, Shibuya-ku (tel: 03-5728-8701); Minami-Machida branch (tel: 042-788-8702)

Three Minutes Happiness
The price-revolution brought about by the JY100-shop trend continues. This new franchise adds more space and style to the equation, with an assortment of houseware, beauty and cosmetic goods, clothing, and electric accessories. Check out the JY100 nail polish and lip gloss and JY300 aromatherapy ornaments. Picnic lovers should take note of the JY100 tatami sheets, JY100 glasses and JY700 translucent, thermos bottles - all perfect for an afternoon in the park. For a business trip, the JY1000 travel carriers (a 50cm-long suit carrier with a lock), JY1000 watches reminiscent of a Swatch and stylish JY500 umbrellas are recommended. Electric devices include a JY700 translucent computer mouse, JY1000 headphones and a JY1000 antique-looking radio. Simple shirts and blouses are offered for JY1000, along with bathrobes. After enjoying a bargain fuelled shopping spree, relax at Comme Ça Ice, the ice cream corner on the first floor. After the Shibuya headquarters opened in March, Happiness has sprung up all over with branches in Machida, Yokohama and Funabashi's LaLa Port.
Rika Bldg, 3-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku (tel: 03-5489-1851)

Swim Square 1045
With the dog days of summer upon us, Swim Square 1045 provides the custom-made swimwear to help you get the perfect tan(line). A pattern order system enables you to pick your favorite fabric and design for your bikini. Designs are selected from Hawaii's favorite brand, PRT, and Shonan beach shop Lovekini. Besides your original swimwear, popular triangular and tank-top bikinis are available. Tank tops come in denim, floral prints, checks, stripes, and neon colors. Bikini bottoms vary from wrap skirt types to shorts. This year's hot picks are animal prints such as zebra and crocodile combined with lamE and floral prints.
5F West Bldg, Tokyu Toyoko Dept Store (tel: 03-3477-3111)