girls award

(shirt & skirt: Forever 21 Japan; shoes: Suzutan)

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to attend Girls Award, a huge fashion show in Japan. This time, it was at Yoyogi Gynmasium in Harajuku.

I've watched Japanese fashion shows on TV, but it is a whole new experience to actually watch it in person. The audience members go crazy when popular models walk down the runway. The models sometimes throw goodie bags to audience members, which is pretty fantastic. It keeps the crowd going. Apart from the runway show, there are live performances and booths where you can buy cosmetics, skin care products, and even get your nails done.

Hanging out backstage was an amazing experience in itself. I was able to see quite a few models who appear in Japanese fashion magazines, like Elli-Rose, Melody Yoko, Mary Jun Takahashi, and Natsuki Kato. They are all really gorgeous in person, too!

I didn't get to take too many pictures, but hope you enjoy them!

Until next time <3

Love,

Samantha Mariko

ghibli

 (dress: uniqlo; denim jacket, purse, &shoes: bought in Japan)

I went to the Ghibli Art Museum in Mitaka, Japan a few days ago.

Studio Ghibli is a Japanese film and animation studio that has created masterpieces such as My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Spirited Away. I grew up watching these movies, so it was a dream come true to finally make my way to the art museum. Words can't really describe how amazing it all was - I could tell how much work was put into creating this Ghibli-land that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. There was even a life-size Catbus with furry seats and scenes from the movie Totoro that could be seen through the windows.

The gray T-shirt dress I'm wearing is my new favorite item: the fabric is really soft and it's super comfortable. I can't wait to pair it with the jackets and blazers I left back at home.

On a different note, what flavor ice cream do you think I'm holding in the last photo? It's red pepper ice cream... I know, weird. I'm smiling in the picture, not knowing how ridiculously spicy it is... :)

Love,

Samantha Mariko

natural beauty

Went on a morning stroll outside of my friend's apartment in Hiroo.

I was blown away by the beautiful greenery all around me, I had to capture it on camera. A few minutes away, we discovered a small bakery where we purchased our breakfast of freshly baked bread. Small discoveries like these really do make me smile.

More photos to come. <3

Love,

Samantha Mariko



what a surprise

( from Sweet, June issue)

I was so lucky to have randomly picked up a magazine with so many of my favorite Japanese models! (in order) Rinka, Christina, Melody Yoko, Audrey Ayaka, and Becky. I enjoyed every single page of this issue.

Plus, a small gift!



It is definitely worth buying magazines here when they come with cute makeup bags like this. This one fits all of my makeup essentials. Perfect.

If any of you live in the States, you can purchase a copy at a Japanese bookstore :)

Thanks for reading!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

can't get enough

A jumble of photos from the past few days. Can't get enough of Forever 21, an abundance of Hello Kitty, Pasela caramel toast, Pain Petit Pas french toast dessert on Omotesando, scored a pair of cute heels at H&M, and my first time ever at Topshop! I was beyond excited.

And one more  - a pretty sunset.

Until next time <3

Love,

Samantha Mariko

beautify

I'm a huge fan of Japanese-brand cosmetics, and these are among the few that I purchased. They're inexpensive, and they work so well! I noticed that the makeup is so light, it feels like I'm not wearing anything. Plus, the humidity here has done my skin wonders. I'm debating whether I should do a giveaway... what do you think?

Love,

Samantha Mariko  



Japanland

These can become really addicting... Enjoy!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

laguna beach

(dress: H&M; jewelry: Forever 21)

 

These are a few shots from a bridal shoot I did a few days before I left for Japan. It was an overcast day, but I think the set came out nicely. I didn't realize there were so many cute, artsy spots in Laguna Beach - I really had a great time with this one. Thank you to Brent Stanley, my photographer and his beautiful hapa girlfriend :)

 

 

Love,

 

Samantha Mariko

osaka/kyoto/nara

A potpourri of photos from my trip to Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.

Some of my relatives live in Osaka, so it was really nice to see them after so many years.

I was so excited to go sight-seeing in Kyoto and Nara, but unfortunately, it rained when I went to the Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion ) in Kyoto. Despite that, I was able to enjoy its beauty and splendor. In Nara, I absolutely could not miss seeing the Todaiji, or the Eastern Great Temple. The Great Buddha inside was so impressive, it's kind of hard not to look up at it in awe. Also, being able to see the Nara deer up close was a plus. Aren't they cute? 

I took many of these pictures as I was walking so they may be blurry, but I hope you enjoy them :) Until next time!

Love,

Samantha Mariko