simple

I've been wanting these Zara heels ever since they came out, maybe earlier this year or last year. Luckily, I found these yesterday, the last pair that happened to be my size, and for almost half the original price! I knew I couldn't miss these a second time. I can't wait to pair these with my outfits - so simple and elegant. 

Love,

Samantha Mariko

Asia Collection Model Audition 2012

(dress, wedges & cuff: forever 21; jacket: irene's story; purse: from Japan;

necklace: Rimo)

I had the honor of attending the Asia Collection Model Audition 2012 yesterday at the Holiday Inn Torrance. I was so happy to see Melody Yoko and Akane Nakajima (first photo) again since my trip to Japan. They were both busy at work despite their short vacation at home. 

Out of the 13 contestants (they were all very talented, by the way), 5 of the girls won prizes. I'm so proud of my friend Mizuki (last photo) for winning the Judge's Choice award! All of the girls did very well so I congratulate them for their hard work! お疲れ様！Looking forward to seeing what's next for these girls, as well as for myself. :)

Also, I'd like to announce that my blog has received over 10,000 views since I started in October 2011. I would like to thank all of my readers and followers for their support thus far, and I hope you will continue to enjoy my blog. I truly appreciate it! 

Love,

Samantha Mariko

instagram

I [finally] started using Instagram after getting a new phone, and here are some of the first few pictures I've taken. 

Essie's "tart deco," matching leather watches, and a retro car parked outside of Ralphs, to name a few.

Follow me on Instagram at samanthamariko!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

blue waves

Today was one of those days where I couldn't resist the urge to soak in the sun and enjoy some beautiful weather. Warm sun, slight breeze, blue ocean, people tanning, children playing. It was nice to be away from the hustle-bustle of my daily routine and be able to have time to myself, minus the fact that my legs got burnt because I was careless about the sunscreen. Some important decision-making coming up soon, so I figured the beach would be an ideal place to avoid distraction. I hope the weather stays like this for a while because I plan to go back soon.

Love,

Samantha Mariko

fuzjko hemming

(blazer: Alexander Wang; blouse; hand-me-down; shorts: 

Urban Outfitters; heels: H&M; clutch: Michael Kors)

Photos from Sunday evening at the Palace of Fine Arts for Fuzjko Hemming's piano recital.

I was in awe of both the beautiful architecture of the building and the beauty in which she played her music. Her 2-hour program consisted of Chopin and Liszt etudes, Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," and 2 pieces by Debussy. Loved every single minute of her performance. The illustration on the program is by her (it looks better in color!).

I was really excited to finally wear the frilled blouse with the pale pink shorts & blazer. One of my cousins in Japan had given me the blouse because she didn't want it anymore. I wasn't sure what to wear with it at first until I found the shorts at the bottom of my drawer, which I had never worn before either. I need to make it a point to wear what I have...!

Anyways, have a good week everyone! 

Love,

Samantha Mariko

birthday

(dress: Zara; clutch: Michael Kors; heels: H&M Japan)

Thank you to those of you who left me sweet birthday messages on my last post! :)

My boyfriend and I went to a delicious sushi restaurant called Saru for my birthday. It's hard to say in words how good it was.. it is not your ordinary sushi experience. We also went to Crepe Temptations, where I enjoyed a red velvet cake crepe :)

I love my new Michael Kors leather clutch, a birthday present from my man. <3

It comes with a chain, so I can wear it over the shoulder when necessary.

All in all, I had an amazing birthday in San Francisco - couldn't have asked for anything more! xoxo

Love,

Samantha Mariko

sweet paradise

Every time I look at this glorious picture of Tebo Tebo Tea Lounge's brick toast, my mouth begins to water.

After getting my hair cut & colored by my friend Mariko (she's done my hair before, check out my previous post here), I met up with my girlfriend at Tebo for lunch. I enjoyed catching up with her over some good food, including the toast, which we barely finished. I recommend the boba there, too!

Looking forward to my birthday in 4 days :) Can't wait!



Love,


Samantha Mariko

newport beach

(bikini top: H&M; white skirt: Billabong; cuff: F21 Japan)

A preview of some shots from my recent photo shoot in Newport Beach. 

The photographer wanted to incorporate pareo/ beach skirts in the above colors and I realized none of the bikini tops I had matched any of them. So I was lucky enough to find the white crocheted bikini top from H&M (and only the top!), which was the last one in my size! I also got to take home the pretty Billabong skirt :) 

We stayed at the beach until sunset, so I am looking forward to the shots with the setting sun in the background. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

Broncos & Levi's

(vintage Levi's: Urban Outfitters; top & shorts: Forever 21 Japan;

wedges: Forever 21; earrings: Rimo; rings: Topshop Japan; purse: Zara)

It's been a while since I've done an outfit post, and here it is. I don't know why I never thought to use my brother's old Bronco as a prop for my photos - it added to the vintage vibe of the denim jacket. I am in love with the black lace detail on the shoulders. A nice feminine touch to an oversize, rugged jacket. Love it!

Happy early July 4th everyone! 

Love,

Samantha Mariko