a sunday in chinatown

I was supposed to go to a Baystars vs. Tigers baseball game on Sunday but my friend didn't realize tickets would sell out during Golden Week so plans changed... We decided to walk over to Chu-kagai or the Chinatown of Japan in Yokohama. I've been to the Chinatown in San Francisco, but I enjoyed Chu-kagai so much more. Probably because of the food - everything was delicious. I am definitely planning another visit in the near future.

village tokyo

(blazer & pants: H&M; shirt: Wego; heels: Target)

A night of partying at Village Tokyo in Azabu. It was my first time going clubbing with my good friend Marie and hopefully not our last. Sonny B was also in the house! This place played so many of my favorite jams, I felt like I was in California again. So going back.

Love,

Samantha Mariko

the happiness year

(shirt: Wego; jacket; vintage Levi's; leggings: Topshop; shoes: Converse;

glasses: H&M)

It's been too long since I visited Tokyo Disneyland (it's only been a couple months but I love this place), and I was so excited to go during its 30 year anniversary celebration "The Happiness Year." I loved the colorful decorations at the entrance and at Cinderella's castle. And it was my friend Yui's first time at Tokyo Disney so it was definitely a special day :) 東京ディズニーランド、おめでとう！

Love,

Samantha Mariko

incoco nails

I recently found these amazing nail polish strips at the new Shibuya Scramble. Incoco Nail Polish Applique come in a variety of colors and designs, and the cool thing is that they are easy to apply and come right off with nail polish remover. I love how they're inexpensive and last up to 14 days (photo is after 1 week of use).

I highly recommend Incoco & I can't wait to try some of the other designs :) 

Enjoy!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

hip hop scene

(sweater: Le Ciel Bleu; skirt: g.u.; sneakers: Aldo)

Photo credit to Sonny B

Today, I had a Shibuya hip-hop adventure with Sonny B, a song-writer and rapper based in Tokyo. I'm so glad our mutual friend made the connection because he introduced me to an area in Shibuya that I didn't know existed - colorful graffiti walls, a hip hop record & clothing stores. Glorious way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Thanks Sonny! I'm so ready to start my week.

Love,

Samantha Mariko

brunch at beacon

Writing this post is making my mouth water all over again. This morning, I had brunch with my good friend Marie at Beacon Urban Chop House, a high-end restaurant in Shibuya. It was the first and best brunch I've ever had in Japan. The orange almond muffin and vanilla almond french toast were indescribably delicious. All I can say is, you have to try this place. After brunch, Marie and I enjoyed our coffee/ tea outside in the sunny weather. What a great way to start my weekend :) 

Have a good weekend everyone!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

behind the scenes

Yesterday, I had a photo shoot with Naohiro Hara, the photographer I work with 3 times a week for the Le Ciel Bleu photo shoots. But this was totally unrelated to work so I was really excited to collaborate with him. Plus, he rented out a huge studio space for us, with top 40 music blasting from the amazing sound system. No complaining here!

I also had hair/makeup artist Kenji Nojima create two different looks for me. He told me he's done hair & makeup for Japanese artists including a CD cover and music video for Spontania. He was so friendly and adorable! Loved working with him.  

I added a short video clip of the photo shoot using the video app "8mm." It's kind of like Instagram where you can choose different filters, but in video form. Enjoy!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

addicted

(hoodie: Life is a Joke x Eleven Paris; ring: Soo Ihn Kim)

My headphones are my new favorite item at the moment, along with my Angie hoodie + ring that I got at Le Ciel Bleu recently. Gotta stay cozy somehow in this cold weather. I wish April 1st pulled a silly prank on us with the weather because it does not feel like spring right now.

And a song I am currently addicted to:

The melancholic vibe goes with the rainy weather I think.

Love,

Samantha Mariko