partners in crime

I don't think I've really mentioned anything about my music here, so this post may be a bit random. 

Today, I had a meeting of sorts with my music producer and his friend whom I will be collaborating with on a brand new track. Not too surprisingly, our meeting lasted a couple hours at two different cafes - Scopp Cafe and Cafe Aaliya, both in Shinjuku. It's really is an amazing feeling when you can talk about music with two great minds and have common ideas and interests. I'm so excited to write lyrics for our new demo and get into the recording studio! 

Good night world xx

Love,

Samantha Mariko

a taste of Jamaica

(shirt: Forever 21; cardigan: old from Rimo; pants: Le Ciel Bleu; shoes: Underground

sunnglasses: H&M)

I didn't think I'd go to two festivals this weekend, but I'm so glad I did! My good friend Marie told me about this Jamaican Festival at Yoyogi Park and I immediately told her I wanted to go. Apparently there are several international festivals at Yoyogi Park, and last week was the Thai Festival (totally missed that). There were so many people, so many food stands, so much to see. I was disappointed that the lines for the Jerk Chicken were ridiculously long, but I still had a taste of Jamaica nevertheless. The roses right outside the festival were beautiful. The last photo was randomly taken by a passerby who volunteered to take a picture of us.. turned out quite nice. Thank you old man.

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend as well! Have a great week!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

matsuri in asakusa

(shirt: Topshop; skirt: Zara; shoes: Converse; clutch: Gap; hat: Wego;

bangle: Giles and Brother)

My co-worker Alisa invited me to the Sanja Matsuri (三社祭り）in Asakusa, which was perfect because I have been wanting to go to Asakusa for quite some time now. It was even better with all of the festivities, booths, and good food. When I go to events like these, I feel grateful that I live in this wonderful city (but I do miss California a lot!). And can I say what gorgeous weather? I'm looking forward to summer in Japan :)

Love,

Samantha Mariko

you and me

(Outfit 1 top: Rimo; jeans: Le Ciel Bleu; bracelet: Giles and Brother; heels: Zara)

(Outfit 2 top: Kaitlyn; skirt: H&M; heels: Target)

photos by Masatoshi Ueno

Hair & makeup by Kenji Nojima

This is probably one of the most interesting places I've done a photo shoot. We were able to use this little cafe in Shimo-kitazawa freely because of the photographer. And I loved the cute props he brought for the shoot - a portable record player, his vinyl collection, old magazines and photo books. It's just too bad the roller skates were too small...but I definitely enjoyed this music-themed shoot. Next time I'm bringing my headphones.

A song I'm currently hooked on:

Love,

Samantha Mariko