still a california girl

(Shirt:old from Urban Outfitters; shorts: uniqlo; clutch: Dezso; sandals: Target)

I spent a relaxing Friday at Daikanyama with my photographer friend, who took these photos for me. Having a nice lunch at Urth Caffe and carrying around my favorite Dezso clutch doesn't really make me miss California all that much.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

Just turn it up

I can't believe it's been about 2 weeks since my last post... Apologies for my absence. I'm tackling some new projects recently, one of them being recording some new tracks:) I'm always learning new things with each song I work on as I write lyrics and try my best to express those lyrics in the studio. I'm so excited for the finished product of this particular track - it has so much energy and color. I personally love it. And the best thing is, the people I collaborate with are so talented and easy to work with because we all have a common interest when it comes to where we want to go with the song. It's always hard work to create something that's perfect but it's worth it. So worth it. 

Can't wait to share it with you all when it's completed!:)

Love,

Samantha Mariko

it's summertime and the living's easy

(dress: gift from friend; shawl:old from Rimo; clutch: Drezso;

wedges: needsupply.com)

Yesterday, my friend had a used clothing sale at her place, and I ended up snagging this cute floral-print dress for free :) I never have enough summer dresses, so it was the perfect addition to my wardrobe. 

My recent addition is the photo app called "Afterlight," which I used for these photos. I think the filters are better than Instagram's. I definitely recommend this app! So fun to use :)

It's getting quite humid over here in Tokyo these days, but I'm so excited to spend this summer in Japan. Bring on the heat! 

Have a great week everyone!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

skater

 (top: Topshop; skirt: H&M; beanie: Le Ciel Bleu; cap: Wego; shoes: Aldo)

Photos by Lisa (Paint with Stars)

Hair & Makeup by Chihiro Yoda

I feel like I say this every time I do a photo shoot, but this is seriously by far one of my favorite shoots. 

I shot with Lisa last autumn and we finally scheduled this little shoot in Harajuku. Her friend Chihiro did my hair and makeup in her studio and we ventured out in the quiet part of Harajuku for possible locations. And this is what we came up with. I don't think this shoot even lasted an hour, or even half an hour.. 

My favorite prop was probably the cones.. especially the "no trespassing" one ;)

Thank you Lisa and Chihiro for an amazing and fun shoot! Can't wait to work with these ladies again!

And one candid shot:

Good night <3

Love,

Samantha Mariko

by the seaside

(shirt: Warriors of Radness; skirt: Zara; beanie: Le Ciel Bleu; shoes: Underground;

clutch: Gap)

I spent a relaxing day in Yokohama today with family friends. Blue sky, an ocean breeze (well, more like wind)... it was a Sunday well spent. It was my first time visiting the Red Brick Warehouse, a sort of shopping mall now but originally a customs building. One of the perks of Yokohama is the historical buildings and landmarks that continue to exist. We also took a stroll through Yamashita Park before heading to Chinatown for dinner. The statue of the girl I'm sitting next to is from a fairy tale called "The Red Shoes" by Andersen. I read this story when I was a little girl, and I realized real fairy tales do not have happy endings...maybe. :)

Check back for my next blog post featuring a photo shoot I did this weekend in Harajuku!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram, too! 

Have a great week! xx

Love,

Samantha Mariko