busy streets

(jacket: Le Ciel Bleu; top & sweats: Zara; shoes: Converse;

bag: Madewell; ring: Soo Ihn Kim)

Photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

I had another fun shoot with Lisa this weekend in Shibuya. This alma mater jacket from my work is from Spring/Summer, but I paired it with some more recent Zara picks and my Converse hightops that I've owned since my university days.  Funny how they come in handy, like, 2 years later. I don't know if I've made it obvious enough yet, but I'm really into turtlenecks this fall. I might have a nice collection by the end of the season.

I work in Shibuya everyday, but somehow I still haven't gotten sick of the busy streets full of too many people. I think the busyness is one of the reasons why I am so attracted to Tokyo, and one of the reasons why I wanted to step away from monotony of Orange County. But don't get me wrong, peace and quiet are always welcome elements in my life.

Anyways, I ended my weekend with a much-anticipated date night at Outback Steakhouse:)

How was your weekend? Did you do anything special?

I hope everyone has a great week ahead!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

p.s. I just reached over 50,000 views on my blog since I started 2 years ago! I want to thank all my readers & followers for their support thus far. I do appreciate all the comments, and any suggestions or constructive criticism is welcome. I'm always looking to improve my blog so that it is a more enjoyable experience for you:) Thank you and much love!!

in love...

Currently obsessed with this striped flare dress from Le Ciel Bleu. The minute I tried it on, I knew it was the perfect dress - sophisticated & elegant, a piece that could be worn both day & night. Still debating whether I should buy it or not.. but extremely tempted! The photographer at my work was nice enough to snap these photos for me - thank you!

Love,

Samantha Mariko 

a hint of color

Yesterday, I happened to arrive at my station for work a bit early, so I browsed through the cosmetics counter at the department store. I had been wanting a new blush since I changed my hair style, and I only had pinks and other shades I thought were too dark for my fair skin. When I approached the NARS counter, I asked the sales associate what shade would best accentuate my cheekbones and would look best with my black hair. She immediately pointed to this pretty beige shade that I ended up buying. I tried it on this morning with my normal makeup routine, and I am extremely satisfied with how it looks on me. It's subtle, but adds a hint of color to my cheeks. Plus, I can pair any lip color and it won't clash. Today, I opted for L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipcolour. I bought this shade almost 2 years ago for my senior piano recital and hadn't used it since. Good thing I kept it because now it's my go-to lip color for day and night.

Some of the other items in the first photo:

1. Botanics Mineral Eye Colour (I only use the nude shade)

2. NARS blush in 4026

3. Maybelline Falsies Volum' Express mascara in black

4. KATE Super Sharp Liner in black

5. L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipcolour in Mulberry 710

Do you have any blush recommendations? Let me know in the comments!:)

I also have exciting news that has nothing to do with makeup... My cousin just had a healthy baby boy last week! This is her second child, so I'm sure her eldest daughter is beyond excited to have a little brother. I'm pretty sure I was, too, when my brother was born (I was 3 years old then). I am extremely happy for my cousin and her family - can't wait to meet the little one!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

back to black

 (blazer: Alexander Wang; shirt: Uniqlo; sweats and heels: Zara; bag: Madewell;

bracelet: Giles & Brother; ring: Soo Ihn Kim)

photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

I went back to black... literally. I got a new do this weekend and decided to sort of go back to my natural hair color (black) and sport some bangs again. Like I said in my last post, I can't get enough of black. The heels and blazer I'm wearing here are a bit old, but I added some new pieces that I purchased recently. I think my favorite is the silk shirt I got at Uniqlo for less than 2000 yen ($20!). It's oh so comfortable and goes with anything and everything.

My friend Lisa never disappoints when it comes to photography. We originally planned to meet for coffee & girl talk in Omotesando, but I asked if she could snap a few photos for me. Thanks girl! She has an amazing photography blog so please check out the link above! :)

Love,

Samantha Mariko



trend: plaid

(shirt and pants: Le Ciel Bleu; booties: Target)

 

 

 

For some odd reason, I'm really attracted to black clothing this season, probably because it goes well with most of my favorite A/W trends such as this plaid shirt I'm wearing from Le Ciel Bleu. There's a little gradation detail going on that I couldn't capture well on camera, but it's quite unique. And the coating skinny pants I recently got are my go-to black pants - they show off my legs so well, so effortlessly. I think "effortless" is my new favorite word.

 

 

 

 

Love,

 

Samantha Mariko

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• HYPE on LOOKBOOK.nu

LE CIEL BLEU 2013 AW Collection

Hi everyone, it's been a while since my last post. I'm always thankful for all my readers and the lovely comments I receive (I read each and every one of them!).

I wanted to post something a little different today - I do post photos from photo shoots I do once in a while, but it's not what I do for a living believe it or not. I spend most of my days working for the web team at a Japanese apparel brand called LE CIEL BLEU. I work as their web model (you can't see my face, but I model & style about 90% of the clothes on the website), and do other things here and there. I also help out during the lookbook shoots as assistant stylist.

 Here are some of my favorite looks & items from their 2013 AW Collection Lookbook - plaid, fur and leopard print are some of the popular trends this season. Which looks/items do you like? 

It would be great if you checked out the website! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Have a wonderful day!

Love,

Samantha Mariko