tanabata matsuri, a Japanese festival

July in Japan means Tanabata, a little holiday that falls on the 7th, which literally means "evening of the seventh." It's the one night where the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi are able to meet over the Milky Way. Even though it fell on the 26th, the Tanabata Matsuri (festival) in Ogawamachi, Saitama was one of the biggest summer omatsuri that I've been to so far in Japan. Ogawamachi is about 2 hours away from Tokyo - big suburban area which is a nice change from the busy city life. The festival was so colorful with all the beautiful decorations, the food stands and toys for children. I was even lucky enough to make wash (Japanese paper) for free. And the hand-made life-like Godzilla figure was just something. The local artist that created it was nice enough to let people pull a rope that emits a spray of water from Godzilla's mouth, all the while blasting the classic soundtrack from the original Japanese film from huge speakers.

I think the most special part of attending this festival was wearing the yukata (summer version of the kimono) my grandmother made for my mother. My grandmother is so talented when it comes to sewing and Japanese traditional kimonos and yukatas. I didn't get the chance to wear this pretty handmade yukata last year, so I was excited to wear this to a grand festival. 

Are there any special summer events are festivals in your country? I would love to know in the comments!

Thank you so much for all the feedback on my last post! I will be returning comments soon :)

Have a great week ahead!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

Marc by Marc Jacobs & Shop Bop

I got a Macbook Pro a couple months ago but never got around to buying a case for it... I was so happy when Shopbop kindly sent me this Marc by Marc Jacobs neoprene computer case, which matches my iPad case. The quality of these cases never disappoints- sturdy and plush, guaranteed to protect your most treasured electronic gadgets.  You can check out more Marc by Marc Jacobs tech accessories here on Shopbop.

What are some go-to brands for tech accessories?? I would love to know :) Let me know in the comments!

Have a great weekend!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

Letters Impromptu x Daniel Wellington Watches

Introducing part II of my collaboration with Daniel Wellington watches.

(watch: Daniel Wellington; top: Le Ciel Bleu (similar here); jeans: Le Ciel Bleu; 

clutch: Sara Beltran for Dezso (similar here); sandals: Birkenstock)

photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

You may have seen my previous post featuring my Classic Southampton Lady watch by Daniel Wellington watches here. Well, here is part II of our collaboration, and I would like to introduce the beautiful Classic Glasgow Lady watch. The simple 2-tone stripe of navy blue and white can add the perfect trace of elegance to any outfit. Which is why I went really simple with a crisp white cropped top and boyfriend jeans, both from my work, Le Ciel Bleu. I kind of like how the the colors and the simple design of the watch contrasts with the neon and palm tree print of my clutch. 

I've been seeing a lot of friends and fellow bloggers have been posting outfit photos in collaboration with Daniel Wellington watches, and it always makes me think, wow, this brand really is versatile and makes the perfect watch for anyone and for any occasion. Plus, you the straps are replaceable (and easy to do!), which is a huge plus. I highly recommend checking out their website for a variety of chic watches at www.danielwellington.com, and take an extra 15% off with the discount code MARIKO. You won't regret it! :)

Hope you enjoyed this post. Which one is your favorite watch? Let me know in the comments!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

a weekend in yokohama

It's been almost a year since I last went to Yokohama - I spent a relaxing Saturday with my man at the Red Brick Warehouse and Minato Mirai area. Rainy season seems to be extending into July, which means cooler days and less humidity - my kind of summer. I finally found the opportunity to wear my jumpsuit I got from Zara a while back (some similar ones here), and was lucky enough to find some hipster-looking shades for 1000 yen (similar here). While we were waiting in line for the ferris wheel at night, the fireworks started, and they continued all throughout the ride which was absolutely perfect. The view from above was so pretty and I realized that when I have a gorgeous view in front of me, I love to admire it in blissful silence, hence the single photo (sorry!). 

I'm glad to have spent such a peaceful weekend after a hectic first week since my birthday! Whew.

Can't wait to check out what everyone else has been doing this weekend :)

Love,

Samantha Mariko