OUTFIT | downtown streets of LA

cardigan: Zara; T-shirt: Uniqlo; denim: Le Ciel Bleu

shoes: Vans; clutch: Dezso by Sara Beltran: sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

My two-week vacation in California is slowly, yet quickly coming to a close. After going to eggslut with my brother the other day, we found some cool graffiti walls and fences in the industrial district of downtown LA and he was cool enough to snap these photos for me. I was very pleased with his photography. It was a perfect day out, nice and sunny like it should be in southern California, perfect for a white tee and boyfriend jeans, with the classic Vans. My palm tree Dezso clutch is a must when I am in California. And in the summer anywhere. I don't want to return to the cold that is Japan. 

先日、弟とダウンタウンロサンゼルスへ行ったときのコーディネート。冬なのに日差しが強く、暖かい日でした。白いTシャツにデニムがぴったりの天気。寒い日本に明後日戻らないと行けないなんて、、でも、カリフォルニアでの２週間、本当に楽しかった！

Love,

Samantha

OUTFIT | pitch black in the sun

Hey guys, happy Monday!

(sweater: Uniqlo; pants: Le Ciel Bleu (similar pants here); backpack: Mono (similar backpack here);

shoes: Vans; sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs)

photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

You probably won't believe me when I say it's been raining all day today, because just a few days ago it was so sunny! I spent a quick afternoon in Okachimachi with Lisa the other day, a stop on the Yamanote line that I've actually never gotten off at before. It proved to be a very cute area, with traditional-looking vending streets reminiscent of "old Japan." 

I've been shopping at Uniqlo a lot lately, mainly because they have so many good collaboration lines at the moment. This sweat top I'm wearing is from the "Urban Sweats" line designed by Alexandre Plokhov, designer for Helmut Lang. You have to check out the other sweats! They are all in either gray or black and I seriously wish I had them all! I also bought a pair of sweat pants, which I hope to be posting on the blog soon. I decided to add more black to this outfit to make the sweater look as urban as possible with black pants, my vans, and my favorite Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses that Shop Bop was kind enough to send me. More cool sunglasses from the brand here at Shopbop :)

It seems like Uniqlo is opening up more branches outside of Japan - is it in or near your hometown? It recently opened up a shop in Orange County where I'm from!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Gradient sunglasses

(dress: H&M (similar here); clutch:Wego (similar here); sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs; 

watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; sandals: Aldo (similar here))

Photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

I finally got a 4-day weekend for Obon (Japanese summer holiday), so I was happy to have more time to finish up other work (sort of haha.. ) and some time to myself. I met up with Lisa again this weekend for a quick outfit shoot and a meeting for an upcoming photo shoot project. I'm excited because I will be working behind the scenes instead of in front of the camera :)

For this outfit, I kept it simple in terms of colors and patterns (as usual). I wanted to show off these awesome sunglasses I received from Shop Bop - the Classic Gradient Sunglasses from Marc by Marc Jacobs. These are the perfect shape & fit, and the lenses aren't too dark which I really like. If you haven't noticed already, Marc by Marc Jacobs is one of my favorite brands and I am starting to accumulate a Marc by Marc Jacobs accessories collection... You can check out more gorgeous eyewear here.

By the way, did you all notice a slight difference in my hair color?? I decided to try something new and add a strip of color in my bangs and the ends of my hair. When I first had it done, it was a vivid red, but since it was a hair manicure, it was starting to fade quickly, so I decided to do a violet-colored hair dye so that I wouldn't have to worry about it fading. Even though it isn't as noticeable, I like the subtle color :) 

Thank you so much for the positive vibes on my last post - it truly means a lot! You all are awesome!

Have a fantastic week ahead!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

Letters Impromptu x Alma Chains

This week, featuring the Derek chain from Alma Chains.

(glasses chain: Alma Chains; top: Front Row Shop; pants: Forever 21 (similar here);

sandals: Aldo; sunglasses: similar here; clutch: Wego (similar here);

watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs)

Photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

Who ever said glasses chains were only for reading glasses? The amazing Alma Chains has got every kind of chain to dress up your sunglasses, glasses, any kind of eyewear you can imagine. Alma is an Australian company founded by two ladies, Anji and Darcie. I love their concept of glasses chains - "harmonizing function with style... a 24 hour accessory." With a stylish pair of chains, you will never lose your glasses (ever), and it makes for a statement accessory.

For this shoot, Lisa and I trekked over to Kagurazaka, a cute little place in Tokyo with a beautiful shrine right behind the station. I paired my Derek chain with these sunglasses I randomly found at the Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama for 1000 yen (about $10). A match made in heaven, seriously. I wanted to keep the rest of my look minimal, just black and white with a touch of red lip color. I also love this bralet top from Front Row Shop - I'm hoping I can find something sheer that I can layer under when it becomes a little cooler (I am melting everyday in this extreme heat).

You can check out more awesome chains from Alma Chains here, and follow them on Instagram @almachains. Which chain do you like the best? Get yours today :)

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