like steel

(Jacket, top & skirt: Forever 21; shoes: New Balance; ring: Soo Ihn Kim;

watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; clutch: Wego)

Hair, makeup & styling by Samantha Mariko (me)

Photos by Jason Mordeno

I'm excited to finally have a new outfit post for you guys! I had the pleasure of teaming up with Canadian photographer Jason Mordeno for an impromptu shoot in Shibuya. He is also the photographer who shot me in the blond wig in this post (photos coming soon!). I am so pleased with these photos - Jason is very precise when it comes to lighting, posing and other details like fixing the model's hair or clothes. I learned so much from him in terms of posing, and what angle looks best in a photo. I've been modeling for almost 4 years now, but always learning something new!

I'm sure many of you know by now, but I LOVE cropped tops! I was never really a fan of tucking a shirt in a high-waisted skirt, so cropped tops are perfect. This one is a favorite because of the shoulder detail. The draped skirt is soft to the touch and adds a great contrast to the top because of its movement. And my beloved New Balances... need I say more? Just the perfect pop of color to this outfit.

Shooting with Jason was pretty much like hanging out - he has a great sense of humor, which makes the shoot more enjoyable. After the shoot, we had some coffee and dessert with his friend, Rene, who was helping out with the lighting. It's too bad they live all the way in Canada, but I sincerely hope we get to work together again in the future. 

I hope you enjoyed these pictures as much as I did. 

Don't forget to enter my Delfonics giveaway, which ends this week!! Hurry, hurry! 

Love,

Samantha Mariko