DIARY | last weekend of September

Again, the weekend just sped on by before I could say (insert cool word here). I spent Friday morning and afternoon running around Tokyo to my various jobs, an audition and a party where I met someone that I thought I'd never meet in this lifetime. That's all I'm going to say now. Saturday, I had my first photo shoot since joining my new agency. I hadn't done a studio shoot in so long, I felt so out of practice... it's a different kind of modeling than what I do for my the outfit posts on this blog. I was very lucky the photographer knew exactly what he wanted out of every model (there were 3 other girls modeling that day), which is always a relief. And I loved my outfits - the stylist was the sweetest lady, and so talented. I can't wait to see the finished product, and also to work with these same artists again (I did post a few sneak peeks on my Instagram, @samanthamariko). Anyhow, after 5 hours of shooting, I rushed to a friend's friend's wedding party reception, and enjoyed myself amidst good food, good music, and good company. 

Sunday was one of the most relaxing days I've spent in a long time it seems - while everyone else was at Ultra Japan, a 2-day music festival in Tokyo, I was the being the grandma that I am and had a light brunch at a cafe with my man, finished some work (yes, I still work on weekends...), and discovered a shopping mall that is only 10 minutes away by car or bus. The reason why I'm sort of discovering these things now after 2 years is because I live right outside of Tokyo, and I'm in the city at least 6 days a week for work and such. Which is why I don't get to explore my own city. It's so nice to know that there are cute malls and eateries in my area as well. I found spending time outside of Tokyo, even for one day, to be relaxing and a good way to recharge my mind and body for the upcoming week.

How do you all spend your days off? Have a great week ahead!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

study session with Pinterest Japan

I was invited to attend a study session conducted by the members of Pinterest Japan. I was actually really surprised when I received an invitation - although I do use Pinterest once in a while and have a widget on my blog, I don't consider myself the most avid user. But since it is a useful tool in social media and blogging, I decided to see what I could learn from this study session. The community managers for Pinterest Japan, Yuka Yamaguchi and Ami Matsuzawa, were so sweet, and I enjoyed the lecture presentation by Yuka. I had recently upgraded my Pinterest account to a business one, but hadn't really played around with it much since. She carefully explained the benefits of verifying your blog or website on your Pinterest account. Also, there is an analytics section on Pinterest, which might come in handy to check my page views and impressions. 

It was a small group of bloggers and Pinners, but I enjoyed meeting every single person there. I was (finally) able to meet fellow blogger & illustrator Akiko Hiramatsu from Kimonosnack. She is on my left in the photo in a DVF dress. She is the sweetest lady! You can follow her on Pinterest here.

Yuka is also a blogger - check out her blog, Blossom Link. She has a wide variety of boards on her Pinterest account. Follow her on Pinterest here.

Pinterest Japan was created just about a year ago, so it's not as popular in Japan yet. I hope more people in Japan learn about Pinterest - I've realized it's a useful tool for business, and in my case, for blogging. My goal is to learn how to use Pinterest well with what I learned today!

Follow me on Pinterest :)

Love,

Samantha Mariko

Monthly Favorites #4 | facial masks

Here is my Monthly Favorites for September - facial masks. Since the season is changing from summer to autumn, I think it's important to amp up the skincare routine with some hydrating and clearing masks. 

A few that I've been using lately:

1. fresh Rose Face Mask: This mask smells just like real roses because it is infused with real rose petals which hydrate and tone the skin. It consistency is kind of like jelly, my skin feels luxurious after using this. Since it's a bit pricey, I use it only once in a while.

2. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores: This one doesn't feel as luxurious on the skin as the fresh mask, but my skin does feel cleaner after use. After opening the pores with a hot towel, you spread this mask on your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes while it hardens and works its magic. Seriously recommend this one.

3. Skin Food Black Sugar Mask Wash Off: Black sugar is apparently a great exfoliator, which is why I picked this up at Skin Food in Harajuku. My skin feels so smooth after using this scrub! You can probably make your own DIY black sugar mask but... I'm a bit on the lazy side (oops).

What kind of face masks do you use or recommend?? Let me know in the comments!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

Letters Impromptu x That Girl E

What I'm wearing - Jacket: Uniqlo (similar here); top: Topshop; jeans: Le Ciel Bleu (similar here);

shoes: Vans; tote: Le Ciel Bleu (not for sale); sunglasses: (similar here))

What Ena's wearing - hat & boots: H&M; top: Wego; skirt: Forever 21; 

backpack: Guess (vintage)

Yesterday, I met up with fellow blogger Ena for lunch at Urth Caffe in Omotesando. She is the most bubbly and sweetest girl ever! Her older sister has done my makeup for several test shoots since I moved to Tokyo - she is also very sweet and down-to-earth. We enjoyed an organic Italian omelette and coffee pancakes (SO good), and even though it started raining, we were able to quickly snap some pictures. It was chillier than I excepted yesterday, so I threw on my faux leather jacket over a cropped long-sleeve shirt I recently found at Topshop. I dressed down even more with loose tapered denim from my work, Le Ciel Bleu. I just love anything that is comfortable and high quality, which is probably why I own 4 pairs of jeans (and counting) from my work... I guess it's true when they say you can never have too many pairs of jeans!

I loved Ena's outfit - she also wore a cropped long-sleeve top but with a full midi skirt. It was a well-balanced outfit with her hat and shoes. She said she got her Guess backpack for $6 at a vintage shop! Ena and I got to know each other when she found my blog a couple months ago, and started following me on Twitter. We finally planned to meet up in Tokyo before she moves back to the Philippines next year. She is a senior in high school aspiring to become a fashion stylist. She was telling me that she is currently trying to put her styling portfolio together. I can't wait to see her work! 

You can check out her blog at www.thatgirl-e.blogspot.jp, follow her on instagram @enacuizon, and follow her on Twitter @Enaterrestine. 

Thanks for all the comments only previous post! You all are awesome x

Love,

Samantha Mariko

Kate Spade Saturday 2014 AW Collection Launch Party

(Jacket: Zara (similar here); T-shirt: Uniqlo (similar here); 

pants: Le Ciel Bleu (similar here & here); shoes: Vans)

Tonight, my friend Amy and I attended the launch party for the Kate Spade Saturday 2014 AW Collection. I can't believe I've never shopped at this store! So many cute & affordable items for fall/winter were available for show at the party. I especially loved their bags, wallets and pouches - so chic and high quality. All the guests received a gift plus a special art book (the paper crowns we are wearing are from that book :)). And to top it off, the lemonade and the hors d'oeuvres were delicious!

Take a look at Kate Spade Saturday's website here for more cute stuff.

Thanks for the comments on my last post x

Love,

Samantha Mariko

a new start, new hair

A new start means... a new hair cut! This is the first time I have ever had my hair cut this short, and in a bob style. I love it! Can't wait to start rocking' this new do :)

Almost the weekend - happy Thursday!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

OUTFIT | preppy school boy

(T-shirt: Le Ciel Bleu (similar here); cardigan: Uniqlo (similar here); jeans: Le Ciel Bleu; 

tote: Le Ciel Bleu (not for sale); shoes: ORiental TRaffic (similar here); 

laptop case: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar here); watch: Daniel Wellington)

photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

Thank you so much for the encouraging and insightful comments on my last diary post! I'm so glad I added that little segment in my blog. 

Right when I thought fall had arrived... it started getting warm again. The weather was fantastic yesterday when Lisa and I shot this photos, but still, it was a bit too warm for my taste. I want to wear  my fall knits and sweaters already! Anyways, I wanted to wear my new oxfords from ORiental TRaffic (probably the only shoe store in Japan that carries my size), so I paired them with my skinnies from Le Ciel Bleu and went for a somewhat pretty, school boy look. I actually work for this brand, and I already own 4 pairs of jeans.. they know how to make a good pair! I rolled up the hem to show off my oxfords. I had to go to a meeting after the shoot, which is why I am carrying my laptop with me, the neoprene Marc by Marc Jacobs case courtesy of Shop Bop :) 

I do like to dress up and accessorize like crazy once in a while, but you know what, I think I'm in my element when I'm in a plain V-neck tee and some jeans. That's where my California girl vibes kick in. I think it's a matter of how well you style them - even small details like the fit of the jeans, what shoes you wear, how you arrange the shirt can really change up your look. 

Well, I am off to enjoy the rest of my Sunday! Have a great weekend all!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

DIARY | In between

I'm always amazed at how other bloggers can maintain their blogs beautifully, keeping readers updated and posting new content consistently. Even after 4 years of blogging, I still find it hard to maintain a consistent flow on my blog - sometimes I'll have enough material, sometimes I won't. Or other times I have to prioritize other work, which means I have to put the blog on hold temporarily. So, I'm sorry in advance when that happens, but it doesn't mean I don't look and comment at other blogs during my commutes on the train or when I have a few minutes to spare. I always look forward to reading your comments and maintaining friendships in the blogosphere :)

With that said, I do have an outfit post coming soon, and also... a haircut. It will be drastically different and I was close to being overwhelmed when the suggestion was first made (I'm doing this for work-related reasons), but now I only feel excitement for this new change. I've told several of my family members and close friends about it and I get the same response - "What????" But they understand it is for work and it'll (hopefully) suit me. We shall see!

I remember now that almost a year ago, I did change my look with a new haircut and color - I went from brown hair to black, and made a blunt bang. I also changed my wardrobe and style somewhat to suit my new look, and I am still so happy that I did. I hope getting this new haircut will add more edge to my look, and hopefully influence me to spice up my style and add more creative and quality content to Letters Impromptu. :)




Love,

Samantha Mariko