Rio de Sol Brazilian swimwear

September is approaching, and summer is coming to an end. Summer seems never-ending, but before you know it, fall arrives and it's back to school, back to work. I was lucky to have been able to visit one of Japan's beaches for a photo shoot, and luckier that Rio de Sol sent me this swimwear set, including a pareo, bracelet and Havaianas. I semi-consciously chose this halter top and bottom set (I surprisingly didn't own a simple black one), and it turns out to be a swimwear trend this summer. For more, check out my post on halter swimwear here.

Tokyo isn't blessed with the beaches I grew up so close to in Huntington Beach, California, but they are nonetheless beautiful in their own way. My photographer Lasse captured the moodiness of this cloudy beach quite perfectly. Definitely put another check mark next to my summer to-do list. 

間もなく９月に突入、そして、夏も終わりを告げる。夏は長く感じますが、結局すぐ終わってしまい、学校なり仕事なりに戻る時間がやってきます。この夏は千葉の海まで撮影しに行くことができ、ちょうど良くRio de Solというブラジルビキニのブランドから水着コーディネートが届きました。ビキニにパレオ、ブレスレットとサンダル。このハイネックのビキニは今季の流行だとは知らなく、黒だしかっこいいなという理由で選びました。最近、ハイネック水着の特集を載せたので、見てみてください！

カリフォルニアの海の近くで育ったので、東京近辺の海を比べてしまうとやはり物足りなさを感じますが、それでも千葉の海はそれなりの美しさもありました。カメラマンのラッセさんは、この曇り空を覆った海をムーディーにとらえてくれたので、良い作品ができたと思います。夏のやりたいことリストにもう一つチェック✔️

Bathing suit: Rio de Sol; Pareo: Rio De Sol; Bracelet: Mishky (similar here); sandals: Havaianas;

earrings: Beach Closet

All photos by Lasse Kusk

Zushi Fes '15

Zushi Fes is a music festival held every summer at Zushi beach, and this year I decided to check it out with my friend Mika. From Kamakura station, we took a free shuttle to the venue. If Zushi was closer to Tokyo, I would probably live here - there are so many similarities to southern California, from the endless palm trees, to the beach, to the resort-style buildings. But anyways, the place was crowded with festival goers, and lined up with different booths and food stands. I never take photo booth stickers anymore, but when they tell you it's free, can't resist...

Some of the artists performing that day were BENI, C&K and Crystal Kay, to name a few. I've always been a fan of Crystal, a half Japanese and half black J-pop singer. And seeing her live for the first time was amazing! Even though her set was only 30 minutes, she got the crowd going, sang many of her hits, and was just overall a huge crowd pleaser. Truly an inspiration to me.


今週末は逗子フェスが行われていて、私も初めてのサマーフェスに参戦して来ました！海の近くということでとても暑かったですが、やっぱり海に来ると興奮します。逗子は南カリフォルニアに似ている部分が結構あるので、すごく懐かしい気分になりました。東京だとヤシの木はみれないので。。。友達のミカちゃんと逗子フェス限定無料プリクラを撮ったり、白桃のかき氷を食べたりしました。

今回のアーティストは、BENIやC＆K、そしてCrystal Kay! １０年ぐらい彼女のファンで、やっとライブステージを見ることが出来て、本当に嬉しかったです！ヒット曲をいっぱい歌ってくれたし、ダンスも上手かったし、最高でした！Crystal 大好き！

OUTFIT | Colorful vibes in Huntington Beach

blouse: H&M

shorts: Uniqlo

clutch: Dezso by Sara Beltran

shoes: Vans

sunglasses: Free People

I currently live in an area where it takes 2 hours in the least to get to the nearest beach, so it was a real privilege growing up next to one in Surf City Huntington Beach. My brother and I took a quick drive to our local beach and enjoyed some California sun. When my dad passed away two summers ago, all I wanted to wear was black, no matter how warm it was. I always thought it was respectful to mourn for those who have passed by wearing black. Just two weeks ago, my grandmother passed away, but the things I remember most about her are her smile, laughter, her warmth and love. Instead of donning myself all in black, I want to celebrate her amazing life by wearing some more color. I hope to follow her footsteps and be a more gracious and caring person for myself and those around me.

Trying to live life more colorfully, take it day by day, and make the best of it. Until next time, California.

現在住んでいるところは、海まで2時間はかかるので、海の近くで生まれ育ったことに感謝してます。先日、弟とハンティントン・ビーチまでちょこっとドライブしてきました。2年前の夏、父が亡くなったとき、どんなに暑くても黒以外の色は着たくありませんでした。2週間前、祖母が亡くなりましたが、一番思い出に残っているのは彼女の笑顔と笑い声、心の暖かさととてつもない愛。暗い色で彼女の死を悲しむより、もっと色を取り入れて、彼女の素敵な人生を祝いたい。祖母のように、愛想の良い、気遣いのある女性になりたいです。

人生をもっとカラフルに、頑張って生きていこう。カリフォルニア、またね。

photos by E. Rhodes

A December beach

Enjoyed an afternoon at the beach today with my brother. I wish I was more of a beach girl growing up, but I'm still spoiled for being able to enjoy some California sun right before Christmas. 

Our bathing suits are courtesy of Billabong Japan - thank you! We love Billabong <3

今日は弟と冬のビーチを楽しんできました。クリスマス前に水着着て海へ行けるのは、本当に贅沢だなーと今更思う。水着とトランクスはBillabong Japanから頂いたものです。Billabong 大好き！

Love,

Samantha

A Huntington Beach sunset

With my friend Amy visiting my hometown of Huntington Beach for a couple days, it makes me see the city in a slightly different light. As we were driving along PCH during the sunset yesterday, she remarked, "You are so lucky to have lived in such a beautiful area." Having lived away from California for the past two years, I can understand her perspective a little better. Huntington Beach, or SoCal in general is a great place to live, and it was a privilege to have experienced the beauty of all this growing up. I will always have a deep sweet spot for HB <3 The sunset in December is gorgeous, by the way.

友達のエイミーちゃんが日本から遊びにきていて、南カリフォルニアを案内中。彼女のお陰で、実家のハンティントンビーチの良さを改めて知ることができています。昨日の夕日も本当に綺麗だった。エイミー、ありがとう！

Love,

Samantha

Okinawa photo diary

It's only been two days but I already miss the beauty that is Okinawa. The southernmost islands of Japan, it is truly a paradise surrounded by a vast and beautiful ocean. I had the opportunity to visit Okinawa for the first time for a work trip to help sell yoga wear at the Satsang Yoga & Music Festival. I will definitely get into detail about the brand, Aumnie, and the rest of the festival. Anywho, my coworkers and I stayed at the Moon Beach Hotel located roughly an hour away from Naha Airport, a beautiful beach resort as you can see. Even though we had to work close to 10 hours each day for the festival, I was lucky enough to grasp some of the beauty on camera. The food was delicious (maybe a bit oily because so many of their famous dishes are fried), the water was clear (the beach at night time was my favorite), and the people were so kind and friendly. I had wanted to visit Okinawa in what seems like forever (well, maybe since I was 12 to be more exact), and I feel like I learned more about Japan and myself through this trip. Always thankful for opportunities that come my way. Many many thanks to Aumnie Japan for making it happen.

先週末、４日間沖縄でのお仕事中撮った写真です。初めての沖縄は、言葉にできないくらい良い経験となりました。１２歳のときからずっと行きたいと思っていたところなので、仕事で行けたことに感謝。今回のお仕事は、Satsang ヨガと音楽フェスでヨガウェアを販売する内容でした。Aumnieというカナダのブランドなのですが、本当にすばらしいアクティブウェアのブランド。Aumnie Japan のおかげで初沖縄が果たせたので、本当に感謝しています。この４日間、沖縄の文化を身近で知ることができたし、自分も少し成長したかな、と思いました。また次回、Aumnie とフェスのことをもっと詳しく記事にしたいと思います。お楽しみに！

Stay tuned for more on Aumnie!

Love,

Samantha