OUTFIT | Reflections in the rain with Jason Mordeno Photography

jumpsuit: Style Moi

necklace: Forever 21

heels: Zara

bag: Ted Baker

My photographer friend Jason Mordeno was visiting Tokyo again, and of course we decided to do a photo shoot, this time in the rain. Rain means umbrellas, but I didn't want one to get in our way. And shooting like this made me realize how beautifully glossy the streets look when wet, and how much more vivid one's reflection looks in the building's granite walls. And this jumpsuit from Style Moi was a favorite this summer, paired with a bold accessory and some heels. It's always a pleasure shooting with Jason - he works swiftly, and gives subtle direction that makes each photo more special. Thanks always, Jason!

カメラマンの友達のジェイソン・モルデノが数週間前また来日していたので、もちろん撮影もしましたよ！でも、今回は雨の中。雨の中の道は、思っていたよりとても写真写りが良かったし、ビルの壁のリフレクションもすごく綺麗でした。このジャンプスーツはこの夏のお気に入りで、ポイントでネックレスやヒールを合わせたら、さらにシックになりました。ジェイソンさんの素早い仕事ぶりとちょっとした指示で、写真がとてもいい感じに仕上がりました。いつもありがとうございます！

All photos by Jason Mordeno Photography

OUTFIT | Falling leaves in Shinjuku Gyoen with Jason Mordeno Photography

photos by Jason Mordeno Photography

Do any of you miss the fall foliage that just recently ended? I do, mainly because I hear it has already snowed in Tokyo, and also, you can't really experience the change of seasons in Southern California (palm trees and greenery all year round). I did another photo shoot with Canadian photographer Jason Mordeno, who I worked with earlier this spring. I'm so glad he visits Japan every few months - he is so extremely talented and a pleasure to work with. When we went to Shinjuku Gyoen last month, we spent a few hours trying out different locations in the park, different poses, etc. He started poking holes in a leaf and putting it in front of his lens, which confused me at first... but I can always trust his creativity. 

I wasn't sure about wearing this faux leather dress I picked up on sale at Zara, but I think it worked well with the backdrop. I mean, fall foliage can have a dark side, too, right?

秋が過ぎ去って、今はもう東京は雪が降っているという情報が耳に入りました。紅葉が恋しいです、本当に。この写真たちは先月、カナダのカメラマンのジェイソンさんと新宿御苑で撮影をしたものです。レザーのワンピースとジェイソンさんの撮影スタイルの雰囲気の相性が良かったと思います。すごく気に入っています。

What I wore:

dress: Zara (similar black leather dresses here)

coat: Ines de la Fressange for Uniqlo

boots: Target

sunglasses: (similar round sunglasses here)

Love,

Samantha

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