Shore Magazine launch party

Believe it or not, yesterday was my birthday! I feel like as I get older, I become more shy about revealing when my birthday is. Thanks to those of you who wished me a happy birthday on Instagram and such! Super sweet<3

I went to the reception party for a brand new magazine called Shore, featuring models Melody Yoko and Mary-Jun Takahashi. The concept for this magazine is more like a photo book with a beach theme. I saw the pilot version at the party, and it was amazing. Some of the other girls in my agency came out to support, and we enjoyed some colorful drinks and delicious tapas. Thank you for an enjoyable evening, Shore Magazine!

今夜は、Shore という新しい雑誌のレセプションパーティーに行って来ました。Shoreは写真集みたいな新感覚の雑誌で、ビーチをテーマにしています。なので、パーティーもハワイアンテーマでとても楽しかったです。モデルのメロディー洋子ちゃんと高橋メアリージュンちゃんがこの雑誌のモデルで、すごく素敵でした！同じ事務所のマリーやジャスティーンちゃんもサポートに来ましたよ♪

birkenstock madrid eva model launch party

Tonight, I attended the Birkenstock Madrid Eva Model Launch Party in Harajuku with my friend Amy. It was seriously poppin' when we arrived, and we all got to wear the new Madrid Evas during the party. My model friend Melody Yoko was the image model for this launch party, so there were posters of her modeling the different Birkenstocks all over the warehouse (she is the girl in the blue palm tree dress). It was great seeing some of my other friends at the party :) And I'm so excited to own my first pair of Birkenstocks!

Do you own a pair of Birkenstocks? Let me know in the comments!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

tokyo runway 2012 autumn/winter

Becky! 

Ai Tominaga

Today, I attended Tokyo Runway 2012 Autumn/ Winter at Yoyogi Gynmasium. Let's just say it was worth standing in my heels for the almost 4 hours I was there... I am definitely looking forward to the upcoming fall & winter fashion trends. Noticed fur, playful tights, and berets were used as accessories. I was especially impressed by Emoda and Sly. And the models were amazing as usual, too: Melody Yoko, Ai Tominaga, Audrey Ayaka, Becky, Mary-Jun Takahashi to name a few. Can't wait to go shopping now! 

Love,

Samantha Mariko

Asia Collection Model Audition 2012

(dress, wedges & cuff: forever 21; jacket: irene's story; purse: from Japan;

necklace: Rimo)

I had the honor of attending the Asia Collection Model Audition 2012 yesterday at the Holiday Inn Torrance. I was so happy to see Melody Yoko and Akane Nakajima (first photo) again since my trip to Japan. They were both busy at work despite their short vacation at home. 

Out of the 13 contestants (they were all very talented, by the way), 5 of the girls won prizes. I'm so proud of my friend Mizuki (last photo) for winning the Judge's Choice award! All of the girls did very well so I congratulate them for their hard work! お疲れ様！Looking forward to seeing what's next for these girls, as well as for myself. :)

Also, I'd like to announce that my blog has received over 10,000 views since I started in October 2011. I would like to thank all of my readers and followers for their support thus far, and I hope you will continue to enjoy my blog. I truly appreciate it! 

Love,

Samantha Mariko

girls award

(shirt & skirt: Forever 21 Japan; shoes: Suzutan)

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to attend Girls Award, a huge fashion show in Japan. This time, it was at Yoyogi Gynmasium in Harajuku.

I've watched Japanese fashion shows on TV, but it is a whole new experience to actually watch it in person. The audience members go crazy when popular models walk down the runway. The models sometimes throw goodie bags to audience members, which is pretty fantastic. It keeps the crowd going. Apart from the runway show, there are live performances and booths where you can buy cosmetics, skin care products, and even get your nails done.

Hanging out backstage was an amazing experience in itself. I was able to see quite a few models who appear in Japanese fashion magazines, like Elli-Rose, Melody Yoko, Mary Jun Takahashi, and Natsuki Kato. They are all really gorgeous in person, too!

I didn't get to take too many pictures, but hope you enjoy them!

Until next time <3

Love,

Samantha Mariko

what a surprise

( from Sweet, June issue)

I was so lucky to have randomly picked up a magazine with so many of my favorite Japanese models! (in order) Rinka, Christina, Melody Yoko, Audrey Ayaka, and Becky. I enjoyed every single page of this issue.

Plus, a small gift!



It is definitely worth buying magazines here when they come with cute makeup bags like this. This one fits all of my makeup essentials. Perfect.

If any of you live in the States, you can purchase a copy at a Japanese bookstore :)

Thanks for reading!

Love,

Samantha Mariko