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

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

by the seaside

(shirt: Warriors of Radness; skirt: Zara; beanie: Le Ciel Bleu; shoes: Underground;

clutch: Gap)

I spent a relaxing day in Yokohama today with family friends. Blue sky, an ocean breeze (well, more like wind)... it was a Sunday well spent. It was my first time visiting the Red Brick Warehouse, a sort of shopping mall now but originally a customs building. One of the perks of Yokohama is the historical buildings and landmarks that continue to exist. We also took a stroll through Yamashita Park before heading to Chinatown for dinner. The statue of the girl I'm sitting next to is from a fairy tale called "The Red Shoes" by Andersen. I read this story when I was a little girl, and I realized real fairy tales do not have happy endings...maybe. :)

Check back for my next blog post featuring a photo shoot I did this weekend in Harajuku!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram, too! 

Have a great week! xx

Love,

Samantha Mariko

blue waves

Today was one of those days where I couldn't resist the urge to soak in the sun and enjoy some beautiful weather. Warm sun, slight breeze, blue ocean, people tanning, children playing. It was nice to be away from the hustle-bustle of my daily routine and be able to have time to myself, minus the fact that my legs got burnt because I was careless about the sunscreen. Some important decision-making coming up soon, so I figured the beach would be an ideal place to avoid distraction. I hope the weather stays like this for a while because I plan to go back soon.

Love,

Samantha Mariko