An all-black uniform

I'm currently reading 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami and it's one of the most interesting reads I've had in a while. I decided to start reading it without reading any summaries or reviews, and it was nothing like I had expected, which is a good thing. Sometimes picking up a book and not expecting the expected is refreshing, similar to how life throws you curveballs. Exactly 4 years have passed by since I moved to Japan, and these 4 years have shown me how unexpected life really is. Some food for thought.

今、村上春樹さんの「１Q８４」を読んでいるのですが、今まで読んだ本の中で多分一番ユニークな設定だと思います。あらすじやレビューを読まずに読んでみようと思い、想像していたものとは全然違う世界だったのがびっくり。でも、いいことなんです。新しい本を選んで、全く想像していなかったお話に突入出来るのは、良い気分転換にもなります。人生に想像外の出来事があるような。私も日本着てからすでに４年が経ち、この４年の間、人生はどれだけ色んな出来事があるかを思い知らされました。多分、これからもまだまだ続くでしょうね。ちょっと考え事。

top: Topshop; pants: Zara; choker: Asos; shoes: Asos; sunglasses: zeroUV; watch: BABY-G

All photos by Gabriel Perez.

ELEGANT Magazine August Issue No. 27 "White Minimalism"

It's a rarity and an honor to be published in a fashion magazine, so I'm really excited to share this editorial with you. ELEGANT Magazine August Issue No. 7 - "White Minimalism" with photography by Apple Sabrina Chua, hair by Maiko Kurishima, makeup by Mami Abe, and modeling by me. We decided to work the "white" theme into my hair and makeup, which really pulled all the looks together to create this minimal theme. Many thanks to my amazing team for making this happen, and for ELEGANT Magazine for this beautiful spread! 

ファッション雑誌に載せていただくのは珍しいし、言葉に表せないくらい光栄なことなので、最新の作品を皆さんにお見せすることが本当に楽しみです。ELEGANT Magazine 8月号No. 27　「White Minimalism」の写真担当はApple Sabrina Chua, ヘア担当はMaiko Kurishima, メイク担当はMami Abe、モデルは私です。「白」というテーマだったので、ヘアメイクをどれだけそれに近づけられるかを意識して作り上げていきました。最高のチームに、そしてELEGANT Magazineに、心から感謝しています。ありがとうございます！

Nakameguro strolling with Ghostdances

The cherry blossoms were not quite in full bloom, but Chris and I enjoyed the early blossoms and the crowds of people around Nakameguro area. Hopefully I'll be able to see them in their glory before I leave for home sweet home California. And oh, you gotta check out these cute shoe accessories I got from Mohee Accessories. They will add a fresh pop to your lace-up shoes.

桜はまだ満開ではなかったですが、カメラマンのクリスさんと中目黒でちょっと咲いている桜達と出店を楽しんできました。来週ロスの実家に戻る前に、満開の桜見れるかなー。そういえば、私が付けているスニーカーアクセチェックしてみて！Moheeっていう新しいブランドので、すごく可愛いし、どんなスニーカーも新鮮にみえるよ！

coat: Topshop; top: Topshop; jeans: Moussy; sunglasses: ZeroUV; shoes: Nike; shoe accessories: Mohee; bag: G.U.M. (Farfetch)

All photos by Ghostdances

Street stylin'

Street style photography in Omotesando, photos by 36 Neex

Prismatic

All photos by Ross McLean 

a new year, new beginnings. it's 2016!

Here's to a new year, new beginnings. Each year comes with ups and downs, happiness and sadness, success and failures. 2015 was another roller coaster ride for me, and I'm sure 2016 will be no different. I intend to accomplish at least some of my goals, if not all, find happiness in this world full of chaos, and enjoy the beauty in life. And to just simply be me and to always be a better version of myself. And these photographs by Eri Sakamoto are so perfect for my first post of 2016 - I can honestly say each and every photo is me, Samantha Mariko. Happy New Year.

All photos by Eri Sakamoto