OUTFIT | Sleek black in the bright light

coat: Le Ciel Bleu 

turtleneck : Uniqlo 

tapered pants: Le Ciel Bleu 

tote: Zara

pointed loafer: Garmentseven

hat: Uniqlo

Hey guys, it's been a long week for me last week, and I was hibernating a bit, refreshing myself for the upcoming week. Tokyo Fashion Week has started, and I'm planning on attending a few of the shows later in the week (excited!). Overall, I feel like winter is coming to an end, and so many new opportunities, events and changes are taking place everywhere with spring approaching.

Although the weather has been much more promising, it's still chilly and I can't part with my winter coats just yet. These photos are from a few days ago, and I guess I was in the mood to clad myself in all black (not a surprise coming from me, haha). I just really love these pointed loafers I got on sale at the Tokyu Shibuya Scramble. Just casually browsing through, and just my luck, chic flats in my size and under 7000 yen ($70). It's so so hard to find my shoe size in Japan because women here have such tiny feet and of course I have feet of a giant's. I think these shoes were meant to be. Does that every happen to you, or is it just me? :)

皆さんは良い週末を過ごせましたか？先週末から東京ファッションウィークがスタートしましたね。私も今週いくつかのランウェーを見に行くつもりです！

３月に入り、やっと暖かくなってきました。でも、やはりまだコートは必要ですね。数日前も、このようにオールブラックのコーディネートにまたもや片寄ってしまいました。黒はいつでもシックに着こなせるので、欠かせないですね。。今度はもうちょっと春っぽい服を着ます！（笑）でも、渋谷スクランブルでゲットしたこのポイントトーローファーは履きたくて。サイズもぴったり、しかも７０００円以下！！My new favorite item.

All photos by Paint with Stars Photography

leopard girl

(Jacket: vintage; top: Uniqlo; pants: old from Le Ciel Bleu; boots: Target; clutch: Wego)

Photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

Another cold February afternoon in Tokyo - this time, Roppongi Hills with my photographer friend Lisa. There was surprisingly quite a bit of snow left in the area, which turned out to be really pretty in the photos. 

Here, I am wearing my favorite leopard print jacket I randomly found at a used clothing store called Mode Off, for for only about 2000yen (about $20). And then everything else... black because I like black right now. Is it just me or does my hair look purple to you?? I was planning to dye it a violet red but I guess I might not have to anymore (ha).

Anyways, Lisa started an Instagram project called Portraits of Tokyo, and you guys should check it out! She takes photos of people on the streets of Tokyo that catch her eye, and conducts a brief interview with them. You can follow her @portraitsoftokyo :)

Stay warm everyone!! Hope you enjoyed these pictures!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

all of the lights

(coat & shirt: Zara, sweater: Uniqlo; pants: Le Ciel Bleu; shoes: Underground;

clutch: Wego)

photos by Lisa from paint with stars photography

I had the pleasure of shooting with Lisa again, this time during the evening hours in Midtown, Roppongi. I really wanted to check out the pretty illuminations, and it seemed like Lisa enjoyed them, too. It was a bit difficult to get some good shots in the dark, but she her amazing photography skills shined through.

This coat is an old-time favorite of mine... I think this is my third year wearing it. I probably should invest in a new gray coat, but I love this one! And I finally, finally found the perfect white shirt at Zara for 4000 yen (about $40 USD), which I think is pretty reasonable.

Are you all looking forward to Christmas/ holiday lights this year? I know I am!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

le ciel bleu spring collection

A small selection from Le Ciel Bleu's 2012 SS Collection. All of these bright colors & prints are getting me really excited for spring and warmer weather. I actually already purchased the black & white version of the stadium jacket :)

Check out their website at www.lcb.co.jp for more of the spring collection. 

What are your favorite items?

Plus a track that I'm currently hooked on: 

Acid Washed - General Motors, Detroit, America (Blackstrobe Remix)

Love,

Samantha Mariko