OUTFIT | skyed apparel x Letters Impromptu

(hat: skyed apparel; T-shirt: Beauty and Youth United Arrows; sweat pants: Uniqlo;

trenchcoat: Ines de la Fressange for Uniqlo; shoes: Vans; 

clutch: Wego (similar black clutches here))

photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

Please allow me to introduce Skyed Apparel - a quality hat brand based in Los Angeles, California. The name "skyed" represents the freedom and optimism for future possibilities, that "the sky is the limit." I was immediately drawn to the unique designs and materials of their hats, especially this black corduroy "midnight" hat. The logo and the adjustable strap are both made of leather, a nice touch to the casual design. I think the best thing about skyed hats are that most of them are unisex, and that in turn inspired my OOTD.

The weather has been so perfect the past week, with the humidity of the summer gone and the crispness of fall taking its place. I wanted to go ultra casual this weekend in a T-shirt and sweats, my trusted Vans, and this trench coat, a new favorite of mine. In a previous outfit post, I introduced the "Urban Sweats" line from Uniqlo, and these sweat pants are also part of that collection. SO comfortable! A couple of details that make it more unique that the normal sweat pant. And the trench is also from a collaboration line from Uniqlo by Ines de la Fressange. Fressange designed so many quality items for everyday wear at such affordable prices. I've already picked up a white shirt and some tweed pants, too. And last but not least, my Skyed hat puts everything in place :)

Make sure to check out the other Skyed hats here!

Have a great week ahead!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

OUTFIT | Crazy for Navy

(T-shirt: Beauty & Youth United Arrows; pants: Le Ciel Bleu (similar here and here); 

shoes: Vans; clutch: Wego (similar here))

photos by club-D

September is here - already! Did you all enjoy your last month of summer? I feel like summer this year went by way too quickly... I mean, I did see fireworks, ate watermelon, wore my yukata, but I still haven't stepped foot on the beach. How crazy is that?? I guess one can't do everything. But at least Fashions Night Out is right around the corner! 

Today, I made a little trip to Shimokitazawa, a hipster part of Tokyo with lots of vintage shops and cute cafes. Had delicious paninis and cappuccinos, and found a pair of nice oxfords that I know I will come in useful for the fall season. I'm really into the color navy right now, and it was perfect I found this cropped T-shirt at United Arrows the other day - just the right length to pair with a cropped trouser. I rolled up the sleeves to balance it out better. 

Have a great first week of September guys - thanks for stopping by!



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

shinokubo street style

 

(hoodie: Life is a Joke x Eleven Paris; sweats: Zara; shoes: Converse;

beanie: old; clutch: Wego)

 

photo cred: Arisa

 

 

 

I feel like Sundays are meant to be dressed down, which is why I grabbed the most comfortable pieces in my closet.

 

 

I finally spent some quality time with my good friend Arisa in Shinokubo. We stuffed ourselves with delicious Korean BBQ and hottoku, and chatted away for 3 hours straight.

 

 

 

 

Love you girl!

 

 

 

Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend :)

 

 

 

 

 

Love,

 

Samantha Mariko

skater

 (top: Topshop; skirt: H&M; beanie: Le Ciel Bleu; cap: Wego; shoes: Aldo)

Photos by Lisa (Paint with Stars)

Hair & Makeup by Chihiro Yoda

I feel like I say this every time I do a photo shoot, but this is seriously by far one of my favorite shoots. 

I shot with Lisa last autumn and we finally scheduled this little shoot in Harajuku. Her friend Chihiro did my hair and makeup in her studio and we ventured out in the quiet part of Harajuku for possible locations. And this is what we came up with. I don't think this shoot even lasted an hour, or even half an hour.. 

My favorite prop was probably the cones.. especially the "no trespassing" one ;)

Thank you Lisa and Chihiro for an amazing and fun shoot! Can't wait to work with these ladies again!

And one candid shot:

Good night <3

Love,

Samantha Mariko