Broncos & Levi's

(vintage Levi's: Urban Outfitters; top & shorts: Forever 21 Japan;

wedges: Forever 21; earrings: Rimo; rings: Topshop Japan; purse: Zara)

It's been a while since I've done an outfit post, and here it is. I don't know why I never thought to use my brother's old Bronco as a prop for my photos - it added to the vintage vibe of the denim jacket. I am in love with the black lace detail on the shoulders. A nice feminine touch to an oversize, rugged jacket. Love it!

Happy early July 4th everyone! 

Love,

Samantha Mariko

classical

After graduating with my degree in piano performance, I find myself practicing less, but still making the best of my practice time. It really does feel different when you don't have to practice for lessons, masterclasses, or recitals. But I'm starting to think that this might actually be good for me, to be able to work at my own pace and practice pieces that I wish to play. I decided to bring back a couple of Chopin etudes back into my repertoire, since I neglected them in order to pursue Scriabin etudes (I love playing these and still am). Can't forget the Well-Tempered Klavier by Bach. I play other pieces here and there and still deciding on a sonata..

On a different note, I hope make it to Fuzjko Hemming's piano recital in San Francisco on July 15th.

I've seen her in recital twice, and her interpretations and playing are both quite unique. 

I really don't want to miss it!

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend. xoxo

Love,

Samantha Mariko

the golden gate

(denim jacket: vintage Levi's; sunglasses: H&M; 

shirt: Forever 21 Japan)

Additional photos from my SF trip! I know I sound like a tourist, but I finally got a picture with the Golden Gate bridge (the pictures from when I was a 5-year-old are a bit outdated). My boyfriend took us to a semi- remote area near the ocean, where you can walk along a dirt road to see the Bridge even closer. And luckily, the weather was perfect - sunny with a cool ocean breeze :)  We also stopped by Golden Gate Park to check out Alice's Summerthing, an outdoor concert hosted by Alice @ 97.3. Adam Lambert and and Boys Like Girls performed, but unfortunately, I didn't stay long enough to see them. But I did enjoy some amazing shrimp and chicken paella from one of the food vendors at the concert! Yum.

Thanks for reading! xoxo

Love,

Samantha Mariko

pride

I'm so happy to be back in SF, especially since I happened to arrive during Pride where festivities were in full swing. There was so much to do and see near City Hall: food stands, free concerts, street vendors, and artwork like the huge inflated lotus flower above. I also got my first ever henna tattoo :)

Later, Gabe and I drove up to Twin Peaks to view the SF night life that I love so much. We didn't expect to be able to see the Pink Triangle (apparently, it is a memorial of homosexual oppression created annually on Twin Peaks). My digital camera doesn't do it justice, but the view was absolutely gorgeous. I don't think I'll ever get tired of it.

I will be posting more photos soon, so until then... <3

Love,

Samantha Mariko

TOKYO EYE

Hello everyone!

I'm excited to announce that I will be making my first TV appearance tonight on NHK World's "Tokyo Eye!" The first showing will be at 5:30pm, and it will be aired a couple times after that. Akane Nakajima and I will be introducing Akiruno and Tokyo Summerland in Tokyo, Japan. 

You can watch the show online here and check the schedule here for additional airings (Tokyo Eye is towards the bottom of the page). 

You'll be able to view different parts of Tokyo, spots that are quite different from the city, and I promise it'll be worth your 30 minutes :) Thank you!!

Love,

Samantha Mariko