fashion island x hello, emy

(blouse and skirt: Brandy Melville; wedges: Forever 21)

I was lucky enough to collaborate with Emy, an amazing photographer & fellow blogger, for a photo shoot at Fashion Island. We both have a love for Brandy Melville, so we decided to use some of their pieces for the wardrobe for this shoot. It's actually not easy to shoot at an outdoor shopping mall, with all the shoppers and dogs around. But somehow, we made it work. Thanks, Emy! :) Make sure to check out her blog here! 

I'd also like to give a big shout out to all of my followers - I've just recently reached my 100th follower since I started in October. Thank you so much for your support! It means so much. <3 

Love,

Samantha Mariko

black & gray

(shirt dress: Uniqlo; purse: from Japan; heels: Zara; glasses: H&M)

After so many of my friends recommended that I watch The Dark Knight Rises, I gave in to the hype and saw it for myself. I gotta admit, I was drawn in to all of the thrill and suspense and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Since I knew the film was going to be over 2 hours long, I opted for my comfy T-shirt dress that I purchased in Japan and paired it with my new heels from Zara. For me, the simpler, the better. 

Love,

Samantha Mariko

treasures

My friend recently came back from a trip to Asia and brought me back these beautiful souvenirs from Thailand. Since I don't travel that much, I'm always ecstatic when someone brings me back gifts from their travels. I myself enjoy picking out souvenirs from my trips for friends and family - the smiles I see are always priceless. 

On a different note, is everyone keeping up with the Olympics? I've been  rooting for Team U.S.A and Team Japan since I can't choose one or the other. I guess that's what happens when you are half-Japanese :)

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter (@samantha_mariko) and Instagram! 

Love,

Samantha Mariko

simple

I've been wanting these Zara heels ever since they came out, maybe earlier this year or last year. Luckily, I found these yesterday, the last pair that happened to be my size, and for almost half the original price! I knew I couldn't miss these a second time. I can't wait to pair these with my outfits - so simple and elegant. 

Love,

Samantha Mariko

Asia Collection Model Audition 2012

(dress, wedges & cuff: forever 21; jacket: irene's story; purse: from Japan;

necklace: Rimo)

I had the honor of attending the Asia Collection Model Audition 2012 yesterday at the Holiday Inn Torrance. I was so happy to see Melody Yoko and Akane Nakajima (first photo) again since my trip to Japan. They were both busy at work despite their short vacation at home. 

Out of the 13 contestants (they were all very talented, by the way), 5 of the girls won prizes. I'm so proud of my friend Mizuki (last photo) for winning the Judge's Choice award! All of the girls did very well so I congratulate them for their hard work! お疲れ様！Looking forward to seeing what's next for these girls, as well as for myself. :)

Also, I'd like to announce that my blog has received over 10,000 views since I started in October 2011. I would like to thank all of my readers and followers for their support thus far, and I hope you will continue to enjoy my blog. I truly appreciate it! 

Love,

Samantha Mariko