a friendship shoot

photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

models: Amy Ota and Samantha Mariko (me)

Lisa gave me the perfect opportunity to do a friendship-themed photo shoot this past weekend at Kasai Rinkai Park, and I couldn't think of anyone better to do it than with my good friend, Amy. We met 2 years ago when I signed to my current agency, and we hit it off really well. I can talk to her about anything, and our conversations and hangouts are always full of smiles and laughter. I'm always so thankful to have a friend like her. Thank you Lisa for taking such beautiful photos of us! :)

Love,

Samantha Mariko

summers with Skywatch

(top: Bershka; jeans: Le Ciel Bleu; sandals: Need Supply Co.;

clutch: Sara Beltran for Dezso; watch: Skywatch) 

photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

On Sunday, I did a photo shoot at Kasai Rinkai Park (near Tokyo Disneyland) with Lisa. The photos I put in this post aren't even half of the photos we took, because I actually did a photo shoot with my good friend Amy. I thought it would be better to post a part 2 of the photos because there are so many! 

I really want to introduce Skywatch to you guys - I recently began a collaboration with Skywatch, and received this lovely white x rose gold watch from them.  It looks pretty heavy, but I find it very easy to wear, and since it's white, I know I'll be using it all summer. I also love the rose-gold detail, and how easy it is to tell the time. Definitely a keepsake watch! I recommend some of the other watches by them as well! Check out their website :)

I'll be posting more photos with Amy very soon! Have a great week everyone!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

modern-day cleopatra

photos by Jason Mordeno

Hair & makeup by Azusa

Sorry for not posting in a week! The office move I mentioned in my last post and getting used to the new location kind of took up my energy... but I have been working on updating my blog and start-up for my Youtube channel. I appreciate you all for being so patient and supportive!!

I received some more photos from a photo shoot I did with Jason Mordeno back in March (other photos here). He submitted these to a magazine, but unfortunately the magazine didn't accept them so I am now able to post them here for public view. We were going for the modern-day Cleopatra look, especially with my hair. Jason and Azusa did a fantastic job :)

Thanks for all the wonderful comments on my last post! Have an amazing weekend guys!

Much love,

Samantha Mariko

monday mornings

The weekend zipped by for me, and it's already Monday again. The office I work at during the week is moving today, so I know I'll be pretty busy with that and adjusting to the new location. Since it's becoming humid as it is approaching June in just one more week (wow!), I opted for some of my sweat-proof makeup essentials, which I'll be introducing in my monthly series soon :) Also working on launching my Youtube channel so stay tuned!

And so excited about my upcoming collaboration with Skywatch! I received a beautiful new watch - white which is perfect to wear with all-white, colorful summer outfits. 

I hope everyone has a fantastic week! 

Much love,

Samantha Mariko

stripes & denim at the sanja matsuri in asakusa

(dress: H&M; vest: Forever 21; purse: Suzutan; shoes: New Balance)

It's matsuri (festival) season again, and I was so excited to go to the Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa for the 2nd year in a row with my friend Alisa. The weather was perfect, a great start to the weekend. We stuffed ourselves with too much food, but somehow still managed to find room in our stomaches for dessert. Since I knew it would be warm and the day would consist of mostly walking, I opted for this striped H&M dress with my old Forever 21 denim which I haven't worn in forever, and adding some comfortable color with my New Balances. 

Also, I'd like to announce the winner for the Eden the Collection giveaway, which ended on Thursday. Congratulations to Becky Young on winning the blue leopard tassel kimono!

Thanks all for entering the giveaway!!

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend :)

Love,

Samantha Mariko