Letters Impromptu x Front Row Shop

(purse: Front Row Shop; top: Zara; skirt: H&M (similar here); watch: Skywatch; 

necklace: Brandy Melville; bracelet: Giles & Brother (similar here); sandals: Aldo)

photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

It's still rainy season in Japan, even though it's already July. But I remember last year around this time, it was extremely hot and humid, where by 10 AM I was already drenched in sweat. So I guess you can say I prefer this weather so much more.

To match the gloomy weather, I wanted to go for a simple, all-black monotone look with some contrasting white with my Skywatch and new faux leather triangle purse from Front Row Shop. When I saw this pretty thing on their website, I knew I had to add this to my purse collection. The triangular shape is so unique, and it is surprisingly useful and fits all of my essentials. I just let it dangle from my wrist when I am walking around. Despite the rain, I really wanted to wear sandals, so I opted for my semi-platform sandals from Aldo - I feel like they don't get my feet as wet as I walk through puddles. Even adding a cute umbrella will make you look even more stylish in the rain.

Lisa and I found this cool food truck in the middle of Omotesando that sells bomb burgers and fries. The cold earl grey tea I had was such a refreshing treat in the humidity. Looking forward to trying some of the other items on their menu.

Check out other amazing items from frontrowshop.com - it's already become one of my favorite go-to online stores. Follow them on Instagram at @frontrowshop !

Love,

Samantha Mariko

monthly favorites #2- summer makeup essentials

Here is part II of my monthly favorites (sorry I skipped last month!!). This time, I will be introducing my summer makeup essentials that I have been using religiously since the humidity hit Japan. 

1. No7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream

If you have oily or combination skin, this is the moisturizer for you. When I was in Ulta back in January, I was scanning through the No7 products and this one caught my eye. I have a very oily T-zone, so I thought hm, this might help my skin become less oily... and I think it does help. It is a cream, but actually very light, and I dot it all over my face and blend in well. It's affordable and comes in a nice little jar.

2. La Roche-Posay Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

This is hands-down the best sunscreen I have ever used for my face. La Roche-Posay produces quality skincare products that are friendly for sensitive skin (like mine). This sunscreen is so easy to apply and blends right into my skin. It is SPF 45, water resistant, fragrance free, and is tested on sensitive skin. I actually found an SPF 60 of the same product, which is the one I linked.

3. Laura Mercier Oil-free Foundation Primer

Laura Mercier is one of my favorite makeup brands, and her foundation primers are amazing. And oil-free? Perfect. I really think this one helps keep my foundation stay put all day, and helps keep my T-zone less oily in combination with the No7 cream.

4. Napolean Perdis Foundation Stick
I used to suffer from acne, so I was always in need of a foundation that would cover my blemishes and acne scars - that's where Napolean Perdis' cream foundation stick comes to the rescue. This is the best foundation for daily wear. It's really creamy, which makes it very easy to apply with just fingertips. I use small circular or tapping motions to apply on my problem areas (I don't apply it all over my face). Amazing stuff. Another miracle product I picked up at Ulta.


5. Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder
Setting your face makeup is so important - I used to never do this, but now it is so necessary. A makeup artist at Sephora recommended Tarte's translucent powder, which is great for oily skin. It gives my skin a non-cakey, matte finish. If your skin does get a bit oily later in the day, just use a tissue to blot excess oil, not blotting paper (I hear it makes oil resurface, and that cannot be good). I use a poofy powder puff to apply this powder all over my face.



Did this help at all? Any suggestions for summer skincare/ makeup? Let me know in the comments!



Love,

Samantha Mariko

launch of club-D music official website

I've done a few posts about my music-making - I'm currently making original music with a music producer I met in Tokyo. And I'm so happy to show you guys an introduction to what he has been working on at clubdmusic.com.

(club-D & Claudio)

I have been working with both of these talented gentlemen on some high-quality music, mainly  in the dance/EDM genre. Below is an intro video from club-D's Youtube channel (yes, that's me in the video and yes I'm singing!).

club-D Introduction - Vol. 1

It would be great if you all could check out the website and the video. Stay tuned for more amazing music and content!! :) 

Have a great weekend!!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

Jamaican Festival with Sylvia G.

(Dress: Eden the Collection; sandals: Need Supply; watch: Skywatch; bag: Suzutan)

photos by Sylvia G Photography

First post of July, my birthday month! July is the month that embodies summer - beaches, festivals, road trips... so exciting :)  Last weekend, I went to the Jamaican Festival at Yoyogi Park with my friend Sylvia, who is also a photographer from Orange County. This was my second time stopping by the festival, and it was so nice to be back! I finally tried the famous jerk chicken (pictured above) - perfect festival food. Eden the Collection was kind enough to send me the beautiful Taya maxi dress I'm wearing, which I think must be worn to a summer festival. It just love how it floats and how light & airy it feels. Eden is doing their summer sale now, so make sure you get one or one of their other awesome dresses at half the price! 

Don't forget to check out my previous post featuring Daniel Wellington watches ! 

Happy Monday, and have a great week!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

mother & daughter shoot at shinjuku gyoen

photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

My mom leaves for California tomorrow, so tonight was the last night I got to spend with her and my grandparents. I'm so glad we were able to do a mother-daughter photo shoot last week at Shinjuku Gyoen, courtesy of Paint with Stars photography. My mom said she was nervous before the shoot, but we all had a great time at the beautiful park, right in the middle of the hectic city life of Shinjuku. I will always treasure these photos. I hope I get to see her and the rest of my family soon.

Always treasure the time you spend with your family - don't take it for granted!




Love,

Samantha Mariko