a day in osaka

photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

These are a few photos from a short trip to Osaka from a few days ago. It was for work, but Lisa and I got to enjoy some beautiful views of the city life there. The river running through Namba is spectacularly beautiful.

Thank you so much for all of the birthday wishes - you guys are awesome!! 

Love,

Samantha Mariko

birthday

I celebrated my birthday yesterday after work. My coworkers surprised me with a sweet birthday gift and I was treated to birthday dinner by a special someone. It made me so happy to receive birthday messages via text, email and my social media. Thank you so much!! 

Wearing Alexander Wang, Front Row Shop, Forever 21 and Aldo.

Much love,

Samantha Mariko

Letters Impromptu x Marisara

(jumpsuit: Marisara; clutch: Sara Beltran for Dezso (similar here); 

watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs; bracelet: Giles and Brother (similar here); heels: Zara (similar here))

photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

It was a slightly rainy, humid day in Tokyo yesterday, which made it the perfect opportunity to wear this pretty jumpsuit from Marisara, a fashion brand based in Bangkok. The ruffle detail is so flattering, and the sleeves expose your shoulders in a subtle, sexy way. I paired it with some simple heels and accessories, and added a pop of color with my Dezso clutch. This is definitely my go-to jumpsuit for the warm, summer months! 

Check out this amazing brand at www.miramarisara.com and their Facebook page here. 

Have a great weekend!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

summer shoes

My casual shoes of choice for the warm summer months - Vans checkered slip-ons, Madrid Eva Birkenstocks, and Aldo platform flats.

What's your shoe of choice this season?

Love,

Samantha Mariko

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