OUTFIT | DREAM but do not sleep

It’s summer and I realized I was lacking in the T-shirt department until dream but do not sleep sent me one of their graphic T’s to try out. The cool thing about this brand is that it is UK-based, with firm roots in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene and promoting strictly positive vibes. I … Continue Reading

OUTFIT | Playful summer vibes in Tokyo

I am ready for some summer fun, seriously. The pool, the beach in Izu, the hot springs in Hakone, somewhere. At least my birthday is coming up in a few week. もう夏の準備はできてるよー!プールでも海でもどこでもいいから、行きたい!来月の誕生日に、どこか行こうかな。   dress: Forever 21, headband: PUNYUS, bag: Zara, shoes: Vans, sunglasses: zero UV All photos by Paint with Stars Photography

Blogger meetup – Francis Kenneth x Samantha Mariko

Last month, my blogger friend Francis Kenneth visited Japan for the first time. We had dinner in Shibuya, and wandered the neon-lit streets afterwards. It’s always fun hanging out with him and photographer Sylvia G., whether it’s in LA or Japan. You can check out more about his experiences in Tokyo on his blog here. Also, … Continue Reading

OUTFIT | Futuristic in black mesh

“Don’t mesh with me” was the original title of this post, but I tossed it thinking it was too cheesy. Here’s a second outfit I created featuring items from Forever 21. The combination of all-black mesh detailing, the puffed sleeves, and the oversized cate-eye sunglasses embody the ultimate urban chic  look with a futuristic edge. … Continue Reading

OUTFIT | Casual black & minimal white

Tokyo can get immensely humid around this time of year, but thankfully, it’s cooling down a bit because of the rainy season. Instead of layering with outerwear, I wanted to keep my outfit simple with a graphic sweater and some bermuda shorts, both from Forever 21. I’ve been shopping at Forever 21 a lot these … Continue Reading

OUTFIT | Clean summer whites & prints

Once in a while, I love adding some elegance to my look, and this was made possible with this chic Tobi bravado skirt. The asymmetrical hem is unique, which allows me to wear a short and longer length simultaneously, and not look too sexy or too modest. I accentuated the silhouette of the skirt with … Continue Reading

OUTFIT | Breezin’ through a Tokyo summer

      Sometimes less is more, and that can also be said about fashion, too. The summer weather allows me to be more creative with my outfits because it’s usually too warm to be layering. These wide satin pants from H&M perfectly balanced with my deep V crop top, and the combination of blue … Continue Reading

OUTFIT | Tropical prints in the rain

The rain comes and goes, and this was one of those days where it was pouring on us while we were trying to shoot. Luckily, Lisa and I found some decent locations where we could avoid the rain. One of the more high-end areas in Tokyo, Omotesando is probably one of my favorite places to … Continue Reading

OUTFIT | A 2D affair with Jump from Paper

It’s been a while since I posted an outfit. With the humidity creeping in over here, I could live in shorts every single day. Shorts aside, I want to introduce the cutest brand ever, Jump from Paper. I seriously had to do a double take when I saw the bags on their website – everything … Continue Reading

OUTFIT | Mesh details in monochrome

    You can always count on Shibuya to be colorful and full of life with the hustle and bustle of city-goers. That’s why I chose to shoot this particular outfit here. The ultimate monochrome, just black and white with some mesh detail in this funky top from Tobi, now one of my favorite online … Continue Reading