Category: bayarea

Brand Spotlight: Tsubo

Published on by Lauren Nakagawa2 Comments

Finally, a perfect match. Rarely do I get an opportunity where a brand and I fit together cohesively in every single vein possible. I don’t think that’s ever happened until just last week. Enter Tsubo, a Japanese rooted shoe brand that silently screams bad ass street style and one I’m excited to be wearing.

Some will say it’s “just a shoe,” but for me there’s a feeling I get wearing a brand that is somehow connected to my Japanese roots. Ask any Japanese American (specifically in LA) and you’ll hear and feel a sense of pride when they talk about anything related to Japanese food, pop culture, fashion, or products. I’m in that camp for sure. Which is why I love sporting brands like these.

All of Tsubo’s shoes remix casual and sporty style into one. In a nutshell, that essentially is me. Casual over dressy. Sneakers over heels. And they are all under $160.

E20B9953E20B9945E20B9969E20B9942E20B9965I’m wearing the Airi Chelsea Boot which is probably the most versatile boot I own now. It’s even got a foam insole making it comfy enough to run after FedEx trucks with. By the way, Tsubo in Japanese essentially translates to “pressure point” which is rather fitting don’t ya think?E20B9927E20B9930E20B9944E20B9914E20B9905E20B9911E20B9919E20B9900

It is my hope to do another Father Daughter trip to Japan sometime next year. I miss everything about it and can see these booties adventuring all over Tokyo. For now, SF will have to do.

Thank you Tsubo for spawning a more personal entry. Amazing what a great pair of shoes can do :) Part II with Tsubo will be on Monday. Thank you for reading!

Shot by Shannon Righetti

Tsubo

Airi Chelsea Wedge: $150 here

Def Leppard Tee– JunkFood

Denim Skirt– Free People

*This post was sponsored by Tsubo, however all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

 

 

 

Pocket Full of Daisies

Published on by Lauren Nakagawa20 Comments

Don’t let anyone trample on your daisies…not even you

I would write something poetic here, but I think this quote just sums up everything I’ve been thinking lately for I’ve been in quite the creative rut. Maybe this will spark some inspo, for the both of us.

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Shot by Shannon Righetti

Hat: L’Space

(“Candy” saves 10% on Revolve)

Dress: Asos (Dress now $25)

Shoes: Franco Sarto

 

Wander with Me

Published on by Lauren Nakagawa20 Comments

I’ve been on the go all summer I feel like, from the East Bay to The City, to Peninsula, and then to many wine country weekend trips and an overnighter in Modesto… it’s been a little hectic to say the least. I’m a professional nomad (and a well seasoned one I might add) even when I lived in Los Angeles, so until @Twelfthknight and I secure a place for ourselves I will continue to live and work like this until we find a home.

I got a bit stir crazy a few weeks ago and wanted so badly to trade the traffic and noise for cactus and wide open spaces like Palm Springs. Palm Springs never happened, but I did find this cactus garden in Palo Alto one day, and low and behold I felt like I had just teleported myself somewhere far away.

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I look back on the last few weeks and realized this was a good reminder to find peace within your little sanctum. Whether it be carving out time to mediate, deep breathe, intentionally disconnect, or just sit and be still without judgment. Take a walk around the block, sniff flower bushes, or sit in the sun for 10 minutes…I think it’s important to allow yourself that each day. We’re so busy running around, wasting away in traffic, and being plugged in that we forget about what it’s like to be still or one with nature.

Namaste, everyone.E20B3140E20B3156E20B3138E20B3161E20B3147E20B3141E20B3142

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Shot by Shannon Righetti

Hat: L’Space (also comes in Cream)

Dress: Faithful the Brand

 

Summer Statements

Published on by Lauren Nakagawa17 Comments

Summer weather is on the horizon, and to me that still means a light jacket for us Bay Area dwellers. Speaking of Summer, I’ll be in Tokyo in a few weeks with friend Shelli and my Dad (who will be bopping all over Asia for business.) I look forward to shooting summer looks overseas and getting out of my creative rut. Not to mention all the food, art, and just being with my people. What about you, any summer travels?

P.S. I’ve linked everything I’m wearing at the bottom of this post, would you believe all these pieces I’m wearing are under $100?

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Shake your pom poms. Save an extra 10% at the bottom of this post

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Shot by Julia O Test Photo

Pom Pom Bag: Kayu $58

(Use “candy” for an extra 10% off this bag or ANY total on Revolve)

Embroidered Jacket: RahiCali $68

Shoes: Franco Sarto $89

(Camel, Blush, Baby Blue, Black)

 

Spring in the City // Coach

Published on by Lauren Nakagawa9 Comments

This Spring I’m adding a little swagger to my step with the help of Coach. This little “swagger” bag is small but mighty with it’s detachable strap and hardware.

If you’re like me and have been a fan of Coach since way back when, you could imagine how happy I was to partner with them. Thank you Coach for this fun little bag. I’ve been toting it all over San Francisco, up hills and for matcha runs :)

P.S. I’m so happy that Boba Guys has now opened in my favorite SF neighborhood, Potrero Hill. They make a mean matcha latte and they nailed their interior from tile flooring to ceiling :D Hope to see you there one of these days, until then!

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Shot by Julia O Test Photo

In Partnership with Coach #CoachSpring2017

Coach Swagger (Pebble) found here

Location: Boba Guys Potrero Hill

Dock of the Bay

Published on by Lauren Nakagawa7 Comments

Walking through SF’s Ferry Plaza one morning, I overheard one of the restaurant workers outside belting out Otis Redding’s classic and that song stuck with me all week. Spring feels like it’s arrived in the Bay Area and I’m fully welcoming it, so I grabbed a pastry and coffee at Blue Bottle and met Julia for a morning stroll along the water.

We have plans, let me tell ya. I think we’re still jazzed from our NY trip. She’s insanely motivated as a shooter and we both want to help see each other’s goals through. Grateful for our working relationship that’s turning into friendship.

SF Spring weather usually requires a jacket, so this thrifted denim piece I got for $6 in Denver last year is something you’ll be seeing more of. By the way….I’ll be in Denver with @twelfthknight last week of this month, so come with me as I eat my way through and thrift some more :D

Spring is my favorite time of year in the Bay Area. You’ll be seeing a lot of new looks, bigger campaigns, new hair, and more travel. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

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Sittin’ in the morning sun….

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The Waverley Bag by Lo and Sons

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Watching the tide roll away….

All photos shot by Julia O Test Photo

Hair by Jenifer Akagi at 77 Salon

Bag: Lo and Sons

Shoes: Ecco Shoes

Code Red

Published on by Lauren Nakagawa8 Comments

Coming in red hot today, with the help of Pascaline Paris. I’m currently packing for NY tomorrow, but I wanted to share with you this set before I take off. If you’re not familiar with Pascaline’s store on Sacramento Street, please do pop in and pay her a visit. She’s so insightful, and every fiber of her being is that of a sophisticated and smart woman. I believe that Pascaline has single handedly brought Parisian designers to San Francisco and it’s quite brilliant. Her eye and taste level is of the highest quality, and it really does show.

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If I was ever a type of jacket in a past life, I’d definitely be a moto. Cupid must’ve shot me early because this jacket by Serge Pariente immediately grabbed my eye. It’s warm, soft, and functional. I put it on and instantly felt way cooler than normal : D A good jacket will do that now and then.

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These motorcycle boots can be found at Pascaline’s as well. They’re by Atelier Voisin and are so comfortable even with a big heel that I didn’t really want to take them off. They’re just a durable, chic, and basic staple that would last a lifetime.img_6000img_6055img_6021img_6009img_6039Thank you Pascaline for bringing Paris to this city. And though I’ve never been to Paris myself, Parisian style is so effortless, so cool, and yet so refined all at the same time. If in the city, be sure to stop by and see her for yourself. Next up, NYFW!

Pascaline Paris

3234 SACRAMENTO ST
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115

Shot by Julia O Test Photography

Sacramento Street, SF.

 

Let it Be

Published on by Lauren Nakagawa6 Comments

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All the lonely people, where do they all come from? – Eleanor Rigby
I stepped into Hotel Zetta on accident the last time I was off Market. One look at the Beatles photograph on their huge wall in their lobby, I thought “I need to come back and shoot here.” I get my love for 60’s-70’s lp’s from my Mom who grew up as a Beatle’s crazed teen in Oakland. Even my Gung Gung (Grandfather in Cantonese) took her to see A Hard Day’s Night as a child, how cool is that? Actually, she’s just as a die hard fan now as she was back then. So yes, little me only new Beatles lyrics and the occasional Simon and Garfunkel albums back in the day. img_1480

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Take these sunken eyes and learn to see. All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to be free – Blackbird
img_1465I liked popping in here amidst the busy traffic of people. There’s something retro but still modern about this place, a slight time warp. With all the noise this city makes and protesters every which way, I couldn’t help but find a quiet place to stop and sit for a second.

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And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me. Shine until tomorrow, let it be – Let it Be
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If there was ever a time when we needed more music, it would be now. It probably won’t change anything except internally, but for selfish reasons music has been a safe place and will continue to do so :)

As always I appreciate you taking the time to read and listen. A week from today I will be headed to NYC and I’m looking forward to sharing my adventures with you here.

Shot by Julia O Test Photography

Sweater: Callahan

Oxfords: Summit White Mountain

 

 

 

 

Shopping at Sentiero

Published on by Lauren Nakagawa13 Comments

It’s a new week and getting ready for NYFW is well under way. Let’s start from the ground up, shall we? Sentiero is a gorgeous and new luxury boutique on iconic Maiden Lane. They carry a beautiful range of Italian brands, from Giuseppe Zanotti to Loriblu and Ballin. There’s something magical about Maiden Lane. I remember walking through often as a kid with my Dad (he’s the shopper in the family) and it’s still a very charming and iconic place that holds near and dear to me.

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A little gem, Sentiero provides a haven for the shoe lover such as myself. Ellada the owner has an exquisite eye and her staff are so friendly and make you feel so welcome. If you are ever on Maiden Lane, please come in and say hello to them and take a look for yourself.

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As much as I wanted to play it safe with the black Loriblu’s I tried on, I kind of fell in love with these Nando Muzi creepers. Not only are they light and comfortable, but the blush tones act as more of a neutral and I figure I can style them just as easily for NYFW.

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What do you all think? Do you like my choice? I can’t wait to pull outfits around my new shoes, so until then thanks for reading and keeping up with me! Lots of exciting things to come so stay tuned.

A huge thank you to Ellada and Sentiero for a wonderful experience

Huge thank you to Rachel Radcliffe Photography for capturing it all

Visit Sentiero at 11 Maiden Lane, San Francisco

Shoes: Nando Muzi Spring Collection

 

Brick Walls

Published on by Lauren Nakagawa17 Comments

“The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.” – Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

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I’m currently in the midst of gearing up for NYFW in February, and I’ve been happily riding the waves that come with planning such a trip. Luckily I have some wing women who will be joining me and I look forward to sharing my point of view of the festivities as they unfold with you all very soon.

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I personally have always liked brick walls. They’re there for a reason, literally and figuratively speaking. I think I’ve been hitting brick walls ever since grade school when peers told me that I couldn’t do something or thought I was weird for having different interests than them. Even as an adult, being in a creative field and being self employed comes with a certain type of judgement. There’s a huge risk factor here, but that’s kind of what we as creative entrepreneurs thrive off of. We see potential and more importantly the map in which to get there, wherever “there” may be.img_8553img_8472img_8519img_8464

This will be quite an exciting trip in two weeks…and I look forward to sharing everything here with you. It’s going to be freezing. I’m not sure how I’m going to deal with that but will deal nonetheless. All I know is that it’s going to be fun and I’m excited to get a new perspective and inspiration along the way. img_8480img_8526

I’ll be covering some of my prep that I’ve been doing here in the city in a post to come next week, so look out for that if you’re interested. Until then, thanks for reading!

All photos shot by Julia O Photo

Jackson Square, San Francisco

Button Up: Rails