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.
I’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?
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!
Don’t sweat the small stuff, I never do. Having always favored being comfy over everything, you’ll probably see me wearing these Tobisweats for a long long time. If you’re looking for an alternative to skin tight yoga gear, I’d highly recommend the jogger pant.
This style isn’t for everyone as most people think it may seem bulky, but I think it’s super cool and a bit reminiscent of the Spice Girl days. If you have slight hesitation, here are a few tips below to keep in mind when picking out a pair of joggers for yourself. Thanks for reading!
Look for a tapered pant, it should be a skinnier leg to create a streamline silhouette
Look for a high waist to cinch the waistline and create a smaller frame
Pick a sneaker that is elevated. It’ll create a longer line from the pant hem to the ground.
These Tobipants were not hemmed or altered, but if you want that perfect fit I’d make sure you know your inseam beforehand.
P.S. For all my East Bay readers, Snow White Coffee is my favorite gem at the tail end of Piedmont Ave. Pop on in next time you want a really good cuppa :D
As much as I love Summer dressing, Fall is a favorite of mine. The air seems to be getting a little crisper in SF, which means the cozy sweaters, fun textures, and boots of all heights can come out of hiding.
Wanting to have a bit more fun with Fall fashion this year, I perused Tobi for some new items and walked away with this lace up skirt and a fleece sweatshirt which I wore on two separate occasions while picking up lunch in Lower Nob Hill.
Foodie Insider Tip: If you’re ever on Sutter & Bush, make sure you grab a Korean taco or burrito at Tacorea. They have kimchi burritos and bulgogi plates which people go nuts for.
Just a short walk down is a Vietnamese & French restaurant/lounge called Le Colonial with beautiful interior, Hanoi Honey cocktails, and Banh Mi Sliders.
Look 1: Tacorea
Look 2: Le Colonial
What do you love about Fall dressing? And which look do you like?
Fall is and will always be my favorite season no matter where I am. SF is sweater weather year round, and in LA a good jacket with shorts or a skirt used to be my favorite daily ensemble.
Being in the Bay Area, pants and denim are a safer choice, but these stretchy flares from Norma Kamali (Revolve.com) had me thinking I should have a little more fun this Fall. What do you think?
And of course, I can’t leave the house without my favorite jacket that I’ve been wearing non stop. This military jacket from LA brand Velvet Heart is just light enough, and has incredible embroidering details on the sleeves. You’ll be seeing this jacket often.
What are you most looking forward to Fall? *Please don’t say pumpkin spice latte…
P.S If you find yourself in the Marina District of San Francisco, make a stop at Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters. Their coffee, thankfully is not acidic and their wallpaper is just the cutest :D
Serious question. Where did Summer go? Even with a little change in the air here in the Bay Area, you’ll still see me in cut offs for as long as I can get away with em. I decided to tie up Summer’s loose ends (while I work on some Fall content) with my favorite button up shirt that has been on rotation the past few weeks. This LA brand won me over instantly, and I think you’ll love Velvet Heart‘s staples too.
There’s plenty of ways to wear a button down, but here are 2 variations.
Look 1: Tie it up with a high waist
Look 2: Wear it under overalls. It’s Fall, after all.
What personal spin do you put on a basic dress shirt? Let me know in the comments.
Long time no see everyone, I’ve been trying to hold on to summer’s last bits of sun in La Jolla, San Diego the past week. I’m no stranger to SD, however I haven’t been back in what seems like forever so this was a fun trip to not only relax but also to spend some time with our friend Shelli and her family. @Twelfthknight and I stayed in La Jolla’s Hyatt Regency, and if you make a trip out here I would highly recommend this location, just 20 minutes north of the airport and super close to the beach and fun eateries.
Needless to say, we spent an incredible amount of time stretched out in our cabana and in the pool soaking up that vitamin D. Hopefully my tan stays around for another few weeks into Fall *fingers crossed. Speaking of fingers, yes I am engaged! For my Instagram community, you were the first to know a while ago, but yes…@Twelfthknight and I are now engaged. If you’re not following @shoes_and_sashimi on Instagram, I wish you would because I just can’t keep up blogging like I used to. Besides, it’s a way to see what I’m up to each day, so don’t be shy!
Below you will find some of my swim and sun favorites used and worn this past week. P.S…of all the coffee shops in SD, my favorite has to be Communal Coffee which also acts as a flower shop.
Maybe you’re looking to get away to San Diego one of these days? I would come back to La Jolla’s Hyatt Regency in a heart beat.
Cabana things: Silver ring from Cerimani, milkshake, and Kopari coconut products to match.
Matcha Latte at Communal Coffee. Incredibly charming coffee and flower shop in North Park areaBecca Swim
My trick to traveling light and fast: A Lo and Son’s backpack. This fits my mac, camera, water bottle, toiletries, keys, wallet, and then some. Plus, it has memory foam straps and just slides on to your luggage handle for efficiency.
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.
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.
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.
Let me tell ya, the suite life is the best life. @Twelfthknight and I love our staycations, and it was only right that I treat him to an early birthday getaway in wine country this past week. It was our first time to Healdsburg, and to be quite honest…we like this quaint beautiful town much more than Napa or Sonoma itself.
235 Luxury Suites is nestled in the heart of downtown Healdsburg and it’s an incredible 3 bedroom stay for couples, families, or small parties. It’s incredibly charming, cozy yet spacious, and still feels familiar like home. We stayed in the Fitch Mountain Suite, decked out with a huge spa tub that I used nightly, dual walk in showers, and giant CA Kings in each room. 235 pays attention to the tiniest details which is what we loved. They even offer light, medium, or hard pillows so that you can sleep optimally :D I’m a firm by the way.
Cheers to the suite life!
This hotel is located a few steps away from the square of downtown Healdsburg, so you really don’t need to drive anywhere in town. You’re within a few steps to wine lounges, Safeway, Farmer’s Market, bakeries, and coffee shops. In fact, we never drove the entire time we were there, unless you count an Uber briefly. So convenient right?
We would absolutely stay here at 235 again, it felt like a true getaway but so comfortable like being at home. If you’re ever looking to get away and relax in wine country’s hidden gem, I highly urge you to visit Healdsburg. After exploring this little town, we didn’t want to leave, but we look forward to our next trip!
Below, you’ll find our favorite spots and recommendations if you fancy a trip out here yourself. Cheers and thank you for reading!
Dinner service was spectacular. Chef Dustin is a rockstar and provided a 5 course tasting menu that blew us away. Valette is the newest kid on the block in downtown Healdsburg and it’s one of those fine dining experiences you’ll have engrained in your memory for a long long time. Below are some of our favorite highlights.
Cocktail: Watermelon Fresca
Favorite app: Dry Boat Scallop en Croute- Squid Ink Puff Pastry with Scallop & champagne inside. Blew my mind!
Entree: Lamb Shoulder and NY Strip Steak.
Dessert: A salty/sweet Deconstructed Snickers Bar (which we still rave about)
Downstairs in the 235 hotel courtyard lives Cafe Lucia where Portuguese food meets Wine Country. @Twelfthknight has been to Spain and he talks about the tapas and paella there all the time. Naturally, we came down for lunch and we still talk about their food, overwhelmingly gracious hospitality, and service.
Tasting Plates: House wine, house pickles, blood sausage, sturgeon & capers
Tip: Order the Portuguese Mac n Cheese, we still talk about it today.
Favorite Entree: Seafood Stew with mussels and jumbo shrimp
We visited Kelly and Noah of Reeve Wines our second day in Healdsburg and we loved tasting all of their small batch wines. Their estate is picturesque and currently undergoing some exciting renovations which we look forward to seeing on our next trip up. Our favorite wine of theirs were their chilled rose which we had to take home with us. *P.S. Noah is the co-founder and Head wine maker at Banshee Wines in downtown Healdsburg and Reeve is a labor of love by night. Visiting Reeve Wines honestly felt like going to see your friends (who happened to have a winery) and it’s just fun, relaxing, and comfortable. Cheers!
Siduri is located literally a few steps from 235 Hotel. There’s something to be said for the decor and open window/day bed seating that attracts so many people aside from their delicious wine and pairings. I especially liked their cheese board with their pinot and would recommend sitting by the window while you sip and people watch.
I’ve been missing Japan lately since I got back. It’s been nonstop here, with a wedding weekend in Napa, shoots piling up, meetings, and what not. But it’s fine, Summer is off to a good start which will continue to get even more eventful.
Looking back on some of my best and functional looks for Japan’s nearly perfect weather, I’ve put together a few of my favorites from Three Dots. I’ve worn Three Dots many times before as you probably have seen by now. Their cottons and linens are so soft, comfortable, and breathable. They pack well and are easy for layering which is why I brought them to roam all over Japan with me!
Santorini Crewneck Tee: (The Perfect Layering Piece or Stand Alone)
I love my basic t’s however I love them most when layered. Most of the women here wear crewnecks under their dresses to be a bit more conservative, so I think I blended in quite well with this one.
My favorite Summer skirt. These pockets are so deep, they held everything from rice balls to my subway change and keys. This is actually my most worn skirt this trip and I particularly like how it was the perfect length, not too long and not too short. For size reference, I am wearing an XS at 5’3” which fits true.
I’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?
