BayArea – Shoes & Sashimi

Let it Be

Published on February 2, 2017February 2, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa6 Comments

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.

Take these sunken eyes and learn to see. All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to be free – Blackbird

I 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.

And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me. Shine until tomorrow, let it be – Let it Be

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

An Afternoon at Arrowood

Published on January 12, 2017January 10, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa6 Comments

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend an amazing wine and food pairing in Sonoma. Hosted at the ever charming Arrowood Winery in Glen Ellen, myself and fellow Bay Area bloggers were whisked away for the day to wine country, and I can honestly say I am really truly grateful for the experience. I’ve heard raving reviews about the delicious food served at renowned restaurant, Girl & the Fig. So you can imagine my surprise when I saw that the event would be catered by their lead Chef.

I’d like to thank Kristina Werner, wine maker at Arrowood. She herself is quite the inspiration, who went from a BioChemistry and Agricultural Economics degree to pursue winemaking full time. Something I took away from listening to her that I’d like to share:

“Taste everything you can get your hands on.

Never stop learning and never get bored.”

I couldn’t agree more. Cheers to an amazing day that I don’t take for granted. My eyes and stomach are very full :)

First Course: Roasted Carrots, Saffron Crema, Honeyed Almonds

img_0442-2 — 2nd: House Ground Polenta, Braised Oxtail, Cocoa Nibs, Squash, Sage Pesto

Final: Black Pepper Ravioli, Triple Cream Mornay, Black Truffles

I have found a new appreciation for wine, what goes into making it, and how it really can transform a meal and your senses. If you’re in Sonoma one of these days, be sure to visit Kristina and the Arrowood staff and taste for yourself. I personally would go back in a snap.

For those who are interested in Arrowood wine but can’t get to Sonoma anytime soon, I’m offering 15% off anything on their site using “ARROWOOD15” here. I had an amazing time and can’t wait to go back.

Overwhelming thanks to:

Arrowood Winery for the hospitality

Girl & The Fig for an incredible meal

Emily E Martin Communications for this amazing trip

Summer Slips with Ruti

Published on July 7, 2016July 26, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa16 Comments

Summer is in full effect in the Bay Area and all I want is to be comfortable. Lemme tell ya, I do not miss those 100 degree summers (and rising) in Los Angeles…I can definitely leave that behind haha. So what’s the most comfy piece of clothing I own right now? A slip dress from boutique Ruti. Ruti is a ready to wear boutique with 3 stores here in the Bay Area and 2 other locations, one on Abbott Kinney (Venice Beach) as well as Santa Monica. Buyer/owner Ruti hand selects all the store’s brands inspired by her Tel Aviv roots as well as creating in-house label pieces. I can honestly say she has done a beautiful job curating each boutique. If you are ever on Berkeley’s 4th Street or in the Fillmore in SF, pop on in here and take a peek!

Thank you Hamee Ha for shooting this beautiful set. You can find her on Instagram, give her a follow if you’d like. And a huge thank you to Ruti for my favorite closet piece for Summer.

Photos by Hamee Ha

Slip Dress from Ruti

Denim Jacket (Thrifted for $6!)

Shoes from M.Gemi *You can shop my favorites via the link. New customers automatically receive $40 off their purchase!

Coffee from Gaylord’s Piedmont Ave

Toting Today: Malibu American

Published on May 30, 2016July 18, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa19 Comments

Happy Memorial Day everyone! In the spirit of all things American made, I’d like to introduce to you, Jackie Prophit of Malibu American. After coming across Jackie’s bags on Instagram, I kept coming back to her feed and noting her beautiful bag designs, craftsmanship, and attention to tones and contrast. I was smitten. By the third click coming back, I reached out and now here I am toting her best seller, The Topanga in Bubble.

This bag is amazing, it holds literally everything I need to get by each day. An extra pair of shoes, my macbook, 2 chargers, a phone, a small wallet…a light packaged lunch. You name it. My whole life in one luxe bag, basically. And blush tones, my favorite :D

As you know, I love to support and promote small brands. Jackie is a self taught and self made designer, a one woman production team. What’s more fantastic is that Malibu American is made in California, something very important to note. My years in LA have garnered me a love for laid back luxe designs and now I can carry it on my shoulder up here in the Bay Area.

Be sure to give Malibu American a follow on Instagram to see all of Jackie’s beautiful bags and colors. And thank you to Rachel Radcliffe for yet another beautiful set of photos.

13167355_723315741143370_732452509_n — Blushing in “Bubble”

Shop my Looks (here)

The Topanga Bag in Bubble: Malibu American

Tee: Chaser Brand

Denim: Joes Jeans

Shoes: Public Desire

A very special thank you to Jackie Prophit and Rachel Radcliffe Photography

That’s a Wrap on 2015

Published on December 30, 2015July 11, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa5 Comments

Last post of the year and I could very easily just talk about what I’m wearing here or how this could be a versatile NYE look…but I would prefer to recap what a ride 2015 has been and get a little deeper.

I wish you all a wonderful New Year and a huge thank you for being such a supportive community.

I have genuinely grown homesick for Los Angeles, a feeling I’ll never have for SF proper, however I do like the Bay Area and the things that are brewing here on this side of the East Bay. It is where I was born and raised after all.

So when I shut my door in Sherman Oaks and took my last stroll through Sawtelle Blvd and sipped my last Urth latte in Downtown for a while, it was a bittersweet closing; not just on the year but because I knew things were changing yet once again.

I quickly had to hone a new set of skills, all while maintaining my personal style and creative bent. Prior to all this, I didn’t know how it was possible to grab a foothold in the oversaturated Content Creator world, but somehow brands and small businesses found me and now I’m in this full time. It was honestly hard to get inspired because my pride may have been hurt a little at first, but it’s been working and there are bigger and better things coming that I’m excited to be working on. From food styling to product styling, I’m your girl.

Now with Instagram practically running itself and growing each day, collaborations in motion, small businesses wanting product shots, and clients seeking wardrobe updating… I think I’ve been quite busy! But I couldn’t do it all myself, that’s for sure.

So thank you to these special people for helping Shoes and Sashimi get underway during such a crucial trial period:

@Twelfthknight for being patient and helping me shoot throughout the year. Excited to see what new adventures bring us in 2016

Mom, for being even more patient and mentally invested in everything I do. It’s not fair that you’re often the casualty of my very short fuse sometimes, but I acknowledge it and appreciate you always being there

“Moobie” the fur baby for being happy all the time and for lighting up even the most frustrating of days

Shot by Julie Reichle

Makeup by Emily Sims

Dress: De Lacy x Revolve Clothing

Shoes: Lulu’s

Bag: Melie Bianco

Tis the Season

Published on December 23, 2015July 11, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa13 Comments

Tis the season for holiday looks, so I teamed up with The Glam App (see previous post) and Piedmont photographer Julie Reichle to shoot something extra special. I’m not big on color to be honest, I love my neutrals and as a curveball, I’m actually wearing a bodysuit under an asymmetrical skirt. Hope you enjoy these photos, it’s great to shoot in my hometown!

To all my readers near and far, from London to Tokyo, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and holiday season. Thank you for taking the time to read and keep up with me whether it’s here or on Instagram. Your patience and kind comments throughout the year has been encouraging and without them I wouldn’t be able to do half the things this blog and Instagram has brought me these past few months. Most of you I’ve never met, but I feel like you’ve been overwhelmingly supportive more than people I know personally.

So cheers to a fast approaching end of the year, new brand partnerships, new content, and new adventures. But most of all, cheers to you guys for being supportive, enthusiastic, and hopping along with me as I embark on some really cool projects. Can’t wait for you to see.

~Lauren

Shot by Julie Reichle

Makeup by Emily Sims for The Glam App

Bodysuit: Lulus

Skirt: Blq Basiq

Shoes: Lulus

Bag: Baggu

Necklace: Mirina Collections “Promo Code shoes20” for 20% off yours

The Instagram Journey: What I’ve Been Up To

Published on December 3, 2015July 11, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa4 Comments

Hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving, it’s been a little while. The blog has taken a back seat as of late due to work, holiday festivities, cold season, and all of life’s curveballs. There just isn’t enough time in the day to juggle everything but I try and now it’s paying off slowly but surely.

In case you aren’t following me on Instagram, here are daily snippets that you won’t find on the blog. I’ve realized that channeling all my focus to growing my Instagram has finally caught some fire; leading to bigger brand collaborations (you’ll see in the next week) and providing daily accountability which is easier to manage. I edit every photo with the help of shutterbugs @Twelfthknight and my Momma on occasion, thank you both and love you lots. With their help I have amassed over 1500 followers as of today and I couldn’t do it without them. I know that’s a dinky number comparatively speaking, but it’s noteworthy and lifestyle brands are taking notice.

Follow me for daily snaps :D @shoes_and_sashimi

I recently made over a friend’s entire wardrobe, starting with the bare basics.

D’orsay flats and a Wayf plaid shirt. #FallTrends

Black and white forever. Melie Bianco Bag, Minkpink sweater coat, and Loeffler Randall loafers. #whatiwore

Capes, Dole Whips, and new hair color by Rudy at the Elan Salon in SF. Snapped by @Twelfthknight last week.

So there you have it, my most recent posts. Catch me there daily to see where I’ve been, what I ate, what I wore, and where I’m going next :D

Thanks all!

~ Lauren

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