jewelry – Shoes & Sashimi

Hotel Life: La Jolla Hyatt Regency

Published on September 9, 2017September 15, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa28 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.

2017-09-02_LaurenNakagawa_LaJollaHyattRegency_RhodoraEspirituPhotography-37 — Rings n’ things. Pearl ring via The 9th Muse. Gold rings via Sterling Forever.

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 area

2017-09-02_LaurenNakagawa_LaJollaHyattRegency_RhodoraEspirituPhotography-17 — Becca 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.

Photos by SD Photographer Rhodora Espiritu

Becca Swim

Pearl Ring- The 9th Muse

Silver Bolle Ring- Cerimani

Gold Ring Duo- Sterling Forever

Coconut Skincare- Kopari Beauty

Backpack: Lo and Sons

I told you where to stay, but for more attractions visit Sandiego.org or @visitsandiego on Instagram

Real (Coffee) Talk

Published on January 19, 2017January 19, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa8 Comments

I want to be real. This post is something I’ve been wanting to do for a few weeks now, because a series of reoccurring events have been pushing me to address it. I’ve been reminded of some really important qualities that I find lacking in “creative individuals” nowadays.

Authenticity

Originality

Honesty

Ownership

@shoes_and_sashimi is not groundbreaking. At all. I’m not the first one to post a photo of a moody portrait or a shot of latte art. I don’t have the biggest following, but you don’t see me buying spam or cheating my numbers. What I post is 100 percent mine. What starts from something in my head inevitably ends up into jpeg. My ideas are executed either by my hand alone and professional shooters Rachel Radcliffe or Julia O. When they aren’t shooting, @Twelfthknight helps fill that gap, and I give him a lot of credit.

Editing is also 100% mine, unless it’s agreed upon by Rachel or Julia, since they are very different shooters. I respect both of them and their work, that’s what a solid working relationship is based upon. Respect. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for others.

If there is anything that was engrained in our heads (and hands) in design school, it is protect yourself and your work. Protect your ideas. If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, a photographer, whatever you are: Constantly push yourself. Don’t get too comfortable.

I am very transparent on Instagram and SF is a tiny city. The shoes I wear and products I post are all public. The brands I work with, those too are public knowledge. I have had “creators” in the same city whom I have spent some time with go after the same exact products…in the same color…poach the same brands and post shot for shot, pose for pose…. It feels like a big F U. And yea, how could you not take it personally?

It’s a big space. There are plenty of opportunities out there, people aren’t willing to work for it. In order to be successful in anything, you need to be original. Say thank you to those who have helped you (when they didn’t have to) and have some ounce of humility. Authenticity is so important and there is a lack of it.

This rainy day at Home Cafe in SF, I shot with a newly full time photographer named Juila O. She’s quick and she’s hungry. Julia has a beautiful eye for lighting. Home Cafe is the new cool kid on the block, slinging really great coffee concoctions. Have you had a Birthday Cake ombre latte before? I think not. Or a Cookie Monster Latte full of crumbled cookies? I like that they’re different, I like that they’re unique.

I hope you all can find this post somewhat interesting or relatable. If you do or if you don’t, please comment because I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’re in the creative field like me, or you’re self employed it’s a good reminder to you all: Be you and only you. Why would you want to be a second string version of someone else?

All photos shot by Julia O Photography

Home Cafe, San Francisco

Pieces of Me

Published on August 22, 2016December 29, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa34 Comments

There are many pieces that make us whole, so when I first came across Pieces of Me on Instagram, I really was intrigued by how they mix personality with wearable merchandise. Picking one trait that sums me up in a nutshell was tough actually, but I chose the Confident symbol.

The cuff’s description: “With a strong and bold center, confident people never waver on who they are.” Sold. That’s me. I’m a go getter, I’m terribly stubborn, and I’m very confident in listening to my intuition, because it’s never really failed me.

I used to not be very confident in myself, but when you finally grow into your own skin you realize that you’re capable and a lot stronger than you thought. In Los Angeles, I had to be confident enough to run an entire Department myself, whether it was Wardrobe Styling for International commercials or an Editorial Shoot on the fly, I did it well in a very male dominated industry. And I did it by myself, no assistants no nothing. Every shoot I’d be on, crew would yell “Where’s Wardrobe Dept?” You’re lookin’ at it.

And when I left LA last year to pursue Shoes and Sashimi full time, I was confident that I would slowly but surely make this venture succeed. And it has. It’s not easy by any means, but I’m sure thankful that I trusted my gut because there are so many things I have in store for this blog.

What’s your dominant trait? How do you stay empowered?

If you would like to wear your trait on your sleeve (or wrist) you can pick your own cuff from Pieces of Me here. Using “Lauren10” will save you 10% at checkout.

Pieces of Me

So Clutch

Published on August 8, 2016August 8, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa12 Comments

Hi everyone, hope you had a nice weekend. Let’s get this week started shall we? I’m diving into my Fold Over Clutch from Australian Designer Nikki Williams, which holds just enough essentials to get through the day. You’ve probably seen this clutch popping up all over my Instagram feed lately, and a few blog posts back (I’ve been toting this thing up and down the Bay Area, and often times people will stop and compliment.) The people have spoken, it’s a winner.

Sometimes it’s nice to not carry a shoulder bag around. I’m a minimalist, so this roomy clutch is pretty handy when all you need is a driver’s license, keys, and phone, plus a lipstick or what have you.

*If you’d like to snag one of Nikki’s many beautifully crafted bags, you can do so here.

Use code “Shoessash” at checkout for 20% off!

Nikki Williams “Caviette” Fold Over Clutch

In the bag:

Fossil: Watch

Casetify: Phone Case

Nars: Satin Lip Pencil in “Rikugien“

Laneige: BB Cream Compact (Found at Target)

Rings: Gorjana

Sunnies: 3.1 Philip Lim

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

Cate & Chloe’s December VIP Box

Published on November 16, 2015July 11, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa8 Comments

The holidays are fast approaching so I’m quite excited to share with you the upcoming December VIP box from Cate & Chloe that came this month. This box is special because funny woman Jenny McCarthy has teamed up with Cate & Chloe to raise awareness for Autism through her organization Generation Rescue. She has handpicked some special jewelry pieces for us such as this delicate layer necklace as well as this 14K rose gold bracelet that I wear almost every day.

10% of proceeds from #JennysBox will be donated to Generation Rescue and when you use my code “ShoesandSashimi35” starting December 5th, you will receive 35% off your sign ups for a month to month subscription!

Thanks for reading and be sure to follow us on Instagram to keep up daily!

Lauren

@Shoes_and_Sashimi x @Cateandchloe

Cate & Chloe

Promo Code (Starting December 5th): “Shoesandsashimi35” for 35% off a Cate & Chloe Subscription

Learn More about Jenny’s Organization: Generation Rescue

Staying Local with April May Jewelry

Published on November 10, 2015July 11, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa9 Comments

Hi all, hope your week is off to a good start. I recently sat down for coffee with local jewelry designer April May in Oakland, CA after I found her metal pieces on Instagram. Be sure to follow her @Aprilmayjewelry :D It’s fun to meet cool people in your neighborhood and April is just that. She makes all her pieces by hand and you can definitely check her booths out if you’re ever planning on going to SF’s Treasure Island Flea Market.

If you’ve been seeing my Instagram feed, you’d see that I wore April’s bangles a lot around town, I don’t really think I took them off for the most part mainly because they’re just so easy to wear. And you can too, just enter our contest at the bottom of the page and April will send you your own necklace and bangles to wear about :) Remember, the more ways you enter the better luck you’ll have.

Contest runs for one week and will be notified by email at random.

Good luck and thanks for reading!

Lauren

FullSizeRender 36 — April’s best seller’s which you can win: Enter with the link at the bottom of this page.

Flatlay with InStyle, Sam Edelman, and April May.

Took my bangles to coffee at Maiden Lane’s Iron Horse Coffee Bar, they make a mean dirty chai.

Current favorites in my bathroom: Hairpins and a fun ring. All I need is some polish by Butter London. — Current favorites in my bathroom: April’s handmade hairpins and her fun ring. All I need is some polish by Butter London.

Contest: Enter Here

#OnTheTable with Cate & Chloe

Published on September 11, 2015July 11, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa7 Comments

Good morning everyone, if you’ve been following me on Instagram I’m currently back in Los Angeles styling a commercial shoot! However, that has not stopped me from sharing this overdue post dedicated to my love for subscription boxes. Why? Because getting a box full of little surprises in the mail every month is more exciting than opening regular mail :D There’s Birchbox for the beauty and grooming gurus, Rocksbox for jewelry, Loot Crate for comic geeks, and then there is Cate & Chloe. Cate & Chloe is a little different in the accessories game, because now you get to customize your own box. Everyone’s style and taste is different, so why should you receive the exact same box as someone else?

Cate & Chloe sent me their September VIP Box full of goodies, 2 of them are jewelry pieces that I have been wearing all week. The other was a total surprise, a set of makeup brushes rolled into a nice neat bow. I was thrilled because 1: I need a new brush set. And 2: Timing was perfect, I packed them for my work trip to LA this weekend and I’m powdering my face as we speak :D

Like good surprises? Pick your plan at Cate & Chloe.com, select your style, and lastly sit back and let their team build your box for you. You’ll receive your box in the mail and I’m sure you’ll be excited to open it!

As a thank you to my readers, I give you my special promo code SHOESANDSASHIMI25 for 25% off when you sign up, valid until November 30th. And finally, for the month of October, 15% of all proceeds will be donated to the American Breast Cancer Society!

Thank you for reading and keeping up with me. For daily adventures, be sure to follow on Instagram for real time photos :)

Lauren

Surprise 1: Wrap bracelet with a buckle and gold accents.

Unraveled surprise 3: Full set of makeup brushes

I tend to use these the most, especially the brow comb.

Special thanks to Cate & Chloe for this post

Promo code: Shoesandsashimi25 for 25% off sign up

Lemon Drop Boutique Giveaway!

Published on June 18, 2015July 11, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa12 Comments

When life gives you lemons, you give back! As a thank you to my readers and all those who have found my blog worth reading, I have teamed up with Lemon Drop Boutique to give one lucky winner a promo code so they may choose a piece of jewelry of her choice. Lemon Drop is an online boutique that sells affordable jewelry and accessories to today’s woman. From cuffs to earrings, to statement pieces like the one I’m wearing below, I’m sure you’ll find something fun to wear when you shop their site!

This raffle will be going for a full week, and will end next Thursday. Want to enter? Read and scroll all the way down and you’ll see a link to the Rafflecopter giveaway. There are many ways to enter, so be sure to do them all! Good luck!

The Retro Necklace from Lemon Drop Boutique. Feeling lucky? Maybe you can win one yourself!

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset — You can turn a rather basic bib top (this one is by Asos) into a dressy one with a statement piece like this.

FullSizeRender 5 — A low turtleneck with a statement piece is classic. You can still find it on Lemon Drop’s website if you’d like your own!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Lemon Drop Boutique for the collaboration :)

Recollection (Omoide)

Published on May 12, 2015July 11, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa20 Comments

This may be my favorite set for certain reasons. If you have ever been to Little Osaka in Los Angeles you will find yourself in foodie heaven. It’s a hidden quiet gem in such a crazy city. Though I am only half ninja myself, I have considered the Sawtelle neighborhood of West LA my home away from home for many years. I even searched for property out there when the condo boom swept the area. Here you’ll find some of the best ramen houses in LA County, curry options, exquisite sushi bars, Japanese markets and grocery stores as well as newer establishments such as Bachi Burger, Blockheads, and Seoul Sausage.

I have fond memories here, some of them sad but still meaningful. Passing by some familiar homes here the other day, I couldn’t help but think of certain faces. You just can’t help it. Sorry, just walking down memory lane, don’t mind me.

Bittersweet, absolutely. Not entirely because I was reminicisng, but also because I was packing that day for a permanent move. That’s right, I have now moved out of LA and back to my original home, the Bay Area. Not entirely a shocker to some of you who follow me on Instagram. This shoot in Sawtelle was literally the last series I shot, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way in my most favorite part of Los Angeles. It’s been a wild ride, but I’m happy to live and document my next life chapter still doing what I love to do in one shape or another.

Thanks for the wonderful memories LA. I’ll be back to take on temporary projects, but until then Sayonara.