ootdwatch – Shoes & Sashimi

Brand Spotlight: Crane & Lion

Published on December 8, 2016December 8, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa5 Comments

With all the holiday events that I’ve been attending this month, I’ve been coming into contact with a lot of treats lately. I do have really good self control I must say. Unfortunately, working out since I have moved back to the Bay Area has been more than a challenge. It’s just not the same….In LA, I lived literally around the corner from Corepower Yoga, and I would go 2 times a day, morning and night to sweat and tone myself into oblivion. You know that LA lifestyle everyone jokes about with their green juice and acai bowl after every workout? Yea, that was me for years. I miss it, bikram was a lifestyle and I became fit as a fiddle and stronger than I ever had been.

I’ve really been lacking any sort of motivation to workout here in the Bay Area. Either the classes are at odd hours, or I don’t like the teachers or studio. Or I’d have to drive 15+ miles to the next Corepower, and at that point I’d be so ticked off with parking that I’d be late to a class. It’s just all bad. Call me a hater, I don’t mind.

Enter, new favorite athleisure brand, Crane & Lion. I was introduced to this brand through new friend Connie of Moderne Press. I’ve now been living in their leggings and jacket, running around town but looking put together while doing it. I love that they are affordable, and different than all the Lululemon stuff out there. Crane & Lion has made working out chic, which has motivated me to stop whining and get back to being active consistently even if it’s just in the living room or in our neighborhood.

It’s hard to get motivated, it really is. And since I’ve been feeling discouraged lately, Crane & Lion has been getting me excited about working out on my own.

What about you? How do you stay motivated? Favorite way of working out?

All photos shot by Rachel Radcliffe

Piedmont, CA

Sunglasses: Desi Perkins for Quay

Hester Crop Top: Clayton

Jacket: Crane & Lion

Leggings: Crane & Lion

Necklace: Experimental Jewelry Club

Rings: Maison Miru

Shoes: Nike

*Special thanks to Moderne Press

Aloha! Hawaii Part I

Published on September 2, 2015September 1, 2015 by Lauren Nakagawa9 Comments

Aloha everyone :D I’m back from Hawaii now and am already missing the views and crystal blue waters. @Twelfthknight and I were on the island of Oahu to attend the wedding of his friends Jerry and Gloria Wu. It was a lovely ceremony at the Hale Koa Resort on Waikiki, which is also where we stayed. It’s been years since I’ve been back to Hawaii, and this trip would be @Twelfthknight‘s and I’s first time traveling together. We had such a quiet relaxing time from start to finish even with the abnormally punishing humidity. We’re not much for the crazy-fast paced-pack everything in-types, we like to eat and take our time, relax, and just be present, not just on vacation but also in general. Now that we’re back, I can honestly say that we needed more time away, so hopefully we can island hop on our next trip out there.

For those of you following along on Instagram, you may have seen a few of these photos already. But I must thank you all because when I was in Hawaii I hit over 1,000 followers, yay! Enjoy the first part of our Hawaii trip, Part II will be posted next week :D

Aloha and Mahalo,

Lauren

Roaming downtown Honolulu in search of snacks. Wearing a Lulu's crop top and Loeffler Randall Gladiators. — Roaming downtown Honolulu in search of snacks. Wearing a Lulu’s crop top and Loeffler Randall Gladiators.

Outfit Details: Lulu's Top. Urban Outfitters Shorts. Rebecca Minkoff Moto Bag. — Outfit Details: Lulu’s Top. Urban Outfitters Shorts. Rebecca Minkoff Moto Bag.

The best shaved ice on the island is Waiola's Shave Ice. Green Tea ice over vanilla ice cream. — The best shaved ice on the island is Waiola’s Shave Ice. Green Tea ice over vanilla ice cream.

Poke bowls from Ono Seafood. Funny story: We sat for 20min in the heat across the street at Ono Hawaiian thinking that it was Ono Seafood. It was not...and we raced across the way to get these delicious dishes. Totally worth it. — Poke bowls from Ono Seafood. Funny story: We sat for 20min in the heat across the street at Ono Hawaiian thinking that it was Ono Seafood. It was not…and we raced across the way to get these delicious dishes. Totally worth it.

The p.o.v from the pool. No filter needed.

Running in my sandals to the wedding of Jerry & Gloria Wu.

Though deemed casual, I thought this romper by Band of Gypsies was the perfect “instant outfit” for this wedding.

Everyone, meet @Twelfthknight :) Photo snapper and papa to fur baby Boo.

What I Wore

White Top: Lulu’s

Printed Highwaist Shorts: UO

Moto Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Gladiator Sandals: Loeffler Randall

Floral Romper: Band of Gypsies

Wedge Sandals: BCBG Max Azria

Pink Clutch: BCBG Max Azria

Where We Ate

Waiola Shave Ice

Ono Seafood

No Way, No

Published on July 14, 2015July 11, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa15 Comments

This would have been a really light “What I Wore” post, however I’ve come down with some severe writer’s block the past couple of days do to circumstances that have since put me in some sort of mood. I have now composed myself, as well as my thoughts and I’d like to communicate them as best I can.

Relationships are hard. I’m really talking about the relationship you have with yourself. Even though I have a great guy that is kind, supportive, and thoughtful whom I proudly stand by, you will often times find me alone (never lonely though, there’s a big difference.) I’m perfectly content being by myself, always have been. That takes a certain amount of confidence absolutely. But even the people who have a tough outer shell have feelings. I’ve been hurt one too many times (professionally and personally) to even begin to tell you how hard of a person I’ve become, I’m getting much better though. The silver lining to all this is that with all the lows (many painful) and hurdles life throws at you, it has made me really self aware. After all, the most important relationship you can have is with yourself.

The older I get the more this saying “it’s best to be alone than in poor company” rings true. Quality over quantity. Stick up for yourself, fight for those who will fight for you. Bonus points if you look good doing it. And finally… don’t look back, you’re not going that way :)

Will I ever be too far away when you feel alone? (No way, no) - Magic — Will I ever be too far away when you feel alone? (No way, no) – Magic

sspiedmont_24 — Will I ever back down my sword to protect our home? (No way, no) – Magic

Unfamiliar with the lyrics I’m referencing? Watch the music vid here:

No Way, No

What I’m wearing:

Top: Mate the Label

Jeans: J Brand

Shoes: Boutique 9

Necklace: J Crew (gifted by Stylewich)

Aviators: Le Specs

All shot by Anna Wu Photography in my hometown of Piedmont, CA

But First, Coffee…

Published on January 30, 2015February 13, 2015 by Lauren Nakagawa1 Comment

Who goes to a cupcake shop for the coffee? This gal apparently. It’s hard not to be tempted by Velvet’s sweets in the window. I’m a sucker for their red velvet, banana chocolate, and pumpkin. However I did manage to resist and just prance in one day for a cup o’ joe. Also, excellent :) If you haven’t stopped by their Sherman Oaks location, do so when you’re in the area.