personalstyle – Shoes & Sashimi

My La La Land

Published on May 1, 2017May 1, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa10 Comments

It’s a new month! Hope you’re all well and sorry for being missing for a bit. I’ve been in LA, running around town from showroom to showroom, PR meetings, and shooting with my main photog gal Julia O Test. She’s never really been to LA, so it was nice to show her my version of my favorite city.

If you’re not familiar with Los Angeles, I think the romanticized idea of LA is everything the movies make it out to be. Have you seen La La Land? It’s kind of nice, because I think I lost the sparkle in my eyes towards my later years when I was living there and took things like LACMA or the Beverly Hills Hotel scape for granted. In between meetings, it was nice to capture things that I did miss such as these locations and show someone around with a clean slate.

Sebastian: “That’s L.A. They worship everything and they value nothing” – La La Land

LACMA

Alfred Tea Room

Mid Wilshire

Melrose Place x Carrera Cafe

Beverly Hills

“I guess I’ll see you in the movies.”- La La Land

Photos by Julia O Test

What I Wore:

Floral Blouse: Heartloom (Now $31 via Revolve)

Black Tier Blouse: D.Ra (Now $30 via Revolve)

Spring in the City // Coach

Published on April 17, 2017April 16, 2017 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!

Shot by Julia O Test Photo

In Partnership with Coach #CoachSpring2017

Coach Swagger (Pebble) found here

Location: Boba Guys Potrero Hill

Mile High Moments

Published on April 10, 2017April 10, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa10 Comments

Sharing some of my favorite moments from our time spent in Denver, CO now that I have a second to go through all these photos. The food scene is amazing, innovative, and incredibly fun. Colorado itself is panoramic, and the air is crisp and clean. Everyone is friendly and happy, not a pretentious bone in anyone’s body. That’s probably because they can afford to live there….*glares at S.F.* And, having met some of @twelfthknight’s coworkers on this trip, it was time well spent with good food, and even better company.

Shot by local photographer Jenna Sparks, I was able to capture a lot with her as my unofficial Denver photog. Thanks for the captures, Jenna!

All looks Shot by Jenna Sparks Photography

What I Wore:

Burnt Orange Maxi Dress: Amuse Society (now $28)

Sandals: M.Gemi

Camel Knit Sweater: Lovers & Friends

Micro Suede Leggings: David Lerner

Pink Shoes: Ecco Shoes ($160)

Military Jacket: Publish x Revolve (now $61)

Black Hoodie: Nytt Label (now $43)

Special Thanks to Glamour Bar Denver for the blow-dry

Eat List:

Amethyst Cafe

Sushi Den

(their fish is flown in from Tokyo every day)

Linger (our favorite)

Denver Union Station (house made “pop tarts”

Beyond Basics

Published on April 6, 2017April 4, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa8 Comments

Back from Denver now, and I’m jumping into yet another busy week. I’m as casual as they come, and have to be comfortable, so I thought I’d share some of my recent favorite basics from Three Dots. It’s not just a tank, it’s something I live in. Maybe you already have them in your closet, but I think their elevated cozy pieces are pretty amazing as every day wear. This tank in “gardenia” is the softest I own, and I love wearing it with tougher jackets such as my moto. Or….since it’s Spring, you can throw on this linen jacket (from Three Dots) for those lighter days.

1 Tank, 2 ways. How would you elevate your basics?

Look 1: Toughened Up

Look 2: Lighter

If you want to up the ante on your wardrobe staples, then I’d definitely add some Three Dots pieces into your closet this Spring.

As always thanks for reading! Colorado Part 1 to come soon…

Look 1 Shot by Jenna Sparks Photography x Denver

Look 2 Shot by Julia O Test Photo x SF

Tank x Linen Jacket: Three Dots

Laced Up

Published on April 3, 2017April 2, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa9 Comments

Good morning friends, I’m currently writing this post in beautiful Denver, Colorado as I’m sure you’ve seen by now through Instagram. It’s gorgeous here and perfect sweatshirt weather especially in this lighter lace up piece by David Lerner. I’m sure you’ve seen a lot of the lace up trend popping up, but out of all the styles out there, this by far is my favorite and softest that I own.

Spring has sprung and I always keep it casual which is why David Lerner’s pieces are right up my alley. No frills, just a touch of luxury that turns casual wear into something really special.

P.S @twelfthknight and I leave on Tuesday back to SF, I intend on wearing this sweatshirt to the airport because it’s the perfect way to keep warm! See you back in the Bay.

Ballin Slides from Sentieroshoes.com (“Lauren10” takes 10% off)

All photos by Julia O Test Photo

Special thanks to David Lerner

Shoes: Ballin

“Lauren10” takes 10% off shoes at sentieroshoes.com

Dock of the Bay

Published on March 20, 2017March 17, 2017 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!

All photos shot by Julia O Test Photo

Hair by Jenifer Akagi at 77 Salon

Bag: Lo and Sons

Shoes: Ecco Shoes

NYFW Day 1

Published on February 16, 2017February 16, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa2 Comments

It’s been one hell of a trip here in NYC. NYFW has been exciting, intimidating, inspiring, and exhausting….but I wouldn’t have it any other way. With Storm Nico derailing all flights the day I was supposed to arrive plus a few cancellations, I was very well prepared to accept that I wasn’t going to be able to attend after all. And with the stroke of luck Friday morning, I somehow made it to SFO for my 8am flight. When I got there, Kelly (aka @birdieshoots) texted me to say that her flight was again canceled and would not be making it. I was rather devastated quite frankly. We were supposed to do this together. So now, it was all on me. I already missed two of my shows on Thursday, and now I would be scrambling to make up for lost time.

I arrived at JFK at 5:30pm, exhausted from all the stress prior, cold, and a little out of my comfort zone. My Uber promptly picked me up and we were off to The Hudson Hotel which would be home for the weekend. I met Christina (aka @classtige) for dinner at Momofuku and shortly after I passed out in my bed and slept like a log.

Taken before my hair appointment at Amika Style Blow, Lauren Listor (aka @laurelcreative) was able to squeeze me in for a shoot. She shoots everyone, any major blogger you follow, you bet she’s shot them. Thank you Lauren for such a fun morning. I love that she captured an iconic version of NYC for me, you have to get the yellow cabs in right?

Prior to seeing the shows for the day, I went to the Shopstyle event at Canoe Studios. I’m sure by now you saw all of that action on Instagram and Instastories. It was really fun and I saw some familiar faces from SF. I also got a monogrammed leather portfolio case from Gigi New York as a nice souvenir :)

My first show was for Jimmy Burner at the Stewart Hotel. Fun, urban, street style. Watch the Final walk here: Jimmy Burner

In the evening I attended the Francesca Liberatore Show at Skylight Clarkson. I geeked out when I saw Kelly Cutrone, Miss Alexander J, and Dorothy Wang all within 3 feet of me. It was a beautiful show to say the least and the energy that comes from seeing a live show like this is unreal.

Watch the full show here: Francesca Liberatore (my clip below)

img_1986-2 — Waiting for the show at Skylight Clarkson

Day 1 was simply getting my bearings. Day 2 and 3 are by far my most packed and most exciting, so I can’t wait to share with you those photos as they come :) I’m really grateful for the experience and I’m so glad I was able to pull this off so that I can share everything with you. Stay tuned.

All shot by Lauren Listor

Wearing my Uncle’s Scarf: Vintage Cashmere

Olivia Cropped Flares: Joes’s Jeans

Boots: Marc Fisher

Code Red

Published on February 8, 2017February 7, 2017 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.

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.

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.Thank 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.

Fall Forecast: OTK Boots

Published on October 13, 2016October 12, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa10 Comments

Thank you for taking the time to read my last post, I appreciate the kind words from you guys, I really do. I’d like to move on to our regular scheduled program today though…If you’re reading this blog post, I am now currently in my home away from homes, the city of Los Angeles. It’s nice to be back even just for a tiny bit and I plan on bopping around, revisiting old haunts (and new.) It’s perfect “Fall” weather here as it will barely break 70 degrees and I’m absolutely ok with that.

You’ve probably seen a lot of bloggers already wearing the Over the Knee boot trend, aka OTK. I thought, alright…why not have some fun, so I bought these bad boys from Public Desire for $72. A lot of gals pair their boots with dresses or skinny jeans, I opted for denim cutoffs because I’m still not ready to let go of warmer weather. What are your thoughts? Are you jumping on the OTK trend?

*I’m in LA just for the weekend, and then I will be off to Puerto Vallarta for a much needed respite. Can’t wait to come back refreshed and share those photos with you. Until then :)

Shot by Rachel Radcliffe, Piedmont CA

What I wore:

Public Desire Over the Knee Boots ($72 here)

also available in Grey ($60 here)

Black & Tan

Published on August 15, 2016August 13, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa45 Comments

Fall is my favorite season and it’s just around the corner, so I’m happily adding transition pieces into my closet such as this super soft “camel” jacket from Vici. I love their affordable pieces and this is just one of the many that I picked from their online store (2 stores in Walnut Creek and Newport Beach.)

In LA, I got away with wearing the “business casual” look all the time with shorts and a moto jacket and I’m happily wearing it now here in the Bay Area. My advice: elevate your basics with fun pieces like this and you’ll have a lot more range in your wardrobe that’ll take you from Summer to Fall without breaking the bank!

Thanks for reading everyone, I wish you a great week.

*All photos shot by Rachel Radcliffe, Piedmont CA