SF – Shoes & Sashimi

Fit to be Tied: Velvet Heart

Published on September 22, 2017September 21, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa12 Comments

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.

Shot by Jenna Sparks Photography (CO based)

Shirt: Velvet Heart

Ruffle Season // Three Dots

Published on April 20, 2017April 20, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa7 Comments

They say truffle season is the best season. I don’t disagree. However, ruffles are a very close second best.

I wouldn’t want to ruffle anyone’s feathers, unless it’s in the form of ruffle tops like the one I’m wearing from Three Dots. This is a brand that I’ve fallen for, and I have already worn this lil guy on three separate occasions. The Three Dot’s collection pieces this Spring are incredibly easy to wear, I love their soft jersey tees and tanks. This asymmetrical top has been my favorite though and the movement you get with the ruffles are just plain fun.

You know me by now, I always dress down. But anytime I want a bit of oomph into what would be a simple outfit, you best believe I count on Three Dots to elevate all the basics. Always.

Shot by Julia O Test

Special thanks to Three Dots

Ruffle Top: found here on Shopbop

Location: Potrero Hill, SF

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

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.

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

Brick Walls

Published on January 26, 2017January 26, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa17 Comments

“The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.” – Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

I’m currently in the midst of gearing up for NYFW in February, and I’ve been happily riding the waves that come with planning such a trip. Luckily I have some wing women who will be joining me and I look forward to sharing my point of view of the festivities as they unfold with you all very soon.

I personally have always liked brick walls. They’re there for a reason, literally and figuratively speaking. I think I’ve been hitting brick walls ever since grade school when peers told me that I couldn’t do something or thought I was weird for having different interests than them. Even as an adult, being in a creative field and being self employed comes with a certain type of judgement. There’s a huge risk factor here, but that’s kind of what we as creative entrepreneurs thrive off of. We see potential and more importantly the map in which to get there, wherever “there” may be.

This will be quite an exciting trip in two weeks…and I look forward to sharing everything here with you. It’s going to be freezing. I’m not sure how I’m going to deal with that but will deal nonetheless. All I know is that it’s going to be fun and I’m excited to get a new perspective and inspiration along the way.

I’ll be covering some of my prep that I’ve been doing here in the city in a post to come next week, so look out for that if you’re interested. Until then, thanks for reading!

All photos shot by Julia O Photo

Jackson Square, San Francisco

Button Up: Rails

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

Live Seamlessly

Published on November 30, 2016November 30, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa5 Comments

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving! If you’re following on Instagram, I was in LA for a quick trip down, it’s never long enough though. I’m back in the Bay Area now, and if you’re free this Saturday, please stop by my Event at Succulence SF from 3-5pm.

I’ve teamed up with Rothy’s ecofriendly shoes to throw a Pop Up at a Succulent Garden and you’ll be able to shop and preview their current shoe collection. I’ll have drinks and treats, so stop by if you can!

Can’t make it? Use code “Lnakagawa10” to get 10% off a pair of your own on Rothys.com

Succulence SF

402 Cortland Ave, (Bernal Heights) San Francisco

Happy Feet

Published on July 28, 2016March 13, 2017 by Lauren Nakagawa34 Comments

Hi everyone! I’ve been working on switching up my layout on here, what do you guys think? Super busy week currently, Uncle Mikey and the fam bam have been in town so you’ll see my SF mini guide coming to the blog soon….it’s basically a revolving door here, but I’m still trying to stay on task and on schedule.

With such an active week, my feet (and mind) have been peddling nonstop and I have Rothy’s to thank for keeping my soles happy. Based in SF, Rothy’s is the first ever three dimensional, seamlessly knit line of fashion footwear for those living an active lifestyle. Made out of recycled plastic bottles, their flats are 100% eco friendly, down to the foam insoles and packaging. They’re even machine washable, which blew my mind. And, after the end of these flat’s life (which will last a long long time) I can recycle the pair with their partner Plus Foam :D

I’ve been wearing my flats all this week, up the inclines of SF while walking through the city with family visiting. I kid you not, 4 miles plus in these flats and my feet are not hurting one bit. Don’t believe me? Use my code “Lauren20” to get your own pair at $20 off and try them on for size.

*Thank you to Rothy’s for this post.

*All outfit photos by Hamee Ha

Rothy’s Flats: Here

Code: “Lauren20” for $20 off

Sunnies by Philip Lim (Ditto.com)

Rings from Gorjana

Playing Catch Up

Published on October 16, 2015July 11, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa15 Comments

Hi All,

I’ve been caught up lately which may explain the lag in blogging, however it’s been filled with all good things that have needed my full attention. One of them wrapping a successful editorial shoot for Diablo Magazine, I styled their November Issue on news stands in a week or so. You may have seen a glimpse of BTS on Instagram, and I will be posting the full story when it comes out. It’s good to be back in the game, especially shooting in the Bay Area. With that, revamping my credits list and styling portfolio has taken much of my focus. I’m not a newbie when it comes to shopping my portfolio around to agencies, and I’m now reminded again how hard it is to become represented, but if it’s one thing I’m good at it’s being stubborn and persistent. LA is a slaughterhouse when it comes to agencies, it seems SF is no different for whatever reason…send good jujus please :D

What else..oh, I turned 29…and I was so consumed with styling the editorial 48hrs before my birthday that I almost did indeed forget that I was turning a year older. I had an amazing dinner at The Progress in SF thanks to @Twelfthknight with our two friends, a lovely double date with good food, drinks, and laughter is all this girl needs :) Thank you again.

If you’ve been seeing on Instagram lately, @Twelfthknight and I took the fur baby to Pacifica last weekend for a day trip to find some relaxing ocean air. If you’ve never been it’s a really foggy, but quaint beach town north of the Peninsula. We came, we saw, and we ate a ridiculously good Italian sandwich from Colombos Delicatessen. You’d also think I’d wear a more beach friendly outfit than this crop top and high waisted shorts number, but hey, whatchya gonna do. NorCal beach towns are quite different than SoCal beach towns and my growing monochrome wardrobe is still getting acclimated for these times :D

Thanks for reading and catching up with me. I look forward to sharing behind the scenes photos of my recent shoots when I get permission, including the commercial with you soon.

~ Lauren

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