Don’t let anyone trample on your daisies…not even you
I would write something poetic here, but I think this quote just sums up everything I’ve been thinking lately for I’ve been in quite the creative rut. Maybe this will spark some inspo, for the both of us.
Shot by Shannon Righetti
Hat: L’Space
(“Candy” saves 10% on Revolve)
Shoes: Franco Sarto
I’ve been on the go all summer I feel like, from the East Bay to The City, to Peninsula, and then to many wine country weekend trips and an overnighter in Modesto… it’s been a little hectic to say the least. I’m a professional nomad (and a well seasoned one I might add) even when I lived in Los Angeles, so until @Twelfthknight and I secure a place for ourselves I will continue to live and work like this until we find a home.
I got a bit stir crazy a few weeks ago and wanted so badly to trade the traffic and noise for cactus and wide open spaces like Palm Springs. Palm Springs never happened, but I did find this cactus garden in Palo Alto one day, and low and behold I felt like I had just teleported myself somewhere far away.
I look back on the last few weeks and realized this was a good reminder to find peace within your little sanctum. Whether it be carving out time to mediate, deep breathe, intentionally disconnect, or just sit and be still without judgment. Take a walk around the block, sniff flower bushes, or sit in the sun for 10 minutes…I think it’s important to allow yourself that each day. We’re so busy running around, wasting away in traffic, and being plugged in that we forget about what it’s like to be still or one with nature.
Namaste, everyone.
Shot by Shannon Righetti
Hat: L’Space (also comes in Cream)
Dress: Faithful the Brand
Happy Friday everyone, any plans this weekend?
Let me tell ya, the suite life is the best life. @Twelfthknight and I love our staycations, and it was only right that I treat him to an early birthday getaway in wine country this past week. It was our first time to Healdsburg, and to be quite honest…we like this quaint beautiful town much more than Napa or Sonoma itself.
235 Luxury Suites is nestled in the heart of downtown Healdsburg and it’s an incredible 3 bedroom stay for couples, families, or small parties. It’s incredibly charming, cozy yet spacious, and still feels familiar like home. We stayed in the Fitch Mountain Suite, decked out with a huge spa tub that I used nightly, dual walk in showers, and giant CA Kings in each room. 235 pays attention to the tiniest details which is what we loved. They even offer light, medium, or hard pillows so that you can sleep optimally :D I’m a firm by the way.
This hotel is located a few steps away from the square of downtown Healdsburg, so you really don’t need to drive anywhere in town. You’re within a few steps to wine lounges, Safeway, Farmer’s Market, bakeries, and coffee shops. In fact, we never drove the entire time we were there, unless you count an Uber briefly. So convenient right?
We would absolutely stay here at 235 again, it felt like a true getaway but so comfortable like being at home. If you’re ever looking to get away and relax in wine country’s hidden gem, I highly urge you to visit Healdsburg. After exploring this little town, we didn’t want to leave, but we look forward to our next trip!
Below, you’ll find our favorite spots and recommendations if you fancy a trip out here yourself. Cheers and thank you for reading!
Where to Eat:
Valette: Dinner
Dinner service was spectacular. Chef Dustin is a rockstar and provided a 5 course tasting menu that blew us away. Valette is the newest kid on the block in downtown Healdsburg and it’s one of those fine dining experiences you’ll have engrained in your memory for a long long time. Below are some of our favorite highlights.
Cocktail: Watermelon Fresca
Favorite app: Dry Boat Scallop en Croute- Squid Ink Puff Pastry with Scallop & champagne inside. Blew my mind!
Entree: Lamb Shoulder and NY Strip Steak.
Dessert: A salty/sweet Deconstructed Snickers Bar (which we still rave about)
Cafe Lucia: Lunch
Downstairs in the 235 hotel courtyard lives Cafe Lucia where Portuguese food meets Wine Country. @Twelfthknight has been to Spain and he talks about the tapas and paella there all the time. Naturally, we came down for lunch and we still talk about their food, overwhelmingly gracious hospitality, and service.
Tasting Plates: House wine, house pickles, blood sausage, sturgeon & capers
Tip: Order the Portuguese Mac n Cheese, we still talk about it today.
Favorite Entree: Seafood Stew with mussels and jumbo shrimp
Where to Drink:
We visited Kelly and Noah of Reeve Wines our second day in Healdsburg and we loved tasting all of their small batch wines. Their estate is picturesque and currently undergoing some exciting renovations which we look forward to seeing on our next trip up. Our favorite wine of theirs were their chilled rose which we had to take home with us. *P.S. Noah is the co-founder and Head wine maker at Banshee Wines in downtown Healdsburg and Reeve is a labor of love by night. Visiting Reeve Wines honestly felt like going to see your friends (who happened to have a winery) and it’s just fun, relaxing, and comfortable. Cheers!
Siduri is located literally a few steps from 235 Hotel. There’s something to be said for the decor and open window/day bed seating that attracts so many people aside from their delicious wine and pairings. I especially liked their cheese board with their pinot and would recommend sitting by the window while you sip and people watch.
Cheers!
Ohayou gozaimasu, long time no see everyone :) What a life altering trip this has been. Never have I ever felt more comfortable, genuinely happy, and above all; complete as a human being. Before I get into this, I’d just like to say I am particularly ever grateful to the Shinkawa family for their over the top generosity, love, and hospitality. You are family.
Second, thank you Dad for doing what you do. All I have ever done is try to learn from you in business. It’s not always easy being your daughter, but for everyone else it’s an enviable position. Thirdly, thank you Shelli for coming to Japan with me. You are the most ideal travel buddy a gal can ask for. A true friend indeed. This was one for the books and I hope to do it again :)
Some of you on Instagram asked me if I speak Japanese, because you could kind of hear a slight accent or slur in my voice on my InstaStories. I should mention that when I was really young, my brother and I took Japanese lessons where we could read and write better than speak. I wish that my Granny would have kept the verbal part going at home because I spent the last month relearning everything and then some. What’s nice is that language and those sounds never really go away. I landed, and all of a sudden basic sentences start flying outta my mouth. My driver could understand me, then locals assumed I spoke fluently (which really tripped me out) and it’s like I just fit into the fibers after that.
6/2/17: SFO – Haneda Airport flying JAL with my monogrammed Mon Purse goods. I watched Beauty and the Beast and The Great Wall, ate a delicious bento box for dinner, and zonked out.
Key Tip: Arrange for a pocket wifi before you get to the airport or hotel. A few of you on Instagram were curious as to how I was using video and posting so much! This little cell pack is picked up at the airport, you plug in, and you’re up and running on secure network. Not once did I use data on this trip. Plus, the cell pack holds a 12hr battery charge!
Check in 6/3/17: Hotel Mitsui Garden Premier, Ginza Tokyo. Our home for a while. I loved staying here. The views of Tokyo are panoramic, a 9 min walk to Tsukiji Fish Market, 3 min to Shimbashi Station (the subway), and chock full of tiny delicious curry houses. I would absolutely stay here again, and hopefully soon.
Strolling Tsukiji Market: Kristine Marie Photography
I shot with photographer Kristine here at famous Tsukiji Market one morning before lunch. I had met her through Instagram and loved her work. Next thing you know we’re shooting in the heart of the fish market, dodging bikes, giant squid, and fish mongers :D It was getting warm, so afterwards Shelli came to meet us for some fresh sashimi bowls (you may have caught this on Instastories.) Eating here is nothing short of mind blowing. We won’t be eating sashimi or fish in the states for a very long time….
A Typical Morning: Jet lag unfortunately hit around 2am for me, however we really liked waking up at 6am naturally to start our day. On average we would walk about 13,000 steps on a non shrine day. We would wake up, eat breakfast or go to the 7-11 or Lawsons for quick coffee and Japanese pastries. 7-11’s here are nothing like the U.S. Here you can eat cheaply and incredibly well for the super hungry or super tired. It’s just plain ridiculous I tell ya. Just ask Anthony Bourdain.
Local’s Favorites: One morning we visited Kanako at her Local Coffee Stand. I was beginning to miss American lattes and I was getting those caffeine headaches late in the day. Here at Local Coffee Stand, they serve exceptional ones (even though the coffee in Japan is pretty good.) Kanako is the daughter of Fumito Shinkawa, my Dad’s dear friend and business buddy here in Tokyo. We have known her since she was in elementary school and when Shinkawa was not in the office, he was taking us out for dinner, drinks, site seeing, and day trips that inevitably turned into ridiculous adventures.
Soft Serve: I legitimately had about 1 soft serve cone every day. It was perfect weather for it, 75-80 degrees with no humidity and cool breeze. The soft serve here is not very sweet at all unlike the stuff they sling in the U.S. Shinkawa took us to a Premium Matcha Soft Serve in Asakusa on our first exploring day, and he was elated because the line was out the door and around the corner. It was worth the wait because our taste buds were blown.
Yoyogi Park: One of our favorite park days here in Tokyo. Mrs. Shinkawa took the day prancing around with us here. It’s kind of like entering another world even though you’re in the heart of Harajuku and Shibuya district. She said to not walk in the middle of the path because “you will trip the Gods.” Here, we went to the temple, bowed and prayed to the wealth and marriage tree, and even witnessed a Japanese wedding that was more fit for royalty (you probably saw that on InstaStories.) What’s more fun is that we wrote our names on a copper plate for the new roof of the temple, so we will forever be permanent here :)
Summer Style: I knew it was going to be warm, but the weather actually was perfect. Mid 70’s-low 80’s with almost no humidity and breezy evenings. June is the start of tropical rain, and we only experienced one evening of that. I packed quite light for this trip and wore my hat nearly every day. My best advice would be to pack hats and shoes you can walk long distances in. Luckily, I brought the whole Via Spiga and Franco Sarto shoe collection with me and not one blister.
Men are always in fitted suits. School children are in uniform with little hats, they’re the cutest. Hell, dogs are better dressed here than most humans. Women all dress very well and on the conservative side. They’re usually wearing a sun hat and flowy pants or skirts. You’ll hear their little heels running through the train station or sandals paired with linen pants or sundresses. It’s really fun to people watch and take inspiration from how they like to wear their clothes.
Kyoto: Unfortunately, we did not spend enough time in Kyoto. Taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, it is about a 2.5 hr trip. We kept our hotel and made accommodations at the same Mitsui in Kyoto. Upon arriving (around 10am) we threw our over night bags into the lobby, packed up the cameras, and walked to famous Nishiki Market for street food before our adventures to the shrines. You saw the video I took at this market…it’s complete and utter sensory overload. What you didn’t see is me knawing on a King crab leg that nearly made me black out. Shelli nearly fainted when she ate her made to order yakiniku (beef skewer.) I personally still think about that fresh matcha manju with matcha powder coating my lil face. I could spend all day here, but we had things to see.
Nara: Nara Park, in Kyoto is home to the bowing deer. These deer are presumed to be messengers of the Gods and are symbols of this city. They do indeed bow for your cookies which is incredibly charming. I’ve had plenty of conversations with the little ones. A few males got aggressive and head butted me while I paid for their cookies, but I let that go a long time ago:D
Fushimi Inari Taisha aka The Fox Shrine: Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of Inari and one of the most famous in all of Kyoto. This is a very iconic spot, so maybe you have seen the infamous Torii Gates before. It’s unreal in person. It’s almost eerily haunting when you pass through the tunnel of red gates, and there are indeed 1,000 of them leading you up the mountain. Torii gates are here to symbolize leaving of the physical world and entering the spiritual one. This is why you’ll see people clap three times and bow upon entering a gate or shrine to summon the Gods before making an offering (or wish.)
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for continuing to read and follow along with me. Everyone says Japan is a magical place, and they are true for saying that. But, for those who are Japanese and Japanese American, there is an internal feeling and sense of pride (at least for me) that makes you a more complete and whole human being. And it’s simply just being surrounded by your people. Not once did I feel lost in translation.
I watched little elementary kids give up their seats and usher elderly into them on the train. It damn near made me tear up. Everything is clean, shiny, and spotless. Not once did I see a homeless person. Are there homeless in Japan? People bow and are gracious, helpful, and kind. The food, regardless of who you are, you will always eat well and never go hungry.
Part II will be coming up next week, so until then :)
Special thanks to the brands who came along with me:
Summer weather is on the horizon, and to me that still means a light jacket for us Bay Area dwellers. Speaking of Summer, I’ll be in Tokyo in a few weeks with friend Shelli and my Dad (who will be bopping all over Asia for business.) I look forward to shooting summer looks overseas and getting out of my creative rut. Not to mention all the food, art, and just being with my people. What about you, any summer travels?
P.S. I’ve linked everything I’m wearing at the bottom of this post, would you believe all these pieces I’m wearing are under $100?
Shot by Julia O Test Photo
Pom Pom Bag: Kayu $58
(Use “candy” for an extra 10% off this bag or ANY total on Revolve)
Embroidered Jacket: RahiCali $68
Shoes: Franco Sarto $89
(Camel, Blush, Baby Blue, Black)
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
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
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
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.
All photos by Julia O Test Photo
Special thanks to David Lerner
Shoes: Ballin
“Lauren10” takes 10% off shoes at sentieroshoes.com
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
