stylegram – 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)

Cheat Day (A food and fashion roundup)

Published on May 26, 2016July 18, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa12 Comments

If you follow me on Instagram, you’d see the influx of food posts as of late. @Twelfthknight and I are very much centered around eating together. Nothing crazy or pretentious, just good food. Whether it is noshing locally, eating our way through a new city (we loved eating thought Denver), or cooking at home, we love our eats. I should note that we will never be seen waiting for 2 hours + for overly priced and over hyped restaurants that is common here in SF…no sir, we have things to do.

Enjoy my month’s round up of a few of our favorite food posts as well as my new “Cheat Day” pullover that I find appropriate to wear on repeat…because let’s face it. Cheat day is technically every day.

Outfit photos taken by: Rachel Radcliffe

Food photos and point of view’s: Taken by me :D

Fred’s Coffee Shop, Sausalito. We’d recommend their Millionaire’s Bacon and Lemon Ricotta pancakes.

The Siren Canteen, Stinson Beach. We had a spontaneous day trip up the coast and this restaurant is such a gem!

We made it in time for Taco Tuesday, their fish tacos and pale ciders are absolutely delicious. Stuff that reminds me of SoCal and SD.

On an off day, we went to the new SF Moma. 7 floors of art and we were hungry so on our way home we ate at the New England Lobster Market in Burlingame. Not pictured are the oysters!

My favorite, Santouka Ramen located inside the Mitsuwa center. In Los Angeles, anytime I was on Sawtelle Blvd, I’d sit here and order a combo all under $12 and would satisfy any sort food craving. This was taken at the Santouka in San Jose.

Processed with VSCO with f2 preset — For our friend’s birthday, we came to Pacifica for seafood. Their favorite restaurant on the Penninsula side of the Bay, and I’d have to agree with them. Moonraker has the best view whilst eating some of the freshest seafood around!

What I wore:

Pullover: Missguided

Denim: Asos

Booties: Boohoo

Restaurant List:

Fred’s Coffee Shop

The Siren Canteen

New England Lobster Market

Santouka

Moonraker

Life is Fast, Fashion Shouldn’t Be

Published on April 7, 2016July 11, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa14 Comments

Hi all, hope you’re having a good week thus far and in all seriousness, I’d like to thank you for reading all my posts as of late. I took a little hiatus earlier in the year, but that’s because I was trying to create a plan of where I wanted this blog and content to go. Now I have it and I’m locked and loaded, so I can’t wait to share everything that’s coming with you soon.

Today, I’d like to share something I care strongly about. And that is quality vs.quantity. I apply this to all aspects of life, but this article (among many others that have come out recently) specifically puts a spotlight on “fast fashion” and why it is so important to be a consumer that chooses consciously. There are countless throwaway “fashion companies” that are made less than poorly overseas, made in massive quantities, and then dissgarded shortly after it’s one-wear use that the planet literally cannot hold such things anymore. And I think it’s a damn shame.

Call me elitist, but as an example, you will never see me promote or purchase something from Forever21. From ethics as a corporation, to poor product, and so on… I just can’t support it. I would very much rather pay more for something of quality that will stand the test of time. Which brings me to the brands that I love and will wear over and over again, like the ones I’m wearing here.

At the bottom of this post are the list of brands with the links to each site. I especially love Amour Vert, for they are ethical, eco-friendly, and get this: For every purchase they plant a tree! If you read my blog long enough or follow me on Instagram, you will see just how many times these pieces have been popping up, so they definitely are getting lots of wear :D

Have a great rest of your week, and thanks again for visiting! I especially would like to hear your thoughts on the article if you choose to read it.

26138734756_28cd1e7446_o — Michael Stars Vest. Super soft, CA made.

26139268666_006c98c5fa_o — Joes Jeans. I thought JBrand was my best fitting jean, Joes is way up there too now.

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25892077680_785afe0e43_o — CC Skye Bag. This was one of my first sample sale purchases in LA when I would raid the warehouses in Downtown. That was about 7 years ago…and it’s still in great condition!

26098628361_c961668825_o — Thrifted bracelet

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25560146234_26eb2722ef_o — M.Gemi flats. Handcrafted in Italy x Limited production

All photos shot by Lisha Wang

Black T: Amour Vert

Vest: Michael Stars

Jeans: Joes Jeans

Bag: CC Skye

Shoes: M.Gemi

(use code “lauren705” for $40 off your first purchase on Mgemi.com)

That’s a Wrap on 2015

Published on December 30, 2015July 11, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa5 Comments

Last post of the year and I could very easily just talk about what I’m wearing here or how this could be a versatile NYE look…but I would prefer to recap what a ride 2015 has been and get a little deeper.

I wish you all a wonderful New Year and a huge thank you for being such a supportive community.

I have genuinely grown homesick for Los Angeles, a feeling I’ll never have for SF proper, however I do like the Bay Area and the things that are brewing here on this side of the East Bay. It is where I was born and raised after all.

So when I shut my door in Sherman Oaks and took my last stroll through Sawtelle Blvd and sipped my last Urth latte in Downtown for a while, it was a bittersweet closing; not just on the year but because I knew things were changing yet once again.

I quickly had to hone a new set of skills, all while maintaining my personal style and creative bent. Prior to all this, I didn’t know how it was possible to grab a foothold in the oversaturated Content Creator world, but somehow brands and small businesses found me and now I’m in this full time. It was honestly hard to get inspired because my pride may have been hurt a little at first, but it’s been working and there are bigger and better things coming that I’m excited to be working on. From food styling to product styling, I’m your girl.

Now with Instagram practically running itself and growing each day, collaborations in motion, small businesses wanting product shots, and clients seeking wardrobe updating… I think I’ve been quite busy! But I couldn’t do it all myself, that’s for sure.

So thank you to these special people for helping Shoes and Sashimi get underway during such a crucial trial period:

@Twelfthknight for being patient and helping me shoot throughout the year. Excited to see what new adventures bring us in 2016

Mom, for being even more patient and mentally invested in everything I do. It’s not fair that you’re often the casualty of my very short fuse sometimes, but I acknowledge it and appreciate you always being there

“Moobie” the fur baby for being happy all the time and for lighting up even the most frustrating of days

Shot by Julie Reichle

Makeup by Emily Sims

Dress: De Lacy x Revolve Clothing

Shoes: Lulu’s

Bag: Melie Bianco

Napa Getaway

Published on December 14, 2015July 11, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa4 Comments

Christmas came early for @Twelfthknight and I earlier this week when we took our little “Moobie” with us to Napa for an early Christmas/NY/2 year Anniversary trip :) It’s fun to go during offseason, you can beat all the traffic and the lines and eat and walk around as you please without the crowds. It was splendid, and we ate and ate like fiends.

Have a great week everyone, stay warm and be well.

~ Lauren

Keeping warm in a knit by The Knot Sisters

FullSizeRender 43 — The famous doughnuts at The Boon Fly Cafe @Carneros Inn

FullSizeRender 47

FullSizeRender 46 — Crunching in a faux fur vest by 6 Shore Road

FullSizeRender 44

Moobie meets his goat friend at Old Faithful Farms

Brownie the lama at Old Faithful Farms. Go visit her, she has the best eyelashes :D

Typical Bouchon Bakery fare, this is their gingerbread muffin

Bone Marrow appetizers at my Mom’s favorite French bistro: Bistro Jeanty, Yountville. Not pictured, their to die for tomato bisque baked under a puff pastry shell

Instagram: @shoes_and_sashimi

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

Instagram x Twitter

What I Wore:

Crop Top: Banana Republic

Shorts: FInders Keepers the Label

Gladiators: Loeffler Randall

Sunnies: Lulu’s

All outfit photos taken by @Twelfthknight

Falling for Trends

Published on September 23, 2015July 11, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa13 Comments

Happy First Day of Fall everyone, tis my favorite time of year! This little post is a mashup of my favorite things: coffee breaks, work, and fall fashion. I apologize for being missing in action though, I took some time to recover from styling a commercial in Los Angeles as well as wrapping the whole thing. After being gone from set-life for a wee bit, I am happy to say I nailed it. Getting that confirmation from an all male production company as well as Client is really satisfying. Per usual no photos or more info until the actual thing airs, however this was my 3rd International shoot that I have single handedly been Wardrobe Head. for; this time shooting with Nongshim Co. the biggest instant noodle and snack company in South Korea :D The Dominos of Asia if you will. The commercial will air overseas featuring a certain known actor, he has a movie out now in theaters, maybe you’ve seen it already…but until then I can’t say much more….I hate that. *waits patiently.*

Anyhoo, now that I’m back in the Bay, it’s starting to feel like Fall…kind of? It was about 98 degrees and rising in Los Angeles and I’m happy to be incorporating some of my favorite Fall trends into my closet such as the color Blush (pullover from Banana Republic) and this awesome faux suede 70’s skirt from H&M. I don’t normally veer too far from my relatively basic neutral outfits, however I like these two trends and I think I’ll be wearing more of these skirts with some button down blouses and T shirts just to get out of my wardrobe rutt. Gotta stay fresh, people.

Hope you’re having a great week and as always thanks for reading!

Lauren

Instagram x Twitter

Blush is the color for Fall, and since I'm not a pink gal I prefer this tone because it's a subtle one :D — Blush is the color for Fall, and since I’m not a pink gal I prefer this tone because it’s a subtle one :D

My only down time for myself was found at Coffee Commissary. They make a mean latte. — My only down time for myself in LA was found at Coffee Commissary. They make a mean latte and are located in WeHo, Burbank, and Culver City.

View from our shooting location in the LA hills. That's a wrap folks. — View from our shooting location in the LA hills. That’s a wrap folks.

What I Wore:

Blush Pullover: Banana Republic

Aviators: Lulu’s

Skirt: H&M

Boots: Dolce Vita

All outfit photos taken by: @Twelfthknight

Aloha! Hawaii Part II

Published on September 7, 2015July 18, 2016 by Lauren Nakagawa11 Comments

Happy Labor Day everyone, what are you doing for this long weekend? I’m missing being on vacation mode, but hopefully you can travel with me through these next batch of photos from our recent trip. Between the waterfall hike to sipping drinks on the beach, splashing through the breathtaking views, and eating our fair share of musubi and shaved ice, I think it’s safe to say that we milked our short stay on the island to it’s max relaxing capacity. We hope to explore elsewhere too in the near future, so for those of you who have been to the other Hawaiian islands, what are your favorite places to eat, see, and stay?

As always, thanks for reading and enjoy your 3 day weekend!

Lauren

Leonards, known for their famous malasadas and pao doce.

What's a malasada? It's basically a Portuguese custard filled donut. — What’s a malasada? It’s basically a Portuguese custard filled donut.

Waimea Falls, it's a nice 1 mile stroll through the botanical gardens to the waterfall. And when you reach the waterfall you get to jump in and swim. — Waimea Falls, it’s a nice 1 mile stroll through the botanical gardens to the waterfall. And when you reach the waterfall you get to jump in and swim.

It was so humid...Luckily this Tiare Hawaii dress kept me comfy. — It was so humid…Luckily this Tiare Hawaii dress kept me comfy.

Poke bowls and musubi from Musubi Cafe. I think we we went there 3 times...I could eat there every day. — Poke bowls and musubi from Musubi Cafe. I think we went there 3 times…I could eat there every day.

What I wore:

Dress: Tiare Hawaii

Aviators: Le Specs

Where We Ate:

Leonards

Musubi Cafe

Barefoot Bar

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