Sascha Koki recalls sitting with her mother at an early age and flipping through Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and other fashion magazines. That early interest in fashion took on an international perspective as she was raised in Hawaii and Tokyo.

While working for her mother Chihiro Kitagawa’s public relations and advertising firm, Media Etc., Koki contributes to the Hawaii Tourism Japan blog and has her own fashion blog called One Thousand Summers. She is also mom to 16-month-old son Brooklyn.

WARDROBE MVPS

“My staples are a great pair of jeans in every wash, white button-up shirts, black leggings, lots of stripes and pointed-toe pumps. These are items I update as they wear out but will always have because they will never go out of style.”

FASHION PHILOSOPHY

“It’s all about capsule wardrobe and uniform dressing. A capsule wardrobe is when you pare down your closet to several essentials and rotate per monthly or seasonal basis. I tend to rotate seasonally because it allows me to stick with a varied color scheme that still makes sense when I mix and match.

“Uniform dressing … allows me to get ready quickly without having to put much thought into what I’m wearing that day. Outside of work — like date night or parties — I’ll play with trends that aren’t necessarily in my capsule so that I have a creative outlet.”

STYLING TIPS

“Don’t be afraid to play to your personality but always be sure to highlight your assets. Staying on trend is easy if you know what works for your shape.

“At 5 feet, 4 inches, I’m often told that I look taller than I am. It’s because I wear things that lengthen my legs with items like high-waisted jeans and stiletto pumps.”

FAVORITE BRANDS

“I try to support local and small businesses whenever I can. I also look for quality over quantity and brands with a story. In Waikiki, I’m a regular at Rebecca Beach, Fighting Eel and Olive + Oliver when I’m looking to shop for myself or for friends.

“AirBuggy Waikiki carries the cutest baby gear … and I’m looking forward to the new boutique called Mikimori, because it’s about minimalism and monochromatic fashion.”

BEAUTY MUST-HAVES

“I have ‘combination’ skin and I’m big on natural products. For my face, I’ve recently discovered Sunday Riley, and I don’t think there’s any going back. I love the Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner and Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream.

“I also like (Hawaii-based) Indigenous Soap Co. because it was the only soap I could use when I had morning sickness. I also use Chantecaille’s Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer and Future Skin as foundation. This brand is French and creates amazing natural-based makeup. ”

“Island Lookbook” is a weekly feature of the Star-Advertiser Sunday Magazine that spotlights local trendsetters. Email features@staradvertiser.com.