It’s not a bad gig. But you wanna know something funny? I told myself I would never work in retail again. Ever. And here I am working in a small shop, at one of the most notorious hipster hotels, on the most Northern tip of Long Island. But to be quite honest I see amazing opportunity in all this. Who knows where I will end up next but I hope this will be a catalyst for something huge and beyond my reach until now. We shall see.

The Surf Bazaar. A shop worth the shot.

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Photos: me

I have a deep appreciation for jumpers and one-pieces. It is the easiest way to get dressed. One fell swoop and your outfit is picked for the day. Just throw on a pair of shoes [appropriate for the occasion] and you’re good. Done.

But I always thought I was the kind of girl that dressed for myself. I buy colors, silhouettes, and styles with a complete disregard to other peoples opinions. Especially men. But apparently not all that is true. This jumper gave me a lot of attention from quite a few men the other night. Believe it or not [yeah.. I couldn't believe it!] I always had this idea that men liked women in anything tight, short, and revealing. And I am sure that still stands very true. But I definitely didn’t think they particularly found my style appealing.. which led me to believe I was incredibly unattractive from a male minds perspective. But maybe some men like to leave a lot to the imagination and appreciate a cool silhouette or print every once in a while. And I do need to be clear about one thing: these complimenting men were not cute gay guys wearing a pair of short cuffed shorts, designer shoes, and oversized glasses. These were men.. like a “man’s man” kind of men. It was kind of weird. They must like the garbage truck driver look on a girl..

Anyway. When all is said and done jumpers, overalls and one-pieces will always be my favorite article of clothing. Whether I get a second glance or not. Hah.

My favorite jumper.

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We tried our first Montauk lobster rolls and I’m a little hooked. I’ve had my fair share in the city but there is something about munching on a roll in a fishing town.. knowing that is exactly where the little lob you are eating came from. Authentic taste? Authentic experience? Sure. We also went to some of the most beautiful [and very empty] beaches in East Hampton. I love myself an empty beach and will probably be frequenting that little sandy zone all summer. And the most pivotal part of the weekend? Having a car. Now I am considering one for myself and got some great leads. I just don’t know if a bike is going to cut it all summer. A car will definitely enhance my east coast experience. Just a thought.

A brief visit from my sister.

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I thought an inspiration of such aspirations was necessary.

Let’s go on an adventure!

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I think this summer is going to be a period that I spend a lot of time by myself. Which I am finally coming to terms with. I will probably start feeling the warmth of familiar faces, make some new friends, occasionally hang out with my friends in the city and that sort of thing. But I think these next couple of months are going to be a welcoming challenge. I think I need to know what its like to be on my own. Not in a I-am-going-off-to-college-for-the-first-time-and-on-my-own kind of way. But in a very different, more reflective kind of way. I am so used to having friends around all the time [even when I travel!] that it will just be.. different. And I hope I can gain something more from it all. A better me?? Or a more reclusive, introverted me?? Hahhh.

A small glimpse in to Montauk over the last couple days.

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I have been crazy busy for the last week and finally found a bit of time to post one of my last [documented] outfits in Arizona. It was one of those random outfits that I just threw together and somehow worked for me. I think mixing prints [especially animal print] is somewhat of a special art. I have a friend who is really good at it. I am not so good and it usually happens by mistake. But most personal styling mistakes work in my favor. Even if I never press out my wrinkled pants and wear completely unflattering fits. That’s just how I roll sometimes.

Baggy and a little wrinkled but I don’t care!

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I had such an awesome time though. We embarked on so many little adventures. Stayed up late, went to great coffee shops, ate at a few yummy eateries, did a lot of driving, saw the Grand Canyon, watched [my first] professional baseball game, ventured out on a few desert hikes, watched some of the most beautiful sunsets, and spent a lot of quality time together. They were days well spent and totally worth being dry and oceanless for a while.

A good time in the desert with family.

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Been hanging around the desert for the last couple days and trying really hard not to sweat all over my clothes. Kidding.. but not really. It is hot. I don’t think I ever loved air conditioning as much as I do now. The last time I was in Arizona the seasons were turning into winter with cool days and colder nights. Now it is one consistent heat wave. Expect its not a heat wave for these crazy Arizonian people. While I’m struggling to breathe the hot dry air everyone else is going on jogs and riding bikes like it ain’t no thang. My sister is one of them.

But I’m just dragging a bad joke on too long. It’s not that bad. I’m just being a little dramatic. And all the more reason to wear short shorts and my new Marni jelly sandals. I was so stoked when I found those bad boys on Ebay [my go-to for designer items I cannot afford without giving up a kidney.] I thought they would be the perfect alternative to wearing slippers. So far so good. I feel like a fashionable little girl. Not gonna lie.. I got a couple weird stares because of those jellies. But I don’t care. I love them and I’ll wear them until they melt. Which is kind of unnerve because it could happen sooner than I think if I stay here much longer. Hah.

A blue outfit, white wall and handling the heat.

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We couldn’t do any of the major hikes even though I would have liked to. But we did get a chance to hike a bit of the Rim Trail and Bright Angel trail.. just enough to get a glimpse into the canyon. We also came across a few hikers who actually battled the switchback and the heat firsthand. All 11 miles of it. But the small adventures we had in the park were nice little samplers of one of the greatest wonders in the world. 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. I would definitely like to go back and brave those unit measurements in the near future.

But for now I’ll be enjoying the next few days among the cactus and dry heat of southern Arizona before I head to New York for an ultimate summer adventure. It just keeps getting better. Hope you enjoy a little glimpse of our Grand Canyon adventure until then!

A grand adventure at The Grand Canyon.

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This is also a great introductory into exploring [surf, travel, and fashion] beauty. I never was much for beauty and hair products but as I get older I am really starting to see the value in taking care of my body. Especially now that my skin and hair has really taken a toll from the sun. Bumble and Bumble is a great way to start my beauty exploration. Cannot wait to snap off the top and let my hair strands soak in all it’s goodness.

A Bumble and Bumble surf experience. [Thanks Connie and Melissa!]

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