BAIT AND BOOTS

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Here’s the skinny:

The shark tee. I recently purchased this particular article of clothing via Zara Online and haven’t taken it off. I’ve been living in it. It is so unbelievably comfortable. I cannot quite figure out how they made it so vintage soft. Like it has already been worn for 20 years. Minus the pit stains and dead skin cells. And there’s a shark on it. A shark. Its been the [second] best purchase I’ve made this year.

The bracelet. The absolute perfect balance between chic and cool. I’m not usually a fan of skulls but the way [Curren] mixes the labradorite with the naturally carved stone.. it totally works. I love the way the stone shines different shades of blues at different angles. The stone itself is so elegant you wouldn’t think it would qualify as an everyday wearing type of bracelet. But it is the perfect blend of everyday elegance. I’m trying to find outfits to match the bracelet. Not the other way around!

And the boots. The best purchase I have made this year. Do you remember those Isabel Marant boots I have been obsessing about?? Well.. lo and behold I own um! I own ummm! And I didn’t pay full price.. of course. I got them for a steal. A major steal. I can thank Ebay for that. And the girl with the oversized feet who couldn’t wear them anymore. Yes, they are used.. or should I say gently worn. But when I got them in the mail they were practically new you could lick a raisin off the leather toes. I just happened to add some red dirt [character] the first time I wore them. Just for that extra edge [just kidding it was an accident.] But I am so smitten on these bad boys.

Outfit of the moment: Shark bait, stones & skulls, and those dream boots.

x

 

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THE OPENING

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The whirlwind is finally done and opening night is over! I had a great night serving friends Pogmosa’s and talking to Japanese magazine/press peeps in code [I really need to learn Nihongo.] It has been a crazy last couple of days. I was almost sure it wasn’t going to come together. But it did. Oh my gosh, it did!

The biggest disappointment of the night: my lack of attention to photo-taking. It must have been from the lack of sleep and excitement of other bodies in the building [people actually came!] But I wish I had spent a little more time watching people, taking photos, and capturing moments. I really wanted to show you folks the process, the details, the stress, the blood, the breakdown moments, the snack table, the excitement, etc. I even brought my Fuji Instax to capture moments. I should have snapped a photo of a photo. There were some good ones. Bah. I wish I could have showed it all to you! At least my mom got in on some of the action!

If you didn’t get a chance to check it out on opening night it will still be there for a whole two and a half months. That gives you a lot of time to take a look. No excuses.

The opening night of Ladyslider for SpecialME. A success I think!

x

 

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LADYSLIDER FOR SPECIALME

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I am super excited to announce my [first ever] POP UP SHOP at SPECIALME!! I have been spending the last several months designing, creating, photographing, and dealing with a whole lot of indecision on my part.

The concept is based around the obvious: Fashion + Travel + Waves.. and will capture the essence a day in the life of a ladyslider.

My hope is that it will come together in a beautiful chaos kind of way. It’s really hard when you realize your a borderline crazy beach lady and a well-curated room could turn yard sale in a heartbeat. But I’m excited to offer some of my favorite designers in my little pop up including Samudra, Surf Bazaar, Issa de’ Mar, Muther of All Things, Posh Pua, and Lanikai Pot and Plant [just to name a few.] Which will make it all the better and gives me peace of mind. Nothing can go wrong when you’ve got beautiful, rad brands on your side. I hope.

These last couple days will be hectic ones and I’m hoping it will all come together. No blood [yet], a lot of sweat, and a few tears so far. We will see how I fair until Wednesday! Please stop by, pop your head in. And if you aren’t into surfing.. or fashion.. or travel at least come have a Pogmosa with me!

Ladyslider x SpecialME. Please check it out if you can!

x

 

ACROSS THE BORDER

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I have never been to Mexico before and gladly jumped at the opportunity to go south. It was the perfect little weekend getaway with a handful of girlfriends. Looking back it feels like it happened ages ago. So much was packed into one little weekend yet I still felt like we all got to experience the luxury of a real vacation.

Okay. But I have to real with you. We stayed in this gated community Las Gaviotas. Far from the Mexico experience I always envisioned. Oh you know what I’m talking about.. your typical south of the border experience. Potentially being kidnapped, having all your things stolen from you hotel room and/or car, stray dogs running around with weird fleshy wounds, accidentally drinking the water and fluid exiting all bodily orifices.. that sort of thing [I am joking of course. I don't really think this is entirely what Mexico is like.] We experienced none of this. Instead we were tucked away in a small version of Orange County.. including your friendly [but strict] Mexican security guards.

Ah, no no. I am not discounting our trip at all. It was absolutely fabulous. Fabulous. We got to surf everyday [sometimes twice], lounge in the spa, enjoy the luxury of working appliances, and relax without the fear of typical [tourist] problems. I’m just saying that I need to go back. This experience was amazing. I felt like I had 96% more money than I usually do. But I would like to experience Mexico as it were meant to. Which includes a VW bus, 5 months on the road, and a little fear driven adventures with off-roading experiences. But that grungy traveler mentality aside I highly recommend checking out Las Gaviotas. It’s just a short drive from California and a nice little way to escape reality. It’s the best bang for your traveler buck and a great way to spend the weekend with friends!

Just a little weekend escape across the border.

x

 

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CALIFORNIA DIARIES

california-diaries-1california-diaries-2california-diaries-3california-diaries-4california-diaries-5california-diaries-6california-diaries-7california-diaries-8california-diaries-9california-diaries-10california-diaries-11california-diaries-12california-diaries-13california-diaries-14california-diaries-15california-diaries-16california-diaries-17(Photos: Brooklynhawaii, Issa de’ Mar, and me)

It’s been a wild two weeks. When my friends and I spontaneously booked our flight to California we had no idea the days would pass by so quickly.. and excitingly. We thought we would be spending long days in coffee shops trying to get our work done. We actually did a little of that and more. And now here we are.. a few hours away from our flight home. We did a lot of rad things but I cannot wait to plunge into warmer pacific waters.

And besides California.. we challenged our spontaneity and decided to head down to Mexico for the weekend! I have more to show on that later. Of course.

But for now.. a quick mainland getaway and peek into my California diaries.

x

 

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COLD WEATHER SWEATER

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(Leather Jacket: BCBG, Wolf Sweater: Souvenir  from Alaska, Jeans: Zara, Shoes: Minnetonka, Clutch: Madewell)

The last week and couple of days have been very hectic for me. I have been running around Orange – San Diego – LA [and soon to be Mexico] like a chicken with its head cut off. I have so much to do in preparation for my very first “installation” [more explanation on that later!!!] I haven’t even had time to sit down on my computer for some legitimate social media and blogging therapy. But I promise you there will a plethora of photos and adventures to report back about.

So, since I got to California I have been freezing. Freezing. Okay, I am slightly exaggerating but I do not have a legitimate winter wardrobe. And this is a problem. I basically have to layer as much as I can and I usually end up looking like a hobo. My wolf sweater doesn’t help. But it is honestly one of the only articles of clothing I own that battle against the nippy air. It has saved my life for the last couple days. And you cannot imagine how relatable I’ve become. A little quirky sweater is a great conversation starter. It’s amazing what a little wolf can to for your social life.. and an ill-prepared body.

My wolf.. my cold weather sweater. Life saver.

x

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MUTHER OF ALL WETSUITS

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(Photos from: here)

I’m in California! And I have been for the last week. Which has a lot to do with the reason why I have been a tad bit absent. So many places to go, things to do, and food to eat. I will give you a nifty little California travel dairy when I’ve collected the photos over the last week. But since I’ve been here all I have been thinking about are wetsuits [among other things]. The air is cold and the water is freezing. What I could do for a good [and fashionably sensitive] wetsuit. And there’s one particular company that knows whats up.

MOAT. I love Muther Of All Things. I’ve probably expressed this enough in recent history. It’s hard to find a decent wetsuit that accommodates surf functionality and fashion sensibility. I’m just saying.. sometimes us girls don’t want to be decked out in an all-black, masculine seal suit. And the girls at MOAT know this. Color print leggings, a subtle cutout here, contrasting fabric there, and surf jackets w/ princesslines in all the right places. That’ll make any girl wanna jump [fashionably] in to frigid cold waters.

Muther Of All Things.. Muther Of All Wetsuits.

x

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SIMPLY SAMUDRA

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I had the opportunity to play “model” the other day for Samudra. It was more like being at the right place at the right time. I’m not really sure you can consider me a model. Good thing I always carry a bikini in my trunk or it wouldn’t have worked out!! Had I know I was going to be posing I would have bleached my mustache. Not that it matters because in every other photo I put on the worldwide web my stache can be read loud and clear. Hahhh. But its more about the bag/tote presentation then my unwanted hair anyway.

Personally, I’ll take one in every print and color. There is something about those Samudra clutches and bags that dress up any outfit. Statement pieces. Makes you feel tropical and fancy.

It’s simply Samudra.

x

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IN THE FOAM

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(Photos: me)

I have this deep obsession with foam from the ocean. When I am walking on the beach I feel the need to point out any time it forms in just the right way. Usually, if the person I am with is game.. I will shoot photos. I have this ongoing personal endeavor of capturing the perfect foam moment. It usually involves bare skin and sea foam. There is something beautiful about the connection between skin and sea.

One day I will capture that serendipity-like moment when it touches a leg or arm in just the right way and I have it captured it with a camera. It’s just another way for me to be connected with mother ocean. She’s fascinating in so many ways. Even down to the very conclusive of a wave.

There is just something about that foam.

x

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THE PERFECT MIX

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(Photos from: here)

I think I just found my new favorite brand; Maison Scotch. When my eyes first set it’s gaze on the Spring 2013 collection I was nearly out of breath. I got so excited. And I may have gotten a little narcissistic too. I was pretty convinced they had designed the entire collection based off of my fashion wants and needs.. they did it all for me. Hahah. The entire collection is a perfect mix of prints, colors, and light weight coolness. And mini pom poms. Pom poms!! [I hope they never go out of style!!] It’s an exceptionally curated ensemble of cloth for traveling, walking, breathing and looking effortlessly cool.. like you just rolled out of bed and still look fabulous.

I love that look.

I really, really love clothes that make you look effortless. Of course effortless is less than effortless. You still with me?? I think it takes very trained eye to appear unfazed by the the act of dressing yourself but still remain fashionably fluent. Cool, chic style. This is something I will probably work my entire fashion/style life to attain. It would help if my entire wardrobe was Maison Scotch or Isabel Marant of course.

But really.. Mansion Scotch is the perfect fashion mix.

x

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