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Pot Head

Posted on: 9.28.2016







Seasons are changing, and autumn always seems to insist on a life reflection ...
The leaves ripen to their full sweetness, then begin falling, a perfect metaphor to remember to let go of things that are no longer serving your life.  What is no longer working, and what can you release in order to make room for something fresh and new?

I’m trying to move into the mentality of quality over quantity.  I’ve moved a few times this year, and it’s becoming clear that most often, less is more.  I’d rather have a closet with a few favorite items to relish, than a bunch of things that I don’t really enjoy wearing — and most likely won’t.  Lately, I ask myself these questions before I buy something:  Do I need it?  Would I want slip it on right now?  If the answer is yes, then I might buy it. 

Every girl I know loves a good bag, so I am happy to share a favorite, fall bag by Mechaly.  This vegan leather tote has been an amazing purchase.  How great that it’s cruelty free, and I love that it offers ample space to hold all of my things - my laptop even fits in it!  And, the best part is the front pocket.  It’s like a little miracle, because I never have to search for my keys or cell phone anymore.  

If you’re anything like me, comfort is key. That’s my favorite thing about my new, “Pot Head” tee from Coco + Pine.  Court, is a darling girl who lives in South Florida, and actually uses her own two hands to screen print ingenious sayings onto her shirts.  Also, don’t miss these crystal earrings, handmade in Barcelona, Spain by The Silver Elements.  They have no “collection” or “line”, since all of the pieces are totally, one of a kind. You can be sure you own a very unique piece, which was, somehow made, especially for you.  Designer Natalia Mart describes her company like this, “I believe,  jewelry is kind of like the cherry on the top of the cake.  It turns a look from, just ok, to something irresistible.”  As you can see, I love wearing things that are handmade.  When the artist’s hands and heart become part of the process, a soulful and magical fusion ensues.
Happy Fall. 

Peace, Love, & Good Chocolate
PARIS 


Sunrise to Sunset

Posted on: 8.08.2016



           
Lately, I've been roaming around the island wearing this summer Tiki dress and White Kimono from Keliki. I love dresses -- they make life feel so much easier… & this kimono is a must have, because it doubles as a swimsuit coverup.  This darling brand is"an instant go-to for bikini babes everywhere, Keliki features day-to-night, beach-to-bonfire style essentials in colorful custom prints. Inspired by the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, Keliki is the style wave you can ride from sunrise to sunset."

Peace, Love, & Good Chocolate
PARIS 

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suhm-er-tahym

Posted on: 6.30.2016










Hello Darlings . . . Summer is in full swing.  June’s roses have faded, and July’s wild, sunflowers are now in full bloom. When the heat is on, I love staying cool in this UO Ecote off the shoulder romper.  It’s just . . . well . . . downright sexy.  
One thing in life you can count on. . . things change. Sometimes, I struggle with this reality. Oh, how we long to hold onto what is beautiful; we want to keep forever, the people and things that we love.  But, change is inevitable.  Nature is the biggest example of this.  Our time is precious. Fleelting and emphermal. Seasons come and go.  All things come and go.  I’m not sure what the next few months will have in store for me.  I feel like the Universe is asking me to step up. rise to a new day. set sail. jump ship. stop acting small or out of fear.  My mantra today is, “hang on, it gets easier, and then it gets okay, and then it feels like freedom.” 

The Summer Day

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean-
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?
—Mary Oliver
Peace, Love, & Good Chocolate
PARIS 

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✧☽✮ Star Gaze ✮☾✧

Posted on: 6.20.2016







Cherry sunrises and sienna sunsets . . . sing me a song about the kind of love you’ll never forget . . . sing me a song about what is always here.

Catalina is beginning to feel more and more like home. Today, I spent my afternoon enjoying the sun, lounging in this very sexy, summer dress from Wonderland Honolulu.  Summer has officially begun in Southern California and this beautiful, handmade stargaze mandala tapestry is the perfect prop for a resting spot on the beach.
A mandala is a sacred symbol that represents the entire universe.  It is prevalent in Hindu and Buddhist art, and also that of Native Americans, but, in fact, it is found in almost every culture and tradition.  Seemingly magical, the center of a mandala is none other than our own self — our own consciousness.  No matter where we go, we always remain in the center.  Buddhist teacher, Chogyam Trunpa said, "the mandala is never arranged, but is always complete."  At any given moment, an entire universes spreads out within and around you.  How wonderful.  Do you see the beauty and the sacredness that is here.  Every thread and nuance arises from the inexhaustible source that you are.  I know how easy it is to forget the grace that all ways surrounds me.  We all experience upset, exhaustion, or disappointment.  Perhaps you might enjoy looking to see your whole life as a mandala . . . ever changing, ever fresh, ever opening to you and for you.  What a gift!


Peace, Love, & Good Chocolate
PARIS 

Shop this look:
Dress: Wonderland Honolulu
Tapestry: Star Gaze
Jewelry : Shakti + Anne Taylor Duease
Shoes: Dolce Vita 
Sunglasses: Quay

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St. Laurent, Paris at the Beach.

Posted on: 6.08.2016

Nature is woman’s best friend,’ she often said. ‘If you’re feeling worried,  swim in the water, stretch out in a field, or look up at the stars.
That’s how a woman cures her fears’.
- Fatema Mernissi - 

Life feels like a fairytale these days.  I've been roaming around with my man, fishing, exploring, and devouring this island’s costal, cuisine. If you're not familiar with this place, you must look it up.  This desert oasis reminds me of a tiny, Mediterranean island.  Just 22 miles off of the Southern California coast - a one hour ferry ride transports you out of the hectic, LA traffic, where you magically, discover yourself on mellow, island time.  Avalon, Catalina's main town—all one square mile of it—is the only city in California that regulates the number and size of vehicles allowed to drive its skinny streets.  The current waiting list to own a car on the island is 14 years!  So, instead of SUV dominated, traffic jams, expect to see golf carts or scooters whizzing by on the streets. You can walk anywhere here, and you really feel you're in the heart of nature.  I love slowing down and enjoying a blooming hibiscus or a bald eagle soaring across the sky.  The island's biggest landmark, the historic Avalon Theatre in the Casino building, is a 1929 art deco beauty, adorned from front to back with out of this world, hand-painted murals ( incredible -- a must see!!). I'm feeling a burst of creative energy!  A photographers dream, this island is scattered with seemingly endless, magical backdrops.  It feels alive and spontaneous.  My boyfriend's black & white plaid YSL, button up fell head-over-heels with my black UO dress.  I threw a bunch of vintage silver, onyx, and turquoise rings into the mix, and ran down to Lovers Cove to catch the last light. Being near the ocean feels so healing. I love seeing all the marine animals. Catalina is a little pristine paradise.  I feel so lucky to be here, living and loving life.  


Peace, Love, & Good Chocolate
PARIS 


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