where the sky and the sea meet . . .

||Bikini: Lanikai| Pink Johanna Top: SWELL | Necklace: Anthropologie |

According to Lanikai Bikini, it's all "about the heavenly feeling that comes from sunshine, sand, water, and summer love. It’s for the ladies who go with their heart and have a passion for life, who are proud to be feminine and shake their mermaid hair. Fearless and ready for adventure, our best times and memories are made in the sun in our swimwear. The flirty Brazilian cut swimwear that’s made with love for a quality bikini, not only looks beautiful, but also inspires confidence and beauty in you.

Lanikai Bikini wants to liberate all the females. The ones who own their tan lines and their summer skin, and the ones who haven’t found theirs just yet. To feel your best you must look your best. We bring you one-of-a kind swimwear from the places that have mastered the beach lifestyle, and the way your bikini should fit. It’s cheeky, flirty, sexy, and blends with your skin on any adventure. From gypsies, to surfers, tan line lovers, and poolside babes. Lanikai Bikini is about where the sky and the sea meet, and that’s with you."

Don't forget to flow with me on instagram @CharcoalAlley

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Next week, I am teaming up with Lanikai for an exciting bikini giveaway. Don't forget to follow @Lanikaibikini on instagram for a chance to win. Details will be announced soon. 

Photos by: TBartonphotography
| Model:Paris (moi) |
| Hair: Alex Gerrard|

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She rose from the sea . . .

||Luxi Skirt: Indah| Thunderbolt Bralet: H&M| Necklace:UO | Rings & Bracelet: Rabid Fox + Concrete Polish ||

Waves collided, pounding the sandy earth, and there from the churning, sea-foam waters, rose the beautiful Goddess of Love, Aphrodite.  As a child, she was my goddess of choice.  I was entranced with the myths of her mysterious life.  Her ability to seduce, absolutely.  It is said that she possessed a magic girdle that had the power to transform anyone that wore it into an irresistible creature.  Her most famous depiction is of Sandro Botticelli’s, Birth of Venus, the painting which interprets the goddess, Aphrodite, standing on a scalloped shell, floating upon the green sea.  The pebbly, beach in Pissouri, is where Aphrodite’s mystical rock is situated. Legend has it that “if one swims around the prominent rock three times, naked, and under a full moon, they will find true love.”  This idea seems like a daring adventure--especially for a single girl.  

That was the idea behind this shoot.  I wanted to channel my inner Goddess.  This gorgeous, chocolate, cutaway skirt, from Indah, was the perfect adornment.  It’s sleek, sexy pattern and design made it easy to feel feminine and beautiful. I paired it with a metallic, copper tone bra-let.  I knew Aphrodite needed some special jewelry for the shoot; that’s where designers Angela Monaco, from Concrete Polish and Linda Smyth, from Rabid Fox’s jewelry proved to provide the perfect accessories.  Their lines are exquisite--each piece possess a radiant energy. They use chunky, raw metals, intermixed with breathtaking, natural stones. The combinations of all of the above came together for a very sensual and surreal shoot.

Sadly, we lost one of the rings.  It was swept away by an unexpectedly, large wave.  We were very upset, and searched for along time amongst the tide-pools.  At some point, we resigned ourselves to the fact that it was gone, lost in the multitudes of beige and golden sands, black lava, and the endless pull of tides.  It now belongs to to Poseidon and the blue sea.  This little jewel was precious and perfect, but like many things in life, we had to let it go.  Now, I can only imagine what a fun day it will be when this tiny treasure washes up on shore, or when someone finds it, buried in a pile of sand.  So, keep your eyes open.  You never know what magical gift is waiting to turn up in your life. Wake up every morning with the thought that something wonderful is going to happen today.  Expect it, and it will!    

| Model:Paris (moi)|
Photos by: TBartonphotography
| Hair: Alex Gerrard|

Don't forget to flow with me on instagram @CharcoalAlley

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Mister Zimi, Magic, and Beauty . . .

|| Avery Skirt: Mister Zimi | Avery Bralet: Mister Zimi| Purse: H&M | White Fringe Bandeau: Lanikai||

“ . . . the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.” ~ Jack Kerouac

I feel lucky that I’ve met a few people in life that fit the description of this Kerouac quote.  I certainly wish to be enlivened with such a brilliant ability to inspire and shine bright in the world.  My best friend, Tessa Barton, and I, are both crazy artists traveling through life with big dreams and goals.  We recently skipped to one of our favorite islands, Kauai, and just let go. We let our creative juices intermix and watched the wonder unfold.  Amazing!  We try to plan out ideas, but often find that if we just let the spontaneity happen -- our most spectacular and exciting images arise.  Together, our synergistic energy creates magic and beauty.  And, a little Mister Zimi puts it over the top!

We tend to vibrate at the same level as those around us; we tend to think and believe the same things.  Who are you aligned with?  What a joy, for me, to find a friend who is actually more like a sister.  Someone who sees unlimited possibilities and wants “everything at the same time”.  Someone who pushes me into a more expanded view of existence.  So, here’s to you, my sister, -- and to all you mad, fellow creators, who burn, ever so brightly.

| Model:Paris (moi) + Tessa |

Photos by: TBartonphotography
| Hair: Alex Gerrard|

Don't forget to flow with me on instagram @CharcoalAlley

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☀ . ☼ . . Sun Seeker . . ☼ . ☀

|| Dress: Arnhem | Hat: Billabong  | Jewelry: Vintage tribal + DePetra ||

Get ready for this -- I’ve teamed up with my fashionable friends over at Arnhem in Australia.  One lucky reader, will win this gorgeous, Chinta Mini Burnt Orange dress.  Wow!  The colors and patterns are electric, flirty, and fun -- Honestly, I’m having a hard time giving it away.  It’s super soft cotton, and wearing it just brightens your day.  If you don’t want to take your chances, you can order one here today.

Follow these simple rules for a chance to win!

1. Post the giveaway photo to your instagram.  (Image here)       
2.   Then hashtag the photo #arnhem_dress, + tag & follow @arnhem_Clothing + @CharcoalAlley 

GOOD LUCK! 

The winner will be announced Monday, December 24 , 2012.

P.S -- If you want to double your chances of winning, "like" Arnhem’s Facebook page here, or follow their inspirational Pinterest account .

xo xo xo 

| Model:Paris (moi) |
Photos by: TBartonphotography

Don't forget to flow with me on instagram @CharcoalAlley

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☾. . . Who you are . . . ☾

. . . The sun shines not on you, but within you, and galaxies are born and die all within your heart. You can swallow the Milky Way in a single gulp, and hold Gaia in the palm of your hand. The very Divine sparkles in every sight and sound, and you are simply that . . .

 || Creative edit for beautiful Charmaine Olivia ||

Don't forget to flow with me on instagram @CharcoalAlley

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The Meaning of Beauty . . . .

Purple Runaway Dress: Indah | Blue Vida Dress: Indah | White Leather Cuff: De Petra |  |Necklaces: Antique Tribal | 

Indah is the word for beauty in Indonesia, and Indah Clothing certainly lives up to its name.  It’s such a pleasure to find a line that aligns so perfectly with my own personal style and aesthetics.  I am in love with the soft, rich textures and patterns, and the free-spirited designs the flatter and flow.

Shooting these pieces in Kauai with the amazing photographer, Tessa Barton, has been a blast!  The beautiful ikat designs on some of the dresses, and the earthy colors of the line, are a perfect match for the tropical landscape. This place is a heaven realm, and I think these pictures with Indah in Kauai express the epitome of beauty.

|| Indah ||

I am thrilled to announce the winner of the Indah - "Runaway Dress" - giveaway.  The lucky instagrammer is @marie_evelyn.  Congratulations! 

Photos by: TBartonphotography
| Model:Paris (moi) |
| Hair: Alex Gerrard|

Don't forget to flow with me on instagram @CharcoalAlley


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xo xo xo // PARIS

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Insta - Kauai

Here are some fun instagram photos sharing what is happening on my Kauai adventure. I have a lot of exciting new projects coming up that I want to share, so make sure that you subscribe to my bloglovin.  Also, don't forget to enter the Indah clothing giveaway -- Details Here!

Winner will be announced on Dec. 10th, along with a fun blog post featuring a new photo shoot on Kauai, with Indah designs.  

Peace & Love -- Paris

                                                                                        

Don't forget to flow with me on instagram @CharcoalAlley

      || FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN'| INSTAGRAM||