✧☽✮ Star Gaze ✮☾✧

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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Random got beautiful found photos: via. tumblr 

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St. Laurent, Paris at the Beach.

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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Random got beautiful found photos: via. tumblr 

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Poncho Blues . . .

Beautiful autumn . . . don’t ask me why, but it’s never been my favorite season.  

Just yesterday, I saw the first white flakes falling.   Winter is coming.  We are compelled 

to slow down and turn inward.  Time to stock up on ice scrapers and wool socks.

If there is a silver lining to the season, it’s definitely the fun of pulling out coats and boots, 

and cozy, sweaters.  I plan to get maximum mileage from this gorgeous, Italian wool

pancho from tysa designs.  I love the rich color and the soft, luxurious look and feel.  I’ll just 

wrap myself up and make a cup of tea.  Let me know when the crocus are blooming.

Peace, Love, & Good Chocolate

PARIS 

Shop this look 

Jewelry: 
De Petra + Shakti + Carpe Diem Alchemist + Luna Avalon 

Don't forget, follow me on instagram: @CharcoalAlley

Random got beautiful found photos: via. tumblr 

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i believe in angels . . .

The flowers told me

That when we discover and understand ourselves,

We blossom.

-red rose-

Peace, Love, & Good Chocolate

PARIS
Shop this look: 

Jumpsuit: TALINA HERMANN
Shirt: Vintage MinkPink 
Lipgloss: DOLCE  
  

Don't forget, follow me on instagram: @CharcoalAlley

Random got beautiful found photos: via. tumblr 

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ichi-go ichi-e

 

 

 

Hello Darlings . . . recently came across a Japanese phrase, ichi-go ichi-e.  It means, “one time”, and can be translated as “never again” or “for this time only” or “one chance in a lifetime”.  It’s a cultural concept that acknowledges or recognizes an unusual or important encounter or experience, that for whatever reason, stands out from the day-to-day moments of our usual life and routine.  And yet, the very nature of life — this  fleeting, ephemeral, mystery, is comprised of moments that are each unique, here and then gone, and never to be exactly the same, again.  This phrase, for me, is a reminder to slow down and relish the beauty and precious nature that is here, right now.  It’s a daily practice, for me.

On a lighter note, my mum and sister recently visited me in Florida.  We had a blast catching up on photo shoots and getting wet whenever possible.  I love lounging in my new, Talina Hermann . Celestial Star dress.  It’s light, silky and cool, and that feels really good on a hot and humid day. And, it’s also the perfect, sexy, cute, stylish frock to wear to a hip, new restaurant in Palm Beach.  Ichi-go ichi-e.  Look around.  Life is beautiful!

Peace, Love, & Good Chocolate

PARIS 

Shop this look:

Dress : Talina Hermann 
Earrings: The Silver elements (handmade in Barcelona)
Jewelry : Torchlight +  Pearl Love Jewelry 

Don't forget, follow me on instagram: @CharcoalAlley

Random got beautiful found photos: via. tumblr 

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