Yearly Archives: 2015

ALL WRAPPED UP

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You can count on finding a killer, dramatic, and extra edgy dress on Luisaviaroma. The holidays are just around the corner and I am stocking up on party dresses. But of course, not your average. I’m talking fun proportions, boots made for walking, and lots of black. My plans for the holidays are totally up in the air right now. Shall I have a Venice Beach Christmas on the patio? A friendsgiving? Or hop on the next plane to a city I’ve never been? Who knows. All I know is that I’ve got my wardrobe ready and set. This dress’s shadow play in the sun is purely genius. Now let’s just figure out the home cooking and wine list.

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REEF film + song | #JustPassingThrough Korea in my own tune

Korea was an incredible experience. The colorful town of Itaewan in Seoul, South Korea inspired this video. It was our very last day in Korea. I had been living in my Reef “Rover” sneakers, as I always do when I’m traveling. Because I love to explore. They’re made for hiking, running, sitting front row at Seoul Fashion Week, and still then wearing out to the local bar with my favorite pair of jeans. I wore the grey suede Rover sneaker nearly everyday. They go with just about everything.

With my job, I’m always traveling. And on the last day of every single trip, I get a bit emotional, which in turn inspires me to write music. It’s that in-between feeling. The feeling of sadness knowing that the excitement of your travels are soon to come to an end, yet a craving for what is to come next. I keep a little leather journal in my bag to write down melodies that go through my head. Which eventually turns into a sort of free style writing. Soon after, the notes come to me naturally when I’m on my keyboard. Like this song, which I recorded once I got back home in NYC after a good long week away from home in Seoul.

This song, Heavy, is a little bittersweet song about constantly being on the go. As a Reef ambassador, we’re always #JustPassingThrough. We’re always moving. Whether it be digging our feet in the sand of an untouched island, or discovering the culture and food in a foreign country. Though it’s exciting and exhilarating, traveling can be a bit emotional. Missing home and familiar faces. Getting lost in your own head when you are walking down new streets alone. That heaviness in your heart when something new takes your breath away from you. I went to Bukhansan National Park on my last day in Korea to see the beautiful fall leaves, and feel the crisp air. With this trip, I pushed myself a little harder to discover more unknown places. I came across this stunning temple. It was quiet and all I wanted to do was close my eyes. It’s nearing the holidays and the new year. A time that I’m always reflecting, and thinking of what I want to do next. Where do I want to go? This song is a little bit of a moody, breathy note to end this beautiful, fortunate year. Though when I’m traveling, I wonder if this will be the last time I see this beautiful place…I remember that when I’m just passing through, I’m still savoring every single moment. Every single breath. #JustPassingThrough is just part of the journey. Leaving your mark. The ability to be unforgettable wherever you go. There’s so much more that comes with it. Recognizing your roots and where you belong. But also recognizing all the different places you can go to or someday belong to, as well.

“Heavy” song written by me.

Videography by Dylana Suarez.

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Featuring Reef “rover” sneakers.

Download my song “Heavy” on Soundcloud.

THE BERET AT GYONGBOKGUNG PALACE

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Korean fashion definitely has that French influence. Funny that I already had this vintage beret packed. But it wasn’t long until I realized I needed another for my hat collection and made a quick stop at a hat shop to find that perfect souvenier.

After an early morning of shows at Seoul Fashion Week, we were on a mission to discover a taste of Korea’s history. We headed to Gyeongbokgun Palace, one of the most beautiful palaces of the “Five Grand Palaces.” It’s crazy that this beauty was built Joseon dynasty…back in the 14th century! Talk about taking a step back in time. I fell in love with it’s pastel pink walls, and exotic Korean designs painted on it’s roofs. With all 7,700 rooms, it’s pretty unreal. We were greeted by the palace guards, in traditional outfits. They stood so still…I was almost positive they were mannequins until I stepped right up close and saw a blink. They were real. Marching through the entrance of the palace after a ring of the bell. Swinging their swords. The rich blues and reds and teals of their traditional dress shimmering under the sun. Tourists from all over the world couldn’t put down their cell phones and selfie sticks. It was amazing capturing a moment filled with so much history and color.

As the sun started to set, we walked alongside the side of the palace to the back streets of Insadong, an older part of Seoul filled with Korea’s charming traditional homes. The streets were lined with adorable little shops, art, and of course food. It was exactly the place to pick up some fun gifts for your pals back home. Ashley picking up a cheeky pair of furry toes sneakers, as Dylana and I prowled the streets up and down for the perfect bowl of bulgogi (a not so simple, simple bowl of rice topped with perfectly grilled thin beef). I still salivate thinking of it. With so much time for our feets, it was about time us explorers just needed that cold Cass beer to knock us out in preps for a new day in this foreign land.

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// Topshop turtleneck, AGAIN silk dress, Gucci bamboo tote, Vintage beret, Luiny rings//

 

THE MODERN TRAIL

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Timberland is bringing the outdoors closer to the city in their new “Made for the Modern Trail” campaign. I’ve known Timberland since I was a kid. The classic “Timbs” are a staple in my closet. Since then, I’ve grown up with the brand, especially since I’ve been living in NYC for nearly 5 years. But as an LA native, I’m a nature girl at heart. Give me a car, a few hours to drive, and you’ll find me upstate. Give me a good trail to hike, and then watch me trade in my hiking boots with a classic pair of high heel booties to throw on for the nights out in the country, dancing under the stars. The shearling lining makes them even cozier to wear, like a toasty bonfire surrounding my feet. And then I’m taking these essentials with me back to the city. The black turtleneck. The perfect leather bomber jacket. The lace-up boot. Count on Timberland to surprise me every single season.

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// Timberland leather jacket, turtleneck sweater, and waterproof bootsPaige jeans and plaid shirt //