photographed by Dylana Suarez for Volcom

I’m bringing you my latest Volcom lookbook, CRUEL SUMMER, shot by the amazing babe, Dylana Suarez. Her photography is BOMB, and of course, her work’s getting better and better over time. This story brings us back to those long summer days in the city…where you tie your tee into a crop top, and find yourself sun bathing on the roof of your apartment building, because Lord knows, the roof’s are the best places to be when in this concrete jungle of a city! Playing ball down in Chrystie Street Park, closing your mind from the street noise with giant headphones, backpack always tucked on my right shoulder…it’s going to be a cruel, cruel summer and I can already feel it. And color…we LOVE LOVE color. A swipe of bright pink neon lipstick is all you really need to re-apply during the humid days, and maybe a teeny tiny bottle of dry shampoo should always be kept in your bag. I’ll forever be living in sneakers, colorful chokers, and super light cotton layers. We’re excited to bring you more and more lookbooks overtime! Stay tuned. For now, keep layering on the sunblock! Shop this lookbook here on Volcomunity!

also featuring PONS white sandals, red CONVERSE, Vanessa Mooney jewelry, The Cassette Society overalls dress, Brahmin bag)

Featuring TOMS “THE KITTY” sunglasses

For me, I’m a total sucker for the cat, feline inspired sunnie, and I’m super stoked that California label, TOMS, just came out with this gorgeous pair. Meet, THE KITTY! Growing up on the beaches of Santa Monica, TOMS has been something I’ve been following forever. “Buy a pair, give a pair!” Every kid in my neighborhood knew that! But now, you can purchase a pair of sunnies from their brand new sunglasses collection as well, and TOMS will help give sight to a person in need. Here, I’ve paired mine two completely different ways. My style is forever transforming and there are days when I wake up and I’m this gypsy grunge girl in a tiedyed maxi, cheeky tee, and worn in black boots. Other days, I’m the electric girly girl in the Lower East Side with the colorful mini-dress, and adorable patent leather sandals. But always, always, I’ve got a pair of sunglasses in my bag. This “Kitty” beauty happens to go with any mood I’m in…as long as I know I’ve done something good.

So there you have it, buy a pair, help someone. One for One.

GIVEAWAY: Simply CLICK HERE to win a pair of TOMS eyewear and a $100 giftcard!  x

(Wildfox top, Karen Kane skirt, LA MER watch (similar), Modern Vice “Carly” boot and The 2 Bandits boot chain, Kenny Clothes purple dress (similar), Cole Haan x Jen & Oli sandals, Chloe handbag (similar)

(Joe’s Jeans romper, Giles + Brother necklace, Vintage shirt, Jada & Jon handbag, Nine West boots, The 2 Bandits turqoise cuff, LACAR silver cuff) 

There’s something about the simple denim romper that is close to my heart. Something I can paint in. Something I can bike in, run in, work in. This beauty is the softest of all denim and I’m obsessed. I remember shooting for Joe’s back in LA…all jeans, backless, lying on a couch on a rooftop downtown in the summer sun. Still, I have that shot in my book. This time I went with a little plaid, a little hardware, and a little cowhide. It doesn’t get anymore All American than that. I kind of just want to take a day off and head to the wilderness in this little get-up…my flannel matching the log cabin’s couch. Completely summer appropriate eh? The city’s already panicking due to the heatwave that I can feel just outside my window and thinking of Summer Fridays. The short days where we can all escape early. We’re talking sticky subways and smelly businessmen till the end of the week. We will survive I promise!! Think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts New York!