HAPPY WEEKEND EVERYONE! Thought I’d take you back in time into my day in Jerusalem during Tel Aviv Fashion Week! I’m am so happy that I had my camera on hand to capture these unforgettable moments. Just looking at them allows me to revisit them in my head so clearly. There in the last photo was our tour guide, a real Israeli. He was super sweet and did an amazing job…handling about 40 editors at once is not easy! We made our way to the Church of the Holy. The place was breathtakingly beautiful. The energy was so powerful, it’s almost hard to explain, but I hope my photos do it justice. Candles were lit, prayers were made…it was a relaxing, completely surreal moment. We made our way through the caves, to where the tombs lay. The architecture and decor were stunning. Along the way, we also climbed up an extremely narrow staircase to a high tower overlooking the entire city. Being in such a tight space was crazy, but I’m happy I made it up for the view was sooo wonderful and definitely worth the hike (and me almost falling down the stairs!) Then it gets more fun…my good friend Gabi and I are not much ones to follow the tour and so we ventured out a bit on our own. We popped into a wine shop and made friends with the owner. He served up some really amazing dark chocolate Israeli wine (IT WAS SOO GOOD…and strong haha). We laughed our heads off being the tipsy little lightweights that we are, sharing stories about our travels. Realizing we have escaped our tour guide for over an hour, we made our way to the Western Wall. The view of the wall was amazing…there were birthday parties, balloons, people everywhere. There, I was given a red ribbon to tie around my wrist. Apparently it protects you and keeps the evil away (I still have one tied to my purse). The Western Wall was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. To be where the stories of the Bible began was amazing. The Western Wall was separated…men praying to the left, women to the right. I finally walked up to it and there people were resting their heads against it, crying…it was very emotional, but all in all, a beautiful experience. I also really got to dig deep into photography my entire stay…it wasn’t easy working with all the different lighting, but with the way they came out, I think I did something right!

(Urban blazer, Gilt Groupe top, Joie leather skirt, Matt Bernson boots, Vintage Versace bag)

Skirts and HEELS…rarely does this happen. I thought I’d bring out the “i’m taller than you” girly girl I was born to be, naturally. But really, I don’t think I’ve worn heels (on purpose) let alone exposed bare legs in months. It’s just been too cold! Cali warmth has allowed me to reveal all though hehe. I pounded the pavement in killer booties, one super cool leather skirt, and a furry blazer that could pass as something made from an old carpet. Dressed as if I were ready for a late night dance party, I was actually more content making my way around your cul-de-sac.

It’s 2012 and already things are looking bigger and better. I’m super excited to announce that my Volcom Fall ’12 design collection will be hitting stores this year! This is one giant project that has been in the works for over a year now and I can’t believe all the pieces are ready and produced and that my lookbook has all been shot back in NYC. I can’t wait for it’s release! Tomorrow I’m off to Long Beach, CA, for our trade show, where all my clothes will be displayed! I might just have to pinch myself when I get there. Here, I give you a sneak peek at the design process. We got our Volcomunity videographer, Mark (who is a complete genius,) to capture our very first design fitting in the Volcom headquarters. I’ve been working closely with the adorable Grace of the design team, to make the perfect pieces for my collection. Let’s just say there will be some really badass rock n’ roll pieces mixed in with beautiful flowing dresses and tops. We worked with some great prints and even threw in some eco-friendly vegan fabrics. I think there is a piece that will fit every girl with any body type. I can’t wait to see my readers in the clothes!

Take a peek at our “First Fitting” video below! We get our hands on our samples for the first time ever and talk about the collection (Many thanks to our fit model for bearing with us as we made some final adjustments to the clothing!)

Read my entire interview here on VOLCOMUNITY!

(Hallelu blouse, Raven Denim jeans, Dear Fieldbinder boots)

Can you believe these photos were taken just a few days ago…in December? Yes, it feels like summer in LA and I couldn’t be more delighted. Getting down and dirty by the beach is one of my favorite things to do. Wiping my red lipstick off on my wrist and rolling up my sleeves, I jumped back on my baby blue cruiser for a ride down the Venice Beach boardwalk. This gorgeous Italian bike has been sitting in my garage these past few months, dying for a breath of salty beach air! Taking this beauty out for a spin down the coast felt amazing. Only until I moved to New York have I really begun to appreciate the glory west coast sun brings to my skin. I live for the heat! For this early morning out with my sister Dylana, I kept things super light and simple. The summer color combination of my polka-dot sheer blouse and coral colored jeans easily lifted my mood. With a little sand in my boots, I couldn’t have been more in the free-spirited Cali groooooove.