A perfect pantsuit like this just gives you an empowering feeling. Like you could jam all night, hit the stage, or in this case, take on Miami’s South Beach in the middle of the winter. This baby was made by my gal pals over at For Love & Lemons and I’m in love with their latest collection. A lot of rock n’ roll, a bit of Mick Jagger flair, complete with killer prints that could have been pulled out of Janis Joplin’s closet. Blending in perfectly with Miami’s Art Deco architecture. We had just hopped off the plane from NYC, and had a weekend with one jam packed schedule. Late night dinners with old friends, boat rides blasting Britney Spears, and the best part, a whole city covered in art to explore and capture.
// For Love & Lemon blazer and pant, vintage Michael Kors belt, EXPRESS scarf, True Religion silk tank, Steve Madden shoes, Marie Turnor handbag//
Art Basel in Miami is the ultimate escape in December before the holidays. One last get-together with your wildest of pals in one crazy city. I was in town with our lovely Persol crew in celebration of the beautiful Persol Cellor sunglasses. Persol is known for being effortless and timeless. The Cellor sunglasses are an everyday pair that you could pass down to your kids, then to your grandkids, and they too will find they are still in style. I realized now that those are the key pieces to keep in my wardrobe. Anything and everything timeless.
We were like kids in the glamourous South Beach. Jumping off yachts, spotting numerous celebrities at the crowded Mr. Chow, and one too many nights up late on the dance floor. I mean, it’s Miami, and Miami is killer during Art Basel, because everyone you know is in town, and everyone’s just so excited to be away for a long weekend and get a little bit of sunshine. But besides all of glitz and glamour, I now know why Art Basel draws in art lovers from all over the world. Art Basel is incredibly inspiring. It’s the ultimate escape, mentally and physically. I wanted to take all of the art home. Especially the neon signs, the bold colorful paintings, and mystical street art. Everything had an underlying positive message. Mostly about togetherness. Seeing past our differences. Overcoming everything and anything. I think in a time like now, where it seems something always interrupts our peace in the world…greatness really only starts with ourselves, one person at a time… with kindness and understanding. Basically, be the best and strongest version of yourself. Art Basel is amazing in that you can step into a whole different world with just one photo, one exhibit, and leave with your own perceptions and story. That’s the beauty of art. You make it whatever you want to make it.
To me, our weekend was definitely about togetherness, making new friends, and laughing like nobody’s listening.
I have a very special place in my heart for the beautiful and romantic San Francisco, and my absolute favorite boutique is AZALEA SF. You will definitely find me in their Hayes Street store whenever I’m in town. Their selection is a bit bohemian and earthy like myself, mixed with the classic down-to-earth minimalism that just oozes out from the easy, breezy Bay Area. A place where I never leave the hotel without a light coat. The city’s crisp fresh air has allowed us to perfect the lightly layered, warmer winters you find on the West Coast. Dylana and I worked with the AZALEA SF team to style their latest A/W ’15 collection, and hit the stunning, yet steep San Francisco streets. This season, I’m all about the structured coat, boyish beanies, slouchy trousers. But then again, I have to have that outstanding fringed jacket, nubby knits, and paisley mini dresses. This is our take on classic San Francisco style. We are always going to remain California girls at heart.
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.
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