layers of light

gold collar necklace r.j. graziano, jade necklace gifted, long gold necklace vintage, top soprano, skirt splendid, watch hugo boss, shoes pour la victoire

photos by taylor vega

Loving the light in this beautiful location- everything simply fell into place. Somehow the mustard top, the gold collar coupled with the blue and green accents, and the decorated brick steps mixed together in the most unintentional yet natural way.
 I think long skirts are a great and comfortable way to look effortless yet put together. They're easy to throw on, easy to layer over, and come in any and every shape, size, color, and price point. Easily transitional between summer and fall, you can throw a crop top or even a chunky sweater over it and be out the door.    

strada daze

glasses bcbg, watch hugo boss, bracelet anthropologie, flannel uniqlo, jeans j brand, shoes vintage

photos by taylor vega

Keepin' it casual on an easy weekend afternoon. A flannel, a latte, and my mother's old shoes- I'm a very happy girl.

instant gratification

vest sanctuary clothing

lady in leather

dress bcbg

olive and an open road

jacket obey, leggings lululemon, sandals pour la victoire

sunglasses ray-ban, necklace bcbg, dress myne, shirt thrifted

greylin spring '13 editorial

a mata ortiz peacock

Because what is life without instagram?

little country girl

sunglasses DVF, necklace banana republic, flannel boy by band of outsiders, shorts levi's

Embracing my inner (probably imagined...definitely imagined) country girl. I'm not one to mix patterns too much but I think this outfit has just the right amount of a little too much going on. I really enjoy layering shorter necklaces under collars, I think it adds an unexpected twist. 
If you haven't been able to tell already, my style ranges a lot. I go from outfits like these , to very preppy to very feminine. I used to think I had to justify my style, put myself in a box of what I think I should wear and what people think I should wear, and stay in it. But I realized that my wardrobe is a direct representation of my personality, a little neurotic, a lot of crazy, and ever so slightly indecisive. So I hope I haven't confused you all too much and that you've gathered even the smallest bit of inspiration from what I have to say and show. Happy weekend!

back to school style

hat ralph lauren, top alternative apparel, clutch american apparel, watch hugo boss, pants 3.1 phillip lim, shoes j. crew

Life is so much more fun when you take a something classic and boyish and make it...not so classic and boyish. So why not pair a baseball cap with leopard print kitten heels and leather pants? So happy to be to be back at school, in my apartment, and nailing down my routine. Cheers to a new school year and the start of fall! 
Go bears?

l.a. lady

After spending a summer working in the fashion district in Downtown L.A., I can naively say that fashion is my calling. Though working in the industry is not as glamorous as it seems on the outside, I wouldn't have it any other way. It's frightening yet liberating- actually knowing what I want to do with my life. Here's hoping to a bright future!

Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band

Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you'll marry a music man

Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand

Tiny Dancer- Elton John

Madman Across the Water, 1971

greylin spring '13 editorial

Even an excruciatingly scorching day could not keep me away from another photoshoot. These shots are a behind the scenes look at Greylin's Spring '13 editorial looks. The clothes could not have matched the location any better as the colors completely complemented each other, creating a feeling of effortless ease and feminine beauty. It's all about lightweight fabrics, colorful prints, and easy dresses to welcome spring 2013. This shoot has even inspired me to bring a little more color into my wardrobe (but really maybe not until after fall and winter). Summer's not even over and we're already preparing for spring of next year. Don't you just love how the fashion industry always gives you something to look forward to (besides the obvious forthcoming dent in your wallet)?

greylin resort '13

It's amazing how fast-paced the fashion industry is. While prepping our closets and minds for fall, we are simultaneously selling pieces for Holiday 2012 and shooting for Spring 2013.These are some behind the scenes shots I took on set for Greylin's Resort 2013 lookbook. I was lucky enough to work alongside photographers and models to represent the designer's vision. From dresses to separates, this collection has it all in an array of  prints, pastels, and knits. Asymmetrical hemlines and cut outs in all shapes and sizes keep this collection young and sensuous in the most classy way. Start saving up now, ladies, because you're going to want to splurge on the upcoming resort collections to bring you out of your wintertime blues! 

a mata ortiz peacock

Beautiful handmade art is the topic for today. This pot is from the small village of Mata Ortiz, Mexico. A dear friend of mine gave it to me after a long journey, so not only is it aesthetically pleasing but it also holds a special place in my heart. It was molded by a woman named Virginia Baca and painted by her husband Salvador Baca. It's hard to believe that this is a pinch pot (not spun on a wheel) as it is incredibly even and thin. I love the juxtaposition of the matte black and the glossy black to create these geometric designs. 
This pot is more than a pot or a piece of art. It represents the life, culture, and tradition of the 
Mata Ortiz people. Their struggles and triumphs, happiness and saddness, and prosperity and poverty can be seen through their intricate designs and unique techniques. So as the world continues to turn and art is unceasingly created, we must constantly appreciate the work of others and also create for ourselves.
On a lighter note, I believe now is a good time to admit that I have a serious fear of birds. No, I am not kidding. Yes, they terrify me. Which means feathers terrify me and quite frankly gross me out. But, the way this peacock feather adds a element of cool colors in the most delicate way made me set my fears aside. 

Some food for thought- "I have no special talent, I am only passionately curious" Albert Einstein

"I could stay with you forever and never realize the time"

sunglasses ray-ban, top zara, gold necklace r.j. graziano, jade necklace gifted, jeans j brand, bag vintage, chanel, shoes j. crew

I've seen love go by my door

It's never been this close before

Never been so easy or so slow

I've been shooting in the dark too long

When something's not right it's wrong

You're gonna make me lonesome when you go

...

Flowers on the hillside bloomin' crazy

Crickets talkin' back and forth in rhyme

Blue river runnin' slow and lazy

I could stay with you forever and never realize the time

You're Gonna Make me Lonesome When You Go- Bob Dylan

Blood on the Tracks, 1975

LA film festival 2012

necklace r.j. graziano, top frenchi , blazer j.crew

The LA film festival featured a documentary titled "The Big Easy Express". It followed a tour via train from San Francisco to New Orleans with Mumford and Sons, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Needless to say the music was amazing. This is what touring is all about- no sleep, no showers, and music all night long. It's the joy and pain, disappointment and relief, and the love and anger that continuously inspires the music and keeps these groups going. Quite simply for these artists, it's all about the music, and that was a breath of fresh air.  

"be the woman you want to be"

necklace r.j. graziano, top odille, bag nanette lepore, trousers american apparel, shoes DVF, sunglasses DVF

There's nothing like a great pair of heels to brighten up your day and your outfit. Leave it to Diane Von Furstenberg to create a killer pair to do just that. Her quote that has graced her recent ad campaigns, "Be the woman you want to be" simply celebrates the joy of being a woman. 

We make countless excuses in life, that we don't have the time, money, or resources to do all the things we'd like to do. If the circumstances were different then maybe, but for now it is what it is. But life isn't about waiting and wishing, it's about planning and doing. 

This easily applies to our closets too. Any garment is simply cloth and thread. But it has the power to change your persona; it can make you feel powerful and sexy or self conscious and insecure. Don't stay fixated on what you wish you had but work with what you have and build from there. 

So wear  what you want and wear it well. Be who you want to be and let your clothes and your confidence portray that. 

"It's never to late to be who you might have been"  - George Eliot

black, white, and red all over

sunglasses tory burch, top american apparel, shawl american apparel, watch burberry, bag cole haan, jeans j brand, shoes deena and ozzy

So I know this background is pretty boring, but I thought a white back drop would be the best way to showcase my choices for today. I'm a sucker for an all black and white ensemble. The combination of these two classic colors is easy and effortless. I always try to add a little bit of color, and my favorite color to pair with black and white is red. A red lip, a red manicure, and you're ready to go.