Category: Travel

Fashion Vlog |DeziStyle in Paris

Paris at any time of year has it’s own bit of magic. I spent a late afternoon in September strolling through the streets of the city, soaking in the warmth of the sun and subtle sounds of birds, beeping horns and murmur of people chatting away. However, all seems to pale in comparison to the grand standing Eiffle Tower. It’s difficult not to gawk at the incredible display of iron lattice work that pierces the satin blue sky.

In this vlog, you’ll take a stroll with me through Champ de Mars and get into a little mischief. For details on this outfit, click here.

Special thank you to Richie Chance for your videography (and patience)!

[videos file=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr0QQdFLYGI” width=”504″ height=”283.5″][/videos]

February 3, 2015
Snowboarding in Big Bear (Video!)

I spent this past weekend in Big Bear, CA with a great group of friends to celebrate my birthday and get in a little snowboard action. As this was only my 5th or 6th time actually snowboarding, I was faced with the challenge of pushing myself to finally learn how to ride toe edge once and for all. For those of you who don’t know what that means, let me sum it up by saying it’ s completely intimidating and has been the most difficult maneuver to master thus far, at least for me.

Getting better at something that commands repetition and exerting so much physical AND mental strength seems daunting, if not impossible when faced with such a situation. Multiply that by high speeds, slippery slopes and painful trial and error. It’s a learning curve that is procured the hard way but is incredibly rewarding when you begin to see the results of your effort. By the end of our second and final day snowboarding, I made a conscious decision to not be afraid of toe edge. I knew I wouldn’t be happy with myself if I left this trip go by without passing another milestone in my quest to master the board. Playing sports all my life undoubtably attributes to my ambitious nature. I believe sports creates a healthy, competitive environment and pushes you to your limits in order to succeed. The feeling of accomplishment is an incomparable high that keeps me motivated to try even harder on the next go. Sure enough, once I let go of fear and trusted my instincts, I was gliding down the slope with not only ease but an overwhelming amount of confidence.

The reason I’m sharing this story is not to bore you with my novice snowboarding achievements but to share my mini epiphany. As I sat in the hot tub and grimaced with sore muscles and weary bones, I thought some more about what challenges me. We all have goals set for ourselves, some are more complicated tasks than others but ultimately we should be working towards a bigger picture each and every day. Often times we put imaginary limitations on our desires because the fear of failing clouds our rational thinking to a point where it feels more safe to not do anything at all. Some people may describe that feeling as anxiety. We’re all guilty of experiencing it once in a while but the goal, if you dare take it on, is to confront it instead of letting it get the best of you. Once you challenge it, there must be an outcome and, at the very least, it comes with a sense of pride for having the capability to address your insecurities. It means you are willing to take steps to improve yourself, your life and become someone who has the ability to evolve into an all around better person.

With all these realizations occurring in my mind, I was forced to confront my own inadequacies. I have told myself for some time now, perhaps years, that I would create an outlet to share my world with others through pictures, videos and writing. I finally began that journey in late August 2014 by starting this very blog and it’s been the most gratifying experience, career-wise, that I’ve ever felt. Not that starting a travel and lifestyle blog is a very risky thing, but putting your personal images, thoughts and feelings up for criticism by the whole world, bi-weekly, can make one apprehensive. Now that I have successfully created and nurtured DeziStyle.com to where it is, the time has come to do what I set out to do a long time ago; share my videos with you. But since I know myself well enough to know it’s better to set ongoing goals, I am hereby daring myself to a 30 day video challenge!

For the next month, I will be adding a video clip to my YouTube channel each day (or at least try my best to). Long or short, funny or not, raw or edited to perfection, I will share a piece of my life with you all, whatever it may be. And, if you’re feeling inspired or would like to join me on this challenge, tag me! I’d love to do it together!

Since my revelation came to me in the form of snowboarding, it’s only appropriate that it be the first video to start the challenge. Here’s to taking risks, following through and evolution!

**UPDATE! Since this post was created, I have joined the social media platform, Snapchat (username: DeziStyle). For those very few who don’t know about this new sharing app, it’s basically a medium for anyone to instantly share picture and/or video content with fans. The catch: it disappears the moment it has been viewed or at maximum, 24 hours, depending on the sender’s preference. This is where I have found that it’s easier for me to share myself, my thoughts and adventures in a raw, organic, in the moment approach. However, I am not giving up on YouTube so be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for upcoming videos! =)

[videos file=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02Fcvhc2r4I” width=”535″ height=”301″][/videos]

January 27, 2015
Beach Day in Akumal

Photography by Richie Chance

Location: Akumal, Mexico

Bikini by Siempre Golden

Special Thanks to CLD

After much anticipation, it was refreshing to step off the plane in Cancun with a burst of humid air sweeping over my airport chilled bones. Over the course of the past year, I’d heard a lot about this budding new town called Tulum. Located in the Yucatan peninsula, it had a similar vibe to much of the Mexico I know closer to home in California, only this seemed to have a bit more mysticism in the air. The history of the Mayan empire fascinated me and I couldn’t wait to explore the ruins as well as the cenotes. If you’ve never heard of a cenote, I highly recommend you google it.

Amongst other activities, I was eager to find the best tacos in town (which I did) and visit the beautiful beaches of Tulum and Akumal. Unfortunately, the saying is true, “If you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plan”. It down poured 4 out of the 5 days throughout my trip. I wasn’t able to visit the ruins or the cenotes as planned. Instead, I used the only semi-sunny afternoon to race over to the beach. After all, it wouldn’t have truly felt like a trip to Mexico without at least a couple hours in my bikini, and a very cute one I might add.

After lunch at La Buena Vida, I stripped down to this incredibly feminine yet sexy floral print bikini by Siempre Golden and enjoyed the hell out of my solo sunny day. Hey, I’ll take what I can get. I was just grateful for a luminous afternoon, but you’d better believe I’ll be back for more.

January 8, 2015
8 Great Gift Ideas for Jet Setters

Shopping for gifts can be hard and with the holidays just around the corner it’s time to start thinking about checking some names off your list! If you’ve got someone in mind who’s been known to traverse the globe, look no more for the perfect gift. I compiled a list of 8 great gift ideas to choose from that can be appreciated by one experienced traveler to another.

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Personalized Travel Accessories: These leather accessories from Neiman Marcus are the perfect gift for anyone who’s always on the go. Choose from passport covers, luggage tags, travel wallet and zippered carrying cases with chic graphics and a variety of colors to choose from. $22+

The Perfect Weekender: I seem to always have a travel bag packed whether its for darting from photoshoot to audition or getting the hell out of dodge for the weekend. Needles to say it’s something I basically use on a daily basis so it might as well be pretty! This weekender by Tuscany Leather is quite a show stopper in red but there are other options for those who prefer to be a little more demure. $290

External Charger: This little gadget has saved me on so many occasions when my battery was dying and there’s no time or place to plug in. I personally recommend this charger by Mophie. I’ve gotten about two full charges on my iPhone from one battery life cycle, which is pretty darn good if you ask me. There’s no more stressing the next time you board a long flight with one of these bad boys in tow. $130

Bluetooth Travel Speaker: As most know, I’m somewhat “ambiance obsessed”. I love having certain comfort items with me when I’m on the road, including my music. It makes me feel more at home when I’m staying in hotels or even just lounging by the pool. iHome is a great brand and after a year of constant use, mine is still as good as new. The sound is great and so is the price. What more can you ask for? $30

Ear Buds: Traveling with your own pair is necessary. Yurbuds are a great fit for those who want to utilize all of the convenient features they offer such as remote volume control, a speaker for taking calls, and being sweat & water resistant with a twist lock feature. They’re great for travel and the gym! $20

Travel Organizers: If cleanliness is next to godliness, I’m sure organization is somewhere in the mix. These bags by Travel Smith are a great way to access exactly what you need and keep track of what you brought. They can also come in handy for those times when your bag is overweight and you need to stuff a few things in your carry-on. $23

Hero 4 GoPro: Let’s put it this way- I have two. Some of my favorite videos along my travels were taken on GoPros. The newest GoPro, the Hero 4, features 4K30, 2.7K50 and 1080p120 video, 12MP photos up to 30 frames per second, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®, and Protune™ for photos and video. Waterproof to 131’. $499

International Converter: I’ve been through several over the years but I really like this iGo because it allows me to simultaneously charge two other devices through it’s USB ports. $20

December 4, 2014
Eurotrip Flashback

Photography by Richie Chance

With summer now being a thing of the past, I couldn’t help but reminisce through photos from my September travels through Europe. Time has flown by but my senses are still tingling with the sights and smells of Italy, Paris and Copenhagen. It’s hard to believe the holiday season is already upon us and it’s time to jet set again. But first, I wanted to share a few more unpublished photos from the trip with you all. Au Revoir!

Ah, the Paris metro. I’m glad the picture turned out because we missed the last train home that night!

He was such a sport. I wonder why he’s smiling so big.

Did a little stand-in work while I was at Versailles…

Ancient wall in the Versailles gardens= prime selfie real estate.

On a mission to find the best pasta spot in Venice, Italy.

These boots were made for walking.

Wandered into a unique exhibit while in Venice, Italy.

On a gelato mission, of course.

Mission Accomplished.

Street art in Copenhagen.

Stopped by a roadside produce stand in Positano for some fresh squeezed OJ and a bundle of grapes.

Attempting to show the Venetians some David Blaine magic.

Evenings in Positano are so dreamy.

Beautiful Copenhagen.

A city that has bike lanes, great food, city wide rollerblading parties and a green light district. Copenhagen should be renamed ‘Dopenhagen’.

When in Rome…go visit David, the mastermind behind Mela e Cannella gelateria.

November 18, 2014
The Most Efficient 10 Minute Workout for Life on the Go

Photography by Richie Chance

Yoga mat from Target | Sneakers by Nike

A healthy lifestyle has always been a top priority to me. Since I was a kid, I have incorporated good eating habits and exercise into my daily routine. I firmly believe that those who practice overall wellness from a young age have a much easier time metabolizing food and burning fat as they transition into adulthood and even their later years of life, not to mention a drastic decrease of disease and other health issues.

As a model, I’m asked regularly what my diet secrets are and how I keep in shape. Unfortunately I don’t have a magical diet plan. It’s no secret that eating clean will help give you the body you’ve always wanted but we’ll talk about diet in our next health post. Today I want to share with you the way I get in a quick workout everyday that doesn’t require a gym membership, equipment or a space bigger than the length of your own body.

If there was such thing as a miracle workout plan, this would be it. I use the following exercises to stay fit whether I’m in the gym, my own living room or at a hotel during my travels and it only requires your own body weight to work. The best part is that it only takes 10 minutes of your time each day. For most people, you will see a difference after only a week of this routine.

We all have busy lives but exercise is crucial for your overall health, happiness and state of mind. In these 10 minutes, try only to focus on the task at hand. Concentrate on your breathing using deep and methodical breathes in and out. Keep your core strong and always be conscious of engaging your abs throughout each exercise. Safety and proper techniques are the most important so if anything ever hurts, stop immediately. Of course this is exercise, not a stroll in the park, so you’re going to feel the burn but whenever I feel like giving up I remember this quote, “Pain is weakness leaving the body”. These exercises are designed to target all of the major problem areas such as arms, legs, butt and those pesky abs. I’m a big fan of kickboxing and mat pilates but lately I haven’t had enough time to take classes, so I utilized some of the most effective parts of each to come up with a routine that I could easily do no matter where I am.

We all want to look and feel sexy so get inspired and try different workout combinations each day. At the risk of sounding like a late night infomercial, getting the body you want is really as easy as 10 minutes a day. Now, I can make time for that!

1. Stretching Your Obliques- Always begin your routine with an ample amount of stretching. It’s important to warm up your muscles and not jump directly into a high intensity workout. Stretching your obliques will help you maintain correct posture, align the spine and prevent future injuries. It also engages the core, giving you a little head start on your ab workout.

Stretch your obliques by standing shoulder width apart with your feet parallel to each other. Raise your hand above your head, keeping the other one on your hip. While slowly bending your body to the opposite side of your raised arm, exhale through your mouth and keep your hips still. Once you’ve bent over as much as you can, hold your pose for 15-20 seconds and then return to an upright position. Repeat on the other side. 2. Arm & Shoulder Stretch- This stretch feels great and prepares your arms and shoulders for the upcoming exercises in this routine. Swing your arm to the opposite shoulder (keeping your elbow straight) and use your free arm to pull it into yourself and hold for as long as you like. 3. Jumping Jacks- At this point I’m going to start to get my heart rate up. C’mon, you remember how to do these from gym class, right?! They’re super easy!

Try doing 1 straight minute of jumping jacks. 4. The Dreaded Squats- Here comes the not so fun part. If there was only one exercise I could do for the rest of my life, this would be it. Although it’s the most difficult part of the routine (in my opinion), squatting is also the most beneficial and rewarding. This is where the toned abs, firm tush and legs come from. It’s one of those all-inclusive deals that really work the core and gives you that healthy, sculpted look. The areas I need to work on the most are fully covered by this one simple technique, so have at it and you’ll see the results quickly.

To squat correctly, place feet at shoulder width apart with your toes facing slightly outward. When lowering your backside down at a slow, methodically pace, imagine you are about to sit on a really low chair by keeping your eyeline straight ahead, shoulders back, chest out and your lower back straight to slightly arched throughout the entire exercise. This is extremely important to ensure you do not herniate a disc. As you lower your body, your knees should never extend past your toes, keeping most of your weight on the heels of your feet. My kickboxing coach told me to imagine picking up a set of keys on the floor only using my bum. I’m not sure if that really helped my form but I sure never forgot it. The burning in your quads will let you know you’re doing it right. One last thing: breathing is important in preventing light headedness and fainting. Inhale on the way down and exhale on the way up each time.

Try doing 20 squats and increasing it by another 10 each week.
5. Sit-ups- There are multiple ways to include sit-ups into your routine. With a variety of ways to execute this exercise, I tend to combine the traditional technique with a twisting motion where the elbow of one arm makes contact with the opposite knee and vice versa. This movement helps to sculpt the obliques as well as the lower abdominal area for a more efficient workout.

Try starting out by doing 25 reps and adding 5 a day for 30 days. Another option is to extend your leg straight out with a pointed toe and mimic the action of riding a bicycle, bringing the other knee towards the chest to meet your upper body. Keep your straightened leg parallel to the ground. Do not let either of your legs touch the floor during this exercise. It’s tough but works the ab muscles really well. 6. The Side Plank- Remember when planking was a thing? Luckily, this plank doesn’t involve taking silly pictures like a stiff board in random locations but works your core and strengthens your back. Prop your body up in a straight line and rest the weight of it on your forearm. Engage your abs by pulling them in firmly. Keep your head and neck in line with your spine and don’t forget to breathe!

Hold for 30 seconds or longer and then switch sides! If you feel like taking this exercise to the next level, balance on your forearm while extending your other arm up towards the sky with all fingertips pointing up and making a ‘T’ shape with your body.

7. The Original Plank- Here is the conventional plank. Again, this is good for core strengthening. Lay belly down on the mat and pop up on your toes and forearms. Keep your eye line out in front of you, creating a straight “plank-like” form. Hold your abs in tight and squeeze your glutes.

Hold the plank for a minimum of 30 seconds or until you begin to tremble. 8. Leg Lifts- As you’ve probably noticed by now, my main focus in this routine are core and abs. After all, isn’t that the hardest battle for most of us? I like to do a set of leg lifts, keeping both my legs together and slowly raising them from one inch above the floor, up to a 90 degree angle and back down again. Use your abs to control the motion of this exercise.
Try another set with the same action as the leg lifts above but this time scissor your legs and reach upwards towards your toes.
And there you have it! It seems like a lot but the more you do it, the easier it becomes. I promise.

“It’s never too late to become what you might have been.”

October 23, 2014
Street Style: Rome

Photography by Richie Chance & Desirée Anderson

Blouse by Bebe | Shorts by O2 Denim | Purse by Rebecca Minkoff | Sandals by Unisa | Necklace by June July Melrose | Watch by Michael Kors

I couldn’t be happier to spend the last days of summer strolling through the cobblestone streets of Rome with gelato in hand. The heat of the day was no match for all the fall attire that already began infiltrating Instagram and top fashion blogs. If I could have worn a bikini around town, I would have. The hot and sticky weather was a nostalgic reminder of my decision to uproot from South Florida but for some reason, I paid no mind to the humidity and squandered the afternoon soaking in the city. A brilliant idea, I might add.

October 7, 2014
Château de Versailles

Photography by Richie Chance

Jacket by Bebe | Jeans by Sneak Peek | Purse by Rebecca Minkoff | Necklace by Blush and Blue

Opulence is an understatement when it comes to Versailles. No expense was spared to build this incredible chateau…and it shows. Each crevice was intricately designed with detail and luxury as the pinnacle of utmost importance. Versailles has been listed as a world UNESCO site for some time and rightfully so. This incredible palace is one of the most famous and integral parts of 18th century French art and history.

October 3, 2014
Travel Diary: Belvedere San Costabile

Belvedere San Costabile, Italy

Photography by Desirée Chance & Richie Chance

Necklace by DeziBijou | Sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana | Skirt by F21

Belvedere San Costabile lay a short distance away from the beautiful little beach town of Santa Maria where we shot the American Apparel bikini post. I was curious to see the coastline from the tippy-top and 3o minutes later my wish was a reality. There was an overwhelming calmness all around. The pictures almost seem to capture the serenity that blanketed the castle walls and corridors. The sound of birds and occasional whisper of wind through the trees was the only thing that could be heard. I wandered up and down the small, empty cobblestoned pathways that connected humble homes with churches and randomly placed restaurants, only to feel like I was the only person left in the world. It was a feeling of peace that I had been longing for since my rendezvous with the bustling Venice canals just days before.

September 29, 2014
Amalfi Coast: Castles in the Sky

Photography by Richie Chance & Desirée Anderson

Dress by GUESS

After driving countless kilometers from the north of Italy, the Amalfi Coast was a sensational sight to see. The anticipation of the journey there was well worth it though. I remember driving uphill for an extraordinary distance when, all of a sudden, the mountains parted just enough to see a sliver of what seemed like endless blue sky. At first glance, it looked like the earth had just melted away into an infinite abyss of sapphire haze. I had to rub my eyes to make sure they weren’t playing tricks on me. The sky and vast sea had blended into one, with no distinguishable seam. It’s at that moment, you realize just how high up you really are.

Colorful structures dot the cliffs aside the lemon trees and voluptuous vineyards that cloak the hillsides, creating a beautiful kaleidoscopic effect as you gaze down the coastline ahead. The roads writher around narrow bends like a mischievous snake, each turn quickening your heart rate with expectations of an impending head on collision with a motorbike or double-decker tour bus, but it didn’t matter. It’s a drive that is undoubtably one of the top scenic routes in the world but has also been proven to cause panic attacks amongst people. Something about it all seemed like magic to me. It felt rich with culture, like each little piece was a relic of history. I can honestly say it’s unlike any sight I’ve ever seen.

Spending the evening by the water in Positano was quite magical. As twilight approached I walked the shore made up of smooth pebbles as the tide gently rolled in and out. The night air was still and one by one all the lights from the homes and restaurants began to twinkle across the mountains. It was hard not to feel like a princess in my flowing dress as I sauntered down the cobblestone roads. I could now see why novels had been written about such an enchanting place.

September 24, 2014
Luxembourg Garden

Photography by Richie Chance

Watch & Bracelet by Michael Kors | Shoes by X2B | Gold Water

People always talk about visiting Paris in the spring time but I’m here to let you in on a little secret: Paris is even better in September. The Luxembourg Garden is an exquisite place to visit if you find yourself in Paris. In September the crowds of tourists have drastically died down and you tend to find yourself more likely amongst the locals reading books, practicing tai chi or jogging through the park. The grassy area that sits at the back end of the lawn serves as an ideal place to set up a picnic or lay under the trees. With over a hundred statues, a café, children sailing boats in the pond, the sprawling flower beds and cozy benches scattered about the garden, there’s something for everyone in need of a tranquil afternoon.

With no set plans, I roamed the garden for a couple of hours and really tried to take it all in. It was a unique experience for such a large, bustling city and I was glad to have finally had the chance to see it. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for such a leisurely stroll through the orchard. The beaming sun was sporadically interrupted by cool breezes, making this jumper the perfect outfit for such a day. Unfortunately this particular one is no longer available but ASOS has an incredible array of jumpers and rompers to choose from that I most definitely recommend you check out. I’m stocking up for fall since they are just so easy to slip on and go!

September 22, 2014
J’aime Paris

Photography by Richie Chance

Top by Forever 21| Skirt by Arden B.| Hat by H&M| Blanket by SandCloud

Paris is for lovers. Everything about this city defines the word. From the cafes to architecture, history, fashion and bustling streets dotted with high end shops, Paris is filled with poetic inspiration. Can anything possibly top an afternoon spent under the Eiffle Tower with someone you love, indulging in cheese and wine? I can’t think of many things at all!

The thing about Paris, according to my native friend, is that Parisians tend to stick to blacks, navy blues, a particular type of red and not much else. They kind of have a muted sophistication when it comes to fashion. It’s as though they dress in the same monochromatic tones I tend to think of when I envision what the city must’ve looked like many years ago in old black and white photos. Of course these traditional traits are always being tested by non-Parisians and eccentrics alike but it’s a surefire way to stick out. I’m quite sure I did, as my bare midriff caught plenty of stares (and a few scoffs) as I walked down the Champs-Élysées and made my way to the Eiffle Tower. But, I’ve never been one to pay any mind to unadventurous dressers…hey, at least I tried to coordinate my colors.

So, with day turning into twilight and romance floating through the air, my handsome fiancé decided to re-propose. He’s even more of a hopeless romantic than I am. He always promised that he would propose multiple times in multiple places for the rest of our lives and I’m not one to complain. What a smush. Le sigh- one more reason to love this city… J’aime Paris. xx

September 19, 2014
Copenhagen: Day 1

Photography by Richie Chance

Bodysuit by American Apparel/Skirt by Liz Claiborn/ Shoes by Steve Madden

It wasn’t until my arrival into Copenhagen that I truly understood what they meant when they said that it’s the happiest nation in the world. I’ve never seen a city with so many people with an overall pleasant demeanor. Even upon arriving into a café where the bar manager was closing down shop after a long day at work, his reply to my inquiry about his day was simply, “Isn’t every day a great day?” I suppose I shouldn’t be so surprised to hear such a comment, after all, most of us are alive and well. Shouldn’t that be enough? It was a great reminder to enjoy each moment and be thankful for our time on this planet.

I was extremely intrigued to see the city and the famous little strip called Nyhavn. Despite Copenhagen’s big city appeal, I was enveloped by an overwhelming sense of tranquility. There were none of the usual sounds I was used to back in L.A.—the sirens, the honking, the circling helicopters. The air smelt clean and each stride I took made me fall more in love with this little piece of heaven.

For once, my blond hair didn’t make me stand out like a sore thumb. Everywhere I looked there were tall, beautiful blondes, most riding bikes to and from work but dressed to the nines nonetheless. I couldn’t have felt more at home.

Unfortunately Copenhagen was the only city in Denmark I visited on this trip but needless to say, I’ll be returning for more in the future. Happiest nation on earth? I believe so.

September 15, 2014
Los Olivos: Suburban Girl

Photography by Richie Chance

Lace Top by Charlette Russe// Overall Dress by Banana Republic// White top by Piko 1988// Denim Bellbottoms by BDG// Sandals by Unisa// White Crossbody Purse by Forever 21//Pink Skirt by Bebe// White Tank by Planet Gold// Denim Buttondown by Beulah// Silver Pumps by Shoe Dazzle// Hat by Target// Gold Bodysuit by American Apparel// Red Leather Jacket by Cripple Creek// Red Print Dress by Angie// Black Booties by Lola Shoetique

Solvang has always held a special place in my heart. Since I was a kid, I would spend time there each summer visiting the family ranch and riding horses. I would long for the time of the year when I returned to my favorite breakfast spots and could run amuck with my cousins.

It wasn’t until my last birthday that Richie surprised me with a trip to a neighboring town called Los Olivos. Surprised to have not heard much about this quaint little area, I was excited to explore it. Despite it being January, the weather was beautiful and we spent much of the time moseying around and doing wine tastings, which they are most commonly known for. I fell in love with the town, which I admittedly seem to do quite often when I travel. My weekend getaway filled me with happiness but I felt the need to come back again when it was spring and the local farmers would have just picked their first crops of the season. As if the universe had answered some unspoken prayer, I met two brothers (Poul & Tom) in a funky little artsy wine bar who just so happened to be the most popular farmers in town. Each May they host a garlic festival in their own backyard, conveniently located across the street from said wine bar. They bring in fresh produce straight from the farm, including about 20 different varieties of garlic and host a huge shindig with live music and tons of free food, heavily laced with garlic of course. Mmm, mmm! I had no idea there were so many kinds of garlic (approximately 600)! Needless to say, it didn’t take much convincing from them to return for the festival…okay, it took no convincing whatsoever.

Fast forward to May and there I was, back in Los Olivos as I had promised the brothers months before and boy, do they know how to throw a party! I had decided to use this trip to capture the scenic landscapes and shoot my new threads. How could I resist? After filling up on way too much food, I set out to roam the town for the perfect backdrop. It wasn’t hard. Every corner garnered a unique and charming appeal. If you ever get the chance, I recommend visiting for a few laid back days in this hidden gem.

*To find out when the next festival is, send Poul a message here. You can also purchase Tom’s famous ghost pepper salsa by visiting www.uncletomssalsa.com

September 8, 2014
Travel Tips: 9 Ways to Make Life Easier

In honor of my upcoming trip to Europe on Tuesday, I wanted to share some of my top travel tips for preparing and packing. Over the years I’ve learned to whittle it down into something easy and manageable to handle when the daunting task comes up. Everything about travel is exciting but I’d say packing for a trip is just a notch above the unpacking part. So, I’ve devised a plan for your convenience (and mine) to help alleviate some of that pressure. And please, feel free to comment below with some of your travel tips, tricks, life hacks or suggestions below. I’m always happy to add another skill set to my repertoire.

1) Pick luggage that doesn’t complicate your life.

So, the first thing to consider when traveling abroad is what you’re going to be carrying everything in. Depending on what kind of trip you’re doing you might only be taking a backpack along, which I’ve done on multiple occasions, but in this case, let’s assume you are planning on taking a suitcase. Ever since some genius finally decided to put 4 wheels instead of 2 on suitcases it’s made traveling SO much easier. I definitely recommend buying one with four 360 degree wheels, dubbed ‘spinners’, if you are in the market for new travel ware. They’re becoming standard in all the newer suitcases being made these days. I know there are designer suitcases out there, and some of them are gorgeous, but for this trip I just wanted something I could lug along and not worry about scuffing up when bouncing around from city to city catching planes, trains and automobiles. And would you believe it, Costco had just what I was looking for. Lightweight, durable polycarbonate suitcases that come with a smaller matching jr. suitcase for only $130. Also, they are cat approved- just ask my two fur babies.

2) Strategically pack your carry-on

Packing your carry-on can be just as important, if not more important, than packing your main suitcase. I think of my carry-on as my survival bag. When you’ve been stuck for days in a foreign country with nothing but the clothes on your back and the random array of personal items stashed away in your purse, you learn very quickly how necessary it is to pack key essentials in your carry-on. Generally if the airline loses your bag, the daily allowance they reimburse you still does not cover the bare minimum you’d require to replace the missing articles needed, so it’s better to be prepared. Just keep in mind that some airlines have more strict rules than others about the size of your carry-on so always check ahead of time and remember not to fill it up too much in case your suitcase is overweight and you need to stuff some things in it. Overage fees are no joke and can be easily avoided by being vigilant. With that being said, here is a list of things I always take on board with me:

– At least one utility travel converter. I prefer ones that also have a USB plug-in.

– All chargers for phone, camera, travel speaker, etc. These can be expensive to replace, if at all.

– All my vitamins (pre-organized into daily packets) and medications, if necessary. I also like to stick some cough drops, gum, advil and a couple of my favorite tea packets in there too.

– A sweater & an extra pair of underwear (trust me, you’ll be thankful if your suitcase ever gets lost after a long international flight).

– A compact tote in the chance that you need an emergency bag for those spontaneous shopping sprees at the airport souvenir shops or if you feel like putting a few select items in it to have under the seat in front of you for easier access. I have a little drawstring pouch that’s smaller than the size of a donut when its folded up so it hardly uses any space at all.

– Travel sized toiletries: deodorant, anti-bacterial gel, moist face wipes, chapstick, lotion, toothbrush/toothpaste, eye drops, nail file and comb.

– My iPad, a good book and my ear buds

– Healthy snacks

– A pair of sunglasses/reading glasses and my eye mask.

– An external battery- because there’s nothing worse than dying electronics when you’re stuck on a plane.

3) Invest in a travel steamer

You’ve probably already heard that rolling your clothing helps to prevent wrinkles. And it does. Significantly. But, anyone who’s done it knows that some wrinkles are just kind of inevitable. Now before you freak out about taking a steamer along in your luggage, let me assure you that it’s been one of those items that I’m always so relieved to have brought. The travel sized one I purchased from Target for $30 has already flown around the world with me and will embark on this next journey without question. With this baby, I could literally fold my clothes into airplanes and it wouldn’t make one bit of a difference once I use my handy-dandy steamer. I actually use this when I’m at home instead of my bigger one since assembling and disassembling it is more time consuming.

4) Pack dual use items

It can be tricky but, I try my best to consolidate my clothing and pack articles that can be used for more than one thing. A great item that can be utilized in hot or cold weather is a light scarf. It can be worn as the obvious but also as a shawl, sarong, head wrap, impromptu belt or sometimes I use it on the plane in place of my eyemask. Other items might include leggings that can be dressed up at night or worn for exercising and exploring during the day. Finding things like these will cut down your packing list and give you more options when you don’t have the accessibility you have at home.

5) Don’t forget the little things that make your down time better

When the day is done and you finally make it back to your hotel room, there’s a couple small things that will make life a little more enjoyable and give you a touch of home. I always pack a portable speaker, a couple tealight candles, my robe and a wine opener. There’s nothing worse than getting back to your room to unwind with a nice bottle of wine only to discover there’s no way to pop the cork!

6) Bring carabiners!

This one may have caught you by surprise but I have found so many different uses for them throughout my travels. I’ve used carabiners to secure my sneakers to the outside of my backpack after trekking through mud, keeping keys or my camera attached to me/my bag, hanging grocery or shopping bags, attaching tarps, clipping zippers together to deter theft, keeping hair ties or jewelry together, or even tightening your pants (true story). I usually have a variety of sizes and randomly clip them to my luggage and bags.

7) Bring a drawstring laundry bag

Hopefully you get a chance to hit a laundromat while you’re on the road but in the meantime, all that dirty laundry has to go somewhere. I can’t stand the thought of it laying against my clean clothes so I bring a separate bag to house it all. Large Ziplocks can work as disposable ones or Target carries laundry bags for as little as $1.99 . Throw some dryer pads in there to mask any odors or just keep your suitcase smelling fresh.

8) Cover your shoes

If you think about where the bottom of your shoes have been you probably wouldn’t want them rubbing up against everything in your suitcase. For this reason, I put each pair of shoes into their own dust bags. As an alternative, you can buy shower caps from the Dollar Store or even use plastic grocery bags.

9) Take pictures of the belongings you’re bringing

Now I know this may sound completely paranoid and before my bag was stolen, I would’ve agreed. But, a lesson was learned and now I feel compelled to share it. If the unfortunate case should ever arise that your suitcase goes missing, the first thing baggage claim will want is an exact description of your bag. Sounds easy but try describing your suitcase out loud right now. Do you even know the brand name of your suitcase or it’s dimensions? You’d be surprised by how many people don’t have a clue. They’ll also want to know the contents in it. Again, it sounds easy but once you’re actually required to itemize each individual article to feign a chance at reimbursement it becomes quite a mission. Not only does it make your life easier but you also have picture evidence.

So there you have it, my top 9 tips for packing. More travel posts to come so be sure to subscribe. Now it’s time for me to pack my things and jet! First stop: Copenhagen!

September 1, 2014
Swiss Miss

Zurich may be my birthplace but I am far from familiar with much more than the shops and cafes surrounding the lake. The last time I had visited was quite an unforgettable experience with my brother. We were only there for a couple nights en route to Interlaken but we definitely made the most of it. Before I get into too much trouble for giving away our youthful shenanigans, let me say that Zurich is one of the more pristinely beautiful cities I’ve ever visited.

On my recent travels, I was only in Zurich for about 18 hours this time. Luckily I knew just where to go to pick up a hostel for the night and grab a beer (or two). I was excited to see that the fondue restaurant just around the bend from my hostel carried Erdinger. It’s the little things…

I spent the afternoon moseying around the lake as the sun methodically set beyond the mountains and the castle-like rooftops. There’s just something about the way the sun soothingly penetrates me here, it feels therapeutic. My fiancé, Richie, and I sat by the water’s edge and watched the swans gracefully swim back and fourth, seemingly enjoying the day as much as we were. If there was such thing as perfection, it would be this day. It was made up of all the things that make me most happy in life: good food, good vibes, great people and an amazing backdrop.

Perhaps next time I’ll stop in for a bit longer, but Zurich will always be my original home. <3

August 18, 2014
DeziBijou Does Aruba

Photography by Richie Chance

Hello Kitty bikini

Coral one piece bathing suit by St.John

Black bikini by Victoria’s Secret

Blue lace dress by Ruby

White silk top by Monique Leshman

Jewelry by DeziBijou

Aruba was an amazing trip for all the reasons one might already assume but my favorite thing about it was shooting my jewelry line, DeziBijou. This island is all around gorgeous. Aruba’s tropical turquoise waters and lushly landscaped terrain was the perfect backdrop for this collection. Before I had visited, Aruba was on the top of my travel bucket list and inspired me to create the “Aruba Collection”. While I was there I had the opportunity to take my design skills one step further at Terrafuse to learn how to make glass beads, an art form that I admittedly underappreciated until I tried my hand at it. The techniques of consistent distance and rotation using both hands, one being halfway immersed in the flame of a torch was something like rubbing your stomach and patting your head simultaneously but, my artistic side prevailed and behold…I am now the proud owner of three strung necklaces.

The island itself is a myriad of things – windy being the first word that comes to mind but unless you’re shooting, it’s the perfect natural fan for those hot beach days all year round and, if you happen to own a sailboat, you’re set! I didn’t do any sailing in my downtime but I did get a chance to charter a boat and scuba dive down to a shipwreck. I think the thing I love most about Aruba is its widely accepted bikini attire and fresh seafood. I ended up at a discretely placed locals joint situated right on the water with picnic style seating stretching out onto the docks- a must-do if you visit the island. Aruba is romantic, relaxing and has just the right amount of excitement with nightlife and dining. I can see why the Beach Boys included this little gem of an isle in ‘Kokomo’.

“Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya…”

August 15, 2014