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Boots by Bebe

Photography by Dreamstate Photos

Boots by Bebe

A pair of killer black boots upgrades any outfit. My borderline obsession with this signature shoe could be described as emphatic but that’s not to say that I have an easy time finding the best fit. I really love these boots by Bebe for the simplistic sexiness of them, but most importantly, they fit my slender legs! They go great with mini dresses, skater skirts, rompers or jeans. Score!

Every girl needs at least one great pair of boots in her closet…or in my case, eighteen. But who’s counting? Let’s be real, it’s never enough and when I find a pair that works, I hang onto them.

*Tip – For thigh-high boots that slouch too much, try wearing a pair of leg warmers inside to hold them up. This is also a great way to stay warm in cooler climates without having to sacrifice your outfits that show a little more skin.

Special thanks to Prive Luxury Rentals

October 30, 2014
Mistress in Distressed Denim

Photography by THEMANUC

Top by Forever 21 | Jeans by Sneak Peek

The key to finding the perfect pair of jeans begins with how you feel in them. Great denim should make you feel comfortable yet sexy, neither too dressed up or down and most definitely be versatile. I always feel my best when I know I can throw on my jeans with any top or blazer and be ready for anything. Something about the chic effortless of it turns me on. Sexiness doesn’t come from the label of the clothes or how much makeup you wear, sexiness comes from within. The secret to sexiness begins with the way you feel about yourself. A great outfit will make you radiate confidence…and that is sexy.

October 28, 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
A Tribute to the Best of Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta was known for his signature feminine designs and use of the utmost luxurious accouterments. Each piece embodies a truly unique piece of artwork. His impeccable attention to detail and brilliant creations that so beautifully landscape the male and female form has made him one of fashion’s most beloved designer’s of all time.

With the news of Oscar de la Renta’s passing sweeping every major media outlet and social media site, I wanted to recognize the magnificent range of designs created through the fashion icon’s lifetime by sharing some of my favorite pieces. His loss will be felt around the world but Oscar de la Renta will live on through the incredible legacy he has created. Rest in power, Oscar.

“I don’t really know how to do casual clothes”

“The qualities I most admire in women are confidence and kindness.”

“I like light, color, luminosity. I like things full of color and vibrant.” “I always say: To be well dressed, you must be well naked.”

Oscar de la Renta 1932-2014

October 21, 2014
Boho Chic

Photography by Vertishop

Outfits by Shop Publik

If you’re anything like me, you enjoy California’s warm indian summers. The days have slowly began to shift into fall gear but not by much. This is usually about the time of year when the idea of summer fades and I yearn for that cozy fall feeling. Unfortunately, it’s not exactly time to break out your peacoats just yet but if you’re trying to add a dash of fall to your wardrobe, boots and a hat are the perfect accessory. I own, what one might call, “a sh!t-ton of hats” but there’s no denying I’m biased towards my beloved black floppy hat. Try adding a pair of booties to the ensemble and voila! You’ve suddenly went from summer wear to a boho chic fall look with two simple accessories.

Here are a couple direct links to some great brands carrying similar hats: Nasty Gal | H&M | ASOS | Topshop | Planet Blue

October 16, 2014
Tigerlily of the Valley

Photography by Richie Chance

Pasadena|CA

Skirt by Tigerlily | Sandals by Skechers | Lipstick is “Mat Matt” by Makeup Forever

Sometimes it seems funny to fall in love with meticulously crafted cuts or prints and patterns. With all that there is in the world, how can a piece of fabric make you feel anything? But, this skirt strikes something in the core of me. It was instant chemistry.

Tigerlily is a brand that I’ve only recently discovered and I’m quickly learning to love them. I don’t use the term lightly, so you’ll understand the weight of my words when I say, “I LOVE this skirt!” The mosaic patterns of intricate colors and designs take me back to the the souks of Morocco. I absolutely adore bold prints such as this. The fabric is quite sheer, some may only feel comfortable wearing it as a beach coverup, but with celebrities like Rhianna inspiring others to take a walk on the wild side, it has become more acceptable to wear out in public. Of course, wearing suitable bottoms is key. After all we aren’t trying to be floozy…just enough for the imagination to wonder.

October 14, 2014
WildFox on the Loose

Photography by Richie Chance in Burbank, CA

Jeans by WildFox Couture | Hat by YUMS

As much as I love traveling, being back in L.A. always has an electric feeling. There’s a sense of urgency to hop back into this wild whirlwind of a city right away, kind of like jumping onto a high speed train. I can’t complain though, I love being busy and it’s inspiring to be back in one of fashion’s major mecca’s.

So, despite the slight chill beginning to descend on some parts of the world, Southern California has been experiencing some pretty incredible beach days. Fall hasn’t quite hit us yet but it’s cooled down enough to throw on a pair of jeans. Hey, that’s good enough for me.

I’m gaga over Wildfox Couture’s denim. Maybe it’s just the 90’s kid in me but I knew I had to have these the moment I saw them. I’m a sucker for skinny jeans with unique prints and something about these brought out a different side of me, a wild one perhaps (see my gansta pose below). Wildfox, I love you.

October 9, 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
6 Reasons to Love Lemons + DIY Scrub
When it comes to fruit, lemons seem to get a bad rap. Although they may not be a favorite for fruit salads or candy flavors, lemons are a staple on my weekly shopping list for a very good reason. Once I discovered just how many health and household benefits it provides, they quickly became a prized item for me. There are several good uses for lemon but these six are my most frequently utilized ones.

1. Lemon juice is a natural beauty enhancer. Spot treating acne with some lemon on a Q-Tip is a widely known trick for combating zits by helping it to kill bacteria and dry up the oils causing the breakout. And, just as good as it is to use topically, its extremely healthy to incorporate it into your diet to help combat weight gain, control high blood pressure, give hair and skin a vibrant glow and can fade scars or dark spots. You can also use lemon to alleviate the effects of sunburn. Since I incorporated lemon juice into my diet each day, I’ve seen a dramatic difference in my skin. I don’t break out as much and there is a noticeable glow. Try replacing your morning coffee with a cup of hot water, fresh lemon and honey. Not only will you get a kick of vitamin-C, but it tastes great and will hydrate your skin.

2. The 60 second tooth whitener. Lemon is a powerful cleanser and with just a smidge of baking soda and a squirt of lemon juice, you’ve got your own homemade remedy for coffee stained teeth. Alternatively, you can squeeze a drop of lemon onto your toothpaste before you brush. As a side note, lemon juice is extremely acidic so be aware of any burning or sensitivity and be sure not to brush for more than a minute or so! Lemon also stops gum bleeding & fights halitosis –AKA stinky breath. Here’s a tip: when on a date, always order a slice of lemon in your water and when the meal is over, take a healthy little suckle on it. It will work better and quicker to clean and deodorize your breath than any stick of gum would!

3. Nutritious & delicious! There are a ton of health benefits to drinking lemon but the most important ones to me are the incredible source of nutritious components inside (vitamin C, vitamin B, proteins and carbohydrates), it’s powerful flu fighting properties, it’s ability to flush toxins from the body, prevent diabetes and aid in digestion. As mentioned, I love juicing a fresh lemon in the morning and adding it to fresh brewed tea with local honey, which happens to also be good for allergies or sore throats. Or, try adding lemons and fresh mint to a jug of cool water for a revitalizing, healthy beverage – *vodka optional.

4. All natural hair-apy. For those that suffer from dry scalp and dandruff, lemon oil has been shown to reduce or eliminate the symptoms associated with this frustrating issue. You can try making your own concoction using a bit of coconut oil, lemon juice, and honey. Subsequently, when I was a kid there was a product called Sun In, anyone remember it? Well, you can basically garner the same effects of natural highlights by streaking lemon juice in your hair and laying out in the sun for some time. It was a weekend ritual for us girls, especially during the summer months, so I can vouch for it’s golden aftermath.

5. Safe & non-toxic cleanser. Not only is lemon juice great for cleaning out toxins and bacteria in your body, but it’s a powerful substitute for all those chemical-filled household products. Use lemon juice to clean grout, stains, rust, or those grimy cutting boards. I always toss my used lemon peels in the garbage disposal to help keep it clean and make the kitchen smell extra fresh!

6. Make a sugar scrub!

This is probably the most fun use of lemon. Make a scrub that you can use all over your body and face! You’d pay a pretty penny to have an all organic scrub like this at any spa, so why not pamper yourself a little. You can use the same scrub to remove callouses, moisturize skin, cleanse your face, use as a lip scrub or even slather it on some sliced apples for dessert because, it’s all natural! All you need is four simple ingredients to complete your sugar scrub recipe: lemon, brown sugar, coconut oil and honey. Of course there are a ton of other recipes you can try (and I recommend you do), but these four are the most important when making a proper scrub for all-over body use.

As I mentioned earlier, lemon cleanses, lightens scars or sun spots, brightens complexion and tightens pores. The brown sugar acts as a gentle scrub to help slough off dead skin and contains a natural source of glycolic acid, helping to rid your skin of bacteria all while costing much less than your local microdermabrasion clinic. Please note that although any sugar can work for this recipe, I chose brown sugar because the crystals tend to be much smaller and more gentle on your skin, especially the face. If you haven’t tried coconut oil in a scrub yet, here’s a couple reasons why you should. Coconut oil contains vitamin E, leaving skin moisturized and protected. It is also rich in useful proteins which helps the skin to repair and heal, as well as act as an anti-aging formula. One last merit for coconut oil is that it doesn’t go rancid for a very long time so it should preserve your yummy concoctions until you’ve finished using them. (Tip: Look for organic cold pressed, unrefined, chemical free coconut oil. This is the healthiest.) Last but certainly not least is the honey. Honey is not only a delicious distraction while making your scrub but it has been widely known to be an anti-fungal, specifically to acne-prone skin. This nectar of the gods is also a natural humectant, keeping moisture locked into the skin and giving you a glowing, hydrated complexion.

Now that you have the ingredients, let’s talk about preparing it! You may very well use your own discretion to eyeball out the amount you’d prefer to make a scrub suited to your preference but here’s a guideline for your convenience. Mix these all together very well until you get the consistency you’re looking for and voila! It takes no time and you’ve got yourself a top notch skin care product. This recipe is just right for me but feel free to go heavier or lighter on each ingredient if you wish for a silkier or more abrasive scrub. Enjoy!
- 1/2 Fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 tbsp organic local honey
Photography by Desirée Anderson
October 1, 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
American Girl in Italy

Photography by Richie Chance

Bathing Suit by American Apparel

One of my favorite parts about Italy was the time spent beach side in Santa Maria. After the Amalfi Coast it was nice to spend some time at a beach with only a handful of locals and a little beach bungalow pumping jazz music. The water was crystal clear, displaying the sea life like a placid glass case. With perfectly hot weather in store it was the ideal afternoon for doing nothing more than lounging around in a bikini. I picked up this one at American Apparel just before I left on my trip. I love, love, love pieces like this because I like to have multifunctional clothing, especially when traveling.

Although this suit is most definitely made for the water, it’s super cute to wear with a skirt (high waisted pencil or skater) or pair with denim shorts. I bought the same suit in black and found it works really well as a sexy top at night. Side boob, anyone? Anyways, American Apparel always has a few great pieces like this one that are simple to dress up or down so if you’re ever in the market for something classic and understated, might I recommend you take a peek at what they have in store. And most definitely check out Santa Maria di Castellabate should you find yourself driving the coast of Italy in search of a sleepy little beach town.

September 26, 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
Daisy Dukes

Photography by Dreamstate Photos

Top by Daytrip/ Shorts by dVb/Bralette by Victoria’s Secret/Hat by Target

I’d be lying if I said that denim fabrics and color schemes haven’t played a starring role in my summer wardrobe this year, and it doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon. Although it’s true that only a mere five days of summer technically exists, I don’t see why that should deter me from wearing my favorite shades of blue. Yes, these tones are naturally more acceptable in the spring and summer months but then again, I’m a Cali girl and my gut instinct tells me those rules just don’t apply the same to us So-Calian’s and this week’s brutal heat wave seems to prove my theory accurate.

So, with my plan of chasing summer in full effect, I did something that I used to not ever dare to do: mix denims. Something about it used to strike me as taboo but the more I do it, the more I am liking it. This year’s styles have boldly combined all sorts of wild prints, colors and patterns, making my foray into denim blends elementary in comparison. I usually like to add a pop of color so as not to wash out my outfit with too many of the same tones. This long line bra by Victoria’s Secret worked out quite nicely as an undershirt, with just enough of the lacy canary yellow peeking through for a subtle sexiness, perfect for a breezy afternoon spent wandering the Venice canals.

September 17, 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
Denim Days

Photography by Jenny Park

One of my favorite things about denim is its versatility. You can wear it in warmer or cooler weather, dress it up or down and unlike many other pieces in my closet, it’s appropriate for any time of the year. It’s easy to mix and match with basically anything you wish, which makes it a staple in my week to week wardrobe. More importantly, it has never gone out of style, remaining timeless since it’s inception.

At times, it’s difficult for me to find jeans that fit my body type the way I prefer. I have long, lean legs with a smaller waist and apparently I inherited my backside from the Trini part of my family…thanks, mom. The girls who fit a similar description know the trials of finding a brand that encompasses each aspect of our figure, that’s why I love, yes love, O2 Denim. I’ve yet to be disappointed by either the cut or the designs.

I wanted to pull a few of their latest styles and really try to keep it minimalistic so as to only focus on the denim itself. With options like high-rise, classic, skinny, low rise and boyfriend jeans, the possibilities are open to your own preferences. Aside from acid wash, which I am more than slightly obsessed with this season, I am really digging pigmented jeans. As you know by now, I am a big fan of multifunctional pieces. With fall just around the corner, I chose these red ones that can really be paired with just about anything if you ask me. For those still holding on to the last days of summer you can easily add a cute denim button down as I did or wear them as a pop of color in the more mundane scheme of fall apparel.

There are a ton of styles not shown in this blog, so I highly recommend checking out their online store. Happy hunting!

www.O2denim.com

September 12, 2014
Keva J Swimwear

Photography by Dreamstate Photos

Happy ‘Hump Day’ my loves! I’m writing this post as I sit here in my girlfriend’s flat in Paris watching the sky turn pink and purple over the city of lights. French jazz is floating through the air as my lovely friend cooks something fragrantly delicious in the kitchen. The only thing that could possibly make me miss home in a moment like this is looking back at this shoot I did with Keva J Swimwear and Dreamstate Photos in Venice Beach just before I left on this incredible journey.

I appreciate a swim line that makes the female physique a priority when designing and Keva J does just that. They’re also not afraid to experiment with unique cuts and patterns. With so many swimwear options in the market, there’s no need to settle on a brand that doesn’t fit your frame, your preference or your budget.

Keva J has been known to create some pretty cool collections recently. My favorite suit is this strappy black high rise two piece. I love the sophisticated cut that hugs all the right places but also gives away just enough to be classy as well as sexy. I’m not usually one to opt for a tube top bathing suit since I prefer some additional assistance in the mammary department, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover this piece offered more support than most. The best part is that her bikinis are affordable. There’s just something about a good deal, isn’t there? I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!

September 10, 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