California Dreamin'

FullSizeRender.jpg
IMG_3865.JPG
IMG_4398.PNG
IMG_4396.JPG
IMG_4857.JPG
IMG_5091.JPG
FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg
FullSizeRender.jpg
IMG_6922.PNG
IMG_5098.JPG
FullSizeRender.jpg
IMG_4923.JPG
IMG_4925.PNG
FullSizeRender.jpg
IMG_6163.PNG
IMG_7162.JPG
FullSizeRender.jpg
IMG_3861.PNG
FullSizeRender.jpg
IMG_4926.JPG
IMG_3087.JPG
IMG_3076.JPG
IMG_3932.JPG
IMG_2855.JPG
IMG_3605.PNG
IMG_4399.JPG
IMG_9383.PNG
IMG_3863.JPG
FullSizeRender.jpg
IMG_2854.JPG
IMG_3012.JPG
IMG_7161.PNG
IMG_3543.JPG
IMG_2635.JPG
IMG_3387.JPG
IMG_2850.JPG
FullSizeRender.jpg
IMG_2859.PNG
FullSizeRender.jpg
IMG_2522.PNG

Vacationing solo with a little one is so much more rewarding and fun than most would imagine. This is our second "girls" trip (the first was a solo adventure to Mexico when she was just 2). At age 3 1/2 she has become a true partner in fun and travel... I purposely choose to set aside a week each year for some one on one time. This time we rented an Airbnb just off of Abbot Kinney in Venice beach before roadtripping to Palm Springs for a little relaxation at the Parker Hotel. In the off season the plane tickets and accommodations are so much cheaper that it's hard to pass up. We biked, hiked, dined (so much we made up for those low priced plane tickets) shopped and swam until our hearts content. Evening strolls were a highlight this trip, not only because we loved chatting but also due to the crazy heat wave we encountered. I don't allow any electronics (except occasionally on long plane rides) so we pack baggies of toys and sketch pads for most meals and car rides. Traveling with someone who loves food and trying new things as much as I do is definitely a plus. We basically ate and snacked our way through Southern California one avocado toast and smoothie at a time. I tend to hear people saying "I think age 5 or later is a good time to start traveling... when the child will enjoy and remember it".  But for me personally I think traveling is so important for people to open their minds and get out of their comfort zones. Trying new food, sleeping in different beds and most of all spending time alone and uninterrupted with a loved one are all experiences that leave a lasting impression on someone... even if they don't realize it just yet. 

Packing tips with littles

- small packable figures (I like busy book toys) 

- sketch pads and sticker books

- pack light (one suitcase and a carry on... preferably a back pack to leave your hands free) 

- a real pillow to make plane and car rides more comfortable 

 

Stayed

Parker Palm Springs    

Airbnb Venice Beach 

 

Eat

Venice Beach 

Gjelina, Gjusta, Tasting Kitchen, Malibu Farm, Butchers Daughter, Erewhon Market, Salt Air, Kreation, Joans on 3rd

Palm Springs  

Normas at the Parker, Shermans Deli, Kings Highway Diner, Mr. Lyons, Workshop 

Amina Marie Millinery

image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg

Recently I had the pleasure of working with Kansas City's finest milliner, Amina Marie Hood. I've worn her hats for different events in the past and I must say, her Derby pieces are quite spectacular. But this time, I not only had the honor of modeling her gorgeous one of a kind designs, but I also had a chance to transport you to another time and place with styling and art direction. Her incredible hats (works of art really) are all hand made and this fall '17 collection in particular couldn't have been more up my fashion alley.  Shot by Paul Versluis, in a field of golden wheat amidst sunflowers and sunshine, this shoot is one of my all time favorites.

Amina Marie Millinery 

image.jpg

That's a Wrap

image.jpg
                                                                     &nbsp…

                                                                                                                                        

     Oyster Wrap

    Bag   | Proenza Schouler

    Pants | Nili Lotan

    Knit | Zara

    Shoes | Everlane

    Sunglasses | Rayban

image.jpg
                          

                          

image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg

The travel wrap isn't just for planes, trains and automobiles anymore... it's ready for a permanent staycation this Fall.  Elevate any monochromatic look with one of Mersea's luxe wraps, while keeping yourself warm and toasty in the process. A few of my favorite shades are the Driftwood, Oyster and Gold (Driftwood and Oyster seen above) . You can pair them with just about anything, but I prefer warm earthy neutrals for a timeless look (The Row and Ralph Lauren have been perfecting this style of simple elegance for ages). Also, not sure if you have heard but fringe is back and better than ever this fall season, so shimmy in style with these incredibly versatile and cozy pieces from Mersea. 

      Mersea 

      Travel Wrap

      Dress | Equipment

      Pants | Mango

      Tank |  Raey

      Belt | Rag and Bone

      Boots | Aeyde

      Earrings | Laura Lombardi

      Bag | Proenza Schouler

Greece part 2- Paros, Antiparos and Athens

image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg
image.jpg

The second and third legs of our Grecian adventures were probably my favorite parts of the trip. Exploring new islands that weren't nearly as busy as tourist fave Santorini. We specifically picked Paros and Antiparos over the ever popular Mykonos so we could relax and not be overrun with hoards of people (cruise ships let off daily there) taking Instagram photos (lol). We rented two cars so everyone could do as they please whether it was visiting the gorgeous Kolymbithres beach and neighboring town of Naoussa or heading to the nearby fishing village of Alyki bay. We rented a gorgeous home at the south end of Paros and could easily take a 5 min ferry over to Antiparos (my fave part of the trip) to dine and shop at The Beach House. Their perfectly curated boutique was some of the best shopping I did in Greece. Parikia is another must see town on Paros for eating and wandering the picturesque cobblestone streets. Of all the travel advice I heard, none could have been more wrong than to get in and out of Athens... or skip it all together. It's a fantastic ancient city that deserves way more than a couple nights (maybe just not when it's 100 degrees).  We stayed at the Electra Metropolis hotel and it had amazing views of the Parthenon and a rooftop pool, perfect for cooling down in the summer heat. It was within walking distance to  the Plaka, shopping (both flea markets and chain favorites like Zara) and the Temple of Zeus. No better place to end a trip fit for Greek Gods. 

 

Stay -  

Paros- Blue Villas Collection

Antiparos-  The Beach House 

Athens- Electra Metropolis Hotel

 

 

image.jpg