// runaway with the wind //

Honey Sucker Apparel cardigan

Today's post is purely to spread the word about the importance of discovering more about yourself & the world around you. Get out and travel. Take your vacation days. Quit your day job if it's not right for you. Time is WAY too short to waste and you never want to regret not accomplishing your dreams. Take risks and go for whatever it is that makes you the happiest and the best version of yourself. I made some bold & scary moves within these past few years to try and chase this 'world wandering' dream I've had for a while, and I'm so fortunate I did so.  I know I have so much more to accomplish, but I'm doing something that I love with my whole heart, and that gives me the extra push to keep going for it! I'll stop with my lecture ^_^ now go see the world!

// sunblock //

Brielle Belle shorts // Indosole sandals // The Hellers top // Sarah Mulder earrings // Inverness & Crane rings // 2020Ave sunglasses

Happy Monday, everyone! I spent the weekend soakin' up some sun and wine tasting in Santa Barbara. On the way back to LA, Darren and I made a pit stop here at Lizard's Mouth to shoot some photos. It was such a cool hike out there ~ a lot of (easy) rock climbing involved, ending with a scenic view from the beautiful spot pictured above. I felt a little bit like Simba while standing up there! ^_^

// golden flight //

Shovava scarf // Pippa Lynn top // Levis jeans // Indosole shoes

When I was younger, I used to take any chance I could to throw a penny into a fountain and wish for the ability to fly. I dreamt about flying so often, that occasionally I thought I actually could. Well, many years later, I'm still not flying. But hey, can't a kid dream? ^_^ Thanks to Shovava, I now have a pair of wings that I can wear all of the time. I may not be able to fly, but I sure feel angelic while wearing them! 

// adventure awaits //

Indosole shoes // Native Rose top // Levis jeans // 2020ave sunglasses

This abandoned house is located at the top of a big cliff right outside of San Francisco ~ what a cool spot, I gotta say! I keep finding myself standing/sitting on extremely sketchy spots, but I always remind myself that it's "all for the photo." I guess this one wasn't AS scary as it looks, but anytime I'm sitting on the edge of anything with height, my nerves start to tremble. I'm getting better at hiding my face of fear (ha!) Anyhoo, here's another pair of shoes from Indosole - where they repurpose tires for the soles of the shoes. They are extremely comfortable for my daily adventures, and I always get so many compliments while wearing them. 

// spread your wings //

Shovava scarf // 2020 ave sunglasses & jumpsuit

For the past week or so, I spread my wings and flew up the coast to Big Sur ~ land of magical coastal cliffs, forests, beaches, and campfire scents. Lookin' forward to showing you guys more of what was created during the road trip!

// salvation mountain //

White Crow overalls // Gard Eyewear sunglasses // Ariat boots // vintage tee & bracelet

If I had the opportunity to live in Salvation Mountain, I think I would consider it ^_^ It feels like your wandering around a dreamland, full of color, love, and inspirational words and artwork. I dedicate this post to Leonard Knight who spent his life building Salvation Mountain, a mountain built out of adobe, straw, and oh-so-very-much paint. Leonard passed away last year and this impacted everyone who had been lucky enough to see his (large) piece of artwork. Salvation Mountain is located near Slab City and a few miles away from the Salton Sea, which is also pictured in the photos above. I recommend a visit for yourself, pictures just don't do it justice. RIP Leonard Knight.

// like a sun upon the sky //

Native Rose top // Levis jeans // Sarah Mulder necklace & bracelet  // 2020Ave sunglasses

The best get up for a road trip, that's for sure -- as the golden tones were glowing "like a sun upon the sky" ^_^

// stone cold bandit //

Indosole shoes // Levis jeans // Pippa Lynn top

This week has been crazy busy for me, so it was nice to get out yesterday and hike the arroyo seco trail and go for a skate. If I don't feel like I'm experiencing some sort of adventure, I start to go a little loco ^_^ This skate sesh, however, was just a tease for what's to come this weekend -- Darren and I are headed out for another road trip adventure. Where? Well, I can't ruin the surprise now can I? I'm bringing these new shoes from Indosole with me - the soles are made with repurposed tires. Not only do they look super cute on, but they are eco-friendly and I love that.

// silver rocket //

Pippa Lynn jacket & skirt // Barbara C Pellegrino necklace

"All silver everythang" -- my thoughts exactly while styling this shoot at Red Rock Canyon. I felt like a lady from the future, as this two piece from Pippa Lynn shined bright with the golden hour light. 

I'm sure many of you guys wonder how Darren and I usually go about these photo adventures - in terms of getting there, where we stay, etc. Well, it may come as a surprise, but we drive to and camp at almost every location we travel to. Not only does it save a ton of money, but it makes the experience all the better. I usually fill the back seat with clothes, props, shoes, and jewelry and treat it as a temporary closet to do my styling with. Most of the time, I try to plan the styling ahead of time, but every now and then it makes more sense to style once I see the location. Normally we leave with an expected itinerary - camping one night at a particular location, then driving a few hours the next day and camping at another location. Or sometimes we finish it all in a day, and drive back home in the late hours of the night. We love what we do and we are so dedicated to doing it. Traveling is what keeps us happy, creating, & inspired.

We're headed out to Mt. Pinos in a few hours or so to do some shooting in the forest! I can't wait to show you what we create ^_^ we have some cool ideas planned. 

// road warrior //

Tasi Malibu top & shorts // Crazy Fucking Mary necklace

Here I am, skating down an open road in Joshua Tree, wearing the cutest set by Tasi Malibu. I'm crushin' on all of their pieces, but this one is perfect for all of my other skatin' babes! I started skateboarding almost 3 years ago when Darren bought me a skateboard for my birthday - and I'm so happy I did. I grew up as a dancer, and was dancing nearly 5 hours a day up until a few years ago. I remember seeing photos and videos of skateboarders, always secretly wishing I had the skill ^_^ but time wouldn't allow for me to start a new hobby, so I just dreamt of learning one day. Well that day came 3 years ago, and I can finally call myself a skateboarder! WOO! I still have much to learn, but nothing can compare to that feeling of strollin' down an open road. If you skateboard, you're living right. If you don't, I recommend going for a test drive!

// last light //

Native Rose top & shorts // 2020 Ave sunglasses // Nasty Gal shoes

I found myself traveling to Red Rock Canyon again the other day, wearing this amazingly-patterned two piece by Native Rose. While the winds are always strong at Red Rock, this get-up flowed well with the breeze and was so comfortable for me to do my usual exploring in ^_^ Every time I'm wandering around Red Rock, I always discover new places to see (and climb hehe) -- as you'll see in these photos, I climbed up some pretty steep spots to see the sun creep behind the mountains. 

I'm posting another track today that has been on many of my playlists for the past few years -- it's one of those songs I think all of you should hear. It makes me want to drive with the windows down through some exotic & enchanting location, while his soothing lyrics blast through the speakers. 

// multiplicity //

Shot by Mike Dempsey

Yesterday, I went on a lil' day adventure to the Salton Sea with Mike & Darren to collab on some photos. I love the way the magical, reflected sunset is juxtaposed with the smelly, salty, rugged and decayed sea. We tore up & dirtied this dress I found at an estate sale for these photos ~ partially because of post-Mad Max inspiration and also because every time I visit this spot I feel like I'm living in a post-apocalyptic world. I can't wait to show you guys more of what we created. ^_^

This song has been on every one of my playlists for the past year. It goes well with a sunset or starry night.

// places you will go //

Girls On Film dress // Ija necklace // Inverness and Crane rings // Satya earrings 

On the way back to LA from San Diego, we decided to stop at this popular location - Potato Chip Rock. While I may seem at peace in that first photograph, I was a bit shaken up inside. In order to get to Potato Chip Rock, you have to hike 7 miles with extreme elevation, and then you'll come upon a 20-30 minute line of people waiting to shoot a photo on the "chip." I would have thought that the sketchy jump from the base rock onto the "chip" would have scared most people off, but man there were some bold folks up there. It looked like the rock could break at any given moment. The view was so worth it, though. 

// american girl //

Shot by Darius Twin

Thank you to all of the men and woman who dedicated their lives to the protection of our country and our country's people. Your brave & determined souls are forever loved and missed by us all. 

Darren and I shot this photo a few years back on the way home from our road trip to Portland, OR. 

// wonder | wander //

Barbara C Pellegrino necklace // Vintage jacket & skirt
Photos shot by Kelly Lee

Every now and then, you gotta wake up early and take in the views of a good ol' sunrise... especially in the desert. I don't think there's a better way to start the day. Not even a nice cup of joe can beat that feeling, because a sunrise is a natural energy booster and a reminder of the important things in life. Kellee and I surely got the best start of the day in the photos above ~ and I felt more inspired than ever while creating these images & collaborating with an amazing artist such as her! Hopefully they make you feel inspired too.

// all eyes on blue //

Crazy Fucking Mary necklace

Not sure if you guys remember me lusting over Joshua Tree in one of my recent posts & experiencing the urge to get back there again to shoot & explore ~ well I was able to get myself out there again. Oh, and I happened to go two separate times in the past week... I guess you can say that I can't get enough Joshua Tree. While Darren and I were adventuring through the park, collaborating & creating like we always do, we decided to go to a few thrift stores to pick up some props. The mirror pictured above is one that we happened to find -- ideas started brewing & we began making the magic above.

This new hot chip track is fire... 
Hot Chip // Love Is The Future

// pink matter //

In All Honesty sweatshirt // Crazy Fucking Mary necklace // Girl on a Vine shawl // Levis jeans // Ariat boots

I find so much beauty in abandoned places, the mystery of the location's history that is sometimes forgotten, the imagination of how it used to appear, and the way it has decayed as time has passed. This location, in particular, has remained elegant even through deterioration ~ that amazing pink, the windows, and the structure are incredibly picturesque. 

I did a little styling trick here -- I'm actually wearing men's jeans. I find myself wearing boyfriend jeans more than ever these days, and thought - why not just buy a pair of men's jeans? It was a bold move, but I love the way they fit.

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// divine thing //

Shot by: Darius Twin

Spent the past few days CrEaTiNg & DrEaMiNg in Joshua Tree & Anza Borrego with my partner in crime and love, Darius Twin. The photo above was shot at Arch Rock in Joshua Tree, and it happened to be high winds and 40 degrees outside. I was shivering from head to toe, but luckily enough, I was able to hold still for long enough to create this photo! If only I could keep my light wings on all of the time ^_^

// astro bandit's castle (i wish) //

Sarah Mulder necklace // Ariat boots // Vintage top & skirt

William Hearst was one lucky man to own a piece of property such as this ~ and in one of my favorite locations of all time, Big Sur. I can only imagine what the life would be like to be one of his guests visiting for the weekend, taking in those refreshing coastal views, enjoying top of the line meals, and mingling with the celebrities & socialites of that time. While visiting, I found Gatsby to be a great comparison, since it seems as though Hearst really only built the castle to entertain guests. For those who haven't seen the castle in person, I do recommend a visit. The detail in the castle's architecture is astounding and breathtaking. If I only I could swim in that indoor (or outdoor) pool... ^_* one day.

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// i'd rather be in joshua tree //

Electric West tee // Living Royal cactus socks // Jay Nicole necklace
Inverness and Crane rings // Kerol D shorts // Ariat boots // Worlds Apart cuff

I guess you can say I'm a desert dreamer... and one of the places I often dream about is Joshua Tree. How can I not, when this Dr. Seuss-like paradise is only a few hours away from LA? I do visit JTree often, but to me it's the perfect escape from the real world ~ entering the fictional land of quirky trees, sunlight, and insanely-cool rock formations. I guess you can say it's a cross between a Dr. Seuss book & the Flinstones. This tee from Electric West is perfect for those in that desert daze, who want to carry a piece of Joshua Tree with them at all times. Now it's time to plan a trip over there ^_*