// the redwoods are calling //

Before the holidays, Darren and I went on an adventure up the coast to one of the most magical places in the world -- Redwoods National Park -- where the tallest trees on earth live! It was a coooold trip, but when you're walking through lush forests such as this with the freshest air, the temperature doesn't matter. I often found myself staring up at the trees, wondering how it was even possible that they could be so tall, how they could fight the force of gravity with their majestic beauty and keep soaring to the sky. 

"The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a redwood tree. The feeling they produce is not transferable. From them comes silence and awe. It's not only their unbelievable stature, nor the color which seems to shift and vary under your eyes, no, they are not like any trees we know, they are ambassadors from another time.” - John Steinbeck

// winter in california //

Here I am taking in those stellar views of the beautiful Joshua Tree ~~ aka Bedrock.

... while of course soaking up the golden hour sun (even though it was quite chilly!)

it started to get a little too chilly, so my Vagabond towel soon became a blanket ^_^ 

But with a cute/warm towel and a view like that (look at those clouds!), the temperature wasn't even a worry.

... and I just so happened to be drinking my favorite beer - Shiner Cheer, a seasonal dunkelweizen with hints of Texas peaches and pecans.

Cheers to you Joshua Tree - thanks for the sweet sunset.

// it's only water //

Shot by Mike Dempsey

I went on an adventure to the LA river to shoot this image with Mike! ^_^ This image took 2 days to shoot because the first day I actually fell in the river instead of gracefully defying gravity like I appear to be doing! Instead of waiting for my hair and clothes to dry (which would take forever), we decided to call it a day and drink some cider at Mike's nearby studio. We tried to create this image again on the following day, and we managed to get the exact shot we were looking for without me falling in the river - phew. If at first you don't succeed, try again!! This is one of my favorite images that Mike and I have shot together and it was well worth the time we put into it. 

On another note, Darren and I will be headed out on a new photo adventure starting tomorrow. Like always, I won't be revealing the location - but I look forward to showing you guys what we create along the way. Expect to see new content in a week or so!

Paisley on My Mind | Valley of Fire

// gateway to heaven //

Monumental Moment

Wanderin' through the desert never felt so good until I visited Monument Valley in Utah. This place is so dreamy and left me overwhelmed with its natural beauty. There are sandstone formations everywhere that appear to be man-made monuments each unique in their own way, but they are natural pieces of art and the effects of wind, water, and erosion. Our campsite was right where we shot these photos - waking up to a sunrise shining down on those formations was a moment I will never forget ~ a monumental moment, that is! ^_^

Vinyl With A View | Death Valley

This post is brought to you by Urban Outfitters. They have all of the perfect gifts for the Holidays - and fortunately, we were able to bring those along with us on this Death Valley adventure to fulfill my vision of an epic dance party at Zabriskie Point. Take a peek at the items featured below!

Desert Portal | Mesquite Sand Dunes

// antelope adventure //

Magic on the Dunes | White Sands

Watching the sun set over these white sand dunes was one of the most beautiful experiences of my entire life. It didn't seem real because it was all too perfect. I took all of that positive energy flowing through my body and used it to dance to some heavenly beats (one being the song of the day below) because I couldn't sit still! Oh, and also because my get up left me feeling like a desert princess. So I danced and Darius Twin captured the moment. Love, light, and magic were surely present that night!

Follow The Fire Trail Track

Road trips aren't only about the final destination, but also (and importantly!) about the journey getting there. Don't rush through your drive, make the most of it and enjoy some stops along the way. Whenever Darren and I plan road trips, we always use satellite view and seek out cool spots that are on (or near) our route.

Before leaving Monument Valley, we did just that and looked for interesting locations along the way to Albuquerque. We found a spot called Bisti Badlands - so we wandered off on a desolate, dirt road and drove along until we found what we saw in those photos. Well, we never did find the location we were looking for (no service!), but the road we were on suddenly became so magically lit by the golden hour sun and we were enjoying every moment of that drive. 

Sometimes your journey can take you on some unexpected turns, but you just gotta roll with the punches and live in the moment.

White Sand, Red Dress | White Sands

All of my white sands dreams came true recently! This was the final destination of our Southwest road trip, and it was the most magical way to end our journey. I hadn't even stepped out of the car yet when I decided to take off my shoes and explore the dunes in their entirety without them - that sand felt so nice between my toes. 

Fire Wave | Valley of Fire

Welcome to the Valley of Fire, yall ~ aka the first stop of our Southwestern road trip! My oh my this location was even better than I was expecting - and I didn't think that was even possible. The luscious shades of orange and red on those rock formations reacted quite nicely with the dreamy golden hour light, causing the most vivid colors to shine throughout the park. As we went further in, we began to see every color of the rainbow perfectly placed within the rocky landscape. Let's just say this was the best way to start the journey. 

I was so excited to wear the outfit pictured above - so much that I had to shoot it first! And because the colors just worked perfect in that location. The mala beads from Jeanne Verger are a new favorite of mine. She's actually having a flash sale today -- If you use the code 'ASTROBANDIT' you will receive 20% off of your entire order! I just loved the way they looked with that perfectly boho dress from Raga and turban from I'm With The Band. 

// autumn in zion //

Autumn in Zion is quite a treat, yall ~ 

Desert Delight

I know I always say this, but I just love Joshua Tree. Those desert vibes, quirky trees, and crisp fall breezes are sometimes all I ever need. The backpack I'm wearing from Sticks + Stones is my new favorite adventure accessory - I highly recommend this bag if you are looking for something both stylish and spacious! It's a traveling dream.

Southwestern Wanderers

'Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road' says Jack Kerouac, and I raise my glass to that.

There are people like me who find themselves by wandering. By welcoming a world of their own with each and every step they take, without limits or boundaries; because by wandering, they are experiencing, discovering, and understanding themselves and the world around them better. They are free spirits. They live to love and love to live in peace and in liberation.

I recently returned from a long road trip through the Southwest, passing through California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. That's 6 states in the span of a little more than a week! So, I've decided to put together a little recap so you can feel like you were right there with me.

Here I am enjoying a glass of Liberated's Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc at Zion National Park in Utah after a long day of travel. We stayed here for golden hour, the sunset, and even the starry night sky, because 'half the park is after dark.' What a bright moment, just look at those stars!

Before our Zion travels, we stopped by the Valley of Fire for a night. Those vibrant red sandstone formations are all over the park - each unique in their own way. This one looked like cheese ^_^

Here I am drooling over fall in Zion - we never see leaves change to vibrant yellow and orange hues in Southern California (since there doesn't seem to be seasons here). 

Before leaving Zion, we stopped to defy gravity for a little bit. Look at those textures!

Now it's on to the next location: Page AZ - where we will see both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Let's just say many hours of listening to really good music and non-stop staring outside the window, wondering how something could be so beautiful.

Well, we made it to our next destination: Horseshoe Bend. And to celebrate, we had a glass of Liberated. 

While, of course, taking in those stunning views. 

It was pretty much a dream.

The next morning, we stopped by Antelope Canyon to see the location we had been curious about for a while. Let's just say it was like walking through a maze of sandstone art. You can only access it by tour, but luckily they give you a lot of time to take photos!

Next up on the itinerary: Monument Valley in Utah. Here I am trying to blend in with the environment. Don't those formations look like hands?! 

Here I am reliving my favorite old westerns by John Ford. Yes, that is me on the horse!

Well, now that we've seen Monument Valley, it's time to move onto our next (and final!) destination: White Sands. But first, let's stop here because the golden hour light looks so dreamy!

And, let's stay for the sun to set because look at how big that moon is!

Well, we finally made it to the last location on the list - a place I have been dying to see for as long as I can remember in a small little town called Alamogordo, New Mexico. 

Nothing but pure joy. White Sands, you are one majestic beauty.

One final glass of Liberated to end the trip the right way.

Which left me dancing and feeling alive!

And in love.

'Peace, love, and liberation' -- three words that perfectly describe my life on the road, traveling throughout the Southwest where some of the most beautiful locations in the world exist. Thank you, Liberated, for the journey and for your crisp tasting Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc.

// coral sands //

I just returned from the most amazing road trip of my entire life - traveling throughout the Southwest, visiting locations in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Now before I ruin the surprise of all the exact locations we visited (which will be revealed in future posts), I wanted to start with this particular shoot in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. This one wasn't even on our itinerary, but while driving through Utah we saw a sign that read 'Coral Pink Sand Dunes - 15 miles' and we both looked at each other with starry eyes. We knew it was meant to be, and that it wouldn't set us too much off schedule. So we went for it, and man oh man I'm happy we did so! 

I had originally planned on styling this jumpsuit from Mister Zimi at a different location, but once I saw those coral dunes glowing bright in the sunlight, I knew this colorful, geometric piece would create the vivid contrast I was looking for! I'm also really into layering necklaces right now, and Kat Made Jewelry has such an amazing selection! I love styling them with low necklines such as this. 

I can't wait to show you guys more of what we created on this journey! We spent about a week and a half on the road - so prepare yourself for a lot of content ^_^

// a dance with light //

Shot by Eric Paré

Last week, Darren and I were (finally!) able to meet Eric and Kim and collaborate on some beautiful imagery while they were visiting LA from Montreal. If you don't already follow them, it's a must! Their photos are so surreal, magical, and dreamy - taking you away from reality and into the world of light & dance. Kim has a major dance background (like me!) so it was really fun to allow our minds to work together while the boys focused on the camera tricks ^_^ Now it's time for us to take a trip to Montreal so they can show us around!

// ain't no mountain high enough //

Here's a little journey that Darren and I took through Mt. Wilson the other day that ended with the nicest sunset a girl could ever ask for ^_^

On a side note, I have some exciting news for you guys! Very very soon, Darren and I will be taking a loooong road trip to some locations we have been wanting to see for years now. I won't reveal the locations, because that would ruin the surprise (and who likes ruined surprises?!), but let's just say it involves traveling through 3 different states. I can't wait to adventure, create, and see the world with my one and only - and to document each and every moment so you guys can feel like you were there with us! 

// a walk through the forest //

While many may appreciate the beautiful cliffs & coastlines of Big Sur, the forests are just as scenic and deserving of exploration. The vibrant hues of green and brown are highlighted by the rays of light shining through the many trees tucked away in the forest - adding that magical sense of adventure while strolling through the path. This particular trail in Big Sur is at Limekiln State Park and ends with a beautiful waterfall! White surely was a good color for this heavenly walk - those overalls were glowing with the light rays.