// '73 holiday rambler //

This modern delight was quite possibly one of the most amazing places I've ever stayed at. It's called the Homestead Modern, located in the heart of Pioneertown, and walking distance from Pappy and Harriet's. I just loved wandering around this charming location in the middle of the desert. It is surrounded by Joshua Trees, mountainous views, and is enjoyable at every hour of the day. One of the things I loved most about the Homestead Modern, was the renovated '73 Holiday Rambler on the property (shown in the first 3 photos!). For this particular shoot, I wanted to focus on the trailer, while also giving you a glimpse into the interior of the house!

When I first saw photos of the Homestead Modern, so many ideas began brewing and I knew I needed to create a look inspired by late-60s fashion with that amazing trailer. So when I first saw that yellow dress by Leon Max, all of my retro dreams came true! That yellow mixed with that rusty brown made for such a great color-scheme. 

I cannot wait to release more images from our stay at this beautiful abode in Pioneertown! Stay tuned!

Photos shot by Darius Twin.

Tree of Life | New Orleans

I recently took a trip to New Orleans for one of my best friend's weddings, and (oh my!) I adore that city! We flew into Dallas, hopped in my parents' motorhome, and went on a road trip adventure to New Orleans. On the way, we stopped at Caddo Lake for a few nights - but we'll get to that in another post!

Once we arrived in New Orleans, the first thing on our to-do list was to see the Tree of Life. This knobby and droopy oak tree is absolutely massive and believed to be 100 to 500 years old! I just love how mysterious and beautiful it is, especially when lit with the last light of the setting sun. I definitely recommend visiting the tree and the park it's in (Audubon Park). 

To compliment the tree's mystery, I wanted to go with an elegant and romantic look - so I wore that stunning cobalt blue dress from Haute Rogue and shiny jewels by Eliza Designs LA. Not gonna lie, I felt like a princess in this shoot! The breeze was blowing both the dress and my hair just right, the temperature was a perfect-70-degrees, and I was surrounded by beauty. I don't think the conditions could have been any better - but I guess that's what Spring brings in the bayou!

Photos shot by Darius Twin.

Colorful Surroundings | Artist's Palette

Here I am, walking amongst nature's painting in Death Valley and taking in the most stunning views of the setting sun. This vibrant, natural-dream is the face of the Black Mountains and is called Artist's Palette. I figured this would be a great time to showcase one of my festival-inspired looks, brought to you by Urban Outfitter's festival shop, because those pastels complimented the look oh-so well!

When it comes to festival wear, I'm all for cute and comfortable - because the majority of my time is spent dancing to my favorite bands, letting loose and feeling the groove! So I just *have* to wear my dancing shoes - aka, my favorite pair of Chuck Taylors to keep up with that momentum. I always try to steer clear of sandals or anything with a  heel, because by the end of the day, my feet will be sore, stepped on, and dirty. No thank you!

There's also nothing better to dance the day and night away in than a nice pair of high-waisted denim shorts (oh, and Urban always has the best selection!) They look so amazing with this 70s inspired halter top, but you can really add any flare you want with them - like a rock n roll tee or a bathing suit top and still look like a babe! 

The last thing I added into the mix is that denim jacket for those late-night shows where the weather starts to get a bit breezy. It's always a good idea to have another layer on you - one that will add another element to your outfit but also keep you warm. Even if you find yourself using it as a seat cushion for most of the day! 

Go with the Flow | Zzyzx Rd

While road tripping to Vegas from LA, have you ever passed by the exit sign for Zzyzx road and wondered what in the world that is or how you say it? Maybe you stopped by the sign for a photo, but have you ever actually taken the road to see where it goes? Well, you should! Because the location in the photos above is where it will take you! It's such a secret gem that many people don't actually get to see - and it needs to be seen! 

This is one of our many times to visit the area, but each time we visit it's a new experience due to weather and lighting. This time, we drove by mid-day so the light was heavy but caused for some great shadows and contrast - so I did what I couldn't resist to do - wear red. This is my dad's favorite color on me! ::) Everything I am wearing is listed below!

Photos shot by Darius Twin.

Superbloom in Death Valley

We finally did what we absolutely had to do - chase the Death Valley superbloom - and those beautiful, desert wildflowers were exploding with color everywhere I turned! I visited Death Valley during spring of last year and there were tons of flowers, but nothing quite like this. Flowers smothered the surface of the valley and added a whole new essence to the park.

We shot this series of photos when we had first arrived -- when it was raining and the winds were up to 50mph! Oh, and our plan was to camp in our tent -- which ended up being the worst idea (ha!) so we slept in the car! But hey, weather added a sense of mystery to these photos and I love it! Those thick, layered clouds and moody skies created such a nice contrast. Check out what I'm wearing below -- my new favorite outfit for springtime ::)

Photos shot by Darius Twin.

Skies on Fire | Valley of Fire

I'm happy to (finally!) share one of my favorite shoots to date, picking flowers and dancing the night in away in the Valley of Fire. Okay, maybe not picking flowers, I brought that one along with me -- but don't those turquoise accents look dreamy? This is quite possibly the most beautiful sunset I've ever experienced, the sky seemed to be on fire, and nothing felt better than to let loose and flow with the breeze. How could you not when you're wearing that dress by Leon Max and jewelry by Lena Bernard? So I did just that, while playing some of my favorite tunes and feeling the love with Darius Twin.

Under the Milky Way | Zzyzx Rd

Here's Darren and I under a full moon, wrapping up one of our road trips through the desert. I absolutely love the sky in this image. While staring up at those stars, I remember wondering to myself what all exists out there in the infinite skies above - it's a strange curiosity that always keeps me thinking! You can find this beautiful location off of a strange exit onto Zzyzx Rd in the Mojave Desert near Las Vegas.

Valley of Fire Diary

Here's my photo diary, some 35mm snaps and some of Darren's, from our sunny-day in the Valley of Fire! 

This amazing tee from Re-Vice reads 'burn the bras' -- there's no better place to wear it than in the Valley of FIRE, with of course, their perfectly crafted denim. 

Can you tell I am really loving the colors going on here? Just look at those tones -- the petal pink compliments the burnt orange hues with such a vibrant and desirable contrast. Plus, look at those rocks glowing amongst the vibrant blue skies. So I'll do what I always do, grab my camera and snap away.

I'm also really feeling those 70s vibes (as you can see!) 

Now I'm going to feel the wind, while showing off my new watch by Cluse and ring by Sarah Perlis. 

And again, the scenery had me snapping away!

Here's another moment when I was really feeling the petal pink, rose gold, and denim on those rocks.

There's never a bad moment here at the Valley of Fire. I mentioned this in one of my recent posts, but it's only a 45 minute drive from Las Vegas. Yeah, you gotta go! 

Winter Wonderland | Zion

// snow queen //

Many of my adventures revolve around spontaneity, and I find this often causes me to think outside of the box when creating imagery, and to make the most out of every situation I come across. Like this blizzard for instance that we drove through in Utah, we had no idea there would be this much snow but this was the perfect opportunity to wear this beautiful dress by Adriana Papell and jewels by Eliza Designs LA to create the visionary world of the Snow Queen. 

"Life is a journey, not a destination" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

This quote really means something to me because of these spontaneous circumstances we always find ourselves in. We'll be driving down a road we've never been on (and sometimes roads we've been on a lot) and discover something new, beautiful, and exciting. So much that we have to pull over and create something with it. That's what happened with this small road off of the highway, framed with a mountainous landscape full of glistening snow. I couldn't even tell you the name of the street, but it was pure magic. So when you find yourself on an adventure, keep your eyes peeled for other highlights along the way. You may find something even better than your destination!

Photos shot by Darius Twin.

// desert tour '78 //

It's always been a dream of mine to head out on the road in a VW van, bumping the finest tunes with the windows down and the breeze just right. Well, all of my hippie dreams came true recently when we rented the most magical '78 Riviera van from Vintage Surfari Wagons and went on a desert adventure. Below is my film diary of our Desert Tour '78 in a van named Rell Sun after a famous Hawaiian (female!) surfer.

So where are we headed you may be asking? Red Rock Canyon State Park in Kern County, CA. After doing a little research on the routes to take, we found that the Angeles Crest Highway would not only be a quicker route, but also more scenic and the van could cruise along 'in it's element'. So here Isabella and I are, capturing the photo to start the adventure, off of the Angeles Crest Highway! The weather and the views are superb, and I don't think it is possible for us to feel more badass than we do in the photo above. 

Darren and I are all smiles the whole way leading to our arrival at Red Rock Canyon, because this is unlike anything we've experienced before. And we love it.

Finally! We've made it to our first destination, and the sunset fills our eyes with vibrant colors and contentment.

In the morning, Isabella brews the crew some coffee while looking like a lil' 70s bohemian angel!

Meanwhile, I find myself shooting photos of the van non-stop because I'm all too obsessed with capturing this thing!

Here's Darren smiling ear to ear because he just had a hot cup of coffee and is taking in the alluring views of Red Rock Canyon.

I mean, just look at how enchanting it is! These column-like rock formations are all over the park in different shades of red, orange, and brown.

TJ is feeling those nice coffee-filled, desert vibes as well as he soaks up some vitamin D.

Now that we're all filled up on coffee, Isabella spoils us with her delicious migas. 

Causing TJ to feel like a rockstar (and look like one too).

Darren's over here feeling like spiderman, climbing the walls of Red Rock Canyon.

Now that our day has officially begun (after coffee + breakfast), we're saying bye to our '78 beauty (aka home base) as we head out on a day trip to Fossil Falls. 

So here we are, on the road again.

We pass by Isabella's sign (the perfect photo op).

We've now made it to Fossil Falls after stopping by Indian Wells Brewing Co for a nice brew! Darren is enjoying himself as he captures moments left and right. 

Fossil Falls surely is magical!

The desert looks amazing on these two, too.

There's Little Lake and the Fossil Falls volcano in the distance.

Isabella and TJ sitting on the volcanic rocks was too good not to capture. 

We're back to home base, our quaint little van, where we enjoyed another beautiful sunset and a fire. It's starting to feel a bit like home in this thing!

I accidentally, but thankfully, woke up for sunrise and had to capture the sky - because, look!

It's time to take this adventure over to Palm Springs, CA and enjoy being poolside near some mid-century modern architecture. We stayed at The Saguaro, a technicolor hotel with an amazing pool and stunning views of the mountainous desert. The gradient colors of the hotel were inspired by indigenous desert wildflowers. Some more hue heaven for you!

The van looked amazing with the vibrant colors, fitting right into the palette. So, naturally, I added in some cobalt blue!

The color game was also strong inside the rooms! We ended up with the orange room, with purple floors and orange curtains. The natural light coming in through the curtains was dreamy.

And so were the beds.

OK, enough drooling over our room and the hotel's architecture, it's time to relax in the pool. Darren is all for that idea.

Life. Is. Good.

Especially when we spend it hanging out on the balcony with a cold brew.

To end the adventure the right way we had to stop by Ace hotel for breakfast. And also to capture the van posing nicely against the matching Ace art installation.

Well, the trip has come to a close, but we wish we could have this '78 Riviera from Vintage Surfari Wagons forever! 

All photos shot on my Canon AE-1.

Petal Pink | Valley of Fire

When planning for our photo adventure passing through Valley of Fire, and remembering those deep red-orange hues, I knew there needed to be a touch of petal pink added into the mix -- I mean hello hue heaven! The moment I stepped foot in this Leon Max piece, I immediately felt like that Valley of Fire princess I had imagined in my photo-planning daydreams. The only thing that was a little off was me hiding the fact that I was freezing. It just so happened to be raining, hailing, and 38 degrees outside - but I couldn't let that stop me ::)

This place is so dreamy - if you ever have a moment to see it for yourself, you gotta! It's only a 45 minute drive from Vegas and near many other interesting sights as well. 

Photos shot by Darius Twin.

// fringe in zion //

Here I am fringing freely in Zion! This was my third time visiting the park, but it was the first time I saw it coated with clouds, a touch of rain, and snow capped mountains. Although it was a bit colder than our usual Zion adventure, it made for a mysterious setting that we thoroughly enjoyed during our drive and hikes! Visiting here was actually a last minute addition to our road trip. During our efforts to see Canyonlands and Goblin Valley, we were caught up in a snowstorm and decided to turn around before we got stuck for the weekend. Although we were bummed we couldn't make it to our final destination, we lucked out that Hurricane was an area we'd be driving through (which neighbors Zion) and we stayed at an adorable motel just outside of the park.  

As I'm sure you've noticed, the color red was a huge theme for me on this adventure (and just my winter wardrobe in total). So when I found those AMAZING red pants and jacket from Leon Max my eyes got wide and my heart started to jump freely. And that eagle clutch from Patrick Shannon truly added to that vibe I was feeling way up there, looking down on the cloud-filled canyons, feeling like I was ready for flight! ::) This outfit is a new favorite for those days when I want to be comfortable but still feel like a complete desert babe/badass.

Photos shot by my love Darius Twin.

Playing with Fire | Valley of Fire

Valley of Fire has become one of my favorite destinations to explore. This was my second time visiting the area, but I found myself continually discovering something new and exciting. Everywhere you turn, there are these vibrant red rock formations resembling the color of a burning flame. What excited me the most was seeing the colors of the landscape change throughout the day, from the morning light, to the intense afternoon sun, to finishing with the colorful golden hour & sunset.

So when life gives you a scenery full of 'fire', play with it. And by that I mean add some ELIZA Designs LA. All of her pieces are handcrafted here in LA, and carry the most brilliant gems. I love that she always includes the meanings of the gems as well when purchasing her pieces. I found that the Herkimer Diamond piece hit closest to home - not only because it is absolutely beautiful, but because it 'helps the wearer remember their souls purpose on earth, while opening them up to angelic guidance from the highest, purest source. Herkimer diamonds awaken inner light in the wearer, allowing it to radiate outward to the positive benefit of all.' This means so much to me, because I feel like knowing oneself is key to living life to it's fullest potential. Check out her amazing work, and read up on these gem meanings here. I've also included the exact pieces I'm wearing below!

// frosted //

A little PSA on this post: plan your adventures ahead of time and check the weather! HA! In our efforts to see Goblin Valley and Canyonlands this past weekend, we happened to drive through a blizzard in Utah, and the conditions were so scary that we had to turn around so we wouldn't be stuck there. I guess that's what we get for doing very little research before our trip. But hey, I didn't mind it while we weren't driving (because that drive was scary!) We pulled over and enjoyed something we never see in Southern California -- SNOW, yet alone WEATHER. The scenery just blew my mind with all of its beauty -- white everywhere plus subtle hints of mountains made of vibrant red, orange, and brown hues peeking through the snow.

So when life gives you snow, you add a touch of red - like that stunning dress from Leon Max that I can't stop wearing lately. Oh, and to truly add to that Ice Queen vibe, I added some jewelry (aka. works of art!) by Sarah Perlis into the mix. 

Stay tuned for more posts from this trip (when we weren't in a blizzard!)

Photos shot by Darius Twin.

// moody wanders //

// desert dreams //

It's always an adventure on the road with Darius Twin and I'm thankful for the moments we share along the way. Here's a moment from one of our adventures to El Mirage  ~~ we drove past these Joshua Trees shining in that blue hour light, with those snow-capped mountains peeking from behind, begging us to stop for some photos. So we did, and woah(!) I'm loving the light on these images. Can you tell I saw The Revenant the night before by the styling of this look? I LOVE this faux fur coat from Native Rose, and so did that blue hour light.

Into The Mountains

What an adventure it was driving up the Angeles Crest Highway to Mount Wilson with this lovely lady ~ Hieu ~ and of course the one who documented it all with one hell of a vision, Darius Twin. The drive up there was a journey in itself, because as we saw cars driving the opposite direction down the mountain, we noticed the roofs were covered in snow. 'Do we continue?' we asked ourselves, 'YES!' So we did (with a little hesitation) ~~ and it was such a magical journey that ended with snow and a dreamy sunset. It was really fun combining forces and creating some stunning imagery with vibrant colors ~ how amazing is Hieu's hair by the way?

// redwood riding hood //

I felt a bit like Princess Leia during this shoot -- if you aren't sure why, well it's because this is one of the locations they shot Return of the Jedi at, and it looked even more amazing in person! We were most fascinated by the moss and ferns (as I'm sure you can tell based on our photos, ha!) but because of the moisture and fog that filled the air, the vibrant green hues appeared to have a neon glow. 

// sunset coast //

As I'm sure you guys already know, I'm a huge sucker for sunsets ~ I just love how each sunset is different and illuminates the environment with a colorful glow. If you're looking for me, you'll find me under the sunset ::) This particular shoot happened while we were on our most recent adventure through the redwoods -- we stopped here at Clam Beach right as we began to see some color fill the sky! The sky was on fire that night, and so was the location we stopped at.