A Stone's Throw from a Dream

GRACE MINI DRESS (For Love & Lemons)

Credit: Thea Novak

THE FACET (Nixon)

CADAUDDA HEEL SANDAL (Aldo) – Formal Option

ZARA BOOT (I like these here)- Casual Option

ROUGE LOUBOUTIN NAIL LACQUER (Sephora)

Well I am living in California at least until September when my program at FIDM in Los Angeles is complete. It has been a ride and a half. The best way I can describe it is that it is similar to getting on a new ride at a theme park; you just hold on tight and see what happens. It has been exciting, exhilarating, and scary all at the same time.  I have experienced so much already, learned so much at school, and met some amazing people.  I can truly say that I love it.

A lot of people ask me why I chose to go to fashion school in LA rather than Milan or Paris or of course, New York…well, there is something about the energy that comes from the west coast that blends so well with my spirit. Something that was undeniable for me from the very beginning. This place puts me in a state of mind to be inspired. But from a professional standpoint, studying and living in LA allows me to maintain a creative edge by affording me the ability to curate my own vision; a vision that is free from the uniformity, pressures and influences existing inside the belly of fashion.

For my first post while living here I have decided to highlight two great California-based brands: For Love & Lemons and Nixon. For Love & Lemons is based in the Arts District in LA, just a stone’s throw from my apartment downtown. The company’s aesthetic is said to derive from the “sun-soaked Lemonade Stand Days” (…whatever that means to the young BFF designers).  However, most of us who know the ready-to-wear brand associate it with intricate lace patterns and a nearly-nude aesthetic.  I am wearing the Grace Mini Dress in black in this shoot.

However, what I love most about Love & Lemons is the ‘Skivvies’ lingerie collection. They have bralettes that look amazing peeping out of low cut tops and dresses. I have the Bat For Lashes Bra in black. While the prices are a little steep, I bought this piece during one of their many 40% off sales (posted on Instagram @forloveandlemons), so wait until then (if you can)!

Nixon is a California-based brand that focuses on watches and accessories. I have always loved their strong and youthful watch designs and the brand’s strong connection to surf and skate culture. But above all, I love the good quality. If you are going to drop $200 to $500 on something, it better look good and work well, and Nixon provides just that. Nixon continues to take the watch market by storm with a recent ad of the FACET in all gold (watch shown) in the pages of the December issue of Vogue. Way to go NIXON!