Global Nomads

I’m just about finished reading Gypset Style and all I can say is that I have never been more inspired to pack up and head out to a foreign destination and partake in a new adventure.  I have so much admiration for people who lead unconventional lives, remaining somewhat off of the grid and doing things their way.   From the original gypsies to the hippies and everyone in between including the Beat writers, Surrealists, and other artists who paved their own way in this world by living off of the land and choosing their own adventure whether they had money or not – those are the ones I admire.  Because life is supposed to be an adventure, isn’t it?  When I saw these photos shot by Mario Sorrenti for W, I thought of cultured and well-traveled women who roamed the globe learning from Mother Nature.  True bohemian spirits creating their own style on their own terms, all influenced by the earth.

What’s the Occasion?

When: July 2, 2009

Where: My driveway

What: American Apparel tube dress, Marga top purchased in Peru, vintage bag, LD Tuttle shoes

Why: Went  to see our friend Don play with his band, Amazing Baby, at The Hammer Museum

When: June 28, 2009

Where: Outside of the Wiltern theater

What: Seneca Rising mesh dress, Bona Drag leather jacket, vintage bag, Emma Cook for Topshop boots

Why: Went to see Amazing Baby and Phoenix play

When: June 7, 2009

Where: My driveway

What: Quail crop top, vintage skirt, vintage bag and bracelets, necklace purchased in Peru, Chloè shoes

Why: Celebrated our friend Christy’s 40th birthday at a brunch

Weaving a Web

I just discovered this line of knitwear by Everlasting Sprout, a company based in Japan that was founded by Keiichi Muramatsu and Noriko Seki.  Keiichi previously worked for Italian yarn manufacturer, Lineapiu, which comes as no surprise since these works of art look meticulously thought out from color to concept.  Keiichi and Noriko make all kinds of wondrous creations spun from yarn and extend beyond fashion and into the world of art and interiors, with “sweet” lamps covered so decoratively in yarn that they look like cotton candy.  Dresses take on futuristic shapes but have a fairytale quality about them, with pastel colors giving off a glowing, ethereal feel.  It’s interesting to see something so basic as yarn take on an otherworldly quality.  Muramatsu says, ” We want to produce things with the sense of reaching toward hope like sprouts grow toward sunlight.”   

All images from Everlasting Sprout

Awaken the Senses

My friend Hollie recently told me about this fragrance line, D.S. & Durga, and the very next day I was happy to find an interview with the Brooklyn couple behind the line on Refinery 29.  Inspired by botany, each fragrance borrows from history and is complete with a thorough description of where each plant and scent originated.  A scent from their first collection is called “Cowgirl Grass” and is made from Linden, also known as a “lime flower”,  along with White Lotus or “white water lily.”  What really inspired me was the fact that D.S. & Durga collaborate on these beautiful concoctions in their home.   It makes me want to start more projects.  Durga also said in her interview that “memory is the most essential thing to making a scent—as you must remember the impression something has left upon you even if you are using your imagination.”  This is so true.   There is nothing that makes me feel more nostalgic then a scent – it always takes me back to a certain point in time and I love relishing the moment.  Just two days ago, I caught a scent of a tote bag given to me by friend, Ali, in Peru. It had that woodsy, musky smell that reminded me of her house that I love so much.  Now I want to bottle that scent.

 

All images from Refinery 29 and D.S. & Durga website

I Wanna Rock With You

I had a pretty stellar weekend.  Went to San Luis Obispo to visit my in-laws which is always guaranteed to be a relaxing getaway.  Rarely do my husband and I leave their house to venture out, unless it’s to go hiking or to the farmer’s market. Their house is absolute paradise – a gorgeous garden that is in full bloom and is filled with fruits and veggies; a hot tub complete with the most perfect view of the hillside; a back gate that leads all the way up to Cerro San Luis (awesome hike); and so many comfy reading spots that it’s hard to choose.  We came back to LA to participate in Sunday’s first “Hunt and Gather” event which was a success.  A group of peeps got together to sell vintage clothes, artwork, vegan treats, margaritas, and all kinds of goodness.  Sunday night we went to see Amazing Baby and Phoenix play at The Wiltern.  Phoenix is out of control amazing on stage.  Not only are they amazing musicians, but they also put on a ridiculously good show.  They played old hits and new hits and the entire sold out crowd was dancing and going nuts, and when the show ended and the lights came on, Michael Jackson’s Rock with You came on and it turned into an even bigger dance party.  It was totally “a moment.”

Hanging out at my in-laws

The lush garden

They turned their greenhouse into a guest room!  It’s so awesome – you can see the stars at night while lying in bed.  I wish I could say that I sleep out there a lot, but the truth is it’s been a while.  I got bit by a spider the last time I slept in there.  

This is the lemon tree that leads to a little pond.  The lemons are the size of oranges, and I swear I’ve seen a couple the size of grapefruits.

Look at these artichokes!  They are just about ready to be devoured.

View from the hot tub.

Some vintage clothes and accessories sold at Hunt and Gather.

These are terrariums that my friend Matthew makes.  They are filled with moss, wooden sea creatures, vintage clocks, beetles, and all kinds of wonders.  

Some classic novels

Treats

Robert and baby Oliver

The $1 margarita crowd

The lovely Nina

Zach and Nicole are getting married!

The Queen of Hunt and Gather, Sara

And lastly, Phoenix

Hunt and Gather

My friends and I are having an event this Sunday, June 28th and will be selling all kinds of cool stuff including vintage clothing and accessories, rare records, artwork, terrariums, furniture and more.  Plus, we’ll have tons of baked goods and margaritas for $1.  If you live in the L.A. area, stop by!