A little Native American love.

Just some good 'ol Native American inspiration to end your weekend :)

The painting is one of my favorites I've found of Native American culture--when I have some extra cash I will definitley be making a purchase ;) It is done by the artist Karen Noles.

(shirt-vintage, ring-Navajo trip, bracelet-gifted from Merida, Mexico)

Enjoy your Sunday night! :)
Peace. Love. Joy.

Paper Crown.

Paper Crown, Lauren Conrad's high end line will be in select stores on August 1st! I am beyond excited, not just because I think Lauren is brilliant (creatively and in the business sense), but because I have fallen in love with the collections and can't wait to lay my hands on some of the pieces. I love the clean feel to Paper Crown, Lauren creates fun, yet sophisticated clothing--just what I love.

"a collection for those who like to play dress up in a grown up world."

(all pictures via Paper Crown.)

To learn more about the collections go to Paper Crown.

Also, view Lauren Conrad's new article for Forbes, here.

Peace. Love. Joy.

Maxi Dress Kinda Day.

Some days, it's just nice to throw on a maxi dress and sandals and be done with it...today was that day :)

(dress-Forever21, Hat-Target, Sandals-Old Navy, Bracelet-Henri Bendel)

Hope you're getting ready for an amazing weekend!

A little end of the week quote:

"......if you're owning your thing and you're in to it, it's just beautiful, because confidence is beautiful."

(Kelly Cutrone-Fashion PR-People's Revolution)

A Royal Affair.

We all dream of becoming a princess someday...it's engraved in us since we were little girls, thanks to Disney of course. I don't know about you, but I have fallen so in love with Kate Middleton's sophisticated and polished style. So, enjoy a little mid-week princess inspiration :)

I love, love the clean, crisp feel of sophisitication! So feminine and fun! :)

I would die to have Kate's closet, that is forsure!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Peace. Love. Joy.

Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's.

Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's? This news made me jump out of my seat! Ohh the pure bliss! I mean honestly what's not to love? One of the top designers (one of my fav's) and a department store..screams excitement!

WWD reported that the average price tag will be $100, but clothing will range from $50-$170. The collection will launch on August 21st (just in time for fall) and only be available for about 6-8 weeks. So once it hits stores be sure to check it out! :)

(sketch via WWD)

I don't know about you, but I for one will be hitting up Macy's on the 31st to browse, and hopefully purchase :)

[Read the full article here at WWD.]

Peace. Love. Joy.

Favorite place in the world.

Yesterday, I spent the day in D.C. with a dear friend :) It was 116 degrees out, and we were sweating to death but alas we had so much fun! D.C. is my favorite place on this planet, so I enjoy every minute in the city...never gets old ;) Since moving back from California it was my first full day just exploring. It's funny how going to certain places or cities make your heart come alive, and it just feels "right", D.C. does that to me :-)

We found the coolest used book stores ever! It was so fun to look through them; I love books. One of my ultimate favorite spots in D.C. is the World War 2 Memorial. My friend and I have a tradition of sitting there and just talking, and since it was so hot out we put our feet in the fountain to cool off. And, check out the major fashion in the last picture, loving the creativity! :-)

Hope your weekend was incredible!

(Shorts-Bullhead, Tank-AE, Blazer-Thrifted, Earings-bought in Nicaragua)

Peace. Love. Joy.

Blog Spotlight: zestes de mode

I think it's so important to glean from other people...their ideas, inspirations, creativity; what makes them come alive! I love just sitting down and listening to people talk about what their passionate about, and what inspires them. I have chosen to live with the concept that every single person on this planet has something valid and important to say, and I can certainly learn from everyone of them. So, I've decided to feature different artists on my blog once a month...fashion bloggers, photographers, artists etc. I think we are all artists in some form or fashion, so it might even be something or someone that you wouldn't naturally consider an artist, who knows.

Alas, this month I chose to start off this new idea with featuring the one and only Melissa Burriss, the creator of zestes de mode; an amazing fashion blog full of inspiration and creativity! (follow her, you won't be disappointed!)

Melissa not only runs zestes de mode, she also writes for the DC Examiner (go here to read her fashion articles). She is full of insight, while getting straight to the point, something that I appreciate so much. I can read one of her articles or blog posts and know I am going to get "her" opinions, not simply just information thrown out at me. I think that is an incredible ability of hers; to express herself uniquely instead of being tainted by the industry.

I had the honor of asking Melissa a few questions, so here it goes! Enjoy :)

What is your current fashion obsession?
My current fashion obsession.. hmm. Sometimes I feel like I am all over the place with my style. Right now, though, has to be the Jeffrey Campbell fall lookbook. I want to own every pair (hint, hint)! If you haven't seen it, shame on you!

What made you want to start a fashion blog?
Boredom.. haha. Well, really, I wanted to express myself and share inspiration with my followers. Last summer, when I started it, I had more free time on my hands than usual. Also, I knew it would come in handy when I was studying in Paris and traveling. Here is a quote that I included in my first post on my blog -- To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.

What/whom has been the biggest inspiration to you in the world of fashion?
Tough question. Street style has always resonated with me, and I can’t go a day without looking at all my favorite blogs. With the changes in technology, blogs have become a major part of the fashion industry. People used to see the latest news in the industry on magazine covers, but now it’s all over the blogosphere. I can find the greatest inspiration by following blogs and seeing bloggers’ styles. Forget magazines, I turn to blogs.

Where do you see fashion heading in the future?
I feel like fashion will always have the same cycle. It repeats itself, and I honestly don’t think that will ever change. That is why we see all of those crazy styles our moms used to wear coming back. And everyone says, “who would have thought?” Well, that’s fashion. Trends will always be there, for us to choose to follow or just simply ignore. It’s finding yourself and personal style in the midst of all the changes that is important.

Any advice for those desiring to get into the industry or begin a fashion blog?
I remember hearing that the fashion industry is all about making connections, and it’s totally true. So.. network! Find out what you really want to do, but don’t be afraid of trying something you didn’t think you would be interested in. You may end up loving it. Remember not to follow, but rather lead. Be different. Most importantly, be yourself.

(all photos courtesy of zestes de mode)

Do yourself a favor, get inspired-visit zestes de mode today!

Peace. Love. Joy.

Journey.

I love this video....it shows just how amazing traveling the world can be! Cambodia is definitely a country that has been on my heart for awhile due to the sex trafficking that takes place there, especially involving the young children. That is why I love organizations like IJM that are going into brothels in Cambodia and other countries and rescuing the victims plagued by the great atrocity of our time, trafficking.

Peace. Love. Joy.

Start the week off right.

Here is a little Monday inspiration to start your week off! :-)

I love these 5 looks from Vogue's Accessories Editor, Selby Drummond.
(courtesy of Vogue.)

Peace. Love. Joy.