Don’t let anyone trample on your daisies…not even you
I would write something poetic here, but I think this quote just sums up everything I’ve been thinking lately for I’ve been in quite the creative rut. Maybe this will spark some inspo, for the both of us.
Shot by Shannon Righetti
Hat: L’Space
(“Candy” saves 10% on Revolve)
Shoes: Franco Sarto
Summer weather is on the horizon, and to me that still means a light jacket for us Bay Area dwellers. Speaking of Summer, I’ll be in Tokyo in a few weeks with friend Shelli and my Dad (who will be bopping all over Asia for business.) I look forward to shooting summer looks overseas and getting out of my creative rut. Not to mention all the food, art, and just being with my people. What about you, any summer travels?
P.S. I’ve linked everything I’m wearing at the bottom of this post, would you believe all these pieces I’m wearing are under $100?
Shot by Julia O Test Photo
Pom Pom Bag: Kayu $58
(Use “candy” for an extra 10% off this bag or ANY total on Revolve)
Embroidered Jacket: RahiCali $68
Shoes: Franco Sarto $89
(Camel, Blush, Baby Blue, Black)
It’s a new month! Hope you’re all well and sorry for being missing for a bit. I’ve been in LA, running around town from showroom to showroom, PR meetings, and shooting with my main photog gal Julia O Test. She’s never really been to LA, so it was nice to show her my version of my favorite city.
If you’re not familiar with Los Angeles, I think the romanticized idea of LA is everything the movies make it out to be. Have you seen La La Land? It’s kind of nice, because I think I lost the sparkle in my eyes towards my later years when I was living there and took things like LACMA or the Beverly Hills Hotel scape for granted. In between meetings, it was nice to capture things that I did miss such as these locations and show someone around with a clean slate.
Sebastian: “That’s L.A. They worship everything and they value nothing” – La La Land
LACMA
Alfred Tea Room
Mid Wilshire
Melrose Place x Carrera Cafe
Beverly Hills
“I guess I’ll see you in the movies.”- La La Land
Photos by Julia O Test
What I Wore:
Floral Blouse: Heartloom (Now $31 via Revolve)
Black Tier Blouse: D.Ra (Now $30 via Revolve)
This Spring I’m adding a little swagger to my step with the help of Coach. This little “swagger” bag is small but mighty with it’s detachable strap and hardware.
If you’re like me and have been a fan of Coach since way back when, you could imagine how happy I was to partner with them. Thank you Coach for this fun little bag. I’ve been toting it all over San Francisco, up hills and for matcha runs :)
P.S. I’m so happy that Boba Guys has now opened in my favorite SF neighborhood, Potrero Hill. They make a mean matcha latte and they nailed their interior from tile flooring to ceiling :D Hope to see you there one of these days, until then!
Shot by Julia O Test Photo
In Partnership with Coach #CoachSpring2017
Coach Swagger (Pebble) found here
Location: Boba Guys Potrero Hill
Good morning friends, I’m currently writing this post in beautiful Denver, Colorado as I’m sure you’ve seen by now through Instagram. It’s gorgeous here and perfect sweatshirt weather especially in this lighter lace up piece by David Lerner. I’m sure you’ve seen a lot of the lace up trend popping up, but out of all the styles out there, this by far is my favorite and softest that I own.
Spring has sprung and I always keep it casual which is why David Lerner’s pieces are right up my alley. No frills, just a touch of luxury that turns casual wear into something really special.
P.S @twelfthknight and I leave on Tuesday back to SF, I intend on wearing this sweatshirt to the airport because it’s the perfect way to keep warm! See you back in the Bay.
All photos by Julia O Test Photo
Special thanks to David Lerner
Shoes: Ballin
“Lauren10” takes 10% off shoes at sentieroshoes.com
There’s something magnificent about wandering through the desert. Having just gotten back from Nevada for a wedding, @twelfthknight and I spent the past few days off the beaten path and away from The Strip which I was really happy about. We spent a lot of time outside; roaming through Red Rock Canyon, visiting The Neon Museum, and of course the Seven Magic Mountain installation. I really wanted a not so expected Vegas trip seeing as we’re not that into partying or drinking anymore…and this was the perfect way to spend our time. Wind in your hair and the sun on your face, I like it.
Yesterday morning, I met up with photographer Jazmyn Le at the sleepy town of Goodsprings where The Pioneer Saloon is located. We were able to shoot a quick look here in this old mining town. I love working with new photographers and this set looks like I just walked out of an old Clint Eastwood movie.
I’d like to know, what do you like to do in Vegas? Are you on The Strip or do you veer off of it?
All photos shot by Jazmyn Le
Hair by Stephanie at Prism Salon @studiosteffieerose
What I wore:
Floral Jacket: Missguided ($76)
Maxi Dress: Rachel Pally
I’m not entirely sure what I would’ve done without my travel bag from Lo & Sons on this trip to New York. Would you believe that this light weight carry on fit my 13.5″macbook, 2 chargers, wallet, phone, snacks, and a moto jacket effortlessly through TSA and fit under my seat with no struggle? Here’s the kicker, I didn’t need to carry it through the airport. I just fed it over my suitcase handle and it sat on top of my Samsonite as I rolled up :D
If you’re reading this post currently, I am enroute to Nevada and yes, I did bring this bag with me. It’s a lifesaver and makes everything about packing and traveling so much easier.
My travel style is quite casual and made for efficiency. I was tired way before I ever got on my flight, so this look is a no fuss no muss type of deal. Slip on loafy sneakers from Carrano (available here) to make the checkpoint faster, a sweatshirt from Majestik Supply (available here) and a long line coat from State of Being the Label (found here on Revolve for $63)
Shot inside NYC’s World Trade Center Station, by photographer Lauren Listor (@laurelcreative)
Above on street level at The Hudson River Greenway.
All photos by Lauren Listor
The O.M.G Bag via Lo and Son’s here
What I Wore:
Coat: State of Being the Label (now $63 here)
Crisp Sweatshirt: Majestik Supply
Denim: Level 99 ($117 here)
Shoes via Sole of Brazil
What a whirlwind Day 3 was. 2 shows, a presentation, shooting last looks, and the flight home. I woke up early to check out of The Hudson only to move down the street to The Giraffe Hotel to meet Julia. By 10am we were in our Uber, headed to Industria Studios to see the Christopher Esber presentation. I loved this collection, it was sort of an avant garde take on the parallels of machines and the strength of a woman. I thought it was beautiful in a very tough way.
By noon, Julia and I were headed to Pier 59 Studios for the Katty Xiaomara show. I changed into another look right before hand. This was taken right outside, and I really do think that Pier 59 is my favorite venue.
The Katty Xiaomara show was amazing. I sat closest to the front of house while Julia shot in the media pit. Below are some of my favorite looks.
After exiting the Katty show, Julia and I made it over to the Memere Presentation in the same studio across the way. I was so happy we saw this collection, it’s incredibly romantic and inspiring for Spring. The icing were the fresh white roses scattered along the floor, it was the perfect way to end our NYFW experience.
Briefly after the Memere Collection, I swapped my outfit for Lioness pants and coach gloves so we could get a few shots in my favorite venue before I left for the airport. Pier 59 Studios are my favorite, mainly because it is in fact a hub for production. You have all the different stages, all the behind the scenes going on, and I loved being in the throws of it all. Julia, thank you for capturing my final moments here :) Couldn’t have done it without you.
And there you have it. That is a wrap on NYFW Fall 2017. Mark my words, I am planning on going back in September. I haven’t been that excited, inspired, or exhausted like this in what seems like forever and I’m really happy that I made the trip happen. I’ll be doing some more posts on my travel tips and what I brought a long with me in more detail, so look out for those soon.
This week, @twelfthknight and I will be in Vegas for a wedding and I’m lucky enough to shoot while out there. So much is happening this month so I can’t wait to share with you. Thank you so much for reading and keeping up with me.
What I wore:
Grey Coat: The Fifth Label ($106)
Black Culottes: Lioness Official ($52)
Nando Muzi Oxfords: ($450 direct here ) Sentiero Shoes
I woke up early and ready to brave the cold and the snow for Day 2. I ran downstairs to the cafe at The Hudson for breakfast and coffee, changed into my warmest coat, and bolted out the door. I was immediately hit in the face by 30mph winds. This look was shot by Julia O Test, my shutterbug from S.F. She was staying at Hotel Giraffe not too far away, so we decided to spend the day together show hopping, eating, and shooting.
It may not sound like a hectic day, but if you think about it, you spend half your time in a taxi or Uber stuck in traffic the majority of the day, or just battling the weather. When you do make it to a show, you’re standing in line for at least 30 minutes in a sea of intimidating people, and then 30 minutes later, the show is done. Rinse and repeat. It’s a lot, physically, so the best advice I have is to keep a banana or snacks on you at all times :D
First look: This long coat is by The Fifth Label from Revolve.com. I kept a luna bar in my big ol pocket here. This was by far my longest and warmest coat and I don’t know what I’d do without it. It kept me very comfortable in well below 32 degree weather. I layered my look with warm knits from 525 America, cropped thick denim from Joes’s Jeans, and my new insanely comfy Italian shoes from Sentiero (on Maiden Lane in SF.)
Julia shot this look outside The Hudson in 5minutes before our Uber picked us up to see the Pret a Porter Show.
The Pret a Porter show was really fun, great energy, and a mix of Menswear and Womenswear. Check out my little clip below. (I couldn’t capture many photos from this show unfortunately.)
After the show, I changed into a new outfit and we were off to another.
This look was shot outside The Time Warner Building on our way to the Verdad Show. This faux fur jacket was found at Crossroads Trading Company, turtleneck from 525 America, Denim from Joes’s Jeans, and booties from Steve Madden.
Again, I wish I took photos from this show, but in the moment I was just taking it all in. Did you see my video on Instastories though? :D
After this show it was time for dinner, so Julia, myself, and Christina (@classtige) decided to get ramen to warm ourselves from being out all day. Ippudo had a 2hr wait time, and we were starving. So we walked around the corner to Ramen Zundo-Ya in the East Village. It was delicious, fast service, and just what we needed.
That was a wrap on Day 2. I went back early to the hotel to prep for the longest and final day of Day 3 which included a hair appointment at Amika Style Blow, 2 shows, a presentation, and then the plane ride home. Between the cold, wind, rain, and noise of the city, I was exhausted and yet on a high from all the inspiration I was taking in. Looking forward to sharing with you my final day on Monday.
Exact Links:
Grey Coat: The Fifth Label ($106)
Camel Turtleneck: 525 America ($62)
Cropped Denim: Joe’s Jeans ($106)
Belt: Rebecca Minkoff ($78)
Nando Muzi Oxfords: Sentiero Shoes
x
Faux Fur: Crossroads Trading Co
Black Turtleneck: 525 America ($53)
Denim: Joes’s Jeans ($106)
Booties: Steve Madden ($25)
I want to be real. This post is something I’ve been wanting to do for a few weeks now, because a series of reoccurring events have been pushing me to address it. I’ve been reminded of some really important qualities that I find lacking in “creative individuals” nowadays.
Authenticity
Originality
Honesty
Ownership
@shoes_and_sashimi is not groundbreaking. At all. I’m not the first one to post a photo of a moody portrait or a shot of latte art. I don’t have the biggest following, but you don’t see me buying spam or cheating my numbers. What I post is 100 percent mine. What starts from something in my head inevitably ends up into jpeg. My ideas are executed either by my hand alone and professional shooters Rachel Radcliffe or Julia O. When they aren’t shooting, @Twelfthknight helps fill that gap, and I give him a lot of credit.
Editing is also 100% mine, unless it’s agreed upon by Rachel or Julia, since they are very different shooters. I respect both of them and their work, that’s what a solid working relationship is based upon. Respect. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for others.
If there is anything that was engrained in our heads (and hands) in design school, it is protect yourself and your work. Protect your ideas. If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, a photographer, whatever you are: Constantly push yourself. Don’t get too comfortable.
I am very transparent on Instagram and SF is a tiny city. The shoes I wear and products I post are all public. The brands I work with, those too are public knowledge. I have had “creators” in the same city whom I have spent some time with go after the same exact products…in the same color…poach the same brands and post shot for shot, pose for pose…. It feels like a big F U. And yea, how could you not take it personally?
It’s a big space. There are plenty of opportunities out there, people aren’t willing to work for it. In order to be successful in anything, you need to be original. Say thank you to those who have helped you (when they didn’t have to) and have some ounce of humility. Authenticity is so important and there is a lack of it.
This rainy day at Home Cafe in SF, I shot with a newly full time photographer named Juila O. She’s quick and she’s hungry. Julia has a beautiful eye for lighting. Home Cafe is the new cool kid on the block, slinging really great coffee concoctions. Have you had a Birthday Cake ombre latte before? I think not. Or a Cookie Monster Latte full of crumbled cookies? I like that they’re different, I like that they’re unique.
I hope you all can find this post somewhat interesting or relatable. If you do or if you don’t, please comment because I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’re in the creative field like me, or you’re self employed it’s a good reminder to you all: Be you and only you. Why would you want to be a second string version of someone else?
All photos shot by Julia O Photography
Home Cafe, San Francisco
