FEEL THE FEAR - DO IT ANYWAY

Today I read a pretty good/simple quote that pretty much sums up something that I live by. "Feel the fear and do it anyway".

There's plenty of cases where I'm putting myself out there, whether it's knocking on boutique doors or emailing random people to collab for Hanger Shortage or just voicing my opinion in an uncomfortable situation, and I think sometimes it's pretty natural to feel a bit weird about that and even fearful of rejection during the process. But there's always something in the back of my mind urging me to do whatever it is anyway. The way I look at it is, what's the point in being here if you're not going to just do whatever it takes. Ever since I've started doing everything that I wanted, I've practiced this philosophy pretty hardcore - I definitely wouldn't be here doing all of this if it weren't for this mentality and not giving a shit about anyone's negative thoughts.



Lately, I've been making a lot clothes for myself (I get a bit distracted when I'm working on 16th Colony stuff in my studio). Anyway, I knocked out this little crop number before my trip to Miami - you may recognize the lace trim from the Blythe Poncho.

I've noticed that every single time I wear a piece that I personally designed someone stops to ask me about it. It's of course a great opportunity to chat with them a bit and tell what where it came from but it also makes me feel like everything is falling into place. Every bold move or crazy idea put into action - everything's where it's suppose to be.



Photos shot on the rooftop of the Townhouse in South Beach, FL.

Crop Top - Custom made by yours truly, Shorts - H&M, Shoes - Lulu's.com

GET LOST

Over the weekend I had the chance to immerse myself in designing the next collection.

The best way for me to do this is to first set the mood - light candles, turn on some music, my space even needs to be straightened up. It sounds very romantic, I know - but that's how I feel about art I suppose.

A lot of times, especially when I have extended hours to myself to devote to whatever art I'm creating - I literally get a natural high off of it. Friday, I spent the whole night going through inspiration I've pulled and starting sketching away. The time flies and there's such a freedom to just putting an idea on paper knowing it could turn into real life someday (or not) and I'm to say. For obvious reasons, I won't be sharing those sketches, but I am really looking forward to putting the concepts that I chose, to life. After nailing down the sketch and idea, I spent some of the weekend draping fabric on my dress form and drafting patterns.

Anyway, back to the romanticism in art. When I'm in this mood, experiencing such liberation and the paper and sketch tools are out, sometimes I don't want to stop or I'm inspired (distracted) by something else. Hence, the skull sketch. My entire life, ever since I was a kid, I would find peace in listening to music and creating some type of art - whether it be sketching or painting. I got lost working on this skull and listening to Lorde's album 'Pure Heroine' on repeat. That's the other thing, a lot of times I'll find myself playing one album over and over - this usually aids in carrying on a consistent mood or feeling. And is probably why it's so easy to get lost and lose track of time. That's the best part and it's crazy to look back and think this has been a part of me since forever and I won't stop.

Here are a few of my favorites from Lorde:

I love the line, "Because I'm doing this for the thrill of it, killin' it. Never not chasing a million things I want."

LIVE FREE

Today's a reminder to live in the moment and take a deep breath.

I've noticed lately that between all that I'm doing with my clothing brand 16th Colony, Hanger Shortage and filming for other fashion brands, things get a bit hectic and stressful. So instead of drowning in the lists of demands and being self critical that I'm not getting 'enough' done - I've decided to step back take a look at everything from another perspective and remember that I am living exactly as I have intended.

Cleobella Crochet Dress

It's important to keep in mind that you have the freedom to create your own path in life. All the things you've always wanted to do - go do them.

Although there are the inevitable struggles, that's just part of the process. In the end, it's all worth it.

Free People textured slip dress

When I was in South Beach, you could say I felt very 'in the moment'. I'm definitely planning on carrying on with this mood.



Dress, Cleobella - Slip, Free People - Shoes, Shopsosie.com

16th COLONY: AMERICAN SONORAN COLLECTION

In case you haven't had a chance to browse the new collection on the 16th Colony site, I've brought the lookbook to you here on the blog.

American Sonoran is my third collection for 16th Colony and with each one I can see and feel the brand come to life more and more. As I've probably mentioned before, I think whatever you're creating speaks more loud and clear when you stay true to yourself and your vision. I'm super ecstatic with the way this collection turned out.



I really wanted to shoot in Joshua Tree. First of all, I haven't been there and really wanted to go, plus it was the perfect spot to shoot the new Fall ponchos. We shot at this perfectly weird motel off the side of the road and afterward in the desert - I wanted lots of Yuccas. Lots.



My beautiful model, Brittnei did such an amazing job and was able to easily understand the entire mood I was going for. The underlying statement in this collection is that 'not all who wander are lost, but rather free'. I love that when I scroll through the photos and watch the vid that it's conveyed just as I had hoped.



Anyway, on to the next - I've been thinking about Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter for 2014 and started to get concepts in place. I also, checked out the LA Textile market last week and have a lot of ideas with all the fabric inspiration I got out of it. Stay tuned :)

In the meantime, you can view the entire lookbook and shop on 16thColony.com

FLORIDA: PART II: KEY WEST

Whew, I almost forgot about Part II.

If you've in some way, some how, missed Part I, you could always check it out here. But anyway, after roaming around Miami for a few days I made my way down to Key West. This was my first time there and I was actually really looking forward to the long scenic drive.



To be completely honest, Key West wasn't exactly what I had expected. I've been to the Caribbean, so in my head I was imagining The Keys to be somewhat similar - fine sandy beaches and crystal clear blue-green waters. In fact it wasn't really like the Caribbean at all but it did have a unique charm of its own.

I rented a bicycle to cruise around the small town one afternoon. I really loved the cottage style homes and bed and breakfasts'. Riding around ended up being one of my fave parts of the whole trip - I felt very free during those moments.



Of course, I had to stop in at the infamous Glazed Donuts. I kind of forgot where I read about this place initially but it doesn't matter since I made it there. These donuts were so tasty and I should know since one of my top priorities in life is 'sweets'. So anyway, I got Cinnamon Sugar (duh) and it hit the spot.



Don't fret about Part II being over and done with - I'll be posting a bit more from this trip soon.