AGENDA + EMERGE

It was that time of year again to lurk around the Agenda Show in Long Beach.

So of course another recap is in order. A lot of brands were doing some great things - especially with a major presence '90's' influence. From what I saw it was executed pretty well and not overdone. Anyway, here are a few brands that caught my eye as I scoured the Convention Center aisles.



Right away, I noticed that the action sports brand Lira had expanded their women's collection and it was really well curated. The swimwear and cut off shorts were spot on. However, I was really lusting over their graphic tees - mostly this badass muscle tank.



Montreal based brand Uranium made an appearance in Southern California. Their roots stem from snowboarding and skate so it's pretty appropriate that they made it out to the show. The pieces really stood out and had a unique trait about them - come to find out, their mantra is to be 'positively energized' and I like how that's encompassed into the designs.



I got lured into the Iron and Resin booth first because of the motorcycle with Ural attached (I'm a sucker for a bike) but then I ended up hanging around for the cool graphic apparel and accessories. Some in which were bandanas and shop rags for bikes. I really like how they've set up their brand in that it's very apparent for what they stand for. All of their goods are handcrafted and printed one at a time here in California.



Asphalt Yacht Club, the brand new skate apparel company endorsed by Stevie Williams, Stefan Janoski and Nyjah Huston, made their debut at Agenda. This collaboration reflects a combination of skate culture, street style and contemporary fashion. Their full line of tees, fleece, cut-and-sew tops and denim focuses mainly on comfort and style meant for life both on and off the board.

Thanks to Abegail from AYC's PR team for the hospitality and the invite to the Malibu Launch Party - these Viewmaster invitations were great.

After roaming the aisles of Agenda I had the opportunity to attend Emerge. This was a pretty rad conference with speakers who talked not only about building successful brands but also about a lot of the deeper meaning and what it all takes to get there. Amongst the panel were jeffstaple, Johnny Cupcakes, and Bobby Hundreds.



I always knew I wanted to live the life of a dreamer - to accomplish things that fulfilled me in indescribable ways. Things that have real meaning. I've always followed my passion but not until recently in the past couple years have I been able to completely encompass my life with only these things. I've learned a lot of concepts that I now hold as truths and have helped me continue down this path.

I hung on to basically every word from jeffstaple considering his philosophy aligns similarly to mine. One of my favorite concepts that he discussed was "Never let anyone tell you 'no'. Find another way in."

This is literally something I live by on the daily. Big or small. If you want something don't let anyone tell you that you can't or aren't allowed. If you really want it, you'll find a way. Trust me. Of course, this can be looked upon as breaking the rules but what difference can you make by following the same guidelines as everyone else?

DREAMWEAVER

My summer collection is derived from a vintage aesthetic, using soft delicate fabrics and lace.

When I was laying out the shot list for this video I wanted to depict a very deep moody vibe. I think it speaks to the romantic sentimental side of a dreamer and beyond that, the rule breaker. I love producing these video lookbooks - it gives me such a rush to have the collection come to life in this medium.

There's of course a photo lookbook too - feel free to browse on over to the 16th Colony site.

VEGAS BOUND

In just a couple weeks I'll be heading off to Las Vegas once again for PROJECT/MAGIC.

This time it really snuck up on me. As I'm starting to prep for it, make travel arrangements and think about what cute outfits to bring, I figured I would post a few photos from last time. I really look forward to spotting new brands that catch my eye but it's also great to see some of the same great ones time and again.

Catching up with Black Swan designer Rachel Anne and talking about the new collection - she's a true inspiration.

Outfit - 16th Colony poncho, Flying Monkey denim, Brandy Melville muscle tank

When I make my way over to Magic I always stop by Willow & Clay and BB Dakota - they're some of my faves.

Checking out Nila Anthony with Mel from Shout PR

Outfit - Black Swan dress and vest

BLYTHE FILMS

So you guys are aware that I make these Hanger Shortage vids but maybe you didn't know that I also shoot for Fashion brands.

I started the Hanger Shortage Style Videos as a fun creative outlet. It's allowed me to meet so many great ambitious people along the way - even people behind the scenes that aren't necessarily in the videos. Then it lead me to start thinking about other short web vids that I wanted to produce for the site, like the Season Looks videos where I share my favorite outfits and the short Lumi vid where I sewed up a knit top from scratch and used Inkodye to stencil on a tribal pattern I designed.

Eventually, fashion brands and PR companies began to approach me about producing web video content for them as well. At that point, Blythe Films was born and I've been creating behind-the-scenes and 'video lookbooks' for several brands for the past few months now. Anyway, I've been waiting a while to start sharing all the vids with you guys - since they're all produced months in advance for the upcoming fashion seasons.

So, here's a look at the behind-the-scenes for the Willow & Clay Fall 2013 photoshoot - make sure to play it in HD. I love this line and it was great to work on set with their team and Shout PR. Definitely excited about their Fall Collection - so many awesome styles.

CEEK

When I was showing my line at LA Market last month I had the chance to meet the lovely girls behind Ceek Jewelry.

Immediately, I was so drawn to the collection - their pieces are truly different and creative. Esther and Carter are based here in Orange County and have been designing the line for about 3 years. It definitely embodies a type of Southwestern boho vibe but also with a unique twist. After chatting with the girls, I realized they are pretty methodical about the design process. I loved hearing how meticulous they are about everything and the stories behind their pieces. They've done some cool stuff like taking vintage objects as inspiration and creating their own molds to design original pieces from them.



I feel like so many brands are making things that are all the same so it was inspiring to talk to the Ceek girls about how they are dedicated to creating totally original pieces that are made here in California. They chose to produce their line locally so that they can oversee every detail throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring that everything comes out as they've envisioned it. When it comes down to it, I think it's this special attention to detail that draws me to brands like Ceek.



I can't wait to bug them about letting me use some of their pieces for my upcoming 16th Colony Fall shoot. I think the jewelery will fit in perfectly with some of the new ponchos.

Anyway, when you go on your next crazy internet shopping spree make sure to keep Ceek in mind and check out their site.

PONCHOS AND THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER

Happy first day of Summer - the new 16th Colony collection is here!

The shoot was a few weeks ago at Victoria Beach in Laguna. I discovered this hidden gem of a place a few months back when I was doing a shoot for Locale Magazine. At that moment, I knew that it'd be the perfect spot for the Summer Ponchos to come to life. From that time until the shoot as I would sketch out the designs and sew each of the samples, the story was feeding into my imagination. So once the shoot rolled around I was ready and each shot was specifically planned out according to this vision.



Having the beach tent was crucial - so when I went back to AZ last month I put my dad to work and had him help me assemble this from scratch. You know, just DIYing and stuff, no big deal. Anyway, seriously it was pretty easy. Grab a few of poplar dowels, some of those wood moulding things, crochet fabric and then drill a few holes and you're all set.



The inspiration for the Dreamweaver collection was inspired by soft delicate fabrics and trims with a vintage aesthetic. To me it's all sort of moody too. There's a defining freedom that lives in this collection.



I always say that I love a good lookbook but a video lookbook expresses the intensity of a collection's story and mood even more so. Needless to say, I'm working on an edit for the Dreamweaver collection. I'll let you know when it's done. Until then, if you're interested you can check out more of the photos on the 16th Colony site.

DAYCATION

Yesterday, I was whisked away to San Juan Capistrano for the afternoon.

Even though I live so close, I've actually never been. So it was really great to get out and do some exploring - it's nice to pretend like you're on a mini vacay.



Outfit details you ask? Denim vest - Lost for her. Dress - total random find in Downtown LA. Cut out sandals from Sosie. And of course, one of my most favorite rings ever the 'Buried Treasure Ring' by the lovely Mr. Kate.

I'm obsessed with this mailbox.



The Downtown San Juan Capistrano area is super cute and filled with various antique shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors (yum). But a lot of the unique places were actually kind of hidden on the west side of the train track in a lush area of trees/cacti/rose bushes. Perfect spot for whipping out the camera.



Anyway, I'm glad Summer is finally here - I'm pretty sure it's my fave season to dress for.

LA MARKET

In my last post I mentioned that some other Summer adventures that will be taking place, so guess what - I'll be at LA Market this week!

I have an awesome opportunity to show my 16th Colony Fall Collection and I couldn't be more grateful and excited to be in this position. This entire week leading up to it has been more crazy than usual (which is pretty much borderline insanity). I've been prepping everything like a mad woman and pretty much loving every second of it - the massive coffee intake doesn't hurt either.

Anyway, I'll be in the Nothing to Wear Showroom in the Copper Design Space, Mezzanine 2 this Monday-Thursday - come and say what's up if you're around.