IN OTHER NEWS...

Recently, I've been hit up by a few different people and feel honored to be a part of their blogs. So, I thought I'd share a few of those links with you guys today.



Fashion Accelerator 360 is a site that offers a variety of online courses that focused mainly on fashion and are instructed by established industry experts. Their blog highlights other people in the industry and a few weeks ago they interviewed me and we discussed topics like work/life balance, 16th Colony, etc. Read the full interview here at FA360 Blog.



The 'OC Style Report' girls, Rachael and Natalie have an amazing site and highlight everything from local boutiques, designers and style looks and outfits together. The first time we all met up, we instantly clicked. These girls are really doing awesome things within the Orange County community. Anyway, browse the full article and interview, here on OCSR.



Sarah of 'Juggling in Heels' blog paid me a visit at my studio. We sipped coffee, chatted and she got a preview of the new Fall/Winter 2014 collection - and looked adorable in the pieces I might add. She snapped a few photos and wrote such a nice article on her blog - check it out.



Joellen from 'JoellenLove' blog recently rocked the 16th Colony Tucson poncho and nailed it. Such a babe - see how she styled it all together on her post here.

BLYTHE FILMS - SHOUT PR

This project has been in the works for a while.

Shout PR is an Orange County based public relations company focusing on lifestyle and fashion brands. I've actually spent the last 10 months filming all the various parts of this film and then of course, editing it. From going to Vegas for PROJECT/ENK/MAGIC, blogger events they've hosted and spending time in their offices. Because the owner, Erika and her team are so genuine and take such initiative and care with their clients, I've really enjoyed working on this film.

I think the importance of videos right now is crucial - a simple 'About' page on a website sometimes isn't enough to separate yourself. They're just words on a screen compared to having true personality shown on film. You can get a much better feel for a person or a company. I'm really happy with how this video turned out for Shout PR. Hope you guys enjoy!

POW! WOW! HAWAII

I've been meaning to share my experience at Pow Wow .

In February, I had the chance to head out to Oahu for a week for a little vacay, and to explore the art scene. Pow Wow is a really amazing event that is held once a year in the Kaka'ako district of Honolulu. Artists from Hawaii and around the world come together to create wall murals and art. It's a very organic and authentic event and about true artists creating, just for the sake for their passion. I love that it's really non-commercialized.



Kamea Hadar, an artist and one of the co-founders, has a family property where most of the artists are housed. His entire place was opened up to them, along with a few random houseboats that are scattered around the huge property in North Shore.

Anyway, at the end of the week, a big celebration party was held at this house. It was really great to meet a bunch of passionate and creative people and witness something so real. I really hope to make it out there year after year and watch Pow Wow Hawaii's growth.



Soon, I'll definitely post some photos from the actual wall murals. Here's a link to a video of Kamea if you're curious before then. - POW! WOW! HAWAII

If you're an art lover like me then I think you'll really appreciate the movement.

16th COLONY : FLASH SALE

Who's excited for our first Flash Sale?

I want you guys to be ready for Festival Season and make sure you have a piece that is fun, different and stands out. So, go ahead and indulge in this amazing sale with 40% off all styles on the entire 16th Colony site. It only lasts until Sunday, April 6th and I'll be honest, some styles are super limited. Enter 'flash40' at checkout!

5 MUST-HAVES : COACHELLA STYLE

Whether you plan on going or not, the reality is that Coachella is approaching fast.

Festival season is not only an exciting time in terms of rocking out to music and frolicking around the grounds with your besties, but also a great excuse to channel your inner hippie. While the most sought after accessory is the ever so glamourous, all-access VIP wristband, I've hand selected 5 other Must-Haves for Festival Season. And if you won't be attending a show coming up, it's still okay to be inspired by the 'boho babe' look and start gearing up your Spring wardrobe.

A bit of fringe is definitely necessary and Lira's Dakota dress gives you just that in a fun and subtle way. Don't forget, it's super important to layer - those desert nights get a bit chilly and who doesn't like wearing a stylish 'blanket' in public? Definitely get your hands on a festival inspired poncho by 16th Colony and stand out from the crowd. Another must-have is a bit of jewelry that tells a story - Los Angeles accessories designer Monica Squitieri creates beautiful pieces that are inspired by tide pools, desert spires and valleys of gold. And as for the shoes, I chose something that's a cross between a bootie and a sandal from Lulus.com. Top off the whole look with a unique flower crown handcrafted by designer Sabreen Wilkes of Gardenhead - this will definitely bring out the free spirit in you.



1. Dress: Lira Clothing - Dakota Dress

2. Poncho: 16th Colony - Tucson Poncho

3. Flower Crown: Gardenhead - Goldie Crown

4. Rings: Monica Squitieri - Rincon Ring Trio

5. Leather Sandals: Lulu's.com - Report Signature Darian

LURKING AT LACMA

A couple of weekends ago I was in LA filming.

Since I was in the area, I figured it was a good opportunity to hit up LACMA. The Turrell exhibit was apparently sold out though, so instead I just lurked around the grounds for a while.

I'm not that bummed about it though - I was really just happy to be outside now that California is starting to tease us with Spring weather. Plus, it's a good excuse to just go back to LACMA again real soon.

Anyway, happy Friday. This weekend I'll be working on a pretty cool Festival Style post. So make sure to stay tuned - I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat.



Pants, Zara - Poncho, 16th Colony (duh)- Necklace, Vanessa Mooney

SHOP PROFILE : ISLA

Spring has officially hit, which usually causes major Spring Fever, then resulting to a major desire to shop.

And if you're on a mission to scout out a store with completely different brands to make up your spring wardrobe, then the Laguna Beach boutique Isla is your spot.

Owner Stephanie Schwartz set up Isla as the go-to boutique for all your beach essentials. Which is a pretty appropriate theme, considering she had named it after her favorite vacay destination, the Mexican beachtown Isla De Las Mujeres, meaning 'Island of the Women'. Pretty perfect, right?



Stephanie really does an incredible job making Isla stand out by buying various brands from both well known and also up-and-coming designers. Carried in the store are lines like, Cleobella, Flynn Skye, Kivari, Isla James and Gypsy Hawaii, just to name a few. In fact, they even carry my poncho line, 16th Colony.

Anyway lucky for you, if there's a certain piece you've been gawking over on social media quickly that sold out at Isla, then Stephanie definitely has your back and will make sure to get it ordered especially for you. No more being bummed out when a store is out of stock on that must have item you've been wanting.



You can always count on Stephanie to be super active in the Laguna Beach community. Every month she'll hold a trunk show during Laguna Beach Art Walk with some of the designers that she carries. If you're lucky, you can usually snag a glass of wine while you're shopping your little heart out.

Shop Mascot - Willis



And if for some reason you can't make it to Isla weekly as all their new arrivals come in, then you can definitely stalk their online store . Store manager Brittany Bullard works diligently on designing the site and making sure you're up to date on what's hitting the store floor.



So next time you're down in Laguna, stop by and see these girls.

Isla Boutique - 1330 S Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA 92651

LAS VEGAS : ENK

After being in Hawaii for a week, I headed straight to Vegas for ENK.

I landed in LAX at 6AM and got to Sin City by dinner time. Pretty much a whirlwind schedule. Anyway, here are a few flicks from the trip.

Since I only made it to the show for one day, I stuck with scouting out just ENK and POOL. Lots of great stuff obviously, plus I really loved the set-up for ENK. The 'Oasis' spots were decorated so perfectly - such a nice touch.



At Pool, I scoured through all the booths and found a few really great brands. I definitely loved checking out Son of a Sailor - they had some pretty unique jewelry. Also, 'Hello, Friend' and Jakimac stood out from the crowd as well.

I always enjoy checking out the curation of art on display at Pool too.



And finally, what's Vegas without a night out in a fancy dress? I whipped up this polka dot number a few months back.

Anyway, the whole trip was quick but super fun and I'm glad I didn't miss the opportunity to roam the upcoming collections.

RAINY HAWAIIAN AFTERNOONS

Hanauma Bay

Oh hey, it's good to be back. To the blogging game that is, not Hawaii, I actually wouldn't mind being in Hawaii right about now.

Anyway, there was a fair warning that I'd be absent as I finished up the latest 16th Colony collection. The last few weeks I've been stuck in a time warp. It's been seriously hectic and full of sleepless nights but thankfully it all turned out really great. I'm happy with the end product, the photoshoot and the way LA Market played out. Can't wait to show all of you.

In the middle of all of this, I was actually really lucky to hang out in Oahu for a week. I left everything behind and did some major relaxing and was extremely present while enjoying everything Hawaii has to offer.



One of the days, I went snorkeling in this very secluded bay tucked away from the city and main beaches. It's called Hanauma Bay and I can only describe it as 'magical'. It was such a breathtaking and serene place.

It rained a lot while I was there. I probably didn't get out to the sandy beaches as much as I had imagined but it actually worked out for the best. One of my favorite parts of the trip was watching the rain fall down from my hotel balcony. It was a real simple, peaceful afternoon. I sat there until the sun had vanished from behind the clouds and darkness fell all while in the distance, a live band starting playing into the night.



Top, designed by yours truly - Shorts, beach town find