Hello May!

I hope you spent your first day of May exploring and enjoying!

‘It’s never too late to be who you might have been.’ George Elliot

When I reflect on my past year, it’s hard to believe that so much as happened.

In 1 year I,

1. Became engaged.

2. Graduated with my bachelors degree (yay!).

3. Opened a store.

4. Broke off my engagement (don’t be sad, this is a good thing).

5. Closed my store (bittersweet, but for the best).

6. Last but not least, took some much needed time for myself.

And I have never been happier.

Looking at my list, it’s no surprise that blogging took a back seat, but it’s really no excuse. Having “me” time is just as important as everything else that you do in your day.  This past year was full (to the brim!) with lessons, some learned the hard way.  By far, the most important lesson was that I needed to slow down and enjoy the present; stop looking to the past, and focusing too hard on the future. There’s so much beauty in the simplicity of life, and I’m happy to say that for the first time in years, I have spent many evenings just watching the sunset that’s in my backyard, feeling grateful for where I am today.

My new favorite sport: Dune Frisbee

Shell Beach sunset

Edna Valley fog fighting with the sun

RIP my beautiful store, so much love

“NYC: Tolerant of your beliefs, judgmental of your shoes.”

While New Yorkers are dying of heat, I must say that us Californians are enjoying some wonderful (and in some areas cooler than normal) weather.  One of my dear friends made a pit stop in New York for a week before heading out of the country, and she was kind enough to send me some beautiful pictures of her sweaty vacation.  And if you are curious about the title of this post, zoom in on the sign in the last picture.

 

 

 

 

 

The end of street style…says who?

Lately I’ve seen several articles that claim that they end of style blogging is near.  Now, normally  I don’t try to dissect people’s articles, because everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I felt so strongly (and a bit confused) about this one that I had to speak my mind.

For those who don’t know, IFB (Independent Fashion Bloggers) is a website and community where bloggers can meet, discuss, and support other fashion bloggers.  They often post articles about new and upcoming bloggers, blog related how-to’s, and words of advice for newbies.  However, when they posted an article suggesting that street style blogging is over-saturated and losing its “cool factor,” I was baffled.  I may be wrong, but I would assume that a large amount of their readers and subscribers are street style bloggers.  Suggesting that their love (and possibly career) may be fading away, could seem like a little slap in the face to some people.  Now I may be a little biased because I love street style, and I obviously write a blog that focuses on style in general, so in order to stay somewhat objective, I will point out that I agree with IFB  on a few things:

IFB says that there are countless style blogs out there today, and that number continues to grow.  I concur.  There are many many many more style blogs today than there were even a few years ago, nobody can ignore that fact.  The article also states that trends, especially fashion trends, are cyclical.  Absolutely!  Remember the Chanel clogs from 2010?  Did I just have a 70’s flashback?  Yea, I will admit that I have expressed a lack of admiration for clogs in previous years..but those Chanels were looking pretty good after a while…

With the growing number of style blogs out there, people will have to figure out a way to differentiate their site from others, otherwise risk becoming lost in the sea of style.  But in my opinion (and that’s all this really is, just my own personal ramblings), street style will only become more popular as time goes on.  It may fade for a little while, but will only come back stronger in future years.  Won’t it be cool for future generations, or even our future children and future grandchildren, to be able to look at countless photos of us during our “stylish” years.  They will get to see not only our style, but the style evolution and cycle of so many other “fashionistas” who were kind enough to share themselves with the world.  I only wish that blogs existed back when my grandparents and great-grandparents lived so I could check out street style from a time period that I have only glimpsed at through books, or a few yellowed family photos.

LA Fashion Market 2012

Too much has happened over the past few weeks for me to write about in detail (without going off on random tangents).  So here’s a quick summary: Graduated from college, check.  Made a career choice to open my own retail store, check.  Signed the lease for my new store, check.  Went to LA Fashion Market less than 24 hours after graduating to buy for my store, check.  Currently spending every waking moment on something store related, check check.  And now here’s a few photos that can explain the past few weeks better than I can.

Tassel switch!

Beautiful showrooms, Ocean, Park, etc…

Our lunchtime spot right across the street from the CMC, Nature Leaf Cafe.