Ragdoll LA

I am just going to lay it all out there - I live for sweats, cozy tees, and oversized sweatshirts. My parents literally had to limit my sweat pant purchases growing up because I seemed to fall in love with every pair I saw. Even to this day, when I walk through our front door, I am in comfy clothes faster than anything, with a candle lit and a cup of Sakara tea by my side. With all of this said, my excitement when relaxing ensembles were deemed appropriate for public appearance was on another level.I love when random decisions turn into the best realizations. My parents were in town last month, and we ran into Kreation on 3rd Street for a juice and popped into a store called Ragdoll. My mom and I were immediately lost in the effortless essentials - the vintage sweatshirts, the most perfect puffy sweaters, and the casual tees. The lovely founder and designer, Lisa Larson, came out for a quick visit, which made me feel even more appreciation for the brand.I have so much respect for family owned businesses, and I love Lisa's story and how she describes her brand : "Just like me, Ragdoll is a mix of European chic and slouchy Los Angeles lifestyle. From LA I like the very casual way you dress, and from Europe I love the aesthetic and colors. I'm a Ragdoll. I like to dressy classy with a touch of sexy, vintage, and rock 'n' roll."I couldn't help but leave the store with two sweatsuits; the blush pink sweatshirt and track pants might be my favorite, and I couldn't leave without the classic black sweats and coordinating pullover. They are perfect for travel days, running errands around bustling LA, and they are oh so perfect for a cozy night in lounging on the couch with takeout food watching This Is Us.SaveSave

Trunk Club: Shopping Made Easy

Who else seems to get slightly overwhelmed by the idea of shopping? And, yes, all of you fashion lovers and shopping gurus, I am talking to you too! A planned retail excursion is fun every once in a while, but the carrying of bags and potential purchases, the dressing room lines, the parking struggle, and the absence of a friend who can say 'yay' or 'nay' to your choices can just be purely stressful. Not to mention, don't clothes seem to look different on you in your own closet than they do in a store mirror? On another note, can we all agree how returns are dreadful and time consuming?Problem solved. Meet Trunk Club, a styling hub that carries high-end clothing from approximately 70 brands. It is not a subscription service. It is based on the timing of your clothing needs. Let me fill you in on how it works: First, you have a fun and casual conversation with your dedicated personal stylist discussing the clothes you are drawn to, what you feel is missing in your closet, and key pieces you are hunting for. This phone chat made me so excited from the start! The goal: every piece in your closet should look great on you. Having a professional do the tough work is relieving + they make the process enjoyable and interesting!Next step: a trunk shows up at your front door with an array of outfits inside. Yes, shoes included! Option two: You can meet your stylist at the Clubhouse for a fitting in person. This is what I did, and I brought my bestie with me, which made it extra fun! What I loved about my time with my stylist, Audrey, is that I could tell she understood my style - her goal was not to push trends on me but rather to find the perfect pieces for my needs, including basics and statement worthy numbers. It was so fun to discuss what I could really use while trying everything on + I felt so accomplished after the fitting session! Not to mention, Audrey got a better sense of my style even more after our first meeting. I love the fact that I could work with her for a lifetime!Our main focus was to give my wardrobe a Spring refresh. I wanted a good pair of platform espadrilles, a go-to party dress, some cropped flare pants, and some basic investments, such as a neutral blazer, tan pumps that go with everything, and a solid leather jacket. We found them all. Excitement. On. Another. Level. 

all american in the cold.

I never want winter to go away, yet I will probably retract this statement when ShopBop spring editorials start filling my inbox.

The Art of Julie Michel

I came across an email one day from my fabulous stylist friend introducing me to a concept that was a bit foreign to me, yet it intrigued me quite a bit. He highly suggested that I meet Julie Michel, a So Cal native yet Texas girl that decided to blend two of her talents: art and fashion.  He explained to me that she started a clothing line five years ago where she digitally prints her art onto fabric. I initially thought, "hmmm, this sounds like it could be either really good or a bit frightening," so I jumped over to her website for a sneak peak. I was pleasantly surprised, but it wasn't until I was playing in her in-home studio that I felt utterly amazed. The fabrics are sublime. The silhouettes are on-trend, sexy, and flattering, and side note: her paintings are beyond. She told me to pick a few pieces to try on, and that was a struggle. I wanted to try on the entire rack of designs! They were that good. They were that statement making. Oh and must I mention, they are completely work-worthy. Plus, they flawlessly reflect her love for color, just as her art portfolio does.The plus signs to her work:#1 I heart small businesses because they exude risk, hard work, and the desire to accomplish a dream.#2 Everything is manufactured in Dallas, Texas.#3 She prints natural fabrics with her own art so that you won't find it anywhere else in the world. Wait...one more thing...did I mention that she creates pillows, note cards, and phone cases (just to name a few) straight from her artwork too?? Hi, stocking stuffers or #bestgiftever.

"It is so fun to see my artwork animated by stylish wearers. My styles are simple and clean so the art can speak."