LIFE IN IPHONE PHOTOS - JULY EDITION

I'm constantly snapping photos everywhere I go.

It's really to the point where my friends give me curious looks and I'm yelling at my mom to not move the ice cream, because I've already positioned it perfectly (just kidding - I would never yell at my mom).

But seriously, I hold up the show a lot just because I want the pic. For me it actually kind of helps slow life down just a bit. I end up really appreciating the moment that I'm in. My life is too fast paced and busy as it is - I mean the months literally fly by and I have no idea how. So, anyway I've decided that since there are so many fun photos I don't share via twitter or instagram (I don't want to bombard you, geez) and I'd like to start posting the 'outtakes' from each month. Enjoy.

AZ Fourth of July

Modern Manor Art

Weekend Mornings

Alcazar - Palm Springs

Customizations

Fabric Picking - L.A. Fashion District

Bottomless Mimosas

I really miss this

Sabor x Revok - Known Gallery

DESIGNER PROFILE : BRIANA RENE

Recently I met Briana Ellison who owns a boutique and designs a jewelry line named Briana Rene.

After visiting with her at her store a few weeks ago, it was only fitting to meet up with her again at her home in Laguna Beach where her jewelry work station is set up. She began designing and handcrafting her jewelry line about 3 years ago and has since opened up her own boutique at the OC Mart Mix.

The store is super cute and well put together. She carries a bunch of great clothing and jewelry lines along with her own. I spoke to Briana about her buying process as she makes it out to MAGIC/PROJECT in Vegas twice a year to find the best new collections to fit her boutique.

Amazing custom wedding necklace



On top of everything else, Briana also creates custom wedding jewelry and designs some pretty unique pieces for bridal parties. I love this idea and think it'd be a pretty fun little niche to be in.



It was cool to not only see some of the pieces from her line, but to also check out her individual style and other influences. Her personal jewelry collection was pretty awesome and I love how she displayed it on her DIY crafted wall frame.



Anyway, pretty fun chatting it up with Briana - she's super talented and I'm excited for her and all the things that she has going on. Next time you're in Costa Mesa, make sure to pop into her store and say 'Hi'. Also, thanks to Karli for setting everything up.

PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS

So, last week I went to Laguna Beach for some tacos and the Pageant of the Masters.

First of all, it was a good combo - tried Taco Loco on PCH and it was pretty good - I'll be going back for sure. And Pageant of the Masters is a must. The last time I went was over 10 years ago, so I was excited to check it out again.

Basically, it's a show of 'living pictures' - paintings are recreated using real people. The sets and lighting are seriously incredible and the recreations look just like the original paintings except life size.



It's held in an outdoor amphitheater, so I made sure to bundle up in my beloved poncho.



I wish we had more time to walk through the art festival a little more beforehand - unfortunately, spent a bit too much time munching on tacos.

Anyway, my favorite part was the van Gogh segment. I definitely won't wait another 10 years to go again.

MODERN MANOR

Found out recently that an old friend of mine now owns a vintage store called Modern Manor.



It's in the heart of Phoenix and I checked it out when I was there last. It's a really cool place and well curated. There was some great art that I found inspiring and also a super badass Indian motorcycle - so you really can't go wrong.



The warehouse has been around for a couple years and is owned by Kylie and her husband Ryan. Not only are they running the store, but they've also started a project building teddy bears using scrap vintage upholstery - which I thought was a pretty cool and unique idea.



Anyway, I spent a while looking at all the decor and details - these two have done a really great job with the setup and picking out pretty rad pieces. This is the place to go for a totally different find.

ROOSEVELT ROW ARTS DISTRICT

Even though I lived in Phoenix for years before making the move to Southern California, I never made it over to Roosevelt Row Arts District.

When I was back in AZ earlier this month I stopped by. First of all, it was really hot. I mean, really. I've sort of been missing the heat, except for at this point I didn't at all. Anyway, it was worth it - tons of little shops, art galleries and cafes.



Made boutique was pretty cool and there was actually a small art gallery, Eye Lounge, attached to it and currently on display is art by Lee Davis.



There's a ton of character in this neighborhood. Literally street, sidewalk and wall art everywhere - I couldn't stop snapping photos, even though I was melting in the heat.



So yeah, mark it on your 'Things To Do While In Phoenix' list.

GROVES ANTIQUE MARKET

Every first Sunday of the month Groves Antique Market is at the Great Park in Orange County.

I went for the first time this month and loved it. There are seriously so many things that I wanted (and I had a feeling, which is why I left my purse in the car). Vintage heaven - there was everything from jewelry to furniture and decor. All different price ranges too, which was pretty cool.

Ongoing search for the perfect locket



I was literally drawn to this booth in particular - it really spoke it me. Super well curated and some really great pieces. Anyway, it's run by this cute mother/daughter team and called 'Liz & Me' - check it out if you go.



Next time, I'm going to grab an antler or two. I'm pretty much convinced that it's a must.

Admittedly, I went back to the car so I could snag a few of these antique bottles. They were only $3 each though, so don't judge. Geez.

PRINTING WITH SUNSHINE

Hey, remember my tribal fringe top video from a couple months back?

That was just one example demonstrating how to use Lumi Inkodye.



If you missed the vid before, don't panic - it's right here. Anyway, as I've previously mentioned, I really love this product and find it super fun and easy to use with endless creative possibilities. And actually recently, Lumi has expanded their line and getting ready to introduce things like a special textile soap, transparency sheets and an iPhone app that helps create negatives from your photos. I really want that app by the way - it seems super legit.

So, if you feel like getting creative and want to use some of this cool dye, check out Lumi's kickstarter page here. There are some example photos of other projects and a pretty cool vid if you have a second.

IN THE MIX

Shout PR invited me to their OC Blogger event last week - pretty exciting.

It was held at the OC Mart Mix which was the perfect venue. I had a ton of fun chatting, crafting and drinking wine with other local bloggers - all of whom were very cute and fashionable of course.



Shout PR did a great job hosting the event. There were some awesome giveaways. I scored this super cute mint purse from Lulu's. I also really liked this outfit from Lost, which was paired with some lacy white shorts.



I actually hadn't been to the OC Mart before. It was pretty cool though, there's little boutiques, cafes and a wine bar inside. I'm coming back for sure - Girl's Night... who's in?



So yeah, cool event and killer gift bag. Special thanks to Erika at Shout PR.

SNEAK PEEK: STONE_COLD_FOX

Recently, I met up with Cydney and Dallas of Stone_Cold_Fox at their humble abode in Venice.

I decided to leak a few photos of the shoot early, just so everyone can get as amped up as I am about the upcoming vid.

Olive



We had so much fun filming - after going through the footage I realized we laughed almost the whole time. But don't worry, we were also able to get down to business for part of the shoot and get a look inside both of their closets.

Anyway, get excited...