#SHOPLOCAL

This Saturday!

I'm excited to announce that I'll be at Prism Boutique on Saturday with my line 16th Colony for 'Small Business Saturday'. Sip on bubbly and snack on delicious cupcakes as you browse around. I'll have an entire rack of ponchos there in addition to what is already in stock at Prism. Not to mention, I've designed something major - hint: it's not poncho! I'll be debuting a brand new style that will be exclusive to Prism on Small Biz Saturday.

Also, other amazing independent designers will be there with their goods. Including, Skydog Jewelry, Yiyi Mendoza Ceramics and Urban Botanicals. See you guys there!

#ShopLocal

SWELL BEAUTY x HANGER SHORTAGE

Dee of Swell Beauty and I have been wanting to work together on a fun project for a while. I was beyond excited to finally make it happen with her.

Typically, I don't fuss much with my hair and makeup. With my schedule there really isn't a lot of time for me to deal with it - I'm a lot more focused on getting out the door to work and create. Half the time I don't even wash my hair. So when Dee and I discussed what should be done as far as a tutorial, we both agreed it would make sense to do something that speaks to my personality and style. She went for a edgy-boho look with minimal 'fuss' with the makeup and for the hair she nailed it with a wild half topknot.

What I absolutely love about Dee is her incredible creativity. I've actually been lucky enough to work with her on a few projects now and have witnessed her take an idea and a mood, then turn it into reality. The vision that starts in my head and is conveyed to her, is brought to life. It blows me away every time. That's how talented she is.



Huge thanks to Shawna of Bleudog Fotography for taking these awesome stills. Stayed tuned for more of her photos of the entire look.



Get this look with the makeup products Dee used and check out Swell Beauty in Laguna Beach:

1. MAC Satin Taupe Eye Shadow on lids & MAC blackberry matte Eye Shadow in crease & under eyes

2. LauraMercier cream eye liner in Noir

3. Ardell False Lashes #108

4. Dior Addict- It Lash Mascara

5. Makeup Forever HD foundation

6. MAC Powder Blush in Peaches

7. MAC Eye Shadow Print in Waterline

8. TARTE Stain Stick in Awakening on Lips

GROWING PAINS

Lately, I've been having so many various thoughts on my businesses and what it means to grow with them.

I'm learning to go with my gut on a lot of things. Recently, I've been presented with some opportunities for both Hanger Shortage and 16th Colony - as things grow and move faster, it's been really important to understand what my priorities are. There are precise plans and goals I have for both brands and I'm so in tune with what those are that I can feel when things start to get off track, even in the slightest. Which is why it's crucial to list out these priorities and the steps it takes to accomplish those specific endeavors. If something does not align within those steps, it's not worth the time and effort - because when you're running a business, there's never enough time in the day. Use it wisely.

When I started Hanger Shortage, I sought out to highlight truly talented people or businesses that I whole heartedly believe in. I've never wanted to create a bullshit site 'promoting' just anything and everything. Whenever I decide to post something on Hanger Shortage, it is very organic and meticulously hand-picked. I started realizing this priority thing and it's importance a lot more after doing a couple things that didn't necessarily align and sit right with me. These instances weren't actually a big deal at all, trust me, but to me I just didn't feel like what I was doing in these cases was any different than the 'next guy'. Like I said, I've always had a desire to create content that was special and totally 'me'. With 16th Colony, it's basically the same case. I created a brand with the mindset of it representing a certain mood and vibe. This has to remain constant and I've always been very conscious to remain true to myself, because that's what reflects into the brand.

I've started to dissect each opportunity or collaboration to see if it's a good fit. I visualize how it could end up going and consider whether it lies within my priorities. I rather do things that make sense for the businesses that I've created rather than hinder them by going against true character.

HALLOWEEN VIBES

This Halloween was pretty mellow.

Since I've been back from Florida, it's basically been work nonstop. But I still wanted to channel in an eerie mood for the occasion. I opted in by adding in some electric blue hair chalk and topped it off with my current favorite piece from my line, 16th Colony. The Rumours Crop is the ultimate piece for a little mystery. A soft see-thru velvet burnout with an amazing bell-sleeve and fringe - it doesn't get much better. Check out more photos, here.

Hope you all had a spooky weekend.

EMBRACING FALL

I felt so much excitement driving up the gravel road to the pumpkin patch over the weekend.

This Halloween I plan to carve out a pumpkin (of course), so naturally I needed to search one out. I didn't realize the pumpkin patch I was going to was so large with such an abundant amount of beautifully misshaped orange fruit. I felt like a kid all over again.

We're well aware of the fact that California doesn't have typical seasons - in fact, I always have to consciously remind myself that it doesn't get chilly until at least mid November. I have to remember that it's still hot in October, when I'm so impatiently waiting for it to be cold. But driving up to that pumpkin patch and running around freely in my poncho gave me the Fall feeling I was anticipating.



Poncho, 16th Colony - Leather Pants, Zara - Hat, Urban Outfitters

NOSTALGIC FEATHER JEWELRY

It's such a small world.

When you're following your passion, you're bound to come across a lot of the same types people who have similar interests and ambitions as you do. It's great too, because a lot of the experiences tend to also be similar. It's nice to not feel so alone in the process of chasing your endeavors.

Even though worlds apart, I ended up connecting with my girl Sarah from the UK. We've been following each other on instagram for such a long time and even happened to launch our brands around the same time. Sarah was visiting the US a few weeks ago and we literally spent an entire day taking over the cafe at the ACE downtown LA, chatting and drinking coffee for hours. I feel so lucky to have unlimited chances to meet such incredible people all over the world - Sarah and I connected over what it is to run a brand and live a dreamer's lifestyle.



Her jewelry line is just so 'her'. It's awesome when you can see someone's personality in their work. I love her drive and talent - definitely take a minute to view her one-of-a-kind designs. Nostalgic Feather

Necklace: Nostalgic Feather, Hat + Bralette: Urban Outfitters

HANGER SHORTAGE X JUNIM GIVEAWAY

It's that time again! Another Style Interview Video has been released.

This time featuring my girl Haley, the talented babe behind the boho-luxe line, Junim. In the vid, we discuss everything from the meaning behind her name to what it's taken for her to get the brand this far. Her story and ability to create such distinctly beautiful pieces is truly inspiring - Watch it here.

Haley and I teamed up and we're giving away a Mosaic Mini Dress from her line. To enter, don't forget to fill out the contest entry from at the bottom of her video page and follow @hangershortage + @junim_la on instagram.

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH OC STYLE REPORT

Over the Summer, I filmed a short video for OC Style Report.

As you may already know, they recently launched an entire blogger series on their online magazine. I was lucky to be a part of it but I also went behind-the-scenes with them and the first blogger of the line-up, Chelsea Lauren of Cleo Collective.

I've been impressed with Rachael and Natalie of OCSR since the day we met and had always felt they were doing something original by bringing the Orange County community together in such a genuine way. These girls are on top of it - every week they're posting new photoshoots. They never cease to amaze me with their drive and creativity, from the locations and wardrobe to the models. They're all over the trends but put their unique spin on things as they see fit.

Hopefully the vid gives you an idea of how much work these girls put into their shoots and website - I think you'll also see that they know how to have fun while doing it.



The full crew that day was amazing - check them out:

Katie, Stylist - Styled By Katie

Dee, Hair & Makeup - Swell Beauty

Gayle, Photographer - Gayle Dawn Photography

The Shop Laguna, Wardrobe - The Shop