Memorial Day Vibes

While Memorial Day has always signaled the start of summer for me, I also want to take a moment to express gratitude to the brave souls who have served and continue to serve this beautiful country so that we may sleep in peace and live our lives day to day knowing that we are protected and watched over. From the bottom of my heart I am grateful for the blanket of protection these soldiers have served us.  Paying respect to those who have perished for us, and giving a sincere heartfelt wish that all those serving now will return home safely to their families.

xo Karen

(All photographs were taken by the badass team at ZY2PHOTO Photography, Kelly Ridgeway and Betz Dauterman.)  Follow them on instagram at @zy2photo.

On a lighter note, I have now included links on here so that you can click and shop the look instantly for your convenience!  If an item is no longer available ( like this sold out Freedom maxi dress by 

(Forever 21) I will do my best to include a link to a similar piece.  Hope you find this helpful!

SHOP THE LOOK:

"Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost"

Even though I refrain from calling myself a "hipster," I couldn't resist the term on this PROJECT SOCIAL Tee, "Gypster," which is a hybrid of both a gypsy and a hipster.  With this newly adapted term I may finally cop to the joys of drinking out of mason jars and admit my newfound appreciation for bearded men who wear flannel. (Hahaha... Charlie Hunnam doppelgängers need only apply! lol jk;)  But perhaps what I relate most to identifying myself as a "gypster" is not only being a free spirit that is constantly being moved by music, love and art, but having this nagging urge for WANDERLUST.  Yes, I always am on the go.  Having moved four times in the last couple years, I am always up for new experiences, locations, neighborhoods, sights, food, inspirations...you name it.  

Though "wanderlust" primarily pertains to traveling, (which I plan on doing so much more in the future as well...#cantstopwontstop),  I've come to see it also as a constant need to just move forward.  As I learn more and more about myself, and continue to grow, certain things that have been a "home" per se, or a "fit" for me for so long, no longer is, and that is okay.   People come in and out of our lives for a reason, and once time with them or that purpose is fulfilled, that connection ends.  I think sometimes we have a hard time with outgrowing situations or even people, but once we start to look at it that way, the easier it is to see the big picture.  Life is one big journey...you just gotta enjoy every  destination  along the way, and keep moving forward.

xo Karen

"Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost..."

~J.R.R. Tolkien

Outfit Details:

Boots: Freeboard by Steven

Muscle Tee: Project Social T

Belt: Pamela V for Planet Blue

Shorts: Forever 21 (similar)

Photography: Rahil Hashim Photography

Festival Season

It's my favorite time of year!! It's Festival Season! With only thirty seven days till Coachella, I'm actually debating whether or not to go.  I had such a great time both weekends last year that going again seems like a no brainer.  However, there are a couple things determining that decision.  One, the lukewarm line up at Coachella this year doesn't have me exactly looking for available tickets rightthissecond.  Two, FLEETWOOD friggin MAC is performing in LA that same weekend!! If you guys have been following my blog at all, you would know that Stevie Nicks is my spirit animal and to see her perform would just make my life complete!  Just kidding. ;) No, but really....seeing her would be worth missing a bunch of oontz oontz DJs at the Sahara tent any day!  But still, I would be lying if Coachella's fashion scene wasn't a draw for me! It's so fun to get dressed up and check out all the Boho fashion everyone will be rocking!  What are you guys' Coachella plans??

*This post is dedicated to John Kat Johnson, who passed away last year. I wish I got to say goodbye, and learning of his passing only now has been devastating. May you rest in peace...you will always hold a place in my heart.

Outfit Details:

Top: Forever 21 

Shorts: LF Stores (stores only)

Necklace: Acacia Necklace by Gypset from Luna Boutique

Booties: Zigi Soho

Photography: Rahil Hashim Photography

xo Karen

 

Harness Your Inner Child

This year I resolve to harness my inner child and live in the moment.  I am going to approach life with the innocent wonderment of a child, yet also utilizing the knowledge I've gained from growing and learning year after year.  As adults we tend to have worries about our life that take us away from this very moment, the present.

I remember being so carefree as a child, and I think utilizing that playfulness in life with everything you do, whether it be work or play, just really being in the moment and appreciating what is happening right now in front of you,  can really bring more joy to your life.  What are you going to resolve to do this year?  xo Karen

Oh...and P.S.  I'm also literally gonna harness this harness this year....you like???

Outfit Details:

Harness: Free People

Boots: Steve Madden

Top: Kimchi Blue ( no longer avail)

Jeans: Brandy Melville

Knit Hat: Forever 21  (similar)

Photography: Vanessa Viola Photography

Fall in LA

       Fall in LA, let's face it, is about 80  degrees all day until the temperature drops to the 60s at night.  The leaves change color, yes, but the flowers stay in bloom.  It may get windy here and there, but there will always be sunshine.  Do I have a point? Not really, except for the fact that I really can't complain about the weather in gorgeous Southern Cali. I love this city.

Also loving this Grandpa Trench at this moment.  I'm never taking it off.

Ok, ok. Unless I get hot, then I take it off.

Outfit details...

Grandpa Trench Coat: Kimchi Blue

Floral Romper (no longer avail): Audrey 3 +1

Bag: Balenciaga

Thigh High Socks: Forever 21

Beanie, Necklace: No Rest For Bridget

Photography: Vanessa Viola Photography

xo Karen

Feels Like Summer….

It's been so hot out lately here in Southern Cali that it literally feels somewhat oppressive inland but has been perfect weather for beach days!!!  Feel so so grateful that we get sun year round in Cali that I've been hitting the beach to really appreciate it more and literally soak it all in.

Here I am in Venice from a couple days ago wearing my new Chaser tee and cutoffs-- a staple beach day outfit in CA.

I love how vibrant this tee is!

It goes perfectly with all my bright arm party!

My beach jewelry: Grab anything bright and easy to throw on.  Done.

I love how for some reason I look so tan here! Makes me feel like going somewhere tropical to lay out for days and days and days...

Wearing my Luv AJ x Stone Cold Fox collaboration  "Ramone" belt.

Outfit Details:

Sunglasses: Michael Kors

Tee: Chaser

Cutoffs: Forever 21

Heart Earring: Stacy Sterling

Bag: Spell Designs ( no longer avail, here is similar)

Belt: Luv AJ X SCF ( from Prism Boutique)

Assorted Jewelry: Brandy Melville, Urban Outfitters, H&M

I find just sitting on the sand barefoot, looking out to the ocean is so therapeutic, and really helps recharge the soul.  Now, I'm ready for the Coachella craziness of this weekend!!!

xo Karen