CALIFORNIA DREAMING: The West Coast Roadtrip Experience (VIDEO)
Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Luca Renaud, I am a 16 year old aspiring videographer from Montreal, Canada. This summer I went on a family roadtrip along California's Highway 1. I documented our trip through video with my camera, and put together this 4-minute short film.
Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Luca Renaud, I am a 16 year old aspiring videographer from Montreal, Canada. This summer I went on a family roadtrip along California's Highway 1. I documented our trip through video with my camera, and put together this 4-minute short film.
After 2 and a half weeks on the Pacific West Coast, I could definitely say that it has been unforgettable. Las Vegas' crazy city life, Los Angeles' beaches, and San Francisco's incredible bay area left me speechless. 🌴 Can't forget about the smaller cities visited, such as Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Pismo, Carmel, Monterey, as well as Santa Cruz, which all had different and unique characteristics. 🏞️ This trip also gave me the chance to develop my creative abilities and mindset, in photo, and especially video.🎥 So, it's with a bunch of great experiences and memories that I leave California and the West Coast, to offer you the best video i've done by now from far, on which I worked so hard on. Enjoy !
FOLLOW LUCA:
DESERT DANCING
There's always something so calming about the desert. I love feeling the wind blow through my hair and kiss my cheeks. Smelling the crisp earthy air as I watch the sky go from blue to pink to orange to purple. It's easy to find myself, arms outstretch, dancing with the wind.
There's always something so calming about the desert. I love feeling the wind blow through my hair and kiss my cheeks. Smelling the crisp earthy air as I watch the sky go from blue to pink to orange to purple. It's easy to find myself, arms outstretch, dancing with the wind.
This trip was among some amazing women where we spent moments creating art, laughing and pushing ourselves outside our comfort zones. And at the end of it all, we laid down some blankets beneath the desert night sky (and the thousands of stars that watched down on us) and toasted to moments that we will cherish forever.
This shoot is a collaboration of Renata Amazonas, Amy Lynn Photography, Ashley Williams, Kim Egel, Tiana Gallagher, Lindsay Vacek.
Wardrobe: Free People / Gull + Marie / Kim Egel Jewelry / The Handloom / Nanga / Jennafer Grace / Janessa Leone / Badgley Mischka
SCROLL TO SHOP ITEMS INSPIRED FROM THIS SHOOT
Rocking that Festival Style for Spring
When April & May rolls around and the music festivals are underway, it's like the kickoff to warmer weather has officially begun. That means the start of effortless chic beach/boho style and all the light cotton layers a gal could ask for.
When April & May rolls around and the music festivals are underway, it's like the kickoff to warmer weather has officially begun. That means the start of effortless chic beach/boho style and all the light cotton layers a gal could ask for.
Living in San Diego of all places, you’d have thought that I would have hit the beach fairly often. But as with living in any city, after a while you tend to get into the grind and often forget about the beauty that’s right around you. This season, make it a point to take advantage of the fabulous weather & casual festival/beach vibe with these 5 pieces that will have you rocking chic beach style in no time!
Here are 5 of my favorite beach styles that make up my wardrobe during the warmer months of spring & summer:
1 | Sandals | Leather strappy sandals are some of my most favorite. They not only pair well with anything from shorts to dresses, but they last forever! If you decide to invest in a pair, one of my favorites comes from J.Crew. But for a fun faux pair, try Target, they always have knockoffs that are “on trend” beach styles during the summer months.
2 | Flowy Cotton Dresses | Maxi dresses, shift dresses, any dress that seems to flow with the ocean currents. Those are the beach style dresses I love. They’re easy to pull off when the splashing in the water comes calling and they’re great to wear when strolling around town.
3 | Espadrilles | Another fun summer favorite shoe of mine. Lately, Saludos has had some hilariously cute styles and they are relatively affordable. I also love espadrilles with a rise and wear these constantly.
4 | Hats | Oh how I love summer time hats. Fedoras, floppys, they are perfect paired with a dress and not to mention to keep the sun off that gorgeous face of yours. Nothing says beach style like throwing on a great summer hat.
5 | Easy Summer Shorts | My favorites are a simple pair of jean shorts. I wear them to death in the summer and they are perfect to layer over a swimsuit. My favorites (because they’re affordable & comfy) come from Gap & Target. Spending a lot on jean shorts isn’t something I want to do!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Conni is a native Californian and adventuring creative at heart. She started her blog, Art in the Find back in 2013, as a way to bring style and her sense of adventure to her readers. Conni is a full time personal wardrobe stylist and blogger who loves bringing everyday style to her clients. She is based out of San Diego and also creates style lookbooks for clients all over the U.S. Conni loves a good cup of coffee in the morning, can be found scouring the flea markets for creative projects, and won't turn down a glass of bubbly for anything!
Must-Haves for This Festival Season
Festival Season is here! The weather is warming and whether or not you have tickets to the festival, you can still enjoy these Springtime fashion.
Festival Season is here! The weather is warming up and whether or not you have tickets to the festival, you can still enjoy these Springtime fashions. We love the laid-back, earthy and flow-y trends for this season so we've pulled together our Top 5 favorite must-haves for this Festival Season. Which will you wear?
1. Wide-Brimmed Fedoras
2. Long, Flowy Dresses
especially the lace and kimono kind ;)
3. Repurposed Denim
4. Mirrored Sunglasses
5. Hand & Arm Candy
BE SURE TO SHOW US YOUR FESTIVAL WEAR THIS SEASON BY USING #ESTCALIFORNIA ON YOUR SOCIAL CHANNELS! THINK WE MISSED SOMETHING? BE SURE TO LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS!
Photography by Ashley Williams
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lindsay Vacek has a passion for style, details and design. As a Fashion Editorial Photographer, she's worked in the Entertainment Industry for over 10 years and has a love for adventure and travel. She spends her spare time globe-trotting her way through foreign countries and loves new cultures, food, music and the arts.
EST. SPOTLIGHT: LOVE OPHELIA
When we first discovered the amazingly comfortable products from Love Ophelia, we simply had to share! The list of reasons we love this brand is endless.
Images via Love Ophelia
When we first discovered the amazingly comfortable products from Love Ophelia, we simply had to share! The list of reasons we love this brand is endless. Beside the fact they are made in the good old USA, a California born and made brand, their story and everything they stand for screams the pursuit of the Golden State of Mind. Made right in sunny Los Angeles, Owner Kristi started the line when the need to make others feel beautiful was a calling she could no longer run from.
After losing her mother to cancer in 2008, Kristi knew she had to do something to help women in the most vulnerable of moments feel more comfortable and beautiful than ever. A vintage inspired brand made up of romantic robes and delicates, Love Ophelia is the perfect thing to help women embrace their beauty and shine. Whether it be in the moments leading up to becoming a mother (they just launched a gorgeous new maternity line) or the moments leading up to being a bride, Love Ophelia has you covered.
Their goal is to make customers comfortable and gorgeous while providing every extra detail you can imagine in the process. With their collections made just a few miles from their office, they can stop in it at moment’s notice. This allows them to oversee production with a hands-on approach and know their manufacturers by name. That might not sound like it makes a difference, but with an enthusiastic staff and manufactures that feel heard and appreciated, it ensures each stitch is made with love. All in an effort to make customers feel their best.
There are a lot of exciting things happening for Love Ophelia right now. The just launched their own line of dresses and a new collection in their sleep wear. Not to mention a rebrand of their site which gives us some serious photo envy. You may have seen them on ABC’s The Bachelor at 20 with Jade Roper and her girl squad or The Bachelor Wedding with Catherine Lowe and her bridesmaids. Or perhaps on former Bachelorettes Ashley Rosenbaum and Emily Maynard. Or maybe you caught a peak of them on The Today Show or in Brides Magazine. Designer Iliana’s design stamp can be seen at both Anthropologie and BHLDN to name a few. Oh did I mention, I obvi wore Love Ophelia when it was my turn to get married!
Photo by Ashley Williams
But no matter the place you may have seen them, we’re here to tell you now, Love Ophelia is a brand you want to get on board with. Love Ophelia is “committed to a compassionate lifestyle, surrounding ourselves with beauty, and spreading love”. We were lucky enough to chat with owner and resident girl boss Kristi and get an insiders look at Love Ophelia.
Was there a defining moment that inspired you to create Love Ophelia?
I lost my Mom to Breast Cancer in 2008. At the time, my first son was just 8 months old. I had a career that sometimes required me to work 60 hours per week. I did some soul searching and realized just how precious this life is and how much I wanted to spent that precious time with my littlest love. Seeing what my mom went through physically and emotionally, I decided I wanted to create something that made women feel beautiful, despite their circumstance. It was then that Love Ophelia came to be.
What keeps you inspired?
Sleep. Seriously, I love to sleep, and lounge. Ha! I say “sleep” because I have a second baby now and realize just how important sleep can be! But in all seriousness, I am truly inspired by the strength of others. I once read a news story of a bride with terminal cancer. She had just months to live and wanted to bump up her wedding date so she could marry her love. I was so moved by her story that I sent her a robe for her wedding day that very day. I am inspired by that kind of strength, that beauty, that love. That kind of love that endures through adversity is truly inspiring.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
I would say, “Don’t doubt yourself, listen to your gut, cease opportunities. Oh, and in a few years, don’t judge that cute guy just because he is a single man driving a hunter green minivan. He is “the one.”
What do you love most about California?
Although I don’t go quite often enough, I love the fact that the ocean is just down the street. I can head down there, watch the surf, and just figure “stuff” out.
Favorite Sunday Brunch Spot? Why?
I love the Four Daughter in Manhattan Beach. Our family has been going there for a long time. It’s a small, family owned little spot along the coast of Southern California. It’s got such a warm, beach community vibe and is a perfect spot to take our kids. And, the food is great!
Favorite product from Love Ophelia? Why?
I love our Serendipity Robe. It’s our biggest seller and is, in my opinion, the perfect balance of cozy and pretty.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that I get to inspire other people to follow their dreams. I love helping a stressed out bride remember to just relax and drink in the moment. I love to be creative and I love the fact that I can say, yep, we are made in the USA…right here in Los Angeles!
What’s your favorite part of the day?
My favorite part of every day is when I am hit out of nowhere with a little love tap from the universe. When I hear that little voice inside that says, “Yes, this is good. Life is good.” It’s so important to allow ourselves to just be happy in a moment, big or small.
What’s your dream CA vacation?
There is something so incredible about Big Sur. Two years ago my husband and I were driving up the coast on our way to Big Sur when we were involved in a car accident. It could have ended up really bad but we walked away with a crushed car, but otherwise unscathed. Instead of cancelling our trip, we rented a car and continued on to Big Sur. It was the best decision to go on in spite of the setback. Big Sur is incredibly healing and magical. I am so grateful for having had this experience and our decision to push through. It was a sweet reminder to continue on, despite your setbacks because something beautiful awaits!
Contributed by estCA staff, Megan Araujo
FIESTA ISLAND, CA
Come along on this End of Summer Adventure to Fiesta Island in Southern California. VW buses, ukulele's, photographs and fun! This is what California nights are all about.
My girls and I had a blast shooting, laughing and hanging around Fiesta Island with our yellow VW bus. We got the help from Haydee's Creative Flowers to decorate the bus with some amazing flowers, and Kim Egel who made some rad necklaces to match our colorful kimonos from The Witches. Such a fun afternoon out and about in beautiful San Diego. Oh, and Thanks to "Hottie", the puppy, for being so cute and adorable.
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These photos are the product of a collaboration by Ashley Williams, Amy Lynn, Shannon Baily, Renata Amazonas, Kim Egel - Photography submitted by Renata Amazonas for Established California.
THE SAN FRANCISCO FERRY BUILDING
I jump off the muni at the Embarcadero Metro Station and with a short walk I can get to the area on the Embarcadero I need to be. Once I reach the foot of Market Street, the magnificent 245- foot tall clock tower on top of a waterfront building, marks I have arrived to one of my favorite destinations, the historic San Francisco Ferry Building.
THE SAN FRANCISCO FERRY BUILDING
Return visits “home” to San Francisco instantly evoke excitement to my core. It is early Saturday morning, 6:37am to be exact and I am just pulling up to my parent’s house from Los Angeles. In typical Dad fashion, I see he has been up waiting for my arrival. After an exchange of greetings, he starts advising me to save my city plans for another day so I can get caught up on sleep. However, even after a long night of non-stop travel, operating with very little sleep, I am too excited for my planned day in San Francisco, that I am not willing to sacrifice it for sleep.
I arrive at King Station, just across from AT&T Park which marks the kickoff for my day. The sun is on the rise, and with not a cloud in the sky I can tell it is going to be a beautiful day in the city. As I head to the machine to purchase my ticket, I notice for a Saturday morning the station feels quieter than I can remember. With a little wait, I jump on the Muni Redline, grab a window seat, and sit back for the 22-minute ride. It is just enough time for me to catnap, daydream and express gratitude before I arrive to my desired stop. It is in this moment that I am grateful for how accessible public transportation is in San Francisco. Not having to sit in a car again after last night’s road trip is a gift!
I jump off the muni at the Embarcadero Metro Station and with a short walk I can get to the area on the Embarcadero I need to be. Once I reach the foot of Market Street, the magnificent 245- foot tall clock tower on top of a waterfront building marks my arrival to one of my favorite destinations, the historic San Francisco Ferry Building. The iconic clock tower is “a famous city’s most famous landmark” (Caen) and stands as a dual representation of measurement; one of past time, history, and accomplished journeys; the other of present time, new connections, and aspiring adventures.
Once I step inside the Ferry Building, I feel the undeniable connection this place has to the heart and soul of this city. Originally, served as San Francisco’s only focal point for transportation, this hub was the only place where commuters and travelers could access the city, unless traveling from the Peninsula. Much like Carl Nolte observed, I have a similar feeling that, “Adventures began and ended...here”.
Now, way more than just transportation hub, the Ferry Building’s renovated Marketplace and weekly CUESA Farmers Market on Tuesday and Saturday, have made this a premiere destination for locals, foodies and travelers alike. Home to some of the finest farmers, food purveyors and restaurants it is “a testament to how much the Northern California’s culinary landscape has changed…” (Wall Street Journal). It has become much larger than the local culture, its lasting impact has been defined, and the Bay Area has changed how America eats.
As I walk through the Ferry Building, I can’t help but want to embark on a new journey for my time spent there; a celebration of all things food and San Francisco. As I take my time walking from shop to shop, the slower pace is allowing me to truly enjoy the organic artisan cheeses from Cowgirl Creamery, the well-cured meats from Buccalone, the warm bread from Acme, and the freshly shucked oysters from Hog Island Oyster Company. When I finally make my way down the long corridor, with very little stomach room to spare, I venture outside to the waterfront farmers market, where the stands of vendors seem endless. Having to stroll at a quicker pace because of time, I find myself stopping too frequently to sample the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Finally reaching the end to my loop, I make a final stop to buy fresh flowers for my parents. It is the street cello player next to me that signals the perfect end to my journey at the San Francisco Ferry Building.
Ferry Building Marketplace
One Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: (415) 983-8030
Hours:
Monday- Friday: 10:00am- 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am- 6:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am- 5:00pm
Transportation: The Marketplace is accessible by MUNI, BART and Ferry Boat. The historic trolley cars (Line F Market) stop directly in front of Ferry Building.
Parking: Ace Parking Operates the Washington Embarcadero Parking Lot right across the street from the Ferry Building. Validations from Ferry Building Marketplace Merchants accepteded at this parking lot.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eleni Hopkins grew up in a home where art and fashion were always the forefront of conversation. A Native to San Francisco, her passion for style, color and texture have made her fearless to take risks in order to stay on the cutting edge of fashion and beauty trends. It was her craft with palettes of color and make-up brushes that prompted her move to Los Angeles and her love for clothing, designers and street trends that have kept her here. With a creative but critical eye, Eleni is excited to share her love for dress up and show readers how to spice up their wardrobe and enjoy their time in front of the mirror.
Peach Caprese Salad
I’ve got a good-as-it-is-easy “non-recipe” type recipe for you (whew – got that?!) on this hot and sizzling summer day: Peach Caprese Salad. This salad is next-level, people!
I’ve got a good-as-it-is-easy “non-recipe” type recipe for you (whew – got that?!) on this hot and sizzling summer day: Peach Caprese Salad. This salad is next-level, people!
Everyone keeps asking me if I’m hot being this pregnant in the summertime, to which I answer, a.) Yes. Fan me. and b.) but at least the weather isn’t like it was last year when we hit a record number of consecutive days over 100 degrees. Now those ladies were the real warriors!
Regardless, I think we’ve officially hit the dog days of summer, and while it’s extra sweaty with this bowling ball strapped to my torso, I still love it. I’ll take hot over cold any day of the year. I’m still no fan of heating up the kitchen when I don’t have to though, which is just one of the many reasons why I”m head over heels in love with this no-cook recipe that’s ready in 15 minutes. Peach Caprese Salad is so, so, so good!
Fresh mozzarella cheese is layered with juicy yellow peach slices, thick-cut tomatoes, and lots of fresh basil leaves then drizzled with good extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and sprinkled with salt and pepper. This is the ultimate summer meal. Light and refreshing. And that unexpected hit of sweet from the peach is unbelievable with the salty, savory flavors in the classic caprese salad. Promise me you’ll try this!
Start by raiding your farmers’ market, garden, or grocery store for the best ripe peaches and tomatoes, and fresh-plucked basil leaves you can find, then pick up a fresh mozzarella cheese ball. This salad is best using tomatoes and peaches that are on the verge of use or lose. Super juicy, sweet, and ripe, ripe, ripe.
If your peaches are still a little hard when you buy them place them in a paper bag, roll down the top, then let ’em veg in the dark for a day or so.
Slice said ripe tomatoes and peaches into thick slices, then do the same with the mozzarella cheese. I like to pop my mozzarella into the freezer for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to slice.
Layer the tomato, peach, and cheese slices with a couple slices of basil, then drizzle with the best extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar you have. I used the strawberry balsamic vinegar I got in Chicago a few months ago, which was incredible. Reduced balsamic vinegar would be fantastic too – I hear Trader Joe’s makes a pretty good version if you don’t want to make your own. Finish with a heavy dash of both salt and pepper, then enjoy!
Peach Caprese Salad
serves 2
Ingredients
6oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1 ripe yellow peach, sliced thick
1 vine-ripened tomato, sliced thick
12 leaves fresh basil
good extra virgin olive oil
good balsamic vinegar (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
salt & pepper
Directions
Layer mozzarella cheese slices with peaches, tomatoes, and basil. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Sweet, creamy, tangy, and fresh. This plate is ALL the best things about summer. Make and enjoy this sweet & savory salad often!
This post originally appeared on Iowa Girl Eats. You can see the original post here.
HAVE A RECIPE YOU WANT TO SHARE? SUBMIT YOUR BLOG POST HERE. DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? LET US KNOW HOW IT TASTED IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
A TRIP TO THE MOJAVE DESERT FOR THE RISE FESTIVAL (VIDEO)
When Jason and Sean of Audrey Alba Films shared with us their trip to Rise Festival, we knew we wanted to share with you all! These two filmmakers from San Diego, CA love to film fashion shoots and create custom wedding films.
INYO NATIONAL FOREST
Some days, you just need to fall asleep under the stars, in a tent, smelling like firewood and a little drunk on whiskey. You welcome the escape from that hustling energy of the city, the all-to-well-known biting addiction to social media, and oh the irritability of the sound of cars.
Some days, you just need to fall asleep under the stars, in a tent, smelling like firewood and a little drunk on whiskey. You welcome the escape from that hustling energy of the city, the all-to-well-known biting addiction to social media, and oh the irritability of the sound of cars.
To Do:
Phone a friend.
Pack up.
Leash the pups.
Grab a Butter Coffee.
Gas up.
Drive North.
Roadtrip! Hop a few freeways out of LA, feel your shoulders drop as you pass through the Mojave Desert, press play on Lord Huron, and breathe deeper as you slow the car way down through small town after small town. Notice the odd connected feeling as the WiFi disconnects and the top left corner of your iPhone reads ‘No Service’.
Enter into Bishop, a picturesque California town with Fall foliage, firewood for sale along the road, and a smoked meat shop with really delicious jerky of all varieties (and yes, they have a Starbucks, damn). Go old school and actually ask someone for directions to the Bitterbrush Campground right outside of town in the dog-friendly Inyo National Forest. That is right California dog lovers, we said dog-friendly! Pets are allowed in all U.S. National Forests. Take a hike out of town and get your camp life on with your favorite furry friends and human friends.
Once camp is set up, take a quick trip on a dirt road into the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada into The Buttermilks, a popular bouldering area for climbers. Go there for the sunset. Purple and pink cotton candy skies, giant rocks and Coor’s Light is a great combination. You forget what city lights even look like.
Numerous hiking trails surround the area, a great day hike is Bishop’s Pass Trail to Long Lake. Do know, the elevation is real when you live at sea level. The scenery is too beautiful to rush anyways, snow along the switchbacks, big trees looming above, and glacial melt on the lakes. Hello bliss.
Leave the city. Go sleep in a sleeping bag covered by a tarp and some sticks. A true connection in nature happens. Like magic, the phones are nestled in backpacks, you are forced to converse over the firepit, and the silence, the sweet silence of the wilderness, will bring you home to a part of yourself that we so often disregard behind a computer screen.
Adventure on, connect deeper.
Note: Always check for permit info. Know when and where with fire bans. Be bear aware. Drink (clean) water.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jacki Carr loves to unplug, disconnect to reconnect and roadtrip to sleep in a tent with her man, 2 pups and close friends. She has a life goal to visit every National Park in the USA.
A Venice based Brand Consultant and Conscious Coach by trade; Jacki is a writer, public speaker, brainstormer, yogi, hiker and 1/2 marathon runner. She hosts impromptu pop-up goal sessions in the Santa Monica Mountains, exploring a theme and creating a space for people to meet up, explore self development and talk goals outdoors.
Photography by Christopher New.
FIG-Ment of the Imagination
A FIG-Ment of the Imagination - A dish to tantalize your tastebuds full of mascarpone, honey, fig and sugar, This food recipes from Cara at @cara_melized is perfect for any Halloween Party.
It’s that perfect time of year, when the last few months of 2015 are underway, fall is in full swing and the line-up of monthly events brings friends & family to your door. Which brings us a fabulous excuse to throw a fabulous Halloween Dinner Party! Here is the perfect side dish when you host a most sumptuous meal for a warm & spooky night with close friends.
FIG-Ment of the Imagination - Makes 4 servings
1 cup mascarpone
1 tablespoon honey, plus extra to drizzle
8 figs, butterflied
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Place butterflied figs on baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 8-10 minutes until sugar crystallizes.
2. Meanwhile, in a small glass bowl, whisk mascarpone with honey until consistently is light and whipped. Spoon approximately 1/4 cup onto a plate, smoothing the top of the mascarpone with the back of your spoon to create a small nest for figs. Repeat for remaining dessert plates.
3. Top each mound of mascarpone with figs. Drizzle with extra honey, if desired.
Styling Conni @artinthefind
Food Recipes Cara @cara_melized
Photography Kevin @xoxoweddingstudio
Floral arrangements Jill @layeredvintage
THE TREND: COLOR POPPIN'
Summer calls for color. And as a resident of foggy San Francisco, I admit that I tend to wear too much black. What can I say, sometimes I forget that it’s summer here!
Photography By: John Thatcher
Summer calls for color. Wait...Did I say Summer? It's the first of September?! Yes, I did. It's still summer people! Fall fashions might be knocking on your door but it's not too late to get the last of your summer wardrobe on your rotation.
As a resident of foggy San Francisco, I admit that I tend to wear too much black. What can I say, sometimes I forget that it’s summer here! I was beyond excited when this blue dress came into our inventory at the office. It is such a flattering shape and a beyond amazing color, I couldn’t wait to wear it. Not only can you pair it with a blazer for the office, but you can also dress it up for a wedding with nude heels and statement jewelry.
For a day in my casual office environment, I threw on my favorite denim jacket (seriously, if you don’t own a denim jacket...go buy one asap) and finished it off with fire engine red pumps. With all of the color involved in this outfit, it was important to keep my accessories simple, I wanted the dress and the shoes to speak for themselves!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristen Benner is a California native who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. She currently oversees Business Development & Event Marketing at LE TOTE, a San Francisco based fashion and technology startup. When not at the office (surrounded by amazing clothing and accessories) you can find Kristen out at brunch, enjoying walks along the water, exploring the Bay Area or cheering for her two favorite teams: the San Francisco Giants and the 49ers. Prior to joining LE TOTE Kristen worked in the front office of the Giants, and yes, she has a sparkly diamond 2012 World Series ring.
An "Unmentionable" Birthday in Palm Springs
Leah, of Color Pop Events based in New York City, was planning her friend's "unmentionable" birthday and flying out with a few girlfriends for the weekend. Leah kept with the theme of her friend's fun and colorful personality by hosting the weekend at the Saguaro in Palm Springs, the most colorful hotel in the desert.
Leah, of Color Pop Events based in New York City, was planning her friend's "unmentionable" birthday and flying out with a few girlfriends for the weekend. When she reached out I was so excited to head out to the Saguaro to photograph their party. Leah kept with the theme of her friend's fun and colorful personality by hosting the weekend at the Saguaro in Palm Springs,the most colorful hotel in the desert. The hotel was amazingly accommodating and allowed us to set up our dinner party in its Tinto restaurant, which was closed at the time for renovations, so we pretty much had an entire restaurant all to ourselves. Leah's vendor friends Sincerely, Jackie designed the party invites and paper goods and Toasted Parties supplied all of the decor from the honeycombs to the party animals (my favorite!) to the silver glitter pineapple drink stirrers (because it's not a party without glitter!).
Event Design and Planning: Color Pop Events
Venue: The Saguaro Palm Springs
Photography: Ashley Williams Photography
Invitations and Paper Goods: Sincerely, Jackie
Decor: Toasted Parties
Napkins: Farewell Paperie
Tote Bags: Anthony & Stork
Candy: Papabubble
Temporary Tattoos: Tattly
Photobooth Props: Tweedle Dee Designs
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ashley Williams was born and raised in Encinitas, a beach community in Northern San Diego. She has been photographing weddings and lifestyle photography for the past four years and loves it! Living in Southern California, she enjoys road tripping and exploring this beautiful state of California. She is looking forward to sharing her travels and being a part of the Established California Team. Keep an eye out for her as she shares this beautiful state we are all lucky to call home!
Fruit Infused Ice Cubes for the Summer
I'm always trying to think of ways to dress up drinks, especially when you’re having summer parties! These summer fruit infused ice cubes are the perfect addition to any cocktail, mocktail, or just plain old water.
Photography by Ashley Williams
Happy Summer!!
My favorite time of year! During summer, I am definitely in the mood for entertaining, long beach days, bright fun colors, and refreshing beverages (wellI'll take one of those all year round, just saying..)
I'm always trying to think of ways to dress up drinks, especially when you’re having summer parties! These summer fruit infused ice cubes are the perfect addition to any cocktail, mocktail, or just plain old water. I made a huge batch of these and have been popping them in my La Croix sparkling grapefruit water. Best summer drink ever! If you're having a party or happy hour, pour a shot or 2 of vodka and you got your self the most refreshing, summery cocktail! Love it!
These adorable ice cubes are so simple to make. Hardly no prep time, you just have to wait for the water to freeze and there ya have it! Pick a couple of your favorite summer fruits. I am a huge fan of pineapple and strawberries, so that's what I chose, but any fruit would be great! (watermelon, berries, kiwi, etc)
♥ Fill an ice cube tray with a piece or 2 of fruit. (I love this chunky ice cube tray because it makes large square ice, and I really only pop 1 or 2 into a drink and you're good to go)
♥ Fill with water
♥ Pop into the freezer over night
♥ Serve in your fav summer drink!
What are some of your favorite things to do/make in the summer??
XO Melissa ♥
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melissa Heyde is the creator behind the beach inspired lifestyle blog, Mermaid Memos! She's a total beach girl, with a love and passion for health, travel, beauty and overall wellness. She grew up in beautiful San Diego, lived in Hawaii for a couple years and have always been drawn to the beach lifestyle. She believes that life is a balancing act so staying positive and grateful are her key motives for being the best version of herself, each and every day!
Simple Styling Tips from Dulcet Creative
Amber and Kayla here of Dulcet Creative! We are here today excited to teach you a few simple styling tips that we’ve learned this year that we hope will help you with styling your images. Styling is a tool with unlimited possibilities.
Hey Est. California Readers!
Amber and Kayla here of Dulcet Creative! We are here today excited to teach you a few simple styling tips that we’ve learned this year that we hope will help you with styling your images. Styling is a tool with unlimited possibilities. If you’re a business you can use these tips to help you create a cohesive visual presence and help people to get to know you and your products better. If this is your first time souping up a shot, this will guide you through. In time, you’ll get faster and more daring as your styling mind develops! The end result will be beautiful, creative photos that not only showcase YOU, but also provide attention-grabbing images to show off in blogs, social media, newsletters or anywhere you find a promotional photo op!
#1. Choose your colors:
Choose one or two colors to weave through your scene in order to keep a cohesive visual harmony throughout your image. Choose your colors according to the message you want to convey. If you’re looking to create a fun, summer look, then use pops of bold color here and there to make a statement and use neutral colors for a more mellow, understated look. While there are times when all white on white can be visually striking, it is also fun to look for backgrounds that create contrast. So a pale colored food and plate gets a dark background whereas a vibrantly colored dish tends to be best with a simple white background.
#2. Keep it fresh:
You will rarely ever see a scene that we’ve styled without some kind of fresh element like fruit or greenery. Adding those pops of flowers or plants will breathe life into your images.
#3. Liven things up
Get a few work-in-progress shots. Bringing hands into your scene will add a human element that makes things more personal and real.
#4. Create Balance
Start simple and add more props for complexity. Play around with different lines, varieties of dark and light colors, lights and shadows, and so on until you find what you like. Your main focus will be to balance the different elements in order to create a pleasing aesthetic to the eye while keeping everything consistent with your brand and products. As always, trust your judgment and continue to step back and reassess to continually get a sense of what emotion you are looking to evoke.
Don’t be afraid to play around with white space. Set your props around the edges, or corners of your picture. This comes in handy if you ever put text over your images for website or blog purposes.
LOVE THIS POST? BE SURE TO SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS! AND BE SURE TO SHARE YOUR CALIFORNIA LIFESTYLE BY TAGGING #ESTCALIFORNIA ON YOUR SOCIAL CHANNELS!
Ten Great Side Dishes For Any BBQ!
Summer is here and with that comes backyard BBQs with family and friends! BBQ's are definitely one of my favorite summer activities and whether you are hosting or attending, it's always great to have a handful of side dishes to satisfy guests. That's why we've pulled together 10 of our favorite BBQ side dishes from one of our favorite sites and magazine: Real Simple.
Summer is here and with that comes backyard BBQs with family and friends! BBQ's are definitely one of my favorite summer activities and whether you are hosting or attending, it's always great to have a handful of side dishes to satisfy guests. That's why we've pulled together 10 of our favorite BBQ side dishes from one of our favorite sites and magazine: Real Simple.
Photo: Jose Picayo
Carrot and Apple Slaw With Raisins
This tangy slaw will help cut through rich, fatty meats and sweet barbecue sauce.
Photo by Con Poulos
Tangy Red Cabbage Slaw
You can prep this slaw (without the cilantro) up to a day in advance.
Get the recipe.
Photo by Con Poulus
Creamy Potato Salad With Bacon
Fresh herbs brighten up the flavor, while white wine vinegar adds a tang that balances out the rich mayonnaise and sour cream.
Get the recipe.
Photo by Christopher Baker
Baked Beans
Traditional baked beans in a ketchup-and-molasses sauce are a classic barbecue accompaniment.
Get the recipe.
Photo by Sang An
Mexican Grilled Corn With Cilantro
Spruce up grilled corn-on-the-cob with fresh lime juice and cilantro.
Get the recipe.
Photo by Sang An
Macaroni and Cheese
Use a mixture of Gruyère and Cheddar cheeses for more complex flavors.
Get the recipe.
Photo by Con Poulos
Maple Corn Bread
Moist, fluffy corn bread gets its sweetness from pure maple syrup.
Get the recipe.
Photo by Jonny Valiant
Collard Greens With Bacon
Cook the sliced shallots and greens in the bacon drippings to infuse the dish with savory richness.
Get the recipe.
Photo by Raymond Hon
Tangy Cucumber-Dill Salad
This simple no-cook salad—with tangy red wine vinegar and red onions—make a great partner for rich, smoked meats.
Get the recipe.
Photo by Charles Masters
Macaroni Salad
Chopped celery gives this salad a refreshing crunch.
Get the recipe.
WHAT'S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE BBQ SIDE DISHES? SHARE WITH US BELOW OR BY USING #ESTCALIFORNIA ON YOUR SOCIAL CHANNELS!
Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
For years I have been wanting to see a movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (an event put on by Cinespia). I was finally able to get a few close friends together to see the cult classic Empire Records (1995) a few weeks ago and let me tell you -- What a blast!!
Image via Cinespia
For years I have been wanting to see a movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (an event put on by Cinespia). I was finally able to get a few close friends together to see the cult classic Empire Records (1995) a few weeks ago and let me tell you -- What a blast!! This was such a fantastic way to spend a Saturday night in the summer than spending too much money on a fancy dinner or going out to a bar. It was an experience, an ADVENTURE and the best part is that it would be appropriate for a group of friends, family, colleagues or.. even a date night. [hint hint guys]
Even though Los Angeles has some of the greatest weather [almost] year round, the movie nights only run from May through September and tickets (almost always) sell out a few weeks before the event.
Speaking of planning ahead, here is what I learned and wish I knew going into the experience. I want to pass along to those of you who are reading this; consider it a bit of a “How To” or “Do’s and Don’ts” (alter accordingly of course)
Image via
Do not wear heels. No – I did not go to the movies in a cemetery and wear high heels but I did wear a boot with a heel and even that was too much. Chances are you will be standing in line for quite a bit of time on cement, uneven grass and dirt and then walking to the massive field where you eventually find your spot. I took my shoes off immediately upon settling down and had to put them on and off to make trips to the bathroom. Next time, I will wear flip flops.
Bring a jacket or sweater! Even though our summers have hot days as soon as the sun goes down it gets chilly and a little damp.
Food: if you have time to pack your own picnic great! If you don’t and probably for about the same cost you can pre order picnic boxes from the amazing Food + Lab and save yourself a bunch of time. Food + Lab is literally down the street and you can pick it up with just a quick stop over. The picnic boxes are twenty bucks and include a big sandwich, deli salad, side salad, cookie and small bottle of water. All of the food is delicious.
Beverages. Ok, for fear of running out of wine we packed way too much and didn’t get through it all. The biggest drag about that is that glass is heavy! These days there are great boxed wines you can get from wine shops or Target and I would probably do that next time to lighten the load. They allow beer and wine only.
I have a few other tips that I think could be useful: If you can get a seat near the edge of the field it makes it so much easier coming in and out throughout the movie and when you are ready to leave. The one thing, that hopefully they will maybe come up with in the near future, is creating some marked out pathways because, as of now, people literally have to walk through your picnic to get to the inner seating areas. This is clearly because this has become such a popular thing to do and they want to maximize the amount of people they can invite to enjoy.
Remember: Movies are always on Saturday nights. Buy your tickets at least a few weeks in advance. Gates open at 7pm (with a long line so get there early) and shows start at 9pm.
Oh – and one last important thing. For those of you that feel it’s kinda creepy to be in a cemetery, don’t worry! You aren’t sitting on gravestones (unless you are in the smoking section which is ironically appropriate) and it really wasn’t strange at all!
For additional “How To’s” you can visit their website for the basics.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicole Woods is a California native who has worked in the entertainment industry for sixteen years. She is an internationally traveled entertainment executive by trade, yet a California woman at her core. California identifies who she is; down to earth, successful, beautiful (inside and out), positive and always looking for more.
With a passion for finding her own journey and a love for all categories this publication includes, now, no matter where she is in the world, she can always have a part of home with her and a community to share it with.
Getting Started is the Hardest Part
You hear people say it often: “Getting started is the hardest part.” Whether it is in reference to a diet, working out, a project; we can mostly agree that getting started on anything that puts you out of your comfort zone is no easy task.
After going to school and starting our “grown up jobs”, we both felt this mutual desire for something more. We dreamed of a place where we could use our talents and our passions to their full capacities, a place where we felt as though we were working towards something bigger than ourselves… We dreamed of being a part of a creative community that would challenge and inspire us. We were searching for something that we could not find and our response to this was to create it for ourselves. After deciding on the name DULCET which is sometimes defined as sweet, we coined this dream life of ours as “the sweeter life”.
Today we are truly living “the sweeter life”. We have both quit our jobs to pursue DULCET full time and are thrilled to say that our careers reflect our passion for the first time in our lives. We are finally doing what we truly love. Like most good things though, it hasn’t come easy. We want to share with you a little bit about the trials and frustrations that we experienced in the beginning of our journey and equip you with some of our tips for success if you are in the process of starting your own.
You hear people say it often: “Getting started is the hardest part.” Whether it is in reference to a diet, working out, a project; we can mostly agree that getting started on anything that puts you out of your comfort zone is no easy task. Procrastination, perfectionism, insecurity, fear and apathy are just a few of the issues we had to face when launching our business. What began with wild excitement could have easily ended in devastation if we didn’t learn how to deal with these frustrating barriers to success.
We realized quickly that starting your own business is like volunteering to take a ride on an emotional rollercoaster. For every tinge of excitement you feel there is a load of fear of the unknown that drops on your head like an anvil. For every all-nighter we spent dreaming about the exciting possibilities ahead of us there was a day full of troubleshooting web coding and trying to translate what the tech support representative was explaining to us on the other line. We spent days questioning ourselves and were constantly questioned by others as we tried to put our vision into words and paint a picture for people about what it would look like when we were finished. We got crazy looks and responses like “well… I hope that works out for ya” with a questioning shrug. We were not always supported in our pursuit. Then throw in a dash of insecurity and an aptitude to constantly compare yourself to the incredible talent in the world around you and you are questioning your dream of making “the sweeter life” your reality in no time.
We say all this not to scare you straight but to give you a fair warning about what you are up against and to let you know that if you feeling a little worn out or lost in the chaos; you are not alone.
After months of brainstorming, idea mapping, planning and strategizing, we ultimately came to the conclusion that if we waited until we had every detail of our business figured out than we would never get started. So we gave the perfectionist side of our brains a break and we just jumped in full force before all of our ducks were in a row. Looking back now, that leap of faith we took was the absolute best decision we have made this far.
So now, one year in, we almost feel like we are past the starting line. We have sharpened many of our skills throughout this past year and have added a lot of new ones to our skillset. We survived the trying first few months and would love to share some things that we learned in the process!
If you are considering pursuing a new endeavor:
1. Don’t do it alone.
Accountability is key. Use a friend, spouse or loved one not only as a sounding board for your ideas but as an accountability partner that will hold you to your commitments and help you to follow through with your ideas.
We had each other to keep motivated and without that we know for a fact DULCET would not exist today. There is power in numbers, people!
2. Write it down.
The ideas, the lessons, the doubts, the concerns, the triumphs; document it.
The beginning, like we said, is a whirlwind of emotion filled with highs and lows. Writing was a great way for us to sort through the web of ideas and feelings that was bombarding our minds.
3. Simplify the dream.
If you are anything like us, you are the visionary type. We get a thrill off of BIG, unthinkable dreams but the thought of doing the tactical work required to bring the vision to life makes us shudder. Take as much time as you need to slowly break down the big goals into small, realistic daily tasks. Once you have simplified the dream, half the battle is won.
4. Don’t compare yourself.
It can be so hard not to compare what you are producing to someone who is more experienced, has a clearer vision, has more cohesive branding or a larger following than you. There is a constant temptation to compare and that will always exist unless you have found a way to overcome that completely (fill us in on how to accomplish this if you have mastered it!) but for goodness sakes at least give yourself a break when you are just starting out!!
5. Be Positive!
It sounds cheesy and so obvious but it is way easier than you think to get down on yourself and go negative. We can’t tell you how many times we exchanged text messages to each other that said something like:
“WE ARE AWESOME… WE GOT THIS… WE CAN’T LOSE!!”
It became our little joke to be overly dramatic about every minor triumph throughout the process but in the end, it became something that was so necessary for our success. We pumped each other up and spewed out pep talks as much as possible. It brought us closer and made the whole process so much more fun.
If you are considering pursuing a new endeavor, we hope these tips were helpful and if you have any questions on this topic please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@dulcetcreative.com!
Love love love,
Kayla & Amber
Meet Our July Guest Editors, Kayla & Amber of Dulcet Creative!
We couldn't be more excited to announce our July Guest Editors for Established California! Meet the ladies behind Dulcet Creative, a company that celebrates the artists, the creative minds and the small companies that are doing big things.
We couldn't be more excited to announce our July Guest Editors for Established California! Meet the ladies behind Dulcet Creative, a company that celebrates the artists, the creative minds and the small companies that are doing big things.
When we first started chatting with the ladies of Dulcet Creative, we instantly fell in love with these two unique, fun and beautiful women. Co-Founders, Amber & Kayla, began their company just one year ago and have grown so much. So this month, they are joining the Established California family and sharing their California lives with you all.
Hey Est. California Readers!
Amber and Kayla here of Dulcet Creative! We are thrilled and honored to be selected as the guest editors of Established California for the month of July!
It was one year ago this week that we launched our business Dulcet Creative. We had absolutely no idea what to expect or where it would lead us but looking back, we are so glad that we took the plunge into the great unknown because it has been one of the most memorable and rewarding journeys of our lives thus far!
We started Dulcet with the desire to promote and celebrate artists, inspired minds, creative entrepreneurs and small companies who we believe are truly doing BIG things. We have always had a natural desire to CREATE and over the years we have become deeply passionate about creating, capturing and sharing stories…. which is exactly what we get to do for our clients today! As visual storytellers, we work to help refresh our client’s brand image through photography, styling, set design and creative direction. We also run a blog where we share stories of people who inspire as well as snippets of our daily creative endeavors! This past year, our passions and our careers collided and ever since our lives have never been the same.
As guest editors, we are thrilled to be sharing with you how we got started, some key lessons that we have learned in the process and some content from our blog!!
Follow along with us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!
Love love love,
Kayla & Amber
Are you as excited as we are for this month's guests?! Let us know by commenting below!
THE TREND: Nautical Summer Stripes
One of the classic summer trends that says so much about our heritage is the nautical summer stripe. In summer, especially around the 4th of July, the perfect holiday outfit is the all American summer stripe.
One of the classic summer trends that says so much about our heritage is the nautical summer stripe. In summer, especially around the 4th of July, the perfect holiday outfit is the all American summer stripe.
3 Quick Ways to Style the Nautical Summer Stripe Dress
1 | classic || mix it with classic, red, white, & blue. Any easy way to incorporate the red is with a great striped bag like this one here!
2 | bold || throw in a pop of color with a hint of neon in your accessories for a bold kick rather than the traditional red, white, and blue
3 | layering || style it with a great jean jacket, or throw on a linen scarf for the cool of the summer evenings.
Photography (The Fabulous Renata Amazona!)
Dress Buckley K - similar here
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Conni is a native Californian and adventuring creative at heart. She started her blog, Art in the Find back in 2013, as a way to bring style and her sense of adventure to her readers. Conni is a full time personal wardrobe stylist and blogger who loves bringing everyday style to her clients. She is based out of San Diego and also creates style lookbooks for clients all over the U.S. Conni loves a good cup of coffee in the morning, can be found scouring the flea markets for creative projects, and won't turn down a glass of bubbly for anything!
