LA BREA STREET ART

Sometimes I just want to share something pretty. I try to focus on places and travels, stores and restaurants that capture the big bright bold vibe. But, sometimes something is just so cool it doesn’t need a story or a reason. While we were on the way to see the Louis Vuitton show and parked on La Brea, we came across this building. I don’t know the who or the why, but the what is pretty awesome. Love the use of pattern in a supergraphic size. The colors pop off the walls and brighten this stretch of a monotonous strip mall street. LOVE finding local gems like this in my city, proving that inspiration can be found around every corner and it's essential to appreciate every moment of unexpected beauty.

SUPER SUPERBA

Superba is my favorite neighborhood spot, serving delicious and healthy California inspired food in a sunny and bright setting. I typically have only gone for dinner, and never got the chance to capture the colorful graphic walls during the day. The vibe is definitely Venice cool, and the weekend brunch is kind of a scene. But, I love the style, the people watching, the small shareable bites, and the large murals. It’s casually fun, comfortably attractive and has a quirky sense of humor, just like the perfect date.

OJAI: SCANDINAVIAN LIVING

In a place known for its natural beauty and artistic creativity, Dekor in Ojai is truly a must see shop. Inspired by its owners' fashion, interior design, and retail backgrounds, the store captures the casual, eclectic modern style that Ojai (and Sunny California) is renown for. The mixture of global textiles, Scandinavian home goods, and rustic furniture feels inviting and stylish, like a beautifully well-worn home you want to hang out in all weekend. The combination of home decor, clothing (colorful London designed caftans) and makeup (even a florescent pink nailpolish) ensures that there is somehtign for everyone, and you probably won't leave empy handed!

OJAI: DEKOR STYLE

Visiting Ojai is like taking an impromptu trip to Europe. The town feels as far from Los Angeles as you can get in 2 hours. The vibe is always creative, homey and relaxed. Strolling along the main promenade underneath the Spanish arches makes for an eternal vacation. We got the chance to drive up to Ojai a few months ago, and although most of our time was spent recuperating at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa,  I got the chance to hop into downtown for a few hours.

On our last day, when I had a few hours to shop solo, I discovered Ojai’s newest design destination, Dekor. Owned by a Swedish, Los Angeles based designer and landscape architect who also owns a shop in Echo Park, Dekor made its debut in Ojai in December. The shop is a design and lifestyle inspired by Swedish cafes and shops. It combines Scandinavian design, clothing, furniture with eclectic global finds in a warm, inviting space. Love the mix of Turkish kilims with modern kitchenware. The vibe is cozy and industrial, eclectic and modern.

In addition to the global, eclectic funds, the store offers custom furniture and modern accessories. There’s even a tea bar for an afternoon get together.

Think this quote by the owner sums up the Ojai experience: “I’m not a very materialistic person,” says Dahlin, “but if your home feels special and you’re happy with the things around you, I believe that you are a happier person.” This place definitely makes me a happier person!

CREATE & CULTIVATE INSPIRATION

Create & Cultivate brings together business leaders and entrepreneurs in one place for a day full of creative inspiration. This highly curated event features workshops, seminars, and panels with top executives in fashion, design, and business. Keynote speakers this year included Emily Weiss of Into The Gloss and Aimee Song of Song of Style. Having attended their inspiring event at the Ace hotel last year, I definitely came to be inspired.

This time, the event had probably tripled in size. The day was separated into two tracks with panels and keynote speaks discussing everything from the business of blogging to Instagram. The highlight of the day was the panel discussion with “The Fat Jewish” His nuggets of reality were hilarious and completely true. He talked about his Instagram life, how companies pay him to give “weird” shout outs to random products, and on not taking life too seriously. He bellowed “It’s 2015. ANYTHING goes.” And “Having a job is so 90’s!” I LOVED his no nonsense, approach to the world, and how he made it his signature. Even his dog had a cult following, supposedly having his own Uber drive him to promotional launches. He was definitely hilarious and candidly inspiring. He was “raw” and “dude like” in a sea of pretty beauty and I appreciated the candor and style. He has like 3 million Instragam followers, and I admit his feed is my favorite feed to add a laugh to my day.