Dear Viewers,
Many apologies to the extensive wait on a new
post. I have undertaken a sudden upgrade of software and have yet learn how to operate
and edit photos to BlogSpot. Nonetheless, geez luiz, so much has happened since
pride weekend. Congratulations to moi
for surviving my first summer in San Francisco! Well, not too much of a summer,
considering I have been slaving away with a demeanor of working to the brink. What
can I say? I am a student living in the city! These days of exhaustion don’t suffice
my young stature. Let’s be real city
neighbors, we all value the importance of a second job and the, you better suck it up, acceptance of
sacrificing 3 months of vacation time.
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| Heirloom Tomato & Burrato Tartine- Open Faced, Arugula Pesto, Basil, Fig Vincotro Spinach & Kale Salad |
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| If ever in LA check out, Stelle Barra, 6372 W. Sunset Blvd Hollywood CA |
Not I, I told myself, I’ve been working
myself to the core and there needs to be a little getaway. I needed to go
somewhere with scenic views, breezy beaches, and color. I know you know what I
am thinking, Los Angeles people! It was decided in March that my cousin and I
would attend the John Mayer concert in Irvine, California. Figuring we would
make a trip out of it and plan a vacay around the show.
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| Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters, Dress: Urban Outfitters, Sandals: thrifted |
We
embarked on the treacherous California Coast line, just us two girls; making
stops at the icon hotspots of Southern California. Santa Monica, Hollywood, and
Venice Beach! However most of our travels were navigated backwards, considering
we only had four days in LA we had to make every stop worthwhile and refrain
from dilly-dallying. The first stop on our itinerary was good ol Hollywood!
Nothing too grand, I had high hopes and looked forward to the energy of the
local towns people, but dismayed by the opposite. (Last time I was in Los
Angles it was during the time-you know-when you take a trip to Disney Land
or Universal Studios when you are 10 and eat at IHOP or McDonalds with your
family) Hollywood Blvd. stretch was too congested with tourist guides and major
crowds. I was however pleased to catch a snap with the Marilyn Monroe prototype, and
discovered some of my favorite artist on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! With the
annoyance of travelers we eighty-sixed the scene and headed somewhere a little
bit more settling. With plans being up in the air we decided to take a swirly car
ride to the iconic Hollywood sign. With the guidance from a local, we were able
to reach the highest viewpoint and got to take some awesome pictures. The view
was fantastic and is where we found ourselves spending half of our morning. If
the weather had been a bit more pleasant we could have easily spent the whole
afternoon at the park. Just below the mountainous pedestal that carried the
massive white letters.
With
our feet bleeding of exhaustion from the walk on the madhouse strip, we
thought, it would be lovely to run our blistered toes through some grainy cool sand.
Ooooooh yes, regressing back to the road and the bumper-to-bumper highway,
Santa Monica would be the last stop before heading out to the Riverside. God
knows how much we wanted to avoid that notorious LA traffic!
As
you can see I was most fascinated by the Southern California beaches. I absolutely
fell in love with Santa Monica; the short time being there was much needed.
Considering we were on parking meter time, those darn time keepers! As expected,
the sand was soothing and therapeutic. Reggae on the beach, people walking in
their bathing suits and the mini carnival attraction seemed surreal. I am so used to the San Francisco city life.
Gosh knows when you will ever see people’s skin in this foggy weather. I was
excited to bring my bathing suit and finally catch some sun, to get this un-tanned
physique some color! Unfortunately we had gotten there late in the evening and
the sun was just about ready to fall. It was ok though because we still had
Venice beach on the way. I was just happy to get some snapshots and soak in the
cool air from the mellowed waves.
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| Shirt: Uniqlo, Sweater: Crossroads Trading & Co., Belt: Forever 21. Shorts: American Apparel |
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| Check out a show near you by clicking this link for dates: John Mayer Tour dates |
The
ride to Riverside was dreadful, I mean I was far warned about LA traffic, but
boy oh boy, was I amazed at how horrible and painful it was. We were driving to Riverside to stay with a friend who we were going to the concert with.
Riverside is a much more residential region part of Southern California, very
hot and not crowded with tourist at all. The next day following our arrival, was
the moment I had been waiting for! John Mayer has always been a hit on my
playlist, ever since my early years in High School. I discovered him early and
still find his tune a staple in records to remember. Regardless of his mellow
sound and constant lyrics about relationships, I adore his voice and
acknowledge his remarkable talent as an artist. He was well worth the drive,
and I had a great time at the concert. His set-up was unbelievable awesome and
his energy was on point. He is one of those artists where you see him playing
his instruments and you say, wow, this guy really knows what he is doing. My
favorite moment of the night was when he would play his classics. The ones I
listened too that brought back such pleasant memories. Regardless what anyone
has to say about John Mayer, he holds importance in my life, just like any
artist holds value to anyone else's life. I hope after reading this you login into your
Spotify and check out his new Born and Raised album. You’d be surprised at how
heartfelt and true this guy can make you feel.
Our
last venture before getting on the road again, we got breakfast-with the left
over cash we still had-and ate a pleasant meal on the beach. We were able
to catch some vendors, check out all the shops, and watch some street art in
action. Of course the weather was beautiful on the day that we leave, but we
were just happy we got to get a glimpse and feel for it. After getting souvenirs from the
outside shops, and some snap’s, it was back on the road again. Southern
California was a swell time, and I did enjoy my little vacation time away from
the city. However I missed San Francisco, and I couldn’t wait to get back home
and lay in my bed. The LA beaches were beautiful and the get away was sufficing
to my vanity.
Now
it’s back to my work regime and school schedule. There is one week left before school starts,
which means on last hurray week of freedom! Fall semester is going to be great, my
classes are set, my school supplies are ready and let’s just say I am going to
quick ass in my studies! Oh and heads up, Fashion week is arising, so make sure
to keep a close eye at my Twitter and IG feed for updates on commentary and
pictures of my favorite looks!
Thank
for reading the blog and I hope all you students out there had a whimsical summer!
Stay tuned for the blogs next feature on a local student designer, who is in
the works of designing the perfect ensemble for moi!
Ciao, Ciao!