Trailblazer

We drove up to String Lake in the late afternoon. It's June, but somehow still feels like early season. The mountains are snowcapped and the parking lot is surprisingly bare. I can hardly contain the joy in my heart as I hike the familiar trail. Memories of fly fishing, singing silly songs to keep the bears away, and packing a picnic lunch to eat along the rocky shore flood my mind. Trails all around Jackson and Grand Teton National Park hold pieces of me and my childhood within them like magical time capsules. Maybe that's why when recently asked what my favorite outdoor activity is I answered, "Hiking." 

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

I grew up hiking, and although I always enjoyed it, I remember the moment it shifted for me. Shifted into something both cathartic and soul-filling (is that a word? I am making it a word! Who doesn't want their soul to be filled?). I was visiting my friend Tanya (the fab lady behind A Boy Named Sue) in Hong Kong to work on a photo shoot for their site. Each day we did 4-5 hours of work, and then we would head out on a hike... in the middle of Hong Kong! I had no idea that such a metropolitan place had access to hiking, but Tanya did. She knew all the trails and confessed that is was the only thing that kept her sane. She also disclosed to me that she often schedules a 'hike meet-up' rather than a coffee or drink to get her exercise in while catching up with friends or new collaborators. It's genius, and I have since adopted her athletic rendezvous practice.

Last year, when I lived in LA, I remembered Tanya's beautiful balance of urban life and nature, and even though the ocean was so close, the hills called to me. The Santa Monica Mountains provided the terrain and hiking them became the best part of my day. I read a book called Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It, and took the author's approach to seeing the root of everything as love- beginning with self love. On the hike up I would churn the Universe and think about all the things I wanted to solve in my life and how. And on the way down, I would let it all go, and repeat one simple phrase over and over again: "I love myself. I love myself. I love myself." I called them my Love Hikes. And, man, were they powerful. I still do Love Hikes, and Rendezvous Hikes, and lately I've returned to the old classic- Appreciation Hikes. Lost in awe of the beauty around me, my mind goes from one thought of appreciation to another. 

So, when Micah from Haumeya got in touch to see about collaborating to feature their eco leggings, I felt a hiking post was perfect. Made from 65% plant-based fabric made from wood pulp, their leggings are incredibly soft while retaining their shape and elasticity. My favorite part is the sideways pocket in the waistband in the back. Designed to keep your phone snug and secured, it allowed me to be hands-free with comfort and ease. I'm a fan. Interested in getting a pair for yourself? Check out their Kickstarter page to pre-order a pair

If you find yourself in the Jackson Hole area, these are a few of my favorite hikes: Cache Creek, Death Canyon, Ski Lake and the Old Pass Road. And, if you are in the West LA area, check out Los Leones, Temescal Canyon, and Mandeville Canyon. Also- please share your favorite hikes in the comments section below! 

 
 

ECO OUTFIT

CROPPED TEE, The Lost Travel Tshirt Company #tencel #ecofabric 

PLAID BUTTON DOWN, IOU Project (similar style), #fair #artisanmade 

LEGGINGS, (gifted) Haumeya #plantbasedfabric #social #local #ecofabric

FLYKNIT SHOES, Nike #recycleable #zerowaste

NON-TOXIC SUNSCREEN, BeautyCounter #nontoxic #natural #zinc #physicalblocker

NON-TOXIC BUG SPRAY, Four Elements #nontoxic #natural 

 

Photos by the talented Cole Buckhart, in Jackson Hole, WY. Many thanks to Haumeya for sponsoring this post. 

Eco-Outfit: London's Reve en Vert Style in Malibu

I first met the Reve en Vert (REV) girls around 2010- which feels like a lifetime ago. Long before they started REV, we were all connected by this desire to be fashionable yet ethical in our wardrobe choices. With luxury fashion backgrounds, we hit it off right away. When they launched REV as a fashion-forward and ethically-focused boutique I was overjoyed! And over time, they have kept their promise on both fronts- delivering some of the best (mostly European) labels with eco cred. 

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

So, when they approached me to style some of their pieces into my eco-outfit looks, I felt like I'd won the lottery! Based in London, REV definitely has a more European style aesthetic, but that is something I am very comfortable with (having lived in London for two years). In fact, most of my wardrobe is well suited for Europe, and it has been a challenge to adjust to the laid back Cali style. Luckily, I feel I hit a nice, wearable balance with this look. Initially I was concerned I would be way overdressed for Malibu, but on a date night this look is perfect and fit right in. I do think the skirt being a knit helped soften the look, while the booties made it a little more cool and less 'done' than if I had worn heels.

I also recently learned about  a local LA-based brand called Colour Pop which produces some amazing hues for lipgloss, nail polish and eye shadow. My favorite part is their commitment to being vegan and cruelty-free. The color I wore for this shoot is called 'Sting Raye' and it stayed on all day! Loved the matte finish too.

 

Eco-Outfit Details

CROP TOP, similar to one shown #madeinUSA

SWEATER SKIRT, Blake London #ethicallymade #naturalfibers #local

KLAIA CAGE RING, Odette New York #local #handmade #recycledmaterials

SLIM HERA CUFF, Odette New York #local #handmade #recycledmaterials

BOOTIES, similar to ones shown #transparent

Photos by Felicia Lasala

Photos by Felicia Lasala

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Big thanks to Reve en Vert for sponsoring this post!

Eco-Outfit: All Ruffled!

Pair a jumpsuit with ruffles and some off-the-shoulder action and I'm on board! I LOVE everything about this piece- especially the versatility. With flats and a hat you're good to go for some beach time or an outdoor Saturday brunch. Add heels and jewelry and its the perfect #dressedupnotdressedup outfit. 

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

Eco Outfit Details

GEMMA JUMPSUIT, St. Roche #sustainablefibers #ethicallymade

WOVEN WEDGES, Paloma Barcelo #madeinSPAIN

THIN CUFF BRACELET, c/o Miansai #ethicallymade

SLIM HERA CUFF, Odette NYC via Reve en Vert #recycledmaterials #local 

SUNGLASSES, similar to ones shown, Westward Leaning #social 

PHOTOS BY FELICIA LASALA

PHOTOS BY FELICIA LASALA

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