There are a lot of things that make us who we are. Some of them are straight-up facts, like loving brussels sprouts, having a weird obsession with looking at real estate online or having pierced your nose three separate times (all true about me, by the way). But then there are the things that really change us; the things that re-wire our DNA and re-pave our paths. Maybe for you it was that book you read that changed your life or that trip you took or that person you loved. For me, that “thing” was growing up in Los Angeles.
Don’t get me wrong: I’ve had my qualms with LA. If she was a person, she would undoubtedly be the ultimate #inspo girl: effortlessly cool and astonishingly eclectic, but hecka intimidating. But over the years, I’ve gotten to know LA pretty intimately… and wandering these streets has made more creative and more authentic in all aspects of my life, including my style.
Quite frankly, we LA natives are anomalies. Don’t blame us, though—blame our environment. Growing up, I split my time between the beach (surrounded by boho vibes and bikinis) and the downtown street scene (with monochrome galore). On Friday nights, my friends and I could be caught at The Smell (LA’s best punk rock club) sporting corduroy skirts and Doc Martens; then on Saturday, you’d find us meandering Museum Row in classy pastels and patterns.
What I’m saying is: living in Los Angeles teaches you to be prepared for any adventure (and to be ready to change your outfit at the drop of a hat). It teaches you to explore and embrace every part of your personality. In Los Angeles, you’re allowed to rock athleisure on Monday and stilettos on Tuesday and grunge on Wednesday. Because at the end of the day, fashion isn’t supposed to be some sort of “rule book on coolness” that restricts your choices or limits your mobility. Fashion should be a box of tricks and tools that you can use to enhance your life. It should be fun and functional and should make you feel more at home in your own skin… and anyone who has lived in Los Angeles knows how important it is to plant your feet and make this crazy city seem like home.
Today, I’m sporting my favorite vintage jean jacket (find a similar one at Urban Outfitters here), black linen joggers, tried-and-true adidas Superstars and my grandma’s old ring to add a little delicacy… because after all, in LA, it’s all about balance.
