When a Fire Starts to Burn | Valley of Fire

Life is full of surprises, you guys. Every single day brings something new and unexpected, and we just kind of have to ride the wave of it all. Every time I travel and create, I am reminded to just go with the flow - to accept change and things not always going my way, and to take advantage of the experience. There is always so much to learn.

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Since we are always on the road, jumping from one location to the next to create imagery, we can never really predict what to expect in terms of weather, lighting, where we will shoot, and more until we actually get to the location. Yes, we have our phones to check the weather, but I've found that isn't always the most reliable tool! So this is where the creativity comes in and the inspiration strikes when you're actually surrounded by the environment and current conditions. This is the kind of surprise I face on a day to day basis! 

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For this particular shoot in the Valley of Fire, we experienced the most magical conditions to shoot in. Clouds filled the sky right as the sun began to set and we had clear skies all day. I love a nice cloudy sky! Not when there's too much and you're awaiting the pouring rain. I'm talking about those streaks of clouds giving the sun a canvas to paint the skies with color as it sets. The clouds that signal a few gusts of wind to perfectly sweep my dress off the ground and provide movement in each photograph! Those are the surprises I live for!

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So here I am, kickin' my feet up in happiness for the unexpectedly perfect shooting conditions! How cute are these shoes by the way? I recently teamed up with Sbicca to create some imagery, and these are the first pair I was lucky enough to capture some images of. I hope you enjoy these images as the fiery skies started to burn with the setting sun!

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For those of you wondering what that dream of a dress is - it's from Blackwater by For Love and Lemons and I'm in love! Another example of how I am obsessing over velvet this fall/winter. 

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Photos shot by Darius Twin.

Red Silk | Death Valley

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Sometimes all you need in life is a vintage red silk slip dress and the perfect Death Valley backdrops to dance the sunset away in. The following images were shot at both Artist's Palette and some epic mud cracks that we found while exploring.

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I hope everyone enjoyed time with their families ~ I sure did! I'm also happy to get back into the swing of things and release a bunch of new content just in time for the holidays! 

Photos shot by Darius Twin.

Cracked Earth | Death Valley

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Darren and I have been traveling and creating so much these last few months - so much that I'm literally sitting on thousands of epic photographs just waiting to see the light of day. Well, I am home for now, and (finally!) have a night to sit down, edit, and share some new imagery that we've been working on. I'm going to be releasing a lot this week - so keep your eyes peeled and the bandit on your minds ::) 

First, I wanted to start off with this shoot we did for Silhouette and Modcloth. Although we've been to Death Valley about ten times (no joke!), this particular visit was very special to us. We focused on exploring the unseen and pushing the limits in terms of using texture and color.

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I couldn't keep my eyes off of the ground - I mean how amazing are those mudcracks and red velvet heels?

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And that golden light on my coat was makin' me feel like a desert angel!

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I went ahead and used those amazing textures and colors to show off my favorite sunnies from Silhouette. They've been my go-to shades so far this fall and seem to work with every color palette I've been swooning over! 

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Death Valley Blues | Badwater Basin

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Here is a set of images that we created for Fame and Partners at Badwater Basin in Death Valley, when opal hues filled the sky creating the most magical sunset. 

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Shot by Darius Twin.

Featuring a dress from Fame and Partners, heels from Modcloth, and earrings by Sarah Mulder.

Come Fly with Me | Badwater Basin

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Happy Friday, everyone! I'm flying away (not really - just hopping in a off-roading vehicle) to a secret & amazing location that we will be shooting at for the next few days. Stay tuned and watch my Instagram stories to get a little sneak peek of the fun!

I shared this image last week on my Instagram, but I really wanted you guys to see the full image - I love it so. This is another photo from our angel series - now we can add Death Valley to the list. Thank you Darren for always giving me wings! 

Shot by Darius Twin, of course.

A Light in the Attic | Zombie Hospital

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Berlin has some crazy abandoned locations throughout the entire city, but one that stuck out to me the most was this abandoned children's hospital that they call the 'zombie hospital'. What a spooky spot, you guys! Every noise I heard had me a little freaked out! There was also something special about the location - like the soft light shining through the broken windows, the exposed structure, and the graffiti throughout the entire building leaving a bit of a mysteriously haunted appeal. What a neat place! We found this location through our friend who also recommended that we check out a site called Abandoned Berlin. You'll find all sorts of interesting locations there to see while in Berlin. Follow along as I guide you through this abandoned children's hospital!

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All photos shot by Darius Twin.

Don't Look Down | Jiangxi, China

Here's a look into our adventure through Mount Longhu in Jiangxi, China!

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Above Berlin | Teufelsberg

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Here I am, walking on what looks like a set for a sci-fi film, but really a historic site turned art installation in Berlin, Germany. Atop Teufelsberg, a man-made hill of rubble covering an under-construction nazi military college, lies this NSA listening station from the Cold War. Due to this location's history, views, and murals covering the towers, we knew we had to add it to our list of places to see in Berlin.

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Once we made it to the top, we turned on our speaker and listened to my current playlist. Everything sounded so insanely good inside of those domes - and with great company, views, and jams comes much creativity! So we created, and this is what we made as the sky gave us so much mood and color. 

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Oh, and if you're wondering what that rad lil' get up I'm wearing is, it's from SWF Boutique. I just loved the way it looked at this location.

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The sky turned into fire that evening, and we had a 360 degree view to see it all! Luck struck hard that night, because every other day we were in Berlin, the skies were coated with the thickest clouds. Thank you, thank you for bringing the magic! If any of my readers have a trip planned to Berlin anytime soon, go to this location. It's the best view of the city you'll find and has no shortage of interesting sights. 

Just Like a Fairytale | The Proposal

I have just returned home from a month-long adventure through the Netherlands, Germany and China. It was quite a journey, let me tell you! So much happened and so many memories were created - but this particular memory holds a huge place in my heart. 

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It was the most beautiful evening at the Rakotzbrücke bridge in Kromlau, Germany! The air was so still and the skies so clear, creating the most vivid reflection of the bridge on the water. This place was romantic indeed, and the perfect place to spend a sunset with Darius Twin.

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This bridge was built in the mid-19th century and when reflected in the water, creates a ring.

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So this is when the night became extremely special. Here I am, thinking all is, well, kind of 'normal.' Darren tells me we are doing a holding hands shot, which we nailed on the first try. But he tells me we didn't, and that we must continue shooting until it's just right!

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So there I was standing on that log, waiting until the settings were right, when really he was reaching into his bag to grab a..... ring! He set his camera on a timer, and when he came towards me I was expecting him to grab my hand, but instead he got down on one knee! I was so surprised.

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Of course I said yes. He's my companion, my love, my best friend, and everything I ever dreamed of and more. He picked the most magical moment to propose, because there was so much symbolism present at this location - the white dress, and most of all, the bridge's reflection creating a ring. My favorite stone is opal, so here is my vintage opal & diamond ring!

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This will be a night I never forget.

Mountains and Meadows | Rocky Mountain National Park

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// the sunset told me wear to pink //

The sunset called and told me to wear pink at the top of the Topanga Overlook...

So I grabbed my favorite get up from Nordstrom (by Topshop) and headed on up. 

The moon was big and bright, and the sky kept changing hues as the sun sank behind the mountains!

And, oh my, was the sunset right! The hues were absolutely stunning and matched my outfit perfectly.

This outfit was so fun to shoot! Not only because it paired perfectly with the sunset, but because I just love the modern, yet rock and roll vibe to it all. I will definitely be wearing this to the next concert I check out ::) Peep the links to what I'm wearing below and don't forget to listen to the song of the day -- I have it on repeat lately!

Photos shot by Darius Twin.

// that fresh mountain air //

There's nothin' better than taking in that fresh mountain air at Rocky Mountain National Park while wearing one of my favorites, Silly Yogi. Follow along as I guide you through some beautiful locations that we explored while adventuring through the park!

Make sure to check out the pieces I am wearing from Silly Yogi using the links below! All of their designs are boho-heaven and the perfect addition to any adventure you may have on the horizon. I especially love that long, flowy skirt with the best color combination a girl could ask for! I've been wearing it non-stop since I received it. It's so versatile, and will also be a great transition piece into fall if paired with a cropped sweater and some booties!

On another note, I have great news! In just a few weeks, Darren and I will be headed on a big journey! We're spreading our wings and going on a European adventure through The Netherlands, Germany, and China! Stay tuned for what's to come, I can barely contain my excitement. In the meantime, keep checking my feed for sneak peeks of posts to come! 

Photos shot by Darius Twin.

// crochet at the lake //

Welcome to one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most scenic lakes, Sprague Lake. I absolutely loved the tranquility while walking the loop around the lake - the water was so still and created a beautiful reflection of the trees and mountains. 

Although the weather was absolutely perfect during our shoots throughout the park, it wasn't always that way! We had been at Sprague Lake maybe 3 hours before this particular shoot, and it was extremely windy and pouring rain! So thankfully the weatherman decided to give us some sunshine ::)

I absolutely loved the colors throughout the park, but especially at this lake. So I took this opportunity to add my favorite summer color (mentioned in the last blog post) into the mix - mustard yellow. I mean common - how rad is that kimono & skirt combo from Somedays Lovin?

I could have stood there forever! As we continued on, we stumbled upon this amazing wooden pathway through the meadow. Moments later, we saw a moose!

I recommend adding Sprague Lake to your to-do list when you visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Oh yeah, HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATIONAL PARKS! ::) Peep what I'm wearing below.

Photos shot by Darius Twin.

// by the creek //

I recently hopped on a plane with Darren and adventured through Colorado for a week. We started out in Denver, then visited Boulder, and ended with a few days in Estes Park. Each time I visit Denver, I just want to pack my bags and move there! This particular shoot was during one of our drives through the ever-so-beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park.

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Our first stop was at this scenic creek overlooking a meadow with a mountainous backdrop! So there I am, taking in those incredible views of the Rocky Mountains while wearing my new favorite matching top & bottoms by Minkpink. I've noticed that my color of the summer is mustard yellow - I just love the vintage appeal it has.

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Right before this next shot, my sunglasses fell in the water, so I had to get in and fetch them. The water felt amazing! The weather at the Rocky Mountains during summer is PERFECT, because it's in the 70s during the day and doesn't really go below the 50s at night. This makes it so nice while exploring during all hours of the day - because last time we visited we froze! ::)

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I can't wait to share more of our imagery from our adventure through Colorado! In the meantime, catch some sneak peeks on my Instagram. I'll be sharing more of my favorite summer looks and interesting locations you should visit on your next trip to Colorado.

// sunset reflection //

// purple haze //

I could have sat there all day, admiring all of the canyon layers from Dead Horse Point; especially since that beautiful kimono by Ebonie N Ivory matched those deep purple hues! This scenic point is only a few miles from the entrance of Canyonlands, and is definitely worth a visit if and when you find yourself in Moab, UT!

The next set of images were actually shot on a completely different adventure - I am ((obviously)) in love with that kimono from Ebonie N Ivory! While in Pioneertown, CA we stayed at this cool spot called Los Vientos Hideaway and were completely in awe of it's views from the living room windows. The whole place was designed to perfection.

This last shot was taken by our good friend Kelley Lee. I love how it captures our love! 

Photos shot by Darius Twin

// mountaintop //

Are you guys still looking for that perfect piece of crochet heaven for summer? Well, look no further, I have found something that will change your lives on a warm & sunny day. 

That piece of heaven is this crochet playsuit by Lipsy, in which I wore on our adventure up to the top of Mt. Pinos while prancing around those beautiful flowers.

We were really trying to play with dimension in these images to both showcase the detailing of the playsuit and also the dreamy flowers that filled the meadow. 

The conditions were perfect. So, If you're looking for a nice hike, and don't want to go to far from LA, I recommend visiting this spot. We've been many times, but I've never seen those flowers until now!

This is what it looks like when you get to the top of the mountain - the best views (especially when you arrive at golden hour)! All of the mountainous layers were lit just right.

I cannot even tell you how comfortable this playsuit is - I could live in it all day every day.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weeks so far! I have been traveling a ton (as I'm sure you guys figured!). Next week I am headed to Denver to see one of my best friends get married and to also check out the beautiful Colorado scenery. As of now we have Hanging Lake, the Great Sand Dunes, and the Rocky Mountains on our to do list - let me know if there are any other must sees! 

Photos shot by Darius Twin, of course!