[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1995151″]

I have a tendency to take the city I live in for granted.  Doesn’t matter how cool of a city it is, I forget to venture out and check out the touristy attractions until I’ve moved and it’s too late.  I lived in Atlanta for eight years and never once visited the Coca-Cola museum.  I lived in Dallas/Fort Worth for thirteen years and never once visited the famous Fort Worth Zoo.  I’ve lived in LA for the past seven years and have yet to visit the Getty Museum.  (Go ahead, do the math.  Add up my age.  I’m old AF).  Yup.  I’m THAT person.

With that said, I recently shot with a new photographer, Hanna (more to come of our collaboration).  She lives up in Santa Barbara, which is about 1.5 to 2 hours north of LA, depending on traffic.  Hanna suggested that we shoot near Ventura.  As we walked toward this abandoned palm tree farm, it morphed into somewhat of a tropical paradise.  What looked like a scene out of Costa Rica was actually in Ventura.  We got to shoot in our own version of paradise and be lost in the midst of the wild grass and trees.

I’ve already made plans to do more sight seeing and and day trips up to Santa Barbara and Ojai.  Remember, you don’t have to travel far or spend a lot of money to create an adventure or photoshoot with friends.  I highly recommend getting your best girlfriends, packing a weekender bag, and take a road trip somewhere just a few hours away.  Don’t be like me and take your city for granted.

I’m lucky enough to work with fine jewelry brand, Mejuri, again.  I absolutely LOVE their pieces!  It’s the perfect kind of dainty, simple and elegant aesthetic that I look for when I wear jewelry.  Plus, their pieces are all hand-crafted with quality material.

This time I’m wearing their Tuxedo Necklace.  I’ve seriously not stopped wearing this necklace EVERYWHERE and with EVERYTHING.  It’s classy.  It’s not overwhelming, and I love that it’s made with gold vermeil.

I’m seen wearing this stunning For Love and Lemons Mariposa Maxi Dress.  Not sure if this dress is still available, but here are some very similar and beautiful lace dresses:

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1995251″]

River Island Evil Eye Choker / Lack of Color The Stahl Boater Hat / Jeffrey Campbell bootie (sold out | similar look)

I’m so excited that I’ll be traveling to Taipei, Taiwan at the end of this month.  I hope to capture some gorgeous pictures that are similar to this since Taiwan is a tropical island.  Have you ever visited Taiwan?  If so, I’d love to hear your story! Xo!

Photographed by Hanna Photography