I’m slightly afraid of open water and am not what anyone would call a strong swimmer. Needless to say, I don’t surf.
But I really, really wish I did. I’ve always been more than a little obsessed with the idea of surfing and with surf culture (and with Blue Crush, if I’m being honest!). I think surf lessons are a must on my life list, but in the meanwhile, I’ll just try to compensate by dressing the part.
My current obsession is Almond Women’s collection designed by LA-based designer Heather Heron. The gorgeous line is made in California and consists of (blue, white, and grey) pieces that would look equally amazing off of the beach (even in the good old Midwest!). I want it all. Particularly the Shibori Pullover, Spirit of the Sea Sweatshirt, Shibori Silk Cape, and the Bayside Chambray Pants.
I happened to notice a discount code on the Almond blog – which is filled with incredible photos – so I suggest you check it out!
Swimsuit shopping is absolutely my least favorite thing to do…the only good thing is that American made swimwear is readily available – and also pretty fantastic.
Curious as to why swimwear is made domestically? I asked around and learned:
– Special sewing machines are needed to handle typical swim fabrics (Spandex, Lycra) – these machines are still commonly available in the US which leads to more production capacity.
– The traditional swimwear season is quite short. Brands have no option but to manufacturing during peak production times, which can drive up manufacturing costs and limit traditional manufacturing discounts. Similarly, the brief amount of in-store time gives designers less time to react to sales and reorder from overseas manufacturers; domestic production allows brands to maintain consistent inventory levels and drive sales.
My swimsuit shopping rules: 1. Order online (from a retailer with a good return policy!) 2. Order multiple sizes 3. Try on in the morning, ideally following a great workout (and shower!) 4. Start with the largest size first! 5. Be nice to yourself! (Your body is far more valuable than a clothes hanger.)
I’ve fallen a little in love with Objects Without Meaning over on Need Supply. The black, white and grey collection is simple yet considered – these are pieces that you could wear again and again. My personal favorites are above but OWM has also created some exclusive travel pieces for Need Supply’s Go Explore Collection – and the black & white palm print is pretty rad.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that there are few things I love more than travel… Along with this exclusive collection, Need Supply also has some awesome summer city guides available on the site (including TAE favorites Clare Vivier & Diana Moss!) and is hosting an Instagram contest – through the end of the month, tag your travel adventures #goexplorenow for a chance to win an Artifact Uprising book (another TAE favorite!) and a $1500 Need Supply gift card. I don’t typically share brand contests on here, but I happen to be headed to the beach this weekend and I know I’ll be tagging my ‘grams, so I figured I should let you in on the fun – I hope you join me!
[lifestyle images by Stella Berkofsky, all images via Need Supply]
I discovered these rad skull loafers from Mara & Mine a few years ago (via instagram, obviously) and was so excited to meet the founders and see the studio when I was in LA. Mara & Mine was started by Jasmine Yarbrough and Tamie Ingham, Australian friends who live in Los Angeles. Jasmine & Tamie both got their start in fashion – Jasmine as a model and Tamie as a stylist – and their hectic studio jobs led them to search for cute, fashionable, and flat shoes they could wear all day.
They sourced leather for their shoes in the US and were planning to produce in Portugal and Spain (high-wage countries known for shoe-making) when they found a factory right in LA that could create the shoes that they were looking for. The collection is now in it’s fourth season, beloved by all of your favorite celebrities, and includes espadrilles, sandals, and bags – with more amazing options to come this fall. (the slip on sneakers in these photos are seriously incredible)
Shoes are hard to buy online… which was part of the reason I hadn’t invested in a pair of Mara & Mine loafers before visiting the studio. But the loafers are amazing – the materials and detailing are incredibly luxe, and the lambskin lining means the shoes will mold to your feet. And if you aren’t sure about which option to buy, Mara & Mine has recently launched a customization option, so you can create your dream shoes!
Thanks, Jasmine and Tamie, for taking the time to speak with me and show me your studio… and for proving to me that you can look extraordinarily chic while still being comfortable!
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Travel. Each season is based on where we travel together or where we would like to go. The architecture, the foods, the color, the materials that we see during our trips.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL? WHERE ARE YOU HEADED NEXT?
Harbor Island in the Bahamas – the people are so incredibly friendly, and we loved the local music. Next we are headed to Paris for trade shows.
WHAT GETS YOU THROUGH THE DAY? THROUGH THE WEEK?
Eachother (answered simultaneously!)
Coffee – Tamie. Green Tea – Jasmine.
WHAT WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU WHILE YOU WERE SOURCING YOUR LINE?
Finding a great manufacturer, where we could control quality. We love that he hand makes everything.
WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE ESSENTIALS?
A blazer, Mara & Mines, sunglasses, leather pants, and a good tee.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Custom loafers and our fall collection. We’re working on some collaborations, including baby skull slippers we are really excited about! (adorable!)
WHO IS THE MARA & MINE GIRL?
Confident, well-traveled women. Fashion-forward, can be creative. A bit quirky. Like to have fun with fashion but still take it seriously. Also, very confident men who like to make a statement – we’ve heard that our loafers work as great pick-up lines for men! (even Ludacris wears them!)
