LEATHER + LIGHTS
Allegra: Kendall & Kylie for Pacsun top | MetoWe Sweater | Brandy Melville Skirt
Courtney: Free People Dress | Free People Wrap Scarf
Hailey: Vintage Beaded Dress | Rue21 Headband
CLUTCH (Courtney): https://www.duluthpack.com/leather-clutch.html
PURSE (Allegra): https://www.duluthpack.com/conceal-carry-classic-leather-purse.html
HAVERSACK (Hailey): https://www.duluthpack.com/leather-haversack-17012.html
UP NORTH
I have fully taken it to heart that Saturdays are for adventures.
For about the past month, every weekend has been filled to the brim with explorations + endeavors, in lands far far away from my college campus. This weekend, I road-tripped to the shore of northern Minnesota.
Being on the move is something that fills me up with energy and joy. As we awoke starry-eyed on that bright November morning, I became fully aware of my current state. I think that it’s important to slow down sometimes and take note of where you are, and realize that it doesn’t have to be extravagant to be wonderful. I think that it’s important to acknowledge that you are a mix of sort-of-sleepy and over-caffineated. That you are not in the mood to talk, but could really use an extra-hot chai, with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. That maybe this week was stressful, but you got through it, and you are here, living today, and you survived. And you will survive again, because you are a beautiful, created, living, breathing, BEING. And because we were indeed created to BE, may we BE with all our might.
And I will meet anyone who courageously meet me there.
Courtney: Free People Dress | Free People Leggings | Minnetonka Moccasin Boots
Allegra: Free People Dress | Forever21 Scarf | PacSun Leggings | Minnetonka Moccasin Boots
Free People Hat | Free People Scarf | Urban Outfitters Sweater
Free People Hats
PINECONE TRACKS
F E A T. D U L U T H P A C K !
Brandy Melville Sweater (similar) | J.Crew Flannel (similar) | Brandy Melville Bruce Skirt | Chambers Low Sneakers by Frye | SmartWool Socks | Duluth Pack Roll Top Scout in Natural | Forever21 Blanket Scarf (similar)
With eyes closed, and hearts at peace, we are able to open our minds to the kingdoms that exist quietly within us. It is only when we choose gentleness and stillness, over the harsh, bitter winds of the world, that we may truly see inside ourselves.
Brandy Melville Abigail Dress | Free People Hooded Combo Tassel Sweater | Chuck Taylor All Star High Tops in Optical White
Let us listen to the patient truth that wanders within us, as it awaits a soft instance to awaken us. Perhaps, as we live out our lives, we come to realize that the most authentic truth about ourselves resides in the nooks and crannies of our souls, the pieces of light and remnants of moments that have created our very being. May we never wake up.
Mophie Chargeable Phone Case
xx
-A
RED
This weekend was absolute * M A G I C *
Being that it was All Hallow's Eve, I decided upon a day of adventures around the autumn speckled city. With my lovely friend Alexandra, we first scavenged for caffeine-infused goodness. We happened upon a little shop named Five Watt, with a variety of incredible coffee drinks + croissants to offer. I settled upon a 'Kingfield' : a delicious blend of vanilla, coriander bitters, espresso, milk, + Black Hawaiian sea salt. We sat at the very back of the shop, and chatted away about our beautiful contentment in our current state of youth and caffeination.
Are cats still cool?
This is Alexandra. She is rad and is always up for brunch.
Free People Dress | Urban Outfitters White Lace Sweater | Free People Leather Jacket | Bull Boxer Boots | Madewell Purse
| hours of the moon + stars |
When evening fell, I dawned my red cloak, and put unnecessary amounts of glitter on my face. (Because, why not.)
Happy Halloween, Dreamers!
xx
-A
WILLOW FALLS
The road, The 1975, 11:17 mid-morning fog inundating our already starry-eyed vision.
Yellow + emerald : we wore the colors of our youth, we wore those colors with breathless youth.
+
This past weekend, I met up with some rad folks. We journeyed out to the falls : basking in autumn's crisp lack of reluctance, holding back not her vision nor sight.
It is an invigorating substance of which that is breathing in the creativity of those around us : those who understand the subtleties of light and darkness
( of us, and of the earth )
We breach the cracks of light that pour out of our never-ending hopes of whimsy and heartbreak (and heart-restoration, in the midst of those who try)
who TRY - -
and, so often, give us a spark of something we never thought we'd have the pleasure to catch glimpse of.
Go Out Tee : Rad | Flannel : Brandy Melville
I crossed paths with a little fairy named Hailey.
She is totally rad.
I think we may have been sisters in other lifetimes.
Her vibrant passion for cherishing moments + adventures is one that we share. She has beautiful, starlight speckled locks and constellations dwell in her heart.
MAGIC TREEHOUSE
A new year, a new space.
As an artist, I am intrigued by the power of how personal touches can truly transform a room. I saw my new dorm room as a blank canvas, with endless possibilities for design.
In this collaboration featuring PBteen, I created my very own Magic Treehouse: a place to manifest inspiration + joy.
Take a look at my own little world . . .
Make sure to check out my feature on the PBteen Blog, as well as my Dorm Tour YouTube video!
Keep dreamin'
- A
LEDGES
OPENER : IVAN + ALYOSHA
+ NOAH +
We’ll never forget how it feels to be young.
I can quite honestly say that last night was one of the greatest nights of my 19-year long life thus far. After adventuring around the cities with my father, he took me to see the most raw + inspiring musician I have ever known.
Noah Gundersen.
Through heartbreak, bad days, & the good ones too, Noah has sung me through many late nights in the studio and early mornings in the autumn. His words speak right into my soul. There’s not many who can do that. I could write all day about how Noah’s lyrics have spoken to me in an infinite amount of ways, but I will keep it simple. I stood 3 feet away from him, watching pain, peace, and raw emotions dance across his face. It's not hard to tell that what he sings comes from the depths of his human experience, all that he has been through, and he knowingly allows himself to be completely vulnerable. He fearlessly speaks songs of poetry into the air.
Noah, I want to thank you for coming to perform for a bunch of troubled kids & old souls.
"Hold tight
Don’t leave the light on for me
Because I just might
Cut myself loose and go free"
STILL LIFE
PAC SUN Kendall + Kylie Long Sleeve Ribbed Cold Shoulder Top | PAC SUN Bullhead Denim Co. Cutout Jumper | BULL BOXER Boots
Today, I choose to be vulnerable.
I've been thinking lately about being "still." Or rather, as the response to the opposite.
These past few weeks, I have been very, very busy. I feel like I wake up and hold my breath, and forget to breathe out for the entirety of the day. I'll be quite honest. Getting back into a normal rhythm of university life is hard.
What I am learning is that it's okay to not say you are "okay" all the time. I feel as though we have this expectation for people to be "okay."
"How are you?" We ask, with such emptiness.
"Good." We reply, equally empty.
People seem to not want to talk about what's hard in their life, only what's easy, what's short, what's "simple," if there ever was such a thing. Let's talk.
Let's actually listen to one another.
Having a conversation with someone is not waiting your turn to talk, but a communicative connection between two beings, with souls made out of the same wondrous light.
Let's not be "okay."
Let's be broken, joyful, beautiful, wonderful humans.
And people aren't beautiful because of the way they look on the outside, the mask they hide behind, the walls they've built, or the past behind them. What makes you beautiful is knowing that you aren't okay, and that you choose joy above all of it, despite it. The rawness of it. It is pure magnificence.
I think it is hard for us to be still, and to realize that we are human. In our culture, it seems odd if you aren't continuously engaging in social activity. It's okay to be odd. As an odd introvert myself, time alone is equally as important as time with others.
And I am learning the importance of being still.
- A
FREE-FALLIN'
+ F A L L L O O K B O O K 2 0 1 5 +
Free People With Love Dress (in "Tea")
Free People Speckled Highland Bootsock (in "Beige")
(Similar) Free People Wood Mules
(Similar) Pac Sun Me To We High Neck Cropped Top (in "Light Blue")
Free People Dotted Mesh Sugar Plum Tutu Skirt
Birkenstock Arizona (in "White")
Triwa Indigo Turtle Nicki Sunglasses
Triwa Rose Falken Watch
CLASS ACT
Today marks the completion of WEEK 1 of my second year at university. My art supplies are taking over my room, along with unreasonable amounts of twinkly lights & sparkly things. I am settling in, and currently having a strange moment: a time to breathe. I look fondly upon the many adventures of my freshman year: the good, the bad, and the interesting conversations held at 3am, while projects were being finished & minds were full of innovation. (Or possibly it was just caffeine.) And it was all completely, insanely spectacular.
As I look forward to a year of four art studio classes, I realize that I will be rising long before the sun is up, and falling asleep long after the moon has begun to dance in the indigo sky. My body does not thank me for these things I put it through. Yet, just as the soul must sing, and the heart must love, and the mind must think, the body must rest, and be taken care of.
Art of Organics is a company dedicated to supplying people with the highest quality beauty + body products. Similar to the way I create designs and express myself through my work, Art of Organics seeks to show people that taking care of your body is an art as well. Art, beauty, and wellness were all created to be one with each other, not separate. And just like my art, I take my health very seriously. Put good in, & get good out.
I am very busy, (in a very good way). These boxes are delivered straight to your door, for a monthly subscription, making it absolutely perfect for college students such as myself. Not only are these products composed of the purest & finest ingredients, they are perfect for the organic-dreamer who is on the go (Nomad style). It’s a beautiful thing to see that Art of Organics is invested in curating a collection of art for the body & soul.
Let's take a peek inside!
The first product I picked out of the box was a Bio Active Under Eye Cream by Ayelet, made with Zinc & Caffeine, along with all-organic, non-gmo ingredients. (Yay!) I will definitely be using this incredible product, as I pry myself out from underneath my knit blankets & warm sheets on these brisk, autumn, Minnesotan mornings. When it comes to dark circles, makeup just doesn’t cut it. With the power duo of a good (or somewhat good) night’s rest & this Bio Active Cream, I am looking forward to bright mornings, without the tracks of a dark under-eye.
When I first glanced at this sapphire bottle, I was surprised to see that the only ingredient was Oxygen! This Oxygen Facial Spray by Princess Karen zu Hohenlohe Langenburg is pure beauty in the truest sense. I learned that Oxygen naturally acts as a toner, & has the ability to regenerate skin. With a few spritzes of this product (or technically speaking, this naturally occurring goodness), mornings will be refreshing & pure.
All I saw was "Dry Shampoo” when a smile was brought my face. Days + Nights is a brand that understands roots & really busy women. The back of the bottle reads,
“ …This hair powder will add volume and texture to achieve the most perfect bed head imaginable and let you hit the snooze button a few more times.”
Needless to say, I was completely sold. (And with Bergamot essential oil? These people know me too well.)
Japanese Beauty Papers, such as these gorgeous ones by Tatcha, have been a beauty phenomenon for centuries. These beautiful, hand-made, gold-flecked papers remove excess oil from the skin, for a refreshed complexion. They will not ruin your makeup, making them the perfect purse essential, for use throughout the day.
Per usual, I am essentially obsessed with all things tea. I actually learned about the external benefits of tea bags from my mother, who would give me warm, damp green tea bags, to rub on my skin, to soothe breakouts & rashes. In a similar way, these Eyeteas Herbal Tea Bags for the Eyes by Jane Inc are meant to rejuvenate and renew eyes. This pack came with eight tea bags meant for a variety of uses, as shown on the back of the box: Elder & Eyebright, Calendula, Rose, Blackberry, Chamomile, and Fennel.
Make sure to follow AOG on Insta: @artoforganics
Stay bright & stay classy, dreamers!
- A
DESERT ROSE
Free People Give Him The Cold Shoulder Top, Free People Sophie's Printed Skort (Navy Combo)
I'll make this short & sweet, as was my time in the wondrous southwest.
Life changes instantaneously. It is ever changing, ever growing, ever being. Once in a while, we know things must be done, even if we wish they didn’t have to. Not simple things, either. Sometimes things in our lives are only meant to be present for a short while. Even more so, we are often faced with a battle between our hearts and minds, for they never seem to be on the same page, now do they? But this is a choice in itself. We may choose our heart, but we must first fill it up with peace, joy, patience, and trust. For though the mind is meant to be "reasonable," who is to decide what is reasonable, when there is truth to be told (and heard)? Then again, we are met by more decisions we wish we wouldn’t have to face, and people we wish we didn’t have to let go. I then realize that there is a greater story being told on this Earth, and that maybe, with an ounce of courage on my part, someone else’s life could be changed for the better. Maybe even my own. I am constantly reminded of the words of a wise friend,
"Don’t settle for a small dream."
TO BE HONEST
Hey dreamers & lovers of summer-infused iced teas! Here's a Tropical Iced Tea recipe collaboration with a little help from my friends over at HonestTea!
Ingredients & Materials:
+ Loose leaf tropical tea
+ Organic sugar or sweetener!
+ Hot water
+ Berries & citrus fruits (optional)
+ Glass tea infuser
+ 1 +
Pour loose-leaf tropical tea into a glass tea infuser!
(Like this lovely one sent to me from HonestTea!)
+ 2 +
Pour organic sweetener into the glass tea infuser.
+ 3 +
Mix hot water with tea + sweetener.
(I opted for a blueberry, strawberry, lemon & lime, fruit-infused water!)
+ 4 +
Allow tea to steep for 5-7 minutes & gather some ice cubes to cool off your tea!
+ 5 +
Allow tea to cool & sip to enjoy! (TBH you will love indulging in these beautiful vibrant flavors)
Free People Ashlyn Fringe Kimono, Free People Beaded Dress, Live Lokai Bracelet
Make sure to check out HonestTea products now available at your local Wendy's!
Read about it here & check out the good, organic vibes!
Photographed by Allegra Rose & Hailey Grace
PURE LIFE
Desert Dunes Pack by Pura Vida, Patterned High Neck Skater Dress by Abercrombie & Fitch
It is so entirely beautiful how nature can fill you up with such light and life. For the past few weeks, I've been wandering around the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The Earth has a positive energy that connects directly to the souls of people, through the Creator who made all of this beauty possible. Being able to voyage into territories unknown, simply to be one with nature, was one of the most freeing experiences of my life.
My adventure can be best summarized by John Denver tunes, off-roading excursions, scarlet- violet sunsets, & laughter with good, good people.
I found life, in its purest form, in the crevices, peaks, and pines of the mountains. I have truly found that a life is best lived in light! We always have talk about going on adventures and living life to its fullest extent, but its an entirely other thing to get up and go do it. GO LIVE. I promise, it will be worth the while.
Pura Vida Bracelets is a beautiful brand that works directly with artisans in Costa Rica, providing jobs & opportunities for incredible people. Pura Vida is a strong advocate for environmental causes as well. Basically, they are uniting the world by making it stronger, healthier, and a little sparklier.
Summer Haul
Free People With Flair Lace Top
Zara Knit
Forever21 Soft Woven Embroidered Skirt
Ark & Co Beige Crochet Lace Strapless Dress
Layered + Long Raw Crystal Necklace
+ here's a promo code for a discount ! ALLEGRAROSE10
Meander Works Thorn Ring
Misoui Brand Molly Simple Shopper in Honey
Pacifica Tahitian Gardenia Solid Perfume
LITTLE WHITE FLOWERS
How blessed are we with blessings of new beginnings, of innocent pieces of time that are yet untouched. they hold magic and all the lovely things. It is a strange thing how the newness of it all can be so delicately invigorating. Like strands of pearls or ivy or seeds, we are all connected and somehow, we all figure out how to grow alongside our once-strangers and forever-friendships. We talk about the likelihood of things and laugh to ourselves, unknowing of the miracles that happen to us every day. The promise of, not only tomorrows, but the promise of what is still to come today, and the mystery of it all. Like the tiniest bloom of life that sprouts from the Earth, are we not sprouts ourselves? Eager for light, treading through storms + winds, we are strong in our fragile nature. & I look forward to greeting the gardens of the morning with a brilliant energy of faith that people can be good.
-A
the power of dreams
American Eagle Dress
Abercrombie + Fitch Dress
As dreamers, we hold the beautiful opportunity each day to become one with our souls. Within us, we have the power to wish, to discover, and to explore our many wonders. We wish for different things with the coming and going days. Sometimes, undoubtedly, for material possessions. Sometimes, we wish for people: for changed minds, for their presence, for their words, for their touch. Many times, we wish for ourselves: for peace, for gentleness, for joy or contentment. These wishes are tiny prayers of daydreams that our Creator longs to help us be. In Him, our deepest and truest wishes do indeed come true. Sometimes we need things we do not wish for, and sometimes the wishes we make do not come true. All these things happen for the reason of this. Our Creator knows ourselves far better than we know ourselves. He knows the most intimate wishes of our hearts + souls, and He is good.
So then, dear dreamer, make a wish.
These beautiful sterling silver star bracelets by Wish Charms serve as a daily reminder to set my wishes free, to keep dreamin' and to trust in my Creator.
-A
& a special thanks to my beautiful friends for helping me with this collab xx
Amy @amyelisem
Nicole @nicolesward
Lexi @lexianngiles
Rachel @rachelweinerr
infinite beings.
I believe whole heartedly that every person is born a wellspring of creativity, life, authenticity, and love. Our innocence makes us ever so curious, and as we grow, we learn what our soul craves. Last year at university, I sat drawing sunflowers on the notes I meant to be taking in one of my many design classes. My professor, carrying on with a lecture on the psychology of color, suddenly grasped my attention with the truth he spoke. It went something like this,
"There is nothing in this world that will satisfy us. We were created as infinite beings, meant for a heavenly realm. As human beings, we crave an eternal reality. We were called to be in this world, but not a part of it. We were made for much greater things. As artists, we take after our Father. He who sculpts the mountain ranges, and He who paints the sky: each sunset, each sunrise. From dawn until dusk, and all through our days, and all through our nights, His creation is evident in everything around us, and even in ourselves. We are children of our Creator God, and we were created to create."
I think about these words. Not only do I think, but I am awakened by their pure intelligence. If you are an artist yourself, you will understand this craving that I am illustrating. It is as though there is a galaxy of constellations inside of me, and I must unleash their brilliance at every possible moment. It is not a choice. I must. I must. This is the struggle and beauty of an artist.
"It is both a blessing and a curse to feel everything so very deeply."
I have come to find the greatest satisfaction, joy, and truth in knowing that creating brings me closer to my own soul, and closer to the majestic Creator who crafted me. It is brilliant to know that my creations are not for me, or even for those around me. It is the most beautiful thing in the world to know that what I create is not for you and me, but for eternity.
-A
Photographed by Sarah Olfelt.
Noosa berry bowl
Today I woke up to streams of golden sunlight peeking out from behind my curtains. As always on sunshine-filled summer mornings, I felt invigorated & wanted a bright breakfast to begin my day! And what better way to start the day than with a tub of Noosa! (All organic, all Rocky Mountain goodness, all wonderful yoghurt.)
+ 1 +
Scoop + stir the yoghurt in a pretty bowl!
+ 2 +
Slice up some organic bananas + strawberries, and rinse off those gorgeous organic pomegranate seeds and blueberries for a tiny burst of sweetness!
+ 3 +
As I like to add a little crunch to my berry bowl, I opted for some organic chia seed, coconut, and organic raw sliced almonds.
+ 4 +
A sprinkle of my favorite Cascadian Farms Oats & Honey Granola is the perfect finishing touch.
+ 5 +
Finally, style your berry bowl so you can obvi take an Insta of it! (& then enjoy its deliciousness).
RAAW X RAGA
On Leah: Raga LA Olivia Crop Top & Juniper Maxi Skirt
On Alexa: FP One Mirror Slip
Here’s to my favorite summer makeup trend: sun kissed skin + freckles.
The season of warmth + golden light inspires me to allow my skin to breathe for a change. A time to shed the sparkly minerals I so regularly love to apply to my cheeks, and opt to go for a naturally glowing look.
Raaw in a Jar truly allows me to enhance my natural features to capture that bare skin beauty we all crave this time of year. After a day dancing in the pine forests of the north, Raaw’s Miracle Oil is perfect for gently cleansing my face from the day’s impurities. With frankincense and geranium essential oils, this natural cleanser is the most lovely way to finish up a day of adventuring.
After showering + exfoliating my skin, morning or evening, I love to use Raaw’s Detox Body Oil. It rejuvenates my skin, and makes it as smooth as a wildflower petal. My skin feels nourished all day, long into summer evenings.
As I arise with the sun each day, Raaw’s Minted Rose Mist truly allows for a beautiful and refreshing awakening. The peppermint oil in this mist sets my mind in motion, ready for a day full of creating and exploring.
To nourish my lips throughout the day, I apply Raaw’s Young Lips. Made with the purest ingredients of organic raw wildflower honey, olive, organic beeswax, vitamin E, and peppermint oil, my lips are always smiling with a vibrant youth.
Also, a special thanks to Raga LA, the loveliest indie-boho brand, for the free-spirited garments used in this shoot! xx