STORIES WORTH TELLING
Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with Kyle Meck, an incredible visual story-teller from Bend, Oregon. Shortly after we connected, he told me that he was about to embark on a month-long, four-thousand-mile journey around the United States. He would be living a life on the road, meeting new people every day, and photographing the coasts and cliffs of the West. His fantastic idea was to write to people, while he was on his travels. He wanted to send his friends + followers hand-written notes from himself, sharing the tidbits and in-betweens of his many daily adventures. After enlisting me to create a few collaborative designs, I wrote the words “hey” and “hello” in my sketchbook more times than I am willing to admit (or count). When a few weeks had passed, dozens of screenshots sent back and forth, and hundreds of design combinations attempted, we came up with four beautiful creations for Kyle’s letters.
We then reached out to Artifact Uprising, to help us bring these designs to life. They were enthralled by Kyle’s wild journey, and through a collaborative process, turned these designs into physical mementos, that would later contain sketches and notes of Kyle’s stories and adventures.
For everyone has a story that’s willing to tell, so tell on.
Tell on, dreamers.
- A
SAN DIEGO, CA
Brandy Melville Tank + Cardigan | Silver Jeans Francy Mid Mini Light Wash Skirt | Boho Bags The Original White Boho Bag - Small & Round check it out here: www.bohobags.com
Urban Outfitters Truly Madly Deeply Hello Sunshine Tee | Vagabond Beach Spirit Round Towel
breathlessly exhausted and intoxicated by this life.
short on words at the moment, so i'll leave you with these that i've found inspiring lately,
"I don’t have the energy to put into words what my heart is trying to say, so please just listen to my eyes."
wishing you happy june days, dreamers,
-A
ARCOSANTI , AZ
"Beat the drum, sing off-key
You set me free, you set me free."
While wanderin' around Arizona, we stumbled upon Arcosanti on our way to the Grand Canyon. I found out about this magical architectural phenomenon a few months before my travels, and was enthralled by its design, history and story (likewise to those of old souls, and new friends.)
This experimental town of concrete and bronze, was designed by an Italian-American architect named Paolo Soleri, back in 1970. He was passionate about improving the idea of what it meant to live in an "urban" community, and created a sustainable city that utilized alternative energy sources, to decrease negative impacts on the earth.
They sell whimsical bronze wind bells, and have large round windows to let in maximum light, and provide an internal relationship between the inside of the habitat, and the desert herself. They also host art events and festivals throughout the year.
"It originally derives from a combination of “Arcology” + “Cosanti,” which are in turn derived from “Architecture” + “Ecology” and “Cosa” + “Anti.” The latter neologism is Italian for “against things” or “before form,” which has to do with both Paolo’s anti-materialist philosophy..."
Read more about this rad structure here.
Take a gander on below, and see the majesty of Arcosanti.
Sans Souci Fringed Faux Suede Jacket | Free People Embroidered Net Shift Dress | Boho Bags The Original White Boho Bag - Small & Round
Take a load off sometime, gentle soul.
-A
HAPPY CAMPER x L.L. BEAN
L.L. Bean Women's Signature Cotton Fisherman Sweater (in Beige) | Free People Zip to It Denim Mini Skirt
Lion Heart Girl Cobija Blanket
Raga Olivia Crochet Bra Top | Bullhead Denim Co. Overall Dress
Flowers in Her Hair
Photography by the lovely Lina Barengolts + Maddie Fix
Dreamers!
I am so incredibly excited to announce that I'm hosting a festival inspired event this weekend with two amazing souls, Courtney Steeves and Hailey Kneprath! I would love to personally invite all you beautiful minnesota-dwellers to 'Flowers in Her Hair' this Friday, April 29 from 6-8pm at dpHUE in Edina! Join us for a festival of hair braiding, flower crowns by Brown and Greene Floral Market, live music featuring Mikenzie Ess + pop up shops of some of our favorite local brands, including Lion Heart Girl Collection, cotton candy by Cotton & Whim, and art by yours truly, Allegra Rose Design Co! We can't wait for this magical evening to connect with all of our rad dreamers who have been supporting our adventures since day 1.
Hope to see you all there!
Check out all of dpHUE's rad products on Sephora.com
D.NOLO x MN FASHION WEEK
Shop all of my D.NOLO fashion week faves at their North Loop location!
happy fashion week, dreamers!
-A
ONCE UPON A WILDFOX
Wildfox Mermaid Bloomy Sweater
Wildfox Flower Crochet Lola Tank
Photography by Mitch Muras
Happy festival season dreamers xx
-A
H-ALOE PALM SPRINGS!
Today, we went exploring!
We came across a magical place called Moorten Botanical Garden and Cacatarium (where all of my succulent dreams came true.) Tiny winding paths and alcoves of cactuses and desert greenery led us amongst the beaming western sunshine. The agave plants stood as tall as me, and the tiniest of baby succulents were displayed all around. I’ve decided that though my heart is Rocky-Mountain through and through, my soul sings a song composed of desert notes.
SheIn Multicolor Long Sleeve Vintage Print Dress | Gypsy05 clutch
Sunski Dipseas Sunglasses
Novella Royale Faith Caftan Red Gardener | Lion Heart Girl Collection Necklace
For Love and Lemons Gianna Crop Top | A&F Gwen Maxi Skirt
After a morning full of adventuring, we stopped for a bite at The Parker: a 70’s-esque hotel of bright orange doors, sequined + fringed pillows, hanging wicker chairs, and owl macrame wall hangings. We ate outside at Norma’s: a sunshine-colored restaurant with clementine couches and fresh fruit-smoothie appetizers.
Free People Embroidered Blouse | F21 Soft Woven Embroidered Skirt
I would compare the layout of The Parker to something out of a fairytale book. The trails surrounding the hotel were built up as tall hedges, and paths of gravel. When exploring the grounds, you would come across a small opening in the greenery, and there, would be a quiet sitting area, a lemonade stand, or a vintage swimming pool with striped umbrellas. Also, there were pink flowers everywhere: seemingly growing from the bluest California sky.
Sending the happiest desert vibes from Cali,
-A
BE FREE FEST
Over the past year, I’ve had the sensational opportunity to create weekly designs for Gypsy05, a California-based bohemian fashion brand, by which I am completely enthralled. Each week, I find inspiration for their brand through adventure, seaside lifestyle, and west coast dreamin’. I combine my own photography with hand-lettered quotes, for Gypsy05 to post on their social platforms, to inspire dreamers across the globe.
Here are some of my latest designs:
When I decided to travel to Palm Desert over my spring break, I was more than eager to make a stop in Malibu, to be able to see this beautiful boutique in all its Cali-spirit + good vibes. We hosted our first collaborative event together on May 17: *BE FREE FEST*
I set up my mini-studio outside the store, spread out my watercolors, and awaited the many dreamers who stopped by to see what we were up to! With custom watercolor prints, dream-catchers, and face-painting, we had a full day of magic, creativity, and wonder in Malibu.
See you again soon, ‘bu!
-A
VS PINK SPRING BREAK
Hey, dreamers! I'm so excited to tell you about my adventure with VS PINK to Cancún. Victoria’s Secret Pink contacted me back in January, to invite me to their Spring Break Party in Cancún, Mexico! For the past few months, I have been preparing for my incredible trip! One of my favorite things to do before spring break, is to find a few must-have items, that I can wear many different ways, in many different styles.
I’ve been completely obsessed with bralettes for about the past year or so, and love layering them with dresses and flowy tops in the warmer weather. At the same time, crop tops are definitely on my packing list this spring break. I wanted a top that I could wear as a crop top, with the fun, feminine style of a bralette. The PINK Eyelash Lace Bralette made my crop top bralette dreams come true! I’ve found so many ways to style it, and couldn’t wait to bring it with me on my adventure to Cancún.
On the day of the PINK Spring Break party, I met up with fitness guru Cambrie Schroder and photographer Krissy Saleh. We explored the incredibly rad setup at Mandala Beach Club: complete with a giant blow-up iconic PINK puppy, thousands of PINK beach balls in the pool, and a view of the glimmering blue gulf and white sand that was something out of dream.
peace + love from méxico,
A
Sun-kissed: Spring Break Beauty
So often, we see our days as dazzling objects, occupying our attention, draining our focus. We must learn to take time to care for our own souls, instead of polishing the pearls of our distractions and to-do’s. Yet, we are not empty stones.
Remember that you too, even more so, are a precious being, filled with a glimmering soul. Your very being glistens with the effervescence of hope and joy. We must not allow our days to take us by the hand, and pull us away, telling us what is important, what must get done, what we are failing to complete.
Instead, may we realize that a sparkle is immeasurable by time, and to let go the stresses of time, of pressure, and anxiety. May we focus on the brilliance of our being, and what we indeed do reach, in our star-seeking every-days. Be gentle with your soul.
I’m learning the importance of taking time to rest + renew. This week, I am traveling, and cleansing my soul. I’m freeing myself from monotony, and taking on new & magical experiences. While jet-setting around this beautiful Earth, I want to make sure my skin is stays hydrated + refreshed, so I’ve been using Florapy Beauty floral therapy facial sheet masks to nourish my craving for an adventure-infused glow. Florapy beauty uses natural ingredients and aromatherapy for the ultimate mask experience. My skin is left super-soft + cleansed after each use. Florapy Beauty allows my skin to detox, reset, and renew. I’ve been in love with the scent of peppermint ever since I was little: it’s brisk, cool, + refreshing notes. The Jasmine Peppermint Detox Mask is my favorite. x
For added glow + hydration, I’ve been using Modernroots Bronzing Chaga Light Reflecting Lotion. I’m completely obsessed with this product for many reasons. First, it’s made preservative-free, locally in Minnesota, with all-natural ingredients (that you can read and pronounce.) Second, it smells incredible. I’ve used a few different bronzing lotions before, and they all seem to have an odd scent to them. This one has the aroma of summer: with notes of sweet almond + sunshine. Another reason why I love this product is that it does not turn your skin a different color. Instead, the oils in the lotion reflect the sun, to give you a natural golden glow. x
For the first few days of my break, I’ve been in Cancún, México, right on the Gulf. It’s beautifully breathtaking. I’ve never seen more turquoise water or pure white sand in my entire life. As soon as I arrived in México, I ran to the sea, and danced in the waves with my mother. She’s taught me so much about embracing creation, in all its simple yet extraordinary beauty. I absolutely love the way my hair curls with joy from the breeze of salty air. I’ve been using Love + Salt by Olivine Atlelier on my hair for beachy waves that last all throughout the day.
When I walked into my suite in Cancún, I was completely giddy at the sight of a bathtub*
(*a magnificent vessel of relaxation, denied to dorms & college students all across the USA)
After long days of flights + explorations, a bubble bath sounds pretty incredible. Love + Peace by Olivine Atlier is a Sparkling Pink Butter Bath that smells like magic + looks like fairy dust. After using this one time, my skin felt incredibly soft + smooth. (I didn’t even need to apply moisturizer after!)
I hope all you dreamers enjoyed reading about how I’m relaxing this spring break x
Remember that you should take many adventures this springtime, but also take time to realize that you are beautifully and wholly human, and that sometimes, it is okay to lay outside in the sunshine and do absolutely nothing.
Peace out dreamers! x
-A
CORAL + FLORAL
London - Tan Backpack by BirkSun (Solar powered to charge phone!)
Wild Love Dress Black Daisy Paisley by Novella Royale
MÉXICO: A STYLE GUIDE
The adventure begins.
DAY 1 : I kicked off my spring break in Cancún, México. After a day of traveling, we arrived around 4 in the afternoon. The sun was low in the sky, giving the emerald palms + the turquoise sea a golden glow. The evening was spent dancing in the Gulf, letting my hair run wild in the salty air: being present.
Crochet Crop Top + Skirt by Raga LA
' she would be half a planet away, floating in a turquoise sea, dancing by moonlight to flamenco guitar '
SECRET GARDEN
'If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”
There is beauty in everything. One thing my heart has been yearning for lately, is to find that precious whimsy in each and every thing around me. So often we forget that we are all delicate creatures, vulnerable and beautiful, and that we are a work in progress.
We are all in a blooming sort of state: growing, sprouting, blossoming.
Having your very own space is a truly incredible thing. Wherever I go, whether that space is entirely mine, or shared with another friendly soul, I have found that I find joy in transforming the space so that it is truly magical and truly my own. My mother often tells me that I sprinkle whimsy wherever I go, and I do believe she’s right (usually, due to the traces of glitter and gold twine that cease to be ever cleaned up.)
Yet, these are the things that make us quirky and odd and different, in the very best way.
When it comes to my space, I look for accents that add to my dream-like state of mind. When I walk into my space, I want to feel awakened by creativity and effervescence. I look for pieces that compliment my bohemian aesthetic, with touches of modern femininity. I also enjoy incorporating elements of nature in my decoration. I completely fell in love with these Driftwood Wall Hangings by HazelEyedSwan. They are beautifully handmade by reusing pieces of wood, and adorning them with dainty pieces of fabric, lace, and sprinkles of glitter. The golden hooks make these pieces useful for hanging my various trinkets and jewels.
I have always wanted a small tapestry weaving for my room, and became completely enthralled by all of the magical weavings made by Kindling House. From the pastel color scheme of peach + periwinkle, to my favorite rich tones of terra cotta and indigo, this wall hanging became a perfect focal point for my inspiration wall. I love the element of tactile texture that it adds to my space. You can check out all of their incredible work here.
I have become more and more ever intrigued by the ideas of Moon catchers. These beautiful creations are meant to harness gentle moonlight during the night, so that we may have balance and unity with the Earth, as the Sun comes out to dance in the daylight. I appreciate Moon catchers, such as these beauties made with feathers + fringe by HazelEyedSwan, as they are unique from a typical dream-catcher. The more good vibes, the merrier! (Such as my “Good Vibes” pillow from UO)
When it comes down to it, its the little things that truly make my “secret garden” my special place. I enjoy sitting at my maple desk, and listening to my floral Crosley record player. To compliment my warm color scheme, and organic decor, I wanted to add a few geometric touches to the space. I picked up these reclaimed wood mirrors from Target, and absolutely loved the light and dancing reflections that they brought to the space.
If you seek to reinvent your space, my advice to you is to keep in mind how you want your space to make you feel: inspired, relaxed, creative. Search for unique artisans such as HazelEyedSwan and Kindling House, who create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces, that speak to the power of living in a space that allows for freedom of growth. Let love grow in your space, and cultivate goodness.
With love,
A
p.s.
check out this 'lil vid I created of my new space!
MONTANA: A STYLE STORY
Irene's Story Boho Stripe Dress in Cream | Urban Violet Sweater + Blouse | Free People Come As You Are Legging in Raven Combo | Bangs Shoes Sahara Sand | Muk Luks Ina Boot in Taupe |
Use coupon code: ALLEGRA for 25% off all product on Muk-luks.com
Photo Credits: Hailey Marie Photography + Bryce Miller
BREATHLESS
Brandy Melville Jean Jacket (similar) | Brandy Melville Flannel | La Seniorita Jolie Turtleneck | Brandy Melville Skirt (similar) | Bullboxer Boots | Madewell Mini Transport Crossbody
a new year is upon us: filled with magic, wonder + the exciting promise of the unknown. it is now that I realize that I want to live my life as if every today is the first day of something magnificent. it shouldn’t take the annual turning of a single last digit, for us to start going after the things that we’ve always just dreamed. we should leap with great faith into each situation of the moment, without fear, and with grace and joy. may we not be restricted by the constraints of the time that holds us so dearly, but let us run, breathlessly, into the beauty of what is not only to come, but what is magnificently upon us in this moment.
happy 2016, dreamers,
A
NORTHERN NEW YEAR
+ DAY 1 +
spent new year's eve road-trippin' up north with my best friends. bound for grand marais, we made stops at duluth, gooseberry falls + many teeny towns along the way.
* 3 - 2 - 1 ! *
+ DAY 2 +
slept. dreamt. woke up to the most beautiful sunshine pouring in from the windows of our little lakeside abode. then skied all day at a mini-mountain in lutsen.
+ DAY 3 +
adventure day. we had many sights to see in the few hours of golden light that winter gives us. we drove along the coastline, listened to ben howard, and laughed in our fearless youth.
we visited the north shore, the canadian / usa border, the tallest waterfall in minnesota at grand portage state park, superior national forest, and an outdoor fur merchant.
also, we had chocolate chip pancakes at blue water café for lunch.
+ DAY 4 +
last day of adventuring. started the day with caffeine for all : hot chocolates for the boys, a mocha for me, a london fog for hailey at our new favorite little coffee joint: the java moose.
off we went to explore artist's point, and then we began our voyage home.
we stopped in duluth at northern waters smokehaus, for the most delicious fresh-salmon on bagels.
here's a vid of our entire weekend !
we'll be back soon, beautiful north.
xx
-A
FUR + FRINGE
my first mood board in preparation of the new year: fur + fringe.
in * 2 0 1 6 * my love of these two lovely styles of garments will continue to make me giddy with joy. (and will continue mixing them with just about anything I decide to wear). i created two looks as inspiration for january: versatile for wearing to my 3D design class that I am taking this month, as well as for my adventure out west (not to mention, my birthday as well.) this is sure to be a truly magical month, and i wanted to bring in whimsical aspects of the promise of spring, with garments that gently remind me that it’s still sub-zero up here in the north. i found all of these incredible pieces on shein.com. check out the links below to see the details on my picks!
LOOK #1: Gone Wandering
1. FUR INTERIOR JEAN JACKET //
Blue Contrast Lapel Single Breasted Denim Coat
2. VELVET DRESS //
Brown Long Sleeve Lapel Dress
3. FRINGE ANKLE BOOTS //
Grey Chunky High Heel Tassel Boots
4. COIN NECKLACE //
Antique Silver Tribal Design Round Coin Piece Long Tassel
5. LEATHER DAY PACK //
Black Leather Buckle PU Backpack
LOOK #2: Into the Whimsy
6. PINK FUR COAT //
Pink Shawl Collar Faux Fur Coat
7. PATTERN DRESS //
Multicolor V Neck Vintage Print Hollow Dress
8. CUTOUT ANKLE BOOTS //
Brown V Cut Brush Pointed Toe Boots
9. FRINGE PURSE //
Black Tassel Zipper PU Shoulder Bag
BE MERRY
christmas eve - a magical night of celebrating the birth of our savior. the * O N E * who came to our world, humble and true, so many years ago on this very night, to save us from ourselves. a time to fully inundate our souls with the graceful knowledge that we have a God so loving that He gave his one and only son for us.
true love, in its most authentic and honest sense. a night to be merry + bright, and surround ourselves with the many blessings that He has given to us: each other. among italian cookies, gingerbread cupcakes, brown paper packages, twinkling fairy lights, and fresh-fallen snow, the christmas eve of two-thousand and fifteen was truly a wondrous one.
happy christmas, dreamers.
xx
-A