In Spades

In Greek, we have many words for love, but there are four that serve as the pillars for all relationships. Philia, a mental love, refers to the love and loyalty we show to our friends. Storge, an affectionate love, is the kind we have towards family. And eros is a passionate, romantic love. It’s Agape, the fourth and most important pillar, that describes the truest kind of love. Agape is unconditional, selfless love. One that is given whole heartedly without ever expecting anything in return. It shines the brightest and can never be extinguished even against insurmountable odds.  Two years ago today, I celebrated this incredible love by marrying my best friend.  Happy Anniversary to the kindest, most amazing man I know.  S’agapo.

My mother gave me this shawl to wear on my wedding day.  Even though it’s suited for an insane, voluminous work of art, it shines just as bright with a simple silk top and a pair of jeans.  Each year on this day, I wear it as an homage to the happiest, most love filled day I’ve experienced.

There’s something about voluminous white midi skirts that make me feel Italian.  Perhaps it’s Diane Lane’s infamous white dress in Under the Tuscan Sun or practically every Dolce & Gabbana ad where the entire family goes to the farmer’s market, someone somewhere should probably be addressing me as Signora.  The look can teeter on absolute lady, so I prefer to throw on some edgy tuxedo booties instead of dainty pumps.  Gotta have that juxtaposition.  Oh, and the black panther ring with emerald eyeballs solidifies my status not as lady, but boss lady.

My great auntie gave me these boots.  She wore them in her early twenties while working one summer on a ranch.  I have always known her to be a pioneer, but imagining her working with the boys in the 1940’s makes me extra proud.  To think of the life these boots have seen and the stories they could tell prove that clothing is so much more than mere necessity.

Dear readers, I’d love to add one more incredible story to the life of these boots.  I’ve entered the Chictopia + Ariat “style your favorite boots” contest to win a trip to New York Fashion Week.  If you like what you see, please help a girl out and vote here.

Although I’m an expert at riding a bike while wearing heels, these endless summer days call for classic Californian attire during my all day rides. You can’t get more quintessential California than Vans slip-ons. A gorgeous druzy necklace adds the perfect touch to a menswear inspired shirt and destroyed cutoffs. Just have to grab my beach cruiser and Beats Pill for an afternoon of every song I know with California in the title.