Life is But A Dream // Tahiti, Tiares and a Reef Photo Shoot

   

What a dream..

I am blessed in many ways, but especially in the sense that I have had the ability to travel quite a bit. Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, just to name a few. Its an exciting feeling, planning a trip and looking forward to all that that destination has to offer.
But what if the major details of your travels remained unknown -- what if you only knew that you were going on a trip and the dates of said trip..but what if the destination was undecided until right before the journey began? No time to make plans or set expectations, only time to pack and go. I've never been in this situation until recently, when I found out the destination of the Reef Women's Spring 2014 shoot I'd be assisting in styling was in Tahiti, with only about 3 weeks notice. Tahiti! A place I never envisioned visiting in this lifetime. Having never expected the trip to be so extravagant, I knew what I had to do. I quit my corporate job, sold or gave away anything that wouldn't fit in my car, and set off on a journey in search of global immersion and creative inspiration. After all, it's not every day you get a free plane ticket half way around the world.

Tahiti was amazing..from the second I landed I knew I was about to be working with one of the most incredible backdrops on the planet. It was a constant adventure, whether it was driving around scouting for locations, hitting up markets for a taste of local lifestyle, or styling the girls in crystal clear blue water with coral reef as alive and lush as I'd ever seen. It was a true experience with such an amazing production crew, it felt great to be a part of it all and I learned so much. Staying at Raimana's was a dream in itself, taking boats to the most perfect spots or paddling out on an 8-man raft..whatever we did it was Raimana's call and it was always a good one.

This is the first of a series of posts about Tahiti, it was such an incredible experience I couldn't fit it all in one post! Coming up: lots more photos, interviews with the athletes, and hopefully a video as well. Keep checking back, I'm also documenting all my travels through Bali, Australia, New Zealand and more! Xx

SPIRIT MESSENGER // SUGARHIGH + LOVESTONED

photog: Aaron Feaver {http://feaverishphotography.com}
model: Shannon Roxanne {@darkshannon}
styled by: Chloe Chippendale of Born to be Wild Blog {@chloe_lovestoner}
hmau: Debbie Gallagher London ≫≫ LA www.debbiegallagher.com

SHOP the collection here ≫≫≫ http://www.sugarhighlovestoned.com/

YESSS!! finally done with all my packing/moving...at home visiting the fam which means I actually have time to absorb and be inspired. Loving the new lookbook for Sugarhigh + Lovestoned. Can't beat a good psychadelic lens flare, jewel toned velvet, and accessories for days. So stoked to be back to blogging and looking forward to all thats ahead. xx

►►► SEASHELLS + SUNSET TONES

Photos: Chelsea Erwin
Design Play: Kristina Cancelmi
Bikini/Reef | Shell Jewels/ Puka Kisses


✦ : : : MY EYES ARE AN OCEAN IN WHICH MY DREAMS ARE REFLECTED: : :✦

As temperatures increase and daylight hours are prolonged, I am magnetized to the ocean and impatiently await bikini clad summer weather. Puerto Rico was a short but sweet taste and I loved every minute I was able to frolic in my favorite suits. This gorgeous design is one of Reef's spring 2013 pieces that I was drawn to instantly. The sunset color story and painterly print are beautifully eye catching while the bodice structured top is a great fit and unique to my collection. Paired perfectly with the shell jewels by Puka Kisses, the combination of it all sweeps me off into a dreamy state of tropical bliss. These hand crafted, Hawaiian creations are one of a kind, made with love and infused with the energy of two beautiful sisters who find these shells on the gorgeous shores of O'ahu. Whenever I'm feeling low or run down, I stack on bangles and layer necklaces with my favorite bikini and roam the beaches for shells and sea glass. There really is no better cure for a bad mood than to channel your inner Mermaid Goddess. 

I'm excited to have plenty of time to do that during the next few months as I take my Gypsea travels to new heights. I've quit my job, am selling my belongings and hitting the road for a few months with destinations like Tahiti, Bali and Australia on my itinerary. Its time for a change, a BIG change, and I'm ready to explore the possibilities that the Universe has to offer. 

Keep checking back for more surf stories, outfit inspirations, and globe trotting photo journals as I head off on my travels in about 3 weeks!

XX

LADIES UNITE ►►►BEYOND THE SURFACE FILM

Ishita Malaviya, India’s first female surfer, is joined by a unique and talented group of women –
Crystal Thornburg-Homcy, Liz Clark, Lauren Lindsey Hill, Emi Koch, and Kate Baldwin. With unshakable determination for a better world they will travel through Southern India documenting the ways in which surfing, yoga, and ecological creativity are bringing hope and fueling change for local people and the Planet.

The saturated hues of India set the scene for this documentary that will touch upon eco-tourism, youth and women’s empowerment, biocentrism and personal growth. They will be integrating these causes with the pursuit of India’s perfect waves, highlighting the undeniable power of surfing to bring joy amongst suffering. Documentary-style interviews with the local Indian community, filmed by award winning cinematographer, Dave Homcy, will capture this rare and inspiring endeavor with the goal of sharing these stories with the global surf community and beyond. Homcy is best know for critically acclaimed work in Sliding Liberia, Surfwise, A Broke Down Melody, El Mar Mi Alma, Come Hell or High Water, One Track Mind, Shelter, and Dear and Yonder.

They intend to bring a spark of hope to the people we meet who face social disparity and suffering, and empower those without voices. All the while, they will discover more about themselves, exchange life experiences and – through the medium of film – inspire others to seek a deeper connection to their fellow humans and to the wonder of nature. Please watch the incredibly inspiring video below and visit their website http://www.beyondthesurfacefilm.com for more information on how to donate towards this amazing adventure.

"Beyond The Surface" A Documentary Film Project from Dave Homcy on Vimeo.