California Dreaming
Every facet of my life has been infiltrated by the influence of the ocean. From the way I dress, to the car I drive, to the decor in my home. By now our readers are familiar with our backgrounds, and know that I moved to America at the age of 10 from the island of Jamaica. For the next 15 years, while I still technically called the beach town of Westport, CT home, the cold, long, harsh winters made it a far cry from the tropical paradise of my native island. But Westport definitely possessed a super cool, laid back vibe that has continued to influence the way I live to this day.
I finally found my Utopia when I transferred to the LA location of the company I was working for at the time of my mid twenties. The longing that I had for a more relaxed, bohemian lifestyle was realized, but with slightly more polish than one would find in island life. It was during this period that I truly became a Highbrow Hippie. I really don’t enjoy possessions that are too “precious”. But don’t get it twisted. That doesn’t mean that I walk around dressed like a slob. I’m a Highbrow Hippie after all, “perfectly undone”.
A recent work trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming kickstarted the ascent into my spring wardrobe for this year. For me, I’m always inspired by the amazing jewelry and natural colors that abound in Jackson, and this trip did not disappoint. I stumbled upon vintage cuffs and necklaces made of shagreen, and silver and turquoise, with a particular standout in emerald green leather and silver detail that was way out of my price range, but is residing on my wishlist until I can acquire it. These pieces, combined with the more delicate staples from Jacquie Aiche that never leave my body, is the perfect mix for me.
As a rule of thumb, I always try to splurge a bit more on accessories and then build my wardrobe of basics from there. Upon my return to LA (and an amazing early spring of 80 degree days), I stopped at my favorite J.Crew location in the Malibu Lumberyard and stocked up on my favorite v-neck tees and tanks to last me through the season and to go with everything in my wardrobe, and my favorite Panama Hat and gold thong sandals to kick around in everyday. My next stop was at the Michael Kors store on Robertson Blvd, where I replaced my neutral flat for the season, this time in a gladiator with a gold zipper detail, and updated my sunnies with a new pair of tortoise frames and vintage inspired aviators.
Other recent acquisitions to get my beach bum wardrobe up to date include suede and leather shorts from Ralph Lauren, recycled straw totes from Jackson Hole and Malibu that I will use to lug around my salon supplies for house calls, an incredible caftan and poncho from the line Jen’s Pirate Booty, and a dope vintage poncho from Principessa on Abbott Kinney in Venice that is perfect to throw on after the beach when the temperature drops and the top is off of my Wrangler. Which this “Jamerican” Cali girl is most likely driving barefoot, naturally.
