That one top..

That one top that you can just never get around to tossing out. It's usually not practical and you barely ever wear it, but there's just some type of magic that sparks up every time you get minutely close to saying good bye. For me it's this wonderfully colorful silk floral blouse that I thrifted and was missing it's tag so I really don't know where she came from. What always happens is I decide to wear this top on a random day because I haven't given it another chance in awhile. And every time I decide to do this, I end up realizing how absolutely amazing she truly is. Maybe it's the mix of colors, or the uniquely crafted lines within the flowers, but when I wear this top I just feel remarkably happy. Maybe it's out of style but there's an old soul in there that I just truly connect with. Even if I'm just wrapping her around my waist. 

Playground

You know you live in an awesome city when you're constantly discovering hidden gems around corners you never even knew existed. This was one of my last Sunday ventures in Oakland before moving to NYC. I'm a tad bit behind on posts because of the chaos of moving. It's nice to sit down and look back at me skipping around some of my favorite old spots in the city I lived in for a year. The colorful landscape of Oakland is endless. There's always something new or a new creation in the works. On Sundays the streets of downtown Oakland are strangely empty, which I guess most would assume makes it a lame place to be but for me its a haven. I get to do cartwheels in the streets and jump up on empty fountains (which I got yelled at by a security guard for). An area populated with people is of course lively and exciting, but so is being free to roam in an abandoned (but not really) urban jungle. I've been in NYC now for a week and I definitely miss this place already. Oakland will always have a special place in my heart. Knowing nothing about it when I got there and discovering probably not even a quarter of it's magic, this chapter of my life is always be undoubtedly unique. 

Toontown

The beauty of street art is that you can be snorkeling in Maui, turn the corner and be cruising down Loopy Lane in Toontown. It's an urban playground perfect for the post work blues. And the best part is every couple months you get to explore a whole new world of walls!

Wearing all vintage and JC boots. 

Photos by Wesley Carter 

Missions in The Mission

As I squeeze through my last couple weeks in the Bay Area, I've been making it a point to spend time in all my favorite neighborhoods. Calling The Mission district of San Francisco "unique" is really an understatement. Historically the community has gone through many layers and it is now a prime location for the influx of people moving to this already overflowing city. Always being a progressive community, I don't want to continue on about how the charm is diminishing because of the techie boom.. Keeping it positive here!  

I just want to say that no matter what the opinion is, The Mission is a space of colliding forces with the backdrop of a true concrete jungle fueled by constant artwork, characters, food and shops. This is my go-to spot for fabric, thrifting and spontaneous gadgets. Walking around here you feel such an extraordinary energy. It's unlike anywhere else. Obviously the reality of living in this neighborhood is now clouded by all kinds of controversy, but the bohemian warmth still exists in the streets. I really hope that doesn't slip away.. 

Wearing all vintage, Jeffrey Campbell boots and H&M sunglasses. 

Photos by Wesley Carter