[modernista]: July 2011

This October will be the 11th anniversary of me moving to the States. I can hardly believe it has gone by so quickly. It feels like only yesterday that I packed two suitcases (one stuffed with CDs and vinyl records and the other with clothes) and boarded a plane to Sacramento, California.
Although initially reticent to make the move, and spending the first three years feeling displaced and terribly homesick, I have finally reached the point where I can truly say I love living in the States, especially since moving to Los Angeles six years ago. The amazing weather, beautiful parks and beaches, great restaurants, bars and museums at my fingertips, and the many LA transplants I encounter along the way makes it difficult not to love this city.

On one of my hikes in Griffith Park

Venice Beach, California

There are things about London that I miss every day...my friends, family, the British humour, fantastic public transport system, city culture, old buildings, history, fashion, chocolate (Cadburys!) and the food (proper fish and chips, proper bacon...). Nevertheless I have met the kindest, sweetest, coolest, interesting and creative people here in the States who have become my dearest friends, and for that reason alone I wouldn't change a thing.

Hanging out with my gorgeous little niece, Emily, in England

   Through the years I have immersed myself in many American holidays, but my favourites are Thanksgiving and Fourth of July - Independence Day. Ironically, Fourth of July commemorates the independence of the United States from Great Britain, but, no matter! To me, both holidays promote spending time with the people you love, and that's all that really matters.
   Well, it's Independence Day weekend, and I am off for THREE MARVELLOUS DAYS! You'd better believe that I'll be taking full advantage of every single second of my mini-vacation. It started with a lie-in this morning, followed by a glass of freshly squeezed orange and beet juice, manicure/pedicure/wax session at my local salon, and later on a bike ride along the LA river with Monsieur Baker, a movie, and dinner.

The glorious 85 degree weather inspired my nail colour choices

The rest of the weekend is looking like this (in no particular order): trips to the beach, hiking, brunch with friends, Ikea, roast lamb dinner party, little bit of thrifting, massage, facial, farmer's market, maybe an art exhibition...
In honour of Independence Day, here is my salute to some of the star-spangled fashion trends out there.

1) Tanks, Tees & Shirts