There are few Fall Lookbooks I’d like to step into as much as Mollusk Surf Shop’s. It at once feels like real life (the warm light of an autumn day in California) and like vacation (screen-free and salt-kissed).
The models—photographed by Will Adler while actually out for a day of surfing (as opposed to posed awkwardly with an obviously unfamiliar prop)—seem to strike a similar balance: Strong, athletic women. Mussed hair and smile lines. Beautiful in a natural way that makes me think of movie-star Ali MacGraw back when she called Ryan O’Neal “preppy.”
It makes sense that the clothes, too, are comfortable and practical, and yet still sexy and a bit aspirational. (As in, I aspire to have just stepped off the beach or to have someone mistake me for one who has.)
These are some of my favorite images—and a few things I’d happily wear this fall. …
Actually, the impetus for trying out this recipe was our trip to Oahu. While at the Aulani, Hudson went off to a Disney kids’ activity and came back with vague (but passionate) descriptions of lab coats and goggles, recipes of water mixing, and a plastic-bag filled with “space goo.” It was slimy and cool to the touch and it occupied him and his cousins for much of dinner that night. I knew I had to learn how to make it.
It turns out that it’s very simple and lots of fun. It’s not even that messy. And it’s been coming back out for what could more formally be called sensory play for weeks now.
My friend Natalie, an SF-based floral designer, always has the best travel suggestions. She routinely goes to some of the most beautiful places in the world to work with people on (the most incredible) weddings and then extends her stay to play tourist!
So this series is not just for those who are planning a destination wedding (though these are some great tips if you are), but also for anyone invited to one or planning a trip to the region—because Natalie has agreed to share some of her picks for best places to stay, eat, and play at these romantic (wedding-worthy) spots.
As always, and selfishly, I hope that if you’ve been, you’ll add your suggestions to the list in the comments.
California Wine Country: Napa & Sonoma by Natalie Bowen Brookshire of Natalie Bowen Designs
Living in San Francisco I find myself doing weddings in Napa and Sonoma all the time!
