“The B side of a record is where the deep cuts live—the complex, idiosyncratic songs that true connoisseurs appreciate most.  In that same spirit, B Sides celebrates the beauty of imperfection: Jeans that, like the sleeper song on a classic rock album, have an interesting story to tell.”

These first two sentences on the ‘about’ page of B SIDES resonate deeply with me.  I live for the deep cuts - of albums and of jeans.  I want the interesting sounds, styles, and stories.  I live in vintage/thrifted denim.  I’m not a fan of stretchy/thin denim, and I like my jeans old and worn.  To put it frankly, I think new denim generally sucks.  I make an exception for B SIDES, though because they are the exception to new denim today.  The founders, Claire Lampert and Stacy Daily, began collecting antique denim for their previous project, the vintage boutique Where I Was From.  You can read more about their story here.  I had the pleasure of visiting their Chinatown showroom when I was in New York this past winter, where I learned about their upcoming collections.  They source their materials from family-owned mills that provide textiles to farm supply stores and have been since the 19th century. Every piece is unique.  As you can see, the two patchwork jeans shown above and photographed together are slightly different from one another.  Also to note - their jeans don’t feel like ‘new’ denim.  You can move in them, yet they are structured and tailored enough to remain true to the feel of red-tagged vintage Levis.  Explore their shop for these styles and more.  

Studio Mari is a Los Angeles based jewelry studio by Mari Beltran.  Each piece is first created by Mari by hand before being cast by local artisans.  Her designs are sculptural, distinctive, and timeless.  I had the honor of photographing some of her pieces (analog and digital).  

The Joan ring came to me at a very pivotal time in my life, and it has become a staple object that reminds me of my own tenacity and individuality.  The description reads:  “this ring is all about the swerve - veering off course to find new adventures.”  When I slide it onto my ring finger, I consciously take-in the act of bravery of diving into the unknown to start anew in New Mexico.  It's only fitting that Mari’s work is inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe.  

The Crescent rings are incredibly versatile, and I love to wear them both together and separately.  They are inspired by the waxing and waning of the moon, and I always feel this in the feminine power they exude.

I am excited to see what Mari continues to create as her studio grows and evolves.

I’ve been in love with Emme Parsons footwear as soon as she launched. Her pieces are elegant and sophisticated, yet very wearable. Emme works with “small family-run factories and tanneries that are ethically run and adhere to the highest environmental standards.” Each pair is handmade in Tuscany, Italy. Browse beautiful shoes here. Interview below.

"To collect mindfully rather than consume mindlessly" is the philosophy behind Paige Geffen's Object & Us, a consultancy that seeks to redefine the individual's relationship to the things that they acquire. After years as an art director and interior designer in Los Angeles, Geffen recently moved to Sante Fe, where the new landscape and desert stillness further inspires her approach to finding balance and personal connection to the material world.

How would you describe your style?

Right now I'd describe it as 70s Lauren Hutton meets 90s Prada. Androgynous, sleek, and subtly sexy. I love classic lines and menswear-inspired items. I live in vintage levi's and trousers, but sometimes I like to put on a beautiful dress or pair my pants with a very feminine silhouetted top.

Who is currently inspiring you? Sartorially, culturally, or otherwise?

The open landscape of the American Southwest. People I've met here in New Mexico who were, like me, drawn to the land, the history, and the magnetic pull to be here. Sartorially, I've been really inspired by Timothee Chalamet's style. He wears a suit magnificently well.

 What is your current favorite shoe from Emme Parsons?

Right now I’m really into the Certo in Cream because it can transition well between seasons.

How would you style it for a full day on the go?

With vintage Re-work B Sides straight-leg ankle jeans, a Shaina Mote statement top, and perhaps a pop of color in an accessory such as a Clyde beret.

Guilty (or not so guilty) pleasure?

I have an obsession with Honey Mamma’s chocolate bars. Most people say they’re so rich that they can only handle bits at a time, but I usually eat the entire bar in one sitting.

 Can you tell us about Object & Us and how it came to be?

Object & Us teaches us about our internal selves by exploring our external surroundings. It's a bridge to the metaphysical through the physical. Our motto is "to collect mindfully rather than to consume mindlessly." We can look to our objects as tools that help us to live intentionally and to practice mindfulness. We are so accustomed to identifying ourselves with our stuff, yet our things have nothing to do with who we are. Who we are comes from within.

I had my interiors business for a few years, and I wanted to translate that into something more fulfilling to me. It's a very consumer-driven business, and I wanted to shift that. I wasn't quite sure how it would look, but I knew I wanted to explore objects and space. I felt an inner turmoil about loving furniture and clothing and objects, while also having a deep respect for the environment. It felt like a terrible contradiction. I became obsessed with marrying beauty with intention—that they could be one in the same. That we could live mindfully and consciously without having to live in stark, empty spaces. As I was developing all of this, I went through an incredibly difficult personal trial. I didn't have a home for nearly a year and then had to get rid of all of my belongings, all while being extremely sick. This experience really pushed the concept forward, as I was getting deep, grueling lessons on what I was exploring. Object & Us was born from this place—a place of rawness and truth.

 What are some of your most treasured objects and why?

I got rid of nearly all of my belongings prior to moving to New Mexico due to mold exposure. I’m treasuring everything I have right now because I know what it’s like to part with meaningful objects. It’s interesting to start entirely fresh and to only have items that are new to me, so I’m building relationships with the items around me to create a sense of stability and grounding. These are the objects that stand out to me:

My Rachel Saunders Ceramics vase filled with dried lavender from the garden, a beautiful Picasso book I got for $2 in Sedona at the most amazing used bookstore, the old chair next to my bed that holds my candles, a drawing of Joni (my dog) and myself that Amber Lu made for me - it makes me smile every time I look at it, and most recently, the Petite Jess Barrette by Winden.

 Best kept secret in New Mexico?

My friend's family farm. I went there my first night here, and I couldn't have dreamt up a better night—it was an epic introduction to New Mexico. I drove down a private dirt road surrounded by stunning mountains to get there. When I arrived, I was greeted by a beautiful meal cooked over an open fire and an interesting mix of strangers. We were brought together by the food and the scenery for a night full of laughter and connection. We concluded the evening in a wooden hot tub under the starry sky, as we watched the moon rise over the mountains. I hope to have many more nights like this in the spring/summer here.

Describe your perfect winter day in New Mexico.

Breakfast/tea outside (or if it's too cold, in the dining room looking out the windows to the beautiful landscape) with my journal. Perhaps heading to a local cafe in town to get my people watching fix or going to Ten Thousand Waves for some luxurious (yet affordable) relaxation. Cooking a nourishing dinner while blasting music. Eating in front of the fireplace.

In last week’s post, I wrote a nightly shut-off ritual, where I suggested having a bit of a sensual experience with your sheets prior to going to bed. This exercise is truly about connecting to your body in order to ground before falling asleep. Sensuality is about awakening pleasure in the senses, and no, it’s not always related to sexuality. The reason I practice grounding with objects is because they are physical, and grounding is about physical connection to our bodies and to the earth. Yes, our objects can be machine made out of less than “earthly” materials, but you can actively choose to surround yourself with objects made mindfully. I encourage you to observe your objects, but I also encourage you to touch them. Run your fingers over the imperfect texture of your ceramic vase, your hands on the soft paper of your book. Awaken the pleasure in your senses, and feel into your body. We can choose to check-out and we can choose to connect - it’s up to us. Here are some recommendations of beautiful items to connect to your sensuality (all female-owned brands), and listen to the Sensual Healing playlist while you browse.

Lonely is “for women who wear lingerie as a love letter to themselves.” - Helene Morris, Lonely Designer. They are an ethically based company in New Zealand with stockists all over the world and celebrate fostering positive body image for all women. On their website, you will find their Lonely Girls series, where they feature women wearing their beautiful pieces in the comfort of their own spaces. I am completely in love with this beautiful set photographed by Kelly Geddes (one of my favorite photographers) for Anyonegirl, which is the perfect segue to the next item.

Anyonegirl is an online and in-print journal, with beautiful photography and insight. I first discovered them while shopping at Passenger (a lovely store in Echo Park) and picked up the first issue of Waist. “WAIST considers the ideas surrounding the female mid-section, both inside and out, exploring sex, movement, digestion and a woman’s GUT INSTINCT.” I am excited to explore issue 03.

I just discovered Nedda Atassi, a ceramicist whose work is absolutely stunning. I’m captivated by her use of organic shapes. The crinkled vase, featured above, is the perfect object to practice grounding with. It’s made of the earth, free-form, and there’s so much to explore in the texture. Browse more in her shop.

The work of Studio Mari is both interesting and timeless. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Mari, and she is no different. Her jewelry pieces are like small sculptures, alluding to much larger references. Putting on jewelry can be a slow experience. Explore the piece as you slide it down your finger or clasp it around your neck. All pieces by Studio Mari are designed and made in Los Angeles. Shop here.

Willow feminine oil is about “embracing women’s sexuality through self care.” Willow is comprised of high quality oils to help balance hormones and PH levels, soothe irritation, and nourish the skin. Oh and I haven’t mentioned - it’s for your vagina. I need to get myself a bottle, but I did try the oil (on my hands) when Nicole, the founder and creator, let me try it prior to the launch. It smells incredible, and it can be used on other parts of the body as well. Vaginal health is so important, and we often neglect this area as a result of lack of information and understanding of the best way to care down there. Our everyday soaps can be very stripping to this area. Willow can help you to break this neglect with a simple, nourishing, and hopefully sensual ritual. You can purchase the oil here.

Eliana Rodriguez recently debuted her line of beautiful and simple comfort-wear, Gil Rodriguez - a clothing company designed and made in Los Angeles that adheres to ethical and sustainable practices. They source their fabrics from local mills and fairly compensate their workers. These are the Benton Leggings, made of 90% cotton, and they look incredibly comfortable and soft - to touch and against skin.

I recently came across Dehei, a New Zealand-based range of knit bedding made of 100% cotton marle. Dehei means “at home” in Swiss. Make these products part of your nightly ritual, and you’ll certainly feel at home within your bed and yourself.

Listen to the playlist here while practicing some of your new rituals.