Behind the Scenes: Eco Fashion Show

We had an amazing time at the Eco Fashion Show Friday night. Not only did we get to see some our clothes walk the runway, a couple of our girls--Sara Frederick & Ruby Hendry--modeled, too! If you were there or if you missed it, Ruby took some behind-the-scenes shots for us recapping the show.

Model Britten Anderson driving the the models to the shoot while in her lovely white peasant dress. We carpooled together so that we could use the car ride to help each other plan our sassy walks for the runway!

Model Lauren Hutkin practicing her "booty pop" in the parking lot before the show! Lauren rocked this vintage bathing suit, metallic leather sandals, and jean jacket!!

A quick snapshot of the stage and runway before our run through of the show! Two lil models from Eco Bambino can be seen practicing their walks on the stage!

Myself with my two best friends, Britten and Lauren! Ruby Rose's manager Kim asked me to model for the show and I said I couldn't do it unless my girls could do it with me! We had so much fun getting dressed together and goofing around in the lounge before our call time!

Last minute touch up before we were called backstage!

My mom snapped this picture of me on the runway. I was so nervous before I walked on stage but I was met with a huge round of applause as the MC announced that I was the Ruby of Ruby Rose! I was shocked and honored, leaving my cheeks sore from all the smiling. The whole experience was SO much fun and I was glad to see many familiar faces, both modeling and in the audience!

A huge thank you on behalf of Ruby Rose to the coordinators of the show--we were so glad to be a part of such a beautiful and positive community that supports sustainable fashion! And thank you to everyone who came out to support us, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!!

Ruby in La La Land

After growing up in San Luis Obispo, I decided to follow my heart to Los Angeles. I had lots of expectations of what my life would be like–-full of great shopping, amazing food, and perfect weather. Obviously, the reality of living in LA is not as glamorous as I imagined it. For my first three months, it didn’t drop below a hundred degrees while I settled into my non-air conditioned building. Traffic discouraged me from leaving my neighborhood in East LA to explore any other part of the city. And being close to so much shopping and nice restaurants drained my bank account quickly. But then I realized that I could look at my time in Los Angeles as a series of adventures--that I could look at everything with a glass half-full attitude if I wanted to. So now, I appreciate that traffic allows for time to sing along to the radio in the car until I know all the words. I spend Sunday mornings at flea markets so that I can carry a (gently worn) designer handbag that only cost me $20 and a couple of hours of sleep. I’ve sat in Bed Bath & Beyond for hours with my best friend to get a free massage from the back massager chairs they have available to test. My life has become an amazing balance between enjoying all the fabulous stuff LA has to offer and enjoying the experience of being a starving college kid.

Here are a few of my very favorite things to do in Los Angeles. Some of these are a little off the beaten path and others are pretty famous, but all are worth it! 
**Note: the city is best experienced with a positive attitude, a full tank of gas, and your favorite pair of sunglasses.**

Enjoy a milkshake from Café Gratitude

Café Gratitude is probably the most popular vegan restaurant in Los Angeles and it deserves the hype. While their menu is on the pricier side, every item is phenomenal and has a fun name! My favorite is “Cool” – a mint chocolate milkshake made with cashew coconut ice cream and raw cacao nibs.

Drive to Griffith Observatory

Head up the hill just before sunset to ensure prime Instagram-worthy photographs. The Observatory is free and super cool, and just taking in the view of the LA skyline is worth the trip.

Have breakfast at Auntie Em’s Kitchen

Close to my college, Auntie Em’s has become one of my favorite Eagle Rock eateries. I always choose the biscuit sandwich with a cup of iced mint tea. If you don’t have time for a meal, their cupcakes are to die for!!

Search for a flea market treasure at Melrose Trading Post (and maybe spot a celebrity!)

Melrose is one of the smaller swap meets in LA and is probably my favorite. It’s not as overwhelming as the Rose Bowl and I can guarantee you’ll find something fun to bring home. It’s a perfect Sunday adventure that doesn’t cost much and usually includes a celebrity sighting. 

See a show at the Hollywood Palladium

While living in LA, I’ve tried to see a show at every venue. While I honestly couldn’t pick a favorite, the Palladium is such a rad space. I saw CHVRCHES there with a friend a few months ago and it was one of the most fun shows I’ve been to since moving here.

Grab a gourmet donut from Donut Friend 

I am a huge donut fan, so discovering Donut Friend has been one of my favorite memories from last Fall. You can choose from a long list of already loved combos or you can design your own donut from a bar of every imaginable topping. You can’t go wrong with a Donut Friend donut, but I highly recommend the strawberry jam/goat cheese/basil creation called “Jets to Basil.”

xo,
Ruby

Way Out West: New Mexico

Welcome to long days and warmer nights, Summer is here! It's also time to stretch your wandering limbs and explore: in this blog series we will be highlighting the great things to see and do Way Out West (check out last week's!). You don't need to step far from our coast to discover great adventures-make it a day or a weekend, grab your sunhat and go...

Never one to turn down an adventure, I agreed to join a friend of mine on a road trip to her family reunion, driving from San Luis Obispo, CA to Truth or Consequences, NM. The trip totaled just under 3,000 miles and most days the weather was expected to be well over 100 degrees. Needless to say, the journey was daunting, but who wouldn't love the chance to explore a handful of cities in Arizona and New Mexico, to snap some photos, eat yummy food, and see some great sights? 

With the help of roadtrippers.com and many recommendations from locals, we found lots of fun stops to break up the long driving days. Here's some tips in case you ever find yourself in any of these cities:

SAN BERNARDINO, CA

Sleep in a teepee at the Wigwam Hotel 

TUSCON, AZ

Stop at rest stops to get a great shot of the mountains. Avoid rattlesnakes.

Eat at the Dinosaur McDonalds

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NM
Truth or Consequences has a population of just under 6,500. But the city, more commonly referred to as T or C, does not lack an interesting history or things to keep you busy on a vacation. The city was originally called Hot Springs, named for the naturally occurring spas throughout the area. However, in 1950, a radio show by the name of Truth or Consequences announced that it would be broadcast from the first town that renamed itself after the show. Hot Springs won that honor and thus the name of the city was changed. 

Enjoy a bathe in a natural hot spring while staying at the La Paloma Hot Springs and Spa

Float down the Rio Grande and enjoy the serenity of the river

Find some good old diner food with plates bigger than your face at BBQ on Broadway 

Cool off from the heat at Elephant Butte Lake

(unnamed 11 and 12) Take a day trip to the nearby farming town of Monticello

SOMEWHERE IN NORTHEAST ARIZONA

Take photos of cactus. There's not much else to do and they're quite photogenic.

Drive through the Petrified National Forest at sunset.

INDIO, CA

Abandon your dreams of sleeping in only cute, kitschy motels, and give in to air conditioning and gambling at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino.

Buy Starbucks from said casino and enjoy the comforts of civilization again after days spent driving through the desert.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES, CA

Drool over the beautiful treats at Bottega Louie

Buy some souvenirs and eat some Mexican food at historic Olvera Street

xo,

Ruby