Shelter Social Club California Crawl featuring Taylor Stitch

I just got back from a week of crawling up the California Coast in partnership with Shelter Social Club and Taylor Stitch. If you have not heard of Shelter Social Club, now is the time to get acquainted. Comprised of 4 locations (Ojai, Santa Barbara, Solvang, & Los Alamos), Shelter Social Club takes old motels in need of some love and updates them in a way that creates the ultimate curated lodging experience. The accommodations are quaint, cozy, and hip. Each place is unique with a specific charm, just like their employees. I had the opportunity to photograph employees in San Francisco based Taylor Stitch threads which only highlighted each of their personalities. I edited all images with VSCO and uploaded previews in real time on my VSCO grid and on instagram. As I made my way in between the locations, I stopped to document the amazing California coast.  Here is just a preview of what the last week has been like and the amazing people I met along the way.

Joya + White Aiden Tee

Ariane + Orange Midi Skirt

Wendy + White Caroline Shirt

Ryan + Light Indigo Star Jack

Tyler + Ash Brushed Twill Jack

Jessy + White Caroline Shirt

Angie + Grey Aiden Tee

JP + Navy Brushed Twill Jack

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Follow

Shelter Social Club | instagram + facebook

Taylor Stitch | instagram + facebook

Road Trippin'

I'm heading off for a week long solo CA road trip.

Follow my instagram @nomadic_habit to see it unfold in real time.

Bringing along my Manhattan Portage bag to take care of all my photo gear.

LOS ALAMOS, CALIFORNIA

Where is Los Alamos?

Los Alamos, California is part of Santa Barbara county and often thought of as part of the Santa Ynez Valley.

I was lucky enough to tag along with the crew from Mosey (what a good looking crew above) for a weekend retreat at The Alamo Motel, which is part of the Shelter Social Club. The renovations are still in progress and we were lucky enough to peek in at the progress. Los Alamos is a sleepy, historic town which makes for a perfect weekend getaway. The action is concentrated and primarily all on one major strip which makes it easy to get around on foot.

Headed that way?

STAY:

Alamo Motel

EAT:

Breakfast : Bob's Well Bread Bakery

Lunch: Bell Street Farm

Dinner: Full of Life Flatbread

DRINK:

Casa Dumetz Wines

Babi's Beer Emporium

Thanks again for the crew at Mosey and Shelter Social Club for such a great weekend!

Want to be in the know of what's cool locally? Download the MOSEY app here + follow them on instagram @wemosey.

Mosey has micro-guides in 80+ countries and 2500+ cities.

Go on a mosey.

Owen & Fred x Nomadic Habit

To all my male readers and female readers who have stylish men in their lives, I'd like to introduce you to Owen & Fred. Maybe what I love most is the fact they operate out of the Pencil Factory in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. (My old stomping grounds). If you are looking for the perfect gift for your travel savvy and stylish dude, consider stuffing those stockings with Owen & Fred. Here, the navy duffel proved perfect for a weekend getaway to Sonoma.

PS- They don't stop at just bags.

I love their personalized luggage tags and all these great home goods.

Get shopping. X-mas is on the way!

JOSHUA TREE, CALIFORNIA

Since being back in California, I had to visit my beloved Joshua Tree National Park. The landscape is unreal and the stars are glorious.

This camping trip was featured on Ardent Magazine in a two part series. Here is Part I and Part II.

Stay at Hidden Valley Campground if you want to be nestled among amazing boulders.

Below are some images that you might not see in the Ardent feature. Watch out for coyotes!

Black Star Canyon Road | OC, California

When most people think of Orange County, better known (or worse known?) as 'The O.C.' they probably think of either Disneyland, or reality T.V. (Housewives of Orange County, The O.C., Laguna Beach). Truth be told there is beautifully wild side to Orange County absent of the cliché. Enter Black Star Canyon. There are urban legends and tales of the supernatural associated with this area which make it an even more interesting destination. Look out for ghosts. The images below were taken on Black Star Canyon Road in Santiago Canyon. To get to Black Star Canyon, walk Black Star Canyon Road about a mile past the gate and turn right. Happy trails.

Road Trip With Dad

Now that I am in LA, I've been able to spend some quality time with the folks. I've also been able to appreciate the natural beauty of California as well as indulge in delicious Mexican food. My dad and I took a short road trip down south so he could hit the jackpot at the casinos and I could lounge by the pool. These photos are all off Highway 76 where we stopped off at the amazing Jilberto's Taco Shop.

He didn't hit the jackpot, but we did enjoy the view.