"We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another, unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, affix us in the present. We are made of layers, cells, constellations" - Anais Nin

lauren: free people dress*, boohoo poncho*, adia kibur ear crawler*, model's own boots
alyssa: for love and lemons dress*, fossil boots*

There is nothing that speaks to my soul quite like having a hand in creating these magical moments behind the camera. A lot goes into conceptualizing, styling and executing a shoot but seeing your vision come to life makes all of the hard work so incredibly worth it.

I was lucky enough to connect with Ivan Diaz Photography last week and together we were able to dream up something so raw and organically beautiful. Flexing creative muscles in this way (creating things with other makers and experiencing as many people nurturing their gifts as possible) has been such a journey of growth lately. I feel so very blessed!

Photography: Ivan Diaz Photography
Styling & Art Direction: Chelsea & The City
Models: Lauren Stephens & Alyssa Vaphiades for ONYX Model Management

p.s. Items in this editorial (designated with *) were graciously gifted to me by the corresponding companies. They did not, however, request to be featured in this way. All opinions and words are my own. It is my policy to only select goods that I truly believe in and wish to share with you. Thank you for supporting the sponsorships that make endeavors like this possible.

I couldn't possibly be more excited to finally share this edition of "Explore" (a project I am creating with my friends Sleepy Fox Photography & Aislerchic). We took a whirlwind trip to Nashville in the fall and I fell madly in love with the coolest coffee shop around, Barista Parlor. With a flare for hipster elegance and one foot firmly planted in the territory of craftsmanship, the entire Barista team perfectly orchestrates a cup of Joe.

Infused with Tennessee style, the transmission repair shop turned Nashville staple boasts a roster of the best roasts (Stumptown Coffee from Portland is one all-time of my favorites) and locally sourced touches. Everything from the heavy-duty Emil Erwin aprons (made entirely from leather) to the quirky art and decor hails from the heart of Music City. Presiding over everything, a large-scale mosaic installation by Nashville based design firm, Isle of Printing (responsible for Pinewood Social's wall of cans) and Bryce McCloud, lingers on the space's massive back wall. Made of 4,000 individually printed blocks, the mural reveals itself as a sinking ship only after passing through the lens of a camera (or more convenient for building an epic social media following like Barista Parlor has, an iphone).

In a land where dark roast and deer busts coexist beautifully, brew masters are knowledgeable and homemade pop tarts are never far away. Here whiskey is encouraged, coffee is king and the two marry wonderfully in the barista-invented Clover Croft. If heaven is an industrial space filled to the hull with espresso beans and the dulcet tones of Phantogram records wafting through the air, I'm excited friends!

Explore Nashville:
Barista Parlor | Pinewood Social | Imogene + Willie | White's Mercantile | Las Paletas | Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

rag & bone fedora, baggu leather clutch, gorjana ear jacket, madewell necklace & crossbody bag, swedish hasbeens sandals, saylor romper, thakoon addition dress, one teaspoon denim

It's finally here! I always look forward to Shopbop sales like no other. With breezy dresses, softer leather (I'm always itching to put away my black purses once the first hint of Spring appears) and funky jewels in my shopping cart, I'm definitely not turning down a chance to save.

p.s. How cute is that romper? I've recently discovered the brand Saylor and I'm obsessed with their lacy pieces for Spring.

The details:

When // Tuesday March 3, 2015 6:30AM Eastern Time (New York time zone) to Sunday March 8, 2015 4:00AM Eastern Time (New York time zone).

What //

You save 15% with purchase over $250

You save 20% with purchase over $500

You save 25% with purchase over $1000

The best way to shop this sale is to go in with friends and make a group purchase. The more you spend, the more you save!

Where // Click here to shop

p.s. I am participating in an ongoing partnership with Shopbop, however, all opinions and words are my own. It is my policy to only select goods and companies that I truly believe in and wish to share with you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Chelsea & The City possible.