Au chante! Angela O'Brien of Cleobella.

All handbags, Cleobella. Photography by joielala.

As I'm contemplating the change in seasons (is spring over already???) and getting ready to usher in another glorious summer, I'll happily trade in my riding boots for sandals, sweaters for tanks and trench coats for maxi dresses. Seems like every summer I find myself striving, yet again, to perfect that effortless boho chic look, but no one I know does it better than Angela O'Brien, the founder of handbag and accessories line Cleobella. Angela launched Cleobella in 2008 after a round-the-world adventure which included an extended visit to the island of Bali. Inspired by the rich culture and simplicity of Balinese life, Angela discovered not only gorgeous vintage ikat fabrics, recycled hardware and washed leathers, but an incredible group of talented artisans. It was there, in Bali, that Cleobella (named after Angela's mother) was born.

Cleobella store in Sunset Beach, CA. Clockwise from top left: Cleobella clothing, one of many gorgeous displays of Cleobella handbags, a selection of Cleobella necklaces and bracelets. All photography by joielala.

 Recently, I caught up with Angela and asked about her typical day, travel essentials, favorite shopping destinations and what she's learned since becoming a mom.

How did Cleobella start? In search of change and adventure, my husband and I left our jobs and comforts of home to travel around the world for a solid year. My desire to have my own business lead me to designing my first collection in Bali.

How and when did you discover Bali and what do you love most about it? Surf was the catalyst for our adventure which brought us to Bali. What I love about Bali is the feeling I get the moment I arrive. The kindness I feel from the locals, the warm weather, beautiful beaches and the mix of artists and travelers that I relate to.

Who makes Cleobella bags? Cleobella handbags are made by local artisans in home industry factories. The men build the leather bags and the women do all the embellishments, including hand beading, macrame, hand weaving, etc.

The Balinese artisans who bring Cleobella designs to life. 

Where do you find inspiration for your designs? Each season I take inspiration from a new place I have experienced. For example, Spring 2012 is inspired by my travels through South Africa.

What is your typical workday like? There really is no typical day - the fashion business is forever changing and I do my best to stay current with the constant movement. Having a small business means that I wear many hats - whether I'm designing, working with production, sales, marketing or other operations.

When you aren't working, what is your favorite way to spend a weekend? On the beach, with my family.  I can be anywhere in the world, as long as I'm detached from my cell phone and with my family, I'm happy!

5 things you never travel without? My Ipad to entertain my one-year old on the long flights and to keep in contact with business at home, my "Mexicana clutch" to keep me organized and to wear day or night, a batik sarong which can be used as a scarf, blanket or beach towel, my favorite vintage sunglasses and of course, my SPF.

Angela O'Brien in front of her Sunset Beach, CA boutique. Photography by joielala. 

You recently had a gorgeous little boy. How has motherhood changed you? It's allowed me to see the world through his eyes - everything is a little more colorful and beautiful.

Any advice for juggling work and family? I do my best to be present in everything I do. Being mindful of what is most important and understanding that if I can't complete everything in one day, there is always tomorrow.

Tell us a little about your new flagship store in Sunset Beach. Our new store is a dream come true! It's a lifestyle choice to open our first retail boutique minutes away from our home in Seal Beach. It's my little bohemian sanctuary, steps away from the beach, in a white cottage built in the 1920's. 

A few of Angela's favorite things.

Who or what inspires you? Travel and the people I meet along my journey inspire me.

Favorite places you've visited? India, by far the most interesting place on earth!!!

Describe your personal style. Eclectic, bohemian, vintage. I wake up in the morning and wear what I'm feeling.

Favorite places to shop? Local markets on my travels, flea markets in the L.A. area, Planet Blue Malibu.

A few of Angela's favorite things: sushi, fresh squeezed green juice, a yummy espresso, Jo Malone Vintage Gardenia Perfume, Chanel lip gloss, Capri Blue Volcano candles, lingerie, turquoise stones.

To learn a little more about Angela, her life in Bali, and get inspired to pack up your bags and head to the airport, watch this beautifully shot documentary here. Cleobella is available online at cleobella.com, shopbop.com, singer22.com, and revolveclothing.com and is also on Facebook and Twitter. But if you live here in Southern California, you can treat yourself to a visit to the new flagship store in Sunset Beach, CA. Filled with reclaimed wood, steel, and gorgeous vintage fixtures, the store features the complete line of Cleobella handbags, jewelry and clothing along with a selection of Assouline books, Savon de Marseille soaps, and beautiful home furnishings. I would challenge anyone to try and walk out empty handed. 

More photos from the flagship store, clockwise from top left: a wonderful rainbow of wallets, perfect details like vintage hooks provide a place to display bags, Summer 2012 line sheets in the adjacent design studio, me carrying my Kaya bucket bag. All photography by joielala. 

Here's to the first week in June - I'll be playing at the beach and reading up for another great blogging class taught by the creative and talented Holly Becker of Decor8.  Have a great weekend everyone! 

Au chante! Emily Current and Meritt Elliott

Current/Elliott Spring 2012.

Emily Current and Meritt Elliott are known the world over for changing the denim landscape with their eponymous Boyfriend Jean and their namesake denim brainchild Current/Elliott, which lanuched in 2008.  They bring the same style, spirit, and creative genius to styling ingenues like Emma Roberts, Mandy Moore and Fiona Apple and their talent for spotting trends and interpreting them in wearable and creative ways has made these gals two of the most sought-after consultants in the business. Their most recent venture, a handbag collection with Kate Spade - Westward by Emily + Meritt was a wild success and showed their true affinity for texture, hardware and simply gorgeous design.

These two Los Angeles residents found a kindred spirit in one another while attending U.C.L.A. and have been a powerhouse styling duo ever since.  I had the pleasure of catching up with E + M between fittings, design meetings and a trip to NYFW, and found out what keeps them organized, inspired, and where they find all those gorgeous vintage pieces. Please join me in welcoming Emily and Meritt! 

Favorite Online Shopping Destinations:
Net-a-porter.com, lagarconne.com, topshop.com.

What Are You Reading Right Now?

Emily: Scruples by Judith Krantz (written in 1978)
Meritt: The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Tell Us One Piece Of Advice You Give All Your Clients:
Be Confident, Be Yourself, Express Your Personality and Mood Through Clothing.

Emily + Meritt clients from Left to Right: Mandy Moore, Emma Roberts and Jessica Capshaw.

You Do Alot Of Vintage Shopping. Where Are Your Favorite Places To Find Hidden Treasures?

Los Angeles: The Way We Wore, What Goes Around Comes Around, Scout, Tavin

New York: Narnia, Edith Machinist

Paris: Scarlett

Favorite Scents:
Meritt: Kai
Emily: Le Labo Santal

Kai Eau De Parfum & Le Labo Santal, available at barneys.com.

Juggling design meetings, photo shoots and celebrity clients must be a challenge. What do you use to stay organized?

We have lovely day planners and cc each other on every email. We definitely juggle a lot of different projects, but all of them are in fashion so we draw on the same influences and inspiration. We also have an amazing assistant Lindsey who keeps us organized.

A selection of pieces from the Westward by Emily + Meritt collection for Kate Spade.

You Both Travel Constantly. Finish This Sentence: I Never Leave Home Without:
Emily: My IPad
Meritt: My IPod

Who, What Or Where Inspires You?
We are inspired by little movies or stories we create in our minds that are not only whimsical, childlike and charming, but also familiar and comforting.

A shot from the Westward Campaign, styled by Emily + Meritt.

Favorite Things In Your Home?

Emily: My dog Olive, my cat Gus, & a Louis XIV couch recovered in French army canvas.

Meritt: My daughter's princess bed and my glass dome cloches, displaying knick knacks and succulents.

Style Icons?
Tom Sawyer, Keith Richards, Annie Hall.

Diane Keaton in Woody Allen's 1977 film "Annie Hall." 

Favorite Way To Spend A Weekend?

Emily: At home with friends, bbq'ing and playing games.

Meritt: With my daughter - outdoors, in the sunshine.

What 2012 Projects Are You Most Excited About?
Adding our whimsical Americana worldview to new product categories and projects!

Whether its finding the perfect shoe for a summer wedding or the right accessories to wear on a first date, we've all had moments where we dreamed of what it would be like to have a personal stylist show you EXACTLY what to wear (and drop it off at your doorstep). Luckily, E + M are here to share five of their favorite pieces for spring that will take you on into summer. 

Miu Miu Woven Leather Clutch, netaporter.com. 

We can't own enough oversized clutches! This very Spring-like Miu Miu clutch offers both the color and texture we crave in this versatile hold-all. It can be adorable paired with another print, or can simply be the punch of character you daily uniform needs!

Current/Elliott Polka Dot Stiletto Crops, $218, anthropologie.com. 

These printed pants integrate seamlessly into any Spring wardrobe chock full of denims, white and khakis. While we are gluttons for good old-fashioned indigo bottoms, polka dot jeans can support any fashion alter ego - from very prim lady-esque to rock' n' 'roll eclectic.

Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain,  $19, sephora.com. 

We stumbled upon this make-up collection while out shopping and took a chance on these bright little stain sticks in the most vibrant and daring colors. We were smitten! It's crazy how these small little treasures can instantly give us the pinched cheek and bright pouts we are loving this Spring. Plus, they don't dry out your skin and lips:)

Vanessa Bruno Fringed Cardigan, $445, netaporter.com. 

Immersed in a colorful Spring season, we highly recommend investing in some interesting neutral pieces that both ground and elevate your look. This little cardigan jacket does just that, all while adding a little warmth for Spring's notoriously fickle weather.

Vibrant Ballet Pump Flats, $32, topshop.com. 

Listen up fashion friends- these $32 colorful ballet flats will change your life. We went ahead and ordered every color (poppy, citron, turquoise, mint and fuchsia) and have managed to wear them almost every day. Besides being the perfect throw-in-your-bag and always-your-suitcase shoe, they are comfortable and surprisingly chic!