Splendid Summer Totes

Pom Burst Tote, $68, anthropologie.com. 

It's summer here in Southern California and the past couple weekends have been absoultely gorgeous. As I packed up my things to head to the beach, I realized that I'm about due for a new summer bag. Something casual, equally at home at the beach and at a local watering hole for a sunset cocktail. Plenty of room for my things as well as a few essentials for my toddler. Chic and classic, something that I'll love to throw over my shoulder all summer long. Here are a few that caught my eye. Have you found a personal "it" tote for the summer?

Leather Transport Tote, $168, madewell.com. 

Nothing says summer like brights and this yellow tote from Madewell has a contemporary, yet casual feel.

Kerrington Peacock Tote, $206, toryburch.com. 

Although I generally do not love bags that scream brands or logos (this one is camouflaged don't you think?), I've had my eye on this Tory Burch tote for a few months. The peacock design mixed with rafia materials says summer in exactly the right way. 

Ikat Boho Sak, $130, cleobella.com. 

Summer always puts me in a bohemian sort of mood, especially because I live at the beach, and this ikat tote makes you feel like you just returned from a Balinese getaway.  (if you missed my interview with Cleobella designer Angela O'Brien, you can check it out here.)

Feed cotton tote bag, $50, saks.com.

It's always easier to justify spending money when part of your dollars go to chairatable use. I use this Feed bag at the grocery store, pool, beach, and just about anywhere else I go.

Weekend Max Mara Navy and White Tote, on sale for $87.75!!, at saks.com. 

Give me a navy + white stripe any day of the week and I'm on board! 

Karl large printed canvas tote, $54, netaporter.com. 

If big sunglasses and lots of jewelry are part of your beach repertoire, Karl would want to join you, at least in spirit. 

Ombre canvas and leather tote bag by cocosheaven on etsy.com. 

Might be my favorite of the bunch. The blue ombre reminds me of our gorgeous Pacific and its the perfect size to log some long hours on the sand. 

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! 

Nurture Your Wanderlust: Wayfare Magazine

If given the choice, I think most of us would jaunt off for a week vacation to Hong Kong, Istanbul, or Buenos Aries as often as possible - but work, family obligations, kids, and budgets seem to sometimes interfere with indulging the travel bug.  As someone who loves to travel (but doesn't do it as often as I'd like), I couldn't have been more excited to learn about the launch of the new digital magazine Wayfare, which is dedicated to the art of journeying. And by "journeying," they are referring to trips halfway around the world and halfway around the block. Trips taken by plane and via your computer, television or bedside reading. 

Retro-fly round-up, courtesy of Wayfare Magazine.

Founded by Erica Dublin (of See Jane Fly) and Josephine Courant, the many contributors to Wayfare also happen to be great bloggers - bluepoolroad, designtripper, pret-a-voyager, and pictory to name a few.  From a beautiful pictorial tour of Hong Kong, to a virtual trip to Paris, to a story about the crazy traffic in Vietnam (one of the most dangerous things I've done was cross the street in Ho Chi Minh!), this magazine captures the essence of what travel is - a voyage of discovery. Below are a few of my favorite features from the first issue and here's to hoping there are many, many more to come! 

The Urnatur Nature Lodge. Photography by Ulrika Krynitz. Courtesy of Wayfare Magazine.

A round-up of eco-friendly and architecturally stunning wilderness hotels in Sweden will inspire you to start planning a trip to commune with nature. 

Photography by Peggy Wong. Courtesy of Wayfare Magazine.

Colorful photographs of Hong Kong will remind you how much beauty there is in the everyday, like this vibrant kelly green staircase. 

Photography by Kristy Carlson. Courtesy of Wayfare Magazine.

A feature on a Midwestern couple living in East Africa with their two young boys reminds us that an adventurous spirit can take you anywhere you want to go. 

Photography by Leela Cyd Ross. Courtesy of Wayfare Magazine.

The tale of a family who hunts for truffles in western Oregon inspired me to book a trip to take my daughter strawberry picking. It's not quite the same, but I loved the idea of harvesting food as a family!

Photography by Jennifer Squires Ross. Courtesy of Wayfare Magazine. 

A beautifully shot collection of photographs of coastal Ontario reminded me of one of my favorite artists, Andy Goldsworthy. The natural beauty ensconced in the places where ocean and rocks meet is breathtaking.