California Love

For most of you to read my blog, when you think of California, you think of cool fashion, Rodeo

Drive, and red carpets. But it’s so much more than that. I’ve had a privilege of being able to visit that beautiful state, Southern California specifically, and can tell you it’s true firsthand. It has breathtaking mountains, beautiful palm trees, and tranquil beaches. The people are kind. My visit there played an important role in my journey back to health and wellness. And even though I wasn’t feeling too well when I was there (hence why I was there in the first place), I still managed to get some shopping in while on a special day trip to Laguna Beach. It was everything I expected it to be - tourist wares intermingled with boho California cool pieces. I snagged a seashell pink, ultra soft crew neck sweatshirt with “Laguna Beach” emblazoned on it in white letters. Yes, I went full tourist, and I have zero regrets. For my fashion forward niece, I chose a black, short sleeved, crop top, also with “Laguna Beach” across the front, this one in a chic white script. I wasn’t about to let Lyme and an autoimmune disease keep me from an iconic experience. Granted, because I really wasn’t feeling well, the shopping trip wasn’t nearly as long as I would’ve wanted it to be, but I went nonetheless, and got to experience California cool firsthand.

Like I said, I was feeling pretty crappy while I was there, but I can attest to the fact that retail therapy truly can make you feel better. Although I suppose it helps when that retail therapy is taking place in the famed Hills, amid cool boutiques, chic restaurants, and the beach in constant view, breathing the fresh ocean air as you shop. As an avid watcher of The Hills when it was on TV, it was cool to get to experience a bit of it in person. I actually saw Lo Bosworth at a club in Boston once, but that’s a story for another time.

The reason for this post, as you may suspect, are the wildfires raging in Southern California. Laguna Beach seems to be unaffected thus far. But when I was there, I stayed not too far from where the Eaton fire is blazing, so it really hits close to home. That place played an important role in my health journey. I was there during a difficult time, and the kindness those people showed to my mom, aunt and I is something I’ll never forget. Not to mention that I still have strong ties there, so I am watching the situation closely, with lots of thoughts and prayers. Of course, the first thing you think of when watching the devastation unfold is “What can I do to help?” The answer is: lots!

There’s always donating to the American Red Cross and Salvation Army. They’re on the ground and know exactly what those affected need, and can give it to them, whether it’s clothes, food, housing or medical care. I’ve also seen good work being done by Chef Andrew Gruel and his wife, who own the Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach. They’re feeding those in need their delicious food for free, and collecting tons of donations for those who have lost everthing. He has a wish list pinned on his X profile, and it’s something I’ll likely be perusing later myself. People from all over the country are sending him supplies via Amazon - the beauty of technology, and the incredible generosity of our fellow Americans! Even sending just an item or two can make a difference. You can also check out the local firefighters pages for Pasadena, Malibu, etc. Often their local firefighting foundations take donations to help support the brave firefighters working so tirelessly in the face of danger.

Another way to give back is through fashion. Yes fashion. Do you have anything in your closet that you’re just not wearing anymore? Maybe forego listing it on Poshmark and set it aside to send to those in need in SoCal. I’m sure local churches and philanthropic organizations near us will be organizing drives soon. Those poor people have lost so much, and something to add to their wardrobe would probably be deeply appreciated. Back in the day, in the aftermath of a hurricane in Florida, I caught wind of a need for formal dresses there - the girls had nothing to wear to homecoming (everything had been swept away or damaged). So I went into my archives and found some old formal gowns still there from high school. They were pretty and in good shape, so I donated some of them to a local dress drive, and hoped they’d put smiles on faces that more than deserved it. So that’s another really cool and equally helpful way to help those in need. Fashion, like I always say, is so much more than the runway. It can be kindness in a donated piece of clothing - a tangible, selfless gift of love to someone who’s been through hell - giving them a little bit of normality back. It can be a donated coat, literally enveloping someone in need in warmth. Or a pretty sweater, that when the recipient puts it on, maybe it makes them smile a little for the first time, and makes them feel pretty and special. Fashion is life…fashion is love. Those are just a few ways to help. Hope it’s useful!

Until next time…stay fabulous!