[I] was recently introduced to one of the most successful jean brands in the country, NYDJ. The relationship started when they sent me a pair of jeans to try out, which have now become my go-to photoshoot pants not only for their comfort but the fact they stretch slightly, making moving more functional and my job easier. I also like the fact they are slightly high-waisted and when she complimented me on the fit I knew there was something here.

Furthering the relationship, NYDJ sent me on a west coast adventure around Southern California with a suitcase full of their new summer looks to try on and wear out. For a week I lived in NYDJ and here is what I have to say – not only do the clothes travel well, they are easy to dress up or dress down making the unexpected travel plans manageable while still appearing completely put together on the outside and incredibly comfortable on the inside. What you don’t see is how they manage to do that. On the inside of the dresses they have a built in second layer that is similar to shape-wear, but not uncomfortable or constricting. It makes a flattering support system that keeps everything smooth and pretty while still allowing you to move, eat, sit and play with ease. It actually gave me more confidence while wearing dresses that showed off my natural figure.

I’ll be honest, this was a brutal winter in New York causing me at one point to actually take a cab four blocks home because I was too cold to carry on. This, in contrast to the endless snapchats of L.A. friends wearing tank tops and having backyard pizza parties in mid-February, was just cruel. I was happy to get out of New York which still seems to be slowly awakening into spring. I wanted to be surrounded by a color other than gray and something to do other than work 28 hours a day. Funny enough, I’m not the only one that feels this way. While in L.A. I woke up to a handful of texts, emails, tweets, snaps saying “did you read this!?”,  with a link to a New York Times article on just the sentiment I was living. It also didn’t help the case for New York that we were able to borrow a Jaguar F-Type convertible and spent the entire week with the top down, wind in our hair, and that sweet smell of honeysuckle wafting by.

Here are some of my favorite NYDJ summer looks and the great discoveries to be had along that gorgeous California coast….

 

Above and below- watching the sunset in a Jaguar F-Type convertible in the canyons in NYDJ’s Rosella Stretch Crepe Drape Dress, Phillips House earrings, and Phillips House “Love Always” bracelet before heading to dinner at Giorgio Baldi

 

We chose to stay in Santa Monica, just a few blocks from the ocean, at the Palihouse which we loved. Below, leaving in NYDJ’s Maia Jumpsuit (FAVORITE), Maiyet gold bangle, Schutz Juliana heels and Kotur clutch to meet friends at Jones Hollywood for a cocktail and then live show of our NYC friend that happened to be out in L.A. Matt Sucich.

    

Mornings in L.A. were my favorite times of day. I would wake up with the sunlight pouring in the windows and head downstairs to the terrace for the best fresh squeezed orange juice I have ever had and avocado toast. NYDJ’s Ami Super Skinny jean had the perfect stretch to quiet cozy mornings. Below paired with NYDJ’s Georgette Blouse, Soludos smoking slipper, Ippolita lollipop earrings and Ray Ban classic Wayfarer.

     

Everyday we went to the beach, either on a walk, bike ride or just to sit and watch the ocean to clear our minds. Typically I would throw on my black Solid & Striped swimsuit and pair it with NYDJ’s Ami Super Skinny in Natural pants.

I can’t go to the west coast and not eat tons of Mexican food. Below was my first taste of “vegan Mexican” from Gracias Madre and tip- the spicy mezcal there is ON. POINT. We also hit up Mercado  couple of times which was a short walk or bike ride from the hotel. I also enjoyed the patio seating at Blue Plate Taco.

  

Below, getting ready to go to the farmer’s market in NYDJ’s Fit Solution Button Front Shirt.

  

After buying fresh flowers from the market for our hotel room (really makes a place feel even more special and lovely) we went with our friends Gaby & Thomas to lunch at Blue Plate Oysterette. My casual look for the day was a front waist tied NYDJ’s Fit Solution Button Front Shirt, NYDJ’s Ami Super Skinny jean, Soludos sandals, Eileen Fisher tote, Ippolita earrings and GUCCI sunglasses.

We spent a lot of time riding around Santa Monica and Venice Beach, up and down the board walk and shopping on Abbot Kinney. We found out that Nutella ice-cream from Beach House Creamery is actually a thing and now that’s all I want.

Above and below in NYDJ’s Ami Super Skinny in Natural pants (I seriously got the most compliments on these!), Georgette Sleeveless Henley top, Stuart Weitzman Gilligan flats, and Ippolita earrings

  

Previously when we have traveled to L.A. we have been too busy with work and shooting to take in the Getty Museum. I was so thrilled to have the chance to explore this amazing place perched high above L.A.

Very cool and comfortable in NYDJ’s Sabrina Shift Dress, Maiyet cuff, and J.Crew Ballerina flats.

  

Date night. Something for him- driving through the winding canyon roads. Something for me- a locally produced wine tasting at Cornell Winery & Tasting Room where we learned about this winebreather carafe for decanting wine back into the bottle.

Below, arriving in NYDJ’s Tessa Ponte and Eyelet Dress, Miu Miu heels, Ippolita bracelets, Ippolita studs, Eileen Fisher clutch, Ippolita ring and Bobbi Brown sunglasses.

     

NYDJ’s Tessa Ponte and Eyelet Dress, Miu Miu heels, Ippolita bracelets, Ippolita studs, Eileen Fisher clutch, Ippolita ring and Bobbi Brown sunglasses.

This is one of the great dresses you could easily dress up or down depending on the event or time of day. I wore this NYDJ Heidi Knit Shift Dress with Jack Rogers sandals and Ippolita earrings to do a little book shopping at Hennessey + Ingalls (they have the BEST selection of photography books I’ve ever seen) before dinner at Superba Snack Bar.

     

Our absolute favorite lunch stop was to Malibu Farm which sits over the ocean on the end of the Malibu pier. From the cafe you can watch all the surfers on the horizon while sipping really great sangria. The surfer / sea shop adjacent to it on the pier had fun items and good gift ideas to scope out.

Lunch date outfit included NYDJ’s Gracelyn Stretch Crepe Dress, Jack Rogers sandals, Ippolita rings stacked with their rock candy rings, Phillips House earrings, and Fendi sunglasses

    

Our last night in L.A. we caught the sunset from a vista in Malibu alongside the P.C.H. I revisited the NYDJ’s Maia Jumpsuit, Maiyet gold bangle, Schutz Juliana heels look because I loved it so much before having amazing pizza at Gjelina.