Introducing the beautiful and ever-so healthy Ashley Neese! I can’t remember how I came across Ashley but as soon as I signed up for her Newsletter, I was hooked!! You guys, GO SIGN UP NOW – I promise that you won’t regret it. Over the last decade, she has become a natural foods chef, holistic nutrition counselor, and certified yoga instructor. All of these avenues of study have enabled her to develop a wellness practice that works on every level, mind, body, and spirit.

“Right now I am working on my second eBook, Everyday Heath: Spring. This book includes ten delicious, healthy and savory vegetarian recipes that highlight this season’s produce. I am also working on a fun video series that will include cooking demos, healthy living tips and simple yoga instruction.”

…and now her favorite piece and why:
“I love this bag because it is functional and very cute. It is perfect for a spring/summer trip to the beach, local market or an afternoon hangout in the city. This tote is classic which pretty much sums up my style and I use it almost daily.”

Check out her —> Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Photos by: Susannah Tantemsapya

I am so thrilled to Introduce Bianca D’Amico of Chaparral Studio. This is now the third studio tour here on Emmadime & I can’t tell you guys how happy they make me. There is nothing more inspiring than diving into someone’s process, where they came from, how they work….. Especially with someone who has such a grand personality, like Bianca! I met her for the first time last year when I was living in Los Angeles. I had the chance to see all of her pretty creations in person at a small holiday pop-up sale. I remember wanting to buy everything – especially these sparkly Lady Caves. Needless to say, I knew she would be perfect for this and that Wade, the videographer, would have a hay-day filming her. I was right. I’ll let the video do the rest of the talking – take a gander & enjoy!

Here is a list of the jewelry that she has on! I couldn’t fit this into the little white boxes, ha! …Odette, vintage from my ma, vintage from Pergolina, Renee Garvey, Rebeccca Lankford Designs, Margaret Solow, Jane Hollinger, M.E. Moore, Alkemie, Kathleen Whitaker, Ila & I, My own designs and so much more… my favorite piece in these photos might be my vintage switch blade that my boyfriend gave me. I wear it close to my heart. It’s a perfect combo of tough and beautiful – and it makes me think of him.

…a few words from Bianca about her biz:
“The Chaparral is the plant community found primarily in California and in the northern portion of the Baja California peninsula, Mexico. I’m native to this landscape and grew up climbing its oak trees. I have been equally inspired by its fragrant sage bushes found on a trail as I have been by the eclectic culture and resources of our urban communities. Chaparral Studio is a creative studio that bridges the gap between nature, sustainability, art, humor, politics, and everything in between by inventing objects and reinventing spaces with our plant designs, handmade goods and various other concoctions. The team is made up of myself, my loyal dog Hannah, and is very often a collaborative effort with my mother – a creative woman that has a bright green thumb, a healthy sense of humor and is my best friend.”

…and now her favorite piece & why:
“My dog. she is not only my companion but she pairs well with my entire wardrobe. 2nd to my dog is all my jewelry. I can’t pick a favorite piece. I love making jewelry but receiving jewelry as a gift is even better. Every piece holds different memories and associations. Combined, I am littered in lovely thoughts. By the way, hannah, my dog also wears jewelry. I swear it’s under her furry collar. Together we are two gypsies. And last but not least my truck. It is always a pleasure to surprise men folk with my bad ass bungee cord strapping skills while working some boho lady attire. I always imagined that the dream was to have a truck and a dog and wear whatever I want whenever I want. Heres to dreaming!”

Check out her –> Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Note – I would advise full-screening this or watching it bigger on Vimeo! It’s so tiny here in my post – it doesn’t do it justice. Also, a massive thanks to Wade! for shooting this tour. The dedication that he has for his work never fails to inspire me! I’m lucky to have him as a friend and a creative-collaborating buddy! …and thank you Kate Miss for the pretty pictures of Bianca!

Also:

Bianca let Wade and I each come up with a little scenario for our own personal terrariums! I definitely spent way too much time thinking about this, ha. I couldn’t decide if I wanted it to be funny, make it personal, or more random…?? As soon as I thought about knitting and it’s large roll in my life right now, I knew it HAD to be related to that. I planted the seed in Bianca’s head and she took it from there! The result = ME knitting with oversized needles, while sitting on a huge sheep that is wrapped in yarn!! Could that be more perfect?

Wade! decided to make his terrarium a tribute & gift to his father John, aka ‘The Cosmic Cowboy’. He flew all the way out to Texas to give it to him! John loves western aesthetics – bulls, guns, boots and mustaches – but he also has a spiritual side and loves 70′s rock n roll. Bianca made a little John sitting on a crystal in the middle of a dream catcher with a bucking bull, hanging out with his beloved chihuahua, Hoss and listening to pink floyd!! You can see the final versions below. So tiny!

So I am a little bit late on this news but I figured it was still exciting enough to share. Last week, I was featured on Refinery29 – blush!! They asked me to pick out four complete looks that we could photograph around town – so I dove into my highly neglected closet and picked out my favs!! We started the day at my studio in Jack London Square and departed from there. I am still very new to the area so it was a lot of fun exploring my hood. Overall, I’m happy with how everything turned out. The feature was flattering and the interview challenged me to think a little bit more than I usually do about my personal style!

Here a few of my favorite images from the shoot – Thanks to Eva Kolenko for the photos! and to Angela Tafoya for inviting me to be apart of the feature!

( …yes, there are palm tress in the bay area )

This dress above is my new absolute favorite! It’s from the vintage inspired shop, Ruche. Sadly, it’s not available anymore but they have a plethora of pretty dresses so don’t fret! The shoes are from BC Footwear and are also a new go-to! They pair well with just about everything and who doesn’t love a good platform? …and last but not least, I decided to indulge in my bandana obsession with the red one from Madewell. I have a black bandana with the classic print that I’ve owned since high school – it’s been everywhere with me! I rode with it on my scooter in Oklahoma and tied my hair back with it on my bike in France. It’s my special “thing” that I think I will always have – until it disintegrates or flies off unexpectedly mid-bike ride!

Below is a romper from Anthropologie that feels like a fancy set of PJ’s. It’s baggy legs and cinched waist are so comfortable. I paired it with my Warby Parker glasses, thrifted clutch, and new studio flats from Need Supply Co. This was the last look so we ended the afternoon with water and beers from this shack looking bar. We found out it’s actually the oldest bar in Oakland – it’s all sunken into the ground and super dark! Welp. that’s about it. Cheers to playing dress up!

I play pretend dress up all the time, today – Steven Alan is really on deck! A lot of the time, I put together looks I most likely couldn’t pull off or aren’t very me – just for the fun of it. But this outfit…. I would 100% rock every day if possible. Maybe I need to consider splurging?

01. Steven Alan | 02. La Garconne | 03. Lip & Nail | 04. Another Feather | 05. Steven Alan 

Introducing Rebekka Seale. I found her a while back through her beautiful shop and have been in love with her & her work ever since! She creates the most gorgeous hand-painted desktop calendars for her blog readers, as well as keeping up with a few regular themes – food, flowers, portraits… It’s all great!!

“I am an artist and illustrator living in East Nashville, Tennessee. All of my work is hand-painted, reflecting my love for all things imperfect and homespun. Currently, I am working on a few book illustration projects, some original paintings, and lots of custom house portraits! When I’m not painting, I love to read, knit, sail, cook supper for my friends, and engage in general tomfoolery.”

…and now her favorite piece and why:
“My favorite piece is my harmonica bracelet! It’s so goofy and sentimental. My husband and I love New Orleans and ride the train down there for a week every summer. On our last visit, I met this street vendor who sold engraved jewelry made of antique forks. He was a character. My bracelet is made out of a fork and a baby harmonica (which works perfectly) and is engraved with my name and little sayings like, “You are your own fork-tune cookie”. It’s ridiculous, but it’s precious to me.”

Thanks Rebekka!!

I don’t even know how to begin this post – I have been looking forward to writing it for so long that I am drawing a bit of an anxious blank! I’ve had to keep this experience a secret through all of it’s up and downs and now I finally get to share what it is! I know I have been teasing and talking about this “secret” for way too long so thanks for sticking with me as I am sure your patience has run pretty thin, ha! I leaked a few photos a while back about it here but wasn’t able to tell you much. I mentioned that it had to do with knitting but that was about it – Some of you guessed that I was re-opening my old online shop and some thought I was starting a line of clothing! Close, but no cigar! Well, I guess i’ll just spit it out… Okay… Cough… Drumroll… 1,2,3… I… wrote a knitting book!! 

Chronicle Books reached out to me a little over a year ago about working together. I was very familiar with their books and was incredibly flattered about being contacted. My editor, Lisa Tauber, had come across this look-book ( that I had made for fun with a few of my friends ) and proposed that we take the same feel & style but turn it into something bigger – a how-to knitting book! …and that we did!

Chronicle describes the finished product as this:
“Fashion-forward knitters who crave more than a project book will delight in this visually rich collection. Emma Robertson presents a unique and creative approach to knitting as she walks readers through her process from the kernel of inspiration to its rewarding execution. For each of the 15 stylish projects, Robertson presents hand-drawn sketches, eye candy–laden mood boards, and Polaroids of the objects that inspired her—and encourages knitters to think outside of the yarn box by incorporating other materials into their wares, from a knitted vest with a leather pocket to a breezy tank with a dip-dyed finish. With page after page of stunning photography, this book will motivate knitters to look around them, cull inspiration, and design their own fabulous looks.”

…I couldn’t have described it better myself!

I was able to work with such an incredible group of people on this project and 100% admit that the book would not be as beautiful as it is if it weren’t for them. To get you excited about seeing everything, let me fill you in on who was involved – because it’s a pretty killer team. Max Wanger was the photographer | The models were: Melanie Ayer, Kate Miss, Jen Coleman, Beth Poploskie, and Kristine Claghorn | The styling was done by Ali Brislin | and Hair & Makeup was done by Kelly Shew. There were many other people involved in the overall project but this was the direct group of people who made the photo-shoot come to life!

So what now? I anxiously await to get the first copy on my front door step. I am going to rip that box open like there is no tomorrow. I am incredibly excited to see how it translates into print because… everything is better in print! By the way, the book is currently up on Amazon and available for pre-order. The official release date is October 22, right around the time that you all will be craving warm & cozy accessories!

**All of the above photos were captured by the lovely Marissa Maharaj | Polaroids taken by: Max Wanger | The photos below are from my iphone

Introducing Eva Goicochea -
Eva reached out to me a while back about a wonderful company that she works for ( Everlane: check out a studio tour here ) & we’ve kept in touch ever since. I have also fallen in love with a series on her blog called “Thinking Drink” – it’s about yummy libations created in honor of thinkers, scientists and other brilliant eccentrics. You guys, have to check it out!!

“At the moment, I’m one part Head of Culture and Talent at Everlane, one part co-captain (with my husband Ian) of a Mt. Washington menagerie of rescue pets (this is Colette), and a small part creative—be it blogging on Mister Boffin, taking on simple design projects or freelance writing. In short, I have plenty to keep my right and left brain happy. But the real common thread of this concoction? My constant wonderment and appreciation of the good company I’m surrounded by. Life is good.”

…and now her favorite piece and why:
“This copper bracelet from New Mexico, my home state, because it was a gift and because of its symmetrical geometric shapes. With my relaxed style—this French Terry is an Everlane sample for pete’s sake—it’s the small details that matter to me most. Plus, if I didn’t live in Los Angeles, I’d be savoring the quiet life in Santa Fe finding that green thumb I apparently lost 30 years ago.”

…and now, Eva has made it possible for you to win a $50 Everlane credit – you lucky luck ducks! I wish I could enter my own giveaway, ha! To enter, leave a comment below about what you’d buy if you went on an Everlane shopping spree. Good luck!! ( This giveaway has ended 05/08/13 )

So I know I oo’ed and goo’ed about how much I love knitwear, specifically knitted HATS, on Wednesday but I came across these images by Lynn & Lawrence and just had to share some more… Lynn and Lawrence loves woolly hats, colors, the sea, surfing, road trips and friends. Each of their hats are lovingly hand knit in either Alpaca or Wool. They model their styles from the traditional hand knit fisherman’s woolly – a look from when times were a little more simple. Can’t get much better than that huh? Also, take a peek into their incredible home and read a great interview over here on Freunde Von Freunden.

As you guys all know, I am majorly into knitting. If you didn’t know – guess what? I LOVE KNITTING!! I have a huge appreciation and love for women who are creating fashionable pieces from quality fibers. Tara does just that. I have been a big fan of hers for a while now and thought it was time to share her skills with you guys. Introducing Tara-Lynn Morrison!

“I live in Canada with my ol’ man, my two kids, enid + luke, & a cat. I am the sole owner of  good night, day, a hand knits label of limited & one of a kind designs & knitting supplies. I am in the process of printing the fifth edition of my self-published knitting booklet. I am also working on the next knitting booklet (part 2), expanding on offering more knitting supplies such as hand crafted wooden knitting needles. I am about to embark on weaving classes & hopefully will one day have enough space to have my own loom & knitting machine.”

…and now her favorite item and why -
“My favorite item is my gifted vintage 60s ring, it was given to me from my mom & was given to her by her mom on her 21st birthday in 1969, it is her birthstone a peridot. I wear this ring everyday, I’m crazy for large rings, they are such a statement!”

p.s. Don’t you guys just love that hat? I am always searching for the perfect knitted hat – I think I have found it… You can buy it here in her shop, get it in a kit if you want to make it yourself, or download the pattern! There are so many ways for this incredible hat to be in your life. She has kindly offered up a 10% off code for her shop if you’re interested = MERCI

Thanks Tara!

Introducing Ana Perkins - Ana is a stylist and graphic designer in her hometown of Austin, Texas. In addition to her blog Grown-up Shoes, she works as a graphic designer at The Creative Parasol and writes a monthly style column on Camille Styles. You can view her portfolio here!!

…and now her favorite piece & why:
“My favorite part of this look is my strawberry needlepoint bag. I love that it’s different from the floral needlepoint you typically see and I think the larger size of the bag helps modernize this pretty old piece. I’ve always been drawn to “old lady” textures and prints: crochet, embroidery, lace and almost anything floral. I used to fight it because I felt like it wasn’t cool or on-trend, but I’ve come to embrace it.”

Photos by Chelsea Fullerton of Go Forth Creative