FRSH SMMR FTNSS (Fresh Summer Fitness... in case that was confusing)

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T.D.D. Our LA | Santa Monica Stairs
One thing we love, love, love about LA is that there's always something new to experience (restaurant, concert, art exhibit, shop) or (somewhat) unknown spot to explore. If you've lived in the Santa Monica area you may know of the "Santa Monica Stairs," arguably the best untapped fitness resource of the westside. The stairs are actually just a set of two steep and long staircases a couple hundred feet apart that were built for the practical use of pedestrian access from one street at the bottom of a ridge to another at the top. Over the years they have become best known as a killer outdoor workout spot. On any given day you'll find fit gals and gents running up and down the stairs—usually in a loop, up one set and down the other—in their favorite Lululemon ensembles and bright hued Nike kicks. Note: your leg muscles will be shaky after a few loops. You have been warned :)

It's not rare there that you will also see a range of recognizable faces—actors, athletes, bloggers—all looking for a good sweat sesh. Oh, and don't worry(!), this spot is usually not quite as much of a zoo as the ever-so-crowded and trendy Runyon Canyon. It still remains to be a bit of a secret (or at least too far of a trek) to the world east of the 405.

Anyhow, recently we took a much needed break from computers, screens, and this election cycle's craziness to get a little exercise and enjoy some fresh air and the sunny SoCal weather (and naturally decided to take pictures because why not).

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DETAILS «« Under Armour, All About It »»
A while back a stockpile of Under Armour fitness gear made its way into our hands and its gotten plenty of use since. The quality has held up after many washes and outdoor fitness adventures and the colors have stayed bright :) Because really, fitness clothing is the best excuse to wear neon colors out in public and have it be totally normal.

Oh, and remember to keep hydrated this summer, especially after outdoor cardio. We have been digging WTRMLN WTR recently—a Beyonce approved, cold-pressed watermelon juice! Have you tried it??

NEW + OLD IN DTLA

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T.D.D. STYLE FILES | 90s Vibes + MeDusa's Billie Bag

DTLA (Downtown Los Angeles) is experiencing an influx of development, cultural experimentation and innovation, and along with all that new residents, ideas, and investment. The term gentrification is tossed around with most talk of the changes seen in DTLA over the past few years, and whether or not the term accurately describes the changes we are all witnessing and experiencing it has its uncomfortable and often negative connotations that are most certainly part of the conversation (how it affects the sizable homeless population, the displacement or "shoving out" of lower socioeconomic tenants and small businesses, the take over of big corporations, etc.). Intense discussion on complicated and delicate issues are part of the excitement and inevitable development cycles that surround urban centers—it's part of what gives them their draw and moves us all forward and upward as a community. That being said, the talk and changes are not all negative. There is a lot to be excited about with new life and it is palpable when spending time in the greater neighborhood. There is fascinating history visible all around downtown and the melding of a culturally rich past and unique traditions with out-of-the-box development and new-age creativity can lead to establishing DLTA as a global destination and positive urban development trendsetter. It is an interesting and exciting time for DTLA and hopefully we can continue the positive discussions, developments, and cultural revitalization because the DTLA community, both new and old, has a lot to offer.

*SPECIAL THANK YOU to our guest photographer (and DTLA resident) for this look, DIANE ABAPO, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of SUSPEND Magazine.

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LOOK No. 1 «« Repurposed Denim, Vintage Turtleneck, Brand New Billie »»
This look came together to complement DTLA's new energy and resurgence. Like the urban hub, the outfit combines elements from all pockets of the fashion map — the tried-and-true staple that has been around for decades and is perfect just as it is (see black turtleneck); the recycled item, reimagined to be fresh and on trend (see denim skirt that hours earlier was a pair of flare jeans from 2007); and the brand new beauty, adding neoteric flare with interesting lines and hues (see gorgeous cream Billie Bag from MeDusa). 

Something about the classic combination of a turtleneck with denim brings us back to Gap ads from the 90s, in the best way possible. For us, the 90s were a time when we first began to care about the clothes we wore, when we started to pay attention to fashion trends, and realize the power of creativity in style and influence you can have with how you dress.

But one of the best parts about fashion is that it is ever changing and evolving and we all get to be part of the process. Keeping elements from the past and introducing them to new pieces is a little bit of trial and error, but it can sometimes result in a beautiful fashion friendship between old and new that just works. We took this new + old look out for a stroll with photographer Diane Abapo around DTLA; see the snaps below :)

IN THIS LOOK
Top | Vintage | Similar Item
Skirt | Vintage Denim | Similar Item
Booties | H&M | Similar Style
Bag | MeDusa | Cream Billie Bag
Watch | Vintage | Similar Item
Belt | Gap | Similar Item (*Vintage piece, original no longer available. Shopping tip: don't be embarrassed to check out the kids section for unique pieces that can be worn creatively.)