Life, Love and Los Angeles

Strolling down Sunset Blvd on a sunny day is always a good time. But one particular day there was a DJ on the sidewalk of a store we'd never seen before...or at least hadn't noticed the last time we were in Los Angeles.

It was Bucks and Does and they were celebrating their 1-year anniversary. We fell in love with everything in the store (they carry mens and womenswear) and the people shopping and celebrating inside. The style is California cool, Bohemian-chic. You can find classic pieces for any wardrobe or a fun stand-alone item to spice up your summer. We were drooling over some hats and a Mara Hoffman bathing suit.

If you can dream it, you can create it

Bucks and Does is run by Laura O'Dell and her husband Jason. Laura studied Merchandise Marketing at FIDM and started her career in fashion making hand-dyed and embroidered tank tops that she sold at a boutique she managed in Brentwood. She met her future-husband Jason in 2001, launched Porridge in 2004 (carried by Anthropologie), they opened Bucks and Does in May of 2013, and recently the husband-wife duo launched their namesake line, The ODells.

http://content.theodellscollection.com/video/The-odells-video.mp4Video credit: The ODells

We are totally inspired by both lines (Porridge + The ODells), the store, this video featuring our favorite song and the dedication to create beautiful, functional designs!

Here's our Q+A with Laura:

What do you think are key qualities to succeed in the fashion industry?

Dedication, patience, ability to adhere to a budget and creativity by means of finding out what your "niche" is. What makes you different from everyone else.

What is one thing you have to do every day?

Check emails. I get sooooo many.

We love reading about your various types of inspiration -- how do you keep it all organized?

I love Pinterest and Instagram but also use old fashion journaling. I keep a pen and notebook in my purse at all times.

How do you maintain a work/life balance?

I stop working at 4pm every evening to be with my family. My 2 kids are my main priority so even if I have to resume work after they go to sleep once 4pm rolls around they have my undivided attention.

If you could only design with the colors from one plant, what type of plant would you choose?

Ohh that's a hard one. Can I chose a vegetable? If so I'd pick a beet :-)

What advice would you give to a fashion designer starting out?

Find your niche and make sure you access the competition.

Do you design for yourself or for others?

Both, but mainly for myself.

Here are our favorite pieces from the Porridge line

Visit Bucks & Does

3906 W. Sunset BlvdLos Angeles, California 90029323 515-7385

Monday-Saturday 10am - 7pmSunday 11am - 6pm

Now let's go back to LA!

What inspires you to create? What is one thing you have to do every day? Do you miss those Eastside LA stairs as much as we do?