It's almost the end of 2014. I'm sitting here with Mr. Bailey, my friend's adorable pup, sipping an almond milk cappuccino while I write in my friend's pink apartment in Laguna beach. This kind of sums up my year: comfy, inspiring and wandering in a new place. 

This month's Travel Tuesday theme with A Compass Rose is 'favorite travel memories of 2014'. Below are my favorite travel memories and other milestones in my life. It's been an interesting year and I can't wait for 2015! Look out for some new collaborations, travel posts and another etxe collection. 

Moving to DC

The first milestone for me is moving to DC. Earlier this year I moved across the country with no job, no house, no nothing. I had been living in San Francisco for 4 years, which was awesome, but wanted a change of scenery and to be closer to my sister. I had been working at Betabrand for a while and learned a ton in fashion design and local clothing production. I needed a fresh start to get back to my creative roots, grow in my own style and get to work. With a lot of cold calls, internet research and good old persistence, I found a job in DC where I could work on my digital marketing skills and a communal sewing studio where I could work on designing my own womenswear pieces. I found a fantastic photographer to work with and convinced my sister to model for our Flor Silvestre collection. 

Designing + Photographing Flor Silvestre

I have to admit -- having been at Betabrand for so long, I had crazy expectations for how quickly I could create a mini collection. It took about 10 times longer than I thought. When you are doing everything yourself, it's totally totally different, especially when you are used to working with a huge team, lots of experts and a pretty unlimited budget. I am currently trying to figure out how to pay for the sample fabric for my FW15 collection, so yeah, it's different. But I love it and I'm so proud of the work it took to get our Flor Silvestre done. I loved working with Betsy (photographer) and Val (model) on the shoot -- they were both totally inspiring and committed to the project. 

Easter Brunch in Malcolm X Park

The first party my sister and I threw together in DC was an Easter brunch in Malcom X park. We had her friends and my new friends and all drank and ate our homemade brunch goodies. We made cascarones and hid the in the trees. A super fun time and totally validated my decision to move to DC so I could do such things with my sister. 

Wandering in Tallinn

I spent some time in Tallinn, Estonia to visit a friend and explore a new place. It was fantastic.

Shopping in Copenhagen

I also got to visit Copenhagen and fell in love. I now wear a lot more black, red lipstick and frequently rock my nikes. I loved the fashion, the food, the museums and the people. I'll be posting more about this trip soon!

Cherry Blossoms in DC

During cherry blossom season I bugged everyone asking is this a cherry blossom? is this a cherry blossom? When we finally went to visit the actual cherry blossoms I finally understood: nothing else compares. 

Beach Camping in Assateague

Camping on an island with new friends and wild ponies? uh, yeah I did that and it was the best thing ever. 

Paddle Boarding in Belmont Shores

My family and I spent a week in July in Belmont Shores paddle boarding, bonfire makin' and sipping wine with a million cousins. The cops came we had such an awesome party. 

Family time in Gilbert, AZ

My favorite memory this of this past year just happened -- spending Christmas with my family in Gilbert, AZ where I was born and raised. I miss them all terribly, but am happy I can share so many adventures with my younger sisters, parents, grandparents and cousins. 

Happy New Year!

Here's to a fabulous 2014 and an even better 2015 to come! I'll be toasting in the new year in Laguna with some good friends. Hope you do the same!

What were your favorite memories of 2014? Where did you travel to that was unforgettable?