Monthly Archives: January 2017

Agenda Long Beach – January 2017 with the Skatingfashionista

Video

Since starting in 2003 the Agenda Show has become

the most diverse and creative lifestyle fashion trade show in the world.

As a fashionista and blogger, I have to go!  The Long Beach January 2017 show was on 1/5 & 1/6.  I went on Friday.  

Blondes aren’t the best with maps so maybe it’s me or the show was bigger than years past. 

The guide listed over 100 new exhibitors, so it quite possibly was bigger than before. 

My first stop Triple Eight.  Looked at the newest helmet colors with Justin.  

Helmet hair is bad; a brain injury is worse so I hope everyone who needs one gets one & wears it.  

Triple Eight also has a color changing helmet.  It goes bright at night.  

Dark by Day. Light by Night. Perfect Urban Style for Skate and Bike.  Be seen at night with Stealth Reflective Technology.  It looks normal by day – but the special reflective coating makes you visible to cars at night.

 

Speaking of technology, Triple Eight is now offering Smell Well.  Nothing kills style like stink so these packs  have my attention & I’ll be putting them to the test.

Then it was time to finally meet Amy at Rastaclat in person.

Rastaclat is a symbol of righteousness,
doing good for yourself and others.
We believe that positive action can change lives,
inspire confidence, and unite us as human beings.

Logos_Rastaclat_Circle_greyLogo

#SEEKTHEPOSITIVE

#seekthepositive is important to me because what you seek you find and what you support grows. 

Above Rastaclat has so many amazing partnerships.  Like the Classic Awareness

#BANDINGTOGETHER WITH AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER BY DONATING 100% OF THE PROCEEDS

Below new bracelets – more colors, more sparkle.  I especially love the Miniclat bracelets the perfect size for my wrist & for stacking.

Watch out for even more new bracelets.  (Hint in picture below.)

Looking forward to blogging more about Rastaclat and how they’re

spreading positive vibrations one wrist at at time.

In 2016, DC told the world that Wes can.  As follow up to the Wes We Can Campaign, DC with Wes & SK8MAFIA unveiled a new collection.

Debs took me through the collection. My favorite piece the quilted stitch vest with the inside pockets. Not sure Wes was thinking of a place for my lipstick when skating – but it will work so  ??. 

All the jackets & boots (look behind Debs) in the DC collection were designed for boys, but I liked them so I’d wear them.  Would I go out in the wilderness?  That would be its own post.

The other item of style with function that I liked from DC was the backpacks with “bottom padding” to protect your laptop.  

I hadn’t thought about needing that before, but it makes perfect sense especially for a skating blogger who likely has her laptop at all times.   

Another thought that never crossed my mind is where else could you use the rubber that makes tires?  At Agenda be ready for out of the box thinking.

Above I’m looking at the Chris Joslin etnies shoe.  That’s not Chris on the sole – that’s 

the Michelin Man. Yes thee Michelin Tire man

I missed meeting him; he went to Agenda on Thursday.  I didn’t meet Chris either – but I have hopes for a sit down interview with both of them soon.

I did meet Chiara Carozzi the engineer from Michelin (girls can be smart, sporty, & stylish) who explained the development process.  

Above the shoe – out in July 2017 with a sole 3x more durable for Chris, likely indestructible for me, because it’s not just the material it’s the ridges that work. 

On the topic of style meeting protection, I stopped by the Casery.  Protecting your best friend (iPhone) with style. 

Can you ever have enough phone cases?   No, sometimes more is better.  I’m all about a case for your mood and a case that protects it because nothing kills your mood faster than smashing your iPhone.  

While in the “girly” mode I also stopped by Hot as Hell aka HAH. 

Swim and lingerie rooted in LA with a commitment to sustainability. If the pieces look familiar 

You’ve probably seen them on Khloe or Sofia Richie.  They’ve both done photo shoots wearing one of the iconic pieces. 

Another favorite piece of mine the DIY Top – 8 ways to wear means endless style possibilities.  Another plus of the collection is it’s easy to care for being both washable & packable. 

Is there room for lingerie on the board?  I say yes there’s no uniform in skateboarding.  Snowboarding is about layering and for the surf board there’s the swim collection where many pieces are adjustable.  So if you want to keep it hot on & off the board check out HAH. 

Before leaving Agenda Women’s section, I stopped by Bitch Stix.  SPF lip balm and more.  100% of proceeds go to domestic violence & sexual assault prevention programs.  

Is the name inappropriate?  

I like people who catch my attention and make me think.  

The booth that made me think most was NIGHT:SHIFT Goods.  I honestly didn’t realize I was in a rut. 

I’ve been sleeping on boring sheets for years. It was just what I did.  Plus I’d been snuggling with boring throws. 

The bedroom revolution began in October 2015 so I’m ashamed that it took me so long. But can’t live in the past – it’s about now. Now is the only time we can take action.

NIGHT:SHIFT Goods has a lot of choices; all affordable and made in the USA.  Everything is made to order, yet takes only 10 days to be yours – so decide & boom it’s yours.  

Check them out on the web & follow them on IG because they’re always releasing new collaborations & designs so your room need never be in a rut again (if the Grizzly looks familiar, it’s because he is – olive green truly is Tory’s color).  

Soon check them out in their own Santa Monica showroom.  I can’t wait to blog about their store’s grand opening. Call me a traditionalist,  I love the experiencing of shopping in a store.  

Below just a few of the NIGHT:SHIFT Goods throws.  When you’re throw is this nice, wear it everywhere.

At this point the fire alarms went off.  So just in case I wrapped things up.

Congrats to Element 25 years. Always love their collaborations with artists on clothes & boards. And welcome to 187 Killer Pads – always raising the style of knee pads with new colors & patterns from right near my home in the San Diego area.

Hope you enjoyed the post as much as I enjoyed Agenda.  Till next time keep it stylish on & off the board.

Tossing creamer into the shoe, the next big thing ? 

XOXO skatingfashionista

Girls Sharing Skateboarding

If more girls skateboard when they see girls skateboarding, then for sure more girls skateboard when they get help from other girls.

Anna-Claire shares this picture from Waterboyz Surf & Shop in Florida.  She had fun helping Haley on her first day of skateboarding.

Anna-Claire was first on the blog back in 2015.  I love how she keeps progressing & sharing.

Below an edit filmed by her brother Martin.

She’s skateboarding and keeping it stylish on the East Coast – she’s a team rider for Waterboyz in Pensacola, Florida.

Wherever you’re having fun skateboarding, take the time to share because more girls do skateboard when they see girls having fun skateboarding!

 

Skatin Into the New Year

Val is celebrating the new year by skating & wearing @Millioneiress which keeps her stylish on & off the board.

Whether it was your new year’s resolution or not – stop thinking about skating & go skating.

Val’s skating at Venice Beach.  Where are you skating?  More girls skate when the see stylish girls skating so share your pictures & stories.

Brittany on Skateboarding

Brittany shares this photo and her thoughts on skateboarding.

Why she started skateboarding?

She started because she moved and there was a skatepark.  She had her dad sign her & her brother up.  (She skates in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.)

Why does she like skateboarding?

She likes skating because it’s a funny & difficult sport.

Why does she think skateboarding is good for girls?

Skating shows girls they can do anything they put their mind too!

Thanks Brittany – I absolutely love your style.  The attitude of seeing something & just chasing it until it’s yours is amazing.

Be like Brittany – see others skateboarding & give it a try.  If you don’t like it, don’t keep skating.  Never be the person wishing you would have tried something – being the person who follows their passions is always more stylish.

 

 

AriZona Tea, Grip Tape & More

I’d been a long term supporter of clear grip tape.

Then I saw the AriZona Grip Tape.  I liked it and wanted to try it out.  So I gripped my dad’s new board.

I love how it looks and was blown away by the response.  So, as a sharer of style tips this is how you get yours go to https://www.drinkarizona.com

AriZona has skate decks and cute accessories too.  I’m of course a lover of the accessories!

As for my favorite?  It’s like the Arizona Tea flavors too many to decide so enjoy them all.

And please share how you’re keeping it stylish on & off the board with AriZona.

EXPOSURE Skate 2016 Camp Tanuga Learn to Skate Clinic

Skate Rising December 2016 at Academy Skate Park

 

 

Teresa Madeline on Why She Loves to Skateboard

I loved the style in Teresa Madeline’s picture so I asked her why she likes to skate and why she thinks skateboarding is good for girls.

I like to skate because it gives me an opportunity to express myself.  It has also brought me countless amazing friends from all over the world and it’s great exercise, much more fun than going to the gym.

I also think it gives me a new way to explore places that I visit and see things I never would have seen otherwise.

I think skating is great for girls because it gives you a sense of freedom and helps you to learn to be fearless, to accept failure and try again.

Skateboarding helps you prove to yourself that if you put your mind to something and try, try and try some more, you will eventually succeed.

Thanks Teresa Madeline your answers like your picture are exquisite.

When I started this blog all I knew is that I wanted more girls to skateboard for fun and wear what they wanted.  To me skateboarding is sport, art, transportation, exercise, and self-confidence building so I wanted other girls to benefit from it.

Everyday I’m amazed at how many girls around the world are willing to share how skateboarding is fun for them and how it helps them.  More girls do skateboard as they see girls having fun skateboarding, staying true to their style, and getting encouragement.

 

Skate Rising January 2017 Plans

Skate Rising, EXPOSURE Skate’s youth program for girls started in Encinitas in August of 2016 under the leadership of Calli Kelsay.  There’s a monthly event in the San Diego area and in January there will also be an event in Phoenix.

Why will there be a Skate Rising event in Phoenix? Mary, a Phoenix area mom, loved the message she saw and wanted to share it with the skater girls in her area so she reached out to Skate Rising on Instagram to see if they could come to Arizona.

On January 21st the Skate Rising message of Empowering through Skateboarding will be shared at 91 West Skatepark – 8550 North 91st Avenue Unit 54 in Peoria from 10am-12pm.

It’s free to attend. The focus is on girls ages 4-18, but all girls are welcomed. The girls will be signing anti-bullying contracts, helping with a service project and then skateboarding.

Girls at the August 2016 Skate Rising in California signing anti-bullying contracts

What’s an anti-bullying contract?  It’s a pledge to be kind.  The simplest things like smiling, saying hello, inviting others to play, offering a hug, sitting with someone who’s alone are how you show friendship.

Why is it important to teach girls about  bullying?  “Almost one out of every four students (22%) report being bullied during the school year (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2015).”  

Bullying is more than pushing & shoving.  Bullying is also verbal and cyber.  Teasing and excluding others are forms of bullying and “Students who experience bullying are at increased risk for poor school adjustment, sleep difficulties, anxiety, and depression (Center for Disease Control, 2015).”

“More than half of bullying situations (57%) stop when a peer intervenes on behalf of the student being bullied (Hawkins, Pepler, & Craig, 2001).”  So by modeling kindness and teaching the girls how to respond when they see bulling, Skate Rising is building a better and healthier tomorrow.

The service project at the January 21st event will be putting together school supply kits to benefit children in the Skate After School program that works with under served youth in the Phoenix area. Then it’s open skating with help from the 91 West Skatepark plus Neal Mims, pro skater, will be going to Phoenix to share skate tips.

Below the invite to January 21st follow them on IG to see tons of fun.

SKATE RISING CALIFORNIA

Sticking to the second Saturday of the month, Skate Rising will be meeting in the San Diego area on January 14th.

Like last month the event will be at Academy Skatepark in Vista – 1410 Vantage Ct. – from 9-11am.

Who knew Southern California would have a rainy season.  It’s good for the drought so we’re thankful for the rain and to Neal Mims who’s opened up Academy Skatepark – admission is free plus his trained staff of skateboarding pros will be there to help anyone who wants to learn something new.

January’s speaker will be Paige, the founder of My Grey Matterz.  She’ll be telling her personal story and why helmets are important of skaters of all ages & levels.

The service project for the month is making Activity Bags to benefit in-house patients at Rady Children’s Hospital.

If you have items like coloring or small activity books, small sets of crayons or pencils, sticker sheets, rulers, card games or giant Ziplock Bags to donate please bring them – donations are appreciated but not required – all Skate Rising events are free & inclusive.

Skate Rising depends & is grateful for volunteers and sponsors.  Skate Rising Phoenix is happening because someone was inspired by what she saw & contacted Skate Rising.  If you’re interested in volunteering, sponsoring, or have questions contact c[email protected] or send a message on IG.

Kindness really is contagious – hope you make it to a Skate Rising event soon!

 

 

Melissa Holtz – Photographer

I first saw Melissa’s work when I blogged about GIRL SKATE in September 2016 an event hosted by East River Skate Shop in collaboration with @femmeskate & @girlsridersorg / @gronewyorkcrew in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

She’s an amazing photographer who’s inspired by women who love to be active & have fun.  Her photos are amazing and I’m so sorry for not posting this sooner.  I thought I had and then when I was looking through my draft posts I was “OOPS”.  So without further delay here are some of Melissa’s favorite skateboarding photos and her thoughts on shooting girl skateboarders.

from GIRL SKATE

How/when did you start photographing skateboarding?  Do you skateboard?   If so was it before or after you started shooting skaters?

I started photographing skateboarding last year as part of a larger project to photograph women who skateboard, longboard, bike, and run.

I have been learning to skateboard, longboard, and ride electric skateboards while photographing women skateboarders.

Nina

How did you get involved with shooting skater girls?

I asked around to see who knew women skateboarders and met skater girls that way. I later connected with GRO NYC.

How has girls skateboarding changed since you started shooting?

Within the past six months, a lot of NYC-based press (Vogue, W Mag, NYTimes) and fashion brands have focused more on NYC women skateboarders.

Roxana

What’s your favorite type of shooting –  for example street, bowl, vert, long boarding ???

I like it all.

Where do you like to shoot – for example locations, parks, events, contests ???

I prefer to work with the skateboarder to make photos versus simply take photos. So I prefer to not shoot events where there are a lot of photographers just recording the action. I prefer engaging with skateboarders to make awesome photos.

Ninja Nemesis

What’s different about shooting skateboarding then other photography?

The way girls fly through the air in skateboarding is awesome.

Where can people see your work?

melisinestudio.com or @melisinestudio

Anna May

Did/do you have role models or people/organizations that continue to encourage and support your photography?

GRO NYC is an amazing and encouraging community for my photography, and also does great initiatives for getting more girls involved in skateboarding.

Jennifer

Thank you Melissa for sharing and for all the incredible photos you keep taking – you truly show girls at their most stylish.

Below “ollie into the sun” a favorite of mine because yes we are all meant to shine!

Lanna

Tilly’s in the Community

When I first heard of TLC aka Tilly’s Life Center, I wanted to know more.

This post is about what I found out and how you can help support them through their collaboration with Rastaclat.

Tilly’s Life Center is a

youth-focused, 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable foundation aimed at empowering all teens with a positive mindset and enabling them to effectively cope with crisis, adversity and tough decisions

TLC is part of Tilly’s, which every fashionista knows is a store with the latest in action sports clothes, shoes, and accessories.  Tilly’s was started in 1982 with the girl power of Tilly Levine.  In addition to her love of fashion, she has a passion for inspiring youth to be their best so in 2012 Tilly’s Life Center was created.

TLC programs are currently empowering teens in high schools, as well as through organizations such as CHOC Hospital, Samueli Academy at Orangewood Children’s Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club.

Why teach teens a positive growth mind set?

Today’s youth are facing more difficult challenges than ever before. Those problems are universal, affecting teens at every socioeconomic level and in every community. Even in supportive environments, teenagers face confusion and uncertainty in life.

As a teen, I know that no matter where you live you will encounter negativity.  Personally I’m targeted by bullies for numerous things – including writing this blog, how I skate, and what I wear.  Without tools to cope with the hate and support from others, bullying can be overwhelming.

Constantly being subjected to hate whether it be physical, verbal or through acts of exclusion is exhausting.  At times giving up seems like the best option, but quitting just because of someone else’s hate is never the right answer.

What TLC programs do is empower teens to not give up by giving them tools that allow them to be confident in who they are.  The “I Am Me” program teaches life skills that build confidence, inspire compassion, and encourage the pursuit of dreams .

Through experiential learning, including journal writing, open discussions, and activities, TLC classes promote self discovery and cover relevant topics in a safe and caring environment.

Does TLC work?

To me the proof of any program’s success is it’s ability to create future leaders.  TLC has successfully done this as shown through their ambassadors.

Tilly’s Life Center goes full circle. Meet some of our graduates and other community teen leaders who have either joined our TLC Ambassador Class and/or have dedicated their time to serve as a Tilly’s Life Center facilitator. Our Ambassador’s experience first hand the life-changing tools discovered in the TLC “I Am Me” program and how to help build awareness for this unique and empowering curriculum. TLC Ambassadors contribute to our social media initiatives, make television, radio and print media appearances, attend events, and help brainstorm new ways to grow our mission (as well as often earn community service hours for school) .

If You Believe in TLC’s Mission How Can You Be Involved?

The first step is finding out more which you can do by visiting Tilly’s Life Center website or following them on IG.

Another easy step is purchasing the TLC x Rastaclat bracelet.

Rastaclat is a symbol of righteousness, doing good for yourself and others.  We believe that positive action can change lives, inspire confidence, and unite us as human beings. #SEEKTHEPOSITIVE

Logos_Rastaclat_Circle_greyLogoRastaclat created this white bracelet which is available in-store at Tillys and online at tillys.com for $15.99 – 100% of the proceeds will go to TLC and you’ll have a reminder and talking point to share TLC message with others.

I 100% believe that sharing TLC mission is a positive step in achieving their message because you never know what someone is going through and the person you tell may be the person who needs TLC services the most.  Every person that learns through TLC is one more person who can share positivity with the world.

Below I asked Angel, a TLC rep some questions about the collaboration and how to contact TLC.

  1. Are the school districts benefitting from these bracelets across Souther California in the LA, Orange, &/or San Diego areas?

Tilly’s Life Center (TLC) currently operates in Orange County and Los Angeles’ school districts. Here’s a list of the high schools, clubs are after school programs where TLC is currently implemented: 

Orange County: Anaheim High School, Century High School in Santa Ana, Estancia High School in Costa Mesa, Junipero Serra High School in San Juan Capistrano, Ocean View High School in Huntington Beach, Samueli Academy in Santa Ana, Silverado High School in Mission Viejo and Anaheim Downtown Community Center

Los Angeles: Operation Progress, Youth Center on Highland and Central Juvenile Hall

2.   Founded in 2012 how many teens have completed the program?

So far, 625 teens have successfully completed TLC’s program.

3.    How does someone find out where the programs are offered and sign up?  

Students are notified on campus by teachers, students and staff at their high school. Many students have found TLC through the Boys & Girls Club; TLC has worked with the organization in the past offering classes to the teens.

4.   I saw information to give to your school, how to sign up for the newsletter, and social media links are those the ways to be involved if you don’t live near a training site?  

Yes, if you don’t live near a training site, you can get involved by following the steps listed under “Get TLC” at

http://www.tillyslifecenter.org/get-tlc/

which includes:

  • Providing your high school, after school program or local community center with TLC’s program information
  • Donating to the organization online, by phone or pledge your birthday
  • Becoming a sponsor – Sponsorships include: sponsoring a teen, a high school and/or after school program or TLC’s operations
  • Staying informed on TLC’s events, collabs and news by signing up for TLC’s e-newsletter and follow TLC on social media at @tillyslifecenter

Above vision board created by one of TLC students and below TLC students journaling.

As someone who believes in the power of seeing and writing, I know that what TLC is offering is an opportunity to follow your passions and shut the noise out.

Till next time keep it stylish on & off the board and always share your stories because positivity grows.

Age is a Number, It’s Not Who You Are or What You Can Do

1 Comment

Olga shares this video of “getting close to coping!’

Her IG Bio reads:

Skateboarding mom, not good at it but I love trying. Started skateboarding at 36

I’d say she’s good at it.  I see the progression she’s making.  I absolutely love how she started skateboarding at 36 and is now going for it.

Age is just a number.  What makes you special is who you are and what you do, not what year you were born.  Believe in yourself & chase your passions on & off the board.

Happy New Year – 2017 is the perfect year to start whatever it is you want to start.