Los Olivos: Suburban Girl

Photography by Richie Chance

Lace Top by Charlette Russe// Overall Dress by Banana Republic// White top by Piko 1988// Denim Bellbottoms by BDG// Sandals by Unisa// White Crossbody Purse by Forever 21//Pink Skirt by Bebe// White Tank by Planet Gold// Denim Buttondown by Beulah// Silver Pumps by Shoe Dazzle// Hat by Target// Gold Bodysuit by American Apparel// Red Leather Jacket by Cripple Creek// Red Print Dress by Angie// Black Booties by Lola Shoetique

Solvang has always held a special place in my heart.  Since I was a kid, I would spend time there each summer visiting the family ranch and riding horses.  I would long for the time of the year when I returned to my favorite breakfast spots and could run amuck with my cousins.

It wasn’t until my last birthday that Richie surprised me with a trip to a neighboring town called Los Olivos.  Surprised to have not heard much about this quaint little area, I was excited to explore it.  Despite it being January, the weather was beautiful and we spent much of the time moseying around and doing wine tastings, which they are most commonly known for.  I fell in love with the town, which I admittedly seem to do quite often when I travel.  My weekend getaway filled me with happiness but I felt the need to come back again when it was spring and the local farmers would have just picked their first crops of the season.  As if the universe had answered some unspoken prayer, I met two brothers (Poul & Tom) in a funky little artsy wine bar who just so happened to be the most popular farmers in town.  Each May they host a garlic festival in their own backyard, conveniently located across the street from said wine bar.  They bring in fresh produce straight from the farm, including about 20 different varieties of garlic and host a huge shindig with live music and tons of free food, heavily laced with garlic of course.  Mmm, mmm!  I had no idea there were so many kinds of garlic (approximately 600)!  Needless to say, it didn’t take much convincing from them to return for the festival…okay, it took no convincing whatsoever.

Fast forward to May and there I was, back in Los Olivos as I had promised the brothers months before and boy, do they know how to throw a party!  I had decided to use this trip to capture the scenic landscapes and shoot my new threads.  How could I resist?  After filling up on way too much food, I set out to roam the town for the perfect backdrop.  It wasn’t hard.  Every corner garnered a unique and charming appeal.  If you ever get the chance, I recommend visiting for a few laid back days in this hidden gem.

*To find out when the next festival is, send Poul a message here.  You can also purchase Tom’s famous ghost pepper salsa by visiting www.uncletomssalsa.com