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.