It's been a long time coming – not just for Kariella, but for you, our loyal Bellas, too! Many of you have been walking through the doors of our Ojai and Ventura storefronts for years. Some of you come from Carpenteria! And after many requests to open a storefront closer to home, we're excited to finally deliver and give back to our community of shoppers! Because at Kariella, we're not just your one-stop-shop for all things boho. It's so much more than that. We're a family! Which is why we're so excited to be closer to all you lovely ladies over in Carpinteria and the surrounding areas!
We asked Kariella owner, Amara Bessa, to share her thoughts on opening this gorgeous new storefront...
"It's something I've wanted to do for a long time. We've had people asking us for years to open a shop near Carpinteria. Between there and Santa Barbara, there aren't very many clothing stores – especially ones at a good price point. Plus, no one seems to sell much swimwear over there. We wanted to open a new location in that area so our customers who've been driving all the way our to Ventura and Ojai stores can get more of what they want closer to where they live."
But that's not all! We've not just opened a shop closer to home. We've brought our boho style all the way to the sandy California shores!
"This location is literally right by the beach, giving the store that beach vibe I absolutely love," Amara tells us. "It's stunning!"
And what about the store itself? Amara tells us about that, too...
"The store is really big and spacious, with lots of windows, making it bright, fresh, and clean. It's the perfect setup to flaunt that beachy vibe. It's very cute and playful but also really elegant. We even have some bamboo reclining chairs, so people can sit and relax. It's a very fun atmosphere that's meant to invite people to slow down and soak up the peaceful feeling of being right by the ocean."
So, what kinds of things does this location offer? We know that Kariella is home to many favorite brands like Free People, Tiare Hawaii, Montce Swim, Wyeth hats, and so many more. From boho clothing to craft cocktails, home decor, beauty products, and locally-made jewelry, what else can we find at Kariella's newest location?
"We wanted to keep with the style of Kariella, but also offer items that people in Carpinteria and the surrounding areas don't get much of," says Amara. "The main thing we like to keep in stock at all times is swimwear. We have tons! From Frankies Bikinis to Bound by Bon Eye, to Vitamin A and more, we've got a great selection. But one thing you can only get at our Padaro Beach location is swimwear by SolKissed. You won't find that brand in our other locations."
"You'll also find a bunch of hats by Wyeth and Gigi Pip, candles by Craft + Foster, beauty products by Birdbath, and jewelry from brands like Desert Moon Designs, MikalWinn, and Nashelle, to name a few."
Last but not least, Kariella features its own signature label of graphic tees. "People can shop Amara X Kariella at all of our locations, including Padaro Beach. That's something we want to offer everywhere," Amara explained.
We asked Amara what we can expect from this new location, as well as Kariella as a whole moving forward.
"We're always picking up new brands with the aim of offering more variety to our shoppers. Plus, with the opening of the Padaro Beach location, I believe we're going to be able to reach more people, including those who have shopped in our other locations and online for years. By opening up our doors and making ourselves more available to shoppers who would otherwise have to drive to places like Ojai and Ventura, I really think we'll have the chance to build on already existing relationships, as well as make some great new ones moving forward."
Address: 3823 Santa Claus Ln. Carpinteria, CA 93013
Phone: 805.318.9032
Hours: Everyday 11-5pm Directions
Naturally, when this happens, just as the leaves change and eventually fall in a smooth progression of the seasons, you'll be needing the same for your wardrobe. Switch out those short shorts, mini skirts, and tube tops with all the early fall essentials that'll help you coast effortlessly into full fledged fall, come September 22nd.
Today, we've compiled a list of our top picks to help you on your way. From 70's-style mini dresses to elegant maxis, graphic tees, and easy breezy denim, you'll have that transition wardrobe well underway in no time!
If the word '70's' drew your attention before, look no further. The Chasing Daises Dress by Kariella was made for you! And if you plan on wearing it during the cold chilly nights that are soon to come, never fear. This baby can easily be paired with nude tights over boots and a light jacket. It's a truly great transition piece to kick start our list!
Chasing Daisies Dress, €86
The Sierra Hoops by Desert Moon Design are the ideal staple earring. Featuring fine hammered imprints for texture & shine, these hand cut hoops are formed out of high-quality brass and are delightfully lightweight. You'll wear these cuties with everything!
Sierra Hoops, €56
The perfect 'goes-with-anything' Perry Hooded Denim Jacket from Free People's We The Free collection, this plush coat features a boxy, cropped silhouette with faux suede piecing and faux fur trim for a forever retro-inspired style.
Perry Hooded Denim Jacket, €148
The She's Bad Tank by Kariella is elegantly sexy in its ability to transform from a daily work top into a snazzy evening blouse. Layer this piece under a blazer with a skirt and heels at the office or with skinny jeans and wedges for a fun evening out.
She's Bad Tank, €52
The Sign of the Times Cardi by Kariella is a basic cardigan that everyone needs. Delicate and elegant, this can be worn as a cozy loungewear piece or out and about running errands or at the office (which is always -20 degrees for no apparent reason).
Sign of the Times Cardi, €84
The Barcelona High Rise by Mavi are the perfect go-to jeans for any occasion. Featuring a high-waisted fit that hugs the curves in all the right places, its antique wash and mild distressing will give any outfit a bit of texture.
Barcelona High Rise, €118
The Dream on Dress by Kariella is dreamy and beautiful. Whether you plan on wearing it to a wedding or on a night out, you'll get stares either way. This piece features a fitted, stunning silhouette and an open back that'll really take the breath away.
Dream On Dress, €96
The perfect hat for sunny days by the pool, adventures on the beach, or rainy afternoons at the pumpkin patch, this hat is made from the best Japanese Toyo straw and is trimmed with leather straps and a feather for gusto.
Valencia Straw Hat, €156
Free People's Dolman Quilted Jacket features a slouchy silhouette that's both edgy and effortless. Stay snuggly warm and cozy while wearing this as the seasons change and the leaves begin to fall. You're going to need it!
Dolman Quilted Jacket, €198
The Take it Easy Cropped Tee by Bandit Brand is 100% cotton and oh-so comfortable, too. Featuring a raw cut in a cropped style, this road runner graphic tee is pre-washed, pre-shrunk, and will look all the better with every wear.
Take it Easy Cropped Tee, €55
Aratta's When I Close My Eyes Kimono is far too beautiful not to have. It's ideal when you want to spruce up a basic outfit. This kimono will add just the right amount of color to make your outfit go from muted to WOW!
When I Close My Eyes Kimono, €150
The Fab Wide Leg by Kariella is a staple piece for all you ladies who love neutrals. Create a professional work outfit, go to a nice event, or dress these lovelies down for everyday life. Whatever the occasion, these versatile trousers will go with all of them.
Fab Wide Leg, €84
Our delightful Miramar Top is a vintage-inspired blouse that boasts Victorian features with a smidgen of a modern twist. Soft polka dots and dainty ruffles come together to make a truly romantic piece. We highly recommend it.
Miramar Top, €92
For all those minimalist chic women, those edgy artists, or those 70's queens, the Foxy Dress by Kariella was made for you. Featuring a wide neckline in both the front and the back, this chocolate dress finds your natural waist and gently flows away. Partnered with delicious bell sleeves, wear this as a stand-alone piece, or pair it with a set of tights, high top boots, and a furry vest for the ultimate 70's look.
Foxy Dress, €74
Get ready to stand out in the New Frontier Western Boot by Free People. These patent leather ankle boots feature a western-inspired silhouette with a stacked heel and a pointed toe. You'll be wearing these everywhere, come fall. We guarantee it!
New Frontier Boot, €148
Once upon a time, a new dress came in stock at Kariella and went into your cart. This stunning baby doll dress belongs in your closet. It's sure to become one of your favorite year-round mini dresses. It's simplicity makes it easy to dress up for any occasion and any season. Meanwhile, the subtly daring puff sleeves and wide neckline give the piece a bit of uniqueness that, let's face it, we all want in our lives.
Once Upon A Time Dress, €72
This lovely ring is hand-formed in 14k goldfill and set with Mother of Pearl for a romantic look. Wear this for any and all occasions. You may never take it off!
Mother of Pearl Ring, €86
The Smoothie Cardi by Free People is a must for any loungewear outfit. It's a multi-colored chunky knit sweater that's warm, cozy, and comfortable. Sit round the fire with a cup of tea and a good book. This open knit sweater will complete the picture nicely.
Smoothie Cardi, €148
How'd we do? Are you ready to kick start your pre-fall wardrobe? Maybe you want more? Leave us a comment below and tell us your thoughts!
See you around, Bellas!
]]>So what are these ravishing colors that are sure to look smashing on you this season, next season, and all through 2020? Let's take a look, shall we? We're going to sweep you up and whisk you through this year's hottest color trends you're not going to want to miss. Even those all-black-every-day girls (Yours Truly included) are going to want to peek your heads in on this proverbial closet full of goodies. Starting with number one and our intro into this year's color scheme. Can you guess what it is?
The bolder version of lilac is entering the scene with gusto nowadays. Boasting a myriad of hues from the ultra-light to the deep sultry shades of the Aurora Borealis, Magenta Purple is wild, daring, and has the ability to land somewhere in between summer and fall, making it the ideal transition color between the two.
Transform any summer or fall outfit with these fun statement earrings. Featuring that warm magenta coloring in a leaf shape design and a beautiful touch of gold, these will quickly become the focal point of your outfit.
In addition, the Mara One Piece from Bound by Bond-Eye Australia features a stretchy smocked fabric with a scoop back and medium coverage on the bottom. This style also featured a beautiful ombre pattern, bringing it one subtle step past the solid coloring to create a more unique look. Pair this with a set of cutoff shorts in the summertime or with a silky midi skirt and a denim jacket for when the weather gets a bit chilly.
Palm Springs Earring, €22
The Mara OP, €218
"What is Lark?" you ask? Well, we'll tell you...
Lark is a sultry mix between the ever-popular Orange Peel and Sunshine, two colors that are absolutely in right now, though Lark takes the two and warms them up a bit, creating something more full-bodied that's subtle, yet intrinsic like a sunset, meanwhile versatile enough to pair with other colors or sported as a pattern like the Sienna co-ord from Le Salty Label.
The Sienna Blouse from Le Salty Label has the perfect feminine touches for any summer soiree. It's such a pretty style featuring a fluttery shape, off-the-shoulder fit with ruffles, and a tie at the front to adjust to your preference.
Just so, the Sienna Palazzo Pants complete the look, sitting high on the waist and designed with a wide flared leg and elasticated back. You'll be turning heads in this lush and vibrant print with oversized leaf motifs.
Sienna Blouse, €126
Sienna Palazzo Pants, €172
This is a stand-out color/material we saw earlier in the year, and it doesn't look like it's going to be leaving us any time soon, even come the cooler temperatures of early fall.
The faded denim look in the form of bucket pants, mom jeans, overalls and more, have quickly become a staple in every woman's wardrobe, and the look is nothing less than sensational. With an almost 90's throwback vibe partnered with modern flairs, it's the perfect mix between retro and today. Prepare yourself, people. We see this trend sticking with us for the long haul.
Go West Jumper, €148
The cooler tones of slate and stone have definitely made a comeback to create that ultramodern neutral look, and ash is no exception. Falling somewhere between khaki and grey, ash takes on a bit of a warmer tone in the midst of the cooler shades, meaning that for all those warm-hued ladies out there, this is one of those cooler colors that might be just right for you. And if you're still lingering on the fence about it, try it in a pattern as we have done while keeping the color further from the natural hues presented in the face - meaning: wear it in pant-form.
These particular ash printed pants are a bohemian girls dream. Featuring a tie at the waist and tiered flowy pant legs, you'll feel like your on vacay, or else ready to snuggle up in bed. The lightweight fabric and subtle paisley print help to make the piece both the statement object and the neutral party to your outfit. It's a regular win-win.
Milos Pants, €106
When we think of sunsets, this particular shade often comes to mind, along with the usual golds, reds, purples, and the like. And we say: if it fits into the sunset, then it fits into every season. Coral Pink is no different in this aspect.
Take the V Mine One Piece from Bound by Bond-Eye Australia, for instance. The subtle tie-dye pattern gives this piece a look of the sea inside the clouds while showcasing that 90's retro look that's absolutely stylin' right now. The OP also features a deep plunging front with a scoop back and medium coverage on the bottom. Wear this to the beach as a stand-alone swim suit, or don it as a bodysuit with jeans, a flowing midi skirt, or your favorite cutoffs.
Take this outfit one step further with the Pretty in Pink Necklace. Naturally Coral Pink with metallic beads, layer this feminine statement necklace or wear it as the primary accessory to your outfit. As an added bonus, this piece features a comfortable suede neck tie with an adjustable length to cater to your preference.
V Mine OP, €174
Pretty in Pink Necklace, €28
Blue is the overarching color this year, from Classic Blue to Faded Denim to Deepest Depths and everything in between, we're loving each one just as much (if not more) than the next. Mosaic Blue just happens to be one of those shades we simply adore, one that's tranquil like the Grecian seas and brilliant like the afternoon sky. It's soft, yet elegantly alluring. It's one of those colors you won't go wrong wearing no matter the occasion.
The all-white ensemble isn't just for weddings, you know. It's for Sunday brunch or Feel-Good-Fridays. It's for Hump Day when you need a pick-me-up outfit to spice things up at work, or on a Tuesday evening out with your boo. It's any day and any time you feel like wearing it, because not only is it chic, it's totally in style.
Free People's Emily's Midi is one such example of this concept. A cotton midi dress with a fitted bodice that flows out to a full skirt, this almost has an 80's-90's vibe to it while also sporting a smidgen of a Victorian look that, when you bring it all together, is 100% modern.
Emily's Midi, €128
The all-white ensemble doesn't end in town, though, we'll have you know. It reaches all the way to the sandy beach and beyond in dazzling white bikinis that are as daring as they are alluring. Exhibit A for your approval...
The Anna Top and Jasper Bottom from Frankies Bikinis are not only breathtakingly white, but they also come together to create Frankies Bikinis' first ever swim duo with an underwire top. Designed to give the girls the support they may or may not need, it also adds a classic 50's feel, which, as we all know, was a stellar of a decade.
Featuring as well a high waist bottom and a high leg cut, this swim suit works to define your waist while elongating the legs for a more slimming look. Meanwhile, the cheeky cut provides just the right amount of coverage. The suit itself is made in a luxe stretch eyelet material with intricate embroidery detailing, giving it a fresh look that's utterly adorable.
Anna Eyelet Top, €112
Jasper Bottom, €96
Here's another color we saw earlier in the year that seems to want to stay, and for good reason, too. Saffron is one of those eternal sunset colors that works in every season. And with fall just around the corner, it's the perfect color to have around. Trust us, you won't be seeing an end to Saffron or its many uses any time soon.
The Mood Tank from Free People is the perfect balance of comfy and cute in that revered Saffron shade. The fitted silhouette combined with the button-up detailing and ruched sides will flatter all your greatest features. Wear this with ultra-wide flare jeans as we have here, or pair it with your favorite skirt for a more flirty look.
The Mood Tank, €48
Similar to Coral Pink, Peach Nougat includes deeper tones to reflect an almost Salmon shade, making it ideal for florals that are darkly mysterious and perfectly exquisite. The Aurora Midi by Le Salty Label is our prime example of such a floral. And while the print is tropical in nature, the color scheme itself allows this piece to float right into fall with the addition of a long sleeve sheer mock turtleneck worn underneath and/or a leather jacket over top, partnered with a pair of peep-toe sock boots to complete the look.
Worn here in the height of summery warmth, feel free to show off the plunging halter neckline with crisscross back straps, and strut those legs through high-cut leg slits on your way to the pool-side cafe.
Aurora Midi, €172
The undercover neutral just came out of the camouflage to give us this spectacular shade. Military Olive is smooth and captivating, combining lush tropical forestry with fall-like woods and earthy vibes for a truly heartwarming look.
You can transform any simple outfit into an eye-catching ensemble with these fun statement earrings in particular. Olive bead-work adorn these dangle earrings with a playful tassel detailing that is almost tribal in nature, yet the overall design is one of unparalleled elegance and geometry combined. You really can't go wrong with these.
Olive Branch Earring, €22
Even the word 'Amberglow' is enough to make us 'ooh!' and 'aah!' with fluttering delight. Take it one step further with an Amberglow print that screams 'love & sunsets' and all the warm, happy feels, and you've got yourself a killer outfit on the way.
This particular shade is ideal for both summer and fall, we think. Here, we've partnered that gasp-worthy hue with other shades of teal, white, and magenta into a tropical print that can effortlessly coast into fall from summer for a delightfully dreamy look.
What we have here is the Havana Midi by Le Salty Label. Much like the Aurora Midi, this one has an equally sexy feel to it. Featuring a highly flattering fit with a plunging halter neckline, crisscross straps in the back, as well as high side slits, you'll be sunset personified in this little number, we guarantee it.
Havana Midi, €144
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Featuring a unique selection of graphic tees specific to Kariella store locations in Ventura and Ojai, and to Amara's own personal history, we are proud to share with you all the juicy details surrounding this special new line. So buckle up and here we go!
Hey Fancy Pants! This one's for you! This 70's-style T-shirt was designed (as we have said) by Kariella owner Amara Bessa, who went by 'Fancy Pants' as a child, a nickname coined by her father.
Featuring a classic slim fit in ultra 100% cotton fabric, we recommend you size up if you are unsure of your size. In fact, for all Amara x Kariella featured graphic tees, we suggest doing this.
Fancy Pants Ringer Tee, €52
Bring out your inner wild child with this next one!
Featuring a fun floral detail and a groovy word decal, you'll be carrying a slice of Ojai with you wherever you go! And if you're a boho goddess like we are (but of course you are), you'll love it all the more!
Wild Child Tee, €52
Peace, Love, & Ojai Vibes! That's what we're all about, and if you've ever been to Ojai, then chances are, you know what we mean.
This 70's-style T-shirt features a distressed graphic on a classic ringer tee, perfectly capturing the spirit of Ojai we always crave!
Ojai Vibes Ringer Tee, €52
Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Ventura is one place we know and love. This black tee features a rainbow design with embroidery detailing. Call it an ode to Ventura, a favorite spot of ours and home to one of our storefronts!
Ventura Rainbow Tee, €52
This one goes out to all our Ojai babes out there! Utilizing a boho color scheme over a black backdrop, we hope to achieve for this t-shirt a tastefully distressed look, giving it a truly vintage feel.
Ojai Babes Tee, €52
More rainbows = double the sunshine!
We love ourselves a good retro design and this one features a bit of embroidery detailing for a more unique look. Meanwhile its sunshine color scheme mirrors the California dessert surrounding our homes of Ventura and Ojai. So really, what's not to love?
Ojai Rainbow Tee, €52