LOCALS ONLY

Photos

Erik Melvin

You could say I met Sierra through the internet, or to be more exact, Instagram. It’s become the most accessible tool for connecting with creatives near and far, and stumbling upon the charismatic and talented skater / photographer was luck beyond. She’s a California native who is committed to everyone having a good time, even if that means sharing her burrito or skateboarding while drinking a hot coffee to get us a good shot. She has a real lust for life (not far off from Iggy himself), and isn’t afraid to get up & out early to take hold of the day.

We spent the morning with her in Venice to get an idea how a local does it. Timing is key, and a propensity for awesomeness in general doesn’t hurt either.

Here’s Sierra’s guide to Venice.

How would you describe Venice to someone who has never been? Colorful and cultural. Undeniably grungy and crowded. A harmonious blend of trendy upscale and casual beachy. As long as the sun is out, the vibe of Venice is tangible; just don’t stay past dark, the beach path changes very quickly..

When are the best times to visit and why? Definitely late spring to summer when it’s HOT. When you’re by the beach there’s always a breeze so that combo of hot and breezy is absolute bliss.

Where do you shop? My denim is predominately Madewell, NSF, and Rag and Bone. Aside from that I love Aviator Nation for color, Volcom for monotones, and good ol’ band and vintage tees :)

Your love for skating runs deep. Can you tell us what you personally find so magical about the sport? Skateboarding (to me) is not a sport. It’s a feeling. It’s a lifestyle. It’s the relationship between my body and the earth beneath my feet. It’s a bond. It’s a frame of mind, an addiction— What’s so magical about it is not what it is but what it does. Whether I’m watching, thinking about, or actually skating, I’m happy.

How would you describe Venice to someone who has never been? Colorful and cultural. Undeniably grungy and crowded. A harmonious blend of trendy upscale and casual beachy. As long as the sun is out, the vibe of Venice is tangible; just don’t stay past dark, the beach path changes very quickly..

When are the best times to visit and why? Definitely late spring to summer when it’s HOT. When you’re by the beach there’s always a breeze so that combo of hot and breezy is absolute bliss.

Where do you shop? My denim is predominately Madewell, NSF, and Rag and Bone. Aside from that I love Aviator Nation for color, Volcom for monotones, and good ol’ band and vintage tees :)

Your love for skating runs deep. Can you tell us what you personally find so magical about the sport? Skateboarding (to me) is not a sport. It’s a feeling. It’s a lifestyle. It’s the relationship between my body and the earth beneath my feet. It’s a bond. It’s a frame of mind, an addiction— What’s so magical about it is not what it is but what it does. Whether I’m watching, thinking about, or actually skating, I’m happy.

How would you describe Venice to someone who has never been? Colorful and cultural. Undeniably grungy and crowded. A harmonious blend of trendy upscale and casual beachy. As long as the sun is out, the vibe of Venice is tangible; just don’t stay past dark, the beach path changes very quickly..

When are the best times to visit and why? Definitely late spring to summer when it’s HOT. When you’re by the beach there’s always a breeze so that combo of hot and breezy is absolute bliss.

Where do you shop? My denim is predominately Madewell, NSF, and Rag and Bone. Aside from that I love Aviator Nation for color, Volcom for monotones, and good ol’ band and vintage tees :)