Summer Hype

Hi! It's Gaby! So not only are we coming up on summer super fast (or it already is summer), but also I recently went through some of my older travel pictures and came across some that got me excited for my trips this summer. I'm going to Paris and a french island for a few weeks. I'm actually half french so my family tries to go there every summer if we can, were super lucky and it's one of my favorite things about the summer. I'm looking forward to it so much and I thought I would share with you some pictures of my trip to Paris from 2 years ago! Check 'em out!

view from our apartment when it was raining one day

view from our apartment (you can see a cafe and the streets)

This is the view from the  Sacré Cœur ( you can see the Eiffel Tower in the distance, and Mont Parnasse in the left upper)

random street by le Jardin du Luxembourg

I don't remember exactly what this is, it looks like a church though 

this amazing little restaurant with w giant tree in the middle that the restaurant was built around.  Also there were vines like a canopy above you and little lights in them. This violin man was playing the while time and trying to sell his CD.

graffiti

random pretty thing

some apartments

Ali took this candid shot of me getting something out of my bag before we started riding the huge ferris wheel

Adorable little restaurant called Au Lapin Agile (lapin means rabbit, agile means agile ((nimble)) so the restaurant is called the agile rabbit)

crowded street

little kitty in a pet shop we looked at (the sign says "do not touch. thank you.)

I really liked the colors of these houses

pretty vines on a house(?)

Ali looking at some little toys

view of le Sacré Cœur 

cute cute windows and plants

kewl art

kitty in a window

the dining room area of our apartment (it used to be a painter's study so it has huge windows)

me looking at the eiffel tower from inside the ferris wheel. 

Breton Stripes

The Breton stripe is a white and navy striped pattern that has its roots in the French Navy. It originally had twenty one stripes representing Napoleon's twenty one victories and was popular amongst the sailors of Northern France. In 1917, Coco Chanel incorporated the pattern into her nautical collection and has since made the Breton stripe a great addition to anyone's wardrobe.

Breton stripes are great for any time of the year, but I think they really shine in the summer due to their coastal heritage. A lot of places carry the Breton stripe pattern as it is fairly popular. You can find them anywhere from Asos to J. Crew to APC and even Brooks Brothers. If authenticity is what you are looking for, then look no further than Saint James as they are the original makers of the Breton stripe shirt and continue to make it to this day.

Here I have made two pictures (one for guys and one for girls) to give you an idea on some cute, simple outfits you can put together with Breton stripes. For a summery look, guys should consider wearing a Breton striped shirt with some rolled up chinos and camp mocs. For you girls out there, consider wearing a Breton striped shirt with some shorts and espadrilles. Maybe even a choker to accessorize a bit.

- Chris

Nova and Cher Shoot: Dallas and Lorin

Our N&C Girls went to LA this weekend and showed off how to style some of our original Tees! 

Check it out!

Thanks once again to all our fans for your support, it really means a lot to us <3

novaandcher.com

Amvets Haul!

My sister and I went to Amvets a little while ago and I thought I would share some of our finds.

                                

So my sister found these shorts but they were hemmed all weird so she cut and cuffed them! They're super comfy since there is an elastic waistband. Also they were only $2.95 heck yissss

This black cotton tee is superrr comfy and cute. It's cropped and the beads framing along the edge of the shirt are soso rad! The bead detailing adds a fun twist on a normal black tank.

Saw this jean jacket with flower patches, and I couldn't pass it up! It was only $5 and it was like nothing I had seen before. I like to pair it with leggings, a plain tee, and my docs.

My sister got this cream cropped tank for $1.95. She pairs it with a denim skirt and cute sandals or even boots! Just a great staple piece for the spring and summer.

So down for these black platform sandals. They were so cheap and I was going to get them if my sister didn't. But she found them first ya feel meeee

These denim platform sandals are so unique and trendy! I've never seen shoes like these before. Love these for the summer time with maybe a long maxi dress or skirt.

Got this super cool necklace for $1.00! I love the tiny purpleish maroon beads with the dark blue stones. The moon and star detailing on the stone is a cute and fun addition.

Definitely my most exciting purchase. Too good to pass up. Hannah Montana was my life and when I saw this I didn't even think twice about buying it. I like how it's a locket and it fits like a choker!

Looks like you've reached the end!! Thanks for reading xx Iris

Taking Risks

     

   Hey everyone, this post is a special one that is mostly just going to be talking and discussing topics and things that come to my mind. It's going to be a "journal post". A type of post where you don't know which one of us cacti is writing it. It makes it easier to discuss more intimate things and feelings, but also is comfortable because it's sort of anonymous.

   So i suck at taking risks. Most people probably wouldn't think that or know that, but i do. It's not even really fear of rejection,  or the actual action, it's just that paralyzing fear the second before of being utterly exposed and opening yourself up. Whether it's cliff jumping, or pursuing a passion, or telling someone you think they're cute, risks are essential to change in your life. Change is one of the biggest stressors in our lives yet it usually results in something happy.For example say you want to be friends with somebody. I can guarantee you that people are so caught up in their own insecurities and awkwardness that they are not even aware of yours. Just go up and talk to them. The worst that can happen is that they turn out to be an asshole and you can move on. It sounds so cliché but usually the way I get myself to take risks is to think about what the absolute worst scenario could be, and realizing that I would be fine. 

Our culture is really weird if you think about it. It has to always be a secret when you are attracted to someone, platonically or not, and it's made to be such a big deal. A whole load of time and worries could be cut off if we could all just be honest with each other. Telling someone "I like you" can feel like being naked and exposed, but that's just for a brief amount of time after which you can move from there.We've all conditioned each other to keep our feelings hidden and concealing our happiness and sadness, to figure out our thoughts on our own, when sharing and conferring in others is the best kind of release. I've been trying a lot lately to be more open and connecting with people more, trusting them to trust me. Honestly it's a slow process but it's made me someone that I like more! Feeling yourself connect with other people on an intimate level is one of the best in the world. Knowing you can trust someone unconditionally is too! So I challenge you to go out there and be open to trusting people. Don't go blindly into it though, find someone and let them earn your trust, but please be open to it. I can vouch for the fact that it is very nice to have people like that.

 Anyways that was my little rant of the night. I hope you can relate or this can help you in some way. If you ever need help or personal advice you can always email us at cactus collective@gmail.com, goodnight!!

(ps this was some art I made while bored, it's on adobe illustrator)


   

This Weeks Summer Playlist: Boy Crush

Summer is here!! For most of us at least. It's time to head to the beach, hang out with friends, and listen to some sweet tunes. This weeks playlist is baised off of artists that sing about romance. Whether it's about falling in love, or breaking up, these songs all create a cute and summer-y mood. Enjoy!

Song Links-  

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUsYwhTNAxk

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-iVEMQqZQI

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKFpsKtvJaE 

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG9VhC0hiTg

5. http://peru4u.bandcamp.com/track/shrapnel-wow   (ALL ALBUMS ARE FREE)

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqi4whXaHx8

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSBs-hiapo4

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIGFgI5yfgk

9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKPdtpbNdPo

10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ifq4bYZnYrc

-Olivia

Mini Post: New Nova and Cher Video up!

Yo yo yo! So, due to your requests, Gigi and I decided to do a new video about all the Jeffrey Campbell shoes we have in our closet. There are 6 in total. We talk about the comfort, the sizing, price, and even dance a little (a lot) to show how easy they are to walk in. Whether you are looking for an informative, or entertaining video, this is sure to be fun to watch. Check it outtt!

Watch it here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLdNUP9B188

-Olivia