Leah Bradley
We spoke to Faithfull Girl Leah Bradley about living beachside on the idyllic shores of Costa Mesa, California, her personal approach to laid back dressing and the travel plans she's looking forward to.
“Please introduce yourself:”
Hi! My name is Leah and I live with my husband and three little ones in California.
“You live beachside on the idyllic shores of Costa Mesa, California, describe an ordinary day in the life for you:”
We are early risers over here so our day starts right when the sun is up! We all end up in the kitchen helping make a big breakfast and then simultaneously pack lunch for whatever outdoor adventure we are off to that day. We then pack up and usually head to the beach and spend several hours running around in the sun. I find that the kids are happiest outside and never are bored at the beach so it’s definitely our favourite place to go. We then head home and spend the afternoon playing around the house (I’ll get some work done while they play) and then it’s time for dinner, dance parties, possible backyard jacuzzi time and then bed.
“For those who have never visited, what are some of the must do’s, see’s or eat’s of the Costa Mesa area?”
We usually go straight to the beach either to 54th in Newport or a cove in laguna beach both are a short drive. Costa Mesa has no shortage of good spots for food + coffee. Here are some of our favorites after a long beach day...
Vacancy Coffee (right across from 54th street)
Daydream Coffee
Bad Coffee
Hosum Bistro - the salad is our favourite
Seabirds Kitchen (plant-based and so amazing)
2145 pizza
Folks Pizza
Arc
Gracias Madre
Vibe
Mendocino Farms
Playa Mesa
“Both yourself and your partner enjoy a salty day in the surf. The coastline of California and 60’s surf culture was an inspiration behind our El Sol collection. What does the surf culture in California mean to you?”
My dad and mom both grew up here and my dad became a professional surfer and was coined the “California kid” by the surf world. So naturally growing up here I’ve always been around the surf culture thanks to my family. Whether it was watching my dad from the beach, surfing on my own, or watching my brothers at the skatepark every evening we’ve just naturally spent almost every waking moment immersed in the surf/skate culture of California. Now raising my own kids my husband and I love surfing with them and imitating the incredible childhood we had on the beach and in the water 24/7.
“You often share styling updates of your sunny home in California. Tell us about your styling process and the approach you adopted:”
In the past few years I’ve really began to follow my passion in interior design. I feel like my style in the home is the same as my wardrobe. I love to keep things simple yet cozy and love a good color story. In all of my projects I’ve incorporated elements of the California surf culture while sticking with the simple white walls and wood accents mixed with fun pops of color in the art and furniture. I love a cozy beach shack that feels welcoming to lots of sandy kiddos.
“How would you describe your own personal dress aesthetic?”
Comfortable and ready for the beach haha I’m always in layers so as the day warms up I take off the layers and usually always have a bikini underneath because I’ve always gotta be ready for a swim in the ocean!
“What are three wardrobe staples you simply can’t live without:”
A great knit pullover for the chillier mornings or evenings, a baseball cap because we are always in the sun, and a comfy pair of shorts. (I’ve been loving the striped ones from the el sol collection)
“You recently shot our latest El Sol collection. What is the piece you can’t stop wearing?”
I’m obsessed with the new swim. I love the fit and prints. They are so flattering and so perfect for chasing kids around on the beach. Every time I’ve worn the bikini I’ve had so many compliments on it! It’s such a great fit! I also love the new spaghetti strap dress. It’s so comfy and the blue is so beautiful.
“Do you have any travel plans coming up?”
Right now we are designing a little home by the beach in Florida so we plan to head back out there in January to wrap up that project. We love going out there as it’s so tropical and the beaches are stunning so even if we are working it always feels like a vacation. It’s our little home away from home.
“What does an ideal holiday look like to you?”
We crack up because you’d think since we are at beach 24/7 when we travelled we’d want something different but we can’t seem to leave the beach haha The perfect holiday for my husband is anywhere with surf and for me it’s warm sunny beaches that the kids can play all day at.
