Level Up: Personal Evolution

I adore this quote from writer Joan Didion, it inspired me to order her memoir and to think about how true this statement is, or should be. 

Recently I have been exploring the idea of letting go of versions of yourself as you move down your life road, destination unknown. Your past and previous versions of yourself only serve to slow you down. The natural progress you could be making is made that much harder by the past 'people' you are "carrying" around, past versions of yourself included. Think about yourself running under water carrying a large rock and the pace you make carrying all of that weight. Now think about your increase in speed if you leave the rock behind.

Lately I am feeling like Alice in Wonderland in a new world of Alternative Facts, "It's no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then."

Evolution in all facets of your life is essential, giving yourself permission to change, let go of people ideas and beliefs that no longer serve you and anything else that may be blocking progress. Celebrate the next time someone says they don't know you anymore! each level of life requires a different version of you so it is time to level up and show up for this moment.

A style evolution is also in order. Try tapping into your authentic self through your personal style. Ignore the outside noise, current trends and your geographical location and wear what represents who you are ... for today at least!

EVOLUTION VINTAGE

 Vintage Poppy Dress - SHOP

Mad As A Hatter

Illustration from Lewis Carroll Novel: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Every time I open my social media or look at the Internet there is a celebration going on. It is International Teacher's Day, Doughnut Day, Cat Day and today it is MAD HATTER DAY! 

I had no idea there was such a day but I will celebrate not only by wearing a fabulous hat but by sharing images from my family's 2013 Christmas Card photo shoot. It is also TBT online or "Throwback Thursday" so it's a perfect time to take a trip down photo memory lane.

Mad Hatter Day is celebrated on October 6th because his top hat, originally in the books illustrations as a card labelled "In This Style 10/6". It has been carried on as a symbol through Disney's adaptation in traditional animation form (1951) and the Tim Burton Film in 2010.

This day 10/6 is also six months after April Fools day which is the first silly holiday of the year! who knew?

Louis Carroll Novel Illustration

Disney: Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter

Johnny Depp at the Hatter in the Tim Burton Film

My husband assumed the roll of the Mad Hatter for our photo shoot and brought this wacky character to life in the most amazing way! 

Images by: Tamara Wickstrom

Makeup: Hanna Fisher

Wardrobe/Styling/Set Design/Concept: Lisa Graystone

Daddy Hatter

There were so many amazing images from this day! Our family enjoyed the shoot so much. See details on the shoot and more images HERE

How will you celebrate Mad Hatter Day?

Some Evolution Vintage Hatter Style Offerings:

 Vintage mini-top hat with Elephant Brooch and Vintage Feathers - $40

Brown Ornately Trimmed "Mini Top Hat" with Ostrich Feathers and Vintage Brooch: $40

Vintage Re-Style Adjustable Brooch Ring - $45

Down The Rabbit Hole With Marc Jacobs

I adore the story and concept of Alice in Wonderland. I adore it so much that I used it as the inspiration for my family portrait in 2013.

Image by: Tamara Wickstrom

Concept/Styling: LisaG

MAU: Hanna Fisher

I was pleased to discover that designer Marc Jacobs has designed a collection of Alice inspired goodies in collaboration with Disney. 

Some of my FAV pieces:

I adore the enchanted garden motif (there is also a tote and back pack - the scarf in the same print is SOLD OUT)  and this door knob iphone case ($88)

Sadly for me both the sweat shirt and the hinged cuff are SOLD OUT!  The double "This Way" Ring not pictured here there is 2 left!  You can still get your hands on the flower lap top case ($128) HURRY though it seems like everyone is taking the plunge down the rabbit hole.

Coin Purse $88

In other Alice news watch the trailer for the new Alice Through The Looking Glass film.

You will have plenty of time to prepare, the film will open on Memorial Day 2016!

Image: Tamara Wickstrom / MAU: Hanna Fisher / Wardrobe/Concept: LisaG 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Family In Wonderland: Christmas Card Edition

Recently I spent an afternoon in Wonderland. A Wonderland of my own creation for no reason other than to get the perfect shot for my holiday Christmas Card.  I wanted a card that represented my family, a little mad, unique and a full cast of characters that fate has bonded together. I enlisted the help of my fabulous make-up artist, Hanna Fisher of HannaF Makeup Design,

 Photographer extraordinaire Tamara Wickstrom (BreezyBlue Studios) and my two BFF style partners in crime, Jensine and Sydney. They were 'on set' to help wrangle kids,assist with prop set up and champagne consumption. They were instrumental in having the shoot go off perfectly! Thanks girls! xo

The concept was MY version  of "Alice in Wonderland". I shared both versions/films with my children and envisioned something in between. I sourced and styled all the costumes, chose concepts for makeup with Hanna's professional input and acquired all the little details for the set that brought the shoot together.

My Family Cast:

Myself : The Queen of Hearts

Husband -David: The Mad Hatter

Son -Blake: March Hare

Daughter -Kaleigh: Alice

Step-Daughter -Danica: The White Rabbit

Step-Son -Dylan: The Cheshire Cat

THE QUEEN OF HEARTS

THE MAD HATTER

ALICE

 THE WHITE RABBIT

THE MARCH HARE

THE CHESHIRE CAT

~~ The Tea Party ~~

~~The Rabbit Hole ~~

~~The Picnic~~

I had a REALLY hard time choosing the image for our Christmas Card. But with a great background and some metallic paper I made it happen. They have been mailed so stay tuned. I have all ready starting planning next years!

Did you have a Christmas Card Theme? Did your family have fun?

SHARE in the comments below!