Generosity is ALWAYS in Style

My husband David, Our Son Blake & Myself at Christmas

The National Down Syndrome Gala and Auction is an amazing event that for the past two years I have had the pleasure of participating in by way of raising and contributing auction items.  Because of my son's designer genes, Down Syndrome has connected me with some amazing people.

I wanted to take this opportunity to extend my SINCERE GRATITUDE for the generosity of the following people. 

Their talents are only exceeded by their generous hearts.

Kristen Johnston - Actress/Author

She kindly donated a signed hard cover book (which is now out of print) AND the most coveted item of all - her TIME (a skype chat with the winner).

Actress/Author/Mompreneur - Tori Spelling & Actor/Gourmet Dad - Dean McDermott

They donated an AMAZING basket of goodies; Tori's books, autographed pictures and Gourmet Dad Gear! (Books Available at InvenTORI)

Ruthie Davis - Shoe/Bag Designer

Ruthie donated a CHIC clutch to the auction in honor of her nephew Michael!

Louis Van Amstel - World Champion Dancer, Dancing with the Stars Cast Member and Creator of LaBlast.

Louis generously donated a complete set of his Dance Fitness DVD's - LaBlast! 

Hayley Marie - Photographer

Hayley graciously donated 2 amazing prints from her back to nature collection.

JUSTFAB.COM - Online e-tailer of Fabulous Shoes, Bags, Jewelry and Denim!

They were so amazing to let me choose the 2 bags (Law & Adventure ) AND the gorgeous cuff they donated.

 Evolution Vintage  - I styled two different gift sets with EV tees, REWIND Rings, Vintage clutches and a piece from the REWIND hair collection.

From the bottom of my HEART and the HEARTS of all living with Down Syndrome and their families THANK YOU!

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. 

Lao Tzu 

Perspective: Life in a Jar

Someone shared this with me recently via Facebook. There have been variations of this story that have been passed around before but I love this one best.  It really puts things into perspective about what is important and hopefully will make you take pause today and look at your priorities.

In the wake of the senseless tragedy in Newtown, CT I have really used my grief for the parents and family of the victims/hero's to think about how much my family and children mean to me and what my priorities are. I have looked beyond  the words of the cliche to 'make every moment count' and have applied it to my actions. We are all so caught up in unessential matters and with insignificant people that those moments wasted could have went to our loved ones, the ones who deserve us to be present the most.

I hope this story brings a little perspective to you today.

"A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles roll

ed into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..

‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—-your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—-and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else—-the small stuff.

‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.

Take care of the golf balls first—-the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend."

Enjoy your family and friends this and all seasons.

~ L

XO

Myself, My Son Blake, Daughter Kaleigh Rain and Husband David. The loves of my life!

Image: Hayley Marie Photography

Belt It: Braided

Image: Hayley Marie Photography - Model: Kylie - Wardrobe: Evolution Vintage - Stylist: LisaG

Vintage 80's Metallic Antique Gold Braided Belt (Evolution Vintage Accessories)

I love going to my P.O. Box to see which fashion mags have been jammed inside. Of course I subscribe to ALL of them! To my surprise and pleasure the last few had some Ralph Lauren Ad's featuring the braided belt.  I have been wearing mine all over the place lately. A metallic mix of gold, copper and silver tones with a covered buckle, Vintage.

Ralph's version (and ad campaign) is VERY Retro-Chic 80's so I naturally was compelled to share it.

Shop Ralph Lauren: Braided Covered Buckle Belt: $58

Do you BELT IT Braided?

What are your thoughts about this woven accessory?

Obsessed: Marine Motifs & Beach Inspiration

I'm not sure if it is because summer is just around the corner or that I live by the sea now but I am kind of obsessed with Marine motifs, beach/sea themes prints and jewels. This attraction reminds me of the beach themed Gianni Versace collection from Spring/Summer 1992.  He was a master mixer and alwys combined the most amazing pieces.

Ooooh to only get my hands on even just the shoes and accessories from the collection!! The BOLD colours, mixed metals, Mixing sea and animal prints, marine motifs, studded leggings and silk crepe .....  

As with everything in fashion it's all coming back again.  

Even Ga Ga Dipped into the Versace archives and has rocked the sea side shell pants from the S/S 92 collection

Flash forward to CHANEL S/S 2012 showing "shell" clutches and embellished purses. 

and the house of LANVIN with their clam-tastic bags.

Even Donatella Versace dug into the archives for the 2012 season with shell motif jeweled pieces and beach themed accessories.

Other beach themed pieces I LOVE:

ArtBox Sold Via: M.Fredric - Avail in Gold & Silver Tone $32

I also feature many beach themed rings in my NEW Vintage Re-Styled Ring Line: EVOLUTION REWIND

I have re-styled authentic Vintage Brooch's into fabulous cocktail rings on 24k Gold & Silver plated mounts.  They are available on-line and via InvenTORI LA. Each piece is ONE OF A KIND! Pricing ranges from $35-$150

Image: Hayley Marie Photography

 Image: Hayley Marie Photography

 Image: Hayley Marie Photography

SHOP the REWIND "Beach Themed" COLLECTION 5/21