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

Mature Models: A Breath Of Fresh Air

This was a wonderful week in fashion advertising for me. I cannot even express my thrill land delight at seeing the recent ad campaign by the French fashion house CELINE.

Led by British Fashion designer and Creative Director Phoebe Philo the house features American writer Joan Didion as the new face of the house. At 80 years young Joan in over sized black shades is a vision of character and quite frankly a breath of fresh air.

A documentary about her life was just crowd funded through kisktarter, it required $80,000 and received $221,135.00. We can expect to see her documentary in September 2015!

Joan is not new to the fashion world either. In the 1960's she did a two year stint at VOGUE starting as promotional copywriter and worked her way to associate feature editor. While at VOGUE she wrote her first novel Run, River that was published in 1963.

Photographed by Henry Clarke, Vogue, October 1972

She has a large list of literary accomplishments that spans non-fiction, fiction, screenplays and plays.

Seeing Joan reminded me that there ARE forward thinking, creative and unique people left in the world. Forward thinkers who are tired of the over played, over exposed visions of what I call "the herd". In the wake of the 'Kimye" VOGUE cover and subsequent Balmain ad campaign I was beginning to really wonder ... and worry!

Seeing Joan for Celine was the first of 3 mature and stylish ladies featured in fashion ad campaigns this week!!

The music legend Joni Mitchell at 71 for Saint Laurent

and the forever stylish Iris Afpel for Alexis Bittar

The house of LANVIN paved the way in 2012 when their models included then 62 year old Advanced Style Icon Tziporah Salamon

AND

Jacquie "Tajah" Murdock, 82

I hope this officially means the tide is turning and fashion houses are now looking past age, shape and size and looking for true character, wisdom and personality.

SHOP:

VINTAGE FROM CELINE, YSL & LANVIN

EVOLUTION VINTAGE

 Vintage Celine Wool Skirt ~ $200

 Vintage YSL Skirt - $250

 Vintage LANVIN Dotted Dress ~ $125