A revolutionary digital space that explores life as we all evolve within it. I present my personal commentary on Fashion, Style, Art, Parenting, Crafting, Music, Literature, Culinary delights, Inspirational people and their stories. I aim to share the tips, tricks and knowledge that I have gathered on my journey in an effort EMPOWER and INSPIRE! Xxo
Today is 'National Coming Out Day' (NCOD) A big day for the gay community to be proud of their accomplishment of being who they are, out, open and honest. In the ugly face of society this can be a brutal task. It takes real strength and courage of character for any 'minority' to stand up against the herd, be different and real.
This day is MORE than just coming out and declaring your sexual preference to your family, friends, and society. It is a day to celebrate EQUALITY for all and the HUMAN RIGHTS we all deserve regardless of sexual preference, gender, age, race, or religious affiliation.
I love the NOH8 (No Hate) pictorial campaign for equality so much that I wanted to share these 2 PSA Videos - Especially while we have an election looming in America. From where I sit President Obama is all about rights; for minorities of all kinds and his opponent is the polar opposite. There are MANY issues to consider while casting your votes but NONE are as basic or important as equal rights, it is truly the foundation on which everything else rests.
I am always surprised by people and their reactions. This week there has been some controversy over JC Penny hiring Ellen DeGeneres to be their spokesperson. Apparently an organization called One Million Moms (who have only 42,644 FB Likes but anyway) have a problem with Ellen because she is gay. According to their website, One Million Moms "want our children to have the best chance possible of living in a moral society."
I wonder what their definition of "Moral" is? Is teaching their children to hate, segregate, judge and attack people because of their PERSONAL choices teaching them morals? if people of the same sex have a family (with our without children) how is their love not valid? or the same as heterosexual couples? These groups usually use religion or "God" as an excuse for their ignorant bigotry. I'm not a religious person but I am a spiritual one and from where I sit no matter what "god" you pray too they are all-loving and all-inclusive.
Ellen spoke out about her haters saying "my haters are my motivators" and had THIS message for them:
I am a mother of 2 and a step mother of 2. I feel it is imperative we teach our children tolerance, acceptance, inclusion and LOVE. We ALL have a RIGHT to be EQUAL -men and women, regardless of sexual preference, religious beliefs, skin color, or personal choices. This is not just a gay/lesbian issue but a HUMAN one. The only labels we should be placing on people is a label of LOVE and acceptance. Celebrating differences instead of promoting the generic herd mentality.
I was impressed that Howard Stern had a few STERN words for all of the anti-gay, haters out there. FINALLY he is ranting about something meaningful. LISTEN:
BRAVO to JC Penny for standing behind Ellen! Do you want to stand behind Ellen and all that she stands for?? LIKE This Facebook page: 1 Million People Support Ellen for JC Penny
We all apply labels to everything we have in this life as part of the human condition to allow our minds to make positive or negative associations usually based on pre-conceived notions or beliefs and not always facts or feelings.
The labels we apply to objects rarely have repercussions or consequences. The same is not true with people. We are ALL guilty of judging and labelling others to suit our purpose, justify our behaviours or to confirm a belief system we have. What we don't stop to think is how that effects the other person or their lives. The news has been full of terrible tales of teen's committing suicide based on being bullied and judged for who they are.
Through history humans have been so vile to one another all simply based on ignorance (in both senses of the word).
Professional dancer, Dancing with the Stars PRO, world champion and champion for EQUALITY Louis Van Amstel brought my attention to the comments of Oklahoma state Rep. Sally Kern (R) who said "homosexuality poses a greater threat to America than terrorist attacks". After my initial shock at her verbal expression of her internal ignorance and character I really felt sad for her and all who share her belief - sadly there are many. Those who choose to hate, bully, or waste their time and energy judging others.
Equality, Acceptance and Tolerance of ANYONE who is different for their skin color, sexuality, life choices, size, or perceived disability is ESSENTIAL to our evolution as a human race. Although fiercely promoted as a gay/lesbian issue I really believe EQUALITY to be a HUMAN issue. Louis shares my belief of EQUALITY for ALL and I had a chance to ask Louis a few questions regarding his feeling on the issue recently;
LISA: Why are you so passionate about this cause?
LOUIS: I was bullied for being fat, gay and short which I learned to deal with growing up, but I'll never forget the feeling. It's humiliating and makes you feel so lonely. I don't wish anyone to have to go through those feelings, that's why I will do anything in my power to not only advocate against bullying, but also find ways what we can do about it together.
LISA: What bothered you the most about the recent comments from Sally Kerns?
LOUIS: At first a laughed, because I thought it was a joke. When I realized she was very serious about her statement "Homosexuals are more dangerous than terrorists" it got me so riled up I couldn't let it go. I felt humiliated and I relived the same feeling again as when I was bullied as a kid. So many people have worked hard to get where they're at in life, for some person, like Sally Kern, to dare to make that statement is devastating and uncalled for.
LISA: What inspired you to write to her? Did she reply to your letter?
LOUIS: Even though I'm not a father, suddenly I felt the need to stand up for all the kids that are being bullied today and have no voice. Writing Sally Kern was the right thing to do. Sally Kern has not replied to letter to her on twitter, but I'm sending it officially to her office. I'm doing my research right now to get it through the right channels!
LISA: What can people do to help get involved and stop the HATE and bullying?
LOUIS: Let your opinion be heard, but do it in a way you're not trying to change people's mind. Sharing your opinion is enough. If you fight fire with fire it only fuels the opposition. When we all start living life excepting each other's differences we wouldn't have the HATE issue, nor the bullying. Can you imagine a world where we would all be the same? Same skin color, same hair color, same religion, same personalities????? It's the diversity in all the above that makes the world go round.
LISA: Can you talk about how you use dance to build self esteem.
LOUIS: For years I used dance as therapy. Thank goodness for dance, because for a long time it was my way to express without ever having to say one word about my feelings. Feelings of loneliness, humiliation, embarrassment etc. On the outside I looked happy, but on the inside I was pretty much numb. It was the combination of my artistic expression through movement and winning dance competitions that gave me the power to deal with my self esteem. I turned into a rebel. My true self esteem started growing when I started learning to say 'NO' if it didn't feel right for me! I started realizing following my gut feeling, which was giving me such a good feeling about myself versus my insecure mind. I also saw how the outside world was respecting me for it. To be true to yourself is really hard work and it never ends, building self esteem through dance is just so much more fun!....and cheaper...(LAUGHS)
Louis is a tireless supporter of anti-bullying andNOH8 campaigns as well as supporting people with developmental/intellectual disabilities. He has a heart even larger than his many talents. He is currently self esteem building via dance fitness with his new movement called LA BLAST! (soon to be available on DVD). Read his Blog HERE
Louis, Myself & my husband David attending a Charity luncheon/Fashion Show for KAINOS - an organization that provides housing, education and vocational training to individuals with developmental disabilities. An AMAZING organization really helping people!
This is an issue that we are all responsible to discuss, live our lives by example and teach our children and those around us tolerance. Hating back and acting out in negativity only perpetuates the problem. We should explore and talk about these issues in an intelligent and educated way. Life should be a celebration of DIFFERENCES and what makes each of us unique. It is only then can we all reach our full potentials as human beings and begin to evolve in peace; LOVE being the only label.
I thought it only fitting since Tori Spelling was my FIRST Style Maven feature that her husband Dean; the other half of their dynamic duo be featured as my first Male Maven of Style.
For those of you don't know Dean he is a Canadian born actor of both film and television but he is most famous for being a reality TV star. A co-star with his wife in "Tori & Dean: INN LOVE" and the co-star of the hit Oxygen reality series "Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood". Season 6 of T&D HSH airs in late summer or early fall. They are currently taping.
He is also the co-star of the NEW creative reality program "Tori & Dean: STORI Book Weddings", where he and Tori design weddings for lucky couples ~ It premiers April 6th on Oxygen (check your local listings). He told me about an upcoming episode when they designed a Marie Antoinette themed wedding. He wanted fans to know, "We did a lot with vintage clothing for the Mary Antoinette themed wedding episode – models walking with authentic clothes from the period, not costume reproductions."
Dean and Tori have recently launched a new business venture in Los Angeles called :InvenTORI. It is a lifestyle store filled with antiques, collectibles, children and pet items. If you are in the LA area go check it out at 13826 Ventura Blvd N Sherman Oaks. Apparently they ship all over the US as well - call 818-981-1007 Visit the stores NEW website: www.InvenTORI.com
In the works is an "All things Dean" website. Users can log on to get parenting tips and advice, recipes, information about motorcycles and MORE. Essentially all of Dean's favorite things in one virtual space. No URL or launch date has been released so STAY Tuned. I think it will be a unique spin for a mens site. It's not just up to moms to care for children, cook, get pedicures or shop! Hip Dad's are on board too! and it's about time!
When he is not bringing his reality to our Tv's, opening stores or launching web sites he is a devoted father of 3 children (Jack, Liam & Stella),
A doting husband to Tori, she is the ROCK to his ROLL. I think their Love story is FABULOUS. Rarely does one find their "other self" - they remind me of my husband and I actually. Under the strangest circumstances, not so perfect timing and by really love and sheer will to be together they have build such a beautiful relationship and family. PLUS they seem like a hell of a good time and great friends! The 4 of us should get together for dinner some time ;)What I love the most about them is their honesty and lack of pretension. We all saw on last season of T&D that their relationship, just like everyone, has its up's and downs. Tori referred to it in her latest book (Uncharted TerriTORI) as an "Ebb and Flow". It is this real quality that I identify with. I love how they live their life publicly and do what THEY want in spite of the ever present glare of the spotlight and generic societal pressure.
He is also a motorcycle enthusiast and racer. He mentioned to me that "I’m also into riding obviously but Vintage and Vintage replica mototcycles like the Tramp Scrambler; A throwback to Steve Mcqueen – Ducati biposo a vintage racer Vintage café racers – that movement is really making a comeback – 60/70 motorcyles taking them and making them into cool works of art."
AND a man with a giant heart to support charitable causes for animals, various children's charities and the NOH8 campaign and their quest for equality.
With this full plate he still has time to be a Male Maven of Style and show the guys how it's done with his relaxed, RockNRoll chic style aesthetic.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak to Dean by phone and ask him my Style Maven questions:
LISA: Can you describe your personal Style aesthetic AND attitude about fashion?
DEAN: A little edgy, RockNroll, a bit of modern thrown in. I created a new term "VINROMOR" – Vintage RocknRoll Modern. Fashion has become a lot more fun since meeting T (Tori). I love shopping. It is a great thing about our relationship. T has helped me bring out my true style. I was preppy before I met her and she has helped tap into the real me and my real style.
LISA: What are the key components / pieces in your closet?
DEAN: The key components of my closet are a Black suit, nice white shirt and tie, dress shoes, great beat up pair of boots, cool jeans, a couple vintage t-shirts and jackets. I like jackets with a military influence to it. I really like to Mix and match. I also love a wallet on a chain, when I’m riding my bike it makes me feel like a rock star (Laughs).
I also wear a lot of Cardigans now. They can be dressed up or down. Ascots are also making a comeback; I am tired of the tie. An Ascot worn with a really nice white shit with open collar is very bratpack-ish . If it is a suit and tie event ROCK an ascot.
I also Love Vintage jackets. T got me a vintage jacket that had been upcycled/recycled from 3 Vintage jackets and made into one. It is my favorite piece.
LISA: How do you feel about Vintage Clothing and Accessories?
DEAN: I LOVE vintage clothing. I can’t seem to find my size often times as I am 6’ 3 and a big guy. I don’t know if it is sizing from the era’s or if all the larger ones have been picked over. I love the set of Italian leather overnight bags I got at a Vintage shop in New York. I do Love vintage accessories too; cufflinks, ties, and sunglasses. I bought Vintage plaid short sleeved shirts, about 10 of them for $19/ea that I rock with jeans and boots. I recently got a pair of Vintage cowboy boots and I love Vintage leather jackets.
LISA: What are you wearing this Spring/Summer? Tell our readers the key elements for your S/S 2011 wardrobe.
DEAN: I live in shorts. Board shorts (Volcom) and cargo shorts. I’m trying to keep my colors solid for Spring/Summer. I am Staying away from patterns, I feel I have grown out of them a bit. Vintage looking t-shirts (He LOVES his EVOLUTION VINTAGE T-shirts: He has both BLACK & WHITE). Flip Flops w painted toes. Classic colors – charger orange, Chevy nova blue, gunmetal, camo. I used to wear a lot of black but I’m exploring colors now.
LISA: If you had one piece of STYLE advice for Women what would it be?
DEAN: Whatever the outfit (corporate, conservative, or edgy) ALWAYS try and find something that will accentuate your best feature. That is really sexy. I love when T wears something lower cut; she has amazing cleavage obviously but she has a beautiful neck and chest. Highlight your best assets ladies it is hot and sexy.
LISA: If you had one piece of STYLE advice for MEN what would it be?
DEAN: Take Chance. Change it up a bit. Like my toe nails I am off of black and have moved into a lot of colors. Also substitute an ascot for a traditional tie. It is a very retro look as I said before with an open collar and an ascot. They are making a come back!
LISA: Men seem to need a little extra help when it comes to their wardrobe. What would be your recommendation for 3 stylish staples for their closets?
DEAN:1) Black suit 2) Jeans 3) Boots
LISA: Tell me about your tattoos. They are such a big part of your style and VIBE! Any advice for people considering getting one?
DEAN: They are ALL personal. The big coy fish is Tori, the Tiger is me and baby coy fish represent the kids. They are all black and white but I want to get the coy fish coloured to represent the masculine and feminine. Advice: If u r going to get a tatt – make sure it is something personal, you will have it the rest of your life. The Tweety bird’s and Yosemite Sam you are going to regret.
A Look at Dean's STYLE: CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Many of you may not know this Maven but let me introduce Simone Reyes. Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons RIGHT hand (assistant), an unequivocal supporter and protector of animal's rights, vegan, burlesque dancer and pole dancing/fitness aficionado.
She starred on the 2010 debut of the Oxygen reality show "Running Russell Simmons" that chronicles the day-to-day grind of Russell Simmons and his fierce femme support team, that organize and facilitate Russell's busy life. Simone and Christina being the top two girls who are the closest to Russell and handle all dealings from business to personal for the extremely busy entrepreneur, entertainment and fashion mogul, philanthropist, and yogi.
Running Russell Simmons (Trailer):
What truly inspires me about Simone is her COMPASSION and PASSION for animals and their rights. She is a Vegan and a hard core supporter of PETA, Mercy for Animals, Farm Sanctuary and Animal Acres. She speaks for those who do not have a voice in our society, the millions of defenceless animals slaughtered each day so society can keep the status quo on their plates. In the wise words of Sir Paul McCartney; “If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian.” Think about that concept for a moment. People would have to really consider where their food comes from.
Many people also do not realize that their choice to eat meat is not only cruel but they are contributing to an entity that is the LARGEST contributor the destruction our planet - Factory Farms! Did you know that a Factory Farm creates more pollution and greenhouse gas emissions than ALL the cars, trucks, vans, planes, trains and ships in the world COMBINED! This is according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
I was particularly impressed by her efforts in NY times Square making a statement along side PETA (WATCH THE VIDEO)
Her quest for equality for all; men, women and animals extended to her participation in the NOH8 Campaign. Lend your face & voice: www.noh8campaign.com
She stays fit and sexy through her pole dancing and fitness.
Simone On Pole Dancing: "I always feel it's my job to introduce women to pole dancing because I have personally gotten so much out of it. Sure, it's a hot badge of honor, a cool notch on your belt to be able to hang upside down on a pole, but the benefits go much deeper. Pole dancing takes me back to a very primitive, organic part of myself physically and emotionally. It frees me. And yes, it's HOT." My sister owns a business called "RockNPole" (www.rocknpole.ca) which encompasses personalized fitness programs, customized pole fitness with a fun "girls night in" component of pole parties at your home. Get the girls together and ROCK the POLE! I wish more women knew of the benefits of pole fitness and dance. Spread the word Simone!!
She also has spread her creative wings into the area of burlesque dance.
Simone has a hippy-chic sense of style mixing boho with rock-n-roll and sequins; the combination of flashy & earthy! I LOVE her accessories; headbands, hats and Vintage bags. Of course all her fashion choices are 'animal friendly' too -She wears no furs, animal skins, leather or otherwise. If it ain't Vegan she's not buying.
I had a chance to ask Simone my Style Maven Questions:
LISA: Can you describe your personal Style aesthetic AND attitude about fashion?
SIMONE: My personal style is Cherie Currie meets Sharon Tate..70's glam rocker/ 60's flowerchild
LISA: What are the key components / pieces in your closet?
SIMONE: I love bell bottom jeans, platform shoes and dresses with sequins. I love anything shiny, like a bird.
LISA: How do you feel about Vintage Clothing and Accessories?
SIMONE: I am a vintage girl at heart..its boring for me to shop at a mall and I never follow trends. However, put me in a vintage store and I feel my heart begin to swell. The hunt is the most thrilling part.
LISA: What are your favorite Vintage pieces (Clothing and/or Accessories)? Do you only wear designer vintage?
SIMONE: I don't limit my wardrobe to only vintage but it's my go-to favorite look. My favorite pieces are a few 70's jumpsuits that I embellished with some retro patches and studs to rocker them up a bit. I have some delicate lace shawls that remind me of my idol, Stevie Nicks and some amazing 60's minidresses that I adore.
LISA: What are you wearing this Spring? Tell our readers the key elements for your Spring 2011 wardrobe
SIMONE: I love capes so I am going to be wearing those as the NY weather goes from chilly to breezy.
LISA: If you could give women 1 piece of STYLE advice, what would it be?
SIMONE: My style advice is to choose their wardrobe from the heart..come from a place of non-violence which means DON'T wear fur, leather, feathers, silk, wool or suede. I remember meeting with a stylist on the first season of filming "Running Russell Simmons" and the look on her face when I told her I'm a vegan and we don't wear any animal products. She had the look of "WHAT am I going to pull for her?!?!". Then, as she got to see all my pieces from my closet she understood that you don't need to be cruel to look cool. Compassion is the Fashion.
Evolution Vintage's Picks for Simone:
Vintage Silver & Black Sequin Top
Designer Re-Sale: Jovovich-Hawk Dress
Late 40's Vintage Whiting & David Metal Mesh Clutch
White Evolution Vintage T-shirt ~ vintage Style Burn out shirt - VERY ROCK N ROLL!
Vivica A. Fox is the sassy star who got her start on TV in the late 1980’s. She is a well rounded actress between her film and TV roles she appears to have done it all; Comedy, Reality, Drama, Live Theatre, Voice Over’s, Music Video’s, Sitcoms and even Soaps. She was even a resident of Genoa city on The Young and the Restless back in the 1990’s.
Her resume is impressive. You remember her in; HBO series curb your enthusiasm, Drop Dead Diva, and Cartoon Network's Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated Voice of Angel Dynamite. Fox also hosted her own VH1 reality series entitled Glam God. She has appeared in Films such as; Kill Bill Vol.1, Independence Day, Soul Food, Ella Enchanted, and MANY others. She was even a fan favorite on Dancing With The Stars, season 3. Her most recent venture is double duty as both Star and Producer of “Cheaper to Keep Her” in this romantic comedy Stage play along side R&B singer Brian McKnight.
"Angel Dynamite"
3 things you may not know about Vivica:
The “A” stands for: Anjanetta
Astrological Sign: Leo
Marital Status: Engaged
When she is not burning up the stage, producing a show or bring a voice to the cartoon radio host and friend of Scooby Doo & the gang she is striving to make women beautiful. In 2009 she launched the Vivica A. Fox hair collection; a collection of wigs and hair extensions (http://www.vivicafoxhair.com/). You can grab both real hair or synthetic locks via dealers all over the us as well as online. www.vivicafoxhair.com/locator.html She even lent her beautiful face and voice to the NOH8 Campaign for Equality - along with countless other celebrities and compassionate people! (http://www.noh8campaign.com/)
I had the opportunity to ask Vivica my Style Maven questions;
LISA: Can you describe your personal Style aesthetic AND attitude about fashion?
VIVICA: My personal style is Glamour, Sexy, Rock n Roll.
LISA: What are the key components / pieces in your closet?
VIVICA: Key Components for my closet are a fitted pant suit, great shoes (Louboutin’s are my fav!), sexy classy dresses And great Jackets to rock with jeans or leggings.
LISA: How do you feel about Vintage Clothing and Accessories?
VIVICA: I love vintage clothing!
LISA: What are your favorite Vintage pieces (Clothing and/or Accessories)? Do you only wear designer vintage?
VIVICA: Throw back classic dresses n sweaters n jackets! U can find some great pieces to update! It doesn’t have to b a designer piece that catches my eye when it comes to Vintage clothing
LISA: What are you wearing this Spring? Tell our readers the key elements for your Spring 2011
VIVICA: Spring clothes I love are Herve Leger dresses, Gucci is looking hot and of course Louboutin heels to complete the look!
LISA: If you could give women 1 style tip or piece of Style advice, what would it be?
VIVICA: Don't force fashion is my #1 fashion tip! If it doesn’t make u look HOT! Skip it!
Here's a look at Vivica's Style. What I love about this maven is her BOLD color choices, Sexy dresses, great clutches and SHOES! I LOVE her Vintage GLAM looks here:
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE:
You look lovely in your Louboutin’s Viv, keep it hot and I for one am excited to see your wedding dress! A Herve Leger custom stunner? Or a maybe you will opt for a Vintage designer gown? either way Maven, you got this!
