DSAM: Danny & Sandy

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month I teamed up with my friend Nicole to do a cute themed shoot of our children Blake (6) and Amelia (4). With Halloween just around the corner we channeled one of our favorite musicals, GREASE!

There are so many misconceptions about our kids still exists in our society and it is my hope that through advocacy, education and visibility people can start to shift their focus from our children's "Disability" to their ability. Let's start celebrating differences!

Is having a child with Down Syndrome challenging, difficult and sometimes hard? YES

Is having children challenging, difficult and sometimes hard? YES

Is it worth all of the struggles, effort and challenges for our children with Down Syndrome? 1,000 X YES!

Is raising children worth all of the struggles, effort and challenges? 1,000 X YES

See where I'm going with this .....

Our two little on set diva's were challenging to wrangle and capture on camera but the results were well worth it, just like them!

Nicole, Amelia's mom said "Amelia has the same wants and needs as any other 4 year old. Being Amelia's mom has given my life a purpose and has fulfilled me in ways I didn't think possible. She is also just a kid!"

The most famous lyric in the film, "You're the one that I want" Is perfect for our children with and without Down Syndrome. Obviously a different context but I have to say nothing could be more appropriate on Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Blake is exactly the son I want and the son I never knew I needed. He has made me a better human and mother.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Kristin's Story Part I

Image by Hayley West

Styling by Me - 

Shabby Apple Tulle Skirt / Betsy Johnson Bracelet/ Forever 21 Ear Cuff

MAU: Hanna Fisher

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the month I want to share stories of women that I have had the honor of bring connected with. We have all seen the statistics but like everything else in our fast paced life we have maybe breezed by them or said to ourselves "that could never happen to me". Did you know that in every 8 women 1 will be diagnosed with breast cancer?

A really sobering thought. I met Kristin when I was asked to donate my time/styling expertise to a photo shoot celebrating the end of her grueling chemotherapy treatment. Of course I answered the call, anything that will serve to empower or inspire another woman I always show up!

She first met me in my Evolution Vintage showroom and we talked a lot about what she is authentically drawn too. She loves lace, ruffles, anything romantic and feminine. She adores pink and was also open to my ideas. I was inspired by her strength but also by her willingness to step outside her style comfort zone and give some looks a try she may not have otherwise chose. The pictorial is a true celebration of her beauty and life.

Kristin wearing Vintage Ruffle Gown, Vintage Gloves and Vintage Pearls

She told me, "One morning I though I pulled a muscle, so did a self-check and felt around. To my discovery found a lump. Trying not to freak out I immediately booked an appointment with my OB November 14th , 2015.  She said there is defiantly a lump I suggest getting an appointment to get a mammogram/ Ultrasound.

(Nov19th 2015)

From there things progressed pretty quickly

Biopsy December 1st 2015 and December 7th I was officially diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

I can’t say enough do your self-breast exam on the 1st of every month!You are never too young or too old. There is something to be said about that  "Gut feeling. "

Kristin was 31 when she received the news she had breast cancer. She explained,

"Stage 2-breast cancer, BRCA Positive (carry the gene), HER 2 Positive (the cancer cells have more of protein. It causes these cells to grow and spread faster than the ones with normal level of protein)" 

She shared what inspired her during this chapter in her life,

"God’s overwhelming Grace upon my life.

Family and friends near and far.

Often a physical illness will impact you more than just physically.  It can impact your emotions and hope, your spirit and soul. But God Himself can redeem even those times for good and His glory. When you are ill and forced to slow down, of course visit the doctor, take your medicine and rest. And, yes pray to the Lord, for He is the only one that heals your diseases. Sometimes, though, Jesus also wants to speak to you during this quieter time, so look and listen for what He wants to teach you when you are ill. – God’s Promises for when your Hurting by Jack Countryman"

Tomorrow I will share her tips for staying healthy and strong through Chemo and beyond as well as her recently acquired wisdom for anyone who has been recently diagnosed. You can also come back and see the rest of her gorgeous pictorial! 

L

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Pink Perfect: Hall & Valena

Jerry Hall 1970's

I am in the middle of a MAJOR style overhaul in my eBoutique Evolution Vintage. I have enlisted the help of a great team to make this evolution possible. I have used the most beautiful local models, for which I have hand selected to represent a cross section of beauty and culture. My talented team mate and photographer, Tamara Wickstrom and the help of a few of my closest friends. Inspiration is all around and for this particular shot I choose the lovely and talented model, Amanda Valena to make my vision of a 70's chic moment come to life.  She just screamed Jerry Hall circa 1970's to me. She's a beautiful blond that the camera loves and she has excellent energy. She can vamp it up and made this 70's pink polyester gown a perfect mix of Jerry 1970's and Amanda 2014.

Amanda by Tamara Wickstrom

Styling/Art Direction: Lisa Graystone

Jerry Hall by Richard Avedon

Vogue Aug 1977

It's not that she is Jerry's doppelganger or twin but the same essence was present in these images.

The location is the coolest BB (Bed and Brunch) located in Cambria, CA - Victoria's Last Resort.

Dress is available for purchase.

Vintage 70's PINK maxi dress with front rouching detail around the bust. Back zip. No labels or tags. Polyester. Garment has stretch. ~ $80

B=34"

W=32"

H=48"

Sl=21.5"

L=54"