Sole Sister Sunday: VENEZIA

 I am ALWAYS on the hunt for 'the new shoe' or the new place to buy them and I have to say Twitter has been an invaluable resource in my never ending quest.  This is where I found VENEZIA SHOES.

Literally where Venice Italy and the Venice Beach, CA Boardwalk collide. VENEZIA is a fab boutique located in Venice California. The owner and curator of all things fabulous for her boutique is Alexandra Yeaggy, Fashion Designer, World Traveller and Sole Sister! She has spent the last 7 years in Italy acquiring skills and traditional Italian methods of Fashion Design: Pattern making, garment construction and Shoe Shopping! She brought a piece of Italy home to her native California in the form of affordable but trendy shoes AND accessories.  I LOVE that all pieces in the VENEZIA collection are under $39.95! You can be chic and on-trend in a VERY affordable way! Don't forget to take a digital trip to "The Trend Deck" where Alex showcases the looks and trends she loves!

What will you find when you visit VENEZIA?

SHOES in all styles and a wide variety of colours and prints.

Bags (this is MY FAV)

and accessories, like unique costume jewelry. LOVE this ring! (PS - it's $7.95)

Daytime Star Melody Thomas Scott ROCKS the triple pearl ring on the red carpet!

I had an opportunity to catch up with Alex and chat with her about her trendy & chic beach side boutique!!

Alex in her FAB shoe closet!

LG: Where did the concept of VENEZIA come from?

AY: I lived and worked in Italy for 7 years and I finally moved back to my hometown of Los Angeles with my fiance’ almost 2 years ago. We wanted to build a brand together that integrated both Italian and Southern Californian style. The Venice beach boardwalk was the perfect place for it, and is in essence where Venice, Italy meets Southern California with the Venice, CA canals etc.  We wanted to provide both an affordable price and adorable on-trend shoes, handbags, and accessories.  And so, Venezia was born. We created a place where every girl can feel like she's in Italy, and be happy to shop the hottest styles while keeping her pockets full.

LG: What inspires your selections for the shop? Have you always loved shoes?

AY: I have always been a huge shoe lover right from the start. I find it’s the one thing that I consistently and obsessively fall in love with, and I just can’t get enough! I am very focused on what is on-trend in both style and color, as well as researching up-and-coming trends on the streets globally. I try to keep a gentle balance of European trends with a California style when selecting each piece.

LG: What can shoppers expect to see for F/W 2012?

AY: As we are on the beachfront, our Summer collection last’s a bit longer than most. We are looking forward to introducing our Fall/Winter collections come the beginning of October 2012. Shoppers can expect to see one of this season’s favorite Color Crushes: Cobalt Blue!

LG: What are your MUST HAVE pieces?

AY: For me, it’s a neutral pump in the winter and a neutral wedge in the summer. I enjoy a good pop of color as well, sometimes dressing from my shoes-up. For me, a shoe can really dictate an outfit.  If a shoe is already a great bold color on its own, I tend to lean towards more neutral tones up on top.

LG: If you had one piece of STYLE advice as it pertains to shoes what would it be?

AY: Keep it comfortable.  In the end, you are the one that will be wearing your shoes day in and day out. Some may boldly choose fashion over comfort when necessary, but I believe there is always the option to choose fashion WITH comfort.

SHOP VENEZIA in the boutique: 909 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291 

OR ONLINE

*Shipping now only in the US but will soon be expanding into Canada AND BEYOND*

Connect with Alex via TWITTER

Where Do You Get Your Protein?

 Dan Piraro’s comic strip Bizarro

If I seriously had a nickle for every time I was asked the question, Where do you get your protein? or What do you eat? both as a Vegetarian and now as a Vegan. My husband's reply to the "what do you eat" question is "NUTRITION". Seems simple enough to me.  We eat a plant based diet (NO animal products) and try to eat as little processed food's as possible. Our rule of thumb is if it has more than 5 ingredients we try to steer clear. We also seriously limit our sugar and eat no white/bleached grains (no white sugar, flour, bread, pasta or rice). I LOVE  my lifestyle and when you KNOW better you DO better. My husband is the most physically active and fit men that I know. Being Vegan is the most amazing thing he has done for his health and fitness level. It has certainly motivated me as well. Weight loss was never the goal but a welcomed side effect for both of us.

Our Protein Sources:

*Green Veggies

*Almond Milk

*Beans

*Legumes
*Peanut Butter / Nut Butter

*Nuts

*Quinoa

*Chia Seeds (1 Table Spoon  = 2g)

*Plant Based Protein Powder (we like smoothies with fresh fruit and Almond Milk)

*Whole Grain Bread (We Eat OROWEAT - Health Nut @ 4g per slice)

   My Husband (P.S. He's 44)

I found an interesting VEGAN's story to share, does not look like he is "missing" or "lacking" anything does it?

Germany’s Strongest Man is a Vegan

“When I started the vegetarian diet I knew little about the effect it would have on my performance and strength. The reasons for my decision were mainly based on my empathy for all kinds of non human animals and the mental conflict I felt, when consuming meat, which would mean that an animal would have to lose its life for my appetite. I was amazed by the great 

gains in lean body-mass and strength that I got with the meat-free diet. After winning the German strongman title I was ready to take the next step and switch to a vegan diet.

As a strength athlete I have to make sure that my body gets all three macro-nutrients in feasible amounts. Especially protein is a key factor for the development of the type of body that is needed to endure the gruelling events you have to face as a strongman. My main protein sources are: soy-milk, soy-protein-powder, tofu, nuts and beans. To get the energy I need for my daily training sessions I use carbohydrates out of: rice, potato, oats and lots of fruits and greens and vegetables. I have never been stronger and I have never felt better in my entire life!”

FYI: Patrik currently holds the world log lift record in the 105k-category (165 kg), as well as the German heavyweight loglift record (185 kg) and the title of “Strongest Man of Germany. 

The choice is ALWAYS up to you what you put into your bodies. I think the results speak for themselves. It is all about Education and Preparation. We take a B12 Vitamin and eat a balanced diet. It is important to do your homework and listen to your body! It could be the best thing you have ever done for yourself.

The First Lady Looks FORWARD

I was blown away by Michelle Obama's speech last night. For the first time I was a VERY proud American resident. With such effortless class and ease the First Lady delivered an amazing speech in support of her husbands re-election. The speech had such a genuine air about it. I read somewhere that she took the last month writing the speech herself (no 3rd party speech writers required). I loved the reinforcement that our choice is really not a political choice but a human choice. Never once slamming, degrading or talking negatively about the Republicans; total CLASS. She highlighted the President's desire for equality for all regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, income or education level. The choice in November is CLEAR to me; to move FORWARD. It makes me SAD that many people are so hung up on "What has not happened" rather than what the President has accomplished. People need to take a REALISTIC look at the political situation Mr. Obama walked into after 8 years of the Bush administration as well as the fact that REAL CHANGE takes TIME! By adjusting expectations and standing together we can all realize opportunities that are truly afforded to all in America if we are willing to work for it and offer our.

Tracy Reese Dress and J. Crew Pumps

I agree with Russell Simmons statement: Never stop giving back! First Lady Michelle Obama shared so many powerful messages last night, but the 1 that really stayed with me was when she said of President Obama, “He believes that when you’ve…walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. No, you reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.” To me, that’s the basic choice we face this Fall. Are we going to be a country where the priority is “get yourself paid and everyone else can fend for themselves?” Or a country where it’s ok to, “Get paid, but always give back too.” To me, it’s an easy choice. Listen, I’m as rich as a lot of these big Republicans, but I WANT to pay more taxes if that means better schools, health care, transportation and welfare, for everyone else. Because I know that the second you stop looking to help and give back in life, whatever success you’ve experienced will become worthless. I really hope The First Lady’s message came through loud and clear to ALL Americans last night, because if we don’t collectively embrace the concept of giving back, then we’ll be lost as a country.

Are you registered to VOTE?

(Image: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Esquire.com)

Did you miss the speech?? WATCH:

Gulabi Gang: Fierce Females in Fuschia

Women's rights and equality sadly continue to be an issue around the globe and astonishingly even in my own back yard (America) as women take to the polls in November hopefully to maintain our right to choose. Female reproduction and the GOP's effort to control it seem to always be at the forefront of the elections. A Republican group of white, "Christian", rich males attempting to use the bible to continue to suppress women and push their patriarchal agendas. OBAMA 2012! (I am LisaG and I approve this message)

But there is global hope that women can stand together to make real change and protect one another.

There is a group in India called GULABI GANG  (Gulabi = Hindi for PINK) who are committed to protecting and educating women. India historically has been a rigid and oppressive patriarchal society who's women have been abused and treated as second class citizens.  In their Fuschia Sari's the Gulabi Gang are right fighters in Uttar Pradesh in Northern India. They are a rural "Justice League" wielding a bamboo stick and loads of passion for protesting child marriages, protecting the victims of abuse, teaching women to read and MORE.

Their Website Explains: "The Gulabi Gang is an extraordinary women’s movement formed in 2006 by Sampat Pal Devi in the Banda District of Uttar Pradesh in Northern India. This region is one of the poorest districts in the country and is marked by a deeply patriarchal culture, rigid caste divisions, female illiteracy, domestic violence, child labour, child marraiges and dowry demands. The women’s group is popularly known as Gulabi or ‘Pink’ Gang because the members wear bright pink saris and wield bamboo sticks. Sampat says, “We are not a gang in the usual sense of the term, we are a gang for justice.”

The Gulabi Gang was initially intended to punish oppressive husbands, fathers and brothers, and combat domestic violence and desertion. The members of the gang would accost male offenders and prevail upon them to see reason. The more serious offenders were publicly shamed when they refused to listen or relent. Sometimes the women resorted to their lathis, if the men resorted to use of force.

Today, the Gulabi Gang has tens of thousands of women members, several male supporters and many successful interventions to their credit. Whether it is ensuring proper public distribution of food-grains to people below the poverty line, or disbursement of pension to elderly widows who have no birth certificate to prove their age, or preventing abuse of women and children, the Pink sisterhood is in the forefront, bringing about system changes by adopting the simplest of methods - direct action and confrontation.

Although the group’s interventions are mostly on behalf of women, they are increasingly called upon by men to challenge not only male authority over women, but all human rights abuses inflicted on the weak."

Their story is BEYOND inspirational! What have you done to create/enforce change or help women?  It may just start with providing an ear or shoulder to women around you. We have a unique set of challenges and circumstances as we navigate this life. Strength in numbers indeed. The Fierce Females in Fuschia let nothing stop them and neither should you!

Sole Sister Sunday: A LUNAR LOOK

We just experienced two fabulous full moons at the end of August and it got me thinking about LUNAR Footwear and a lunar look for Fall.  Designer Charlotte Olympia and her signature gold spider web are over the moon about her "Luna" & "Eclipse" pumps for fall 2012.

ECLIPSE

DESCRIPTION: Heel measures approximately 145mm/ 6 inches with a 35mm/1 inch platform. Light up your night in Eclipse by Charlotte Olympia. These fabulous suede platforms make for a dazzling addition to your evening wear wardrobe. Slip them on after-dark and cause a sensation in these conversational and beautifully crafted silhouettes.

DETAILS:  Charlotte Olympia Eclipse court. Slip on. Black and red suede eye and lip appliqué. Charlotte Olympia spider web logo on the sole. Upper: Suede. Lining: Leather. Sole:100% Leather. Made in Italy. Comes with an adhesive Polaroid picture which can be placed on the outside of your shoe box.

PRICE: $655

 LUNA Pump in Black

PRICE: $595

LUNA in Plum

DETAILS: Charlotte Olympia Luna court shoe. Black and red suede eye and lip appliqué. Slip on. Signature Charlotte Olympia gold spider web logo. Upper; 100% silk satin. Sole and Lining 100% Leather. Made in Italy.Black and red suede eye and lip appliqué

DESCRIPTION: Heel measures approximately 115mm/ 5 inches. Luna by Charlotte Olympia is this season's desirable single sole heel made with luxurious silk satin. This striking silhouette features a metallic silver crescent moon face inset at the outer-facing side with a Swarovski crystal tear. 

Pair this celestial chic shoe with the "LUNATIC" Clutch for an out of this world look. The price tag's for these pieces are out of this world as well. Clutch = $795

LUNATIC CLUTCH

Once in a blue moon we can throw down for such unique pieces. 

Are you ready for a Lunar Look for Fall?

HUE Are You?

VOGUE - 1991 Image: Patrick Demarchelier (Models Wearing Gianni Versace)

Fall is upon us. As we enter September we are reminded that it is soon time to break out the FALL FASHION! I am slowly but surely making my way though the stack of September issues and came across this AD for HUE - Opaque Tights. 

It reminded me of the VOGUE editorial  pictured above and my on-again/off-again love affair with the "Matchy Matchy"

 I LOVE a bold pop of colour for Fall in a tight or legging. 

I honestly cannot pick a favourite.  

 HUE are you?  

What color is your FAV for FALL?

Pedicure De Jour: Houndstooth

Vintage Houndstooth Print & Jewels

I love experimenting with new Mani & Pedi Prints and my Pedicure De Jour is a "Houndstooth" print courtesy of our friends at Sally Hansen. I'm a busy mom and on the go and with no dry time the Salon Effect "stickers" are my go to for both fingers and toes. I love the Salon Effects for nails and converted them for my toes but now they are available in pedicure form. #303 - Puppy Tooth.

My daughter loves them too.

Have you tried the Salon Effects line? What's your FAV print?