Evolution Revolution

Monday, February 18, 2013

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

Saturday, February 16, 2013

She's Like a Rainbow

Image: Kevin Falerios - Model: Hanna Fisher - Styling: LisaG

Wardrobe: Evolution Vintage (Skirt Available HERE)

After spending much time over the last week confined in my house being mommy-nurse-maid to my 2 sick babies there is nothing I want to see more than a vibrant rainbow. Our coastal sunsets are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen but there is something magical about a rainbow. It got me thinking about rainbow prints, designs and motifs.

The song that has been playing in my mind today is courtesy of the Rolling Stones "She's Like A Rainbow" one of my FAV Stones tracks.

Nothing more chic than a rainbow in a metallic

L'Wren Scott Spring 2013 and Sarah Jessica Parker

*Fun Fact: Fashion Designer L'Wren Scott & Mick Jagger are currently in a relationship. Fabulous to mix her spring looks and his music!*

What was once "old" is ALWAYS re-designed in fashion. The above looks reminded me of this 1950's rainbow skirt.

Skirt ~ $68

Check out these Vintage "Rainbow" Confections. Pump up the color volume in your closet for spring with a ROCKIN RAINBOW!

1950's Rainbow Stripe Dress ~ $250

Vintage 'Rainbow Peep Toes" - SZ 8 - $36

Vintage Ethnic 70's metallic striped maxi dress ~ $125

70's Rainbow Stripe Dress ~ $99

60/70's Rainbow sleeve & belted dress ~ $58

70's Rainbow Stripe Maxi Dress ~ $45

Monday, February 11, 2013

V-Day Paint Project

Valentines day is upon us and once again I opted for another Keep Sake gift for my Valentine but this year it was a collaboration. In years past my DIY gifts have been solo but this year the kids helped me out. I of course purchased a small pressie from an antique store for my husband as well but my FAV gifts are those that combine thought, time and a little effort. I adore my husbands home made cards that I receive every special occasion and in between. His random bursts of greeting card creativity always inspires me to respond in kind.

I decided to create a GIANT Valentine from myself and the kids. You could create this yourself (no kids required) and proudly display it all year round. Don't restrict this fun activity to gift giving on V-Day either, it works for many occasions.

What you need:

* Canvas (or large paper)

* Acrylic Paint (fast dry and fast cleanup w soap/water)

* Brushes

* Lip Stick

* Metallic Sharpie

*Creativity

I prepped the canvas with a white wash of acrylic paint, it just gives it a little more texture and it's something I personally like to do to canvas but it is not a necessary step. Kaleigh was my little helper (with a fever of 102.5+ - She is a professional).

I wanted to capture a moment in time so I thought I would use my children's feet and hand prints, turning both into heart designs. I stamped each child's paint covered feet and hands onto the canvas. The feet placed in a V shape I used a brush to complete the heart and I painted a heart into the palm of each hand with metallic silver paint.

To leave my mark, I added lip stick "kisses" in both pink/red hues to correspond to the hand/feet impressions. I also pressed the side of my palms into the metallic silver paint creating a "hand hart" shape. I pressed it into the bottom right of the valentine to create my signature.

There is no limit to what you could press on a canvas for your Valentine (again, kids not required). You never know you could end up with a really cool piece of art or a conversation piece at the very least.

Our finished product - Daddy will LOVE it!

Still looking for a V-day idea? Check out last years Photo Book and 2011's V-day Scavenger Hunt

Shower the people you love with love ~ especially yourself!!

Happy Valentines Day!

~ L

Saturday, February 9, 2013

I Love LIME

Image: Miles Aldridge

In the last month I have suffered 2 different strains of influenza. It has been brutal to say the least especially caring for 2 sick kids on top of everything. I needed to distract myself from the vileness of my current state so of course I turn to Fashion; specifically COLOR! I am in LOVE with LIME! and I'm NOT waiting for spring.

I can't wait to mix lime with another bold hue like watermelon

DVF Spring 2013

Dior Vernis - LIME ~ $24

Michael Kors LIME Tote ~ $278

*There is a different version of this MK tote in LIME via NM Last Call $89.25*

Proenza Schouler Summer 2013

EVOLUTION VINTAGE PICKS:

Vintage Lime Knit Sweater ~ $42

Vintage 60's 2 piece Dress/Jacket Set ~ $60

Evolution REWIND MOD Floral Ring with LIME center ~ $45

Or grab the set, complete with Vintage earrings for $55

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

House of Fab: Viewing Party Re-Cap

On Wed Jan 23 my FAB friends gathered at my home to participate in a "Viewing Party" for Kimora Lee Simmon's NEW reality series, "House of Fab" which chronicles her new role as creative director with her new team at JUSTFAB.com

I often hear women say (when speaking about clothing); "I love this, but I have no where to wear it", my reply: "CREATE SOMEWHERE" which is just what I did by throwing a fab dinner party coinciding with the premiere of the show. We all were going to watch it anyway so why not dress, grab our JustFab.com gear and have dinner/drinks together?