International Women's Day

We are ALL Wonder Women, yes ALL of us without exception. Women around the globe on a daily basis are achieving great things, loving and caring for children, are amazing friends, daughters, partners, educators, musicians, artists and contributors to the workforce. I feel like many of you sell yourself short based on the mirror society holds up and you shouldn't. 

International women's day is a great time to celebrate women and their achievements, big and small but it is also a day to question.  Why don't we celebrate women all year long? Why don't women receive equal pay for equal work? why don't women have access to proper health care? Why are women in the world denied basic human rights that are bestowed upon their male counterparts? Finally, what can We do as a community to bring forth change?

An Iranian woman shows Persian writing on her hands reading women should same rights as men. Photograph: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA

I have spent most of the day reflecting on these issues as I read the endless stream of articles and posts on social media. I feel that as a community we can continue to make an impact and move forward towards true gender equality and the dissolution of gender lines.  For example, Voting, joining a community organization, even simple acts of kindness and support to other women, one at a time we can make a difference, like a ripple effect.

Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects. - Dalai Lama.

It is my hope and ultimate goal to empower and inspire women through fashion and personal style. I choose to stand with all women as an ally and never a competitor. I want to celebrate every woman's achievements as I truly respect any woman with pure intention who is putting forth effort in this life.

I often wonder what the world will be like for my daughter. The best we can do as mothers, teachers, and role models is to raise our girls to be proud individuals who think for themselves, question the status quo and not accept anything that does not feel right or serve her.

We can equip our girls to know that SHE is enough.

Thank you for being part of this gorgeous female tapestry. For inspiring me each day with your wisdom, bravery, heart and guts.

I cannot easily compile a list of women that I admire as it is ALL OF YOU. Know that we are ALL wonder women, together on this and ALL days!

Happy 1st Birthday SJP Collection!

Image: Jochy Fersobe

For the past year dear reader you have seen several post featuring the SJP Collection Shoe line designed by Actress/Producer/Style Maven Sarah Jessica Parker.  I fell in love with the line from the moment she cut the grosgrain ribbon at their first pop up shop in New York last year on a chilly New York day in February.

The shoe collaboration started with the retail chain Nordstrom and in this past year it has expanded to Neiman Marcus, Zappo's Couture and into the Middle East: Harvey Nichols Dubai and Bloomingdale's Dubai. Each retailer has a wide variety of the collection along with exclusive shoe's and all inventory is different. The brand has also evolved past just shoes and into bags, candle and initially a fabulous trench coat (In 2 colors)!

Her collection was the answer to my styling prayers. I have an eBoutique where I sell Vintage clothing. I re-style fashion's past into the contemporary closets of my clients. This collection I have dubbed "The NEW Classic". The designs and colors are so new and contemporary but their sole firmly planted in fashion's past AND the future of all who buys and wears them. Years from now I will be wearing these shoes and they will still be current and classic.

Image: Jochy Fersobe

Top SJP Moment's This Year:

I bid farewell to 35 and celebrated my 36th year in SJP Gina (coral) and Vintage Pink Glass Fawn Pumps.

I had the pleasure and honor of being invited to New York to attend the Footwear News Awards with Sarah Jessica as she was being honored for launch of the year. I wore Vintage Fringe the "Alyssa" Bootie in Purple.

 Image: SJP Collection Instagram

 and she wore the Carrie in nude.

I rang in 2015 with my Parent's and Husband in URSULA Peep Toe in Metallic Foil

URSULA did double duty as Snow White's Magical Slipper at my daughter's Royal Celebration for her 7th Birthday! (Ursula also available in Silver for all the Cinderella's reading this)

The SJP "Carrie" in Black accompanied me Christmas Day

To the Thanksgiving Table

and to celebrate 6 amazing married years to the love of my life, styled with vintage of course.

 No Halloween could be complete without "Anna" in Asparagus and a dash of Maleficent. How else could I deliver treat's to my daughter's 1st grade class?

Last, my eternal gratitude to Sarah Jessica and her fabulous team of stylish ladies for making a double shoe donation to the National Down Syndrome Society Charity Auction in New York. The proceeds from her kindness went to benefit people with Down Syndrome and their families. Plus two wonderful women have the pleasure of having a modern day Cinderella moment in their autographed "Marlene" and "Daphne" heels.

As you can see the SJP collection has been with me every step of the way this past year. I look forward to seeing what is next for this brand as it continues to populate my closet and inspire me. Congratulation's Sarah Jessica and your gorgeous team. Thank You for the authenticity of this product and doing it YOUR way, straight from the sole. You are my SHOEro!

Marlene in Purple Foil

Image: Jochy Fersobe

Take The Pledge

Today we bring awareness of the R word.Yes people still say it. Stop. It is offensive, hurtful and reflects only your lack of intelligence. I will happily distribute thesauruses to those who need assistance in choosing another word to express dislike over something. To those who say it to hurt another person or to insult them I will happily dispense my disgust. The R word is as unacceptable as the N word and other rude words. Keep your BS excuse about your First Amendment rights to free speech to yourself also. I have my rights too as a mother, advocate and human being, hence this post. Show compassion, respect and love to others. Show yourself respect by expanding your vocabulary and eliminating this word. People first language in ANY situation is always a more appropriate alternative. Many people say "It's only a word" as if it is no big deal. If that is the case it should not be a big deal to stop or refrain from using it either.

Blake and I Thank You.

Will you take the pledge to put an end to the R word?

CLICK HERE TO STAND WITH ME 

Eileen Kramer: 100 Years Of Creative Energy

Eileen Kramer in 'Indian Love Song', 1952.

I have recently become familiar with the name Eileen Kramer. She is a 100 year old dancer and creative artist who refuses let age or vision/health limitations stop her creative process or cease her creative energy. She is trying to get her newest show ("The Early Ones") to the stage and has started a crowd funding page to do so. With 6 days left and $14,072 dollars to raise to reach her goal of $26,000 she has totally inspired me to share her story and make a donation toward her dream.

I see so many women, myself included making excuses for things we did not do or won't do. Eileen is a shining example of someone who has let their passion fuel their life and not not let excuses, like age for example stand in the way of her creative process or her dreams. She is also a beautiful link to the history of dance, choreography and costuming in this genre.

Watch Eileen and learn about her project here:

At 100 years young she maintains creative control of her vision from the choreography to the costumes. The funds raised will go to pay the fee of the 9 dancers in her show, provide costumes, pay musicians and composer in charge of the music.

As an original member of the Australian Bodenwieser Dance Company, a pioneer in contemporary dance she has been performing for the past 75 years. She shows no sign or intention of stopping or even slowing down and and from her creative soul to mine I am left in awe in completely inspired. 

She has even written an autobiography about her journey of self realization as a creative artist.

Buy it

Back ground image: Photo of Eileen Kramer and Jean Raymond in Bodenwieser's „Waterlilies“, around 1940.


Can you help?
Make a Donation and/or Share This Post! 

Be Our Guest: Princess Belle

Disney - Beauty & The Beast

Yesterday I broke down my Disney Princess party with all it's DIY craftiness, menu and entertainment. Besides my lovely birthday girl our special guest, was indeed the Belle of the Ball.

Prior to Kaleigh's party I reached out to 'Magic Moments Princess Parties' who service the Central Coast of California and beyond, spreading magic and enchanting party guests of all ages.

Her Royal Entrance Escorted By Prince Charming

I could not resist choosing Belle from their diverse list of Princesses (Currently 7). The costume is truly on another level. I am a stickler for details and accuracy when it comes to wardrobe and this gown was perfection, exactly what I would picture Belle to be wearing in 'reality'.

My daughter was literally rendered speechless which is not an easy task. Belle arrived with her magical enchanted Rose. 

She made a charming introduction and addressed each of us properly in costume, I got a fabulous "hello Snow white" as if she knew me, the girls were astonished.

She took her place under the canopy and addressed her captive audience by reading the girls a story, Beauty and the Beast. The birthday girl got to hold the magical rose for her.

She went on to share a virtue from each princess and give an etiquette lesson. She showed the girls Rapunzel's braid and talked about bravery. She shared a bird and asked the girls what princess it belonged too. She shared Snow White's love and kindness toward animals.

Snow White's Bird while Prince Charming Looks On. BEST Dad EVER! 

Cinderella's Slipper

Next it was time to dance like a Princess. Belle shared tips from each princess and led the girls in a round circle dance. Tip: Make sure you have Kleenex on hand for the big kids at the party. There was not a dry eye in the house as this moment was so beautiful. The guests commented that it felt like being a kid again at Disneyland! 

She also taught the girls a proper Royal Wave and Courtesy.

It was time for the Birthday Girls Coronation Ceremony. Belle crowned Kaleigh Princess for a day and led her around to wave to her Royal Subjects (accompanied by music).

 Finally Belle took the time to pose with the birthday girl and all of the party guests.  Special thank's to Hayley Marie Photography for capturing many of the amazing images of the Royal Celebration.

Want to make your child's birthday party a truly ROYAL and MAGICAL Event? 

Book Magic Moment Princess Parties. Choose your Princess and let the highly professional and skilled ladies handle the rest. 

Various price levels and packages available.  I chose Party Package #1

Note: There can be a travel fee depending on your event's location!

Contact Anna (EMAIL)

Call: (805) 710-1745

Thank you Belle & Magic Moments for a truly enchanting experience!  We can't wait for you to Be Our Guest again!