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Sunday, October 30, 2011

Lisa's Library: Bauby's Brave Book


Someone just asked me "What are you reading?" and if I had any book suggestions ... I will share a selection from my library periodically via EVOLUTION REVOLUTION. Let me warn you that I am obsessed with NON-Fiction, Memoirs, Autobiography, Bio's, Texts and reference materials!

My first suggestion is an inspirational read called "The Diving Bell and The Butterfly" By Jean-Dominique Bauby. Scottish Songstress Angela McCluskey suggested the book to me about 5 years ago. I immediately ordered it on-line.

Bauby with his children before his stroke.

SYNOPSIS: "In 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby was the editor-in-chief of French Elle, the father of two young children, a 44-year-old man known and loved for his wit, his style, and his impassioned approach to life. By the end of the year he was also the victim of a rare kind of stroke to the brainstem. After 20 days in a coma, Bauby awoke into a body which had all but stopped working: only his left eye functioned, allowing him to see and, by blinking it, to make clear that his mind was unimpaired. Almost miraculously, he was soon able to express himself in the richest detail: dictating a word at a time, blinking to select each letter as the alphabet was recited to him slowly, over and over again. In the same way, he was able eventually to compose this extraordinary book."

Let Bauby's words inspire you and as you read them know that he blinked each letter, one at a time to form each word! A totally inspirational an quick read at 131 pages. How brave and amazing! The strength of the human spirit never ceases to amaze me.


A foreign language film "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" was made based on the book (FYI: Angela's Uber Talented Husband Paul Cantelon is American composer of contemporary classical music and a film score composer. He is also a violinist, pianist, and accordionist, who is also a founding member of American alternative band Wild Colonials. He composed the score for the film!)
I have yet to enjoy the film. Has anyone seen it? It is on my "to watch list" for sure.

I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. I re-read it from time to time and it has a permanent place in Lisa's Library.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Dresscue 911: From Dress to Tunic Top

Remember the seamstress? The lady who has mad skills in the sewing department. She can hem, she can mend she can RE-STYLE and RE-PURPOSE your wardrobe... or your potential wardrobe at your direction. The only limit is your creativity and imagination.

I know we are all desensitized by the mass made and mass marketed fashion already available in a wide range of styles, but what ever happened to alterations?

The seamstress I use for Evolution Vintage; YONG is a whiz at helping me make the old new again and bringing new life to old threads.

Case in point. I dresscued a 1980's dress in a shade of Emerald Green because the color is FAB, the neckline reminds me of the Theirry Mugler suits of the 80's and overall the dress can be re-styled current (the premise of EV).
I noticed that it needed some TLC and FAST (due to 2 tears in both the back and front of the skirt)! I was at a fashion crossroads. I could have the dress altered to a smaller size (original size was 10) or I could have the dress cut into a Tunic Top. I thought there is a shortage of Vintage in sizes larger than 6 so I opted for a Dresscue RE-DO. A tunic top it was - saving the little peplum/pleating in the front.

The Result:
Now it can be styled with jeans, leggings or a skirt!

The deets:

Vintage 80's Emerald jewel tone green top. Adele Simpson New York label, Sz 10. Metal back zipper. Shoulder pads. Amazing neck cut out! ~ $48

B=34"
W=29"
H=34"
L= 27"
Sl=23"



What do you have in your closet to be RE-STYLED or RE-PURPOSED? Did you loose or gain some weight? are you ready to make a chance from MAXI to MINI? Get creative and Call on a local seamstress to DRESScue YOU!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Style Maven Series: Chynna Phillips


Chynna is best known for being 1/3 of the 1990's group Wilson Phillips but this maven is MUCH more! She is an actress, philanthropist, wife to William (Billy) Baldwin and Multi-Tasking Mother of 3!

Her early success as a singer/songwriter came with the release of Wilson Phillips debut album of the same name, selling over 8 million copies and spawning hits like "Hold On", "Your In Love" and "Release Me". I had this album on cassette and listened in my bright yellow walk man and matching Polo by Ralph Lauren jacket at 13! I rocked! She has come a long way baby since she had us all "hold on for one more day" but it is not over for Wilson Phillips. They are ready to release an album called "DEDICATED" a musical journey into the past. The songs from the band their parents made famous in the 60's & 70's - Chynna's Mother & Father: John & Michelle Phillips of The Mamma's and the Pappa's & Carnie & Wendy Wilson's Father Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. The album will be released March 2010 and is available for PRE-SALE HERE They are shooting a reality show for the TV Guide channel and launching a mini-tour this December singing songs from Christmas in Harmony.

Get tour dates and ticket information HERE

She Recently ROCKED the Dance floor on Dancing with the Stars where she was prematurely eliminated due to a minor mis-step. Another time where America got it WRONG! but let's face it, they are also the same people who elected and RE-elected George W. so my expectations to begin with are LOW. That coupled with the public letting the likes of Bristol Palin "hold on" for a lot longer than one more day confirms my belief that DWTS voting is NOT based talent or potential. You had MY vote Chynna & Tony! #JustSayin

I for one thought Chynna's performances were AH-MAZING and I have full respect for anyone who can get up in front of MILLIONS of people, step out of their comfort zone and go for it. Chynna told me "DWTS empowered me as it made me realize that I am capable of more than I ever thought I was capable of achieving. It inspired me as it helped me realize that if you can give a little bit of extra effort to a particular focus, you will see amazing results. This goes far beyond just learning the jive. If you can show up in your life, and invest just 5% more of yourself to yourself, it can mean the difference between success and stagnancy."

Turns out her heart is as big as her talent(s)! She dedicates time and resources to a charity close to her heart; an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico called Los Angelitos. It's a very small orphanage with just over 35 kids with Chynna as their only champion. Los Angelitos Orphanage is a children’s home that provides underprivileged children the opportunity to experience secure living conditions, nurtured upbringing, schooling, and a pleasant family life. All are either orphans or abandoned children that would otherwise be living on the streets of Tijuana.

Check out their web site and make a donation HERE


Chynna also loves FASHION! I had a chance to ask her my Style Maven questions:

LISA: Can you describe your personal Style aesthetic AND attitude about fashion?

CHYNNA: Clothes should fit. I don't like wearing clothes that are baggy and loose unless I'm at home in my house with the doors locked. Whatever you decide to wear should be flattering and it's up to you to figure out what looks best for your body shape. I love clothing with classic lines, simple style. I adore colors, but I'm not very adventurous with them: it's something I hope to get better at.


LISA: What are the key components / pieces in your closet?

CHYNNA: I love my soft, thin-knit, fitted sweaters: I can wear a fitted sweater with a skirt, jeans, or slacks. It's a very versatile piece to have in your closet.

LISA: How do you feel about Vintage Clothing and Accessories?

CHYNNA: I adore vintage clothing and accessories, but I truly believe you have to be schooled in vintage wear. There are rules that need to be followed - vintage is not a free-for-all. There's a science to it: you have to find the right pieces, you need to have that eye. You also have to understand how to mix and match the articles with contemporary pieces… it's a thin line to walk. You don't want to overdo it and look like you just stepped back into the future after a ride in Marty McFly's Delorean. One thing I will admit is that I do not have that trained eye. When I try to include vintage in my day-to-day, I always feel like I end up looking like an old lady.

LISA: What are your favorite Vintage pieces (Clothing and/or Accessories)? Do you only wear designer vintage?

CHYNNA: I have an vintage, oversized men's Rolex watch that I wear a lot. I love it. I love designer vintage on the red carpet, but no, I don't exclusively wear designer vintage. I think it's fun to explore second hand shops to find unique pieces that have managed to stick around all this time later.


LISA: What are you wearing this Fall/Winter? Tell our readers the key elements for your F/W 2012 wardrobe

CHYNNA: Tory Burch's line - as usual - is ridiculously chic and completely wearable. I feel pretty in every Tory piece I own. Her clothes capture a woman's beauty and her pieces mix and match effortlessly - she makes pieces that can be worn all day and into the night. Ridiculously versatile and absolutely gorgeous.in Tory Burch

Another favorite line hogging my closet space is Paul Sinclair's line Sinclair 10. It's a hot, and new and sold exclusively at Saks. His pieces are both incredibly affordable and almost effortlessly refined. His twist on a white button-down dress shirt will blow your mind. His are the clothes you can dress up with a certain piece of jewelry or dress down with certain pair of shoes.

Overall, I think you need to have 3-4 simple dresses of different styles (and not all black!), separates that you are able to mix and match, and a few pair of worn in, "wow these make me feel sexy" jeans, and one or two hand bags that go with everything.

LISA: If you could give women 1 piece of STYLE advice, what would it be?

CHYNNA: Wear clothes that fit! I think it's so important. People generally upsize when they shop for clothes. Don't! Bigger, in this case, is not better (no matter if you are a 2 or a 20, if your clothes hang off of you, not only do you lose your sense of style, but you lose your sense of self! - hidden underneath too much extra fabric!!). Also, don't be afraid to layer.











EVOLUTION VINTAGE CHOICES FOR CHYNNA:


90's Richard Tyler Red Silk tailored blazer


Vintage 60's sheath with metallic threading (style w a nude shoe)


Vintage necklace & earring set in gold & Chartreuse


Vintage CELINE Grey Wool Skirt with Cold hardware



Vintage 70's PAtty Woodard Velvet jacket with belt

SHOP: EVOLUTION VINTAGE

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Style ME: Waisted


Many women frequently come to me with Style questions, advice and help. I wanted to create a new series for EVOLUTION REVOLUTION that has styling tips, tricks, ideas and DIY projects to help make the most of your wardrobe and your looks.

I wanted to start with utilizing random accessories that are usually left in the back of the closet (belts & ties), or tucked away in what's perceived to be "Granny's Drawer" (brooches & scarves).

We all have a LBD or day dress that borders on blah or requires a little infusion of life to make it acceptable to re-wear over-and-over again. Easily done; through styling.

Break out your belts and brooches and let me show you a few ways to get WAiSTED!

My super stylish friend and Evolution Vintage client Sydney helped me demonstrate a few easy looks you can put together using belts, brooches, men's neck ties and scarves.

Some of you may be a little shy about mixing pattern and print but just have fun! Try something new and take a risk. There are no "RULES" when it comes to fashion; it is all about an individuals perception and perspective... and a little courage!

A PASSION for PRINTS:


Try a tribal print scarf with a statement brooch. HOW? Fold and pin the scarf at the desired width (depending on garment). Not a size 5? no problem! Pin the scarf at the side seams of your dress - It is not required to wrap all the way around and meet at the back to get the look.

Try the scarf thick or thin with a pearl belt
(or any belt you have with jewels or beading again depending on the dress)


Use a POP of color! Vintage Anne Klein Silk Scarf with Belt. Accessorize w a Vintage clutch!<

MIX METALS:

Mix a Metallic and a color - Vintage Gold Metal Mesh Belt & Red Moshino Printed Silk Scarf


A cream vintage printed scarf paired with a gold tone metal adjustable belt (this belt also doubles as an AMAZING statement piece necklace). A printed scarf mixed with metal is CHIC!


TIE ONE ON: Utilize all the men's ties in your man's closet or the one's you had left over from the 90210 days of Brenda Walsh workin it at West Beverly High
I know you ALL watched it!

T&B - Vintage men's tie and Vintage Gold Tone Brooch Combo

Mixing a floral colored Vintage tie with a Vintage crystal brooch - A different way to wrap the tie exposing the under color.


Use a tie in the place of the scarf - it will create a cool angle and choose a statement belt. Vintage Christian Dior pritned tie and Vintage Asian metal belt.


I Applaud Animal Prints & Textures:

Use an animal print scarf with a plain or textured belt in a solid OR opt for a solid colored scarf and a printed belt.

Animal Print scarf with a textured belt - Snake Skin print in a black patent belt.


Vintage DVF scarf paired with a faux snake skin skinny belt. Try mixing color with animal prints.
Sydney was styled 10 different ways that made her little dotted dress all DRAMA! She now has 10 different looks by just digging through her closet and utilizing accessories for a variety of purposes.

Moral of the story: Take a page out of the Sex and the City Character Carrie Bradshaw's book; Taking a fashion risk, pushing your boundaries and trying something new may serve to surprise you, in a really CHIC way!!


Want to get WAISTED?




SHOP EVOLUTION VINTAGE selection of belts, ties, brooches and scarves