Evolution Revolution: 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.