#FaceMyBeauty Part II

Images by: Debbie Markham

Yesterday I introduced you to the amazing organization Changing the Face of Beauty and the important work they are doing for people with disabilities in advertising. Read it HERE

Today I wanted to explore what the campaign means to me as a WOMAN.

The #FaceMyBeauty Campaign is amazing, bringing attention to the much needed representation and acceptance of people of all abilities in advertising.

When Katie first launched her video it made me think about all the resistance women have to face themselves without judgment, as is in this particular moment. It is difficult to look at yourself with acceptance and resist the urge to dream about yourself 10 pounds from now, your next social media filter you can use or more money from now and how much  better you will "look and feel". We all know it is bullshit yet it is still hard to face yourself, perceived flaws and all and accept who you are and what you look like this moment.

I took images with my son Blake who has Down Syndrome in an effort to start a discussion about this campaign and realized that it isn't just about people who have perceived disabilities.

I can tell you that I've been there, done that, bought the t-shirt and am literally wearing it in these photos. My battles with self esteem and body image have been hard won and sometimes is still a work in progress. I have survived abusive relationships, countless heart breaking names, labels, betrayals and experiences and you can too! The road to becoming better instead of bitter begins with facing all of the negative and CHOOSING to move forward in a positive manner. I did it by converting my pain into power.

Necklace: Lydell NYC / Shoes SJP Collection "Carrie" / T-shirt: CTFOB

I decided to FACE MY OWN BEAUTY and remove all I did to "enhance" or "conceal" myself and removed my makeup. Below is one of the videos I shared on my instagram story.

I removed my makeup and chose to face my beauty in a natural way. 

What I am:

I am 37

I am a mother of 2 (plus 2 step-kids)

I am an "Ability Parent" to a son with Special Needs

I am Tried

I am curvy

I am happy

I am authentic

I am confident

I am Facing my beauty

What I am not:

I am not a sample size

I am not bag, dark circle or line free

I am not ashamed

I am not in my 20's

I am not wanting to be younger

I am not afraid to Face My Beauty.

Are you?

Share your  makeup/makeup free photos with me on social media tag me @evolutionvtg (twitter/Instagram) or Facebook

Love, Lisa

XO

#FaceMyBeauty Part 1

Images: Debbie Markham

This hashtag says it all, #FaceMyBeauty and to me it says it is high time society gets real and faces the beauty of all of its members and not the select air brushed few.

My friend and fellow Ability Parent Katie Driscoll created a non-profit organization called Changing the Face of Beauty who  (CTFOB) is committed to equal representation of people with disabilities in advertising. 

Katie and I met when your babies and their designer genes were the inspirations behind Tori Spelling's Little Maven clothing campaign's Holiday Lookbook in 2013. 

I have watched her idea of fighting for inclusively for people with disabilities in advertising evolve into a fabulous non-profit and now into this amazing #FaceMyBeauty campaign!

Our definition of beauty is so narrow as represented by advertisers current choice of models. It is my belief (and Katie's) that there is room for EVERYONE just as there is something truly beautiful about everyone. My son Blake who has Down Syndrome is no exception. I would love to see his community represented more in advertising and all other communities of people with disabilities. My goal as an advocate and parent is to celebrate differences and not the generic 'sameness' that I see all too often in our society. 

DID YOU KNOW: Less than 1% of the approximate 125 million companies in the world represent people with disabilities in their advertising.

Time for a change.

How can we get there?

1) Reach out to companies and ask them to represent everyone in their advertising and/or partner with CTFOB

2) Make a Donation / Buy a T-shirt and represent!

3) Host /Sponsor a head shot clinic in your city/town ($3-$6,000)

4) Engage with the disability community to join the conversation when discussing diversity. Advertising is an important area.

5) SHARE - Links, Videos, This Blog on your social media and introduce CTFOB with your social media circle.

6) LIKE them on FACEBOOK - INSTAGRAM - TWITTER - Share their posts and interact.

Blake and I stand with CTFOB and the #FaceMyBeauty Campaign!

 The movement to me also is very applicable to women of all ages, sizes, shapes and races. Tomorrow I will explore the ramifications to women and self esteem as we deny, hide or cover up our Beauty!

Time to FACE IT ladies!

Let's ASK the company RADIO FLYER, Are you ready to Change The Face Of Beauty with us?

Children of ALL abilities should be represented enjoying their products, like Blake.

Who's ready to #FACEMYBEAUTY?

Wonka Vision: Candyland Christmas

Every year my family puts their faith in my imagination and willingly participates in the creation and execution of the family Christmas card and photo shoot. We live near the beach but we are not really khakis and white t-shirt type of family. Not that there is anything wrong with a themed photo shoot like this but it is just not our style. We have a blended family that is full of personality.  All my kids are game for whatever  is on tap for the theme and now enjoy giving input.

The last 3 years have been amazing, Alice in Wonderland's Mad Tea Party. Game Of Thrones Westeros Warriors and last years Wonka vision: Candyland Christmas.

Since 2016 card is knocking at the door I wanted to share the details of last years SWEET shoot.

Each year I choose a different photographer to give the images a unique perspective. Last year Debbie Markham of Cambria shot this Candyland Christmas.

I also DIY the costumes, props and this year the entire SET!

We shot in the Evolution Vintage showroom space that I converted into a Willy Wonka Dream. I borrowed the pre-lit, white tree and used Vintage petti-coats in an array of colors along with inflatable pool toys.

I used the petticoats to cover the eye sore that is the top of the door and I wasn't satisfied with the available backdrops so I used wrapping paper and wrapped the GIANT door. Purchased at the dollar store I used about 10 rolls ($10 plus tape cost). I had an acrylic art frame in mt studio that I decorated with the candyland board game and glass lolly pops. The cool rocking horse was borrowed from a crafty friend who runs a local B&B (Victoria's Last Resort) 

Blake Rocks the Set while under construction.

What a perfect monogrammed gift! (Ribbon and Monogram letter from the dollar store)

 I also made the tree topper with ribbon, colored pipe cleaners, sparkle foam "candy" from Michael's and our Monogram (from a Happy Birthday sign from the dollar store)

Blue Cotton Candy "Flower" in a colored Vintage glass and candy tree ornaments strung on silver sparkle twigs in a colored vase)

 Inflated Candy Balloon, Inflatable pool toy and candyland game board and costume

 YUM

 A mix of candies and chocolate bars from Canada and the US

LOTS of real candy for the floor, props and inside the spinning ring case that I usually use for Evolution Rewind rings and other vintage jewelry. 

The construction of the set and acquisition of the props took weeks. I was inspired and excited so it was a total joy. I even made a "candy themed" CD of music for shoot day, The wardrobe was a pastel dream of tulle, Vintage bits and a real candy bra!

The confetti seen here was loaded up inside the cards for an extra burst of color to the recipients.

Even out little resident ginger bread man got real Smarties for buttons

I created custom Wonka Bars - download the Wonka Font (FREE) and make the labels in Word. Printed and wrapped a Dairy Milk Bar (purple foil) with our names. .. Even a Hergenroeder Holiday label was made for out candy machine.

 The Wardrobe was comprised of vintage Men's Tuxedo Shirts in a variety of colors ( that matched their Wonka Bars). The tulle skirt (Mint/Pink from Shabby Apple). We had a mix of vintage jewelry and the girls has real candy necklaces in their hair,

Have a peek at all the images, Behind the scenes videos and outtakes. I can't wait to share the 2016/17 Card!

Bitter Sweet: Holly's Story

Recently I blogged about attending an amazing writing academy in Ojai, California. A full review of this magical program to come but I introduced you to one of the amazing women that I met there, Dr. Tererai Trent.

Today I wanted to share the story of another courageous and amazing women named Holly Thrasher who is a survivor, author and inspiration! If we want to raise awareness about Breast Cancer it is my belief that it is the stories of the survivors that are the most important to share. Thank you Holly for sharing your story with my readers! 

    

L-R: Back Row: Author Rebecca Winn, Myself, Publisher/Author: Zhena Muzyka

Bottom: Author/Philanthropist Barbara Savage, Author Katherine Davenport and Author Holly Thrasher

Candy Girl

 It was the week before Thanksgiving in 2015 and I was planning my busy holiday season for my nostalgic candy store, Kingston’s Candy Co.  All of my seasonal merchandise was arriving and we were decorating the store for our busiest time of the year.  It was our sixth Christmas in business and I had become a part of the fabric of our community here in Ojai, CA.  I was known as the local Candy Lady, a title I had worked hard for and loved.  My business provided myself and family with so much joy.  Going to work consisted of being a kid in a candy store every single day and you can’t beat that.  I truly felt that I had found my path and nothing could have prepared me for the life changing news I would receive right in the middle of the busiest season of the year.

     A small lump had been detected in my left breast during a routine mammogram in early 2014. For more reasons I can count, I chose to ignore that lump.  I was a healthy, wife, mother and successful small business owner.  Nothing was going to stop me from doing what I loved.  I went into full denial, convincing myself that the breast lump was not worth worrying about.  Thankfully, my doctor did not agree.  One year and nine months after that first mammogram, she persuaded me to take a second look at that lump with a follow-up mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy.  The biopsy results were finally in my hand and I carefully read through the medical jargon to the sentence that would evoke a string of expletives to flow from my mouth; 

“The pathology report is now available and shows malignancy concordant with the 

findings.  Pathology report positive for infiltrating ductal adenocarcinoma.”  

     I was shocked!  I was told that 85% of those lumps were nothing to worry about! In that moment I knew that my sweet candy store was going to be a casualty of cancer.  Without a second thought, we closed Kingston’s in January 2016, so I could recover from a total double mastectomy and gear up for chemotherapy and later, breast reconstruction.  

  It is coming up on a year since my life was turned upside down by breast cancer.  Three surgeries and four rounds of chemotherapy are behind me, my hair is growing back and my breast reconstruction is done.  Thankfully, I am now considered to have “no evidence of cancer.” To say that beating breast cancer was tough would be an understatement.  It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but through it all I had a nagging suspicion that I was meant to be doing something else.  

     Life can really throw you a curve ball and I am not the only one...1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.  I have begun to rebuild my life with the help of my devoted and loyal husband, Wiley.  Wiley stepped up in a major way, taking on all of my responsibilities, while still shouldering his own while I recovered.  I cannot express how impressed I am with how much Wiley loves and cares for myself and our teenage son, Vance. 

With all of the major cancer challenges behind us, I am just starting to grieve the loss of my identity as the Candy Lady, but amazingly, I have found my true calling; to support and encourage women with breast cancer on their own journey.  I am currently writing a book that I hope will support and educate women.  My book is an intimate photographic journey of what a woman’s breasts go through from mastectomy to reconstruction.  Wiley and I documented my breasts through every phase of breast cancer hoping it would later help us heal from the experience.  To my surprise, I realized that these photos could help heal other women too.  

     I now believe that my breast cancer was a gift.  I know that sounds crazy, but it has changed my whole life and provided me with a better understanding of how I can be more useful in the world.  It has been a bitter-sweet journey, but I wouldn’t change a thing! 

Look for Holly's Book Coming Soon Called: We Will Rebuild. Holly explained, it will be an intimate photographic journey documenting the painful and uplifting process of losing and rebuilding a woman's breasts, written by a wife, mother and breast cancer survivor who thought she had lost her identity, but found her true life's purpose to support and honor women's experiences with breast cancer.

Thank's Holly, YOU ROCK!

L

XO

SJP+LBD = FAB

The news recently broke about the new SJP LBD (Sarah Jessica Parker Little Black Dress) collection coming to Bloomingdales and your  LBB/MBB/BBB - Little, Medium, or Big Brown Bag this spring.

One dress was released early to kick off the collection that will consist of  a collection of re-imagined timeless Little Black Dresses. 

Fittingly the first offering is called "Title", a new take on the iconic white tu tu and pink tank combo her famous character of Carrie Bradshaw wore in the opening title sequence of Sex and The City for its 6 season run.

We were first introduced to "Carrie" in this white vintage tutu that stylist Patricia Field procured at a thrift store in New York and it really set the style tone for this character. It re-appeared when Carrie was cleaning out her closet in the first SATC film as she celebrates the parts of her past she will 'keep'. And far right the real deal SJP in the new Title dress that could also be your for $395 and if you are a size 0-12. BUY IT HERE

Jersey Top with layered tulle.

When I first realized I would have to sit this dance out, because I am not a size 0-12 I became reflective. I also read a few articles along with the comments about women over a size 12 sad, hurt, and angry that they were not thought of or included in this collection. I thought about the business of fashion, design, sales, target markets, etc. 

I have to say that I will be cheering on the sidelines for the success of this collection and all others who do not cater to women of all sizes. I have realized that not all designers choose to design from an inclusive perspective and not all buyers are interested in selling to certain clientele. I also realized that there are some that do, so anyone over a size 12 can shop there. 

The little black dress has been a style staple since the 1926's when CoCo Chanel introduced the world to her version in VOGUE.  The color black an dresses have a history before Mademoiselle Chanel but she has been credited for bringing it to the style masses. Since then in has morphed into so many versions, fabrications, shapes and sizes. There IS something out there for everyone, don't worry ladies.

I am excited to see SJP's collection evolve and all of the offerings to come. I suspect this dress will make it onto the Bloomingdale's racks soon. I love the simplicity of the design,  full skirt and pockets!! The styling possibilities are truly endless with LBD's!

Will you shop the collection? 

Fear not ladies if you cannot access this collection you can always buy the amazing shoes via SJP Collection! There is truly something for everyone there. I am waiting on some resort sparkle to make my next purchase(s)! 

Fall Ssssstyle

Image: Bergdorfs Instagram / Altuzarra

Print mixing, Metallic and Color are three elements I am in love with for FALL. 

I really loved the Altuzarra Spring 2017 Collection for the bold print mixing, especially how they incorporated the snake print. 

The Jeweled Cherry Motif I adore along with the gingham, unexpected parings which make it ultra fresh to me.

The snake print has been chic since the 1970's. Cher has always been a style icon. Her look head-to-toe would be perfection for Fall 2016 for me.

1977 - Image by Ron Galella - JFK Airport

Grab this amazing trench coat (On SALE) at Macy's a great snake print. Style it with a gingham shirt or a printed belt. Maybe even a little cherry motif!

INC - SALE $119

If you are not ready to wear an entire printed look what about mixing a great Snake print bag with your gingham, denim or a simple white tee.

SJP Collection Grove Bag (SALE: $170.99)

or

Sam Edelman Sienna Multi Texture Shoulder (SALE: $194.99)

Can you Ssssssnake out your style this fall?

Image: Hayley West for Evolution Rewind

Vintage Cocktail Ring and Matching Earring Set (SALE: $45)