Lisa's Gift Guide: 2017

We are one month away from the big day. We make investments of our money and our time into the Christmas season. For me time is always in short supply so I post a gift guide annually to share what I am buying for the loved ones on my list. I love to share the businesses that I support and purchase from. None of my posts are ever sponsored and are places I actually shop from.

1) Seanese I love this fun T-shirt business! I am a sucker for a clever graphic tee during the holidays and beyond. I am also a fan of wearing said t-shirts in non "traditional" ways. They are not just for jeans or lounge wear. You may have read my last post on the company (if not see it HERE). For the holidays they have a new collection of shirts for EVERYONE. It is an inclusive collection, with something to fit everyone and a wide variety of colors and classic "Sean-isms". He also gives back to a different charity every month! Use CODE: GIFTTEN and save 10%

My FAVS:

"Be Naughty, Save Santa The Trip" - $24.50 

This is a special shirt for me as the eyes of the elf were taken from a photograph of my son Blake and resemble the beautiful eyes he, Sean and most people in the Down Syndrome community share!

"Dear Santa, Don't Talk To My Teacher"

"Don't Get Your Bells In A Jingle" 

"Naughty or Nice: Decisions, Decisions"

Betsy Johnson Velvet Booties

Kacey Bootie with Glitter Heel (On Sale HERE for $60)

They also come in BLACK

My personal bootie of choice for this holiday season!

John's Crazy Socks

This entrepreneur's mission is to spread JOY though fun socks! John's also happens to have Down Syndrome, he employs people with disabilities AND gives a % back from every sale to various charities through the year! WIN-WIN-WIN!! 

There is over 1300 different designs and the prices are amazing. Stuff your stocking with SOCKS! 

 "On The Nice List" - $5

 "Banned Books" - $10

 "Bernie Sanders" - $12

"Frida Kahlo Knee Socks" (2 colors) - $10

BOOKS

Time to awaken your deepest desires and realize your ultimate dreams! Let Dr. Tererai Trent guide you home to yourself and the life you deserve. A great gift for any 'Sacred Sister". I as left realizing that the world needs me to realize my dreams and reminded that "It is Achievable" AKA "Tinogona" (Read more about the amazing Tererai HERE)

Buy it HERE

The Universe Has Your Back - Gabrielle Bernstein

 The Universe Has Your Back Cards! A unique gift that can be used for daily inspiration!

BUY

"The Currency Of Love" - Jill Dodd

The real life tale of a former model turned member of a Saudi billionaire's harem.

ART

Artist: Luanne McGee-Turner

Pet Portraits

I will be comissioning a fun portrait of our puppy Leo this year. Buy one for the pet lover on your list or treat yourself and commemorate your fur baby! Portrait start at $200 CAD plus shipping EMAIL her for more info. PS - She just happens to be my talented and beautiful cousin! 

Tara Deetscreek

Tara is a talent portrait artist and fashion illustrator who works with mixed media (paints and pencils). I have purchased the most amazing Mother's Day gift from Tara (A custom birds nest with an egg representing each of my mothers grandchildren) which could also double for a cute Christmas Gift. 

She has also been a gracious donor to the National Down Syndrome Society Gala Auction for 2 years in a row! I also have a gorgeous custom portrait hanging in my living room as I type. I adore her Winter wreaths she is painting this year. For only $25 you can gran a chic monogramed wreath for your wall or mantle. This also makes an amazing hostess gift to take to any holiday gathering. You could also purchase sevral to make your last name, or the monogram for each of your children. The possibilities are endless!

SHOP IT

VINTAGE

4 Birds Vintage

I acquired the most amazing winter coat from this sweet Vintage Shop. A vintage Hudson Bay Company Blanket Coat just in time for my holiday trip home to Canada! Christy has a wide variety of vintage clothing, shoes and more! 

SHOP

SHOP

Evolution Vintage

I have personally curated a collection of Vintage clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories in my eBoutique. There is literally something for every woman, every taste and every budget. 

Shop my new fit finder and immediately see what is available that fits you! (or the lady on your list)

SAVE 30% on EVERYTHING through tomorrow with code: CYBERSALE

Red Cocktail Dress $55

YSL Skirt $250

You also have the uniqe opportunity to shop pieces from the Paul Brockmann 55,000 Dress Collection!

Red Dress - $65

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Dior Decade: 1950's

1955

Fashion treasures are unearthed every day. They, in their one-of-a-kind glory become available to us from time to time. My friend at 4 Birds Vintage has unearthed such a treasure. A white beaded Christian Dior Couture dress from his spring 1955 collection.

It is available at auction HERE

DIOR 1954

HOUSE HISTORY: The designer Christian Dior, who's name remains synonymous with luxury, was born in 1905 in France. He began his career in fashion by making money at selling fashion sketches in 1935 and while recovering from an illness the Balearic Islands, learns the arts of embroidery and tapestry-weaving .

A few years alter he was hired to work as a design assistant for Robert Piguet. In 1947 he became famous in fashions post-war time when he re-defined what women were wearing and bringing into fashion the ultra feminine "New Look".

According to VOGUE, “We were emerging from the period of war, of uniforms, of women-soldiers built like boxers,” Dior would later write. “I drew women-flowers, soft shoulders, fine waists like liana and wide skirts like corolla.”An avid gardener, Dior knew plants well: He named the pieces in the New Look collection after that delicate whorl of petals at a flower’s center. After years of privations, of forsaking stockings and hoarding food and clothing coupons, war-wilted women were ready to blossom again. The introduction of the New Look drew their slow-germinating yearnings to the surface.

Photograph by Serge Balkin. Published in Vogue, April 1, 1947.

 1955

 1955

1955

Christian Dior passed away in 1957 in Italy. The house of DIOR however is still producing luxurious, high end garments today under the creative guidance of designer Raf Simons. The house has had several amazing designers at the helm over the years like Yves St. Laurent, Pierre Cardin, and John Galliano to name a few.

Did you know? At age 14  Christian Dior had is palm read and was told he would make his fortune through women and travel widely. Source

It is interesting to note that Dior was an avid gardener. The motif of this fabulous gown is all about florals!

 This garment has been professionally appraised to be worth approximately $8,000 USD

I can't wait to see what lucky lady will have the opportunity to own this piece of luxury fashion history!

What's your FAV decade of DIOR?

Triple Threat: In Sequin's

I love me some sparkle both in jewelry and clothing. Last night to dinner I took my new FAV top. In stunning sequins this vintage dolman sleeve top (from 4 Birds Vintage) rocked my world.

 Fashion Fact: A Dolman Sleeve is a sleeve that is very wide at the armhole and tapers to a tight wrist. 

This piece is actually quite versatile. I style a top like this 3 ways!

1) Wear it "backwards" 

Original intended back.

 I wore it backwards and tucked the button and loop underneath to create the "V" look.

2) The forward facing, traditional way.

3) Off the Shoulder.

*Open the back button and loop and pull the top off the shoulder

Want one?

Vintage Dolman Sleeve Sequin Top - Black with Gold & Silver Sequin & Threading $65

Check out this BLOG - A Vintage Variation of this top/look PERFECT for the holidays!

Shop EVOLUTION VINTAGE Tops

I LOVE this piece, a little different in style but it is sequin with a dolman sleeve, in an ANIMAL PRINT!

BasyaBerkman Vintage ~ $55.20