Feamle Power: Catwoman Style

After spending my day at a Visionary Women's conference yesterday I wanted to write about it. The power of women together. The power of women period when the universe gave me a sign. Waiting for me in my inbox was an e-mail from the gorgeous icon Julie Newmar.

Her thoughts on FEMALE POWER. I am compelled to pass her wisdom along to you dear reader.

FEMALE POWER 

Consider yourself lucky if you are a female, you plausibly have female

power.

If you haven't developed it, I'll give you a push. Here we go.

To my notice, we females effort less. "It's Instinct," you may say. Yes,

knowing the right moment to ask, to get what you want. We make time useful,

not waste time. 

Women solve dilemmas more quickly than men. We don't over think. We feel the

answer coming. There is such a thing as higher or Infinite Intelligence. You

can access it. Breathing lets it in. Stop rushing and you'll hear it.

There is something egalitarian about female power. A quality female at the

center of an economic enterprise, business or home expands its success. She

lessens the dangers of too much macho folly. We bring equilibrium to any mob

scene, to the fractious political diaspora.

It is easier to be a woman, we take seriously the necessity of a home base.

We are the center, the centrifugal force, the confident vibes, where trust

earns its wings. Additionally, we value simplicity, its wisdom to make

things understood.

Men like to please us, have you noticed? They value themselves more in our

presence. We make them smarter, which balances nature to the benefit of all.

We get to dress up, then undress. We have the plumage, our very fuss and

frivolity is soothing, pacifying. The act of putting on makeup relaxes the

nerves, heightens the senses.

Catwoman always felt superior to Batman. She was smarter. Truthfully, she

had a finer mind. 

To me, it's not about who has first place. These days, I say to myself: You

have to eschew popularity if you want to be the best you can be.

Superiority over others is so yesterday. Would there be a Galileo without

his mother, her talents, cleverness and her unfulfilled dreams?

Females who are in the know will address themselves as beloved, as wholly

adored and loved in the eyes of their maker. This quintessential power to

know who you are dismisses the bankruptcy, the politics of friction paraded

by pseudo kingpins. Fake news is instantly recognized for what it is.

Women are natural engineers, we know how to get more for less. 

In moments of distress, I say to myself: Everything is energy. That leaves

me the choice of choosing solution over mayhem when under pressure. I know

the value of one foot, one brick at a time for building a life, a house or

relationship. Especially with family, I only react to words that reflect the

better intention or motive. Admonishment toward others waits, but is often

discarded. Everything is energy, so choose wisely.

On sexual harassment: short of physical violence, I didn't mind all the

things I was called. I've always enjoyed the underlying intention. In my

twenties, I was once referred to as a "brick shit house." Uh!... Hardly the

worst thing. I looked it up, it means curvaceous, muscular, stacked. Relax

girls, we are the ones who choose. 

I sometimes think I regret that I didn't sleep some of my way to the top.

Drama is a fool's game, stick with comedy. I like 96% comedy, 4% drama.

Laughter un-bottles tension. Better to watch Stephen Colbert than Donald

Trump. Colbert is smarter. 

I live like a cat, seeking where the expensive furniture is. The softest

pillows with the prettiest slip-coverings, the places in the house to curl

up where the sun warms my body all year long.

My kind of female power can't be owned. I may feign enslavement, but I never

let myself be unloved, even by myself, that would not do. 

I rarely argue - I consider. I wait till enough information is in and then

the answer, answers itself. My imagination does tolerate empty space.

Female power does not disagree with a compliment. Compliments shall be

relished, like rich chocolate, like an inside caress. I make time to feel

it, all the way up and down my body. 

Let the world please you. Use your female power. It was set up that way. 

Thank you Julie!

To read more ....

Visit her WEBSITE

and/or

BUY HER BOOK

#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

For The Love ...

Greetings dear reader, I have returned from my summer hiatus from blogging just in time for Down Syndrome Awareness Month that starts tomorrow: October 1. I have been on a summer journey of turning inward, listening, experiencing and growing. We have just survived our transitions into the new season of fall and this time of the year is a beautiful time to embrace change, take life inventory and clean house; both physical and spiritual, internal and external.

A gorgeous friend of mine shared this and it resonated with me so naturally I felt compelled to digitally pay it forward. Thank You Yogi Angela.

For the love of a tree,

she went out on a limb.

For the love of the sea, 

she rocked the boat.

For the love of the earth,

she dug deeper.

For the love of community,

she mended fences.

For the love of the stars,

she let her light shine.

For the love of spirit,

she nurtured her soul.

For the love of a good time,

she sowed seeds of happiness.

For the love of the Goddess,

she drew down the moon.

For the love of nature,

she made compost.

For the love of a good meal,

she gave thanks.

For the love of family,

she reconciled differences.

For the love of creativity,

she entertained new possibilities.

For the love of her enemies,

she suspended judgment.

For the love of herself,

she acknowledged her worth.

And the world was richer for her

~Charlotte Tall Mountain

www.GrowTreeSisters.com

(image - Catrin Welz-Stein)

It is time to acknowledge all that you are, your immeasurable worth and contributions to the world. I will spend the next month doing the same for people with Down Syndrome. 

Every life has value.

Bruce Gender: Caitlyn's Real Message

Image: (Vanityfair.com by Annie Lebowitz)

The Internet has been buzzing since Vanity Fair released the images of their July Cover Girl. We bid farewell officially to Olympian Bruce Jenner and say hello to Caitlyn Jenner, gold medal winner for bravery and ironically balls.

Bruce sat down with Diane Sawyer back in April and discussed his transformation as well as all of the personal conflict and struggle he has had internally his entire life (See the story here).

The details of his journey is not necessary to re write here but Caitlyn comes to us with a message that transcends the lines of the LGBT and/or Transgender community.

Image: (Vanityfair.com by Annie Lebowitz)

Of course she is an amazing spokeswoman for the Transgender community and I don't want to take anything away from the awareness that is being raised but to me Caitlyn's message is that of authenticity and has an inclusive application. At age 65 she is now beginning to live her authentic life. Imagine waiting so long? I'm sure most of you can as many people I know don't live authentically, not 100% anyway. 

Society and the judgement of others has such a strangle hold on people. Working in the fashion industry I see it in my clients all the time.  A great example is the moment when  someone is authentically or naturally drawn to something, a piece of clothing or an accessory. It kind of goes like this,

"Oh, I love this" ... BUT

But society will judge me.

But someone will say something hurtful or rude to me.

But no one will understand.

But I have no where to wear it.

Its a kin to a what if but its what I call a BUT IF, AKA an excuse.

Let's get real: " Society" or "they" will always be judgemental. Do you really put the opinions of strangers above your own? Recognize it is your OWN fear and take your power back.

Someone may say something hurtful or rude to you or about you, but if you don't believe it, who cares? What others think of you is none of your business.

Someones lack of understanding is their issue, not yours. You cannot be responsible for what someone does or doesn't 'get'. You can attempt to educate but let your energy to convert go no further, you need it for being fabulous.

Lastly, from a person who wears sequins to the grocery store, trust me when I confirm YOU can make "Hollywood", "New York" or wherever else you deem appropriate,wherever you are in the world in that moment. In other words there is a place to wear everything you have in your closet, right here, right now if you so choose. 

Image: (Vanityfair.com by Annie Lebowitz)

What Caitlyn has done is started an important dialogue. The press and social media is bogged down with all the details of unimportance like; fake tits, photo shop, shaved adam's apple, reality show, fame whore, Kardashian who gives a fuck?

Her Message (from my perspective):

1) The dialogue that has been started about the legitimacy of gender dysphoria. It is recognized in the DSM-5, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (by the American Psychiatric Association) as a very REAL condition. "DSM-5 aims to avoid stigma and ensure clinical care for individuals who see and feel themselves to be adifferent gender than their assigned gender. It replaces the diagnostic name “gender identity disorder”with “gender dysphoria,” as well as makes other important clarifications in the criteria. It is importantto note that gender nonconformity is not in itself a mental disorder. The critical element of gender dysphoriais the presence of clinically significant distress associated with the condition." I personally feel people are born the way they are born and it is not necessarily a "mental disorder", however if the DSM acknowledgement will get the Trans community the clinical support they need then I view this as positive and a resource to use as education.

2) The discussion about women. There is much talk online about what it means to be a woman, the issues we face as a gender and our unique set of circumstances. It has also shed some light on how far we have come but also how far we still have to with respect to equal pay for equal work, the scrutiny we are under for our appearance and unique pressures we face as women.

3) Authenticity: People are complaining (mostly religious hypocrites and the ignorant) about being a scam and a lot of people feel that they have the exceptional ability to speak for "god" and knows what "god wants". WOW! Maybe they can give me lottery numbers too? Being who you are ALWAYS comes with some kind of risk or cost. Here the cost has been, thus far, "hurting" the people that she loves and who love her. But let's consider what is gained? A life of non-deception, freedom of expression, freedom of choice that aligns with your authentic self or what I call your source. An authentic sense of happiness and radiating positive energy to those closest to her. When you are authentically happy you can feel it, as can others. A chance to really look at oneself, at the source and become what YOU want. She is also another example of money not bringing happiness. She is extremely wealthy and famous yet she spent decades struggling and living a lie. No money can buy the peace that living an authentic life can provide.

4) Courage and/or Bravery: This discussion about being brave and having courage to stand up in the face of the uncompassionate, ignorant masses. She is receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage award at the ESPYS in July.  Being honest is not always easy and one risks ridicule, hurt, and backlash. for Caitlyn this is on a much grander scale because she is in the public eye. Regardless of who you are there is always some level of risk/cost involved with honesty which could explain why so many people are not.

5) Tolerance and Respect: You do not have to agree with someones choices or understand them to be respectful. At the very least you should respect someones right to choose. In this instance of legitimate gender dysphoria I don't personally believe that Caitlyn had a choice per se. I feel she was born Caitlyn but named Bruce. She did choose, after a long battle to conform to the herd (society) to take the courage to finally become Caitlyn and live authentically.

6) Education: Educating people is the key to Tolerance and Respect. I have a son with Down Syndrome and I can't even believe how ignorant and unaccepting people still are even though this is the most common "chromosomal disorder". I can't even image how it is for people in the Trans Gender community.  Education "normalizes" issues and people who are perceived to not fit into the herd or society's view on how generic we should all be to coexist. The more Caitlyn is out there, the more people are forced to read about, look at and examine my points above.

7) Inspiration.: Caitlyn's story should serve to inspire us ALL. Imagine gender lines and assignments melting away and we all look at ourselves and our source as humans. The authenticity and bravery discussed above has been enough to inspire me. Think of the people who are still living lies. Perhaps this story has helped them come clean and live authentically. There is truly nothing more powerful, even if the story helps one person. She is leading by example and through bold and powerful action, not just words. I feel we are all here, in this shared  life experience with the ability to assist and help others. Service to others comes in many forms, today it comes in the form of a woman. 

Thank you Caitlyn and welcome to your new life.

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!

Independence Day: Women's Edition

 Celeste Photography for Troublemaker

Model: Amanda Valena

Today we celebrate Independence Day in the United States with fireworks, food and fun. What about every day independence for women?  Yesterday I saw this amazing makeup tutorial and it got me thinking, we can only be independent women when we FREE OURSELVES. We can assist each other by supplying motivation, inspiration and empathy but at the end of the day we are on our own and our personal freedom is up to us.

How can we break the confines that society places us in? or be free from the need to be perfect? or "be more" or "have more" than others? There is nothing that can free US but US.

This tutorial is a great start though. It is brilliantly delivered in the context of makeup application, the item we use to conceal our perceived physical imperfections is used here as a catalyst to our independence in a way.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

SHARE this message as far and wide as social networking will allow. All women should have a look and ponder their independence today and beyond ...

Discovering Your Inner Goddess with CoCo PART 1: Fitness First

One of the things I adore about CoCo is her authenticity and her true desire to help women. In her own style CoCo is creating her empire/brand by using the things she loves to help women discover their inner goddess.  The first step is FITNESS. CoCo is bringing you into her "Workout World" with her new App for iPhone/iPad.

Launched recently as CoCo's Workout World (Powered by Skimble)

This is a comprehensive fitness application covering all aspects of fitness; training, diet, tips and moves based on what got her the body she is famous for.

She told me, "I want to help women reach their inner Goddess. To do that I want to make them feel sexy about their bodies so I came up with this fitness app . This is the number one question I get on my website for the last 15 years. Questions like, what is your fitness regimen? How do you build the booty?"

This was a perfect opportunity to show everyone. I was going to start out with a fitness DVD but it just makes sense with all the new technology, everyone has a cell phone so why not make a fitness app? So basically I can train you from your cell phone. You can be at home or at the gym and we can train together. Basically my workout is just showing you what I’ve done personally and have done for years. I incorporate my dance moves, stretching, body building moves. It is all moves I do at the gym. I also tell everyone up-front, it may not work for every body type but it has definitely worked for me. I believe if you listen to me and work out you will see a difference. It is called World for a reason, it has fitness tips, it is not just working out. It is so much more.

I wanted to know WHO the app is tailored for. There are many people pressed for time, beginners, those who may be intimidated or who make excuses not to work out. According to Miss CoCo this app is for everyone, "It is for every level. There is a collection on the app of five - 8 minute workouts. So, you can do 3 different workouts in 8 minutes. That is really fun if you are on the go."

Her favourite work out of course is for your beautiful backside ladies. She recommends SQUATS if you only have time for one exercise. She said,  I suggest during the day if you have a minute do a squat but try to have something in your hand while you are doing it. Squats are my number one move in the Gym and there are so many different ways to do them. Try them with weights, without weights, with your hands, without your hands."

Here's how it works:

*$2.99 Gets you the App with 20 Exercises, 9 Workouts

*Included also is Photographs and Fitness Tips

*No Internet Required

*Unlock PREMIUM exercise routines for an additional $6.99 (Ex: “Booty by Coco”)

*The app will be continuously updated with new and exciting content.

*Cheaper than gym membership, lots of variety and a unique format to train.

I'm personally not a gym person. I prefer to train in the privacy of my own home. I am also pressed for time and a busy mom on the go. The notion of quick workouts that I can hand select to target my "problem areas" is a wonderful solution to help me eliminate my excuses.

CoCo truly believes that EVERY woman has an inner goddess inside.Will you connect with your goddess in CoCo's workout world? 

Comment below!

Stay Tuned for PART II of Discovering Your Inner Goddess with CoCo.

Style Knows No Age

I always hear women complain about getting older. We are all guilty of it. Looking in the mirror in disbelief at the newest grey hair or fine line. We use lotions, potions and plastic surgeons to help us avoid what is inevitable going to befall ALL of us no matter how many face lifts, botox injections and firming night creams we use. 

Thankfully there is a stylish silver lining to accompany those sexy silver hairs; Personal Style and Fashion.  A while ago I came across a blog called Advanced Style. It showcases and celebrates stylish women who are advanced in age but have sacrificed nothing in the way of Style.

A published book of the same name by author/blogger Ari Seth Cohen (2012) is a treat for the eyes and an inspiration to me. I want to be these women when I grow up. These ladies with their fabulous jewelry, haute hats, lush fabrics and have great tailors.

 100 and FABULOUS!

 Tziporah Salamon 

Stylish Couple

 A colouring book with some images from Advanced Style is set for release on September 3, 2013 (Pre-Order HERE) Celebrating Stylish Seniors. A perfect gift for a child (young and old) to enjoy and act as a teaching tool. Teaching respect and that Style knows no age!

Quote Me: Celebrating Women

International Women's Day is here again and it always makes me take pause and reflect on the amazing women who I admire, who came before me, who walk beside me and those who are raising the next generation of women. I wanted to share a few quotes (because I'm obsessed with quotations) about women that I was drawn too. We can be many things; bold, strong, fragile, emotional, glamorous, solid, vulnerable, intelligent, helpful, beautiful, scary, capable and MUCH MORE. We are the keeper of the keys, the givers of life and the most inspirational people I know.

The Sisters - Claudia Tremblay

What I also know is that women are WAY TOO HARD ON THEMSELVES. Give yourself a break and take some time today to reflect on where we have been as women, where we are and where we are going! 

“With the spread of conformity and image-driven superficiality, the allure of an individuated woman in full possession of herself and her powers will prove irresistible. We were born for plenitude and inner fulfillment.” ― Elizabeth Prioleau, Seductress - Women Who Ravished the World and Their Lost Art of Love

“I believe in strong women. I believe in the woman who is able to stand up for herself. I believe in the woman who doesn't need to hide behind her husband's back. I believe that if you have problems, as a woman you deal with them, you don't play victim, you don't make yourself look pitiful, you don't point fingers. You stand and you deal. You face the world with a head held high and you carry the universe in your heart.” ― C. JoyBell C.

"Everyone has inside of her a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!" – Anne Frank.

"There are two ways of spreading light. To be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it." – EdithWharton

"Do you want to meet the love of your life? Look in the mirror." – Byron Katie.

                                                                      "The Ages Of Women" Gustav Klimt, 1905

"I am willing to put myself through anything, temporary pain or discomfort means nothing to me as long as I can see that the experience will take me to a new level. I am interested in the unknown, and the only path to the unknown is through breaking barriers, an often painful process." - Diana Nyad

"Women are never stronger than when they arm themselves with their weaknesses." – Madame Marie du Deffand.

"The truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off." – Gloria Steinem.

"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained."— Marie Curie, chemist and physicist

"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we are not really living. Growth demands a temporary surrender of security." — Gail Sheehy, American journalist

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."— Oprah Winfrey

What are your FAV quotes? 

Celebrate yourself and all the fabulous women who surround you today and Always!

Further Reading:

International Women's Day Blog 2012

International Women's Day 2011