Obsessed: Marine Motifs & Beach Inspiration

I'm not sure if it is because summer is just around the corner or that I live by the sea now but I am kind of obsessed with Marine motifs, beach/sea themes prints and jewels. This attraction reminds me of the beach themed Gianni Versace collection from Spring/Summer 1992.  He was a master mixer and alwys combined the most amazing pieces.

Ooooh to only get my hands on even just the shoes and accessories from the collection!! The BOLD colours, mixed metals, Mixing sea and animal prints, marine motifs, studded leggings and silk crepe .....  

As with everything in fashion it's all coming back again.  

Even Ga Ga Dipped into the Versace archives and has rocked the sea side shell pants from the S/S 92 collection

Flash forward to CHANEL S/S 2012 showing "shell" clutches and embellished purses. 

and the house of LANVIN with their clam-tastic bags.

Even Donatella Versace dug into the archives for the 2012 season with shell motif jeweled pieces and beach themed accessories.

Other beach themed pieces I LOVE:

ArtBox Sold Via: M.Fredric - Avail in Gold & Silver Tone $32

I also feature many beach themed rings in my NEW Vintage Re-Styled Ring Line: EVOLUTION REWIND

I have re-styled authentic Vintage Brooch's into fabulous cocktail rings on 24k Gold & Silver plated mounts.  They are available on-line and via InvenTORI LA. Each piece is ONE OF A KIND! Pricing ranges from $35-$150

Image: Hayley Marie Photography

 Image: Hayley Marie Photography

 Image: Hayley Marie Photography

SHOP the REWIND "Beach Themed" COLLECTION 5/21

Equality: A Human Issue

After another ridiculous constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in the state of North Carolina I feared that the United States, once again was going to take a big step backward with respect to equality. I was disgusted and reminded of the days where the schools were segregated and different races were not even permitted to share the same water fountain let alone the same bed or life. I questioned the amount our society has really evolved since then.  The injustice that prejudice has caused in this country is still being felt from the days of segregation. History is still repeating itself, just focused on another group.

My common sense has always told me NO ONE, much less the government should have the right to dictate who you should or can spend your life with. The government should not be able to distribute rights to one group and not another at their own discretion or deny rights's because they feel like it. Don't even get me started on the judgemental, hurtful and hypocritical institution of the church with respect to these issues.

I was pleased that President Obama FINALLY spoke up and declared to the world the way I somehow knew he felt. He has now publicly stated that he is indeed in FAVOR of same sex marriage. Imagine letting two people lawfully make a commitment, love each other and have the same rights as all other human beings. What a concept.

I hope to soon see equality across the board for everyone. LOVE, RESPECT and EQUALITY are 3 items our world could use a lot more of. It is not an issue for Government or Church, it is a human issue. We therefore should all be part of the dialogue on our road to positive change.

Well Said:

"Gay people are born into and belong to every society in the world. They are all ages, all races, all faiths, they are doctors and teachers, farmers and bankers, soldiers and athletes and whether we know it, or whether we acknowledge it, they are our family, our friends, and our neighbours.  Being gay is not a western invention. It is a human reality."  ~ Hillary Clinton

We are ALL Models

This post of mine first appeared in a guest blogger spot on Loren's World. Loren Ridinger is a business woman who truly inspires me and others with her relentless positive motivation for women in business and in life.  I had the honor of being a guest blogger on her fabulous site. You can see the original post HERE

Kaleigh Rain & I

As my daughter ages I see more and more how she takes EVERYTHING I say and do, repeats it, and mimics herself and her conduct after mine. It is a HUGE responsibility and I try to stay aware of what is going on around her.   

I wanted to share my post "We are ALL Models" as I think we all take for granted the impact our actions and words have on the people and the world around us.

My Daughter Kaleigh Rain. Age 4

We are all models, but not in the conventional sense that your mind automatically jumps too.  I’m sure as women at one time or another you have pictured yourself walking the runways of Paris or Milan with the likes of Karl Lagerfeld or the late great Gianni Versace who are proud of us as their muse of the moment.  Oh wait, is that just me?  Anyway we are all models in this life: ROLE MODELS. We are living examples to those around us.  

You would be surprised who is listening to what we say but to a greater extent who is really watching what we DO.  It is wonderful to be able to talk about intentions, dreams and goals but let’s face it folks, it’s just words until you have actions behind them.  Your actions speak volumes about the person you are and what you are trying to accomplish. People may be modeling themselves after you or you have as a role model inspired something in them to take action in their own lives.  It is the most apparent in children and they don’t even have to be your own. 

As part of normal child development and socialization children look to adults (parents and others) as models for behavior both the acceptable and unacceptable. Try to be cognizant of your actions, not just your words and set a good example for them.  They will in turn be your greatest teacher and source for personal growth to be a better person overall.  Be aware of your role model status, or even your potential role model status and it may force some introspection and self examination you may not otherwise do. Think about the concept of being a model in your everyday life even to strangers.

A great place to start thinking about what kind of model you are could be by the simple use of manners or politeness, participating in random acts of kindness or helping out a stranger for no personal benefit whatsoever. Even taking the time to smile at a stranger may set the tone for their day and they may model this kind of behavior and use it in their own daily dealings with the world. Think also about the people who have been models in your life or whom you model yourself after.  IT is a role that is very important in the grand scheme of your life and how YOUR actions impact the world around you.

No matter who your audience; ALWAYS put your best runway foot forward when you step into the world. Remember; you are strong, fierce and fabulous. You’re a MODEL!

MET Ball Beautiful

                                                       The Met Gala Red Carpet. Photo Courtesy of Kevin Tachman/Vogue.

The Annual MET Gala was last night in New York and after watching the red carpet I have only one word: SHOCK! 

There were substantially more misses than hits for me but it is not my style to point out all the fashion blunders I want to share instead the looks I LOVED! I must say however that the stars (or their stylists) need to invest in portable steamers, perhaps glasses and a little bit more taste. I look forward to the MET red carpet the most as I expect to see the most Stylish, Creative and Amazing looks. Let's just say I was underwhelmed this year.

The Looks I LOVED - Top 5 :

MY FAV!

Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe Collection.

I LOVE how Vintage-Inspired CHIC this is. The turban is the most amazing touch since the exhibition is about Elsa Schiaparelli & Miuccia Prada (Impossible Conversation). This is TRES GLAM! Exactly what I expected to see at the MET.

Elsa knew how CHIC a turban is - Vintage Style

 and the contemporary turban via PRADA

Rosie Huntington Whiteley - Burberry

Jessica Stam - DIOR Haute Couture

Rachel Zoe - Rachel Zoe Collection (I'm a sucker for FRINGE!)

Jessica Pare - L'Wren Scott

BEST DESIGNER DRAPE:

Michael Kors

 Jessica Alba

Hillary Swank

FAV Jewels

January Jones wearing Vintage Cartier (1955)

What were your favs???? 

Obsessed: Seasonal Colour Palette

Image: W Magazine (Yellow Tweed Suit: CHANEL)

I am OBSESSED with this seasons colour palette, Vintage inspired looks AND this Vintage yellow Cape/Coat. It was custom made (as per the label) in the most beautiful shade of YELLOW!

Love the detail on the gold tone metal buttons.

The "cape" attaches to the jacket via snaps. It is totally removable and it transforms into a fabulous 3/4 length double breasted sleeveless jacket or vest.  It is a really unique piece!! You could get BOLD and style Vintage sweater clips with the "cape" piece for another look. Maybe over a cute tank with jeans and amazing heels. Mix it up!

Other Seasonal Spring Coloured Pieces I LOVE from EV 

SHOP Evolution Vintage Jackets (Jacket far R is a Jacket & Dress Set)

Keep it Simple

Life with all of it's ups and towns, surprises, tragedies and triumphs it can sometimes feel like it is pretty complicated. Some of the issues you face are quite complex with several layers and are usually emotionally fueled. However, just like everything else there are two ways to look at things. I have always instinctively opted for the complicated or learning the lessons the HARD way.  Lately I am working on taking a new perspective - Simplicity. When you really think about it and change your perspective the situations in life can be pretty simple.  When faced with a new situation wait until the emotions subside to examine it with a clear mind. Put it into perspective and THEN act. It is easier said than done for sure but with practice it can become common place in your life.

You may be surprised with the results.

In the meantime celebrate all that life has to offer. Try to simply look for the good or the lesson in each negative that comes your way. Keep it simple.You never know what will wash up on your shore next. 

Photo: Hayley Marie