spéciale de la mode: Dress for Success Designer and Stylist Call

Dress for Success Central Virginia is calling all emerging and veteran designers to participate in our 3^rd Annual Fashion Show & Fundraiser.

Each year Dress for Success provides hundreds of women with professional attire. All of our clothing comes from generous public donations. Occasionally, we receive donations that are not appropriate for work. However, we believe every article of clothing has a purpose. In 2012, we hosted our first Recycled Fashion Show and challenged local designers to create runway worthy designs from our collection of unworkable clothes.

This year the tradition continues with RED CARPET RUNWAY!
This year’s show features three categories:

Red Carpet Runway: Designers are challenged to recycle preselected garments in red carpet or runway ready looks! We’re talking high fashion! Designers can submit up to 3 looks but at least one of the designs must include red (Dress for Success’ signature color)

RVA designer spotlight: Local designers are invited to submit two of their personal and/or original designs to be featured in our fashion tribute to the River City

Dress for Success: Stylists are challenged to style our models using gently used professional wear from the Dress for Success boutique

Deadline for Entry: Friday, January 31, 2015

Designer Participation Fee: $30

Date of Event: Friday, April 17, 2015

Designs will be judged and prizes are awarded to the winners!

To participate in the show or for more information please contact fashionshow@dfscentralvirginia.org

100% of proceeds benefit Dress for Success Central Virginia

spéciale de la mode: Dress for Success Helps Women Gain Confidence

Ever thought what would happen if your clothes were lost in a house fire and money was scarce? Or what would you do if you had to flee an abusive relationship and leave most of your belongings behind?

While these scenarios may never happen to you, Loretta Harvey, the Boutique Manager at the Central Virginia chapter of Dress for Success, informed me of the above examples of how the local group is helping women in unfortunate situations.

Dress for Success is a worldwide nonprofit organization whose core mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life.

As a volunteer Personal Shopper, I understand why Career Center Manager Sandra Thompson is forever chanting the slogan of Dress for Success, which is “It’s way beyond the suit.”

In my fashion, volunteering as a Personal Shopper with Dress for Success is utilizing fashion  for its finest purpose: empowerment!

According to a 2013 study by the International Monetary Fund, “Women, Work and the Economy,” female labor force participation has remained low, around 50 percent. Being that women still fall under the categories of under-represented and under-served, each woman who is referred to be assisted by Dress for Success stands a chance to positively curve that statistic. 

Dress for Success Worldwide began in 1996, funded by a $5,000 inheritance that founder Nancy Nublin received from her great-grandfather. After the local chapter in the Central Virginia area folded six years ago, current Regional Director Shantell Malachi worked passionately to open the doors again in 2012. Volunteer committee organizer Sarah Hobgood reports that since the Central Virginia region re-established the chapter, it has served over 300 women in the area. Even though they are still in the beginning stages – their headquarters is in the basement of the Boulevard United Methodist Church – they are rapidly increasing their impact in the community. 

Dress for Success, which is eligible for contributions through the Campaign of Virginia Campaign (CVC), recently took another step forward to help women in need gain renewed hope in their journey with its first accessories drive. The drive at my department began Nov. 17 and ran through Dec. 5. 

I figured this would be the perfect time of the year for people to edit their closets, and called for black dress shoes and heels (especially, but not limited to, those above a size 9), handbags, and new hosiery. Scarves, jewelry and other accessories were also collected. In those three weeks (not including Thanksgiving break), I was able to collect over 750 items valuing over $4,600 based on Salvation Army Donation Values.

Although I was only calling for accessories, I still accepted donations of clothes and was able to stock the Boutique with more great garments, and was also able to gather items for our Dress For Success Fashion Show where we will have a competition for designers to take the clothing items that we cannot use to give for women to wear for work, and recycle those pieces into a couture piece of fashion which will be judged by a panel of judges. This is one of three competitions we have for our designers. I was very impressed by the items that I collected and look forward to seeing what designers create when we hold the show on April 17, 2015 at the Canal Club in Richmond, Virginia.

READing Your Style: Holiday Gift Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts of Exchanging Presents

Of course, this is crunch time for gift buying. This is the last weekend to Christmas, and if you hadn't bought gifts since Black Friday, in my fashion, the below advice will help you prioritize how you go about gift buying (especially if money is tight). Gift buying can be a tricky endeavor when it comes to certain people, but thankfully Vogue.com supplied us with an overview of Holiday Gift Etiquette to help us out during the next 5 days:

Which family members get gifts?

Aside from the obvious musts—mom, dad, siblings—how do you determine what family members get a gift over the holidays? “My family is so big, we usually limit gifts to immediate members, and then do a Secret Santa exchange with our extended family,” shares one writer. “We even set it all up online on a site called Elfster, which makes everyone’s life easier.” It seems many are turning to the Internet to organize their gift-giving these days. One editor admitted everyone in her family made online wish lists and then emailed them out to each other, taking the guessing out of the equation. If you’re spending Christmas with your in-laws, it’s okay to limit your giving to only your mother-in-law and father-in-law. “I used to only get presents for my boyfriend’s parents, until one year I branched out to his aunts, so then they felt obligated to get me something from then on,” says one editor. “I think in the end, skipping presents is almost appreciated on the other side. It takes the pressure off the table.”

What about your friends?

Most of the staff said they no longer exchange gifts with friends. “It was something I used to do back when I was in college,” says one editor. Instead, most of them now choose to do something together as a mutual present. “My girlfriends and I always decide on something fun like going to see a play or having a spa day or a very nice dinner,” says one writer. If you do exchange gifts with friends, make sure you open the gifts at home and not in front of each other, says one editor. “It’s better this way. There’s no awkwardness or comparisons among them.”

In new relationships

There was a bit of disagreement among our staff regarding gift-giving during an early courtship. “If you’ve just started dating someone, even if it’s only been a few weeks, a little token is always thoughtful,” says one writer. But one of our editors was strongly opposed: “I think you have to be seeing each other for at least six months before you start buying them anything!” The jury is still out on this one.

Office guidelines

As for who in the office gets a gift, the general feeling is you should give something to either your assistant or someone you work with very closely to show them how much you appreciate their effort throughout the year. As for your bosses, while it’s not obligatory, a little something never hurts. “They’re aware of your pay grade, so there’s really no need to impress them,” adds one fashion editor. Finally, if you love giving your office mates presents, make sure to bring a gift along for everyone—and keep it under $25. “You don’t want everyone to start speculating how much money you actually make,” says one writer.

What not to give

Even though we work in the fashion industry, all of us agreed that clothing is usually a bad idea—unless it’s something the other person has specifically mentioned they wanted in the past. “The holidays are really not the time of year to force your personal style on others,” said one fashion editor. Other faux pas? “I hate it when people give me a funny gift,” says one beauty editor. “Honestly, who has ever liked a gag gift?” Finally, the general consensus in the office is, unless you’re an actual chef, artist, or designer, stay away from anything homemade. “My friend always gives me this jar of some nonsense she makes in the kitchen,” says one writer. “Just give me a card next time.”

EDITOR'S LETTER: December 2014

During the Thanksgiving Holiday, on my visit back home, my brother introduced me to the greatness of the HBO series, Orange is the New Black. Whenever I come home to visit my family, my brother and I have time to catch up with each other by binge watching television series I am too busy to pay attention to with my normal busy schedule. When he mentioned he wanted me to watch the critically acclaimed show, I had my assumptions that the only reason my 17 year old brother was watching the show was because of the plethora of women’s locker room scenes, but I found myself utterly captivated and amused by the show and I stayed up till 5 o’clock in the morning watching the entire first season, well after my brother had decided to go to bed. In my fashion, “Orange is the New Black” is genius! 

Dress for Success Personal Shoppers assist clients with wardrobe attire for their new positions. Women who are referred to DFS go through a program where they get 1 initial suiting for their interview. If they are hired, they then get an additional 5 outfits to go towards their 1st work week and beginning of a more independent lifestyle.

For the past two months, I have been volunteering with the non-profit organization, Dress for Success of Central Virginia. If you are unfamiliar with the organization I suggest you check IMFblog later in the next few days to read the article I wrote for my company’s community newsletter on behalf of the Accessory Drive I conducted at my job for Dress for Success. Dress for Success’ main mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Having volunteered as personal shopper for the past two months, I am so proud to be affiliated with an organization that really speaks to the power of clothes, and the social responsibility of the fashion industry to use fashion for its finest purpose. Providing confidence! 

Considering, this is considered the season for giving I feel even better about assisting Dress for Success because it’s the holiday season and funds are looking a little funny in the gift buying department, so holding an Accessory Drive where I made a call for donations of dress shoes and heels, jewelry, handbags, and new hosiery was a really fitting for the time because in the two weeks I was able to collect over 750 items to stock the Dress for Success Boutique, as well as prepare us for our Dress For Success Fashion Show we are holding on April 17, 2015 at the Canal Club in Richmond, Virginia. There is no other satisfaction than being able to help someone get dressed and gain confidence to be able to forward their quality of life. In 2015, we are really looking to assist women who will be exiting correctional facilities to assist them with transitioning back into the public to start building a better life for themselves, so it was a coincidence for me when my brother had me watch “Orange is the New Black”, because now I have a new understanding and perspective on the lives of women in prison. 

I love the show because they will have a theme for what is going on in the episode, but on top of that they will show the back story of one of the women who correlates very closely with that theme for the episode, explaining why that particular women is in jail. Most women who are incarcerated are admitted because of self-defense or taking the fall for the crimes of another accomplice (i.e. brother, father, boy/girlfriend). Even though the women deserve time for their wrongdoing in most situations, the circumstances behind their actions is interesting to delve into. 

In my fashion, instead of receiving this season, giving to ones community can be just as fulfilling as receiving a Larson & Jennings chain metal watch (aside: on my wishlist), or the Hilfiger Collection shearling-lined army-green parka I have had an eye for since it was photographed in the October 2014 issue of Vogue. Thinking back to Audrey Hepburn, I have been inspired by how she contributed to UNICEF, giving her energy and notoriety to a noble cause. I am glad an organization such as Dress for Success exists and to have a great new project to be a part of in 2015.

Style Maven: Audrey Hepburn (Part 10 - On Humanity...)

As I said in my Editor’s Letter this month, if anyone wants to understand how to be truly happy in life, one should study the life and values of Ms. Audrey Hepburn—so I will make it easy for you to do so with my 10 part Style Maven series this month. In my fashion, after reading Melissa Hellstern’s book, 'How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life', one sees Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of how to overcome the self-defeating attitudes we have of ourselves, and rise to the occasion where ever you are needed. For me personally, considering Hepburn was an introverted soul, she reminds me that being an introvert, it is possible to step out of one’s comfort zone to achieve the success we desire. "We may be introverts, but that is not all that we are," I tell myself! I think she shows that there is strength in all of us (introverted or extroverted) to accomplish great successes and create a happy life, which is exactly why I preach of understanding what our unique strengths are so we can be as useful in this life as possible. She shows no matter how delicate, beautiful, or kind you are, we all have our tribulations in life, no matter how glorious we appear in the public eye. She reminds us that at the end of the day we all have to work for the satisfaction we want in life, and one cannot fret over what one cannot control. Life gets on when you do, so make it happen! I would only hope that the following posts help you to figure out how to emulate some of that effervescence Audrey possessed by adjusting how you see life through her eyes.

On Humanity: How to change the world...

Think Deeply “Somebody said to me the other day, ‘You know, it’s really senseless, what you’re doing. There’s always been suffering, there will always be suffering, and you’re just prolonging the suffering of these children [by rescuing them].’ My answer is, ‘Okay, then, let’s start with your grandchild. Don’t buy antibiotics if it gets pneumonia. Don’t take it to the hospital if it has an accident,’ It’s against life—against humanity—to think that way.”

Don’t Get Political “UNICEF’s mandate is to protect every child against famine, thirst, sickness, abuse, and death, but today we are dealing with a far more ominous threat—the dark side of humanity: the selfishness, avarice, aggression which have already polluted our skies, emptied our oceans, destroyed our forests and extinguished thousands of beautiful animals. Are our children next?”

Be Hands-On “I went with so many people telling me how harrowing and dreadful it would be to see the extent of the suffering, the death, and the despair. But I also witnessed how much is being done to help and how just a small amount of aid can assist in treating the sick, irrigating the land, and planting new crops. I came to realize that Ethiopia’s problems are not unsolvable if only the world would give a little more.”

Nothing Will Prepare You “I went through a war. Surely that made me a little more aware that some people might not know what it means to be hungry, deprivation and so forth. Never do I think of that when I see a child in Africa who is at death’s door.”

Inspire “Since the world had existed, there has been injustice. But it is one world, the more so as it becomes smaller, more accessible. There is just no question that there is a moral obligation that those who have should give to those who have nothing.”

Style Maven: Audrey Hepburn (Part 9 - On Fame...)

As I said in my Editor’s Letter this month, if anyone wants to understand how to be truly happy in life, one should study the life and values of Ms. Audrey Hepburn—so I will make it easy for you to do so with my 10 part Style Maven series this month. In my fashion, after reading Melissa Hellstern’s book, 'How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life', one sees Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of how to overcome the self-defeating attitudes we have of ourselves, and rise to the occasion where ever you are needed. For me personally, considering Hepburn was an introverted soul, she reminds me that being an introvert, it is possible to step out of one’s comfort zone to achieve the success we desire. "We may be introverts, but that is not all that we are," I tell myself! I think she shows that there is strength in all of us (introverted or extroverted) to accomplish great successes and create a happy life, which is exactly why I preach of understanding what our unique strengths are so we can be as useful in this life as possible. She shows no matter how delicate, beautiful, or kind you are, we all have our tribulations in life, no matter how glorious we appear in the public eye. She reminds us that at the end of the day we all have to work for the satisfaction we want in life, and one cannot fret over what one cannot control. Life gets on when you do, so make it happen! I would only hope that the following posts help you to figure out how to emulate some of that effervescence Audrey possessed by adjusting how you see life through her eyes.

On Fame: How to handle celebrity...

Never Be Too Sure “Truly, I've never been concerned with any public image. It would drive me around the bend if I worried about the pedestal others have put me on. And also I don’t believe it.”

When Necessary, Talk Back “How can people say Mel makes all my decisions, that he decides what I am going to play, and with whom, and where! It so infuriates me. I know how scrupulously correct he is, and how he loathes to give an opinion unless I ask for it.”

Have a Purpose “The world has always been cynical, and I think I’m a romantic at heart. I hope for better things, and I thank God the world is also full of people who want to be genuine and kind.”

Give Back “Whatever baggage you’re given—fame if you like—creates curiosity. People want to see you. I’m using my curiosity for the children.”

Bit-O-Inspiro 55

spéciale de la mode: Happy Thanksgiving 2014

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I was surfing YouTube this past weekend, and while looking up videos of my another of my favorite fashion connoisseurs, Simon Doonan, I came across the video below which I thought would be perfect to post today. In my fashion, Simon Doonan is hilarious with a capital H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S. Doonan was a child of the 60's, and I admire his perspective of fashion considering he grew up in London when the Swinging Sixties Movement was beginning. After window dressing for a while in London, he was invited to style the windows for the store Maxwell in Los Angeles, California.  Fast forward to 2014, and Simon Doonan has been an window dresser and ambassador for Barney's New York where his controversial window displays have gained him popular acclaim since 1986. If you have an hour or so, when you get some free time, I suggest you view his humorous  interview with Fern Mallis of New York Magazine to understand his full life story and fashion perspective.

Considering Black Friday now starts on Thursday night, in the video above, Simon Doonan uses his expert sensibility to give us gift ideas for those we love. While Barneys may not be the first store you think about buying gifts from, use his thinking to guide your shopping decisions. Once again, he is HILARIOUS! Happy shopping and be safe.

Style Maven: Audrey Hepburn (Part 8 - On Style...)

As I said in my Editor’s Letter this month, if anyone wants to understand how to be truly happy in life, one should study the life and values of Ms. Audrey Hepburn—so I will make it easy for you to do so with my 10 part Style Maven series this month. In my fashion, after reading Melissa Hellstern’s book, 'How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life', one sees Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of how to overcome the self-defeating attitudes we have of ourselves, and rise to the occasion where ever you are needed. For me personally, considering Hepburn was an introverted soul, she reminds me that being an introvert, it is possible to step out of one’s comfort zone to achieve the success we desire. "We may be introverts, but that is not all that we are," I tell myself! I think she shows that there is strength in all of us (introverted or extroverted) to accomplish great successes and create a happy life, which is exactly why I preach of understanding what our unique strengths are so we can be as useful in this life as possible. She shows no matter how delicate, beautiful, or kind you are, we all have our tribulations in life, no matter how glorious we appear in the public eye. She reminds us that at the end of the day we all have to work for the satisfaction we want in life, and one cannot fret over what one cannot control. Life gets on when you do, so make it happen! I would only hope that the following posts help you to figure out how to emulate some of that effervescence Audrey possessed by adjusting how you see life through her eyes.

On Style: How to be an icon...

Know Yourself “You have to look at yourself objectively. Analyze yourself like an instrument. You have to be absolutely frank with yourself. Face your handicaps, don’t try to hide them. Instead, develop something else.”

Less is More “Balenciaga once said the secret of elegance is elimination, I believe that. That’s why I love Hubert Givenchy…They’re clothes without ornament, with everything stripped away.”

Comfort Is Crucial “First of all, even if you had the money you wouldn't want to buy them. You spend now on one evening dress what it would have cost to buy full wardrobes for two years.”

Avoid Trends “I want to stay in fashion. But being young in spirit counts more toward looking young than dressing in a hippy style."

Style for Life “It’s the flowers you choose, the music you play, the smile you have waiting. I want it to be gay and cheerful, a haven in this troubled world.”

Style Maven: Audrey Hepburn (Part 7 - On Fullfillment...)

As I said in my Editor’s Letter this month, if anyone wants to understand how to be truly happy in life, one should study the life and values of Ms. Audrey Hepburn—so I will make it easy for you to do so with my 10 part Style Maven series this month. In my fashion, after reading Melissa Hellstern’s book, 'How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life', one sees Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of how to overcome the self-defeating attitudes we have of ourselves, and rise to the occasion where ever you are needed. For me personally, considering Hepburn was an introverted soul, she reminds me that being an introvert, it is possible to step out of one’s comfort zone to achieve the success we desire. "We may be introverts, but that is not all that we are," I tell myself! I think she shows that there is strength in all of us (introverted or extroverted) to accomplish great successes and create a happy life, which is exactly why I preach of understanding what our unique strengths are so we can be as useful in this life as possible. She shows no matter how delicate, beautiful, or kind you are, we all have our tribulations in life, no matter how glorious we appear in the public eye. She reminds us that at the end of the day we all have to work for the satisfaction we want in life, and one cannot fret over what one cannot control. Life gets on when you do, so make it happen! I would only hope that the following posts help you to figure out how to emulate some of that effervescence Audrey possessed by adjusting how you see life through her eyes.

On Fulfillment: How to make the most of it...

Distinguish Between Lonely and Alone “I’m an introvert…I love being by myself, love being outdoors, love taking a long walk with my dogs and looking at trees, flowers, the sky.”

Get a Therapist “There are people who blow their tops, and people who don’t. I am told it is bad to bottle it all up inside you, but then if you blow you have to go around apologizing…I suppose I should just let it out my ears.”

Practice Acceptance “The greatest victory in my life has been to be able to live with myself, to accept my shortcomings and those of others. I’m a long way from being the human being I’d like to be. But I've decided I’m not so bad after all.”

Find A Peaceful Place “[Switzerland] is the absolute opposite of the life I led working. I was to a great extent left in peace. The Swiss press doesn't care what you do.”

Live Simply “It’s going to sound like a thumping bore, but my idea of heaven is [having] Robert and my two sons at home—I hate separations—and the dogs, a good movie, a wonderful meal, and great television all coming together. I’m really blissful when that happens. [My goal] was not to have huge luxuries. As a child, I wanted a house with a garden, which I have today. That is what I dreamed of.”

Have Faith “I am no longer a Christian Scientist, but I believe in something—in the strength, maybe, of the human spirit.”

Be Needed “My mother always impressed upon us, you have to be useful, to be needed and to be able to give love. I think it’s even more important than receiving it.”

à la mode: The New Now

If you haven't got them memo yet, this fall is all about deconstructed minimalism. The below spread styled by one of my favorite Vogue Fashion Editors, Lucinda Chambers, from UK Vogue which was in their August 2014 issue shot by Patrick Demarchelier. I appreciate Chambers personal style, and an editor's personal style is always indicative of the sort of aesthetic approach their fashion stories are usually constructed. When one does a Google search of Chamber's street looks, I have noticed how Chambers combines unique pieces to create a cleverly unexpected look that makes sense in a mad hatter sort of way. As we all know, the Mad Hatter was a genius in his own right, and I think that is what the looks in this spread exude. In my fashion, I love a look where each piece of the sum is interesting all by itself, but the ensemble of those pieces culminates into one ultra unique, creative and appealing look. My mind travels to the days when I used to watch Power Rangers and the Rangers would combine each of their individual colossal assault machines into one "Megazord". Even though each Ranger was strong and talented in their own regard, when they came together they were a real force to be reckoned with. Remember your clothes are your armor that prepares you for the public, so in that regard, I say pay close attention to the work of Lucinda Chambers in UK Vogue if you need a look that makes a concise aesthetic statement. 

                

Style Maven: Audrey Hepburn (Part 6 - On Friendship...)

As I said in my Editor’s Letter this month, if anyone wants to understand how to be truly happy in life, one should study the life and values of Ms. Audrey Hepburn—so I will make it easy for you to do so with my 10 part Style Maven series this month. In my fashion, after reading Melissa Hellstern’s book, 'How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life', one sees Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of how to overcome the self-defeating attitudes we have of ourselves, and rise to the occasion where ever you are needed. For me personally, considering Hepburn was an introverted soul, she reminds me that being an introvert, it is possible to step out of one’s comfort zone to achieve the success we desire. "We may be introverts, but that is not all that we are," I tell myself! I think she shows that there is strength in all of us (introverted or extroverted) to accomplish great successes and create a happy life, which is exactly why I preach of understanding what our unique strengths are so we can be as useful in this life as possible. She shows no matter how delicate, beautiful, or kind you are, we all have our tribulations in life, no matter how glorious we appear in the public eye. She reminds us that at the end of the day we all have to work for the satisfaction we want in life, and one cannot fret over what one cannot control. Life gets on when you do, so make it happen! I would only hope that the following posts help you to figure out how to emulate some of that effervescence Audrey possessed by adjusting how you see life through her eyes.

On Friendship: How to build relationships for life...

Be Loyal “She embraced everyone as an acquaintance, but very few people were admitted to her inner circle. She had the ability to keep people at a distance without being in the least bit rough or unkind. Her magnetism was so extraordinary, though, that everyone wanted to be close to her."—Stanley Donen

Love Much “I think he loved me and I loved him. I think it’s rather different. I think it’s better than being in love.”—AH on William Wyler

Listen Well “Audrey really cared and really listened. Most people don’t. If you really listen, it’s because you really care. I don’t listen to half of what I hear—but Audrey did.”—Doris Brynner

Laugh Often “Most people think of Audrey Hepburn as regal. I like to think of her as spunky…She was a cutup, she was a clown. I think that would surprise people who didn’t know her. She could always make me laugh between scenes…she was a comic.”—Gregory Peck

Be Genuine “Audrey sensed very early in her life and career that self-worth based on fame or beauty is very short-lived, and so she remained forever herself—realistic, aware, and caring.”

Style Maven: Audrey Hepburn (Part 5 - On Family...)

As I said in my Editor’s Letter this month, if anyone wants to understand how to be truly happy in life, one should study the life and values of Ms. Audrey Hepburn—so I will make it easy for you to do so with my 10 part Style Maven series this month. In my fashion, after reading Melissa Hellstern’s book, 'How to be Lovely: The Audrey Hepburn Way of Life', one sees Audrey Hepburn as a prime example of how to overcome the self-defeating attitudes we have of ourselves, and rise to the occasion where ever you are needed. For me personally, considering Hepburn was an introverted soul, she reminds me that being an introvert, it is possible to step out of one’s comfort zone to achieve the success we desire. "We may be introverts, but that is not all that we are," I tell myself! I think she shows that there is strength in all of us (introverted or extroverted) to accomplish great successes and create a happy life, which is exactly why I preach of understanding what our unique strengths are so we can be as useful in this life as possible. She shows no matter how delicate, beautiful, or kind you are, we all have our tribulations in life, no matter how glorious we appear in the public eye. She reminds us that at the end of the day we all have to work for the satisfaction we want in life, and one cannot fret over what one cannot control. Life gets on when you do, so make it happen! I would only hope that the following posts help you to figure out how to emulate some of that effervescence Audrey possessed by adjusting how you see life through her eyes.

On Family: How to nurture those you love...

Love Your Mother Anyway “My mother was not an affectionate person. She was a fabulous mother, but she had a Victorian upbringing of great discipline, of great ethics. She was very strict, very demanding of her children. She had a lot of love within her, but she was not always able to show it.” 

Forgive Your Father “Having my father cut himself off from me when I was only six was desperately awful. If I could have just seen him regularly, I would have felt he loved me. But as it was, I always envied other people’s fathers, came home with tears, because they had a daddy.”

Believe in Miracles “Like all new mothers, I couldn't believe at first he was really for me, and I could really keep him. I’m still filled with wonder of being able to go out and come back—and find he’s still there.”

Be Present “The fact that I've made movies doesn't mean breakfast gets made or that my child does better in his homework. I still have to function as a woman in a household.” 

Teach Your Children Well “Never let yourself grow up believing that…anybody is any different from anybody else…we’re all the same.”