MOURJUNE 2014

Lexington’s Fashion & Lifestyle Magazine

309 N. Ashland, Ste.160Lexington, Kentuckyinfo@dryartlex.com

859.303.5364www.dryartlex.com

mention this adfor 10% off your

next visit!

Photos by antumbra studios

3

DEAR READERS 5ASK LEXI 6

WHAT’S HAPPENING 7LEXSTREET STYLE 8

TREND HUNTING 12LOVING ANDROGYNY 15

MIX IT UP 23WORK IT OUT 24

WATCH & LEARN 25GOTTA TRY IT 26

HOT SPOT 28MEET THE PRO 29

SPLURGE | SAVE | STEAL 30

4

M O U R M A G A Z I N E , L L CL E X I N G T O N , K E N T U C K Y

W W W . M O U R M A G A Z I N E . C O M

P H O T O B Y P A U L B R A D L E Y | M O D E L : A L D E N K R A U S S E

Writers:Lauren AllenJessica CaudillOlivia DoanKatelyn LincolnJon ShouldisEmily Ullrich

Copy Editor:Jaime Shouldis

Photographers:Paul BradleyJeanette Alvarez

Models:Alden KrausseJulia Rukavina

Hair & Makeup:Rachel DeBerdtTamra Graves

Fashions:AJ’s CasualsMorton JamesStreet SceneWorld’s Apart

Account Managers:Hall Conrad | hall@mourmagazine.comKeisha Lansaw | keisha@mourmagazine.com

Chief Editors:Maggie ChristensenTamra Graves

Contributors

5

Dear Readers,We can officially say, SUMMER has arrived! With that comes short shorts, fabulous sunnies, bikinis and wide brimmed hats. All of our summer favorites, of course, including delicious, icy beverages and soaking up that Vitamin D (through a layer of SPF, of course).

This issue, we’re sharing with you the summer fashions we’re loving from a few of our local boutiques and from a few places you online shoppers will love (pages 12 & 26). There’s something for everyone!

Stop by page 15 and read about androgynous style and admire our recreated love stories through which you can see, fashion has no gender. “Loving Androgyny” shows us that we are free to wear whatever elements make us feel like our truest self, masculine or feminine.

We always want to see what our readers are up to and most of all what you’re wearing. Give us a like on Facebook or a Follow on Instagram @mourmagazine. Tag us in your photos and use #LexStreetStyle so we can share your stylish ways!

HAPPY SUMMER!xo, Maggie & Tamra

Forever 21 Origami Shorts

Karen Walker Joyous Sunglasses

H&M Bikini Top

Check out Tamra’s faves from the Met Galahttp://fatestyling.com/met-gala-2014-top-10-turned-6/

Photo Credit: sheknows.com

6

1. SunscreenThe first on my list may seem like a no-brainer BUT we do sometimes

forget. AND it’s the most important! No matter how much you love your golden goddess tan, protecting your skin is of the utmost importance. Especially if you want younger looking skin as you age. Don’t we all? The answer is yes. So, before you hit the beach, lake or pool, make sure to layer on a bit of SPF. At least 15. You’ll thank me later!

PS: Keep a travel size SPF stick or tube in your makeup bag. You’ll be prepared for that spur of the moment sun bath and your skin will love you for it.

2. Bag ExchangeMelt proof your makeup! It’s time to swap out whatever currently resides in your makeup bag and fill her up with some new summer selections. Make sure you think water proof! The last thing a gal needs (especially while on a HOT date) is a running face. Ensure your colors stay where they belong by opting for more summer friendly products:

1) Waterproof mascara 2) Cream based blushes & eyeshadows (your lids will be crease free!) 3) A primer or BB cream instead of your normal foundation (less is more in the heat) 4) Lighten the lips (Opt for a sheer lipstick that will leave your pout with a natural glow)

3. Pop of PolishWe’re in the season of open toes and that means pedicure time. While this may not be a true tip, it is a suggestion that will change your summer shoe game. Your toes deserve to be peep ready at all times. When running out the door last minute

to join your pals at TNL, don’t pass up the party perfect peep toes you just purchased because your pedi isn’t perfect. Make the time! Pamper those tootsies every 2 weeks and all summer long you’ll be set to prance around town, toes out. Salon pedis not in your budget? That’s OK! At home pedicures are fabulous, too. You may even be able to convince your honey to top yours off with a little foot massage.

4. Body BronzerFind yourself indoors most of the time? Nothing a little self bronzing session can’t fix. Experiment a little and find a bronzing lotion you love. After applying all over, dust your favorite bronzer over the areas of your body that would naturally be highlighted (cheeks, shoulders, décolletage). You’ll have such a beautiful glow no one will even think to ask where it came from!

5. Shine BoostSun, salt water and chlorine can be harsh on our locks.

After a day in paradise, refresh your brittle ends with a spritz of gloss or shine spray. You can even use a dab of your favorite oil. Make sure not to have your tresses look over oiled by focusing on your mid lengths and ends. This extra bit of care gives hair an instant boost.

6. Coconut Oil to the RescueSince summer usually calls for outdoor festivities, you must know, coconut oil is your new best friend. Those icky bug bites? Soothed by a dab of coconut oil. Want to prevent them? Mix a bit of coconut oil with peppermint oil and you have yourself a homemade and more importantly, safe, insect repellent. Sun burn? Tamed by coconut oil. Dry skin, itchy skin, makeup remover?? You guessed it, coconut oil. Simply place a teaspoon or two into a sandwich bag or travel size bottle and stick in your purse. You’ll find a hundred uses for this fantastic, all natural, product.

Lexi’s Top Summer Tips

Photo Credits: bloomingdales.com, pinkysmiles.com, therecreatedlifestyle.com

7

June 3-7

WHAT: Pyramid Society Egyptian Arabian Event

WHERE: KY Horse Park

MORE INFO: Pyramidsociety.org“Held annually at The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, The Egyptian Event boasts world-class halter and performance competition, superb shopping, expert-led seminars, live and silent auctions, and fun social activities for all ages! Come feel the desert wind blowing across the heart of horse country at the world’s largest showcase of the Egyptian Arabian horse. “It’s more than just a horse show, it’s an event!””

June 21

WHAT: Give Into The Groove

WHERE: Whitaker Bank Ballpark

TIME: 6-10PM

MORE INFO: Giveintothegroove.com“Give Into The Groove is a feel-good benefit featuring live & electronic music, multimedia art & fashion. With the purpose of drawing attention to community needs & unleashing artists of all ages, Give Into The Groove’s mission is to raise awareness for local organizations and charities and encourage people of all ages to get involved in philanthropy.”

June 21-22

WHAT: Shaker Village Antiques Show and Sale

WHERE: Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Harrodsburg, KY

MORE INFO: Shakervillageky.org“More than fifty of the nation’s top dealers will travel from across the U.S. to exhibit a diverse range of antiques surrounded by the pristine Shaker Village restoration. Among items available will be period Shaker artifacts, museum quality American furniture, vintage decorative arts and furniture, silver, jewelry, quilts, garden sculpture, fine and folk art, historical artifacts and affordable antiques from America and the Continent.”

June 28

WHAT: PRIDE FESTIVAL

WHERE: Lexington

MORE INFO:lexpridefest.org“The Lexington Pride Festival is the region’s up and coming premiere festival for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning community and its allies. This family-friendly event is scheduled for June 28th, 2014 in the downtown courthouse plaza in Lexington, KY. This is the fifth year we’ll be in this high-profile and vibrant venue for the event.”

June 28-29

WHAT: UCarnival presents Indian Ethnic Fashion

WHERE: Louisville, KY

MORE INFO: Ucarnival.com/louisville“Visit us and discover the vivid hues of Indian Ethnic Fashion at UCarnival 2014! With Indian ethnic fashion spreading its charm, it’s time for Louisville to celebrate the spirit of India! Explore the best of Indian textiles, embroideries, motifs, weaves, fabrics and attires, under one roof. You wouldn’t want to miss it!”

Now-August 17

WHAT: Stitching Art

WHERE: The Headley-Whitney Museum

WHEN: Wednesday - Friday 10am to 5pm. Saturday & Sunday 12pm to 5pm

MORE INFO:Headley-whitney.org“A Lexington Fashion Collaborative Exhibit. The exhibit will feature the fashion designs and fashion photographs from over 25 local designers and photographers. Members of the Lexington Fashion Collaborative will be offering classes and workshops this spring/summer at the Headley Whitney Museum.”

June 16-21

OUR WISH LIST EVENT:

WHAT: Full Figured Fashion Week

WHERE: NYC

MORE INFO:FFFweek.com“Now in its sixth year, the event’s offering has expanded to include over 100 partners, including sponsors, independent designers, retailers, boutiques, fashion bloggers, small businesses and other industry professionals. We now offer over 20 events and 4 runway shows featuring an array of fashion from top retailers, boutiques and independent designers worn by 50 of the top runway models across the country. What began as a bold first step in support of the plus size fashion movement has evolved into a breakthrough fashion event.”

JUNE 2014

WHAT’SHAPPENING?

MOUR FASHION

8

Flud The Richwood Watch $95 urbanoutfitters.com Pull & Bear Trilby Hat $19.03 asos.com

Stripe Motif Swim Shorts $44 topman.comFather & Sons Graphic Tee $17.95 hm.com

lexstreet style: trendy dads

9

T

Chino Shorts $12.95 hm.com

Birch Box for Men $20/month birchbox.com

Wooden Comb $12 uncommongoods.com

his Father’s Day, deck out dad in the trendiest duds. Whether he’s already received your stamp of approval or needs a nudge in the right direction, these gift ideas will give Dad the youthful boost of confidence he deserves.

MOUR FASHION

Today’s fashion world is all about being bold and making a statement. This summer, be bold with androgynous trends—relaxed fits, black and whites, and metallics that challenge gendered fashion. If the tough girl isn’t for you, make a splash with florals, color blocking, bold patterns or a classic nautical look.

Hat - W

orld’s Apart, Shoes - M

orton James, Sw

im Suit - M

orton James, M

axi Dress - A

j’s, Blue/W

hite Cover U

p - Ajs, Shorts - A

js, Full Look - Aj’s

MOUR FASHION

12

TRENDHUNTING

Leather Jacket - Worlds A

part, Grey B

utton Dow

n - Ajs, B

lack sweater - M

orton James, B

lue Tee - Morton Jam

es, Jumper - W

orlds Apart

MOUR FASHION

13PHOTOS BY PAUL BRADLEY

CLOTHES, SHOESVINTAGE JEWELRY STERLING JEWELRYAND MUCH MORE

516 EAST HIGH STREETLOCATED IN THE HISTORIC

WOODLAND TRIANGLE859.281.1421

our 22nd yearCelebrating

BALLET

POINTE

TAP

JAZZ

HIP HOP

ACROBATICS

MUSICALTHEATRE

MODERN

AGESTWO-ADULT

BOYS CLASS

COLLEGE CLASS

PRIVATE CLASSESThe Lansdowne Shoppes859.268.3382 | gottadancelex.org

OPEN HOUSEAugust 17th • 10:00am-1:00pm | Register Today!

CALL US TODAY TO LEARN ABOUT

OUR SUMMER PROGRAMS!

15

MOUR FASHION

LovingAndrogyny

By Lauren Allen

Photography by Paul Bradley

Fashions from Street Scene

Hair by Tamra Graves

Makeup by Rachel DeBerdt

Modeled by Alden KrausseRomeo & Juliet

16

Bonnie & Clyde

17

Sonny & Cher

1818

19

Richard Burton & Elizabeth Taylor

20

Cleopatra & Marc Antony

21

nce upon a time it was expected that all women wore dresses - at all times. Now, some of the sexiest women in the world are wearing full tuxedos.

In the past, women who dressed in men’s clothing were looked down upon, almost as if expressing yourself through clothing were forbidden. Society expected ladies to wear only what they were “supposed” to wear.

During World War II men were deployed overseas forcing the women into the men’s roles. This meant that full skirts were no longer the most desirable or most practical option. When women joined the work force, integrating slacks into their wardrobe was a natural step and dressing more for function became necessary. From that moment forward, as a woman’s presence grew in the work place, it became more acceptable to see a woman wearing items with masculine influences.

Many fashion icons paved the way for women to feel free in their fashion choices. To wear any style of clothing they wish and to choose the looks in which they felt most confident. One of the most iconic women, that introduced androgynous fashion trends, was Coco Chanel. She broke all the fashion rules, beginning with showing off her ankles and pushing the boundaries all the way to menswear. The Chanel Jacket, first designed by the legend herself in 1954, was meant to ease women from the constraint of the tight waisted silhouettes of the 50’s. These tailored jackets and other menswear inspired suits are - to this day - a

huge presence in the fashion world. Thanks to her, almost every designer incorporates menswear inspired elements into their collections.

The main focus of androgynous fashion is creating a look and not knowing whether it was made for men or for women. In the end, who cares? The item can be worn by either and still look great. A successful androgynous look can even make you wonder whether the model is male or female, this is a designer’s goal. The clothes can work for anyone and the model’s body is indistinguishable. The designer’s wish for the consumer is that he or she will take these neutral pieces and add their own masculine or feminine touches to make them their own. Today, androgyny is first and foremost a fashion statement. The world welcomes androgyny with men dressing in slightly feminine detail and women loving menswear inspired fashions. Adding menswear elements to an already feminine piece is one of the best ways to stand out in almost any season and for any reason. This trend won’t soon fade away. From blazers and bow ties to slacks and menswear flats, there is more than one way to test your androgynous side. Maybe start off slow with boyfriend jeans and a relaxed tee. And when you’re feeling a little bit more risky, a full suit with fabulous stilettos will definitely warrant a few head turns. History has paved the way for women to be free to wear whatever they want, even if that means searching your husband’s closet for the next look of the day.

Whatever your style is, wear it with confidence and you will always be fashionable.

Loving AndrogynyWomen’s Journey to Menswear

androgynous having both

male and female characteristics or

qualities

Photo Credits: shooooes.blog.lem

onde.fr, duoepisode.com, peekyou.com

, pinterest.com

OURFAVEANDROLOOKS

22

Mix It UpBrasajito (Brasabana’s take on the classic mojito with Bacardi Heritage rum)

2 ounces Bacardi Heritage rum1 ounce mint-infused simple syrup5 fresh mint leavesJuice of ½ limeCrushed iceDemerara sugar, to rim glass1 sprig mint, to garnish1 lime wedge, to garnish1 stick sugar cane, to garnish

In a tall glass, muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup. Add crushed ice and rum. Shake thoroughly. Rim tall glass with sugar. Pour mojito mix into glass and garnish with sprig of mint and lime wedge with sugar cane stick.

CUBAN STYLE PORK LOIN WITH PEPPER SLAWBY JON SHOULDIS

The PERFECT pairing with this delicious “Brasajito” from Brasabana (brasabana.com).

Visit www.mourmagazine.com/mixitup for this amazing recipe by our in-house foodie, Jon!

DRINK PHOTO BY PAUL BRADLEY, DRINK RECIPE PROVIDED BY BRASABANA

FOOD PHOTO BY JEANETTE ALVAREZ HARTFOOD RECIPE BY JON SHOULDIS

23

MOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

24

Photo: Adam LewisModel: Myah WinbushSuit: Elizabeth GalaciaEarrings: MOUR Closet

7 Reasons to Work It Out...side1. MotivationRemember not all that long ago when the weather was icy and snow covered EVERYTHING? Well, that’s history! For a moment anyway. A beautiful summer breeze and a cozy warm sun makes you want to get up, get out and do something. How many times have you or a friend said, “It’s so nice out. I want to go do something!” Why hide indoors when temperatures finally invite you out?

2. Time Slips AwayStep outside for a pleasant stroll or a brisk walk. You’ll be surprised how quickly time will pass while you are out and about. With so much around to keep your eyes and mind occupied the minutes will rush by. You’ll be too distracted by your lovely environment to notice all of the calories you’ll be burning.

3. And the calories, they will BURNWhen in a regular fitness routine you tend to gravitate toward the same sequence at each workout. Almost as if in auto pilot. You may not even notice you are in a rut until the results stop showing up. This means it’s time to switch things up. When you’re getting your sweat on outdoors you can almost guarantee the experience will be different each time. Your body will have to stay on its toes in order to keep up. The benefit? You’ll burn more!

4. You’ll SAVEThat’s right. Nothing more to be said. No gym membership, no monthly membership fee. Happy piggy bank.

5. You’ll SmileFolks may smile at the gym but you can bet that money saved in your piggy that folks smile more when they’re having a good time outside! When playing outdoors you will feel more like your workout is a choice rather than a chore. Who doesn’t love breathing in fresh air? Now, that alone should make you smile.

6. Germ Free ZoneGyms may be a path to health and wellness by way of physical fitness but that does not mean they are germ free. In order to protect yourself you need to be in the habit of washing your hands often, wiping down equipment before and after use and wearing flip flops in the shower. Sure it may not be too terrible a task to incorporate these precautions into your routine but you can avoid them altogether by taking your training to the streets.

7. Peace Of MindBeing outdoors will give you the opportunity to clear your mind. Take a hike or walk the woods. Nearing yourself to nature will allow for a moment of serenity. We can all use a bit of Zen time now and then. Make it outdoor yoga and you’ve hit the jackpot of peace!

MOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

Phot

o cr

edits

: fun

chap

.com

, im

agin

eyou

rsel

fther

e.co

m, s

awfir

st.co

m, 9

2q.co

m, y

ourb

ella

life.

com

, tod

aysp

aren

t.com

, life

scap

esou

tions

.com

25

watch & learn: simple summer makeup

By Rachel DeBerdtPhotos by Paul Bradley

MOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

1. Apply your favorite CC, BB or foundation. I love Ole Henrickson’s CC cream for summer. It’s lightweight and smells like oranges and sunscreen. Ole Henrickson’s also makes a CC concealer with sunscreen that’s good for fair to medium skin tones. (Please be mindful that most sunscreen only lasts two hours. Find a translucent powder with sunscreen, like Peter Thomas Roth mineral powder SPF 45, that you can reapply throughout the day). This will also give you a smooth base for your blush to glide across.

2. Your blush can be applied to the tops of the cheekbones or on the apples of the cheeks to give a flushed look. Right now I’m loving the Josie Maran Creamy Infinity Oil Cheek and Lip Tint or Makeup For Ever’s new HD Cream Blush. Apply with a brush for easy subtle application or with your fingers to achieve higher pigmentation.

3. Add cream blush to your lips or get a tinted lip balm with sunscreen. Fresh Sugar lip treatments are very popular or Bite has an awesome BB Lip Tint with SPF.

4. For the finishing touch add some waterproof mascara. Start at the base of the lash and wiggle the wand back and forth up to the tip, to coat each lash. Urban Decay Cannonball is an Ultra Waterproof Mascara with lash fibers to give extra length to the lash.

All products shown can be purchased at Sephora.com or your closest Sephora store.

26

Gotta Try It: Summer Essentials

Photo credits: soap.com, freepeople.com, vampyvarnish.com, nastygal.com, pacsun.com, calypsoboutique.com

Looking for those sexy beach waves, just without the beach? You’re in luck! Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray will do the job. Available at Ulta for $5.99

Want your lips to look colorful, but not heavy with lipstick? Keep it light for the summer with ColorBurst Balm Stain from Revlon. Available at Target for $6.49

Let’s face it, everyone will be wearing sundresses and crop tops this summer. Luckily you can stand out in yours by throwing a body chain over (or under) it. Fine Lines Body Chain available at nastygal.com for $28.00

Life’s too short to wear average swimwear or worry about awkward tan lines. Dare to be different with something like the Mecca Cutout One Piece. Available at pacsun.com for $49.99

The must have piece to throw over anything this summer, kimonos. This “silver charm” kimono from Calypso is perfect for only $38.00

If you plan to attend a festival this summer, body crayons will be essential. Stand out with unique designs, and skip the mess of body paint. Available on freepeople.com for $14.00 (Search “Face Crayons”)

By Olivia Doan

MOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

27

6 13

F O R S A L EM A I N T E N A N C E F R E E L I V I NG

R E / M A X E L I T E R E A L T Y | 2 0 3 R U C C I O W A Y | L E X I N G T O NC : 8 5 9 . 2 8 5 . 0 8 2 2 | O : 8 5 9 . 2 4 5 . 1 1 6 5 | F : 8 5 9 . 2 4 5 . 1 0 5 5

I Z Z Y P E T E R S O N 1 @ Y A H O O . C O M | I Z Z Y M S E L L S H O M E S . C O M

T H E O A K S : 3 9 5 R E D D I N G R D # 5 4

$ 1 7 0 , 0 0 0

I Z Z Y P E T E R S O N | E L I T E R E A L T O R O F T H E Y E A R 2 0 1 3

Advertising with us is MOUR than meets the eye...

Print & Online AdvertisingBrand PartnershipBrandy Identity

Website, Logo & Advertisement Design

Mention this for 10% off your first Ad

with MOUR!

Contact Us:info@mourmagazine.com

859.255.8940

28

Being from the Northeast, I was excited to visit a bar in the state known for its bourbon, especially one with such a history behind it! Belle’s Cocktail House is named for the infamous Belle Brezing, notorious madam of Lexington in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While Brezing was once charged with “keeping a bawdy house”, this namesake bar is anything but.

A large portrait of Ms. Brezing hangs above the fireplace and catches your eye when you first walk in, past the modern jukebox and large U shaped bar. Comfy-looking cushioned benches line the walls and sparkling crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The staff are dressed in vests and ties, giving Belle’s an air of sophistication without being too stuffy. The room itself is not large, but there is plenty of space to sit and visit with friends and colleagues while sipping your cocktail or beer and watching the game on one of the two large flat screen televisions. There’s even a room upstairs for private events.

The menu consists of 10 specialty cocktails, including “The Belle Brezing” (I was told this is similar to a Lemon Drop), “Gin and Sin”, and “Dr. Carrick’s Recommendation”. Classic libations can be found on this menu as well, such

as “Gatewood’s Manhattan” or “House Old Fashioned”, which will satisfy those who want to stick with what they know but still experience that crafted cocktail that Belle’s offers. They also have a selection of beers (draft and bottle!) and wine.

After taking my seat at the bar, I was tended to quickly and received my drink not long after I ordered it. The service

was swift and friendly. I ordered a “Wink & Nod”, mostly because I liked the name (my strategy for ordering cocktails isn’t too different from my strategy for deciding which horse to bet on at the racetrack). The tart and refreshing combination of grapefruit and raspberry was perfect for the warm spring evening.

Overall, my experience at Belle’s was very pleasant. They stick to their theme (there were even swinging saloon doors in the bathroom - adorable!) without going overboard, the decor is charming, the

staff is knowledgeable and attentive, and the menu has variety. Try Belle’s for yourself and share your thoughts with me on Twitter @Katie _ Lincoln and don’t forget to #sharethelex !

Sources: University of Kentucky Library website: http://libraries.uky.edu

HOT SPOTbelle’s cocktail house, 156 market street

By: Katelyn Lincoln

MOUR LIFE

The handsome, charming, and effervescent Brandl Skirvin fields last minute party planning phone calls and sips his cocktail, all while keeping me glued to his stories.. A living example of his motto, “Just because people are aware and downtown is a hub of acceptance doesn’t mean the work is done,” Skirvin is at the helm of the non-profit organization, as co-chair of JustFundKY, and is in the process of putting the final touches on Gatsby, A Derby Eve To Remember, which was held Friday May 2nd at Grand Reserve on Manchester Street. “This party is our huge signature event. It speaks to the heritage of the area, as well as the future…What makes this a great community to live in is its heritage and its ability to adapt and grow… Lexington has a high concentration of intelligent individuals due to the number of colleges here. We have a gay mayor, there is a lot of diversity, and is a great example of what being an accepting community means.”

Skirvin says, “The party is open to EVERYONE. It’s Kentuckians raising money that goes back into Kentucky.” Guests enjoyed 20’s themed signature cocktails, a full spread banquet complete with “smiling” roast suckling (a pig with an apple in its mouth), and the décor and decadence with a modern twist, a la Baz Luhrman’s Gatsby the movie. There were even ballerinas from the Lexington Ballet swinging from the rafters. To top it all off, there was live music and performances from Hepcat Swing Dancers, the Walnut Street Ragtime Ramblers, DJ Joe Gauthreauz and the Imperial Court, another LGBT (Lesbian,

Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) organization that raises money for the community by holding drag queen and king shows. There were also live and silent auctions. Some of the items auctioned at the charity event were a Rolex watch, Tempur Pedic beds, houses in both Key West and Colorado, and original artwork. During the pre-event party, over $40,000 in grants was bestowed upon twelve different worthy organizations.

When asked to describe the work that JustFundKY does, Skirvin swells with pride, as he rattles off the names and descriptions of too many fantastic projects to list, all of them in the name of LGBT rights and equality. “We don’t just give away the money without real belief in the projects, and without proof that they are worthy of our patrons’ generous donations. We require a lot from our benefactors…and we follow through to make sure they are using the money in the right ways, as well as

provide them with support.” In 2006, JustFundKY was created by Debra Hensley of Lexington and Fayette Circuit Judge Ernesto Scorsone with the goal of eliminating discrimination against the LGBT community in the commonwealth. In the first year, JustFundKY raised $500,000, which was matched by their biggest backer, Cliff Todd.

Last year’s Derby Eve party raised almost $50,000. This year’s event undoubtedly out-raised last year’s, with between five and six-hundred attendees. The money, Skirvin assures

me, will be well spent. There are no full-time paid employees, only the

chair persons and volunteers, as well as the sponsors and a few part-time employees, all working for the inspirational cause. “As soon as the party’s over, we start raising money all over again,” Skirvin says, describing the tireless efforts that he and

his co-chairs put into the group.

“I would love to see a community, a commonwealth, a nation that doesn’t

discriminate against anyone, that recognizes and accepts the strength of everyone…no matter their color, race, sexual orientation, etc.” When asked if and why people who are “straight” care about this cause, Skirvin says, “Very much so…A community that is diverse and accepting brings industry and commerce…Not everybody has that. We have to be the ones to help. There are people every day that are being bullied and live in secret of who they are. We have to make sure they can be who they are.”

Photo provided by JustFundKYBrandl Skirvin (right) center image

29

MOUR LIFE

Meet the Pro: Brandl Skirvin

BY EMILY ULLRICH

30

Splurge | Save | Steal

| | |Take your summer swimwear back in time...

Mara Hoffman Divine Print Cutout Swimsuit

$451.58 asos.com

Lattice Push Up Bandeau & High

Waist Bottom $83-$91

victoriassecret.com

Pink Floral High Waist Bikini

$68topshop.com

The LEXSEWS project is designed to provide refugees and low-income participants with multidisciplinary educational and skill development opportunities that promote self-sufficiency through professional sewing courses which incorporate entrepreneurship.

Lexington Fashion C ol laborative What’s up at the Collaborative?

The Neighborhood Series Exhibit at the Lyric Theater and Cultural Center

NOW – August 16

Stitching Art at the Headley-Whitney Museum NOW – August 17

Workshops at the Headley-Whitney Museum:

Fascinators for the Fashionista Sunday June 1, 2014 12pm-3pm

Stitching your Child’s Art into a Keepsake Saturday, June 7, 2014 11am-1pm

Aspiring Model Workshop Saturday July 19, 2014 8am-1pm

FeltLoom Workshop Sunday, July 27, 2014 1pm-5pm

Hand Stitching (2 Part Workshop) Saturday, August 2, 2014 9am-12pm &

Sunday, August 3, 2014 1pm-4pm

Handwoven Treasure Pouches Saturday, August 9, 2014 1pm-5pm

The Presences of Clothing Sunday, August 10, 2014 2pm-4pm

Product Development Program Coming soon!

Please join us for our next community meeting:June 15, 2014 2pm

www.lexingtonfashion.org } Sign up for the LFC newsletter for updates on events and projects.

“Just like the stars in Heaven,Fling round the moon at night,I’ll stay with you forever,Whether you are wrong or right.”