August 3rd, 2012 
(Photo Credit: Sara Jaye Weiss)
Sole Society threw a shoe sample sale at their headquarters in Culver City on Saturday, July 27 to benefit The Art of Elysium that was difficult to leave, to say the least. The shoes were to die for (I left with four pairs) and the VIP accouterments were delectable.
(Photo Credit: Rochelle Robinson)
Bottles of O.N.E. Coconut Water kept us hydrated and nourished enough to prolong our shopping energy. NYX Cosmetics was on site doing makeup touch-ups that kept us feeling fabulous, as we slipped on pair after pair of stylish shoes that could advance any outfit and any style with some serious sass. A tempting display of jeweled and hand beaded leather adornments created by Alison Markinson of Caviar Mom, (who happens to be the beautiful wife of Sole Society’s CEO and founder, Brett Markinson) beckoned our indulgent sides. She also ran a silent auction of a few key pieces to benefit The Art of Elysium. And, to top it off, a Fat Burger truck awaited guests outside.
But more than all the perks of the day, the sweet, personable energy of all involved in this event permeated through Sole Society’s headquarters. I could feel in every exchange that the girls were ecstatic about the gift they were building with each person who walked through their doors. The proceeds from the day will benefit kids bound to hospital rooms all over LA through the work and dedication of The Art of Elysium, a non-profit organization that provides the joy and experience of the arts and the artistic process via the volunteer-ship of a wide array of working artists; from actors, comedians, fine artists, musicians, writers, fashion designers and more. Volunteers read stories, sing songs, or even run multi-day workshops that enable kids to create and perform. The Art of Elysium brings the joy of the arts to kids who unfortunately suffer from debilitating illnesses. And, fitting with the luscious shoe designs of Sole Society, this day’s event specifically raised funds for their Fashion Design Program.
(Photo Credit: zimbio.com)
Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who hosted the VIP section of Sole Society’s event, not only acts as a spokesperson, but has given of her time, energy and artistic talent to the kids taking part in the programs provided by The Art of Elysium two to three times a month for the last year. She is dedicated to the cause and spoke of her experience with a warmth and gratitude for being a part of this awesome organization. Her eyes gleamed as she talked about simply reading a story to a child and taking part in a fashion workshop that engaged kids in designing their own shoes and styling outfits, culminating in a fashion show for their families.
(Photo Credit: Sara Jaye Weiss)
The arts have a way of lifting us into a place that has no space or time, a place that exists outside of our routines and awareness of body, into a place of pure creation and joy! What an amazing thing to be able to give this to kids, especially kids in need! I’m inspired to give of myself as well, and planning on signing up for the August Volunteer Artist Orientation on August 6 in LA. If you or someone you know works as an artist, come out too and give these kids the gift of you and the arts! And, don’t forget to sign up to purchase a hot new pair of shoes created by Sole Society! The company is brand new, ready and set to continue to contribute to the social consciousness of our community, and is creating high-quality high-fashion shoes at a fraction of the costs you’d pay at a high-end boutique. Plus, the people and their causes are super fantastic!
(Photo Credit: The Art of Elysium)
