Au Revoir, Blogger! Hello, charmingpumpkin.com!

Well, hello there, stranger! I've got some news! Charming Pumpkin is moving to a new domain. I've been thinking about moving CP for quite some time, but only recently did I really decide to buckle down and make it happen. I tend to drag my heels that way. Given that I am about to embark on a new adventure, though, I felt like an accompanying move to a new domain would be timely and appropriate. So, to those of you who are still around after my very lengthy hiatus, you can now find me blogging at charmingpumpkin.com. At least for now, the format will look much the same as it did here: outfit posts, the occasional Polyvore set to justify another twirly dress, you know, the usual. So, a quick recap:

1) Charming pumpkin is moving to charmingpumpkin.com! Hooray!
2) I'm getting ready to start a new adventure (spoiler: it involves eleven year olds)!
3) The inaugural post will go up next Wednesday morning, so be sure to check it out!
4) You're all really awesome, I've missed you, and I really, really hope you'll come over to Charming Pumpkin and say hello!
5) !!!!!! (Because clearly this post needs more exclamation points! ... !!!)!

Polyvore Remix: Colima Maxi Skirt

I'm really fortunate to have the most wonderfully patient husband in the world. He doesn't judge me too harshly for leaving half-full mugs of coffee sitting around the house (that's right... half-full... because I'm an optimist). He doesn't mind that my idea of cooking a meal involves pulling a bowl out of the cupboard, and filling it with cereal. He doesn't even mind the fact that I have a long and distinguished reputation as a plant killer, despite the fact that he loves gardening. And, strictly speaking, he doesn't mind the fact that I have enough clothes to adequately outfit a relatively small, very feminine army. He does, however, think it's hilarious to tease me mercilessly when my clothes are literally spilling out of the closet. In my defense, it isn't because the closets are that full. It's mostly because I'm usually running late, so I just sort of... shove things in the closet, close the doors quickly so things don't spill out, and sprint for the door. (Does it sound like I'm rationalizing? I'm really not. Promise.)

Because I like to limit the amount of ammo Mr. CP. has at any given moment, I've been trying to be a more discerning customer as I add a few new Spring pieces to my closet. Unless I can think of at least three ways to style an item using things I already own, the article of clothing in question doesn't come home with me. As soon as I saw the Colima Maxi Skirt on Anthropologie's website, I hopped on over to Polyvore and started styling away. I came up with five -- count 'em, FIVE! -- styling options based around items I already have in my closet. I may use that Anthro gift card that's been gathering dust to pick up this lovely skirt now that I can rationalize the purchase. Technology is a wonderfully useful psychological tool, isn't it?

Which look is your favorite?

Sunshine and bicycles

Dress: Bicycle Print Sash Waist Dress, c/o eShakti (here)
Denim Jacket: JC Penney (not available online)
Shoes: Target
Hair scarf: Vintage

I've written a poem in honor of this beeeeeeautiful dress that eShakti sent me for review:

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
This bicycle print dress,
Is a dream come true!

No, seriously. This dress is amazing. The fabric is soft, the skirt is full, and... drum roll please... the dress has pockets. I have a place to keep all my secrets now, you guys.

For those of you who don't know anything about eShakti, allow me to blow your mind. All of their designs comes in sizes 0 to 36. And if you're like me, and you fall between sizes, you don't need to worry; anything on the site can be custom made to your exact measurements for a mere $7.50. Even better, eShakti has been expanding their custom offerings. Depending upon the item, you can alter the neckline, the length of the sleeves, and, in the case of some of their strapless dresses, you can opt to have straps added. My personal favorite service that eShakti offers: you can choose to have the length of almost every dress altered to suit your tastes. From short, to knee length, to calf length, you can alter items to flatter your body type and make you feel good about yourself.

I opted to have my new bicycle dress altered so that it was both sleeveless, and lower cut... shocking, given that I have the sensibilities of a Victorian spinster. But because the dress was made to fit my body, I figured I didn't have too much to worry about. I was right. The dress falls perfectly. The waist sits where it's supposed to, the skirt flairs in a really feminine way. I think it's safe to say this dress is going to be popping up constantly on the blog.

I may or may not have just purchased this skirt. Don't tell Mr. CP. I'm currently in the process of weeding old items out of my closet. Out with the old, in with the new, I always say, but not everyone can be as enlightened as I am, coughcoughMr.CPcoughcough.










*eShakti was kind enough to send me this item free of charge. This in no way affected my opinion of the item or the company. I'm an opinionated beast of a woman, so you can be sure that if I hadn't liked the item and/or company I would have said so. For serious.

Who got a fringe?

This girl!!!!!!!

Outfit Details
Blouse: Banana Republic
Denim and necklace: maurices (here)
Shoes: Rocket Dog (here)
  

Ready for lilacs and buttercups

Blouse: Coldwater Creek (similar, similar)
Denim jacket: Gap Outlet (similar)
Skirt: Kahanu Maxi Skirt, Anthropologie
Shoes: Target
Purse: Target
Sunnies: Target
Necklace: DIY

When I woke up the morning I wore this outfit and looked out the window, I was absolutely convinced spring had officially arrived. I ran to the back door, pulled it open, stepped outside... and nearly froze to death. The only way I could think of to cope with the absolute desolation I felt over the 20 degree weather was to throw on this beautiful skirt that Mr. CP got me as a wedding gift. It may not have been entirely appropriate for the weather, but it did manage to temporarily alleviate my depression over the too-cool temperature.

Incidentally, this skirt met one of my other requirements: it has a stretchy waistband. Go stretchy, or go home, I say!

Our wedding day! Hooray!

We finally received our wedding photos in the mail, and I couldn't wait to share them with you! For those of you who don't know -- or need a refresher! -- Mr. CP and I got married in beautiful Maui, Hawaii on February 6th. It was a wonderfully special day full of laughter, conch shells, and beachy goodness.

The day didn't go exactly as planned. We woke up to rain, wind, and surprisingly chilly weather. However, having lived in Seattle for years, Mr. CP and I weren't about to let a little rain stop us from getting married on the beach. So what if my hair got wet? I'd be a frizzy bride! So what if it was shockingly cold? I'd be my something blue! Come hell or high water, we were getting married on that beach at sunset.

I hadn't planned on wearing a cardigan for the ceremony. Thankfully, I had packed this teal beauty just in case the evenings got chilly. So, I threw it on over my dress, buttoned on the bug brooches that Mr. CP got me for Christmas, and off I went to get married! To be honest, I'm thankful for the twist of fate that forced me to don one of my trademark cardigans for our wedding. I felt like me in a way I don't think I would have had I just worn a plain old strapless dress.

A few details about what I wore:

Dress: Justin Alexander 8645 in Coffee (there's a funny story about how I found this dress. I'll share soon!)
Cardigan: J. Crew
Brooches: Anthropologie and vintage
Bouquet: Morgann Hill Designs via Etsy
Head piece: Mignonne Handmade via Etsy
Necklace and earrings: DIY