Charming Pumpkin

Valentine's Day Non-Plans

2012-02-14T08:34:00.004-08:00

Dress (gifted): Brushed Terra Dress/Anthropologie (here)

Lace top: Anthropologie

Head band: Target

Earrings (gifted): Betsey Johnson (here)

Belt: Target

Tights: Hue/Macy's

Boots: Enzo Angiolini/Nordstrom Rack

Over the last week or so, I couldn't help noticing all the wonderful posts about Valentine's Day popping up around the internet. All the heart-print clothes, and Valentine's Day inspired outfits made me squeal with delight. Except... well, we don't celebrate Valentine's Day. Long before Mr. CP and I were together, I realized that it just wasn't a holiday that resonated with me. I didn't find any meaning in a single day that celebrates love, because to be perfectly honest, I think every day should be a celebration of your affection for those closest to you. Don't get me wrong. I always loved hearing all about my girlfriends' elaborate Valentine's Day plans: where they were going, who they were going with, what they were going to wear. For my part, though, Valentine's Day just wasn't my style. I preferred to stay in, bake cookies (and not burn down the kitchen, thankyouverymuch), and watch silly movies in my PJs.

A friend of mine recently asked what Mr. CP and I were going to do for Valentine's Day. When I responded, she looked horrified. No dinner plans? No fancy outfits? No flowers, or chocolate? Thankfully, I was able to alleviate at least one of her fears: there is always chocolate in our household. Always.

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? What are your plans this year?

p.s. Don't forget to check out my Victory Garden Yarn giveaway here! You have until next Monday (2/20) to enter!

Spotlight and Giveaway: Victory Garden Yarn

2012-02-13T09:53:00.001-08:00

Hello, beautiful readers! I officially have my computer back, so I'll thankfully be able to post more regularly again. Hooray!

First up on the agenda is a designer spotlight. I stumbled across Victory Garden Yarn months ago during one of my Etsy browsing marathons. It was the cowls in particular that caught my eye. In the lead up to Christmas, I added just about everything in the shop to my favorites list in hopes that perhaps I would find a cowl under the Christmas Tree. Fate, however, intervened.

Every year around the holidays, there's a massive craft show in downtown Seattle called Urban Craft Uprising. It's become my favorite place to shop for gifts. I popped down there with my mother, father and Jason only to find... Victory Garden Yarn! I started chatting with the brains and beauty behind the store, Anna, and promptly decided that I was going to get myself a little Christmas gift in the form of the Snowdrop Cowl (pictured right). I looooooove it. I have a box full of scarves, and this particular cowl is pretty much all that I wear. In point of fact, I was wearing it when Mr. CP proposed! =)

As I fell increasingly in love with my new purchase, I thought it would be amazing to feature Anna and her shop on here. Imagine my surprise and delight when Anna told me that she wanted to host a giveaway on here for all of you, my lovely readers!

Giveaway Details

Prize: A taupe Cosy Rosie (pictured below), and a Granny Hoop!
Duration: The giveaway will be open for one week. Entries will no longer be accepted, then, after Monday, February 20, 2012.

To enter

Subscribe to Anna's newsletter: mandatory, one entry. I promise you won't regret this; she frequently offers her subscribers exclusive deals, and you will be among the first to know about new additions to her shop! You can subscribe here.
Subscribe to Charming Pumpkin on Blog Lovin': mandatory, one entry
Optional additional entry: Leave a comment down below relating one of the funniest things that has ever happened to you.

Anna has also offered to answer some questions about herself and her shop for all of you. Let me just say that she is absolutely adorable. I mean, just LOOK at the photos in her shop! Anyway, enjoy reading about the lovely Anna, and her yarn-tastic creations!

CP: Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hi Charming Pumpkin friends! I'm Anna from Victory Garden Yarn, so lovely to meet you all! I am a made-with-my-own-two-hands obsessed girl who hails from the heat and cotton fields of Central California, transplanted to the cool, mossy climate of Seattle. I've lived in the same teensy apartment for the last eight years with one boyfriend, lots of vintage Pyrex, and even more yarn. Between running my Etsy shop, remembering to update my blog, and life in general, I dabble in a lot of things: coming up with delicious recipes, taking pretty photos of my canning adventures, playing the piano, hoarding vintage family photographs, taking Polaroids of our latest road trip adventure, and weekend thrift store hops. Someday I will have a Victory Garden full of flowers, herbs, and vegetables to eat; but for now I like to think I have created a Victory Garden of a different sort, full of hand knit & crocheted curiosities to brighten walls and warm peoples souls.

CP: When did you first know that you wanted to start knitting full-time?

Three years ago I was managing a gorgeous boutique in downtown Seattle--running the shop, doing window displays, running the website, and generally having a jolly old time every day I went to work. The economy started to tank and the next thing I knew the shop windows were shuttered and I was without a job. Needless to say, I tried incredibly hard not to have an early mid-life-crisis! Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to be able to take a few steps back from the constant rush and stress of searching for another full-time job, and I dove into my back catalogue of personal knitting projects I had been wanting to finish. Friends saw the photos of my finished pieces I had been posting on Facebook and started asking if I could knit something up for them. After seeing how happy and pleased my friends were with their new handknits, I started to wonder if I could really play with yarn for a living... One thing led to another and with a really big gulp, I opened my little Etsy shop and debuted my first design: The Skipjack Cowl!

CP: What's your favorite thing about what you do?

My favorite thing about what I do is knowing that something I dreamed up in my head, created with my hands, and sent off into the world, is keeping someone out there warm and making them happy. I feel like every single cowl, scarf, and Granny Hoop I make really does contain a teensy part of me (it's true!) and I do get a little wistful every time I send a package off into the ether! But then I get little email notes and pictures from people telling me how happy they are with what I made for them and I get the biggest feeling of joy.

CP: What are your current favorite pieces?

I am completely ecstatic about my newest piece, The Cosy Rosie Earwarmer! It is so warm, super kitschy, and really a lot of fun to wear. My favorite part about it is that you can throw it on even if your hair is 'done' and it won't completely ruin your hairdo. I'm always grabbing a handful of bobby pins and twisting all my hair up on top of my head, so designing a functional headpiece that wouldn't wreck my 'do was imperative when I was creating my pattern! I am also constantly smitten with my Wisteria Wrap. I wear mine all day every day during the Winter (and Fall...and Spring...). I particularly love it because it's lightweight but incredibly warm, and you can wear it so many different ways: shawl, scarf, shoulder wrap, and--my favorite--wrapping it haphazardly around my neck and splaying the ends out in a dramatic fashion!

Where do you find your inspiration for new products?
I really love the idea of taking somewhat stereotyped crafts like knitting & crochet, and reinventing them in a modern, fashionable way. The Cosy Rosie is a good example of that: at my recent round of holiday craft shows so many people were commenting, 'Oh, my grandmother used to wear turbans like this, I'm not sure I can pull this off!' But the beauty of the design is that you can throw it on with a leather jacket, skinny jeans, and your favorite flats and you look completely cute & modern. I also love the idea of working with materials other than yarn--I'm actually brainstorming a few fanciful ideas for Summer using ribbon! I definitely get a lot of inspiration from vintage knitting magazines, seeing the fashions in old movies (which I watch a lot while I'm working!), and peeking at old family photographs to see what my grandmothers and great aunts were wearing in their heyday.

Want to see more from Victory Garden Yarn? Check out Anna's Etsy store here, or head over here to her blog to catch up on the latest news!

CP Temporarily Gets Deep...ish

2012-02-12T12:13:00.000-08:00

It is a truth universally acknowledged (or at the very least a truth that should be universally acknowledged) that there are hateful, bitter people in this world. Allow me to recount for you a recent experience wherein I had to deal with one such person.

Curious about J.C. Penney's new no-sale marketing strategy, I popped in with Mama CP to browse through the clothes. There I was minding my own business when a tiny, very elderly woman wandered up and started chattering away at me for no apparent reason. This in and of itself was hardly an unusual occurrence; for most of my life people have randomly come up to me and shared their life stories. It wasn't at all out of the ordinary, then, that the woman shared with me her age - 80 - and that she managed to maintain her youthful appearance by rubbing petroleum jelly all over her body. Let me just tell you, at the top of the list of mental images I never, ever, ever wanted to have was that of an 80-year-old woman slathering herself in petroleum jelly. (Oh, and you're welcome for sharing the image with you. Apparently misery really does love company).

What was unusual was what happened next. "You would be beautiful if you lost weight," she said. "You obviously eat too many potatoes." Say what?! Initially, the only reaction I could summon was uncomfortable laughter. Apparently she saw this as an invitation to continue with her criticism, and kept yammering on and on about how I needed to lose weight... and about how I need to cut back on potatoes. My internal dialogue was something like, "Uh, my deep-seated love for potatoes won't be changing any time soon, so kiss off." What I actually said was, "I enjoy life, and, through some sort of curious magic, you have correctly deduced that I love potatoes." "There's a difference between enjoying life, and eating too much," she said. Tired of listening to her, I finally told her that if I had to eat nothing but lettuce for the rest of my life to look as youthful as her at 80, it simply wouldn't be worth it. "We're done here," I said, and wandered off.

I could tell you that what the woman said to me didn't hurt my feelings, didn't make me feel bad about myself. But it would be a lie. What I can tell you is this: her criticism, unsolicited and unwarranted though it may have been, stung. And for a few minutes, I allowed myself to feel the pain of her words, of her ignorance, of her obvious bitterness. I wallowed in it. (What can I say? I'm a wallower).

And then I let it go. I thought about what she said, about the sting of pain it caused me, and let myself forget about it. Easier said than done, I reminded myself that the opinion of a stranger -- that the opinion of anyone but myself, really -- should not have the power to ruin my day, to alter the way in which I perceive myself, to undermine my self confidence.

When I let go of the sting of her criticism, I found only pity left behind. How sad must her life be -- how sad must any hateful person's life be -- that they have to troll for strangers to insult? I don't know the specifics of her life, and at least as far as I'm concerned, they're irrelevant. All I know is that, instead of wallowing in righteous indignation the way I desperately wanted to, Empathy kicked in and insisted that I try to be understanding (she's pushy that way).

I wanted to share with you this particular incident, because I firmly believe that, regardless of size, ethnicity, gender, sex, or sexual orientation, we've all come face-to-face with hateful people. With all of those voices telling you that you're imperfect, and at the risk of sounding completely hokey, I wanted to take this opportunity to paraphrase Darcy from Bridget Jones (the movie version): you're perfect... just as you are. Be the person you want to be for you, not for the hateful people in the world who think you should be someone else.

I was reading some of Gerald Manley Hopkins's poetry and essays recently, and was struck all over again by his idea of "inscapes," those internal qualities and characteristics that give each thing it's uniqueness. A bunny, for example, has a unique set of characteristics that lend it it's "bunny-ness." Revel in your you-ness, my friend, and know that you're unique, wonderful, and oh-so amazing precisely the way you are.

Head over to Says Skippy!

2012-02-10T16:43:00.000-08:00

Hellooooo! I'm sorry I've been absent this week; my computer is currently off somewhere being fixed.

I've temporarily highjacked Mr. CP's laptop to let you all know that I'm guest posting over at Skippy Says today. Inna has quickly become one of my blogger BFF's. We bonded over a shared love of mashed potatoes, silly jokes, the Backstreet Boys, and Inna's general awesomeness. Anyway, head here to check out my guest post, and show Inna some love. She's swell!

#3: Another Anecdote

2012-02-01T12:24:00.001-08:00

Behold! One of the few "normal" pictures of us in existence.

In thinking about our wedding, it's hard not to look back to the early days of Mr. CP's and my courtship. Though I've already told you about our first date, I thought I would share another story from the early days of our relationship.

Mr. CP had been horrified to learn that I subsisted entirely on turkey sandwiches and cereal. You see, cooking just isn't really my thing. At all. So, he kindly offered to start cooking dinners for me. I know you're probably thinking, "Oh my God, he so obviously liked you!" I'm a little bit slow on the uptake, though, so I just assumed he was a nice guy offering to feed a decidedly un-domestic girl.

Anyway, after about 2 weeks of feeding me, I offered to make him dinner as a thank you. I settled on a simple stir fry. I had made it before for myself, and it certainly wasn't difficult(ish), so it seemed like a nice and easy(ish) choice.

Despite having lived in my apartment for 4 months, I still hadn't actually used my stove. True story. What this meant, of course, was that I had no idea just how hot my stove actually burned. I was a little surprised when the oil in the pan started smoking. I was even more surprised when the smoke detector started going off. In an effort to get it to stop shrieking angrily, I tasked Mr. CP with waving a throw pillow at it to waft the smoke away.

Can you guess what happened next? The oil burst into flames. In my kitchen. While I was cooking dinner for a really cute guy. My initial thought -- fleeting though it may have been -- was, "That's about right. The Universe has a pretty serious hate on for me." My second and more useful thought was, "Ruh roh. Gotta put it out." Except that I didn't know how to put an oil fire out. Cue Mr. CP. "Throw flour on it," he yelled. I grabbed my super adorable Pottery Barn flour container, and started throwing dainty little fistfuls of flour on the flames. "No! Smother it!" Which I did. Except that I threw the container at the fire from across the room. It definitely put the flames out, but it also meant that I had smelly burnt flour caked all over the walls, counters, and floor. And a broken flour container.

This is where my story diverges from Mr. CP's. I remember laughing hysterically -- because that's just how I roll -- for about 5 minutes. By the time I sobered up, Mr. CP had magically cleaned the entire kitchen. It was spotless, and I was in awe. Who was this magical man who could clean a kitchen in 5 short minutes?

Mr. CP's story is that I was hunkered down in the corner, rocking back and forth, cackling like a crazy person for closer to 30 minutes. It gave him plenty of time to vacuum, scrape, scrub, and dust until I regained lucidity.

So, now Mr. CP's favorite thing to tell people is that I tried to burn him to death when we first started dating. And that I dislocated his shoulder just two short weeks later (which you can read about here).

Oh, and for the record, we had pizza that night. I may not be able to cook to save my life, but I can order a pizza with the best of them.

Rebellion

2012-01-30T09:18:00.000-08:00

These photograph terrible. They're actually really sparkly in person.

Dress: Lucky Brand

Boots: Vintage/Vintage Angel

Tights: Hue/Macy's

Earrings: Buckle

I apologize for the fact that I haven't done any outfit posts lately. I've been feeling a bit under the weather since just after Christmas. My stomach has decided that it apparently doesn't like anything but salad and saltines. While I do love a good salad, I also love a good cheeseburger, and good mashed potatoes (you know what I'm talking about, Inna!)... neither of which I have been able to eat. I went to the doctor earlier this month and he gave me some medicine that apparently isn't working (LAME!). SO, I'm going back tomorrow. The doctor -- and my father, also a doctor -- seem to think it may be gallstones, which would be super duper lame. If it is, and I have to have surgery... well, poor Mr. CP is all I have to say. Anyway, enough with my excuses. Moving on to the outfit!

For most of my life, I categorically refused to wear anything even remotely cowboyish. In part, it was a rebellion against the Aggies I grew up around. We all have our forms of rebellion. Some sneak out of the house in the dead of night to canoodle (that's right, I said canoodle!) with a girlfriend or boyfriend, while others get a bit carried away their first year of college with the house parties and readily available alcohol. My form of rebellion took a rather unusual form: I swore never to wear anything even vaguely cowboy-ish. Sure, I went to a couple rowdy cowboy bars (my poor dance partners), and occasionally entertained the notion of going cow tipping (if such a thing were possible... is it? I've heard different stories). And I may or may not have lost a bet and gone to a country music festival. As for wearing anything cowboyish, though... nope. Nuh-uh. Not me. I know, I know. My hardcore form of rebellion has blown your mind.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. When I saw this dress, it seemed to cry out for a cute pair of cowboy boots. So, off I went to a local store here in Seattle that sells refurbished vintage cowboy boots. They were cheap, they were already broken in, and did I mention they were cheap?

As he was taking photos, Mr. CP told me a disgusting -- and I do mean DISGUSTING -- joke. I thought I would share with you all my reaction. For the record, I have about 15 other photos that depict my horror/disgust/mild amusement.

And, finally, just because I can: a funny hair picture. Because we should never take ourselves too seriously. For serious.

#2: Adventures in Wedding Dress Shopping

2012-01-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

I have rather unusual requirements for a wedding dress, particularly relative to what most bridal shops stock. I don't want a white dress. I've kept an open mind -- I'm willing to entertain the possibility of a long dress -- but I don't want a train. I don't want a veil. I don't want anything stiff. We're getting married on a beach in Maui, so I want whatever I end up with to have some movement.

I was shocked when, last week, Mr. CP walked in the house and promptly started raving about a tea length wedding dress he had seen in the window of a nearby bridal boutique on his walk home from the bus stop. The entire conversation was surreal. Usually I'm the one raving about an item of clothing while he makes noncommittal noises of encouragement, and feigns interest. The very idea that he had noticed a dress was hilarious, which might be why I spent the entire conversation clutching my sides and gasping for breath between fits of giggles. Later that same night, he suggested that we should go take a peek in the window of the store so that I could see the dress. Can I just say that we looked completely crazy? It was ten o'clock at night, and we had our noses pressed up against the window like teensy little children at a candy store... or burglars unsubtly casing a place. The dress he had seen was absolutely lovely. So lovely, in fact, that I called the very next day and went in to try the beauty on. (You can see said dress right here).

To be frank, I was nervous about trying on wedding dresses. I had absolutely no idea how I was going to squeeze into their sample sizes. No amount of holding my breath and sucking my tummy in was going to help me fit into a sample size. It just wasn't. Much to my shock, however, all but one of the dresses fit well enough to give me a sense of what the gowns would look like. I'm still convinced that the bridal consultant must have worked some sort of magic.

I tried on dresses that made me look like a cupcake. I tried on dresses that made me look like a passenger on the Titanic. I tried on dresses fit for Cinderella. I tried on dresses fit for a nightclub. I tried on tight fitted sheath dresses that made me fall over when I tried to walk in them (true story... unfortunately). I tried on dresses that weighed as much as I do. But of all the dresses I tried on, I loved the tea length dresses most of all.

Mr. CP recently shared with me that, in general, he likes long dresses. In all fairness, this was before he spotted the dress I mentioned above in the window. But even after our late-night trip to the boutique, I found myself torn: was I supposed to pick a long dress that he would like? Or a shorter, knee length dress that I would like? My appointment convinced me that, fortunately, it doesn't have to be an either/or situation. A tea length dress seems like a perfect compromise.

I don't want to say too much about whether or not I've found The Dress. I still have other appointments, and I want my choice to be a surprise. What I will say, though, is that this particular adventure in wedding dress shopping gave me a much better idea of what I'm looking for.

Oh, and a side note. Unfortunately there's a law in Washington that you can't take photographs of dresses while you're trying them on. Lame! So, you probably won't be able to see any photos of me trying on wedding dresses. Still, I'll be sure to provide links to some of my favorites whenever I can!

Want to following along with my wedding pinning? I have a Pinterest board dedicated exclusively to wedding-y things, which you can find here.

Garden Gnomes

2012-01-21T10:12:00.003-08:00

As per the lovely Gracey's request, here is a post about garden gnomes. More specifically, this is a post about the Garden Gnome Liberation Front. My best friend and I have spent countless hours laughing over this. Now you can, too!

Wikipedia: Garden Gnome Liberation Front
Free the Gnomes
European Gnome Sanctuary Manifesto
CNN Article
Another CNN Article

If I Had a Magic Lamp...

2012-01-20T11:21:00.002-08:00

Helloooo! You may have noticed that I've been a bit absent this week. Seattle is currently buried in an uncharacteristically deep layer of snow, and so the city has, for the most part, shut down. As a result, I've been lounging around in my pajamas for the vast majority of this week (read: ALL of this week). Because OOTD posts were out, I was having one of those weeks where I couldn't decide what to post about. Wedding planning? Wish list items? Garden gnomes? I ultimately decided to go with the second idea (as evidenced by the title of this post). Anyway, these are just a few of the items I'm desperately coveting.

I've already ordered one of these. Can you guess which one?

Botanical Flutter Dress, Dorothy Perkins (here)

Clockworks Shirt Dress, eShakti (here)

Flamingo Print Jumper, Dorothy Perkins (here)

Gray Heart Print Cardigan, Dorothy Perkins (here)

Bird Print Button Back Top, Dorothy Perkins (here)

Orange Box Jewelry Giveaway Winner!

2012-01-13T12:19:00.001-08:00

I'm so sorry it has taken me so long to announce the winner of the Orange Box Jewelry giveaway! I could tell you that I was walking down the street when I saw a tragic looking puppy sitting in the middle of the street; how I shrieked in terror when I saw a car bearing down upon the poor thing. I could tell you that in a moment of absolute heroism I dove between the canine and the car, only to be mercilessly run down by the cruel, evil, would-be puppy slayer. I could finish recounting my tale of woe by explaining that I was laid up in the hospital for three weeks, recovering amidst a veritable garden of flowers, all sent by the sweet puppy whose life I saved. But alas, I can't tell you that. It didn't happen.

... (awkward silence)

... (more awkward silence)

Ahem, moving on. Rafflecopter seemed kind of dull, so I decided to draw a winner the old fashioned way. I wrote all of the entrants' names down on slips of paper, put them all in one of Mr. CP's fancy-pants fedoras, like so:

And drew a winner! Drum roll please... The winner is:

Kassi is absolutely hilarious. Her posts on her blog, The Closet Intervention, typically result in me alternating between giggles, and oo's and ah's. True story. Congratulations, Kassi! Shoot me an email at charmingpumpkin@gmail.com, and I'll send you your coupon code!

Review: Anjolee Ring

2012-01-11T12:25:00.002-08:00

When Anjolee contacted me recently to review one of theirproducts for my blog, I couldn’t restrain a squeal of excitement. If you readmy blog with any regularity at all, you’re no doubt well aware of my love forall things sparkly. The very notion that I would get to review a diamond anything filled my sparkle-loving heartwith glee.

Based in San Diego, Anjolee has been producing sparklybeauties since 1977. The company prides itself on its excellent customerservice. Indeed, a central tenet of their business philosophy is to providecustomers with chat and email support seven days a week. It is no doubt this commitmentto customer service that has garnered them an A+ rating from the BetterBusiness Bureau.

For those of you who hesitate to buy diamonds forenvironmental or moral reasons, Anjolee may be especially appealing. They arecommitted to eco-friendly manufacturing processes, adopting a variety ofstrategies to minimize their impact on the environment. They also conform tothe Kimberly act of 2003, which requires all US diamond retailers to purchase diamonds only from manufacturerswho have documentation proving that their diamonds were obtained throughlegitimate channels.

Anjolee offers free shipping on all orders within the US andCanada. Don’t worry; the postman won’t be leaving the box on your front porch.All packages require a signature upon delivery to ensure the safety of yourbeautiful new treasure.

We all know how much I love customization. Well, ladies, Anjoleedoes not disappoint in that department. You may well find yourself awed by allthe decisions you have to make. White gold? Yellow gold? Platinum? Accentstones? Carat weight? Put simply ladies, any ring you chose from their sitewill be just that: yours.

There are few things better than receiving a package. It’sespecially exciting when that package comes beautifully wrapped. My lovely ringwas packaged in a sturdy but beautiful white box, and accented with a gorgeousblue bow.

Anjolee asked me to review their Three Stone Gem and Diamondring. I chose to have the ring made in 14K white gold, and accented withgarnets. May I just say that this ring is absolutely beautiful? It’s stunning.In fact, Mama CP threatened to steal it… and I don’t think she was joking. Itend to be a bit hard on rings, but the stones in this ring are very, very wellset, so I don’t they will be going anywhere anytime soon.

Are you interested in snagging a beautiful Anjolee ring ofyour own? If you’re in the market for diamond anniversary rings, there areplenty of options to be found on Anjolee's site. Looking for sparkly wedding sets? They have those in abundance! Are diamond bridal sets more in line with you’re looking for? Anjolee has got you covered! I would be absolutely shocked if you can’t find what you’re looking foron Anjolee’s site.

Keep your eyes peeled for my beautiful new ring in future OOTD posts. I have no doubt it will be making a number of appearances.

*Anjolee 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.

#1: Holy Wedding, Batman!

2012-01-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

When I announced my engagement on here, a lot of you expressed interest in blog posts centering on the whole wedding planning process. I've loved reading Sarah's posts about her upcoming nuptials over on Coming Unstitched, so I thought it would be fun to periodically post about our wedding planning. Because I'm terrible at planning posts in advance, I don't want to promise "Wedding Wednesdays" a la Sarah. So, these posts may be a bit sporadic, popping up unexpectedly from time to time.

I want to enjoy the engagement stage as much as possible, so I've really only taken care of a few basic things at this point. I created a communal Pinterest board for my mother and one of my best friends to clip ideas to (you can find it here). I've also set up our engagement photo session with Jenny GG Photography. We've decided to wait until the beginning of March to take our photos in the hopes that we'll get some sunshine. Fingers crossed!

A few of the things we definitely know we want for our wedding:

To get married in Maui sometime between November 2012 and February 2013
Bare feet
A very, very miniscule wedding (10 people max)
I want a short, knee-length wedding dress that isn't white, and that I can feasibly wear again
A vintage brooch bouquet... with a twist! One of the ways in which I plan to make my extended family and friends feel more included in the wedding revolves around this. I'm going to ask each of them to contribute a vintage flower brooch to the bouquet.
Lots of laughs!

Mama CP is coming out for a visit early next month to do some wedding dress shopping, and help me plan things out. Unfortunately, my two closest girlfriends don't live nearby -- CP BFF #1 is in Colorado, and CP BFF #2 is currently stationed in Afghanistan -- so they won't be able to directly take part in the process of picking out a dress. As much as I would love to have them around to try on dresses, there are obvious work-arounds. They're both going to be receiving copious amounts of emails and photos from me. ;)

Beyond that, the rest of this month is going to be spent enjoying the fact that I'm newly engaged. I want to enjoy it before I jump head first into the planning process!

Liebster Blog Award

2012-01-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

This post is long overdue! The very beautiful, and overwhelmingly sweet Katha over at Kathastrophal (how cute is that name?!) recently gave me the Liebster Blog Award! Isn't she the sweetest? If you haven't checked out Katha's blog yet, you certainly should. She is absolutely stunning, incredibly sweet, and frequently posts photographs of some of the most delicious looking pastries you have ever clapped eyes on. I've contemplated licking my computer screen. For real. On a theoretically less cringe-inducing note, the award carries with it the requirement that I share with you ten random facts about myself. Here goes!

#1 - I had pet hermit crabs when I was a little girl. I can't for the life of me remember their names, but I used to insist on taking them for walks. I carried them around on the palm of my hand so that they could get fresh air, and enjoy the great outdoors. As I'm sure you can imagine, this didn't always end well. I got pinched a lot.

#2 - I feel really uncomfortable around strangers. I usually mask this by cackling like a hyena, and being overly animated, neither of which help with anyone's discomfort. I end up feeling even more uncomfortable because people (understandably) think I'm slightly unbalanced.

#3 - I once used my lunch money to liberate a rat from my middle school science class. Mr. D was going to feed the poor thing to his snake that afternoon. I thought my mom was going to have a heart attack when I walked up to the car at the end of the day clutching a sad little rat in my hands.

#4 - After two years of working towards a PhD in History, I decided that I was tired of huddling in a corner chewing on my hair, and crying myself to sleep every night, so I made the executive decision to leave Academia. I'm going back to school to earn my teaching credentials so I can teach high school History.

#5 - I'm an appallingly bad cook. I mean, BAD. As in, I almost burnt down the kitchen in my old apartment trying to cook Mr. CP dinner before we started dating.

#6 - In true girly fashion, I'm terrified of spiders. I tend to squeal at a pitch that only dogs can hear whenever I see one.

#7 - I am horribly disorganized. It's sad, actually. I thought about resolving to get better about organization, but I like to be realistic in my New Year's resolutions.

#8 - Mr. CP and I are going to be moving to Colorado sometime this year -- probably in July or September -- and we couldn't be happier about it. We're ready to live some place with sunlight.

#9 - The single greatest sorrow in my life is that Hogwarts isn't real. At least, that's what I'm assuming. Otherwise, I'd be left to assume that I just didn't get an invitation and am, in fact, a muggle, a thought which is too depressing to even contemplate.

#10 - I'm absolutely convinced that Muse's song "Star Light" is about Dr. Who, a belief that Mr. CP finds endlessly hilarious and/or frustrating. He's been trying to convince me for several years that I'm wrong, but my belief is apparently unswerving.

I'm supposed to pass this award on to just one person, but that's impossible. I've limited myself to two people who I haven't given awards to before (that I can remember). Kassi (The Closet Intervention), Sarah (Coming Unstitched): it's your turn!

New Year's Eve!

2012-01-04T18:54:00.000-08:00

Dress: Anthropologie

Top: Anthropologie

Belt: Came with another dress

Tights: Hue/Nordstrom Rack

Shoes: Naya/Nordstrom Rack

Bracelet: Vintage

Earrings: Gift/Betsey Johnson

When I put this outfit on, I loved it. BUT seeing it in photographs, I'm left with that "meh" feeling I sometimes get over my outfits. I don't know. I mean, it's fine. It's just not, "WOWSA!"

Anyway, our New Year's Eve celebration was marvelous! One of our very favorite seafood restaurants sits directly opposite the Space Needle (where they fire off the fireworks), so Mr. CP and I decided to take part in their NYE celebration. Seated next to us was the most adorable French couple I have ever clapped eyes on. They had to be in their 60s, but they were snuggling like teenagers, and boogying like champs. The French man was wearing a cravat. A CRAVAT! If I spoke any French at all, I would have teetered up to him in my heels and announced to him that he was my hero. Unfortunately, the only thing I know how to say in French is, "Je suis un poisson," and somehow I think he would have found it creepy if a strange woman had waltzed up to him and informed him in no uncertain terms that she was a fish. My favorite moment: watching the French couple dance to the Beegees... right next to us... because I dragged Mr. CP out on the dance floor and made him disco with me. DON'T JUDGE ME, OKAY?! My father used to do an amazing Beegees impression... it was a thing of beauty. But I digress.

p.s. I apologize for my cosmetic-less face and un-curled hair. Light was fading fast in the lead-up to our New Year's Eve celebration, so I (very politely) demanded that Mr. CP follow me outside to take photos.

What did YOU do for NYE? Happy 2012 (a few days late)!!!!!!! =D

BIG NEWS!

2012-01-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

Okay! I know I promised you all that today I would post photos of my New Year's Eve outfit. However, there is something considerably more pressing that needs to be featured on the blog. Before you leap to any conclusions and assume that I finally, at long last, received my letter to Hogwarts, you should know that that is not the news. I'm still waiting for the owls to get their act together. The news I have for you, my friends, is even BETTER!

Want to know what the news is? Just follow (and by follow, I mean click on) the bunny!

Top 5 Outfits from 2011

2012-01-01T09:41:00.001-08:00

Mr. CP and I spent a rousing night out on the town last night in celebration of the New Year. I'll be posting my outfit sometime tomorrow, but in the interim I thought I would go ahead and repost my top 5 favorite outfits from 2011! These are in no particular order. =)

p.s. Sorry I've been an absentee blogger for the past two-ish weeks. Things have been a bit hectic. I'm back now, though, and missed the ol' blog so very much.

Polyvore Style Challenge: City of Lights Dress

2011-12-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

Alright, friends! A number of you expressed interest in doing the Polyvore challenge I suggested in my previous post. I'm so happy that it's something you all wanted to do! I picked up the City of Lights dress on sale at Anthropologie recently with the intent of wearing it on New Year's Eve, and hoped you might be willing to help me out with some ideas about how to style it.

Here's how this will work. All you need to do is put together a Polyvore outfit featuring the dress below. You can find a link to a clip of the dress on Polyvore below; just click on the name of the dress. Once you're finished, post a link to your Polyvore outfit in the comments. I'll try to keep up with submissions, and gradually add them to the body of this post.

I seriously can't wait to see what you all come up with! Happy Polyvoring!

City of Lights Dress, Anthropologie

Outfits!

Jenny, Sincerely,JennyEmm (Outfit details here)

Kassi, The Closet Intervention (Outfit details here)

Sarah, Coming Unstitched (Outfit details here)

Alex, Delayed Missives (Outfit details here)

1 by 8: Modcloth's Craving Curry Skirt

2011-12-21T10:48:00.003-08:00

The trough-loads of holiday treats I've been consuming have apparently negatively influenced my creativity. The more chocolate I eat, the more I start to communicate (and think) in hoots and grunts. I share this because, quite frankly, I could not for the life of me come up with an idea about what to post today. I was literally scratching my head... which, incidentally, didn't help. I then tried stroking my chin thoughtfully in the hopes that it would somehow get the creativity juices pumping. It didn't. I thought maybe doing both at the same time would help, so I tried scratching my head and stroking my chin at the same time. Still nothing. Mr. CP ultimately took pity on me, and said, "Why don't you use that Omnivore thingy to put together a bunch of outfits using one item." GENIUS!

I've always loved blog posts that make good use of Polyvore (I'm looking at you, Kassi). It's actually a fantastic tool for imagining new outfits into being. I usually try to stay away from Polyvore because, inevitably, I end up putting an outfit together that includes one or more pieces that I don't own, and then I end up fantasizing about said pieces to the point of madness. I'm neurotic like that. So, in this case it seemed like a good idea to put together outfits using only items that are identical or similar to things I already have in my closet. =D

Not-so-random, but still kind of random question: I recently picked up this beauty for New Year's Eve. I'm considering setting up a friendly competition in which all of you help me decide how to style it by creating your own Polyvores that feature this dress. Is that something you might be interested in?

Sequins!

2011-12-19T16:12:00.001-08:00

Dress: LOFT/ Christmas gift from Mr. CP

Tights: Hue/Macy's

Boots: Enzo Angiolini/Nordstrom Rack

Necklace: DIY/Birthday gift from Mama CP

Hair Clip: Thea Starr/Christmas gift from Mr. CP (here)

Sequins and I have a love/hate relationship. On the one hand, as a connoisseur of all things sparkly and shiny, I feel obliged to love them. I mean, they're basically giant pieces of glitter affixed to articles of clothing. And while I'm no Ke$ha (really? A dollar sign? ::shakes head::), I do love me some glitter. That being said, I tend to see a lot of be-sequined (um, yes, that's a word... why do you ask?) items of clothing that lead me to think, "That would look SO cute on someone else. It's just a bit much for me." I just don't feel comfortable in overtly sparkly things Yes. I know. I'm an enigma.

So, when I spotted this sweater dress at LOFT a month-ish ago, I was immediately smitten. It certainly has sequins, they're just subtle and understated. I dragged Mr. CP into LOFT, to only mild protests, and made him sit patiently (with my purse, of course... dur!) while I tried the dress on. Mr. CP's reaction when I walked out of the dressing room was both flattering and hilarious. His mouth dropped open, and he uttered those six little words that every woman longs to hear: that dress was made for you. In keeping with my self-imposed shopping ban in the lead-up to Christmas, however, I bid farewell to this beautiful dress and moseyed on out of the store, a lone tear trickling down my face. I may or may not have gone back and pawed sadly at the window on several different occasions. Maybe. Possibly. Perhaps.

Because we're going to be traveling to Kansas for Christmas, we decided to celebrate Fake Christmas today in order to avoid packing up our gifts to one another. Imagine my delight when I opened up one of my presents only to find this dress! Mr. CP insists that it's actually a gift for him (aw, shucks!), but I'm megalomaniacal and greedy. IT'S MINE!

In honor of Fake Christmas, and because I think it's hilarious, I thought I'd share with you all a photo of me "shaking it off," ostensibly before Mr. CP started taking pictures. Traitor.

Brrrrr

2011-12-14T09:35:00.003-08:00

Dress: Forever21+

Cardigan: August Silk/Nordstrom Rack

Tights: Hue/Macy's

Shoes: Mia/Nordstrom Rack

Head band: Target

Necklace: DIY (there's another photo of it here)

Brooch: Flea Market

I'm afraid I don't have very much to say today. I'm feeling a bit under the weather. Boo! Mr. CP and I went on an Afternoon Tea date a couple days ago, and this is what I wore. The tights came off as black in the photographs above, but they were actually a very rich blue color. Silly Seattle lighting... or lack thereof. =P

Don't forget to enter my Orange Box Jewelry giveaway. The winner gets to pick any necklace from Orange Box's etsy shop! Head on over here for details regarding how to enter. =)

Giveaway: Orange Box Jewelry Necklace

2011-12-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about this giveaway! My wonderful friend Krissy from Orange Box Jewelry is offering a free necklace of the winner's choosing, to one lucky Charming Pumpkin reader. Hooray! Huzzah! (Just imagine me twirling around throwing confetti in the air) Krissy specializes in repurposing vintage jewelry and other antique curios into beautiful, one of a kind pieces of jewelry. From charm necklaces to key babies (made out of antique German bisque dolls and vintage keys!), you are sure to find something you love in her store. You will find the requirements for entry listed below. Just follow the instructions to enter the giveaway. Good luck, my lovely friends!

Details

This giveaway is open to anyone, so to my international readers: feel free to enter!
This giveaway will be active for one week, so it will close next Monday (12/20/11) at 11:59 PM (EST).

Mandatory Requirements

Subscribe to Charming Pumpkin on Google Friend Connect or Blog Lovin.
Like Orange Box Jewelry on Facebook here

Optional Requirements (one additional entry per requirement)

Leave a comment on this post telling me which Orange Box Jewelry item you will pick if you win the contest. Make sure you include a name, and email address where I can reach you if you win!
Like Charming Pumpkin on Facebook here.
Follow Charming Pumpin on Twitter here.
Tweet this message about the giveaway: "Check out this @Charmin_Pumpkin giveaway! Up for grabs: a free Orange Box Jewelry necklace of your choice!" Be sure to include your Twitter name in any comment you leave so that I know you have done this. =)
Leave another blog post comment telling me the most hilarious joke you know. Limerick, pun, knock-knock joke, bar humor: all is fair game. Have at it, my friends!

This giveaway is now closed!

Readers, Meet My Repurposed Vintage Jewelry!

2011-12-12T15:02:00.001-08:00

It's no secret that I love vintage accessories, particularly brooches. I also have a soft spot for repurposed vintage jewelry, though, and I thought I share a few pieces from my collection with you. There's something enchanting -- poetic, even -- about giving an old, unused vintage element new life by reworking it into something new.

Mama CP makes jewelry, and has her own business selling bits and bobs at various craft shows. This bracelet is made out of vintage buttons, antique watch faces, and old typewriter keys.

DIY! These stones were on an old, old necklace I found at an antique store in Nebraska. They were dusty and dirty, but a quick turn in my rock polisher (yes, I'm awesome, I have a rock polisher) cleaned them right up. The bangle itself isn't vintage; I picked it up at Michael's on sale for a couple bucks.

DIY! My mom had this broken clip on earring in a box at home. I just clipped off the back, filed down the pointy edges, and strung it on a chain with wire-wrapped vintage pearls.

DIY! Antique keys, a sparkly crystal ball taken from a broken vintage clip on earring, and some gunmetal and silver chain are all it took to put this little guy together.

DIY! I was inspired to make this necklace when I saw this beautiful necklace on Anthropologie's website. They were selling it for around $468. Psh. The focal piece is an antique pencil that my grandmother used in grade school. I wire-wrapped smoky quartz, labradorite, and hematite onto several different kinds of chain (some vintage, some not). I couldn't get a terribly good shot of this necklace (it's reeeeally long), but I will be wearing it in Wednesday's OOTD post.

My wonderful friend Krissy, owner and designer of Orange Box Jewelry, refashions vintage items into beautiful one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. I originally saw this piece at a local market a couple months ago, and somehow managed to walk away from it. I was still thinking about it two weeks ago, though, and thankfully no one had bought it. SO, it came home with me!

There is a really exciting giveaway coming up, so be sure to check back tomorrow morning!

Kelsey vs. The Cropped Cardigan

2011-12-08T17:44:00.001-08:00

Disclaimer: The wind was making my hair do some creative things.

Dress: Flared and Cable Sweater Dress/Anthropologie (on sale here)

Cropped Cardigan: Anthropologie

Tights: Hue/Nordstrom Rack

Boots: Enzo Angiolini/Nordstrom Rack

Head Band: Target

Belt: Target

Earrings: Forever 21

Brooches: Thrifted

Necklace: Orange Box Jewelry

Until today, I was utterly convinced that I couldn't and shouldn't wear cropped cardigans. I was adamant in my belief that they did one thing and one thing only: drew attention to an area of my body that didn't need any more attention (read: the chestal area). When I saw this sweater on sale at Anthropologie a while back for a a mere $25 (plus an extra 25% off!), I figured I'd try it on and see what happened. I was surprised at how much I liked it. The sweater is soft, it's a beautiful color, and it's fuzzy. Plus, for that price, I just couldn't say no. Once I got it home, however, I stuck it in my closet and put off wearing it. I'd see it, think, "Meh... still not sure whether I can pull that off," and grab something else instead. I am, however, a firm believer in getting over myself, so I pulled this baby out to pair with this beautiful dress that Mama CP got me when she and Papa CP were out here visiting earlier this week. I'm actually quite pleased with how the outfit turned out. I had several women stop me today to ask where I got the sweater and dress, so I guess I did something right! =)

I'm thinking I might make this "Kelsey vs. [insert article of clothing here]" an ongoing series. It's a good way to force myself out of my comfort zone. Plus, I have a bit of a THING (that's right... all caps) about letting fear and/or self-consciousness rule my life, so such a series would also speak to that facet of my personality. What do you think? Is a "Kelsey vs..." series a good idea?

I've linked up to the Fashionista Friday series over at Fashion by Alicia, so be sure to check it out! There are some amaaazing outfits being featured this week. You can find the specific post here.

Kohl's Coupon Code!

2011-12-08T11:27:00.001-08:00

Hiya! I'm going to keep this post fairly brief. In this recent outfit post, I sported a bracelet that I scored at Kohl's at least ten years ago. Imagine my surprise when I checked my email this morning only to find a message from a Kohl's representative offering a coupon code for all of you, my lovely readers! You can all get an extra 20% off your Kohl's purchase from today (12/8) through Sunday (12/11). Hooray! Huzzah! They have some seriously cute items available right now. I've included photos of a few of my favorites below.

I was only recently made aware of this, but Kohl's also has a new deals page! You can find all sorts of coupons and related information there. =)

Offer Details
Amount: 20% off your entire purchase
Dates effective: 12/8 - 12/11
Coupon Code: BIGGESTSALE (just enter this at checkout!)

Isotoner Fairisle Mittens

Journee Collection Wendy Mary Janes

LC Lauren Conrad Floral Tiered Dress

Tweet Tweet!

2011-12-06T15:24:00.001-08:00

Dress: Forever 21+/Forever 21

Cardigan: Halogen/Nordstrom

Tights: Hue/Macy's

Boots: Abound/Nordstrom Rack

Necklace: DIY

Brooch: Oh My Cavalier! (here)

Earrings: Marc Jacobs/Nordstrom Rack

Head band: H&M

Mama and Papa CP have officially left Seattle. We had a marvelous time while they were here, though, complete with lots of shopping and even more eating. Perhaps my favorite activity while they were here was the holiday Christmas cruise we went on. Playing host to a group of incredibly talented Christmas carolers, the boat we were on stopped by four different parks where the city of Seattle had lit bonfires, and broadcasted carols to the shore. Along the way, privately owned boats joined in the procession, all of them decorated with holiday lights. By the end of the cruise, there were nearly 20 boats following our own. The four of us bundled up, grabbed hot chocolate and spiced rum, and headed to the top deck in order to better appreciate the view. It was a beautifully clear night, a rarity in Seattle this time of year, so we had a perfect view of the stars and the festively decorated ships. Hooray!

The high point of the evening was a lengthy discussion Mr. CP and I had with the onboard Santa Clause (heretofore referred to as SC). He was marvelous. Mr. CP, SC, and I had an intense discussion regarding what I have dubbed the "Philosophy of Santy Clause Beards." SC informed us that while he had been an amateur Santa for many years, he had only been doing it professionally for three. After much deliberation, SC explained to us, he ultimately decided to be a "more modern Santa" (his words, not mine), and as such opted for a short, neatly manicured beard rather than a "scraggly, unwieldy" one. The conversation was surreal, but thoroughly amusing.

I asked SC for a pony for Christmas, but he informed me that everyone has been asking for one. He encouraged me to be more creative with my request. So, I asked for a unicorn. Though difficult to procure, SC assured me that he would do his utmost to find one by Christmas. I shall name my unicorn Justin, and he shall be glorious in all his, erm, glory.

Take Four: Winter Coats

2011-12-05T09:11:00.001-08:00

My nose looks ginormous!

Coat: Bella Sisters

Guess what time it is?! If you guessed, "Take Four!" time, then you are absolutely, positively, 100% correct. Hooray for you! =D This week, Gracey, Bekah, Karla and I bring you our favorite winter coats. I was torn about which coat to feature; I have three, and I love them all equally. I ultimately decided to feature my newest acquisition, a beautiful coat by The Bella Sisters. Operating out of Portland, OR, they only sell their coats at shows; they don't currently have an online store. They do, however, take custom orders, and you can find them here.

Alas, today's post is going to be a bit shorter than usual; my parents are in town and I'm off to meet up with them. Hope you're having (or had!) a wonderful Monday!

As always, be sure to check out the other ladies' posts! I have absolutely no doubt that they will all look positively adorable. =)

Bekah at Matters of Merrymaking
Gracey at Fashion for Giants
Karla at Frugal Big Girl

In Which I Go to an Exhibit Opening

2011-12-01T23:26:00.001-08:00

Top: LOFT

Cardigan: Halogen/Nordstrom (similar)

Skirt: Banana Republic

Head band: Nordstrom

Bracelet: Kohl's (no longer available, but you can find other amazing jewelry here)

Tights: Target

Shoes: Naya/Nordstrom Rack (here)

One of my very best friends from college is a historian for the National Park Service, and is in town for an exhibit opening at a local museum. Her girlfriend was unable to make the trip out here with her, so she invited me to be her "plus one" at the event. Hooray! The exhibit focused on the experiences of a local Japanese/Nisei/Sansei family that weathered the many ups and downs of the pre- and post-WWII racial economy in the United States. The museum is easily one of my favorites in Seattle -- the Wing Luke is famous for its exquisite collection, and artful and intelligent displays -- so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to wander around the nearly empty space, and ruminate on some of the darker moments in America's past. I'll try not to geek out too much; suffice to say that in the many years I have been a student of history, I have never seen such a beautiful display of community. The Japanese American community in Seattle is very, very close knit, and so it was a truly touching experience to witness a group of people come together to celebrate an exhibit that many of them had contributed to in one way or another.

After the exhibit opening, we met up with Mr. CP and went to a wine bar downtown where he got to hear some of the more colorful stories about my college years. I don't remember the last time I laughed so much, or so hard. It was a lovely end to an even more lovely evening. =)

I Bet You Didn't Know...

2011-11-29T14:28:00.001-08:00

Top: Lowland Rugosa Tank/Anthropologie

Cardigan: Halogen/Nordstrom

Jeans: Gap

Boots: Abound/Nordstrom Rack

Head band: H&M

Necklace: Aaaaall over the place

Bracelet: Gifted

First and foremost, allow me to apologize for the funky lighting in the photographs. Apparently I managed to stand in the only -- and I do mean only -- patch of sunshine to be found in Seattle today. What are the odds?

The last post I wore jeans in seemed to be a big hit with all of you, my beautiful, wonderful, oh-so-spectacular readers, so I figured I would post another jeans-centric outfit. I wasn't sure about pairing the dark blue top with the dark blue bottoms, but I think the cardigan and boots did a nice job of breaking up the monotony. You can't tell in the photographs, but the embroidered flowers on the top literally glow. Thank you, metallic thread! Swoon! I kept looking down at my shirt while I walked, and mumbling random phrases like, "Preeeeeeeetty" and "mmmphmmmph glooooooows! mmmphmmph." (Note: for the purposes of this post, "mmmph" = random mumbled noises) No one pulled their children away from me today, but I did get the stink eye from a couple people. It's okay, though; I had my beautiful glow-y blouse to soothe my wounded spirit.

The ever-beautiful and exceptionally sweet Alex of Delayed Missives recently gave me two new blog awards! Hooray! A fellow Scotch lover, I'm eagerly awaiting the day when Alex comes to Seattle -- or I go to New York -- and we can bond over our mutual love of malty, peaty goodness and, of course, fashion. ;)

These awards carry with them the requirement that I share 7 random facts about myself. Ruh roh... this could get interesting.

1.) I love coffee. Have I ever said that before? I don't think I have. I love coffee so much, in fact, that I have at my disposal at least a dozen different ways to brew up a cup and/or pot. However... ahem, unfortunately for Mr. CP I'm terrified of most (read: all but one) of the coffee-making implements we have -- I'm illogically convinced they are going to explode on me -- so until very recently it was among Mr. CP's many duties to make sure that I was caffeinated in the morning. In an effort to "empower my womanity" (his words, not mine), we bought an idiot-proof, user-friendly Nespresso machine. I can now make my own coffee. I feel empowered.

2.) I will maintain until my dying day that a three-pronged fork should be called a "threek." I therefore refuse to call it anything else.

3.) I have an inexplicable attachment to hoods. It's a fair bet that 9 times out of 10, if I'm sitting around the house, I'm wearing a hood.

4.) I once got a concussion while having a nerf war. It's a long story, but I'll boil it down. Mr. CP stole my nerf gun and tried to run away from me; I latched on to his leg, and stupidly refused to let go (I'm tenacious that way); he pulled me along the floor (he's tenacious that way); I bonked my head on my jewelry armoire; I got knocked out. Fin.

5.) I talk in my sleep. Apparently my favorite thing to ask about is "cantaloupe." For the record, my favorite fruit is bananas.

6.) The absolute last place you ever want to find me is in the kitchen. I'll either end up burning the room down, or producing something so foul that not even alley-scavenging raccoons will want to eat it.

7.) I don't talk about it much on here, but I love reading. Lately, I've been wading my way through Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard (headache much?), and also re-reading the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. I recently finished re-reading Silas Marner by George Eliot (one of my very favorite books), Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin, and Discipline and Punish by Michel Foucault.

Now I get to pass on the awards to some other lovely people! =D Hooray! In the interest of spreading the love, I tried to give these awards to a different group then last time. ;)

Kassi at The Closet Intervention

Laura at The Blog of Worldly Delights

Rebecca at The Plus Side of Me

Dotty at Dash Dot Dotty

Karla at Frugal Big Girl

Gazel at Bonjour Gazel

Sara at The Woollen Mitten

Loren at Frock Stock

I Love Millie!

2011-11-27T16:36:00.001-08:00

Dress: Emily Hallman/Millie Dress (here)

Sweater: August Silk/Nordstrom Rack

Tights: Hue/Macy's

Shoes: Naya/Nordstrom Rack (here)

Head band: Nordstrom

Bracelet: Gifted

Sweater clip: DIY

I hold these truths to be self-evident, that all cardigans are super duper awesome, that they are the perfect compliment to my favorite garment ever -- the dress -- and that the combination of the two is endowed with inalienable awesomeness. That to create the perfect outfit, beautiful dresses are created by exceptional designers... Okay, okay. I'm done. I could continue to take artistic license with the Declaration of Independence, but I think I've made the Founders roll over in their graves quite enough for one day.

I'm a little bit obsessed with this dress. I have been since I first saw it on the Emily Hallman website. This dress just happened to be the first thing that caught my eye, but I'm not exaggerating when I say that I could quite happily own every single item from the label.

The brains and beauty behind the label, Emily, is absolutely lovely. Because my measuring skills are roughly akin to those of a dimwitted monkey zygote, when the dress first arrived it was waaaay to big. Emily very sweetly offered to alter it for me, though, so I popped it back in the mail, and waited on baited breath for the day when I could clasp the dress in my eager little paws again. It arrived a little over a week after I sent it off, far quicker than I expected, and it fit like a dream. I may or may not have worn the dress around with my slippers that night. Maybe. Possibly.

This dress, friends, is my new favorite item of clothing. It fits like a glove, it spins (oh boy, does it spin!), and it's really, really comfortable. I wore it our for my breakfast brunch, and was shocked when the valet guy randomly complimented my dress. I feel compelled to offer up a warning regarding this dress, though: it will make you want to spin to the point of dizziness. It may also inspire you to sway from side to side when no one's watching just so you can watch the fabric swishing to and fro. In my case, people were definitely watching, and they definitely thought I was certifiably insane. They pulled their children away from me suspiciously. Meh. What are you gonna do?

At any rate, today is my birthday and I'm off to celebrate with a low-key movie marathon and exorbitant amounts of food. Emily was kind enough to answer some questions for all of us, so I'll leave you with her answers, and a cheeky wink: ;)

CP: When did you first know that you wanted to be a clothing designer?
I've known for most of my life that I have certain creative talents. It took a few years, however, to hone in on exactly what those talents were and how to best execute them. My love for clothing truly began when I was about 8 and I made a suit for my younger brother using only copy paper and staples. When I discovered that I could actually study fashion and build a career around it, I jumped at the opportunity. Since I graduated from college, not a day has gone by that I haven't sketched, researched, created patterns, or sewn something.

CP: What's your design and/or fashion philosophy?

I simply love creating beautiful clothing, and I sincerely hope to encourage women to disregard our society's current obsession with thinness and unrealistic celebrity beauty and embrace a healthy body. I don't care what "size" a person is, it's irrelevant to me. We all need great clothes, and my goal is to provide clothing that anyone can wear. The fact is, I adore pretty clothes and I like to feel pretty in my own everyday life. I want all woman to feel that way when they gets dressed, and I am thrilled to be able to contribute to that.

CP: What is your design process?

The design process is considerably longer than you might imagine--for me, it's about 5 months. I approach each collection with ideas already in mind about specific looks I want to incorporate. I do an insane amount of research and source my fabrics, sketch, re-sketch, edit, draft new ideas, and tweak the overall collection prior to drafting the patterns or sewing the samples. I then spend weeks drafting every single pattern and test the design, fit and comfort before final design approval. Once the fabrics arrive, I sew my samples (yes, each and every sample is cut out and sewn by me). It's a long, long process and that doesn't include photography or website updates and edits. Oh, and I always have to think ahead to the next collection--there is never any break. It's a constant mental marathon!

CP: What's your favorite thing about what you do?

Being creative! I also adore meeting the beautiful, wonderful women who have discovered the Emily Hallman brand and responded so positively to the aesthetic--not much is more motivating than that!

CP: Where do you find your inspiration?

I am inspired by lots of things--fabrics, historical costume and vintage fashion, art, architecture, interior design . . . the list goes on!

CP: How would you describe the quintessential "Hallman Woman?"

First and foremost, the Hallman woman is . . . a woman. I design grown-up clothing for confident, chic women who enjoy ladylike clothes made with the finest materials. Here is what we love about the Hallman woman: her clothing is an accessory to her personality, not the definition of it. She dresses to feel good, and isn't impressed with passing fads or amateur design. She loves special details, exquisite tailoring and proper fit. The Hallman woman is smart, charming, funny, and incredibly stylish.

CP: How would you describe your collection's aesthetic?

Classic and supremely feminine. I incorporate silhouettes from the 1940s and 1950s, but update the look with modern fabric and modern design sensibilities. I love incorporating special details like trims, contrast stitching, fun linings, and hidden pockets.

CP: What are some of your current favorite pieces?

The Mille dress is probably my favorite piece from the fall collection--I love the print, the silhouette, and the special topstitching at the neckline. It's so feminine and flattering, which I love. I also have a soft spot for the Georgia pencil skirt and Tillie trouser from the holiday collection. As much as I love dresses, I love the versatility of separates just as much (okay, maybe a tad more). ;) You can't go wrong with a bright red pant during the holidays, and a sequin pencil skirt is always a show-stopper.

Mosaics

2011-11-23T16:59:00.001-08:00

Dress: Tolani/Nordstrom Rack

Cardigan: Rubbish/Nordstrom Rack

Boots: Abound/Nordstrom Rack

Tights: Hue/Macy's

Head band: H&M

Bracelets: Vintage, Target, Forever 21, and DIY

Earlier this year, Mr. CP spent two and a half months abroad in Italy doing research for his dissertation. I, unfortunately, couldn't join him the entire time, but I did manage to get over there for ten days. I had always wanted to visit Italy. In fact, I took several Italian classes in college in preparation for that far-off day when I would be able to visit. We had determined early on that we would much rather visit fewer places and explore them more thoroughly, and so we decided to spend 5 days in Rome and 5 in Venice. Below, I've listed my 4 favorite memories from our time in Italy. (Note: I know 4 is an arbitrary number. I was initially going to do 5, but this post is already super duper long.)

1.) The food. May I just say that I will forever and always worship the culture that introduced both pasta and pizza into the world? I'm convinced that Italy possesses some sort of magical powers. I literally ate my body weight in pasta every day, and actually lost weight on the trip. Logic tells me that it was probably because I was hoofing it everywhere, but emotionally I believe otherwise. It was magic. Magic, I tell you!!!

2.) On one of our first days in Rome, we stumbled upon an amazing restaurant called Zeus. We decided to go back a couple times before we left, and ultimately befriended one of the waiters, and the crazy Sicilian chef. So desperate was the SC (Sicilian Chef) to converse with us that he brought out an Italian newspaper and started gesturing and pointing at it frantically. To this day, I have absolutely no idea what he was saying -- the waiter couldn't even understand what SC was saying, despite the fact that he was Italian -- but SC apparently liked us, because he sent out a special dessert he whipped up just for us as a going away present!

3.) Completely unintentionally, we arrived in Venice on the last day of Carnival. Our hotel was right off St. Mark's Square, but we had no idea at all how to get there. We headed in the vague direction of our hotel with our giant ass backpacks only to find that everyone else was trying to get into the Square. My solution: use my overstuffed backpack as a battering ram. It worked relatively well... until we got lost. Mr. CP had to dump me in an alley with our backpacks while he went off in pursuit of the hotel.

4.) I'm a huge art junkie. I haven't got any artistic abilities whatsoever -- even my stickmen look like shapeless blobs -- but I admire the artistic productions of others. The day we spent at the Vatican Art Museum was overwhelming and amazing. The mosaics, in particular, were astonishing. There are no words, and that's saying something for someone as long-winded and verbose as me.

Which brings me to the dress I'm wearing above. It was my love of those mosaics that inspired me to nab this dress when I saw it at Nordstrom Rack a while back. It reminded me vaguely of the beautiful, vibrantly colored mosaics I saw in the Vatican Art Museum, and brought back all the wonderful memories of my time in Italy. When I told Mr. CP this, he insisted that it doesn't look the faintest bit like a mosaic. I did the mature thing. I shrieked, "YES IT DOES, BUTT HEAD!" and dramatically sashayed out of the room. Because that's just how I roll.

Take Four: Saturated Hues from Coast to Coast

2011-11-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

Dress: Hazel/Pink Ginger Boutique

Cardigan: August Silk/Nordstrom Rack

Cami (actually a cami bra): Le Mystere/Nordstrom (here)

Tights: Target

Shoes: Naya/Nordstrom Rack (here)

Earrings: Random boutique in Rome

Head band: Nordstrom

Oh, my. Oh, my, my, my. I don't even know how to explain all the colorful (?) things going on in the photos above. The first one starts out normal enough with me smiling cheerfully at the camera. I mean, that's what you're supposed to do, right? Smile at the camera as naturally as possible, presuming of course that you aren't going for candid shots? The second photo is essentially a pinched and clenched version of the first. I would imagine this is what my face looked like the first time I read Swift's "A Modest Proposal": equal parts amused, horrified, and shocked. And then there's the third photo. That face! That hair! This, my friends, is what I look like every morning when I wake up, minus the makeup, and plus drool. For the record, the photos on the camera were essentially this progression writ large. Instead of 3 photos chronicling whatever is going on up there, there were around 40.

In case the title of this post didn't tip you off, this is another Take Four post! Hooray! Huzzah! Woohoo! This week we focused on saturated hues. I have a cobalt blue dress that would have been suitable for this particular trend, but I ultimately settled this dress. As far as saturated hues goes, this dark green velvet number is a bit unusual. When I think of saturated hues, the first color that comes to my mind is cobalt blue. I wanted to wear something a bit more unexpected, though, and this dress fit the bill perfectly.

Be sure to check out Bekah, Gracey, and Karla's posts! Without fail, they always look absolutely adorable!

Bekah at Matters of Merrymaking
Gracey at Fashion for Giants
Karla at Frugal Big Girl

Two Blog Awards

2011-11-17T18:36:00.001-08:00

Hello, hello! I'm officially back from my brief trip to Colorado. I have yet to edit the photos -- that's my task for tomorrow morning -- but I'll post those sometime tomorrow. =D

While I was away, Karla over at Frugal Big Girl gave me my very first blog awards! Hooray! I'd like to offer up a great big thank you to Karla. She really is one of the sweetest people you'll ever have the good fortune to meet. I was so excited when I saw that she had given the blog the awards below, and I couldn't wait to get back and share the news with you.

Here are the rules:

Link back to the blogger you got the award from

Write 7 random things about yourself

Fill in the question form below

Give the award to 10 other blogs and let them know

7 random things about me:

1. I love poetry. I can't write it to save my life, but I thoroughly enjoy reading it. My favorite poets: Tennyson and Rilke.

2. I'm terrified of spiders. Jump-on-the-bed-and-screech-at-a-pitch-that-only-dogs-can-hear terrified of them. They're a-holes. And I maintain that they occasionally growl at me.

3. I played the role of Ruth in my high school's production of The Pirates of Penzance. I dyed my hair gray, too. It didn't come out for... well, longer than I would have liked.

4. I've read all of Jane Austen's novels 5 times (that I can remember). I hate them all, and have since the first read through. I just keep thinking I need to give them another chance... and another... and another.

5. I like Scotch, Bourbon, Stouts, and IPAs, which apparently makes me unique among women.

6. I rock first-person shooter video games. I have no idea why or how, but I do. I can't for the life of me play any other sort of game, but shooters? I put both Mr. CP and my father -- both avid gamers -- to shame. (Ruh roh... them's fightin' words)

7. I worked as a historical consultant on a documentary about the Alaskan Gold Rush. I thought it would make me more like Indiana Jones. It so didn't. At all.

Question Form:

Name your favorite song: My all-time favorite song is "Let Go" by Frou Frou. Not far behind are "Guns Gold Girls" (Metric), "Supermassive Black Hole" and "Map of the Problematique" (Muse), "Houses" (Great Northern), and "A Sight to Behold" (Eisley).

Name your favorite dessert: It's my very own Sophie's Choice. Pumpkin pie. I love good pumpkin pie.

What pisses you off: People with a sense of entitlement.

Your favorite pet: I just love animals. I don't really have a favorite.

Black or white: Black.

Your biggest fear: Spiders. See above.

Best feature: Probably my eyes. They're green, my very favorite color!

Everyday attitude: Happy and friendly, with a dash of sarcasm thrown in for good measure.

What is perfection: Perfection is entirely subjective. However, I will say that I don't really believe in "perfection." I think that what makes life fun and interesting are all of its imperfections.

Guilty pleasure: The Vampire Diaries. It's like Dawson's Creek with vampires. FTW.

Bloggers: I Pick You!

Gracey at Fashion for Giants: I think she already has one or both of these, but I'm mentioning her anyway. She's friendly and hilarious, two of my favorite qualities in a person!

Caroline at Second Hand Shopper: She's one of my UK blog friends! She's so adorable, and has some seriously fantastic items in her closet.

Lenore at Lather Write Repeat: We have a lot of the same things in our closets. It's unsettling.

Reading in Skirts (Tia): She's seriously awesome. She rocks some of the coolest hair ever. She also leaves consistently hilarious comments on my blog that never fail to make me smile!

Reading in Skirts (Mia): Another hilarious commentator on this blog. She has some of the cuuuutest skirts ever. I often squeal when I visit her posts.

Nicole at Ruby Nite: She has an amazing collection of dresses and petticoats. She's fantastically adorable.

Lilli at Frocks and Frou Frou: What do I even say about her? She's adorable, and she has a magnificent dress collection.

Inna at Skippy Says: I love this girl. She's sassy. She's hilarious. She's sarcastic. She's stylish. In short: she's awesome!

Laura at The Blog of Worldly Delights: I heart Laura. She's beyond swell. =D She's funny, she's smart, and she's a whiz with the sewing machine. Put simply, she's ah-mayzing!

Bekah at Matters of Merrymaking: Bekah is, indeed, a merrymaker. She also has some killer outfits. She always looks comfortable, put together, and super duper cute.

Cold Weather Lovelies

2011-11-11T16:08:00.001-08:00

Mr. CP and I are heading to the beautiful Rockies tomorrow! Hooray! I'll try not to disappear completely while I'm on my trip, and I promise I'll come back with lots of photos to share with you.

In honor of our trip, I thought I'd share with you all some cold weather accessories I've been coveting lately. I've posted some of these to Tumblr and Pinterest (where I keep track of all the beautiful items I find on the internet), so for those of you who follow me there, you may see some familiar items.

Whipstitched Riding Boots/Anthropologie

Button Band Gloves/Anthropologie

Knitted Black Cloche/Etsy: JadeExpressions

Snowdrop Cowl/Etsy: VictoryGardenYarn

Victorian Redingote/Etsy: VigilanteLabs

What the what?!

2011-11-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

Hooray! We still have blue sky in Seattle... in November! That never happens! I felt compelled to wear something ever-so-slightly spring-y in honor of the cloudless sky.

Sweater: Target

Skirt: Joseph Walker/Pink Ginger

Tights: Hue/Macy's

Shoes: Mia/Nordstrom Rack

Head band: Ann Taylor

Earrings: Vintage/Gifted

Necklace: Juicy/Nordstrom Rack

I dread going to the Post Office. In large part, it's because I feel like Post Offices are swirling vortexes of doom and darkness; you know, the sort of places where happiness and joy go to die. I've always suspected that it has something to do with the doom-and-gloom postal employees and the ever-buzzing fluorescent lights, but my theory has so far gone untested. Whatever the case, I never manage to walk out of the Post Office without something ridiculous happening. Yesterday was no exception.

Upon entering the Post Office, I vaguely registered two things: a frazzled looking mother trying to control a rambunctious three-year-old, and a sullen looking old man pulling out a wedgie (ew, Random Old Guy. Just... ew!). Everything went smoothly until I was about to leave. I had just finished tucking my wallet inside my purse, and was about to walk out the front door when I saw a tiny little blur out of the corner of my eye. I didn't think much of it until I heard a very loud "THUMP." Apparently, the ringleted little three-year-old I initially noticed when I walked into the Post Office had decided to stage a jailbreak. Somewhere between scampering away from her mother and the Post Office door, I managed to trip her. And she face-planted. On the concrete floor. Hard. The little girl didn't even seem to notice -- she hopped back up, and kept running for the door. I was actually impressed with her dedication, to be honest. Her mother, however, did notice what happened, and started walking over to me. I imagined one of two things happening: she'd slap me, call me a harlot (or maybe a slattern, I never settled on which), and storm out the door with her rambunctious (and seriously hardcore) child in tow; or, more likely, she'd give me a firm chastising that would leave me feeling like I was about the same age as her child. I was shocked when she walked over, patted me on the arm, and thanked me. Say what?! Yep. Her exact words were, "Thank you for tripping my daughter," followed by an audible and tired sigh. By the time my shock subsided, she was long gone. That poor, long-suffering woman.

Take Four: Fall Accessories from Coast to Coast

2011-11-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

Woodland Creature Dress: Shana K/Frock Shop (here)

Leggings: Target (here)

Leg Warmers: Avenue

Head band: H&M

Earrings: Marc Jacobs/Nordstrom Rack

Scarf: Anniversary gift! Mr. CP made it! =)

Necklace: DIY

Bracelet: DIY

Boots: Abound/Nordstrom Rack

In this week's Take Four series, we decided to present our various interpretations of fall accessories trends. I chose to style a knitted scarf (they're everywhere right now!), leggings, leg warmers, and knee high boots. I have absolutely no doubt that Gracey, Bekah, and Karla's interpretations of this particular trend are adorable and swoon-inducing, so head on over to their sites and check out their interpretations of fall accessories trends!

Bekah at Matters of Merrymaking

Gracey at Fashion for Giants

Karla at Frugal Big Girl

Things have been unsettlingly normal around here for the past few days -- which history has taught me means that something hilarious/shocking/horrifying is about to happen -- so I have exactly zero funny stories to share with you. Instead, I figured I would actually say a bit about my outfit for once!

Mr. CP and I decided several years back that we would handmake our anniversary presents. We both agreed that we liked the more personal aspect of handmade gifts. Last year Mr. CP learned how to make chainmaille, and gifted me with a stunning bracelet (which I'm ashamed to say has yet to make an appearance on this blog). This year, Mr. CP learned how to knit, and made me this beautiful lacy scarf. This Take Four post presented me with the perfect opportunity to debut my beeeeeautiful new accessory. I've pretty much been wearing it constantly since he gave it to me last week. Coats, pajamas, dresses -- you name it, I've worn this scarf with it over the past week. I think Mr. CP is a knitting savant; he's only been doing it for about 2 months and he can already make a scarf like this.

One of my favorite things to do when I'm sitting around in the evenings is whip up jewelry. I don't end up wearing a lot of it, so the vast majority gets shipped off to my girlfriends, but this week I decided to go ahead and wear a couple things I made last week. I had a whole bunch of rings sitting unused in my jewelry box that I've held on to for largely sentimental reasons. I picked out a few with the happiest memories attached, and created this bracelet. Who says you have to wear rings on your fingers? As for the necklace, I like to raid antique stores and flea markets for vintage components, and refashion them into new items. That's precisely what I did with this necklace. The two pendants started out as an earring, and a suffocatingly short necklace. Let me know if you'd like to see tutorials for either the necklace or the bracelet!

One of Those Days

2011-11-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

Excuse my makeup-free face. I didn't feel like wearing any. It happens a lot. =P

Top: A to Z Tees (Alhambra Outlet)

Cardigan: Halogen (Nordstrom)

Skirt: Vince Camuto (Nordstrom, and it's on sale right now!)

Tights: Target

Boots: Enzo Angiolini

Head band: H&M

Necklace: Marc Jacobs (Nordstrom Rack)

Earrings: Marc Jacobs (Nordstrom Rack)

I had a feeling yesterday morning when I woke up that I should stay in bed. I really should have listened to my instincts.

We rent an old house that was built in the 1920's. It sounds nice in theory, but in reality it means that the windows aren't insulated, the outlets are outdated, and the closets are hobbit-sized. It was the latter of these that inspired me to pick up a garment rack at IKEA recently to hang some of my most worn items on. Oh, IKEA. I love you... but I also sort of hate you. Every time I try to assemble something from IKEA, I end up staring blankly at the supposedly easy-to-understand instructions scratching my head like those monkeys you see at the zoo. Or ripping the instructions up into tiny little pieces, and promptly taping them back together when I realize that that the only thing worse than having the insufferable instructions is not having them (this has actually happened... several times). It took me an hour, but I successfully assembled the garment rack. So what if the screws don't screw in all the way? Or if the base is a bit wobbly? It's done, damn it. Victory was mine on this, the first day of November.

I decided to reward myself with a walk around the neighborhood. There's a church about a block down from our house with an absolutely beautiful courtyard. While tiny, the space boasts a beautiful tree, some lovely flowers, and a tiny bench. I decided to sit for a bit and enjoy the view of the colorful blossoms and golden leaves. I was happily musing to myself about the crisp fall air when it happened. The sprinklers flipped on. Happily enough, there happened to be a sprinkler directly underneath the bench upon which I was sitting, and two more between me and the exit. By the time I screeched my way out of the courtyard I was shivering, soaked, and (who am I kidding?) amused. I looked like a drowned rat as I sloshed my way home. Because it's just the sort of luck I have, both of our neighbors happened to be outside as I walked by. They cast quizzical looks my way, and wisely decided not to ask any questions. I'm fairly certain they've just come to expect bizarre things like this from our household.

Oh! And behold the other two pumpkins Mr. CP and I carved on Halloween. He carved a mockingjay from The Hunger Games. In a random and entirely characteristic move, I carved a Kiwi. I heart Kiwis. They're such tragic and unlikely creatures.

DIY: Sweater Clips (Re-Post)

2011-11-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure I had any readers when I initially posted this sweater clip tutorial. If you're one of the OR's (tee hee... Original Readers) who caught this the first time around, I'd like to give you a great big virtual hug, and simultaneously apologize for the re-post. I've gotten several requests for a sweater clip tutorial since I first posted this, and figured that rather than expecting everyone to go digging through my blog archives, I'd just go ahead and re-post the tutorial! I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to see pictures of any sweater clips you make!

Below, I've shown you how I put together different sorts of vintage items to create sweater clips. It's really just a matter of figuring out where you can attach the chain, as you'll see. The fact of the matter is, with a little creativity, you can turn just about anything into a sweater clip. It simply depends upon the lengths you're willing to go to make something "clippable." I decided that I didn't want to have to glue pin-backs or clips onto anything, so I restricted myself to clip-on earrings, and pins/brooches.

Warning: Picture heavy post! I may also have gotten carried away with the Photoshop arrows... ::shifty eyes:: In my defense -- and it's a weak defense -- the black arrows seemed so unnecessarily ordinary that I randomly started choosing other colors. It's only now, looking at the pictures, that I realize black arrows were the way to go. The other colors I chose just don't pop. But ya live and ya learn, right? At any rate, read on!

Step One: Assemble Supplies

I labeled the tools I used in the photo below, but you really don't need any specialized tools for this. I just happened to have these lying around from years of jewelry-making. Any pair of pliers and wire cutter will do, so break out that toolbox if you need to! If you find that you want and/or need to pick up some tools like mine, check out your local craft store or Walmart. They're bound to have what you're looking for.

All this chain... yeah... this is a prime example of all the random craft-related stuff I've acquired over the years. Friends, family, and occasionally perfect strangers like to foist random crafty stuff my way, so I had all sorts of new and vintage and store-bought chain to work with. If you're not a horrid pack-rat like me, though, just head to your local Michael's, Joanne Fabrics, bead store, Walmart, etc. You can pick chain up really cheaply, and you're not going to be using much of it, so one package will be more than enough to work with.

Also, Mr. CP pointed out that this photo is really blurry. Sorry. Um, the cat made me do it.

You're also going to need some open jump rings. You can see in the photo below that the ring has been sawed open. This is how you're going to attach the chain to the earrings/pins/whatever you've chosen for your clips. You should be able to find these wherever you pick up your chain. If not, you can certainly pick them up online.

The best parts of the project: the clip-on earrings and pins/brooches! I thought the pirates were hilarious. I'm not really a fan of pirates in the way some people are (i.e. speaking in "arrrrs" and "mateys," stumbling around on a fake peg-leg, and/or wearing an eye patch) but I do have a deep and abiding appreciation for the random and the, shall we say, off-beat... as you can probably tell from the pieces I chose.

Step Two, Take One: Assemble!

I decided to make the pirate sweater clip first. It's far and away the easiest of them all. Also, is it just me, or do these pirates look kind of... Christmas-y?

You can see from the photo below that these pirates are just your basic, run-of-the-mill pins.

I used my wire clippers to cut the chain to the desired length -- I went with just over 5 inches -- and slipped the chain onto the pin. The chain isn't fastened to the pirates per se, but it's still secure, particularly when you're wearing it.

Step Two, Take Two: Assemble... again!

Next up, the crabs! (Whoa! Flashing back to my middle school Health class!)

You're going to take two jump rings, and twist them open so they look like the picture below. Do not try to pull the jump ring apart in opposite directions. Not only will it be considerably more difficult to open the ring this way, it will also bend it in all sorts of unsightly and unfortunate ways. To open the ring properly, grasp either side of the ring with the pliers so that the split part is in the center. At the same time you're moving one hand away from you, move the other hand toward you. Once you've done this, you should have a ring that looks like the one below! To close the ring back up, just do the same thing again.

Note: I used a gold jump ring as an example in the photo below simply because it popped more against the grey background. I did, however, use silver jump rings for the crabs.

As I mentioned above, part of the trick is figuring out where to thread your jump ring and the chain. I had initially planned on putting the jump ring somewhere on the back of the crab, but that didn't quite work. I found that looping it through the little guys' legs did the trick quite well, though. You can see in the photos below where I put the jump ring.

Step Two, Take Three: Assemble more

The giraffe and the rooster are up next. It perhaps goes without saying that this pairing is further evidence of my proclivity for randomness. These two guys were pretty easy to join together. I just had to find two different places on them where the ring and chain would fit.

Step Two, Take Four: Assemble... still.

I saved the relatively trickier one for last. Clip-on earrings, at least as far as I'm concerned, are perhaps best suited to being transformed into sweater clips. The downside to using clip-ons instead of pins, of course, is that they're more liable to pop off your cardigan. A friend of mine has a sweater clip made of clip-ons and she's never had any problems at all with the clips falling off, though, so I highly doubt I (or you, if you decide to make these) will have any problems.

Like all the other pieces I assembled, I had to figure out where the jump rings would fit best. I ultimately settled on feeding the ring through part of the clip-back itself. You can see in the pictures below where the rings ended up going.

Step Three (Finally): Bow before the majesty of your new sweater clips

At this point, you can do several things. If you're completely unlike me, you'll put your new sweater clips away until you're ready to wear them. If you're anything like me, you'll clip/pin them onto whatever you happen to be wearing -- all at once, mind you, none of this "one at a time" business -- and marvel at your beautiful new accessories in the mirror. I happened to be wearing multi-colored reindeer pajama pants and a plain old, eye-searingly bright magenta tank top, so I pinched some fabric and clipped on those earrings, slipped the pins on opposite sides of my shirt, and took a turn through the house modeling my new clips for... well, the cats. And Mr. CP.

Speaking of Mr. CP, it's a testament to how much he loves me -- or how strange I am, I haven't decided which -- that he barely registered that anything was out of the ordinary. He simply remarked upon how lovely I looked. I haven't yet decided whether he was mocking me or not.

Also, is it just me, or does the giraffe look like he's menacing the pirate? And isn't my random purple arrow pointing at the giraffe completely necessary, and appropriately used? ;)

Thanks for reading! I would love to see any clips you decide to make. Let me know if my tendency for tangential ramblings made the instructions difficult or confusing to follow. I'm always more than happy to clarify.

Boo!

2011-10-31T16:26:00.001-07:00

Not the most flattering picture in the world, but "BOO!!!!!!!"

Dress: Target

Cardigan: August Silk (Nordstrom Rack)

Tights: Hue (Macy's)

Boots: Fitzwell (6pm.com)

Head band: Free gift with purchase (Modcloth)

Earrings: Betsey Johnson

Sweater Clip: DIY

Because I didn't have a proper costume this Halloween, I took a page out of Bessie's book over at Bravoe Runway and decided to let Mr. CP style me today. It was my non-Halloweeny Halloween costume. It's a testament to how well he knows my style -- or how predictable I am, I haven't decided which -- that he chose an outfit that looks exactly like something I would have put together for myself. I hand't yet worn my Modcloth head band, a delightful extra that Modcloth included with the purchase of my By Night dress, so I was glad that he included it in the outfit.

I wanted to get this post up before we begin the final stage of our Halloween tradition. Every year we order (and eat) copious amounts of pizza, imbibe enough bottles of our favorite pumpkin ale to supply a small army, and gorge ourselves on delicious Halloween cupcakes from a local cupcake shop, all while watching movies that scare us (read: me) half to death. Tonight's line-up: Paranormal Activity 1 and 2, The Strangers, and (because I'm a wuss) Hocus Pocus.

I'm an adequate loser, so I guess I'm pleased to announce the winner of this year's (rigged) pumpkin carving contest: feel free to courteously applaud for Mr. CP. He emerged victorious with his artfully rendered carving of one of those dudes from that one video game (more specifically, a Big Daddy from Bioshock). I'm convinced he bribed or blackmailed one of the judges, probably himself, since I didn't receive any threatening letters or elaborate gifts. ::sigh:: Congratulations... I guess. Humph. Just kidding everyone, just kidding! Mr. CP's pumpkin turned out far better than mine, and it took him much longer to carve, as well. He deserved the victory. At some point we're going to need to assemble a creepy trophy to present to the winner every year. For now, he'll have to settle for a victory high five!

Happy Halloween, everyone! I hope you have a wonderful and spooky night!

The Story of Our First Date

2011-10-28T09:14:00.001-07:00

Nearly 80 photos, and this is the only one that was usable. Apparently I was feeling fidgety today.

Dress: A to Z Tees (Alhambra Outlet)

Cardigan: Anne Klein (Nordstrom Rack)

Tights: Target

Boots: Enzo Angiolini (Nordstrom Rack)

Necklace: Gift from Mr. CP (Brighton Collectibles)

Earrings: Vintage, gifted

Mr. CP and I will be celebrating our anniversary this weekend, and in honor of this hallowed occasion I thought I would share with you the story of our hilariously epic first date. Brace yourselves, friends. Brace yourselves.

I'm not stoic. I don't handle fear very well. So when Mr. CP approached me about going to a haunted house, my first thought was, "Hell you say?!" But then I thought, "I've been crushing on this guy for ages. Woman up, and just do it." Because I'm a huge, huge nerd -- and also in the hope that it would help me remain stoic in the face of terror -- I researched the haunted house online in order to figure out what I should expect. Browsing through the website, one thing became crystal clear: chainsaw-wielding clowns were going to be in abundance. So when I kept hearing chainsaws revving up inside the old morgue-cum-haunted-house we were about to wander into on that chilly October night, I knew precisely what was going on.

We were ushered into the haunted house with a group of three or four teenagers. I adopted what turned out to be a reeeeeally stupid survival strategy: remain at the end of the line. Are you shaking your head at me? You should be. Because if you plant yourself at the end of the line in a haunted house, you might as well paint a giant target on your forehead. So, there I was moseying on along when I heard a creaking sound behind me. I frantically turned around to see what the noise was, thought "Huh. There's a chainsaw-wielding clown climbing out of the wall," and then faced forward again. Two seconds later, I realized, "@$!% There's a chainsaw-wielding clown climbing out of the wall!!!!!" which is when things really got interesting. You see, apparently I was much stronger than I realized. In an effort to prevent the creepy ass clown from getting to me, I grabbed Mr. CP by the arm, and hoisted -- yes, hoisted! -- him between the clown and myself. In the process I... well... ahem... that is to say... I, um, dislocated his shoulder. Yeah. On our very first date, I dislocated his shoulder. I didn't even find out until a year-and-a-half later, either. He apparently popped his shoulder back into the socket and kept on going. Who does that?!?!

You would think that's the end of the story, but no. No, it's not. In another spectacularly brilliant move, I got stuck at the end of the haunted house, and they had to send someone in to get me out. In my defense, it was not my fault... okay, it was a little my fault. They planted another chainsaw-wielding clown right next to the exit. A smart person would have just scampered past the clown, and been done with it. I stupidly decided to make myself as tiny as possible, and curled up into a ball on the floor. The line inside the haunted house got so backed up that they had to send someone in to get me the hell out.

So, yep, that's the story of our first date. I dislocated Mr. CP's shoulder, and got stuck in the haunted house. When I eventually found out that I had dislocated his shoulder, I asked Mr. CP why on earth he thought it was a good idea to stick around for a second date. His answer: "I figured things would never be boring with you around." True. That.

To Mr. CP: I'm very glad you stuck around for a second date, love. I'm so fortunate that I get to laugh with you every day! Happy Anniversary!

Walk, Don't Waddle!

2011-10-27T10:09:00.002-07:00

Top: Gap

Cardigan: August Silk (Nordstrom Rack)

Skirt: Thrifted

Tights: Gift from Mr. CP! (Modcloth)

Shoes: Old Navy

Sweater Clip: CatRabbit

Earrings: Marc Jacobs (Nordstrom Rack)

Head Band: H&M

I tend to fixate on things. It's just how I'm built. I get all worked up about something, and dwell on it. And dwell on it. And, for good measure, dwell on it some more. My current fixation centers on the relative lack of colorful and/or patterned tights available for plus sized women. At least three times a day in our house, I can be heard complaining at length about it. I usually conclude my daily rants with, "What the [insert expletive of your choice here]?!" (In my more PG moments -- which are admittedly few and far between -- I tend to favor, "What the crap?!") Poor Mr. CP is the one who has to listen to my rants. And let me tell you, it's the exact. same. rant. day in. and day out. Nothing really changes except the expletive I use. Poor, long-suffering Mr. CP.

Because he's just that spectacularly sweet -- and also, I suspect, in an effort to get me to stop complaining -- Mr. CP put his mad Google Fu skills to good use and hunted me down two pairs of colorful, patterned tights! That's right, colorful and patterned. I got what I wanted -- two beautiful pairs of tights -- and Mr. CP got what he wanted -- silence. Okay, well, not complete silence, because I'm still me, but he no longer has to listen to my seemingly endless diatribes on tights. Hooray for Mr. CP!

I tend to be reeeeeally picky about tights. I want tights that are durable, that fit (dur!), and most importantly, that don't result in what I've dubbed Penguin Crotch. Penguin Crotch is best described as the result of a pair of ill-fitting and/or poorly made tights such that the crotch sits somewhere around the knees and causes the wearer to waddle in a rather unsightly way. I am pleased to announce that these Modcloth tights fulfill all three of the above requirements: they seem durable, they fit, and I do not waddle to-and-fro like a Pacific Northwestern penguin. Yippee!

p.s. I apologize for the wrinkly skirt. I had been sitting for a while. =)

eShakti Review: Fair Lady Long Jacket

2011-10-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

Coat: c/o eShakti (you can find the jacket here!)

eShakti contacted me recently, and offered to send me an item of my choosing to review. If you're unfamiliar with eShakti, it's an online company dedicated to providing clothes for women sizes 0-26. The company's philosophy is beautiful and simple: "One size does not fit all and all sizes are not created equal. For too long women have been forced to conform to standard sizing that too often doesn't fit properly. At eShakti, a woman can shop for exactly what she wants - no compromise, no premium to pay."

When you order from eShakti, you can either order from their standard sizes, or, for an additional $7.50, have the item customized to your exact measurements. For most items, you can request additional alterations: dresses, skirts and coats can be shortened or lengthened according to your taste, as can sleeves and necklines. Among the measurements they require you to provide when you order a custom item is your bra size. As busty as I am, I was relieved that they asked for this particular measurement. It meant that I wouldn't have to contend with any unsightly gaping, which is the bane of every busty girl's existence. This is what recommends eShakti above all else: the company provides you with the ability to customize almost any item of clothing to suit your size, your shape, and your taste. And for $7.50, it's an absolute bargain.

I chose to order a customized Fair Lady Long Jacket. It arrived promptly and in pristine condition. The seams are neatly finished, and the buttons are sewn on very, very well. It usually comes to pass that as soon as I get a coat home one of the buttons pops off. Not so with this jacket! I also love the added detailing around the wrist cuff: two buttons and some adorable decorative loops. I'm extremely impressed with the workmanship of the ruffle, as well. It's very neatly hemmed, and securely stitched on to the jacket, so it won't be tearing any time soon! The coat itself is made of a very nice quality, lightweight wool. It's also fully lined. The lining is composed of a fairly thin fabric, but it seems sturdy, so despite it's relative thinness I suspect it will hold up quite well over time.

eShakti's customer service was superb. They post the care instructions for items right on the product's main page, but I thought I would email them anyway and see how they responded. I was fully expecting a form letter that said something to the effect of, "You can find that information on the product's main page." I was delightfully surprised when I received an email that not only included care instructions, but did not passive aggressively instruct me to "check the product's page." They answered my question directly and helpfully, which is quite rare where customer service is concerned.

If you're considering buying this jacket, here are a few things to keep in mind:

It hits slightly above the knee, so if it bothers you to have a skirt or dress showing at the bottom of the coat then you may want to consider altering the length.
According to the site, this jacket has a medium warmth factor. I'd say it's a light-to-medium warmth factor. It makes for a nice additional layer of wool, but if you're looking for a heavy jacket, this isn't a good choice for you.
Though the jacket is fully lined, it's still made of wool. If you have skin that reacts poorly to wool, you may want to pick a different item.
The jacket doesn't have any pockets. Just something to keep in mind.

For my part, I'm thrilled to pieces with the jacket. I ordered it a bit bigger than I needed, because I like to be able to pile on the layers in the winter, and the sizing is perfect. You could easily get it more fitted, though. I may end up belting it this fall and winter; we'll see.

My only complaint is that the jacket smelled a bit musty when it arrived. I hung it up to air out for a few days and the scent has more or less faded. I'm relieved it did, because it's dry clean only.

To recap: eShakti is amazing. You're guaranteed to find something that fits. Check out their site now. Go. Go now. Run! Don't walk! Are you running? You look like you're sauntering. RUN!

Come the first of November, I'm ordering this beautiful dress!

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.

Take Four: Cardigans and Chunky Knits

2011-10-23T19:04:00.002-07:00

Dress: Nordstrom Rack

Cardigan: Nordstrom Rack

Tights: Target

Boots: Enzo Angiolini (Nordstrom Rack)

Head band: Nordstrom

Earrings: Fossil

Brooch: Free Table at consignment store (hooray!)

For a long time, I shied away from chunky knits. I was convinced that they made me look, well, chunky. As I've grown more comfortable with my body, though, I've come to realize that it's largely a question of the specific item of clothing you pick. After trying on countless chunky knit items, I eventually realized that not all chunky knits are created equal. Some add bulk in areas where I reeeeeally don't need extra padding (see: the Ladies). Others, like this cardigan, miraculously obscure bulk, and nip in at the waist to give a nice hourglass effect.

There are few things I love more than cruising around the internet looking at photos of peoples' outfits. I particularly love seeing different interpretations of the same trends. So... do you want to see three more interpretations of chunky knits? You do?! Goody! Check out these three ladies!

Bekah at Matters of Merrymaking <--- she is, indeed, a merrymaker.
Gracey at Fashion for Giants <--- She's hilarious, and has beeeeeeeautiful boots, to boot. (heh!)
Karla at Frugal Big Girl <--- She always manages to score some serious deals!

I've met some truly wonderful people since I started blogging a few short months ago. That's far and away been my favorite aspect of blogging. So when Karla approached Gracey, Bekah, and I about starting up a blogging group called Take Four, I didn't hesitate to say yes!

Take Four is an opportunity for the four of us, who bet my chance through blogging, to support each other in a collaborative blogging project. The idea is simple: once or twice a month, we will post four unique interpretations of a selected trend. In each post, we will provide links to each other’s blogs, so that you, our readers, can find a look and style that suits you, your closet and your budget. We hope you enjoy the series and, as always, we love feedback, so feel free to get in touch with any of us!

Thrifted Goodies!

2011-10-23T18:30:00.001-07:00

Behold my new royal porcupine scarf! Odds are no one will be able to tell there's a porcupine, royal or otherwise, on this scarf, but I'll know he's there which will inevitably put a bounce in my step. I feel like he needs a name... Ideas?

I love, love, love this scarf. It's absolutely massive, so I'm not planning on using it as a scarf. As soon as I figure out how to make a simple a-line skirt this lovely piece of fabric will form the front panel. =)

I saw this hanging on the end of one of the racks by a mirror, and scooped it up before someone else did. This angry looking woman came over and started snuffling around the skirt while I was inspecting it, but I scooped it up before she could steal it.

I've been desperately coveting a velvet blazer. I love the texture that a velvet piece of clothing adds to an outfit. The cut and fabric of this particular jacket are beautiful. As soon as I get it back from the dry cleaners, I'm going to pop the buttons off and Kelsify it with some mismatched vintage metal buttons. You can see that Boy Cat is already getting a start on those buttons for me. He's so helpful, isn't he?

Ribbet. Ribbet. Who doesn't need a dainty little frog pin? This guy is tiny, so he'll be perfect for a brooch collage like this one!

I love rampant lions. They're so... rampant. Ahem. I love the pearl dangling from the bottom of the shield. It's a nice feminine touch.

Grand Total: Just under $25.00 (I had a 30% off coupon!)

There was a bit of a debacle that involved an adorable Ferragamo zebra scarf, so I'm going back to get that tomorrow morning. Apparently Value Village has a corporate policy that prevents cashiers from pricing tag-free items at the register, so the scarf has to be reprocessed. Pfft. I roll my eyes at you like a surly fifteen-year-old, Value Village. And at you, too, Random Person Who Ripped Off the Tag. I also shake my fist at you. And sneer at you. And... and...

Update: Here's the Ferragamo zebra scarf! I snagged it for $9.99! Don't get me wrong, I was excited that it's a Ferragamo scarf. Frankly, though, I was more excited about the zebras. =) Is it just me, or do the zebras look like total Dudes? They kind of have that whole "dude face" thing going.

"Silly Pumpkin!"

2011-10-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

Low flying seaplane!

Behold the very rare Kelsius Moosius in her natural habitat!

Dress: Gap Outlet

Cardigan: Halogen (Nordstrom)

Tights: Hue (Macy's)

Boots: Enzo Angiolini (Nordstrom Rack)

Sweater Clip Brooch Thing: CatRabbit

Head band: Target

Bekah the Merrymaker made me giggle the other day when she concluded an email with the phrase "silly pumpkin." She was, unsurprisingly, talking about yours truly. The phrase seemed very appropriate for this particular post since I pulled a very silly -- or bafflingly stupid, depending upon how you look at it -- move the other day. I pulled a muscle in my back... drum roll, please... putting on my deodorant. That's right, folks. I managed to injure myself while going about one of the most mundane daily tasks you can imagine. I'm sure you're wondering how in the name of all that is sacred I managed to pull such a magnificently klutzy move. I really have no answer. There's not even really much of a story to it which, frankly, makes it that much more ridiculous.

This one time, I forced Mr. CP to go to a yoga class with me against his will. Not only did the instructor end up putting me in the corner to do "remedial" poses (+10 humiliation points), but in an unexpected and fairly hilarious twist of fate Mr. CP ended up being considerably more flexible than I am (+5000 humiliation points). Despite the fact that putting on deodorant doesn't really require an extensive degree of flexibility, I'm tempted to blame my injury on my general inflexibility. It somehow sounds less ridiculous than "it just happened." Silly pumpkin, indeed.

For Love of a Dress: Green Edition

2011-10-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

Dress: A to Z Tees (Alhambra Outlet)

Sweater: Urban Outfitters

Tights: Hue (Macy's)

Boots: Abound (Nordstrom Rack)

Head band: H&M

Dear Beautiful Green Dress,

I considered beginning this letter with a reference to Browning: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth..." blah blah blah. I also considered Shakespeare: "Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments. Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds or bends with the remover to remove..." yadda yadda yadda. But Browning and Shakespeare's respective odes to eternal love seem too trite and cliche. I decided instead to try to describe my love for you in my own words, insufficient as they may be, for that added personal touch.

When I spied your fern-y green folds at the store peeking out from behind other equally beautiful dresses, I immediately knew that we were destined to meet. To be honest, I hadn't been looking for you. I showed up on that fated day with the intention of buying your red hued sister. And yet, there you were... waiting for me... silently beckoning me closer...

I remember carrying you into the dressing room reverently, and trying you on for the very first time. You fit like a dream. And your color. Oh, your color! I felt like I was wrapped in the folds of a verdant green meadow. I knew then and there that you and I were going to make so many wonderful memories together. Picnics in the park, rides on the ferry boats, spins and twirls in the garden: the world would be our oyster.

I'm fully willing to accept that there are some out there who won't understand our love, who will mock it and judge it unfairly (coughcoughMr.CPcoughcough). All I can say is: they don't know us. They don't understand us. They simply don't understand the beauty of the love between a girl and her beloved dress. And that's okay. After all, I didn't intend to find you. You just sort of... happened.

I know deep down in my heart, my lovely green friend, that we're going to live happily ever after until that sad, sad day when you go to that big old closet in the sky. And in the end, that's all that really matters.

Yours eternally (or at the very least for many years),

Kelsey

A brief note about the outfit. I know the colors aren't your typical autumny colors (that one's for you, Jen!), but there's still something about this outfit feels really autumnal to me. Then again, I like this pairing enough that it screams winter, summer, and spring to me, as well...

DIY: Medallion Brooch!

2011-10-18T08:56:00.001-07:00

A lot of you really seemed to like the dapper frog brooch that I wore in this OOTD. Some of you also left comments saying that you wanted to see a tutorial. Here it is! The process of figuring out how to make these brooches was harder than it should have been. Mama CP would have been horrified by some of the words that were flying out of my mouth over the course of my first attempt. The dapper frog brooch was sewn, but for the purposes of this tutorial I decided to use fabric glue instead. I figured it might be easier for those of you who don't have access to, or dislike working with sewing machines and/or needles and thread!

Step One: Assemble Supplies

For this project, you will need:

Fabric glue
Ribbon (the thickness of the ribbon is really up to you!)
Decorative element (you can use anything from pendants to charms to recycled earrings. I chose to use a vintage pin. I simply used a wire cutter to remove the pin back, and filed down the sharp edges.)
Scissors
Flat-nosed pliers
Jump ring
Pin back
Awl
Iron

Step Two: Cut the ribbon!

I don't have any photographs of this step. I just cut length of ribbon that I thought would complement the decorative element.

Step Three: Iron the ribbon!

Part 1: Fold both ends of the ribbon over a bit, and iron them flat. Fold them over one more time, and iron them again. This will prevent any pesky strings from showing when you're wearing your new brooch. (Image 1)

Part 2: Fold the ribbon in half, bringing the ironed ends together to form a small rectangle. Iron again so that you have a nice, crisp crease. (Image 2)

Part 3: Glue the edges together!

Again, I don't have photos of this part. Because I tend towards the air-headed end of the spectrum, I got preoccupied and forgot to take pictures. Using your fabric glue, glue the two edges of the ribbon together. The glue that I used needs 24 hours to completely set. I left it alone for about 10 minutes before I finished up the rest of the project, and didn't have any problems, though. Just don't wear it until it's had the full 24 hours to set.

Part 4: Fold (for lack of a better term)!

This part is a bit tricky to explain. For this step, you're going to be working with the folded edge of the ribbon -- so not the edges you just glued together. Working one corner at a time, fold the corners in towards the center of the ribbon, and iron them into place once you've achieved the look and shape you're going for. There's really no trick to this... it just requires trial and error, and patience. If you iron both the corners and find that they are uneven, you can always iron the ribbon flat again. This took me a few tries on my first attempt, but I've vaguely gotten the hang out it now. You just kind of have to work with the ribbon, and again, be patient. =) You'll get it!

Part Five: Punch a hole, add a jump ring, and attach your decorative element!

Part One: Use an awl to punch a hole through the folds of the ribbon. You can see in the top photo precisely where to place your awl. Gently rotate the awl until you have punched appropriately sized holes on both sides of the ribbon. Be gentle with the awl. It's sharp enough that it will do the work for you.

Part Two: Thread the smallest jump ring that will fit through the holes. You can find a more detailed explanation of how to open and close jump rings here. Since you're probably going to be using a fairly small jump ring it will be a tight fit, but that's okay. Just gently work it through the holes you punched with the awl.

Part Three: Using another small jump ring, attach your decorative element to the jump ring you just threaded through the ribbon.

Part Six: Glue on the pin back!

Place two small dots of fabric glue where you'd like you're pin back to go. You're going to want it fairly close to the top of the ribbon. Place your pin back on the glue, and press gently. Again, it will take 24 hours for the glue to cure, so you can't quite wear it yet. What you can do, however, is...

Marvel at your beautiful new bauble!

I think it's important to let the people -- and, sometimes, favored inanimate objects -- know how much you love them, and how special they are. I spent a bit of time telling my new brooch how pretty she is. It turns out that her name is Gladys, she likes kittens, cotton candy, and rainbows, and she loves nothing more than adorning cardigans. I think she and I are a match made in Heaven.

I would love to see photos if you decide to give this project a try! As usual, let me know if anything is unclear. I'd be more than happy to clarify!

In Pursuit of Pumpkins

2011-10-17T08:59:00.002-07:00

Sweater: Gap (old, old, old)

Skirt: Thrifted

Tights: Hue

Boots: Fitzwell (6pm.com)

Wellies: Sperry Top-Sider (Nordstrom Rack)

Hat: TJ Maxx

Bag: Red by Marc Ecko (Ross)

October is a month full of traditions in our household. Today, we made good on one of our long-standing traditions by heading to a pumpkin patch. Armed with our favorite chai lattes, we hopped in the car and made the 45 minute drive to our favorite pumpkin farm. I learned long ago the importance of bringing a change of shoes, so the first thing I did when we arrived at the farm was pull on my trusty wellies. We spent most of the afternoon winding our way through the corn maze, and tromping through the seemingly endless pumpkin fields in pursuit of the perfect pumpkins. This, of course, was the first step in another of our traditions: a sort of unofficial pumpkin carving competition we hold. We don't really have any judges, so we typically just end up bickering at length about whose pumpkin turned out best. Last year was one of the few times where we actually agreed on the winner. Mr. CP emerged victorious. I plan on carving my butt off this year to recapture some of my lost dignity. Huh... that sounds awkward... But my point remains. I. Will. Win.

"Kelsey and Her New P&E Skirt Sittin' in a Tree..."

2011-10-15T10:07:00.001-07:00

Sweater: LOFT

Skirt: Pearl and Elspeth

Belt: Target

Tights: Hue (Macy's)

Boots: Fitzwell (6pm.com)

Necklace: Marc Jacobs (gift from Mama CP!)

Head Band: Target

I ordered this Pearl & Elspeth skirt after seeing this one on Lilli over at Frocks and Frou Frou. The moment I received my skirt in the mail, I swooned. If woman and skirt could wed, I would be Mrs. Australian Bird Skirt. My experience corresponding with Annie was so wonderful that I decided I wanted to do a post on her and P&E.

Each of Annie's items is one-of-a-kind and tailored to you and your tastes. She asked me to describe for her some of my likes and dislikes, and what sorts of details I tend to favor on items of clothing. I'm fairly certain that I provided her with a series of unhelpful, and thoroughly vague answers that essentially amounted to, "I like everything, everywhere, for all of history." Believe me when I say that Annie really does have an uncanny knack for picking out fabrics that are ideally suited to her customers. I don't recall ever telling her about my long-standing love of polka dots, so I was delighted -- and shocked! -- when I received the skirt and saw that she had sewn a piece of polka-dot fabric around the top of the skirt that ties into an adorable little bow in the back. I think she must have magical powers...

At any rate, I've been trying really hard to buy more handmade items, and I would encourage all of you to do the same. Sure, sometimes handmade items are more expensive. However, I would rather have one beautiful skirt tailor-made to my exact measurements, specifications, and tastes than 10 so-so pieces of clothing. I think it's important to reward creativity, and to support people like Annie who create unique and beautiful pieces that simply can't be purchased in a chain store. Annie is the first person I have purchased a handmade item of clothing from, and I will most certainly be a return customer! If you have a minute, head over to Pearl and Elspeth and show her some love. I've attached a few photos of my favorite P&E creations at the end of this post for your viewing pleasure!

In addition to being a wonderful seamstress with a terrific eye for detail, Annie also happens to be a wonderfully friendly person. She was kind enough to answer a few questions for all of us over here at CP!

Tell us a bit about you and/or P&E's philosophy.

I believe in using every resource as many times as possible, so all of Pearl & Elspeth's clothes are made from reclaimed and/or recycled materials. Also, vintage is beautiful and unique. I am also passionate about making individual clothes for individual tastes and needs, and I especially love catering for women who find it difficult to get unique, beautiful clothes that fit them well.

How did you first get into sewing?

I have been sewing forever! My mum taught me to sew when I was very young, and I have always loved it because I'm forever coveting clothes that are 'a bit out of the ordinary' -- i.e. impossible to find in shops. The only option, I find, is to make them yourself. Or, if you can't sew, get P&E to make them for you.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I seem to have a very uncanny knack for picking out fabrics that are perfectly suited to the lady I'm sewing for. Because each piece I sew is one-of-a-kind, it means I can really just sew according to what the fabric suggests -- the size, the colours, and even the style.

What is your favorite thing about what you do?

Meeting people and sewing clothes that they love to wear!

Kelsey vs. The Skinny Jean

2011-10-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry the photo is blurry and jumbled... I'll try to get a better photo next time. Look! Birdies! Ooooo!

Blouse: Gap

Cardigan: Halogen (Nordstrom)

Skinnies: Gap

Boots: Abound (Nordstrom Rack)

Necklace: Juicy Couture (Nordstrom Rack)

Brooch: Oh My Cavalier!

Earrings: Marc Jacobs (Nordstrom Rack)

Head Band: H&M

I was reading Rebecca's latest post over at The Plus Side of Me a couple days ago, and found myself inspired. Rebecca explained that she had a long-standing fear of ankle-booties, a fear that she overcame to adorable effect in her most recent OOTD (which may or may not be recent as you're reading this). After reading her post, I tried to think of a trend that I was too self-conscious to wear. After ruminating on it for a little while, I decided that skinny jeans were to be my Everest. So, I rummaged around in my closet until I found this pair of jeans I bought ages ago for half off. I tried them on at Gap and thought, "Golly (because apparently I'm a pig-tailed six-year-old), these sure do look flattering! I look so tall! And so skinny!" Let me just say that I will swear until my dying day they have magic mirrors in Gap that make you look taller and skinnier -- and hell, why wouldn't they? It's a brilliant marketing strategy. The jeans looked completely different when I got them home. They made me look hippy. And, let's face it, ass-y. And also kind of short. So, into my closet they went, where they've happily lived for longer than I'd like to admit.

At any rate, inspired by Rebecca, I conquered my fear of skinnies and put together this outfit. I felt a bit uncomfortable running around town in it, but I think that's to be expected when you push yourself out of your comfort zone. I'm definitely going to keep expanding my (dorky and cliche) horizons, though, so I'm certain you'll see these jeans in future OOTDs.

A brief note about the accessories in this photo. I was so excited when I found this necklace on extra-special clearance for around $10. A couple of the charms were on backwards, which was easy enough to fix with a pair of pliers and a few minutes of my time. The earrings were on clearance for around $10 as well, I think. They may have been slightly more. The earring you see in the photograph above has a large gold branch, and a small silver branch. The opposite earring (not pictured) has the reverse: a large silver branch, and a small gold branch. I love little details like that! =)

CP at Frugal Big Girl

2011-10-13T09:46:00.002-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that Charming Pumpkin is being featured over at Frugal Big Girl. Karla is a regular commenter here on the blog, and as a result she's become one of my very first blogger friends. I was so honored when she contacted me, and explained that she wanted to feature me in the inaugural post of her "Thank You Thursdays" series. If you like fashion, or bargains, or any combination of the two you should head over to her site. She's friendly, sweet, and manages to score seriously impressive deals!

I'd like to extend a great big thank you, and a virtual hug to Karla for featuring CP! I'm so thrilled that you've enjoyed the blog, Karla!

For Love of a Dress

2011-10-12T15:55:00.001-07:00

Happy boogie!

It's a bit fuzzy, but the image on the brooch is a dapper frog with a bouquet!

Dress: A to Z via Alhambra Outlet (not available online)

Cardigan: August Silk

Tights: Hue

Boots: Enzo Angiolini via Nordstrom Rack

Head Band: Nordstrom

Sweater Clip: DIY

Brooch: DIY

I don't embarrass easily. Once upon a time, as an awkward 12 year old, I walked into an iron post and knocked myself out. In front of my crush. And half the school. So, after that, nothing seemed terribly embarrassing. The fact that I lived through such a humiliating moment (that still leaves me blushing nearly 15 years later) means that, in general, I have no shame. That's why, when I recently noticed a woman wandering around Target in an exceptionally cute outfit, I had no problem at all stalking her through the store. I followed her from aisle to aisle -- maintaining an adequate spy-ish distance, of course -- eyeing her dress. Every time she would stop, I would stop, grab the nearest item, and pretend to eagerly inspect whatever was in my hand. Among the items I inexplicably grabbed: men's deodorant, paper towels (which I actually needed to pick up anyway), and weirdest of all, Depends. I was a little confused when I looked down and realized what I had picked up. I tried to set it back down with as much imperious dignity as possible, but frankly, there's just no way to look imperious or dignified when you're clutching an industrial sized box of adult diapers in your hands. God only knows what I would have grabbed next. I decided that it was probably in my best interest to just ask her where she got the dress -- after all, nearly everyone loves being complimented. She ended up being really sweet, and we chatted at length about our outfits as we wandered from aisle to aisle together. I never got her name, but I always love meeting random nice people. At any rate, as soon as I was done at Target, I drove to the store where she got the dress, and was thrilled to find that it was on sale! It was normally $110, marked down to $49, and then marked down again to $27. I did my happy boogie right smack dab in the middle of the store (as pictured in photo #2 above). Because it was such a good price, I grabbed the dress in a beautiful green color as well. I'm regretting that I didn't pick it up in the mustard-ish/beige-y (eloquent, no?) color, too.

I haven't done a DIY post for the brooch I'm wearing in this outfit, but I'm thinking I very well may. I couldn't find any tutorials for this type of brooch online, and it took me far longer than it should have to figure out how to put it together. Would you like to see a DIY for this?

The Infamous Wedding

2011-10-10T09:49:00.003-07:00

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Cami (which is actually a Cami Bra): Le Mystere

Shoes: Naya

Jewelry: Betsey Johnson

Clutch: DIY

There are few things more wonderful than making unexpected friends. I headed to North Carolina this past weekend for an old family friend's wedding, and had no idea what to expect. I only knew that the colors black and red were off-limits, and that spooky accessories were strongly encouraged. In the lead up to the wedding, the bride arranged a Girls' Night for anyone interested in attending. I arrived expecting to feel out of place and uncomfortable, but after a mere ten minutes with that group of women I felt like I had known them all for years. Among my favorite moments of the evening was listening to one of the bridesmaids recount the tale of how she unknowingly started beating an off-duty cop with clothing-filled Target bags. She had just left Target late one night when she heard foot steps right behind her. The way she tells it, she weighed her options. I distinctly remember her saying, "I'm fat, you know, so I sure as hell wasn't going to be able to outrun the guy. I would have collapse after 10 yards." No, her best option, she decided, was to stand and fight. So, she subtly weighed the bags in her hands, chose the lightest one, and turned around swinging... and continued swinging... over and over and over. The man ended up on the ground while she hit him with her Target bags, ultimately realizing that in the interest of self-preservation it would be wise to flash her his badge. Turns out the guy was parked right next to the bridesmaid, and was just walking back to his car. Poor guy. Many hilarious stories were told that night, so many that I can't even remember the last time that I laughed so hard or so much. My sides were very, very sore the next day.

I apologize for the relative lack of photos. This was just a quick picture my mother snapped with my iPhone before we headed in to the wedding reception!

Special Guest Post: In Which Mr. CP Screws Everything Up!

2011-10-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

Our story begins, as so many do, with a mistake that was not immediately apparent. As you, gentle reader, likely are aware, Kelsey ~~abandoned me absconded~~ departed for North Carolina a few days ago. While she fretted over coffins, spooky accessories, and dresses, she entrusted me with a glorious task: update her blog.

Me accepting this task. With, apparently, my horse
Armor: Ye Olde Blacksmith Unlimited
Tabard: Forver Plagueridden
Horse: DIY Pasture

In the most noble manner imaginable, I accepted this quest: "Sweetie, I promise you, I will mess this up."

She, of course, thought I was joking. She said, "Oh, you... I'm sure you'll come up with something wonderful."

And so, I find myself here... little black cat 'helping' (i.e. trying to eat my fingers) as I struggle to post something worthy.

Idea #1 - I offered simply to substitute in for her. I had picked out an amazing outfit and was all set for a photo shoot.

For your sanity

Apparently, it's 'weird' when I try to wear her clothes.

Idea #2 - This.

Armor: Mark VII Aquila Power Armor, Adeptus Mechanicus
Bolter: Godwyn Pattern, Adeptus Mechanicus
Life is the Emperor's currency; spend it well. For the Imperium!

'Nuff said.

Idea #2, part 2: This as well.

Diving Suit: Bouncer Variant, Protector Program
Drill: Over Sized, Not Compensating at all

So, I learned a thing about fashion: seemingly, it does not include massive, genetically/surgically/psychically altered brutes. Something new every day, as they say.

Idea #3: Lust list post!!!

North Coast Brewing Co, Old Rasputin XI

Boulevard Brewing Co Smokestack Series, Bourbon Barrel Quad (BBQ)

Wait... this isn't a blog about beer? Back to the drawing board.

Idea #3b: Fashion and beer!

Ermine: Found in Nature
Label: DIY

Idea # pi.

I think I'm hilarious

Idea # History!

Certainly not made with forced labor or washed in urine

Romans. They were a gross people. Urinophoric much?

Idea #4: Distraction!

Look! Boy cat!

Annnnnndddd, work complete! Now to bask in Kelsey's praise and adoration for a job ~~well~~ done. There was charm (or something), and Gabriel looks a little like a pumpkin. Hence, Charming Pumpkin!

I warned her this would happen. I regret nothing!

- Mr. CP

Wedding Accessories

2011-10-05T03:22:00.000-07:00

Necklace, Earrings, and Bracelet: Betsey Johnson (via Nordstrom Rack)

Clutch: DIY

I wanted to show you all some close up shots of the accessories I'm going to be sporting at the wedding I'm going to this weekend. A brief refresher: the bride and groom requested that no one wear black or red, and that guests wear spooky accessories. Yeah, tell me about it. I spent some time digging around on the internet, and found and fell in love with Betsey Johnson's Vampire Slayer collection. The earrings alone retailed for $40.00, though, which I was simply unwilling to pay. As a result, I just assumed that I would have to make my own accessories. On one of our many, many trips to Nordstrom Rack during my mother's recent visit, I was milling around in the jewelry section when I spied (gasp!) a bunch of pieces from the Betsey Johnson Vampire Hunter line. At Nordstrom Rack's prices, I simply couldn't resist. I can't decide which is my favorite. I love, love, love the upside down bat charm on the necklace (and the lips with fangs!), and every time I look at the raven earrings and bracelet I have to restrain myself from reciting Poe... because I had a mean-spirited high school English teacher who made us memorize various stanzas from "The Raven." But that's beside the point.

I'm apparently quite picky where clutches are concerned, and after spending way too much time browsing the internet and store fronts, I decided to make my own. The clutch you see above is the result of three practice rounds. It's still not perfect -- the seams aren't as clean as I'd like -- but I'm pleased with the result anyway. I attached a vintage brooch that my grandmother gave me years ago to add "a bit more 'Kelsey-ness' to it," as Mr. CP would say.

On a different note, I'm not sure that I'll be able to post at all while I'm in Charlotte, so I've arranged for a very special guest blogger. Expect that post on Friday! =)

Fly Away!

2011-10-04T15:06:00.004-07:00

Please excuse my hair in this photo. It's doing something wonky... and yes, that is definitely a word.

Dress: eShakti

Cardigan: Halogen (via Nordstrom)

Earrings: Random store in Rome

Shoes: Rockport

Bracelet: Trollbeads

Sweater Clip: DIY

Headband: Nordstrom

This story begins, as many do, with a little known fact about myself. I snore. And not dainty, aw-shucks-isn't-she-cute snores, but my-God-in-heaven-how-did-this-trucker-get-in-my-bed snores. I don't do it often (as far as I know...), but when I do, Mr. CP understandably has trouble sleeping. Such was the case night before last, which is how Mr. CP came to be napping yesterday afternoon. I had a couple errands to run, so I quietly exited the house and started skipping my way down the steps (we have about 20 steps that lead up to our house from the street). Imagine my shock when I got to the bottom of the steps only to see a a homeless guy asleep/passed out/dead (I had no idea which at that point) at the base of the stairs. I really didn't want to wake Mr. CP up. It was my fault he was exhausted, after all. So my initial inclination was to try to step over the homeless man, but he was rather a big boned fellow, if you catch my drift. I also didn't want to risk pissing him off, as there are some rather volatile homeless people here in Seattle. I contemplated climbing over the fence into Neighbor #1's yard, but the fence is about six feet tall, and I'm really, really not at all agile. I thought about trying to climb through the ivy into Neighbor #2's yard, but that sounded like an even dumber idea than trying to scale the fence. Spiders?! Nuh-uh! No way! Not gonna happen! So I just sort of stood there... staring down at the homeless guy... willing him to wake up. Which he didn't do. I quietly ascended the stairs back into the house, and woke Mr. CP up from his peaceful slumber. At which point we both descended the front stairs... and stared at the homeless guy... and willed him to wake up. Which he still didn't do. Neither of us wanted to wake him, so we rock-paper-scissored to see who would call the Police Department (I lost... BLAST!). Because I wasn't sure whether the guy was asleep or dead, they put me on the line with the Fire Department... who came out with a giant truck, an entire crew, and three or four EMTs. And that, my friends, is how the Fire Department came to be at our house for the second time in two weeks. It turned out the man wasn't dead, just drunk and passed out, thank goodness. They were kind enough to bundle him up and take him to a local shelter, where I hope he's faring better.

Oh, yeah. I almost forgot to mention that the crew that came out yesterday was the same crew that came out when our pipe burst. I'm pretty sure they think we're raging fools. They were speaking to me veeeeeery slooooooowly like I was about four years old.

The Story of a Bracelet

2011-09-30T09:46:00.003-07:00

Mr. CP "accidentally" shot this photo. He asked me a question, I used air quotes, and without lifting the camera to his face he snapped this shot without my knowledge. Sneaky. And also a little impressive.

My skirt is a-twirlin'!

Vine-Print Top: Coldwater Creek

Cardigan: August Silk (via Nordstrom Rack)

Skirt: Thrifted

Tights: Hue (via Nordstrom Rack)

Shoes: Chinese Laundry

Brooch: DIY

Bracelet: Trollbeads Charm Bracelet

Earrings: Tiny shop in Rome

Rings: Blue stone - Something Silver; Ruby ring: tiny shop in Venice

Head Band: Target

The summer after Mr. CP and I started dating, he and his family went on a 3+ month trip around the world. He and I didn't get to talk much that summer. Mr. CP sent me emails as often as he could, though his access to the internet was severely limited, particularly in Asia and Africa. I think we spoke about three times on the phone, as well. He knew that I had always loved charm bracelets, though I never wore the traditional, dangly sort simply because the charms frequently fell off and got lost. So, before he left he gave me a Trollbeads charm bracelet that included a single bead -- a beautifully cast forget-me-not charm. To cheer myself up while he was traveling, I pledged to buy myself a single bead for every month he was away. By the time he got back, I had added four additional charms to the bracelet. For a long time, whenever we had a big celebration -- anniversary, birthday, holiday, assorted other milestones -- Mr. CP gifted me with a new charm. Though we've since started a new tradition, Mr. CP and I have come a long way, a fact that I'm reminded of each and every time I look at my now-full bracelet.

If any of you would like to see better close-up shots of the bracelet, I'd be more than happy to oblige. Just let me know in the comments! =)

Window Shopping: Dorothy Perkins

2011-09-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do in the evenings is curl up with a glass of wine, and do some serious window shopping online. It's one of the reasons I have such a lengthy wish list. Lately, I've been finding some truly adorable items at Dorothy Perkins. It all began when I spotted the perfect dress for the wedding I'm going to, er, next week. I decided to overlook the exorbitant cost of international shipping, and placed my order... which I still can't believe I did. May I just offer up a general, "Ugh" about the ridiculous cost of international shipping? But I digress. I didn't order anything else, in large part because I didn't look too carefully at the site. Upon second... and third... and fourth glance, however, I found some really, really cute items that I promptly added to my Amazon wish list. =) Below are my five favorites that are currently available (in my size) at Dorothy Perkins.

Black Bird on a Wire Top

Green Floral Belted Skirt

Ochre Ponte Circle Dress

Mink Sausage Dog Jumper

Grey Zebra Print Cardigan

Cherries and Lace

2011-09-28T09:45:00.001-07:00

There was a squirrel right outside the window eating an acorn. Awwww!

Dress: Forever 21+ (not available online)

Cardigan: August Silk (via Nordstrom Rack)

Tights: Hue (via Macy's)

Shoes: Thrifted

Headband: Target

Necklace: Forever 21

Brooches: All thrifted

By and large, Mr. CP and I are fortunate to have the landlord we have. True, he's impossible to get hold of on the phone. And true, whenever he stops by he likes to talk... and talk... and talk some more. And also true, he's not nearly as handy as he thinks he is. On the flip side, though, he isn't overbearing, he's always polite, and he gets the really important things taken care of quickly and efficiently. So it wasn't at all unusual that when a pipe burst in our bathroom recently, he had a plumber out the next morning at 8 AM, and we had running water again by 9 AM. Our landlord felt so guilty for the inconvenience it caused us, however, that he stopped by a few days later and presented us with a very generous gift card to a local fancy pants restaurant. Mr. CP and I decided to go for lunch rather than dinner, because a) we figured we would be able to enjoy the view more, and b) we just kind of felt like going out for lunch. It was a stunning restaurant -- complete with an indoor waterfall, a bridge, and a running stream -- with a spectacular view of Puget Sound, and an adjacent boat/yacht marina. The food was delicious, too, particularly the trio of miniature creme brulees I ordered for dessert.

After lunch, Mr. CP joined me on a quick trip to Goodwill where I recently saw a pin that I loved, but inexplicably didn't buy. Let me just say that we felt ridiculously over-dressed. Ridiculously. It was hilarious. People kept looking at us like we were complete nut-jobs for getting all gussied up for an expedition to Goodwill. I caught myself smothering giggles a few times at the looks we were getting. Oh, and sadly the brooch was long gone. Farewell, sweet brooch. Farewell.

Speaking of brooches, I couldn't decide which one I wanted to wear today, so I pinned on my top three choices. I was initially torn between the bug brooch pictured above, and a bull brooch that I got as a tongue-in-cheek reminder to myself to grab the bull by the horns. True story. I'm hokey that way. I actually really enjoyed wearing multiple brooches today, so I think I'm going to do this sort of "brooch collage," as Mr. CP dubbed it, more often.

Genius... Or Not

2011-09-26T08:43:00.001-07:00

Dress: Modcloth

Tights: Hue (via Macy's)

Shoes: Maurice's (old, old, old)

Headband: Target

Earrings: Betsey Johnson (via Nordstrom Rack, but you can pick them up online here.)

I was so excited when this Modcloth dress arrived on Saturday morning. As soon as I heard the delivery man/woman drop it off on our front stoop, I scampered to the front door and grabbed it off the porch. Seeing it wrapped up all adorable-like in the box, I nearly swooned over the lovely, rich colors. Equally exciting was the exceptionally cute headband Modcloth included as an extra (which will no doubt feature in a future OOTD). As I pulled the dress out of the box, though, I was stumped: I ordered a 2X, and the dress before me most certainly did not look like a 2X. The dress didn't even look like it would fit over my head. I frantically checked the packaging to make sure that there hadn't been some sort of mix up. Nope, there hadn't been. The dress just looked very dainty. So, I wandered into the bedroom to try it on. Much to my dismay, it fit everywhere but the bust. It gave me the dreaded uni-boob. I could hear Mr. CP calling from the living room for me to come out and show him my new treasure... which I did, reluctantly. I must have looked like my puppy just died, because Mr. CP could immediately tell that I was upset. "What's wrong?" he asked. I gestured at the unfortunate gaping under the arms, and the tightness in the bust. Looking more closely at the dress, Mr. CP started chuckling. And then he started guffawing. You see, what I didn't realize is that I had put the dress on backwards. Now, one would think this would be impossible seeing as how this particular dress has a decorative tie around the neck at the back of the dress (you know, like the one I mentioned in this post that sent me into an existential panic). But I had untied said tie, you see, and... and... okay, I have no good excuse for this particular display of air-headed magnificence. In my excitement, attention to details like putting the dress on the right way apparently fell to the wayside. I ran back into the bedroom, spun the dress around and lo and behold, it fit perfectly. Combined with my recent display of genius at Nordstrom Rack, I can't help but wonder: how did I ever manage to dress myself before Mr. CP came along?

A brief note about the dress. For those who don't know, Modcloth does offer clothes in larger sizes. Though the selection is smaller than that available to straight-sized customers, the site has some truly adorable plus-size items. They go up to a 3X, and have a handy (and accurate, I think) size chart. I had the best luck finding plus size items by clicking on the "clothing" category on their main page, and then selecting my size in the left-hand bar.

I also have to say something about these adorable mouse earrings. I've been wearing them pretty much every day. One earring -- the one pictured above -- features a cute little mouse pointing downwards. The other earring -- which isn't pictured -- has a little mouse pointing upwards. I love the subtle asymmetry, and the added interest it lends an already adorable pair of earrings.

Oktoberfest!

2011-09-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Dress: Ross ($5... bargain!)

Tights: Target

Hat: Hatitude (Las Vegas at the Venetian)

Shoes: Born

Rings: Street Fair (Green stone); Something Silver (blue stone)

Bracelets: All over the place. Can't even remember.

Necklace: Assorted charms from Mr. CP

Today was the first day in nearly a week that I ventured out of the house. It felt great to get out and enjoy what are likely the final days of sunshine we'll be seeing here in Seattle for quite some time. Mr. CP and I have had standing plans to attend Oktoberfest, so I was determined that my ankle injury would be healed by today (Friday)... and miraculously it was!

Oktoberfest was, as always, entertaining. I'm not a big drinker, to be honest, so after about 2 of the little 5-oz tasters I was content to plop myself down on the curb and listen with absolute delight to the ironic and hilarious conversations going on around me. Women in scandalous, cleavage-baring, very non-traditional dirndls, for example, scampered around complaining (with grins on their faces, of course) about how offended they were that men kept staring at their cleavage. Yes, well, a mini-skirt, a push-up bra, and an unbuttoned blouse (if it can even be called that) will do that for you. At one point I found myself reflecting on what I might look like in a dirndl. The mental image alone had me dissolving into a fit of giggles. In an unfortunate coincidence, Mr. CP returned to my happy little curb from a tasting booth just as I started cackling, and gave me one of those, "Can I get away with pretending I don't know her?" looks. I know that Mr. CP reads these posts, so to Mr. CP: No. You can never get away with pretending not to know me. Ne-ver.

I Got Mail from CatRabbit!

2011-09-23T12:55:00.002-07:00

It's no secret that I love whimsical things. Hopefully it's also no secret that I don't take myself too seriously. Believing as I do that a person's individual style should be a reflection of who they are, none of my outfits ever feel complete without something silly, and offbeat. Typically I just stick with accessories -- necklaces, bracelets, and especially brooches -- because it's difficult to find the sorts of prints that I love in larger sizes.

My penchant for such accessories led me to CatRabbit. While browsing her Etsy store, I found myself particularly enchanted by a pair of hair combs in her sold items. Elegant and silly all at the same time, they featured an adorable fancy bunny engraving that I just knew I had to have. So, I promptly emailed CatRabbit, and asked whether she might consider making me a sweater clip/brooch that included the fancy bunny design. I left the other portion of the clip up to her. Much to my delight, she suggested a fancy sloth to accompany the fancy bunny. It took only three weeks from the time we started emailing for me to receive my order -- and that coming all the way from Australia!

If you're in the market for unique sweater clips and/or brooches, you should definitely pay CatRabbit a visit! She was absolutely wonderful to communicate with, and got the clip to me surprisingly quickly! If you're reading this, thanks a bunch Cat!

On a different note, my ankle is healing up quite nicely due in large part to Mr. CP's insistence that I stay off it as much as possible. Ever my knight-in-shining-armor, Mr. CP has been bringing me food and beverages, running my errands, and even doing a load of laundry. Standing (or, in this case, hobbling) in direct contrast to Mr. CP's general wonderfulness is, well, me. I'm an awful patient. The worst, in fact. I feel terrible that he's been forced to do so many things for me, and continually insist on fetching my own drinks and pacing through the house restlessly... you know, to, um, stretch out my ankle. It's feeling more or less better now, though, so expect some OOTD posts coming your way.

Now I just need to find something for Mr. CP that says, "Thank you for taking such wonderful care of me," and "I'm sorry for being such a pain in the ass" all at the same time. Any ideas? Oh, and it would be best if it doesn't involve cooking, because I did NOT almost burn down my old apartment when I tried to cook dinner, and I definitely DO know how to cook really, really well.

And yes, you are most certainly sensing sarcasm there.

Delightful Dresses

2011-09-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

I've been on the prowl for cute, patterned dresses lately and figured I'd share with all of you some of the beauties I've come across. Sorry about the small pictures; unfortunately I was unable to pull better photos of the dresses off the different websites. Just click on the links underneath each dress, though, and you can check them out in all their printed glory. Enjoy the eye candy!

New Look: Inspire Dandelion Printed Dress

Cutest dress ever. I love the dandelion print. The only thing that's prevented me from ordering it is the simple fact that I don't want to pay for international shipping.

Torrid: Carousel Horse Print Dress

So cute. You can't really tell from this teeny tiny picture, but this dress has little horses all over it. Regrettably, I'll probably never own this dress. Quite frankly, I just don't think it's worth the $70 price tag. That's pretty much in keeping with my general opinion of Torrid: some cute things, but rarely worth the price.

Modcloth: By Night Dress

I have a confession to make. Despite promising myself that I wouldn't order this dress, I caved. Um, Mr. CP made me do it?

Eshakti: Migratory Birds Dress

Another confession: I actually own this dress. I ordered it a couple weeks ago, and it arrived on my doorstep yesterday morning. I haven't had a chance to wear it yet -- it's waiting to be washed -- but I love it so much that I just had to include it on this list. I'll definitely post an OOTD featuring this dress in the near future, though, so keep checking back!

Modcloth: Graceful Greenery Dress

When I first saw this dress, I promptly clipped it to Polyvore and started putting together imaginary outfits. I think I've made five sets that feature this dress. At $130 this beauty is well out of my price range, but a girl can dream. Maybe the Birthday Fairy will bring it to me in November!

Penelope's Etsy Wish List

2011-09-19T19:51:00.002-07:00

I had fully intended to continue uploading OOTDs, but due to some unforeseen circumstances haven't been able to get any more photographs taken. It all happened yesterday afternoon. Mr. CP had just walked out the door to run to the grocery store, while I stayed behind to finish getting ready for an afternoon outing with a girlfriend. I was happily applying my make-up and boogying to Muse when I heard the sound of spraying water coming from underneath the sink. I'll spare you the gruesome details, and cut to a (relatively) succinct play-by-play. Mr. CP frantically scampered around the outside of the house trying to figure out how to shut the water off, only to realize that the water main faucet had rusted open. He had to call the fire department to come out and shut off the water. I remained inside emptying out a 5-gallon pot every 20 seconds for 45 minutes. Not only did our bathroom flood, so did our entire basement. As if the day hadn't already been stressful enough, about an hour after the pipe burst I was walking down the stairs to see how Mr. CP was handling the wet-and-dry vac when I slipped on the stairs and sprained my ankle. Suffice to say, I've been laid up on the couch since, only getting up to hobble my way to the bathroom like a decrepit old woman... usually with Mr. CP's help. SO not sure when I'll have more OOTD's for you guys, but I'll do my best!

In the meantime, I re-watched the movie Penelope this afternoon, and fell in love with the main character's wardrobe all over again. It's amazing. If you haven't seen the movie, do it now! It's adorable! The movie inspired me to dig around on Etsy, and come up with ideas about what Penelope's Etsy wish list might look like.

A Whimsical Dress

2011-09-18T09:17:00.002-07:00

Allow me to paint for you a picture of the conversation Mr. CP and I had while he was very kindly taking these photographs.

Mr CP: You always pose the same way. Do something different! Be creative!

Me: Um, excuse me? How dare you accuse me of being uncreative! I neeeever pose the same way! (I may have been avoiding eye contact when I said this)

Mr. CP: (blank stare)

Me: Fine. I'll, erm, just walk... this... way.

Me: And I'll look up at the trees.

Me: Are you happy now? Are you?! ARE YOU?!

Mr. CP: (blank stare)

Dress: Fire Los Angeles (via Nordstrom Rack)

Cardigan: August Silk (via Nordstrom Rack)

Tights: Hue (via Macy's)

Boots: Fitzwell (via 6pm.com)

Head band: Target

Brooch: Fossil

Bracelet: Vintage

Earrings: Betsey Johnson

I found this dress recently and pounced on it. It has dainty little trees all over it! If there's one thing I love, it's whimsical prints!

Which brings me to a rather hilarious story. Around the same time I stumbled upon this dress, I found another equally adorable one. It had tiny little black and white castles, horse-drawn carriages, and princes all over it. Too cute! Now, I'm not a size large. I'm just not, which I knew when I grabbed the cute little fairy tale dress. I was so desperately enamored with it, though, that I swore I would fit into the damn thing come hell or high water. Interestingly, the problem wasn't getting into the dress. It went on with surprising ease. The problem was moving around and breathing once I had the damn dress on. With a crestfallen expression on my face (no, really, it was like someone had told me Santa Clause wasn't real all over again), I prepared to take the dress off. Only, it turned out that the dress was so tight that my arms were effectively pinned at my sides. I couldn't lift them. I should probably mention that I don't handle stress well. There are some people who operate rationally and calmly in stressful situations. Mr. CP, for example, is fantastic to have around when unfortunate things happen. My response to stress is far less productive: I either cry, or, as in this particular situation, laugh hysterically. Typically, dissolving into a fit of giggles isn't a problem. Typically, though, I can breathe in whatever I happen to be wearing. FYI, laughter only works well if you can breathe. So there I stood laughing like a crazy person. I couldn't quite manage, however, to get enough air... which caused me to start hyperventilating, which in turn only made me laugh that much harder. It was the proto-typical Giggle Loop. I finally managed to calm down enough to shimmy (yes, shimmy) over to my purse, maneuver my phone out of my bag, dial Mr. CP's number (he was there with me), kneel down, press my ear to the phone, and gasp something largely incoherent into the speaker. So, poor Mr. CP had to come back to the dressing room to help me hoist the dress over my head. ::sigh:: So much for maintaining any sense of mystery. I learned a valuable lesson, though. Love isn't roses, or breakfast in bed. It's rescuing your stupidly determined significant other who's apparently lacking in the common sense department from a too-small item of clothing.

Mary Poppins

2011-09-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

This is what Mr. CP affectionately refers to as my "Quoi?" Face.

Cardigan: August Silk (via Nordstrom Rack)

Camisole: Maurice's

Skirt: Vince Camuto (via Nordstrom)

Hat: Ross

Tights: Hue (via Macy's)

Boots: Fitzwell (via 6pm.com)

Rings: Flea Market, Street Fair, Something Silver, and a random shop in Venice

Brooch: Thrifted

Necklaces: Forever 21

Mama CP leaves tomorrow, so we capped off a fun-filled week with, you guessed it, shopping. Mama CP, as I've mentioned, lives in a very, very tiny Midwestern town, so whenever she makes her way to the bustling metropolis of Seattle, she likes to visit her favorite shops throughout the city. So it was that I found myself happily browsing in the shoe section at Nordstrom Rack today (again) when I heard a small child exclaim, "Look mom! It's Mary Poppins!" I wasn't even aware he was talking about me until I glanced over and saw him pointing in my general direction. I did that thing you do when you notice someone looking and/or pointing at you: I glanced surreptitiously over each shoulder to make sure there wasn't anyone else around about whom he could be talking. To be honest, I was flattered. Mary Poppins was, is, and always will be absolutely adorable. As soon as I got home, I made the unfortunate decision to tell Mr. CP about the little boy, and he's been humming "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" (shoot me now for having to type that) every time I walk into the room.

The final picture above was a bit of an experiment. Mr. CP wanted to see if he could get a shot of the dandelion seeds. He couldn't. Not really. The last photograph above is the best of about 50 shots. Turns out it's much more difficult to get a shot of dandelion seeds gently drifting through the air than one might initially think. By the end of all the shots, I was winded from huffing and puffing at so many of the damn things.

On a side note, for whatever reason, this skirt always appears blue in photos. In actuality, it's black.