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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

 

 

 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

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. =)