Blue Dress #3: A Bit of Whimsy

Dress: Dorothy Perkins (here)

Cardigan: Anthropologie/Ribboned Rocket Cardigan

Shoes: GAP

Earrings: Forever 21

When I got home from Anthropologie the other day -- with this cardigan in tow! Sale score FTW! -- I recounted for Mr. CP my uber-bizarre conversation with Boob Job Lady that I talked about in my last post (here). It ended up turning into a fairly lengthy conversation about Mr. CP's and my respective stances on plastic surgery. 

My position is quite simple: your body, your life. I think everyone has a right to feel beautiful, and if that means a nip, a tuck, a lift, a pull, and a few injections, then so be it. For my part, I don't like the idea of elective cosmetic surgery. It gives me the willies. Aside from my father, I avoid physicians like the plague. It's best for all parties involved, you see.

In general, I have a fairly laissez-faire attitude towards life (there are a few areas where this doesn't apply... toilet paper, for example, should always roll down on the roll, not up. Yeesh!). So, my philosophy about plastic surgery is pretty much identical to my philosophy about life (excepting toilet paper, apparently): you do your thing, I'll do mine.

On a completely unrelated note, if ever the Fates conspired to thrust me into a position of power as a benevolent dictator, I would commission a statue to be built immortalizing this expression. I think it says, "Peons, bow before me!" and "But I still love and respect you and your peasant ways!" all at the same time. Behold: Benevolent Dictatoress Kelsey. Ahem. Yes, that's a real word and a real title. Why do you ask? Are you challenging my authority!? Are you?!?!

Review: Eliza Parker Portofino By Night Dress

Alternatively Titled, "Kelsey vs. The Cleavage-Baring Dress"

Dress: c/o Eliza Parker/ Portofino By Night Dress in Black (here)

Earrings: Forever 21

Bangle: Forever 21

Belt: Target

When Eliza Parker recently offered to send me an item of my choosing from their online store, I squealed with delight. Lilli and Rebecca had both managed to convince me that Eliza Parker makes some of the comfiest -- and most beautiful! -- clothes out there, so I had been dying to feature the brand on Charming Pumpkin. I waffled back and forth a bit about what I wanted, but ultimately settled on the Portofino By Night Dress in Black. My reasons were two-fold: first, I own exactly zero -- count 'em, ZERO -- long dresses. Second, low cut dresses and I have had an interesting? hate hate? relationship in the past. In the interest of trying something new, though, I figured this would be a wonderful opportunity to give a long, low cut dress a whirl, and boy am I glad that I did!

Made of a soft, weighty, wrinkle-free and luxurious jersey knit fabric, the Portofino by Night Dress is fully lined, and has thick straps for those of us with, ahem, heftier maidens in the chestal area. No spaghetti straps here, ladies. Hallelujah! I sit right around 5 feet 6 inches tall, and the dress proved to be the perfect length with flats; it doesn't drag on the ground at all.

I initially had no idea what kind of a bra to wear under this dress, low cut as it is. Enter the amazing and oh-so-helpful Jessica. I sent her an email enquiring what the models on the website wore under this dress, all the while crossing my fingers that they hadn't rigged something up that involved copious amount of duct tape, and no small amount of luck. Thankfully, she responded promptly and informed me that the models had worn one of Lane Bryant's plunge bras. How's that for customer service?

I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love this dress. As I'm sure you've noticed, I don't typically wear low-cut dresses. I apparently have the sensibilities of a Victorian maiden that way. I felt surprisingly comfortable and at ease in this dress, though. I felt sophisticated. While it certainly falls ever-so-slightly on the dressier end of the spectrum, the Portofino By Night can be dressed up or down depending upon the occasion, which makes it a versatile addition to anyone's closet.

Eliza Parker carries dresses from sizes 10/12 to 26/28, and every single item on the site is impeccably tailored, beautifully colored, and utterly flattering for curvier figures. I have my eye on the Monaco Dress in Burgundy and the Nantucket Dress in Navy. If you haven't checked out Eliza Parker's site, you should head over there right now! I would be shocked -- shocked! -- if something doesn't catch your eye.

Eliza Parker's founder, Jessica, was kind enough to answer some questions for all of you about her clothing collection! Enjoy reading her answers; I know I did! =)

CP: When did you first know that you wanted to break into the fashion industry? 

I have been plus size my entire life, and I have always been passionate about fashion. Throughout my life, I have struggled to find stylish clothing that fit my body. I did a bit of research and found that I was not alone. 43% of women in the US are size 14+ and many of them are unsatisfied with current apparel offerings. If you walk into a shopping mall, there may be six stores where a plus size woman can shop, but 40 stores for a "straight-size" woman. The opportunity was apparent, and I knew that with the right team, we could offer curvy women stylish clothing that fits.

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

Fit is critical and I love silhouettes that show off a woman's curves.  I also spend a lot of time thinking about fabrics, colors, prints, and special details and trims.  My goal is to excite our customers.  I want women to wear our clothing and love it.  I develop silhouettes that flatter the curves, pick fabrics that are luxuriously comfortable, and add details, like pockets, that make me smile. 

CP: What is your design process?

We sketch out different ideas, develop patterns and samples, and have fittings with our fit model to perfect the fit and details.  We will never produce anything unless everyone on the team loves it.  I even wear all of the samples out on a couple of occasions to make sure that I'm happy with the fit and that the style can be worn multiple ways.  The fit, style, and fabric all have to work together perfectly before we'll put it into production.

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

I love interacting with our customers.  I try to personally answer as many emails from customers as possible.  I want to hear feedback (good and bad!) about our clothes and service. 

CP: How would you describe the quintessential Eliza Parker woman?

I am designing for a woman who is always on the go. Our customer needs great separates for work and party dresses to wear to weddings, cocktail events, and other occasions. She is stylish and loves clothing that fits her curves. 

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

Our aesthetic is classic with a twist. Many of our looks can be worn season after season and are easy to

transition from work to play. At the same time, we add great details and trims that keep our styles youthful, special and on trend.

CP: What are your current favorite pieces?

It's so hard to pick a favorite (it's like picking a favorite child!).  I will say that I wear the Sofia dress every week and I wear the Million Ways Cardigan almost every other day.  Both are just so easy, comfortably and chic.  My favorite party dresses right now are the Monaco and Portofino.  

CP: Where do you find your inspiration?

I love to draw inspiration from 1950s and 60s silhouettes -- a time when women's curves were really celebrated.  Our Monaco dress was inspired by a dress that Grace Kelly wore in Rear Window.  It's timeless and dramatic, yet wonderfully charming. 

*Eliza Parker 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.

Brrrrr

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. =)

Kelsey vs. The Cropped Cardigan

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.

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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.

Cherries and Lace

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.

Mary Poppins

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.