Hello, friend!

I've been enjoying our new home so much that I've found myself taking an obnoxious number of photographs. Given that Mr. CP loathes having his photograph taken, I'm fairly certain he may rethink this whole marriage thing if I continue down my current path. Only kidding, only kidding. Ish. I've always been a bit of a dabbler when it comes to hobbies and crafty pursuits. I'm fickle that way. So, I suppose it was only a matter of time before I decided to try my hand at taking photographs. Like any new skill, it requires patience (oh gawd, does it require patience!), and practice. In unpacking our belongings, I've came to the conclusion that there are almost no photos of us. In point of fact, I can count on two hands the number of photographs of Mr. CP and I, which is in large part what inspired me to start taking more photographs.

Now that I'm settling in, I'll be able to post with greater frequency. What have I missed while I was away? What have you all been up to?

maurices Dress Review!

Dress: c/o maurices* (here)

When the kind folks over at maurices offered to send me an item to review, my mind immediately jumped to dresses. I mean, come on, it's me, right? Dresses and I are like PB&J, Sonny and Cher, Caesar and Brutus (pre-horrible, backstabbing betrayal). 

When I saw this dress on the maurices website, I swooned. I looooove lace anything, after all. I figured from the photograph on maurices' site that I would love it, but I didn't realize just how beautiful this dress would be. The photos don't do it justice. Fully lined, and made with a beautiful leaf-patterned lace, it's enough to make me feel ever so slightly like a modern day princess. I typically feel like I'm just sort of galumphing around, but this dress accomplished something unexpected. It made me feel like I was gracefully floating around. So what if I tripped over absolutely nothing on the sidewalk? I was wearing this dress, which made my stumble look swan-like and graceful! So what if I tried to drink out of a straw, and missed my mouth? I did it with poise and sophistication! That's the power of a great dress, folks. And this, this is a great dress.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with maurices, allow me to introduce you. Based in Minnesota, maurices caters to the "savvy fashion conscious customer with a twenty-something attitude." My favorite thing about maurices: they have both a straight-sized and a plus sized line. Their clothes range from a size 0 to a size 26, with their plus size line in particular ranging from a size 0 (which, for reference's sake, is what I ordered) to a size 4. 

My experience with maurices was absolutely wonderful. The dress is sturdy and well-made, and everyone I corresponded with was friendly and helpful. I was a bit concerned that the dress may not arrive before moving day, but it shipped really quickly. Now, of course, I've been trolling their site looking for other, equally adorable items. These beauties from maurices' plus size line have been added to my already lengthy wish list:

Embellished Brocade Print Tank

Plus Crochet Stretch Belt

Watercolor Bare Shoulder Dress

*maurices 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.

Webster Skirt #1: Yikes!

It took me a lot longer than it should have to decide what to style for all of you this week. I ultimately settled on this eyeleted skirt, an adorable little number from The Webster for Target collection.

The weather has turned cold and rainy again here, but I categorically refused to wear tights and/or boots. So, I just pretended that it was sunny, and wore the skirt bare-legged with flats.

Skirt: Webster/Target (here)

Cardigan: Halogen/Nordstrom (here)

Cami: Herberger's

Shoes: Aldo (here)

Head band: Nordstrom (here)

Necklace: La Vie Parisienne/Blue Ruby (jewelry boutique in Vancouver, B.C.)

Mr. CP and I will be moving half way across the country in exactly one month. Eek! In the throes of a massive panic attack, I packed up a large chunk of my closet a couple days ago, including all but a few of my sweaters, which makes this cold snap more unpleasant than it might otherwise be. Oh, well! If perception really does shape reality as some philosophers would have us believe, I'll just continue thinking warm thoughts. I mean, thinking it's warm is the same as it actually being warm, right? Right?!

The move really snuck up on us, and now we're faced with what seems to be an insurmountable heap of crap to pack up. I've been using this as an opportunity to get rid of a lot of things we don't use anymore, but it doesn't seem to be making much difference. Mr. CP and I have been taking turns reassuring each other that everything will get done. Thankfully, we've managed to avoid joint freak outs, and I'm hoping that pattern will continue until after we're moved. Fingers crossed!

We will be flying the remaining two cats to stay with Mama and Papa CP in about a week and a half. Once we get back, we'll have a whopping 9 days to get everything packed up before we get on the road. We're currently trying to think of ways to turn packing into a game, so if you have any suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments! 

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?!?!

Blue Dress #2: Spring Has Sprung

Dress: Dorothy Perkins (here)

Cardigan: Anthropologie/Hibai Cardigan

Cami: Herberger's (winner of the Department Store With the Most Hilarious Moniker Award)

Head band: Nordstrom

Shoes: Aldo (here)

Necklace and earrings: DIY

I naively assumed that the Swirling Vortex of Weirdness that has surrounded me for most of my adult life had finally, at long last, dissipated. In my idealism, I assumed that whatever deity I had managed to royally piss off had deigned, in his or her infinite wisdom, to forgive any and all transgressions I had committed. It turns out that The Vortex (yes, capital 'T,' capital 'V') didn't go away. Nope. It was just building up a back log of weirdness to gleefully hurl at me at a moment of its choosing. Apparently, it chose yesterday.

Where to begin... I suppose the best place is with the least bizarre incident. It is very rarely windy here in Seattle. It wasn't unusual, then, that it wasn't windy in the slightest when I stepped outside yesterday morning. It wasn't windy while I walked to the car, or when I got out to walk to the ATM. But, conveniently, there was a single very large burst of wind as I was walking down the sidewalk along a very busy street. And that particular burst of wind was strong enough that it lifted my skirt up around my head. Naturally, I shrieked, "The fuck!?" very shrilly. Which wouldn't have been a problem if I hadn't pulled my skirt back down to the wide-eyed stares of an entire preschool troop walking to who knows where with their teachers. 

As a balm for my humiliation, I decided to head to Anthropologie to check out the semi-annual tag sale that started today. There I was, browsing the racks of items, when a woman came up to me and asked me who did my boob job. Um, 'scuse me? I don't even... What?! I toyed around with the idea of shrieking, "They came this way! Lay off!" But instead, I did what I do best: laughed awkwardly, and made an inappropriate joke. My exact response: "Mother Nature is my plastic surgeon. Who's yours?" She rolled her eyes, and looked at me disbelievingly. I'm choosing to take her question as a compliment. If I interpret it the way my brain is fighting to -- as a creepy, inappropriate query -- I run the risk of becoming even more disillusioned with my fellow human beings than I already am. So... compliment it is!

I finally made my way home to two very hyper cats (kitty number three is currently vacationing with her grandparents until we get moved next month). Anyway, Gabe (aka Boy Cat) and Luna (aka Fish) were chasing each other around the house like cats are wont to do. Fish was very naughty, and hopped up on the toilet seat, and before I could make my way to the bathroom to shoo her off, Boy Cat pushed her in. The toilet, that is. Fish fell in the toilet. Thankfully, I had just cleaned it this morning... but still. It's a toilet. Blech. So, I got to give Fish a bath today. Without the full body armor that such a chore typically demands. It was... interesting.

Anyhoodle, I'm hoping I'm all paid up on weirdness for a while. Fingers crossed.

Blue Dress #1: Crayon-y Goodness

Things that have been making me feel like this:

* Cold, rainy days

* Thoughts of packing up our house for the big move next month

* Flying the kittens to Mama and Papa CP's place until we get to Colorado

* Grumpy gills people

* The fact that the ice cream truck has been avoiding me

Things that have been making me feel like this:

* Anything Kelly Green, or Cobalt Blue

* Thoughts of moving closer to all my beautiful BFFs in Colorado

* Red lipstick

* Sunshine!

* This dress. I don't care if I get stinky. I'm never taking this thing off.

* My superfantasticalawesomeful fiance (Whew! That was a close one. I almost forgot to include him on this list... JK! JK! He was at the top with a bullet, a star, AND an exclamation point until I moved him down a few notches on the list for comedic effect. That's how I roll.)

Outfit details

Dress: Dorothy Perkins (here)

Cardigan: Nordstrom/Halogen (here)

Shoes: Aldo (similar here)

Belt: Nordstrom Rack

Head band: J. Crew

I have absolutely no idea why I'm hunched over in both of these photos. Actually, in all the photos Mr. CP took, I was in various states of hunching. Apparently I felt like getting hunchy with it... nanananananana. Ahem... I apologize for the terrible Will Smith reference. I just couldn't help myself.

Okay, as promised, I'm going to do something a bit different for the rest of May... you know, all two weeks of it. heh I'm going to pick one item from my closet, and style it for you in 3 different ways. That means you'll be getting an OOTD post three days this week, AND three days next week. I've been slacking on posting outfits, so I'm hoping this will help me get back into the swing of things. First up: this dress. Because I love it. It makes my heart soar. And it feels like jammies. And it's blue. And it lends itself to primary-color-crayon hued outfits like this one.

My Adventure

Dress: A to Z Tees/Alhambra Outlet 

Denim Jacket: Gap Outlet

Scarf: Antique Mall

Flats: Aldo

Head band: Target

So, I wore this outfit to run errands downtown yesterday, which turned out to be quite an adventure. You see, it was May 1, so naturally there was a very large group of people protesting Capitalism (because, frankly, that's what just about every protest boils down to, but don't even get me started). The police were out in full force -- some mounted on horseback, a large number in full riot gear, some on bicycles. Anyway, there I was minding my own business when all of the sudden I heard glass windows shattering across the street. Apparently some of the protestors got reeeeally angry about The Man, and decided that the best way to get back at him was to break stuff. Naturally. 

For anyone who ever doubted that my survival instincts have been bred out of me: I present to you exhibit A. Most people around me started scattering, running into stores to avoid the rioters. I, stupidly, stood there ruminating on the psychology and sociology of rioting like a complete dumbass (and also like a giant nerd, dur). When common sense eventually set in, I had two thoughts. My first thought centered around this outfit. Everyone around me was wearing varying shades of black, so in a moment of absolute paranoia, I envisioned the rioters picking a victim from the crowd to defenestrate (great word, btw). Naturally, I concluded that they would pick me because of my vibrant green dress. My second thought was to stop being a jackass, and duck into a store like everyone else around me. Which I did. For anyone who ever doubted that my survival instincts have been bred out of me: I present to you exhibit A. At any rate, my foray into Nordstrom turned out to be a fruitful trip. I found a cardigan in the same shade as this dress. Thankfully, the police calmed the rioters -- or rather herded them in a different direction -- so I was able to scoot back to the house without too much trouble.

I fully intended to do the 30 for 30 challenge this month. But THEN I thought it might be better left for next month, when Mr. CP and I will be moving to Colorado. It will make more sense to just keep a few items out to wear while everything else gets packed up. Because I want to do something fun this month, though, I'll be doing something a little different starting next week. So, tune in to find out what I've got planned.

p.s. This dress has a hole in it. Waaaaaah! I dropped it off at the tailor and they're going to stitch it right back up, thank goodness!

The Mane Event!

I'm a firm believer in giving oneself bunny ears. It's what all the cool kids are doing these days.

(Blazer detail)

Dress: Pointelle Sweater Dress/Anthropologie

Blazer: Twill Honeybee Blazer/Anthropologie

Beetle Necklace: Anthropologie

Charm Necklace: La Vie Parisienne/Blue Ruby (jewelry boutique in Vancouver, B.C.)

Earrings: Marc Jacobs/Nordstrom Rack

Shoes: Old Navy

Last Thursday night, Cascade Ice Water hosted an event at the amazing Mane Blow Dry Bar in downtown Seattle. I had never had a blow out before, but I figured they had to be marvelous and magical because I've routinely seen women come walking out of blow dry bars looking like they stepped out of an Herbal Essences commercial. SO, I squealed with delight when I realized that I would finally get to experience a blow out for myself.

I was not disappointed. Look at my curly hair! LOOK! LOOOOOOK! (Excuse the flash... the camera was being temperamental). I'm already planning a Girls' Night return trip for the full treatment!

                                 

                           

Our very generous hosts, Cascade Ice, provided us with delicious refreshments for the entirety of the evening. I took advantage of their tasting bar, and sipped on four or five different flavors. My favorite: their low calorie margaritas. They were absolutely delicious. So were the Cosmos. Grapefruit was good, too. Coconut was pretty awesome. Okay, really, there wasn't a bad flavor in the bunch. They were all fantastic. 

And perhaps most exciting of all, they had chocolate covered strawberries. Sooooo many chocolate covered strawberries. They also had delicious food on skewers. Side note: can I just tell you how impressed I was at some of the other bloggers' abilities to eat these things daintily? I saw at least two or three people use the skewers in seriously creative ways so they wouldn't have to eat the chicken like a popsicle. Alas, I'm not a skewer ninja, so I embraced my more barbarous instincts, and just ate it like a chicken popsicle.  It was glorious.

To Mane, Nunez PR, and Cascade Ice Water: thank you so much for a wonderful evening! I had an absolute blast meeting each and every one of you. To my fellow bloggers in attendance: it was so amazing to meet all of you! Thanks for all the laughs!

Bright and Cheerful

Dress: Torchon Embossed Ponte Dress/Anthropologie - Gifted (here)

Cardigan: Anthropologie

Tights: Target

Head band: Nordstrom

Shoes: Aldo (similar here)

Sorry for the radio silence lately. The bleakness of winter and spring here in the Pacific Northwest tends to leave me feeling a bit apathetic and sleepy. As a result, I haven't really been wearing anything of note. I've pretty much been living in PJs, yoga pants, and shapeless t-shirts. I want to get better about posting regular OOTD's again, though, and this post is a step in that direction.

I wore this outfit to go shopping with Mr. CP over the weekend. It's easily the brightest item in my closet. Eye-searing tangerine isn't something I ever would have been drawn to in the past, in part because I live in a place where pretty much everybody wears variations of black and grey. You can imagine how much I stood out in this number! I felt a bit out of place for a while, until I looked down and realized how happy the color of this dress made me. And at the end of the day, at least in my mind, that's what fashion is about: wearing things that make you feel happy. I had random strangers stopping to compliment me on the dress, so it appears that it was a hit with other people, too. Even Mr. CP said this dress put him in a cheerful mood, so this is my new go to "happy dress."

Mr. CP has a conference in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA later this week, so we'll be flying down the coast to sunnier climes. One of my very best friends from high school and college is finishing up his PhD in the area, so I'm going to spend some quality time with him while Mr. CP conferences it up. Mr. CP presented at the same conference a few years ago, and we met some really wonderful people while we were there. Thankfully, they're all going to be in attendance again, so I'm sensing lots of group meals and laughs.

I'm planning on doing a series of posts featuring the outfits I wear while we're in Santa Barbara. I typically like to pack pretty light, so I'll probably be doing lots of mixing and matching. 

*Which brings me to a question for all of you! I really want to take my beautiful tangerine dress with me, but I'm having a hard time figuring out alternative ways to style it. How would you style the dress?*

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.

Valentine's Day Non-Plans

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!

Rebellion

These photograph terribly. 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.

New Year's Eve!

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