Free People: From LA to NYC

What a perfect mesh of bohemian, grunge and chic. I adore every piece here. The sequined harem pants make my heart skip a beat. The cut-out dress is, oh, so perfectly 90's; and as seen here, it's evident I have a sore spot for that style. The wide legged pants, the fringe,  the flowy, the sheer, head bands, ripped pants, midriff-bearing blouse, asymmetric hems, the edge, the flirty- all of this and more is portrayed through these looks. It's the everyday, relatable girl. She's fun, relaxed, classy, playful, sultry. It's skateboarding and roller-skates; long strolls through the neighborhood and market; a night out feeling sexy and feminine. She sounds like a rock star. And I am digging the style hard core!

What's Your Patagonia?

I recently watched the documentary 180° South, which records a journey to Patagonia in South America. The adventurous attitude in the film is infectious and inspiring. They are dreamers pursuing their greatest passion in life and while watching it I'm reminded of my own.

The film documents two separate trips that connect over the span of 40 years. The beauty in the film was breathtaking: mountains, waterfalls, and desolate lands that few humans have traversed. When the first trip was taken in 1968, Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins explored untouched mountains and unsurfed coasts. Can you imagine setting foot on virgin lands? The peace and beauty of nature would consume your soul. 

It seems modern life distractions are inescapable. Most of the time life controls us instead of the reverse. We are at it's mercy. No longer is it a conscious decision to live as a middle class working woman or man, but routine. Always waiting for the weekend or anticipating the next event or trip, but why? When will everyone realize that daily life is our adventure? If you're constantly awaiting the next brilliant experience, you've just sacrificed your current one. Personally, I'm continuously buying or wanting better clothes, better cameras, to visit better places, eat better food, look better, exercise more, etc. It's the BETTER and MORE game. And it's a little exhausting. And boring. Sometimes, I'm overcome with these terrible thoughts of letting my dreams fall. But dreams are what really keep us alive. Dreaming and adventures inspire us to pursue our passions in life. So the dreams and passions those young men pursued became reality. Obviously, it's uncommon that any one of us will leave our job and trek 5,000 miles down to South America in a hippie van with our surf boards and hiking gear in tow to explore the Patagonia, but shouldn't we? Watching that film reminded me of my passions. It reminded me of those things that move my soul, that stir me inside. It's pure joy that embodies me. Maybe for you it's art or music, fashion or photography, animals or nature: the point is we should be living our dreams. Dreaming isn't simply for kids. It begins there, but should be never ending. So sail away from your safe harbor and LIVE.

 Find Patagonia again. 

Not a New Year's Resolution

It seems most New Year's resolutions fail within the first week. With great effort a long, sincere well-intended list of changes are written, but are rarely implemented. This is why I don't do resolutions. Well, not the typical, empty resolution. I like to reflect and assess the past year and decide how this year can be different. Generally, I don't follow the mentality of stopping a bad habit later so soak it up now. I believe if you want to achieve a goal, then start small now. So, yes, make resolutions, but continue to set goals throughout the year and accomplish them. 

Here are a few ways I want 2012 to be different.

Thanksgiving Recap

{BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH APPLES & BALSAMIC GLAZE}


{ROASTED BRUSSEL SPROUTS}


Don't forget the pie!


Maci loves the camera.






More pie!


It's all about the pie!


This little girl wants her pie, too! {darling niece, Lucia}

Looking dapper, Jeremy.

Thanksgiving involved a birthday, birthday pancakes, cooking, eating, playing, family, children, dogs, Wii dancing(after food, my favorite part. Sorry, family!), a tea party and lastly the dread of working on Black Friday., which wasn't too awful.

It was the first time in four years I've been with my family for Thanksgiving. Man, did I miss it!
I cooked half the day and ate the other half. I didn't eat the day. How clever you are! Never reached the limit that is demobilizing, which is an accomplishment on Thankgiving. And to keep a healthy appetite, we played Wii Just Dance, which is my new obsession.  Unfortunately, no photo documentation. Maybe not so unfortunate for me. I'm sure it would be a good laugh for you.

And about the outfit, can you guess my favorite part? That's right-the shoes. What did you think I would say? These shoes sent me into a state of pure bliss. The perfect blend of wild yet chic. These killer Leifsdottir babies were the steal of the year. The original $300 shoes were purchased for a mere $40! Are you gobsmacked? Indeed. This purchase began a new holiday tradition- a Thanksgiving present.

In closing, I was so grateful to share this holiday with my family again. Sometimes, we forget how wonderful life is. Aw, shucks, these folks are simple grand!

Give me the Doctor!

My relationship with heels is complicated. I adore heels! Stilettos, wedges, platforms, pumps, peep toe, sling backs {never a kitten heel, seems pointless}, all this footwear stirs my spirit. The problem: my feet shy away in fear. At 25, I am a victim to chronic foot pain! Ahhh. A serious obstacle for a fashion lover. Heels have the power to instantly transform an ordinary outfit to chic and sexy. My dilemma is serious. It not only affects my shoe choice, but exercise and even standing or walking. Worse than surrendering heels is sacrificing exercise. I will not be defeated, but I'll compromise sometimes.

Now, the solution is simple.  Avoid those heels. And I try. Also, quality of shoes is important, but usually costly. So I'm calling the doctor. And he's prescribed these.

Never have I owned a pair. Now, I want a variety of these punk-rocker, 90's grunge, combat boots. I think I may start a collection. 

Suggestions?

real personal with GlamSoup

I was honored that Jeritta from GlamSoup wanted to feature Curious Chase for their Style Spotlight segment. I have never been interviewed before and was a tad nervous. The atmosphere was casual. Although, I felt like the paparazzi was on my tail with a camera capturing my every move! We met at the National Portrait Gallery and mixed fashion and art. How Perfect!

Watch the video and listen to my thoughts on fashion, self expression, and vision for Curious Chase. Love this frozen camera shot!

Currently, monochromatism  has taken over. 

Wearing the same color with slightly different hues and textures.

Photos by Glamsoup

Special thanks to GlamSoup for featuring me!

"Give them what they don't know they want yet"

what to write about when I'm not feeling inspired? how to post when I'm lacking creativity. It's something like a writer's block. here it goes...

Lately, I've begun reading various interviews in Influence by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. It's filled with exclusive, in-depth discussions with artists, designers, photographers, etc. After reading each story, I close the book feeling inspired and thoughtful; contemplating on how to live a life full of inspiration.

Never had I heard of Bob Colacello. He began under Andy Warhol's guidance and built Interview magazine and later moved to Vanity Fair. 

Here's a quick background on Colacello. He graduated from Georgetown and Columbia (not bad credentials). Chance led him to Warhol and became his crony. Revamped a magazine and transformed it from lame to legend. His scene: Studio 54 with Mick Jagger, Liza Minnelli, Basquiat, Halston,  entertaining the like at Warhol's mansion, distributing free Interview mags to anyone who'd take it.

Bob Colacello on left; Warhol in center

 André Leon Talley, Studio 54 co-owner Steve Rubell and Andy Warhol

Halston

I sit here wishing to be transformed to this era where fashion and art were intertwined for the first time. Studio 54 was imfamous for mixing celebrities with "nobodies"and crossing racial barriers. Even diplomats and politicians were among the patrons of this fine establishment. "It's so important to have a variety of opinions, to see a mixture of people. That's where so much creative stuff happens."- Colacello

More than that appeals to me in this interview though. It's the innovative spirit.  Bob Colacello was participating and contributing to a new culture. I agree with the statement where Colacello says that we've become a society in which we spend so much time looking at ourselves and entertaining ourselves that we don't produce very much. 

Boring, ordinary, unimaginative- this describes my mental state lately. Am I waiting for inspiration to hit me? Often times it happens just like that. Other times we must seek it. "Real creativity is being true to yourself and getting people to go with you. That's influence." Another one from Bob.  Question is am I being influenced or am I an influence. 

In the interview it talks about how Andy would motivate young dreamers. His advice- Stop talking and just do IT! The simplest and best counsel. Pursue your passion and dreams wholeheartedly with vigor. 

Some words of wisdom from Diane Vreeland to Colacello were not to give people what they want. It's to give them what they don't know they want yet!

the art to layering

Here is a little layering inspiration. Layering reflects my personality very well. I have so many different interests in life, hence the title of my blog. When it comes to dressing, it's hard to decide on a certain style. Sooo...when the cold comes, I am flipping excited to pile on multiple items so it appears I'm wearing half my wardrobe. Now, that's fashion  brilliant!

There is an awesome contrast in these photos. A very chic looking lady with a mess of clothes. I admire how each piece looks very intentional and fitting. Try your hand in layering. But be careful, there is a fine line between layering and a hobo. 

Check out Leandra Medine's lesson in layering. Just another reason to love her!

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fall staples

Here are my fall/winter necessities. As in, they are necessary and still need to purchase them. We start with a pair of trousers, preferably colored to brighten all the warm, autumn colors. Having a light or sheer blouse is key for me, when moving from the cold weather to heated buildings, my body temperature has extreme fluctuation, something like early menopause. Compliment the blouse  with a loose, oversized sweater, like this one from Helmut Lang. I strongly desire every Helmut Lang piece. Now for the two-toned Rachel Comey booties. So classic with the colors, but a little mod with the color block. And never leave the house without a scarf. It is the most practical accessory. Donning this around your neck adds unbelievable warmth.

R W E

Insist on yourself, never imitate. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Mother Teresa, Bjork, Bob Marley, Edgar Allen Poe, George W, Bush, Martin Luther King Jr., Oprah, Pablo Picasso, Gwen Stefani, Emily Dickenson, Helena Bonham Carter, Sigmund Frued, Elton John, Langston Hughes, Jesus.