A Cathedral and a Rooftop

The rain nearly ruined this rooftop shoot. Gwynne and I took advantage of the surprising sunshine and warm weather that followed the dreary rain. This 55 degree January day had me confused about winter. It seems she's clarified any confusion over the weekend though,  it's freezing! Winter has me hibernating and slightly depressed. Spring must come soon for my sanity. It's killing my social life. I rarely leave my house besides work.  

So, the rooftop and the National Cathedral. Well, about a month ago I realized I have unauthorized access to the roof. How fortunate that one of the keys opens the door. With the cathedral directly across the street, this location seemed rather perfect for a photo shoot. Gwynne, a fellow blogger and jewelry maker, joined me and, boy, was it a blast. She also brought me a funky, recycled earring she made! Of course, I wore it.  We gave our best posh looks, but couldn't help laughing at our, well, my, failed attempts. And the shadows, well, that was plain  fun. 

(seater and velvet pants-thrifted, necklace-Madewell,  boots-Loeffler Randall, scarf-Valerie Stevens)

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Faux Fur, Fo' Sho'

 I picked up this faux fur while Christmas shopping. A little prezzie for myself, right?  For $30, how could i refuse? This jacket has super powers that transfer me back to the 20's immediately upon wearing. I envision women with dropped waist, sequenced dress and the winger wave surrounding me. This is what I daydream about.

More photos to come from this day. It was 60's on this January day and I took advantage of the fleeting, sunny weather.

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!

Style Challenge with La Petite Marmoset

Since meeting Katherine of La Petite Marmoset, I was quite smitten. She's an avid thrifter, designer (she reconstructs vintage clothing), vintage obsessed, entrepreneur- oh, yes, she's also gorgeous.  With the ambition of a rigid yogi and the wardrobe of a vintage princess, she is distributing reconstructed vintage locally and globally at insane speeds. 

Frankly, when approached with the idea of a collaboration with LPM, this young lady was just thrilled! Feeling quite humbled and slightly proud at the offer, I felt lucky to be a participant. Obviously, I agreed swiftly.

The challenge: 3 ladies style the same 3 reconstructed LPM pieces.

Essentially, it was dress up for adults, one of my favorite activities. The end result produced such unique, distinct looks. Alina and Krystin rocked these pieces!

If only this were my job..sigh.. Any offers?

Big love and muchas gracias, La Petite Marmoset!

One Day, Two Ways

Familiar? By day, I wore it casual. Later that night {here} I dressed it up. This was one of my vintage finds from earlier this fall. It's perfectly 80's, with shoulder pads to prove it. The double breasted blazer..sigh. Such a great, classic tailored fit. 

I realized the contrast between the two looks was great: one comment said Prince and another said horseback riding! I received both as compliments. 

My reflection slightly resembles a 14 year old boy circa Revolutionary War. Brilliant! Seriously.

I urge you to create a unique spin to your blazer. Wear one instead of a sweater. Try pairing it with sneakers (not running shoes) and a tee. Style should not be limited. Snicker to yourself as others confine themselves to wearing sequins strictly on New Years or white between Memorial and Labor Day. That is not fashion freedom.

Scoff at them! HA! Such restrictions are reserved for refusing the chocolate cake that will prevent you from wearing your favorite skinnies.

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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!

daily living

Why, hello sunshine! This bright, yellow jacket seemed appropriate for today. The shoes are a recent purchase, which I'm completely smitten. Great sale at Urban Outfitters for $40. Thrilling! 

What is your opinion on shorts in the fall/winter? 

More great posts coming this week. I promise to debut my thrift store goodies. Also, last night I attended my first DC bloggers event. I can't wait to share the pictures!

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girl date

Ditch the dude. Grab your favorite female and make it a date! Shop, eat, drink coffee, joke,  and point at other's lack of style. Well, that's just mean. Let me rephrase that: help other's to find their own personal style.

I finally pulled on my cords. And all I need now is an oversized sweater. Can't wait to pile on the layers. 

My oldest and favorite girl! Alisha. She was kind enough to be my photag. many thanks, dear.

change clothes and go...

As fall is creeping in, I felt these pictures were appropriate for a last good-bye to summer. I had nearly forgotten about these photos, which were taken in New Orleans. Oh, how I still miss that great city. This style reflects the place perfectly-casual, light, and fun! The top was passed down from the Madre. The embroidery is delicate and so feminine. The silk shorts I snagged at a swap party.  A free outfit minus accessories! Well, the sunglasses I acquired from another's loss. I've certainly lost enough pairs that other's have gained. Full circle there, people. 

The beaming smile in the last photo expresses my enthusiasm for fall. Farewell, summer! I am ready to change seasons and change clothes.

back pack-urban outfitters; sandals-carlos; accessories-thrifted or vintage;

 watch- timex

[new] Love

The "bib" necklace is where it's at. Two of these I'm borrowing, and not sure if they'll be returned. I can't be trusted with such fun pieces.  The red boots were a gift. I have been coveting my mothers' for years, which are identical. A friend happened to find a pair at a thrift. I am so thrilled!