Sunday, September 30, 2012

A Sunday in Fall

Usually I wear skirts or dresses to Mass on Sundays, but it was SO cold here, I couldn't imagine wearing anything but pants.





Top: Old Navy, Necklace: Gifted, Pants: Old Navy, Shoes: Thrifted

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Minty Fresh

I had been wanting mint pants all summer, but all the styles I liked were way out of my budget. Finally, Old Navy came out with a pair at the beginning of fall (I don't know what they were thinking) but I absolutely LOVE THEM! So now I have to dress them up to make them fall-ish. 




Top: H&M, Pants: Old Navy, Flats: Thrifted "Flings"

I think black really neutralizes the summery color, although I am tempted to try animal print. I came across this blog that showcases how to wear mint jeans:



Friday, September 28, 2012

The Emmy's 2012 Fashion

Here are my favorite looks from the Emmy's:

Julia Louis-Dreyfus In Vera Wang.

Jane Levy in Pamella Roland

Nicole Kidman in Antonio Berardi

Sarah Hyland in Marchesa

Kerry Washington in Vivenne Westwood

Kerry-Washington-In-Vivienne-Westwood-2012-Emmy-Awards.jpg

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Fall Colors

I actually wore this outfit to my cousin's wedding this summer, but the colors are perfect for fall! I usually take any opportunity to dress formally that I can, and weddings are a perfect opportunity, but I was dying to wear this outfit. The top is knit and the skirt a casual soft fabric, so to glam it up I paired it with my pearl necklace and bracelet and wore the highest heels I own.



In an ideal world, I would have worn darker colored shoes, preferably a green but I think a brown would have been fine too.


Top: Thrifted, Jewelry Set: gift, Skirt: Forever 21, Shoes: Mod Cloth




I Will Wait

Along with Pinterest I also really love Etsy. I am so surprised and saddened that more people don't know about Etsy and if you don't, you've come to the right place. Etsy is a sort of e-commerce website where people can sell handmade items and all things crafty. I have bought a chain, a necklace, fabric and notions for my designs and a ring on etsy. I have been very satisfied with all of it. My post today is to showcase the ring I bought. I have owned two purity rings in my life, both of which I have lost. This was my third attempt at buying one but this final time I went about it a little differently.

My understanding of a purity ring was that it had two main purposes.
1. To be a sign of your commitment to remain pure and abstinent until your wedding day.
2. To remind you of this promise, especially in times of struggle and temptation.

Well, by the time I was ready to buy my third ring, I felt neither of those purposes applied to me anymore. I didn't need a ring to be a sign of this commitment. I knew I was commited to this, anyone who knew me knew I was committed to this, and anyone who didn't know me would surely see this by my lifestyle. An expensive but pretty piece of metal was unessecary. Second, since the first time I made the decision and commitment to remain pure, I never experienced a situation that lead to a time of struggle or temptation in that respect. Needless to say, something to remind me of that decision has not been very high on my priority list.

However, there was and still is something I struggle with every day: waiting for what the Lord has in store for me, particularly in regards to a man. I struggle with the idea that my goal in life is to find a spouse, and when that happens I will be finally fulfilled, satisfied and happy. However, not only will getting married NOT satisfy and fulfill my deepest desires, but it is also very possible that I will never get married--it is not guaranteed.

THEN I saw this incredible video by the brilliant spoken word artist Janette-Ikz and it has changed my life and given me so much hope and courage. It is hilarious and so true.




Thus the desire for my "I will wait" ring. I had the ring custom made from this shop on Etsy.

The outside reads "AMDG" which stands for Ad majorem Dei gloria, which in latin means "For the Greater Glory of God." On the inside it reads "I will wait."

This ring is a reminder to first give Glory to God, in all times, good and bad, and all seasons of my life. The second reminder is to wait for God's timing for all things, and for His Will to be done, not mine. This is my biggest daily struggle, not remaining pure.

So I challenge you, it may not be a ring, but set something in place to remind you daily to give Glory to God in all things, but also for His continued help in your struggles.

Monday, September 24, 2012

A Floral Fall

As fall is upon us, I am bringing out the heavier layers and darker colors. However, I won't go to all black/brown just yet!



Top: Rainbow, Necklace: Wet Seal, Bracelet: Francesca's, Pants: Simply Vera, Wedges: DSW


I am all about the peplum! It is very flattering on any figure type, as it gives you a waistline while hiding the hips/love handles. Plus who doesn't love a little extra "flare" in her step?

I decided to pair gold jewelry with this outfit to give it a little softer, fancier look, whereas "tying-in" the black would have given it a harsher, more edgy look.

What is your favorite current fall trend?

Sunday, September 23, 2012

New Page!

Hey all! 

I just added a new page titled "Resources." It is mostly filled with links to my favorite modest shops, but also a couple other items as well, such as really great magazines. I will try and add more as I come across them. There are definitely more modest websites out there, but I feel these sites most closely line up with the vision of "Chased Clothing": being modest but also fashionable and current.

Take this dress from Allure Bridal for example, could this dress be any more perfect?!




What are your favorite modest site(s)?

A Chill in the Air

With 35 degree weather, fall is officially upon us, and I have broken out the maxi skirt.



Shades: Old Navy, Top: shop in Cali, Skirt: Old Navy, Bracelet: thrifted


Man, put some stunna shades on me and a whole new sassy Catherine comes out! I love love love maxi dresses/skirts for several reasons. 

1. Very feminine.
2. So comfy.
3. You can wear leggings underneath when it gets cold and no one even knows.
4. Don't have to shave.

This summer I found that I really like pairing mint/teal with an orangey/peach. However, my tip when pairing such colors that might seem like they don't go together well, is to "tie-in the colors together." This is a perfect job for jewelry and/or shoes. For example, the bracelet I am wearing, although you can't tell from the picture, has both the coral color and the teal color in the bracelet. Hence the tying-in. Other options for this outfit would have been a teal necklace or headband, or coral shoes (although, I think that would be a little too much).

What are your favorite fall fashion tips to stay warm?

Letters to the President: My Dreams as a Daughter

This is a response to the video "Letters to the President: The Dreams of our Daughters."





Dear President Obama,

I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a niece, a granddaughter and a friend. I am also a student at a private university.

Before pursuing my current dream of becoming a fashion designer, I dreamed of being a fire fighter, a professional singer, a WNBA star, and yes, even president.

Because I am neither ready nor willing to be faced with the possible outcomes of being sexually active--whether that be the level of intimacy that comes with this practice, an STI or a new life, I have exercised my right as a woman to remain abstinent until the day when my situation would allow or welcome those possible outcomes. For this reason, I will not and never plan to use birth control.

I would also strongly urge all other women to re-think their use of contraceptives. They are harmful on your body, the environment, and even your relationships. I am just lookin' out for my sistas.

If I were to make the decision to use birth control, I would not and could not expect my school or employer to pay for my personal decision, especially if it went against the conscience and longstanding teaching of that institution. These harmful drugs are neither the same price, for the same purpose, nor as common as cough medicine. 

If, and God-willing when, I have a daughter of my own, I want to be ready and fully willing to give her the life she deserves, in a country where women and girls are dignified and held as precious and where freedom of religion is a given. 

Please, Mr. President, don't you want the same for your daughters?

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Bragging Rights

I am involved in a program on campus called "Catholic Studies Leadership Interns." This past weekend we had our beginning of the year retreat. In this program we are called "Young colleagues and professionals" and are expected to dress and act accordingly. Here is what I put together:


Top: Gordman's, Necklace: Target, Skirt: Forever 21


During this retreat we discussed the basics of what it means to be a Christian leader. As the Lord usually does, He spoke through our main speaker, Fr. Keating, on a topic I have really been struggling with lately: the gifts and skills we have been given. To be a leader is to lead through the skills and gifts you have.

Before this school year, I thought using the gifts and skills you have was automatically bragging. I took on the mindset that using something I have been given that not everyone has would be like shoving it in their face that I have this and they don't. I would never want to make anyone feel bad about that, but perhaps more importantly on my mind was that I didn't want people to judge me for thinking I was "all that" with these skills. 

However, my amazing friends, along with the talk I heard this weekend, have really opened my mind to the reality and purpose of gifts and skills. Let's face it, we all have been given different gifts, skills, desires and traits. Some have a knack for musical instruments, some have a mind for mathematics, some really understand and appreciate science, others are very loyal and hard-working in less desirable fields, and still others are great companions to those in need. Whatever we have been given, it is our duty to use and express these gifts for others. We are not meant to keep them to ourselves or use them to promote self, as they will be corrupt, die and only produce pride in us. Rather, the purpose of gifts is to share them with others, especially with those who have not been gifted in this particular way. Further, to envy other's gifts is to miss the point of them. The gifts are not for ourself, but rather to share with others. Therefore, if another person has been given a unique quality, you should rejoice that the Lord has bestowed them with you because you can benefit from it!

One can truly add a lot to her community and society when she recognizes the skills she has, in addition to those she desires using (ex. You may have a mind for math but think it is ridiculously boring,) but especially recognizing, honoring and giving thanks to the Giver.

A great way to discover what you are good at is by trying new things, being open to suggestions and paying attention to compliments people give, or the tasks people regularly ask of you. Further, you will be doing a great service if you point out the gifts you see others possess.
If you are careful to share your gifts with others, not keeping them to yourself, recognizing where they come from, and do so with humility and not in self promotion, you are doing it right.

What gifts have you been given, and in what ways are you sharing them?

Monday, September 17, 2012

Gossip and the First Day of School

This is very belated, however a couple of weeks ago I had my sixteenth first day of school.


Earrings: Old Navy, Top: Old Navy, Shorts: Old Navy, Wedges: DSW
Can you guess my favorite store?


I was going through old notebooks and found this little number I wrote on "Gossiping vs. Venting." I wrote it last spring but it is still very relevent. I hope this helps you when you are conversing and catching up with friends you haven't seen all summer!

I am really good at gossiping. I have been doing it all my life. I thought it was a way to connect to people with whom I had nothing else in common. "We both don't like this person, let's bond over it!" Super messed up. I even noticed this is what a family member and I would do everytime we got together. And then I noticed that gossip was always on my list I bring into the confessional. I even thought for a while "This is just a part of me. The priest is just going to have to get used to hearing this and put me on the 'gossip-repeat-offender list.'"

I determined I needed to eliminate this habit for two reasons:
1. This is not good for my soul because I get in the habit of unjustly judging others and viewing them as less than myself.
2. This only destroys relationships, no matter how much I think I am bonding with the other person I am gossiping with. If they are willing to gossip with you, they will gossip about you.

However with that being said, I do believe a person should vent. It is very good and natural to be able to release anger, frustration, fear, questions, etc. Being able to confide in a friend or seek advice is a gift. But there are real differences between venting and gossiping.

In venting, a person gives the objective* facts of what happens. This is difficult because if you need to vent, your emotions are already high. However, try your best to stay objective. Refrain from including negative adjectives--especially about another person. Venting becomes gossipping when you put down or defame another person.

For example, Venting: I did not study well enough, therefore I did very poorly on my test today.
Gossiping: I did very poorly on my test today. My teacher is a jerk and is out to get me.

Venting: Veronica didn't say hi to me today and it made me feel unimportant.
Gossiping: Veronica purposely ignored me today. She always does stuff like this, it's probably because she thinks she is better than everyone.

When you bring in the subjective and put down another person, you are unjustly coloring a picture to your listener. Here is a list of things you can ask yourself if you would like to keep gossiping off your "confession list."

1. Would I want the subject of this conversation to know I am talking about them in this manner?
2. Am I betraying someone's trust by sharing this?
3. What is my intention is sharing this?
       Is it to seek advice on how to handle the situation?
       Do I want to be justified in my feelings?
       Do I have nothing better to talk about and think this is a way to relate to another?

Women by nature are relational beings. In general, we talk A LOT. It is how we best communicate and bond. This is a beautiful gift and one that should be used but also guarded to make sure we are always helping build others up, not tear them down.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Pinterest

As I stated before, I love Pinterest! You can follow me here.

I just wrote this article for a Catholic newsletter that gets distributed at local coffee shops in the Twin Cities. 



"The world has quickly become a more creative and crafty place thanks to the recent advent of “Pinterest,” an exclusive website where members can “pin” links to a virtual bulletin board to share with others on the Internet. Some popular boards are “Kids,” “For the Home,” and “Wedding.” Recently, I have found myself perusing the site. Upon spotting a sweet project to reupholster an antique chair, I thoughtMan, I can’t wait until I have a home of my own to do projects like this! Or similarly, I have come across a recipe to make homemade play dough for a fraction of the price of the real stuff, and I pin it to my “One Day- Kids” board.
The other day I was reading Jackie Kendall and Debbie Jones’ book “Lady in Waiting.” The book tells the story of a young woman living on her own eating off paper plates every night because she was saving her fine china for when she gets married. However, she realized there is no guarantee she will get married, and it is possible that she will spend the rest of her life eating from paper plates. She would miss the opportunity to use her china if she waits for a wedding day that may never come.
I then made the connection that this is exactly what I have been doing with my Pinterest account. With almost every image I pin, it is followed with the thought I can’t wait until X happens so I can put this idea to use. But what is stopping me from engaging in these activities right now? Not one of us is guaranteed tomorrow. Not one of us is promised a wedding to plan, children of our own to play with, a home to decorate or a spouse to cook for.
I realized I should live in the here and now.Christ calls us to love those He has put in our lives right now. One way I can serve Christ by serving others is using the gifts, talents and desires I have been given. I can make that homemade play dough for my nieces and nephews. I can help my engaged friend make her fun do-it-yourself centerpieces for her wedding. That paint color I’ve been dying to try on my walls? Instead I can offer to paint something for my elderly neighbor. Instead of waiting for a husband to cook amazingly delicious meals for, I can use those great recipes on a mom who recently gave birth from Church or a family who just lost a loved one.
My life doesn’t start when I get married, or have kids, or buy a house. I can live my life serving Christ right now, by enjoying it and helping those put in my life at this moment. And if ever I get married, have kids and buy a house, I will have had a lot of practice."