Katherine Chloé Cahoon

Here I am wearing this brand again. That’s twice in one week! Eliza J has been one of my best party companions this summer:) I love this dress with its wide waistband awash in tucks that lead to welded seams cascading down a flared skirt.

What other designer features such high-quality materials and couture details without taking an ax to your budget?

And Eliza J saved me at an event. My friend had invited me to a big summer bash. We were to meet there at a specific time, but she got caught behind an accident on the freeway and was really late. As I entered the hall, I knew no one, and all of the guests were huddled together in chummy groups.

I had two choices…try to bulldoze my way into one of those packs, or bond with the food table. Both seemed like recipes for social disaster.

Then I spotted a girl who had migrated from her friends for a moment. I recognized that she was wearing an Eliza J, so I complimented her fashion sense. We became friends in seconds, and she brought me into her group.

This cuff bracelet adorned with stones is by Tildon. The look is so perfect that it could have been made to go with my Eliza J, and the price was splurge-free…..under $30.

I paired my ensemble with Cole Haan nude heels. As style-setter Marilyn Monroe once said, “I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot!”

For Travel Thursday, I’m telling you all about Ballard Pizza Company, the sought-after indulgence stop in this chill, artsy section of Seattle.

In my mind, loving pizza is practically a requirement for being human. This landmark is ultra-popular and everyone is friendly. So even if you have to wait to be seated, you’re likely to make insta-acquaintances.

I stopped by with friends one evening on our way to an event. We were drawn in by the savory aroma spilling out onto the street. My date was nice enough to snap a couple of pics of me in this outfit. According to the Nordstrom style experts, the look is expected to trend this fall. And since I’ve devoted this week to fall fashions, I’m here with the inside info.

This dress is by French Connection, and features a textured fabric that has inhabited fall runways. The hemline is short, so it can be worn either on a warm day or when the crisp fall air creeps up on us…just throw on a blazer.

My Natasha Couture clutch pops against the solid black. Natasha is a master of making accessories sparkle!

That would describe the Sorrento Hotel, where history, glam and gossip converge. This Seattle hub has been active since 1909. It still features afternoon tea in its historic lobby, followed by live performances in the evenings, and relaxing by the fire at night.

Whether you’re staying in one of the guestrooms – all of which are one-of-a-kind – or stopping in for a drink, the ambience will make you feel as if F. Scott Fitzgerald, W. Somerset Maugham, or Frances Hodgson Burnett had just graced those velvet couches.

So on the recent summer night when I entered the Sorrento, I thought it fitting to wear this vintage look slated to top the fall fashion charts. I pulled together a flared skirt with a flounce ruffle and a lace blouse with slight puff sleeves and feminine lines—all by DVF.

Then I slipped on these Pedro Garcia booties. They’re the creation of a three-generation family business built in Spain, and perfect for perusing an Italian Renaissance-inspired hotel.

Before you hit up the Sorrento, I should warn you of a persistent rumor. The buzz is that this hotel is haunted by a woman who once lived on the block where it is built. People claim to have caught a glimpse of her imposing figure frequenting the fourth floor and moving glasses about on the bar. I’ve been to the hotel several times and have never encountered her…but if you believe the myths, beware!

Milly’s latest line is a masterful indulgence in black and white.

Here’s my latest find.

I paired my Milly with a Natasha Couture quilted box clutch. This isn’t only a fashion accessory—the edges are thick and strong, meaning that it could double as a lethal weapon. Okay, I’m kidding! But if you run into a robber, your Natasha might come to the rescue… Just saying!

Red lips and nails continue to be style sensations and they’re great with this outfit. As Audrey Hepburn once confided, “I believe in manicures… I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick.”

This week my blog will be a flash of fall fashions. But don’t worry—I’m not trying to snatch away your summer. I love it just as much as everyone else! So the looks I’ll be showing are also appropriate for August and early September.

Today’s dress is straight from Eliza J. I thought this creation was perfect to feature on Meeting Men Monday because a man helped me choose it. I was shopping for something new to wear on an especially enticing date. This gent overheard me express my clothing dilemma. Since he had had seen me scrutinizing each option in the three-way mirror he said, without hesitation, “Hands-down the red.”

I’ve shown Eliza J dresses on my site before and I keep being drawn to her designs.

This one is sophisticated and a bit coquettish, with its back cutout and leopard belt.

I paired it with leopard heels. My animal instinct led me to them an eternity ago in the designer section of Nordstrom Rack. Shoe King Steve Madden makes similar ones at a reasonable price.

A girl can’t don this fierce EXPRESS top and flirty skirt – and then lace up a pair of comfy Nikes – without getting her dance on!

https://instagram.com/p/rKuCwQCfPV/

These days, untamable animals aren’t only found in the wild…they’re taking over fashion.

A hot look right now is edgy femininity, and EXPRESS has nailed the vibe.

Faux leather skirts turn on the thrash, while ruffles bring on the playful side.

And any style-loving lady knows that tennis shoes aren’t just for the gym. They are being put with practically everything.

To me, an ideal summer day consists of relaxing with friends…swimming, hitting up a festival, and spending the evening dancing around a bonfire.

Since today is Travel Thursday, I’m sharing some slices of fantastic festivals. One of my favorite aspects of these events is the food. A friend recently asked what my guilty pleasure is when it comes to dessert. The answer is, “Everything!”

Here are three top events on my go-to wish list…

International Surf Festival. Running now through August 3rd, the beach cities of the greater Los Angeles South Bay are hosting this shindig. Participants from ages eight to 80 all come together to run, surf, paddle board, play volleyball and build sandcastles. This is the active beach-lovers’ paradise.

Laguna Beach Collection of Festivals. From now through the end of August, this seaside Southern California town hosts four popular art festivals. As a package, they fit every taste level. All of them are on Laguna Beach Canyon Road, so when you add in the sand, surf, shops and restaurants, everything this place has to offer can easily absorb an entire week. The Sawdust Art Festival, pictured below, features fine arts and crafts by local artists. The Festival of Art is a highly-acclaimed, juried fine-art show. The Pageant of the Masters entertains with living recreations of classical and contemporary works, and the Art-A-Fair showcases world-class artwork.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Listen up, all you pre-planners. Every October people travel here from around the world to see the sky explode with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons.

There is something so clandestine about taking the ferry to Bainbridge, an oasis of waterfront, boats, and plants. It’s as though I’m entering a bygone era. Even the plants blooming on the island look like heirlooms planted in gardens passed down through generations.

I love butterfly bushes. When people see this vegetation in bloom, some recognize oriental wonders while others only observe the progeny of noxious weeds. Scientifically speaking, both are correct, but I believe that in life if we look beyond negative implications we can find beauty.

As Drew Barrymore said, “I think happiness is what makes you pretty. Period. Happy people are beautiful. They become like a mirror and they reflect that happiness.”

I hope you are all seeing the beauty this summer.

A friendly place where you grab a drink and mingle with friends is no longer the only kind of bar that’s popular. Braid Bars are trending. I encountered one while passing through Nordstrom. A DJ was remixing the top 40, hairdressers had set up shop next to him, and style mavens were lined up eager to get the hottest braids.

Naturally, I joined them and we chatted about the craze while waiting. When it was my turn in a stylist’s chair, I asked for a loose swooping braid ending in a curly ponytail. Here’s what she did and how you can recreate it…

This look calls for a French braid following the nape of your neck. First, make a side part and start your braid on the side with the least hair. Begin with three small strands, and do a few rotations of right over middle and left over new middle. As you keep this pattern going, begin adding more hair to the right strand before pulling it over the middle strand. Then combine additional hair to the current left strand and pull it all over the new middle one.

Continue your braid until you reach the opposite side. Then use an elastic band to pull the pieces into a low ponytail.

This style took all of five minutes to create! I’ve done the look on my own and it didn’t take me much longer. So once you get used to doing French braids, you can get gorgeous hair practically on the go.

I could write an epistle about why I’m a fan of this company, but I’ll boil it down to four words…chic, sophisticated and high quality. When a girl steps inside a Wolford store, she’s a goner. There is no longer such a thing as shopping self-control:) And she knows she’ll be coming back again! Here’s an Instagram video of me trying to hold my own while attempting aerial silks in my new Wolford ensemble.

https://instagram.com/p/rAStJYCfDY/

This footage came about when I created a video in honor of National Dance Day by uniting four generations through dance. While I was filming and editing it, friends encouraged me to join in. As I watched the girls twirling, some of their costumes reminded me of aerial silks. I had never tried that, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity, but I was worried about having a wardrobe malfunction. Being upside down spinning is not the optimum time to experience what I call “a traveling outfit.” That is why I made a beeline for Wolford. The brand is known for top-of-the-line clothes that stay in place while staying beautiful.

Rumor has it that Wolford’s swimsuits might be getting the swan song. But it’s not too late to purchase one. I paired mine with Simin Leggings and Scarf.

What I adore about the leggings/scarf combo is that both pieces are adorned with what looks like hammered brass.

And the scarf is versatile. After wearing it as a headband, I attended a friend’s birthday bash. So I tied it around my neck and threw on a black frock.

This scarf can also serve as a belt.  Here I’m pairing it with Wolford’s flattering Bilbao Dress. This classic can be worn and re-worn with pride. Having lived in Bilbao, I have a flood of fond memories when I slip this number on.

If you’d like to add more spice in your life put a Fatal Belt, as a tube top, under a Tulle Pullover. Then crank up your sass meter by adding the same leggings I wore for silks!

Wolford’s boutiques feature flattering clothes and amazing sales associates. Ylyana and Njavwa helped me put together these ensembles. They’re fun, intuitive style-sirens and…let’s face it…downright gorgeous! So if you’re in Bellevue, stop by the Bravern and take advantage of their expertise.

In the above pic, Ylyana (left) is wearing the Fatal Dress and Pure Shirt, and Njavwa (right) is showcasing Bahamas Body and Holly Leggings.

Being girls, we had to have some bonding time checking out our pics before parting.

And since today is Meeting Men Monday, I can’t sign off without passing on one more compliment. After seeing my last post on this company, a man sent me a message saying, “I only like my wife to wear Wolford!”

I’ve received questions about what I wore in my National Dance Day video. I was head-to-toe in Wolford, as you see from this screenshot of me whirling by. Wolford is one of my favorite lines. Next week, I’ll post more on this outfit. Plus, I’ll answer questions about the company. So if you haven’t met Wolford yet, get excited!

And in case you haven’t seen my National Dance Day video, here it is.

Everyone can benefit from dancing—not just on this Saturday, National Dance Day, but every day. In this little video, I filmed four generations dancing and edited them together.

I hope you didn’t miss the elderly lady in the tangerine outfit swiveling her hips. She danced ballroom for years. She said that she was “thrilled” to be able to use some of her moves again, even if she “might topple over.” Rest assured, she stayed on her feet and was terrific, as was everyone else, from my little cousins playing to some teenage dancers preparing for a performance.

National Dance Day was created by Nigel Lythgoe of “So You Think You Can Dance.” To count yourself in on the array of events planned, see Dizzy Feet Foundation.

Sending gigantic thanks to Mycle Wastman for letting me use his song, “As Long As I’m With You.” If you didn’t see him perform on The Voice, you missed out big-time! To learn all about him go to https://myclewastman.com/

And I appreciate Pacific Ballroom Dance for letting me sneak into their dress rehearsal to film!

Come Saturday – National Dance Day – I hope that answer is “Everyone!” Right now, I’m cloistered in my room with my computer (well, honestly, and some ice cream) editing a video to post tomorrow. Here are some screenshots from it. I have combined a variety of people enjoying dance ranging from my little cousins, to me trying aerial silks for the first time, and my grandma’s hospice friends. The lady I’m pushing in the wheelchair suffered a stroke just the day before and could only move her arms, but she wanted to join the dancing conga line! What a great attitude!! That’s the whole point of this holiday…to find joy through dance no matter what your circumstance.

In the meantime, I want you to meet Janice Daoud, the globetrotting member of NARS’ glam squad. She’s the perfect person to feature on Beauty Trend Tuesday. Janice makes up mega stars like Kim Kardashian and models for those fashion week shows.

Today, I’m revealing her product recommendations for having a fresh complexion while dancing…whether you’re performing onstage under hot lights or hitting the clubs with friends. She says that NARS’ Pro Prime and Radiant Cream Compact Foundation are musts. The primer helps the foundation go on smoothly, and the breathable, lightweight foundation gives you what Janice calls the “no makeup, makeup look.”

Now it’s time to dance!

Well, on my site it’s more like National Dance Week. When I heard that NDD is this Saturday, I adopted the theme. Each day this week, I’ll find a way to incorporate dance. So regardless of where you live, come the weekend, I hope you’ll be ready to get your groove on! Today, for Meeting Men Monday, I’m sharing a story about a handsome male instructor I had when I trained with American Ballet Theatre. His advice was incredible for any relationship, romantic or not.

When he taught me, I was only 14 and he had just retired from performing. American Ballet Theatre is one of the most prestigious dance companies in the world and Mr. ABT was one of its most famous romantic leads. Despite the fact that off-stage he was in a committed relationship, on-stage he always connected with his partners. If they were dancing a romantic ballet, the stage steamed.

During one of Mr. ABT’s pas de deux classes, we were required to perform difficult – and frankly dangerous – lifts, yet show chemistry with our partners. Several of us had difficulty tapping into that emotion, so we asked Mr. ABT how he did it. Without hesitation he responded, “The moment I enter the stage, I fall in love with my dance partner. But when I step off of it, I go back to being me.”

“What is most important in any kind of partnership,” he said, “is that you care about that person.” I absolutely loved this advice and have pondered it over the years. No matter what kind of relationships we have – whether they are love affairs, friendships, or work collaborations – I think that genuinely caring is the key to building trust and having success.

That would describe Marie Gray, creator of St. John Knits. When I was growing up, her designs were my mom’s favorite, so naturally when she made an appearance in our hometown, I really wanted to meet her. What impressed me most was that even though I was only ten, and clearly not a customer, she stayed late just to chat with me.

Today, I’m sharing Marie Gray’s inspiring story and featuring this St. John masterpiece. I love how the gauzy material flows. Now where’s that fancy ball?

Marie was born in Yugoslavia and raised in the grip of World War II, surviving on meager means. At the age of nine, with bombs erupting overhead, she escaped to Austria. In school, she only had two dresses. She wore them even when they became too small, but she dreamed of clothes “that fit well and were appropriate.”

Eventually, Marie’s family reunited and immigrated to Los Angeles. In order to save money, she bought a knitting machine and decided to make her own dresses. By then, this beautiful, intelligent lady had landed a Vanna White-type job on TV and modeled high-end clothes. When other models and clothing buyers saw her work, they placed orders…so many that she burst into tears because she didn’t think she could possibly fill them all, but Marie built a successful luxury brand that has lasted 50 years!

I will always be grateful that I was able to meet such a powerful yet feminine woman. At the time I wasn’t hugely into fashion, but somehow Marie knew that one day I would. She knelt down to my level, looked me in the eye, and said, “I think style will become a passion in your life.” She couldn’t have been more right.