I left Sioux Falls, South Dakota one really cold, windy day in December of 2002. I still remember following the drifting U-Haul trailer pulled behind my parent's van, swinging in the wind on I-90 and splashing cold ice pellets of snow back at me as it went. I was full of feelings of joy and wonder and excitement and, and, and.
And fear.
Fear feels a lot like the stinging, cold bitterness of a South Dakota winter, I discovered on that one-way trip. It has no taste, smell, or even sound really; yet you still somehow know it's there. It freaking hurts your nose all of your body parts nonetheless, it numbs.
I had spent my entire life in Sioux Falls; my entire life in the exact same small house save for a quick stay on a concrete-bench-cleverly-disguised-as-a-cheap-canvas-sofa-from-IKEA in my sister's apartment right before I moved. My parents had sold that house, you see, sold 20 years worth of memories in mere minutes to a neighbor as soon as the FOR SALE sign had hit the lawn on a late summer day. He was a big, tan burly man with a black beard, a quiet voice, a small white maltese, a loud motorcycle, and a yippy-yappy red-headed wife.
"YOU'VE MADE MY LIFE A LIVING HELL!" I had heard him yell at his wife one day, several years prior. This was followed by a violent slam of the door as he stomped outside, holding the maltese. It is hard to look adequately angry when holding a small, fuzzy dog; it was the first time that I had ever heard him speak.
"We've always liked your house." he said softly that day in September of 2002, emphasized with a quick shrug as he pointed to the FOR SALE sign. He was still holding the maltese, had it wedged under his armpit in its usual spot, and I wasn't quite sure if he was speaking for him and his wife or for him and the dog. I will never know; it was both the second and the last time that I had ever heard him speak.
"Well. I guess I can't really charge you much in realtor fees for...this." the realtor said to my parents, followed with a nervous laugh.
"Well. I guess I can't really charge you much in realtor fees for...this." the realtor said to my parents, followed with a nervous laugh.
So we packed our bags, had a quick wedding for my sister in the garden my parents spent 20 years carefully constructing (which is still there just as we left it, by the way--the pond, the gazebo, and the row of colorful birdhouses my dad built), and that was it. We left.
"Ah, so. Um. Where...are you going to go?" my mom then asked awkwardly, giving me a side-eye. It was a pretty excellent question.
"Colorado." I finally told her a few weeks later. Also awkwardly, but it was a pretty excellent answer.
Which is how I ended up on I-90 in that December of '02, 21-years old and scared out of my mind, trying desperately not to show it. 21-year olds aren't supposed to be scared, after all; they are supposed to be daft and foolhardy and brave. Even in moments of complete discomposure--I had been in enough bars, attended enough college parties, and seen enough MTV's Real World at that point in my life to know it.
But I was driving towards a new city, driving towards (perhaps) a new life. It isn't every day that a young girl does this, you know--makes a move! Does something nervy. Packs her bags, leaves her lifelong friends and family, and moves to a big city!
A city with opportunity! A city with adventure! A city that is pretty much just like her old one except a bit bigger, and not quite so flat (mountains blah blah blah), has a longer wait to get into the Olive Garden on a Friday night, and, according to Facebook, is also home to just about half of her graduating class.
But I was driving towards a new city, driving towards (perhaps) a new life. It isn't every day that a young girl does this, you know--makes a move! Does something nervy. Packs her bags, leaves her lifelong friends and family, and moves to a big city!
A city with opportunity! A city with adventure! A city that is pretty much just like her old one except a bit bigger, and not quite so flat (mountains blah blah blah), has a longer wait to get into the Olive Garden on a Friday night, and, according to Facebook, is also home to just about half of her graduating class.
(Brrrrrrave!)
But while Denver might have a lot of cozy Midwesternisms about it, it has some important differences too: better restaurants, better shopping, better skiing (sorry Great Bear), bona fide state income taxes (ouch!), sterile Targets that boastfully deem themselves 'super', and the most important thing of all: culture.
Culture that goes beyond corn fields, churches, legalized video lottery, and arguing over which way a naked David statue should face on a busy downtown street. Culture like the DAM (YSL in March!). Culture like Adele Arakawa's never-changing hairdo (I bumped into it her on a flight last year and it's just as amazing in person). Culture like the fun hippies of Boulder, culture like toasty-hot summer shows at Red Rocks, culture like being stuck on I-70 near Georgetown with the rest of the entire state on a snowy Sunday in January, beep-beep-beep-beep-beep.
And culture like BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL, oh yesss. Fabulous, fabulous culture.
So this is what I wore last Friday, first to a super tasty dinner at The Capital Grille and then while being surrounded by shrieking 10-year old girls at the DCPA--an easy take on winter whites.
(My apologies for these looking a lil' odd - it was cloudy out, so I had to throw on some flash!)
(My apologies for these looking a lil' odd - it was cloudy out, so I had to throw on some flash!)
Coat: J Crew Townhouse Trench in Sea Salt (buy it here) (similar here) (style for spring here)
Blouse: Zara (buy it here) (another option at ASOS) (similar here)
Belt: J Crew, old (similar here in "soft pink")
Pants: Madewell, old (similar here) (similar here) (similar here)
Rosegold Bangles: Seasonal Whispers Crystal & Metal Bracelets in Rosegold (buy them here) (similar by Vince Camuto) (similar under $20)
Watch: Michael Kors Oversized Watch in Rosegold (buy it here) (similar for $195) (similar for $115)
Shoes: J Crew Mona Pumps in Pale Peacock (buy them here) (similar here + take 20% off w/ code "NEWYOU")
Bag: Chloe Marcie Crossbody in 'bone', old (similar here) (similar by Fossil) (similar by Michael Kors)
And some fun with prints:
Belt: Forever 21, old (similar at Ann Taylor)
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Uliepe (similar here) (similar for under $25)
Bag: Chloe Paraty in Rosewood (similar here) (similar here) (similar by Miu Miu)
And I finally added a pair of 'basic' black pumps to my artillery, hoorah:
Sweater: Madewell, old (similar here) (and at F21)
Pants: Urban Outfitters (buy them here) (a non-cord option here)
Belt: The Limited, old (similar at Ann Taylor) (similar at ASOS)
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Piou Piou Patent Pumps (buy them here) (similar at Ann Taylor)
Bag: Reed Krakoff Inside Out Satchel, old (similar here) (similar here) (similar at DSW)
Chloe, Colorful Colorado. 5'8" (only) when teetering in her highest 6 inch Miu Miu platform heels. Likes fashion, broccoli, ice cream, clarifying that she does not eat ice cream with her broccoli as to not cause worldwide panic, hoarding beauty products & pretty shoes, tickle fights with her husband (he would like to clarify that he does not like them back, OKAY?), anything covered in sprinkles, any alcoholic beverage made with Tang, live music, clicking the camera, sarcasm fonts, vases stuffed full of pretty flowers, and laughing hard until her belly hurts. Wants an adventurous life, lots of puppies, to never obtusely wander around with her fly down, and to be an iconic Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress with a bright, festive print when she grows up. This is where she bravely documents it all. (
I loved reading your story tonight Chloe. See, I just moved. Not very far, and I moved in with my fiance and his roommates (not ideal, but we are working on finding our own place). Let's just say it's a little scary! Thank you for posting this at such a good time for me :)
ReplyDelete~ Noelle (beautygirl24)
That's so cool that you are from South Dakota. I'm from Fargo, ND and while I still live here (not always happy with that) it's funny how when people move away, they seem to go to either Minneapolis or Denver. I guess we really like our four seasons! :)
ReplyDeleteYou know, I've never been to the midwest (if that's what it's called) except for Salt Lake City, Utah, and even then I was stuck on the Brigham Young Univ. campus for 1 solid week while I partook in a fabulous ballroom dance camp (2000 and 2004). I'd love to go - it sounds so different than Georgia. So what made you decide on Denver, specifically?
ReplyDeleteLastly, check out my blog giveaway - I think you'll appreciate it. I made 2 different purse clutches and you can pick which size you like! ;-)
LOVE your accessories and that F21 dress. You are so stylish!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading about your move and Colorado! I hope to experience that "fear" soon!
ReplyDeleteI love that dress...so bummed when I scrolled down and saw it marked as "old"
That Forever 21 dress is lovely! LOVE that you paired with a blue belt and yellow shows...so unexpected, but works perfectly!
ReplyDeletexo, tasha
twenty-something blog
follow me
You have an amazing collection of coats!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Stacey
http://fiveminutestyle.blogspot.com/
Again, you're such a great writer, it's always scary to move into a new city and you don't know how much your story touch me. And yes, I kind of have a soft spot for the Olive Garden too. Hehehe
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how much I love my townhouse trench coat, I got the blue and it's so chic, now looking at your outfit I wish I had gotten the white, but again, I have a husband and a dog that always manage to spill something on me when I am wearing white.
I actually adore CO! My long-distance partner is there at the moment (I'm stuck in the UK) but oh my god, the state is so beautiful (especially loved living it up with the crazies on Pearl Street in Boulder, lol!) You're so lucky to live there- it was a wise choice, if not a little scary at first!
ReplyDeleteSigh I love those sunnies, I'm going to get my hands on them! Not sure what color to get though, black and tortoise seem to be classics, the gradient blue is calling my name though! Any suggestions?
ReplyDeletexoxo champagne
You seriously have the best closet full of clothes EVER...hands down!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.afashionfixation.blogspot.com
Not sure if I loved your story or the outfits more, but let's settle on the fact that I love them both :) You make me wish I had picked up that ON leopard coat when I had the chance!
ReplyDeleteLove your story Chloe! Mostly because I can relate to it so much although I had just turned 23 when I moved to the States! I lived in a little ski resort town in CO for about 4 months and I loved every minute of it, only wish I could have seen more of Denver! It's funny how scary and how right it can feel to make choices like that!
ReplyDeleteAlso, always an inspiration with the colorful clothes! love all the outfits :)
LOVE the J.Crew trench and Forever 21 dress. Great looks!
ReplyDeletewww.styleisasstyledoes.blogspot.com
You seem like you've made a pretty great life for yourself in Colorado, but that first step is always scary! And I'm so jealous that you can carry off that super-fair blonde-in-the-cream-coat thing. So striking!
ReplyDeleteChloe! Why are you wearing 50% of my wishlist in the first and second photos? Are you taunting me woman?! (shakes fist to sky) I love every single look, but my favorite has to be the winter white. The coat, the blouse, the rosegold accessories and those fabulous sunnies, all amazing!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about your move to Colorado. It is scary to make such a big move, but there's so much adventure in the unknown. The fear almost becomes an adrenaline rush. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
love the arm candy and the jcrew trench! The color of the Manolos works so well with the print from your dress! Also have the Zara shirt and I adore it!!! Just found you blog and so glad I did-following you!
ReplyDeletestop by if you have a chance would love your input!
http://champagnecocktailscashmeredreams.blogspot.com/
What a story, Chloe! Can you share even one ounce of your braveness with me? :) Not many people could do what you did, let alone at the young age of 21. Major props to you!
ReplyDeleteLoving the appearance of the RK bag! I don't think I've seen it on here yet.
ReplyDelete& Loving more the story of your Denver move - why did your parents sell the house? & They are still in Sioux Falls, no?
It takes so much bravery to move like that. And I love all of these looks. ALL OF THEM. That coat in the first look? Gorgeous!!
ReplyDelete-april.
First: That is a great story about moving. We literally flipped a coin to decide where we were going to move...
ReplyDeleteSecond: I'm thrilled to see a great fashion blog coming out of Denver! I'm pretty excited for the YSL show as well and will be lining up for that the minute it opens!
Thank you so much, and YES! Dying over the YSL event--can't believe it is still a few months away. :(
ReplyDeleteYay! Thanks April. :)
ReplyDeleteGood catch! I think it's the first time I've posted it here, too---it's been in my closet for nearly a year now but I definitely need to take it out of hiding a little bit more. Love Mr. Krakoff.
ReplyDeleteThe decision for my parents to sell my childhood home was a tough one for them--when they bought the house, it was in a decent location surrounded by a lot of retired, elderly couples. As time went on, most of those homes unfortunately turned into rentals and many fell into disrepair. Throw in a rising crime rate and they had to let it go. They now live in the Black Hills, which is almost smack-dab
between me and the rest of my family still in Sioux Falls. It definitely
comes in handy whenever I get homesick!
Aw, thanks Cee! I definitely don't consider myself brave or a risk-taker, so the fact that I moved out here as I did still seems a little surreal. Best decision I ever made though. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, cashmere dreams! xoxo.
ReplyDeleteAw, thank YOU Kimmie! The winter white is my fave too.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right--the fear does become a bit of an adrenaline rush, doesn't it. I had a 7-year itch a few years ago to move again--it can be a lot of fun exploring and discovering new places. Such a big, big world to see.
Thanks so much, Annabelle! ♥
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine! ♥
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Maca! I'd LOVE to live in a ski resort town one of these days--Husband lived in Steamboat Springs for a year, and it's definitely on our bucket list to eventually own a home there. They all have such a great, laid back vibe about them.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely get the most props for moving to a new country--that's a bravery I'm not sure I have. Oh heck I won't even ride rollercoasters, so I'm *definitely* not that brave. LOL.
Thank you so much, Christine. The leopard coat still pops back up every now and then online--it's such a (surprisingly) great coat for the price, I think. ♥
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ashley! xoxo.
ReplyDeleteYES! They are my favorite sunglasses! I love that they're super comfy and big enough to block out all of the sun. Have you seen the striped pattern they introduced last month? They were at Nordstrom briefly and so, so fierce--love them. I decided to get boring ol' tortoise for mine since the shape of these shades is so unique--they definitely don't need help standing out! But I think any color would be fab. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you, and sorry to hear you're so far away from your long-distance partner! That has to be tough. Colorado is beautiful, isn't it? Sometimes I wake up in the morning, look at the mountains, and have to pinch myself. Hope you get to come back this way soon! ♥
ReplyDeleteHahahaha. So many people want to know how I can be such a food snob but still be as happy as a clam while hitting up The Garden. I just can't help it! *hi-five!*
ReplyDeleteAnd doooon't even get me started on trying to keep the cream trench clean--it's an exercise in futility.
Thanks Stacey! They are needed here in Colorado--I've never met a coat I didn't like (and didn't wear way too much!).
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Tasha! ♥
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Michelle! It might still be available in stores--I got it a few months back and I also saw it pop back up online about a month ago, albeit briefly. It's such a fun dress for us on the shorties!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you Jessy! ♥
ReplyDeleteSee, and I've always wanted to go to Georgia because it sounds so different from the Midwest! Hahaha. The only states I've been to in the east are NY and FL--for shame. :(
ReplyDeleteI moved to Denver mostly because we vacationed out here a lot when I was younger, so I was a little familiar with it. I also had a few friends here too, being a bad influence and pestering me--so naughty.
Love the giveaway - you are SO creative!
Hahahaha, exactly! Tons of my old friends are up in Minneapolis too, and I try to get up there once a year to see them. I will never quite understand the Minneapolis-magnet, though--they can have such awful winters. I had to get to a place a little more mild!
ReplyDeleteOh, yay for you Noelle! And good luck on finding your own place--it's such a fun moment in life, even if it is a little scary. You might even miss it a bit once you're settled down, married, and in the usual hum-drum-doldrums of life. I look back on my move and the first years after it now fondly, even if I was living in a small apartment with mismatched dinnerware, lots of ramen noodles, and no cable TV--funny how that works! *hugs*
ReplyDeleteThat first jacket is just gorgeous! Love your blog!
ReplyDeletehttp://tohellinahandbag.net
Chloe - LOVE LOVE LOVE the white coat and that outfit. I've been looking for the perfect white coat for years and this could be the one! It's only online and a final sale (and the extra 30% off deal is over, ugh!) - so I was wondering how it fits. Did it run small, large, true to size? They only have a 4P and I THINK it would work - but a little nervous. THANKS!!
ReplyDeleteOMG that Reed Krakoff bag is adorable! I LOVE that first outfit too! Well, I love them all!
ReplyDeleteThat story was fab, you are such a great writer. I made the scary move when I had just turned 22 with my boyfriend who is now my wonderful hubby. We moved 150 miles away from all our friends and family. It was scary and lonely, we were truly on our own. Now we have lived in this neck of the woods for almost 18 years (yikes!) and have a wonderful family of friends.
ReplyDeleteOh and that first outfit is to die for! No way would a white coat survive with me as its owner and seeing your beautiful top with those skinnies inspires me to be braver with my wardrobe!
Thanks for the suggestion Chloe :) I'm going to try the striped ones and maybe the blue stripe ones?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.redhotsunglasses.com/images/blog/glasto/pradabaroque.jpg
they would look so perfect next to the beach!
Thanks for the suggestion, love your blog! Short girls rule!
xoxo chamapgne
Hi Missy! So happy you liked the outfit. It is a fabulous jacket and I think it runs a little small especially through the bust--if you want to pile on lots of layers underneath, definitely consider sizing up! Hope it works for you!
ReplyDeleteYou are SO GORGEOUS, Chloe!! I love all of your eclectic pieces!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I've actually been working in Denver for the past 3 weeks (travelling from LA) and would love to know of any yummy restaurants and cool shops to visit while I'm here! Thanks! =]
Great J.Crew coat!!! :)
ReplyDelete~Karen
http://fashionboardconfessional.blogspot.com
Can't get enough of your hair in a bun...always so perfectly styled
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jessica! <3
ReplyDeleteThank you! And welcome to Colorado, hee hee. Definitely hit up The
ReplyDeleteCherry Cricket (total bar food, but if you love a good
hamburger or chicken sandwich it is amaaaazing - I go with the All
American), The
Corner Office (everything is good - and sometimes they have
cotton candy for dessert!), Second Home (owned
by the same restaurant group as The Corner Office - love the chicken + waffles with whiskey maple syrup), Pasta Jay's (locations in
Lone Tree and Boulder - both are delicious), and Cucina Colore (Cherry Creek Area).
As for shopping - I love the shops outside of Cherry Creek in the Cherry Creek North area (on a warm day, of course)--Garbarini and MAX both have some neat things (and there's lots of little eclectic gifty stores around them, too). If you're downtown on the 16th street mall, definitely check out the Pavilions and the Love Denver Colorado store - they have a bunch of super neat in-store items made by local artists!
Hope you enjoy your stay!
Thank you so much for all your lovely recommendations! I'm actually staying in Downtown during the weekdays (right at the 16th st. mall location. lol.) Chicken + waffles with whiskey maple syrup sounds delicious right now - making my mouth water. Hahaha.
ReplyDeleteIt is sometimes, but we're now 2 years along & still going strong! =D Yes, but with a lovely mountainous area comes the issue of air- you guys are really stingy with your air levels lol! For someone originally from such a lowland area, I was finding it hard to breathe just going up the stairs (& I KNOW I'm not quite THAT unfit, haha!) But I guess the nickname 'mile-high city' should have given that part away, lol =P
ReplyDeleteHi Chloe! I am loving that fun shift dress. Of course now i'm on a hunt for something like yours. :)
ReplyDeleteDo you think you'd ever do a tutorial, or how-to of your hairstyle? I love it up, as some other posts here say!
Thanks! :)
-Sarah