Ballgowns On The Beach

Photography by Kirsten Beeksma Morse

The events of this past week have been devastating, and it really has made it difficult for me to talk about things like fashion....it seems very trivial in the scheme of things. Pretending that this didn't happen isn't being a good citizen of the world, and it isn't being a good example for my children. The people I love are affected by these terrible events, every person with any kind of moral fiber is, and it has made me pause while I decide how to contribute to the healing, to stand up to the hate. In the meantime, I am not letting the hate take away what I love and who I am. Then they win. It's on to writing again then, and celebrating my friend Krissi's work in photographs and being me. Love Trumps Hate.





Last week Krissi and I ventured back to beautiful Carkeek Park for a shoot at the beach. I was waiting on a package for a pair of shoes I wanted to showcase and it didn't show up, so at the last minute I had to pull a completely different look together. Somewhat inspired by a high low piece I saw in the Neiman Marcus event last week, I decided to wear my own high low ball gown skirt I had bought from local boutique Foundation Seattle. 






I love contrasts and wearing a ballgown skirt to a beach at a park is definitely that. Never one to shy away from standing out, it was very fun to dash up and down the rocky beach with my skirt swishing behind me. The skirt is high waisted with a beautiful bow sash, so it pairs well with a fitted or cropped piece. The little girls at the beach were mesmerized by the fancy dress, their mother's a bit perplexed by my choice of beach attire, the whole thing was a lot of fun. :)








I decided on another contrast to a ball gown skirt, a marled knit sweater. I purchased this rag & bone Dana cold shoulder sweater at the Nordstrom sale this past summer and thought it would be a perfectly unexpected. I tucked it in the front to show off the bow sash and left the back to do its slouchy best. My necklace is from a shop in Paris, but any kind of bold statement piece would work well with this look. A pair of large fabulous earrings would also perfect....I am a big fan of FARIS jewelry.






Another purchase from the Nordstrom sale were these Stuart Weitzman Notazzie Booties. The black suede and block heel add a modern appeal to the whole look. A pair of black booties is a wardrobe essential, but these booties also come in a gorgeous amaretto color that would be fantastic with winters calmer colors.





This skirt will also be beautiful with patterned hosiery in the cooler months ahead, another trend that is back to save us from bare legs once the temps dip low. I would also wear this skirt with a sleeveless black fitted turtleneck or a fitted crisp white blouse. I would wear this sweater with just about anything, be it a ball gown or favorite denim, and of course the boots go with it all!




My family is filled with originality and personality. We are white, we are Asian, old, young, gay, straight, Jewish, Christian, and everything else in between. We check all the boxes. We celebrate diversity because we are citizens of the world, we are a modern family. One must always stand up for what you believe in and above all, be a good person. Do what is right. Love will always triumph. I must believe that and I must live it every day. 
Have a lovely week. xx

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