Hello. Goodbye.

I believe people are put into our lives for moments, seasons, and lifetimes. They all have a purpose which some I have easily recognized more clearly than others.  However, lately it has been a struggle for me to let some go.  These past few months I have learned (slowly) to trust myself on decisions, choices and feelings. In a perfect world it would be easy to walk away and not have that burning want to look back.  I don’t think one “category” is more important than another. They all have a significance I feel.

I have had the privilege to meet some of the most fascinating people while traveling.  With a “hello and a “goodbye”; they are out of my life faster then they were introduced. However, their words of kindness, sincere interest and encouragement have touched my life in interesting ways. When I try to wrap my head around the idea on even how our paths have crossed it has given me a sense of wonder.

My “seasonal people” I view with admiration and only pray I have touched their lives as much as they have touched mine. Growing up, branching out I have sadly lost touch with some, along with lost loves and people who have passed that I wish I have gotten to have known better. These people I will carry with me- always. Some, I’ve heard their ideas, listened to their beliefs, saw their strengths, understood their weaknesses and have been wrapped in their love.  I have cherished not only these people but their families as well. These special individuals I believe have really made me who I am today. The times I had with these people weren’t always the best, and some were moments I never wanted to end.  I love people, and what’s been heartbreaking is I feel this group has gotten very big in my life, very quickly. It makes me sad, yet I know this is what God’s plan is for me. These people have been put in my life to help me learn how to relate, love, witness, and say goodbye to.

Being a young, single twenty-something my  “lifetime people” are only a few right now. My family and these few individuals are spread all over. Some are currently in my hometown, Seneca Falls NY, West Virginia, Ohio, and Charleston, SC (just to name a few).  Honestly, without this group in my life I would be a walking disaster. They have loved me at my worst, praised my successes and well…. have put up with my shit more then once or twice ;) With these special relationships this sense of love is unbreakable.  These people inspire me (every day) to push the envelope farther. We listen to each other and help guide one another. I love them with everything I have. I know this will be the smallest group in my life and I see this as a bigger reason than ever to love these people with my whole heart.

Fall Into Me

Where do I begin?  These last two months I have felt my world has been one big crazy blur! I’ve had no time to sit in front of my computer and blog about my last few weeks of summer. Having the anticipation knowing September was just around the corner, I have found it quite ironic being aware today, September 23 is the “official” first day of Fall.  Not knowing where September has gone, I couldn’t tell you what better way to start my favorite part of the year by enjoying my coffee with soy at my local Starbucks and having this time to write….
I have always believed to be a “seasonal person”. September for me has always been the month to “gain ground”. Organization skills start to kick in with deadlines and stresses after coming back from easy, summer livin’.  It’s a chaotic time (no wonder I have always thought of October to be a calming time of year for me). The magic of Fall starts to unravel in so many different ways. The pretty, summer pastels are put away by the darker “royal” colors like blues, purples and reds. Aromas of every kind of pumpkin blend take over busy sidewalks and coffee shops. Seasonal illustrations bombard local café signs and windows with autumn treats and thoughts.
I’m looking forward to my Fall beach walks; where I can walk with a light sweater and see no one up and down the entire beach, except for the few locals.  Simple pleasures that tend to be taken for granted are easily shared with ease and a ”lightness” such as cooking, outdoor walks and strong-hearted conversations. Hellos are welcomed with wider, open arms while goodbyes are accompanied with a little more sadness. Why is that? It may be because of the temperatures slowly lowering. Or may be due to all the cinnamon in the air. We may never know.
Charleston is a summer city. The city that wakes up with a beach mentality and has you leave with a sandy trunk evening. To where you may find yourself on one of our old Cobblestone streets buzzing from a red wine, stained kiss on East Bay.  What Charleston holds is enchanting. Fall is beautiful- Charleston in the Fall... is captivating. It’s the feeling of comfort whether it may be holding someone in your arms, or putting on a brand new wool sweater. I have come to appreciate this time of year, and believe I need to always remember to open my heart up at all times of the year…

So fall into something with me this season. xo

Pretty Little Things-Charleston, SC

prettylittlethingsSC/facebook

The joy of having a blog is you can write whatever you want to write about.  Lately, a lot of my blogs have been about experiences of my summer and work. So, this particular blog is about love. Now don’t get me wrong I love my freedom of being single and not having to worry about someone else. I have a big bed where I can sprawl out onto every night and the worry about stealing the covers never comes to mind. The feeling of needing someone’s company has never gotten in the way of letting me try new things for myself. I have gone to countless movie theaters, bookstores, and endless coffee shops being perfectly content alone (I mean, how can you enjoy people watching when you have company with you all the time ;) )Yet, recently I find myself wishing I had someone who I can laugh with.  To be there for each other. Someone who wants to hold my hand and not let go.

I miss waking up next to someone and sharing thoughts over a cup of coffee (or two). I miss getting pretty for someone. I miss that rush of excitement knowing someone is looking forward to seeing me. Of course I have my great group of friends which I wouldn’t trade our beach walks, dinner parties and dance-athons for anything. My friends know me so well I sometimes feel like they know me better than I know myself. Launching my own business has taken up so much of my time that I am lucky if I even have the energy to go DT or to have a drink with someone. Right now I have been so happy with my work and I know that is what I want to focus on for a while. Both of these factors make this blog a little hard for me to write. I feel ridiculous saying that I miss love because I have so much love in my life.

Timing is key I think when “love” is the topic of discussion. I admit I’ve tried (along with a lot of my other girlfriends) online dating before. Very amusing -let me just say. But hey! The way I see it you’re not meeting someone over a wet bar stool rather, you can be in your pajamas with a glass of wine having the option to “respond” back (who wouldn’t want to try that?) Unfortunately, I have found this method really isn’t for me. I want to meet someone when I least expect it. To see how it goes with someone and to feel that need and want of getting to know a person on a stronger level rather than in front of a computer screen.  I have had friends who have met their “someone” on dating sites, in airports, and ski resorts even the gym (which I find bewildering because I can’t help but giggle picturing myself at the gym- a sweaty mess- praying no one notices me).By all means I do not plan my days hoping to find “him”. I don’t want that “force” finding.  Yet I (secretly) hope the saying  “we're all meant to have someone” rings true. So, you can categorize me as whomever you want. A hopeless romantic? A silly girl? Whatever it may be… because after all this is my blog, remember and having a blog you can write whatever you want to write about. And today it’s about love. 

Corpus Christi

This evening I am flying back from Corpus Christi, TX. Listening to newly added music while trying not to think how high up I am in the clouds, I felt this would be the perfect time to work on my blog having neglected it for a while. I was in Texas visiting a friend and his roommates/newlyweds for the week. Never visiting before I loved the area! During my trip I experienced the beach, paddle boarding, a baseball game, the boat, good food, and wonderful conversation.

            Landing in Corpus Christi I was not surprised that some of the first things I noticed were open fields, big trucks, and country music being played somewhere-everywhere. I enjoyed the whole Texan experience because really, there are no rules in Texas.  I particularly saw this on the beach I visited. Stretching from flying all morning my friend and I decided to catch up walking around on one of the beaches close to the house. There, he explained to me while driving right up to the water how people camp, have bonfires and drink openly on the sand. Something I found funny since Charleston beaches are very strict with countless rules. 

            Staying for a few days right on the water we took full advantage of the kayaks we rented that could be used as stand up paddleboards!  Enjoying the different perspective of the houses fitted tightly together and seeing the types of fish-so close up I enjoyed paddling around with the sun for the afternoon. Sitting here next to my window, with new freckles and having enjoyed the great company from these last few days I had a great first visit. I hope to see Texas again sometime. The culture and relaxed feel of where I was, was just what I was hoping for.

I think back over the last few months and how much traveling I have done. This has turned out to be a very enjoyable summer (as how all summers should be). Spending most of today getting back home to Charleston I am starting to feel anxious to see my friends. It was hard trying to leave work alone while being away-but I take that as being a good thing. I am looking forward to seeing where my company Pretty Little Things will head in the next few months. Due to work, I know I won’t be traveling as much for a while and I am okay with having this strong sense Charleston is where I need to be right now. I am anticipating the start of crossing off goals and to see where this will all go. I only hope that Charleston is ready... 

A & B

                                                               Villa Roma Ski Resort 1991

Saturday night here I am home, waiting for the ventilation specialist to come and fix something in my attic. I don’t mind waiting around considering my week has gone by as one big blur.  Working, having a big meeting with a possible account for “Pretty Little Things” and filling out countless job applications (which if I have to copy and paste one more resume into a job database I‘ll be sick). I don’t really mind that all I have planned for my night is to watch Pearl Harbor, accompanied with my favorite glass of wine and my new tomato -red nail polish J

            I don’t know what to really blog about tonight.  I haven’t been writing as much as I’d like to be. I guess lately my family has been number one on my mind. I miss my parents and my sister. Last week I found out my grandmother who is 102 just got put into a nursing home.  That has been hard since it is not easy for me to make it home as often as I would like. Growing up with my parents and one sister our house never felt like we had to make “extra noise”. We came to enjoy quieter Holidays than our neighbors down the road.  My parents made sure my sister and I strived to do what we loved all through grade school. For my sister it was piano and theater. I was the Tomboy of our family. Always being outside running and traveling for meets and invitational’s (believe it or not).

A lot older now, my sister works through Campus Crusades and does a lot of traveling. Being in Charleston these last few months I’ve wished we had more time to talk and catch up. Hoping the next few months we will be able to talk more often I have been missing her. It is funny when I think back to how we were while growing up in Seneca Falls. Coralie and I have always been two completely different people. When we were younger we had the title of being “The Schulman Twins”. Truthfully, even to this day we don’t have a lot in common (besides our curly hair, laugh and addiction to anything sweet) we understand each other on such a stronger level than ever. Through our stubbornness Coralie has been the one person who has never and will never let me down. Trying to find who you are as a person, being by yourself, financial issues and social pulls it can be lonely and stressful at times. But having my sister there, always with her words of support and a prayer she has seen me in my most vulnerable state as a puddle on the floor to better times, standing tall with my head held high. I’m so happy to have you as my sister.

 Love you A.  B xo

                                                                                       Shrine Mont CFO 2011

"People who Eat White Bread don't have any Dreams"-Diana Vreeland

In this last month with endless research, sketching, planning, organizing, late night doubt and early morning enthusiasm the saying “ to go out on a limb” has been profoundly marked. Finally being at the place where I know I am ready to show my product and to take whatever comes each day my way has been a surprisingly relieving feeling. Along with being the scariest and most thrilling choice I have made yet. I am happy to say “Pretty Little Things”(http://www.facebook.com/StyleMePretty.Charleston) has been booming throughout the Charleston area.  Thinking back to just a month or two ago with a collection of ideas and having only sketches of ruffles, lace and big-toed figures to show I can proudly say my passion has finally becoming recognized. I want to thank all of you, my amazing support system of family and friends for every single word of encouragement.

Believing in something. That burning feeling of knowing we need to be able to trust ourselves. Personally, for myself it has been the feeling of having a purpose. To show what I have worked so hard to become and let people enjoy my skills and talents; whether it’s designing, teaching, illustrating… or all three! Knowing that everything has been coming together, then being able to step to the sideline and see the people around me excited with all the work and energy being put into “Pretty Little Things” it has been an unbelievable feeling. You guys have given me the courage and sense of knowing I am going in the right direction. I love you all, thank you.

"These are a Few of my Favorite Things..."

                                                                Brown paper packages

                                                                     Morning coffee

                                                                     The color blue

                                                                          Dresses

                                                                           Blush

                                                                    Thunderstorms

                                                                 Hand written letters

                                                                         Riesling.

                                          Leaving the theater after watching a good movie.

                                                                     Bubble baths.

                                                                     Beach walks

                                                                      Illustrating.

                                                                        Sewing.

                                                               Good conversations.

                                                                       Seasons.

                                                                         Lake.

                                                             Wrap-around porches.

                                                              Surprise phone calls.

                                                                       Freckles.

                                       

                                                

Lake Laura

Lake Laura Orkney Springs, VA

I forgot how small the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport is. The time is about 10am and I’m sitting here waiting for my flight to head back to Charleston. Already with three cups of coffee in I thought this would be a great time to write (and to help take my nerves off flying).

I am amazed how much nature can heal and strengthen a person. I’ve been so tired and truthfully burnt-out.  During my week at Orkney Springs, surrounded by the outdoors with the joy of getting to walk everywhere.  Waking up, seeing first thing the mountains, I wasn’t surprised how easy it was falling into "relax" mode. Yet, sitting in this airport, with my lists already made-up for this week (before 9am) of business goals, errands and chores I’ve caught myself feeling the worldly stress beginning to come back as quickly as it had left. What I wanted out of this week was to find patience. Patience for being where I am right now, as well as for what is to come. However, I find myself traveling back to Charleston with a sense of so much more – value.

On Thursday I had the opportunity to go on a run with a few other campers. Meeting at the entrance of Shrine Mont the five of us with our sneakers, water bottles and beach towels (for the swim across Lake Laura) we ran through the little town and out into the country. About ten minutes into our run we were met with a horse trail that followed the perimeter of Lake Laura. Running up and down the hills, scraping around the tight turns and balancing over loose rocks and tree roots gave me the kind of adrenaline rush I haven’t experienced in a very long time. With the view of Lake Laura never leaving us it was a peaceful-sweaty heart pumping experience. Through the middle of the run the heavy worry of leeches and snakes disappeared with the feeling of cool calm water. We swam across and back; treading water I stopped in awe of the view where I hiked North Mountain just the day before and where my group and I ate lunch. I remembered thinking how I thought a person could only feel small in an airplane. But there I was in the middle of this huge lake, deep in a valley with trees, sun and mountains looking up a few hundred miles.

John Hobbs talked about the importance of making memories. How we as people, need to make memories. We mold our stories from good and bad memories.  I was making a good memory that I’ll never forget. I am blessed to have experienced that awesome moment. Oh, and I am happy to say I am officially a member of the “Shrine Mont Run and Swim Club" Thank you and much love to you, Rick Cook.

"Sometimes You Need To Change Your Tempo"-Joyce Carol Carter

It all started when I was about six… being fascinated about money. Actually, let me rephrase that, I was fascinated to earn money. I think my father is partly to blame for this; having to do with being the source of my accumulation of stuffed animals throughout his business trips, it was then “Caity’s Pet Shop” was first established. Since graduating away from paper money, I guess I can categorize myself as being non-stop. Blessed to say this is particularly due to the fact I truly enjoy my line of work. But it all comes down to my simple (with some complex) goals and dreams I have. Growing up I have found an enjoyment and a sense of worth in working. I find needs to invest every way possible to succeed. Yet, I would be lying if I told you I'm a patient person.  In this world people are wired to work hard and to achieve. Nobody wants to fail.  I’ve been finding through experiences that patience is key. I catch myself so many times trying to understand why I didn’t do something a completely different way. I tend to go over more than one method when I design and I beat myself up about it. Being shot down, criticized and praised for my work- already I have experienced it all and continue to experience it.

The other day I was catching up with a close girlfriend of mine, sharing about how within the last few months we’ve both been on such a chaotic and emotional rollercoaster. Having us both investing on individual projects, the conversation had a lot to do about realizing the capability of our hard work and creativity in return for the success we are now finally starting to see. For the longest time a constant hurdle of mine has been the feeling that everyone is at the three-mile mark, while there I am-chillin’ still at the starting line. It was then Tori shared this with me, “ God is never in a hurry but never late”. I’ve come to find myself going back to that simple line. Having the time to reflect and re-energize this week I’m hoping to find patience. I hope to find the patience to do all the things written for me to do -at all the right times.  

Little Bit of Heaven on Earth

This weekend I’ll be leaving Charleston to go to a CFO up in the Virginian mountains. This quiet, intimate place called Orkney Springs has been a tradition in my family for as long as I can remember. Along with a lot of the families who will be there they have seen me grow and become the young woman I am today. I as well have seen some of them outside of camp; blessed to call my best friends, change and branch out into different paths such as graduations, work opportunities and weddings. 

CFO means “Camp Farthest Out”. I have always been amused by the reactions from people whom I have explained this place to. Literally, it’s a camp-farthest out. Sorry AT&T, Sprint and Verizon all of you are a pretty much guaranteed fail during this one-week out of my year. Finally being familiar with what hill will give the best reception and the best time during the day to try this (sometimes hopeless) mission.*Keeping in mind.... if I do get back to you consider yourself important ;)

Located in the Shenandoah Valley, surrounded by the essence of lush green hills, hiking trails, fresh air, blue lakes and ponds this little area called Shrine Mont is in the middle of an old southern town, Orkney Springs (merely a collection of a few buildings; two of the most important includes a post office and ice cream shop). One of the most beautiful hotels called "The Virginia House" is located on the meadow where the yearly Fourth of July Blue Grass festival plays. The detailed woodwork and never-ending wrap -around porches accompanied with forest green Adirondack chairs have become known as the social gathering place for us kids as we have gotten older for internet use, and daily status gossip from home.

For different reasons (mostly work related) I haven’t been able to attend for a few years. Always having thought the most exciting year of camp would be the year my group of friends and I graduated college. But because of my move last year l wasn’t able to attend it was heavy on my heart. Yet, thinking more about this year, knowing we’re all out of college and some have gotten married, others have had travels and adventures to eagerly share I am anticipating a wonderful week of catching up and celebrating all of the many accomplishments. My CFO community has always been a backbone in my life. They are people who have never discouraged me from doing anything, with unconditional love for my family. My sister sadly, won’t be there next week (because of work through Campus Crusades). But I will be able to spend time with my mother which I’m looking forward to our morning walks, coffee and conversations, prayer and the beauty of the simple things we all can easily take for granted in our wonderful-sometimes crazy-always- fast-paced lives we live. 

The Virginia House

(Lower right corner is where I'll be blogging next week) ;)

I remember..

those pink and blue dolphin sugar cookies at the local grocery store.


the little green camper ("bug").

the excitement of finding a year old letter being in the same spot-untouched.

finishing a twelve-mile run.

my first kiss.

the day I wanted to pursue a career in fashion.

when I felt the loneliest.


chalk games at Cayuga Lake State Park.


Shrine Mont.

“Bunny Tea”

my blue parachute pants with the snaps.

my worst sunburn.

saying goodbye to my parents when I left home.

Jelly shoes!

earning my first paycheck.

the day I wanted to change.

the day I did change.

    "High Heels were invented by a woman

         who had been kissed on the forehead"

           -Christopher Morley 

City Skyline

Last weekend I had the opportunity to visit the great city of New York. Scheduling to fly out of Charleston, connecting in Charlotte, NC then jetting to La Guardia Airport I met some very fascinating people (yes, before I even got to the city I made friendsJ). Danny, whom I had the privilege of sitting next to on my first flight was an older man-retired fighter pilot. We made light conversation and before I knew it we were talking about all kinds of things, such as his longing to get back to Texas and my love for Charleston. His wife had a business trip and he was going along for the ride (the “ride” being a cruise around the Mediterranean!) I mentioned how he must visit Capri, Italy. People have told me it smells like lemons and the beaches are surrounded by bright blue water. After we landed in Charlotte he commented quickly while we were departing the plane how I reminded him so much of his daughter, that I’ll do great things and I shouldn’t worry about what will come. I left that little hopper of a plane with a smile thinking how wonderful it was meeting such a great person.

         Getting to the city I decided to take the subway from midtown to China Town where the hotel was. While waiting for the 6 train with my leopard suitcase and a bottle of Finger Lakes finest, I was content  being surrounded by the early Friday evening of rush hour.  Having been away from the city for so long it was an incredible feeling of how everything came back to me. During my twenty minute train ride I observed as people got on and off at each stop how I felt so comfortable and at ease. It was like I never left, as if I was just getting home from a long vacation.

Later that evening I met up with one of my best friends from college, Mike. Arm in arm to an old bar we walked and talked about the transition from school to work, moving away and relationships. I hope I won’t have to wait another year to catch up with him again (love you Mike). 

During my short time in the City I was able to experience a lot of firsts that I've brought back to Charleston to cherish. Some of many, watching the city wake up at 5am over pancakes or if you have a preference, gourmet sandwiches ;) Visiting the newly constructed WTC,  and being able to explore the beautiful area of West Point for a wedding. So, all in all it was a pretty darn good trip and weekend for that matter. One of these days I'll make it back again- and to share it with good company again too!

"What do I think about the way most people dress? Most people are not something one thinks about"

-Diana Vreeland

Year 1


Hi guys! This is my first blog so; I guess I will take the time to introduce myself. Originally from upstate NY I relocated to Charleston, SC a year ago bringing a BFA in Fashion Design with me. Since my wonderful, nerve-racking, sometimes scary transition from college to the grown-up ADULT world I can proudly say I have had some pretty awesome opportunities along the way. Working in wedding dress design, beach and resort wear design (http://www.escapadaliving.com) and becoming a founder of my own styling company "Style Me Pretty" (http://www.facebook.com/StyleMePretty.Charleston). Through out the past year I've been blessed for the people who have come into my life. These people have molded, and helped me get to where I am today (right now sitting on my little white couch, reminiscing with a cup of coffee) ;)  Packing up everything into my little white Toyota the day after I graduated from Cazenovia College I had a completely different mind set of what my life would entail, in the city where I had always dreamed of being-Charleston. Sitting here now, I can tell you growing up and venturing off-especially doing it alone is scary as hell-yet, it is such an achieving feeling. If you asked me today "Caitlin has all your hard work paid off? Are you happy?" Happy is a  definite yes. No matter what my dreams, goals, ambitions I have planned for in five, ten or twenty years the uphill work will always be there. So the hard work? Slowly, is my answer I have for you right now. My story may be working with a team of wonderful people designing, giving myself a name here in this extraordinary little city. I will never rule out even traveling and teaching kids fashion studies such as illustration.. or leaving Charleston for some other adventure of reasoning.  I am starting to finally see doors open and at the same time I need to be aware of what doors I need to close to succeed. I am coming to find this may be the scariest part yet-chance.