"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.