Catherine Grace O’Connell in Bhanuni dress at Anthropologie, Michael Stars hat
I want you to meet a new friend of mine, Catherine Grace O’Connell. We were introduced by Annette Findling, http://www.womenwhorock.com whose profile I posted on March 6, 2017. I was asked to join a group that was being formed by Catherine, The Fierce 50. A group of women over 50 who have commen interests, fashion, decorating, books, self esteem…etc. this sounded right up my alley and, obviously, probably because of nena’snotes as well as a trend to featured “older” models in editorials and ads (Carmen, Lauren Hutton, etc.), books and movies…think IRIS and Advanced Style, I was interested in joining. Shortly after that introduction and being accepted into the fledgling group (hardly that now!!!!) I met Catherine at a coffee get together along with Annette and Kendra Chaplin, Publisher of Chicago Woman magazine http://www.chicago-woman.com and we all enjoyed a converstion that could have gone on for days not just a cup of coffee. Plans are being made to take The Fierce 50 Revolution much further than I think even Catherine thought of when she began this new venture. Now sit back enjoy your drink of choice and hear about Catherine’s journey, I know you will enjoy the ride, her story is impactful and for her, and others, inspirational….she is filled with compassion and a love for life that is infectious!
Blue and white stripe StyleKeepers blouse from Aros, Paige Denim jeans, Sam Edelman shoes and Clare V clutch
WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF YOUR TALENT
My first impression was only recently. I came from a family that never gave any positive messages about myself. It took most of my life to undo the original programming and low self esteem that I suffered with for most of my life. I always knew that I had a flair and passion for fashion yet I was told that it was superficial and definitely not a career path. I had no idea that I had any talent when it came to writing and I never saw myself as creative in any way until recently. The launch of my blog http://www.CatherineGraceO.com was a real turning point in my life. I was coming back from having spent an entire year bedridden with seizures and I went down to 100 pounds. My organs began shutting down and on 11/11/14, I went through a Near Death Experience. The creation of the blog is what saved my life. Channeling my energy in a positive way and focusing on living rather than surviving made all the difference in the world. I found an internal confidence that I never knew existed. I had been on a deeply spiritual path and that was an enormous part of my recovery as well. Healing from the inside out, finding passion and purpose and reconnecting with the world and helping others was the key to saving my life.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU HAD “MADE IT” EXPLAIN
I’m not sure I have “made it” as of yet. What I am certain of is that for the first time in my life, my beliefs about myself have changed. I like who I am and I love what I am doing with my life. Even while a young child, I felt different from others. I always knew that I had a bigger purpose and I was here to make a difference in the world and to try and leave this world a better place. Founding The Fierce 50 was life changing for me. My heart feels such empathy for others. I have never understood why people discount people due to age. To me, age is just a number and our attitude toward life is everything. The Fierce 50 brings a new vibrance, energy and hope to women at midlife and beyond.
Beth Briggs Illustration http://www.bethbriggs.com (Nena’s note, I think she is a brilliant illustrator and the images constantly change looks, fashion and more importantly, body shapes!)
HOW DID YOUR ORIGINAL PASSION BRING YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW
I was passionate about fashion as a young girl. Believe it or not, I was raised as a tomboy and never had pretty clothes. I had 4 brothers and the house was a very male household with gocarts and motorcycles. I never had a Barbie doll. When I was old enough to begin working at 13, I spent all my money on clothing. When I was 16, I took a bus to the mall and went to work at Charles A. Stevens. I spent every penny of my paycheck on clothes. It was such a confidence builder. When I would try on something new and beautiful, it would affect the way that I felt about myself. I found fashion to be incredibly empowering and life changing. It’s an amazing way for a woman to use her own creative powers of self expression. Fashion is the way the world views us. It’s kind of like a personal calling card. Let’s be honest, we live in a very image conscious world and people judge us based upon how we look. I don’t believe that you should ever dress for others but it’s a great way to express your personal style. When you look beautiful, you feel beautiful. Beautiful design has a way of shifting our energy and people respond to positive energy.
WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN YOUR ALTERNATE CHOICE AS A CAREER….WAS THERE ONE
I’m surprised by how much I love to write. When I first began to write many years ago, I was going through a very contentious divorce. I was in a dark place and the writing mirrored where I was at during that time. As I’ve evolved and healed, I’ve found that my writing is coming from a place of pure inspiration. It’s really easy for me. The words just flow very easily. I don’t “think” about it. I just write and allow the inspiration to come through. Great writing always takes teamwork. My business manager is also my editor and he’s brilliant at it. We make a fabulous team. He’s actually my ex-boyfriend who saved my life when I was bedridden with Lyme. That’s a whole story that hasn’t been told. We have a great partnership and work very well together. When you write, it’s difficult to see certain things clearly. It’s always helpful to have a second set of eyes on the creative process.
Cleobella dress, Michael Stars Hat
I’ve also recently launched a radio show with Kathy Kaehler who was on The Today Show for 14 years. She’s a brilliant radio host and we make a great team. We launched Cat & Kaehler: Fiercely Empowering Women of All Ages Through the Lens of Midlife. It’s really a show about the art of reinvention at midlife. We have both been through a great deal of adversity and we share very openly and authentically. We are also the voice of The Fierce 50 and we can’t wait to share the stories of the amazing women, including yours, Nena! If I were to do it all over again, I would have gone to school for journalism and broadcasting. I didn’t any self confidence and never dreamed that I could be doing what I’m doing today. I went to Vanderbilt University and double majored in Economics and French. I was planning to study International Finance so that I could go to Third World Countries and save the world. The studies weren’t my passion. Serving others definitely was and that’s what I’m doing today in a very different capacity.
YOUR FAVORITE BOOK, MOVIE, THEATER (BALLET, OPERA, SYMPHONY),TYPE OF MUSIC, LOCAL RESTAURANT
Oh, that’s hard. I have lots of favorite books. I’m a voracious reader. I grew up in the library surrounded by books. I was drawn to biographies and autobiographies as a child. I went through some very dark times in my marriage and I found the spiritual path which lit a fire inside of me. I’m a huge fan of Wayne Dyer. I love his “A Spiritual Solution to Every Problem” and “I can See Clearly Now.” I also love David Hawkens, “Power V. Force” and Danielle LaPorte, “White Hot Truth.” I recently interviewed her over the phone and she’s the real deal.
As far as movies, I rarely get to the movie theatre but I did see LaLa Land and though it was brilliant. I needed to see it as I wanted the inspiration for a Chico’s video and it was very inspiring. Tom Shadyac made a fabulous and eye opening movie called “I Am” that I found very inspiring. Right now, I’m watching “American Playboy” as I’m studying for an interview with Christie Hefner. She’s coming into the radio studio to do a live show in July and I’m thrilled. I have to admit that I was a bit closed minded about Playboy as I had certain ideas that have changed since watching the series. People may have preconceived notions about Hugh Hefner and Playboy. I’ve absolutely loved the series. Regardless of what you may think about him and Playboy, I’m fairly certain your viewpoint may change upon seeing the miniseries. He was a visionary and a brilliant businessman. I do believe that many women have a secret, sensual side that they may not know they have inside of them. He seemed to tap into this during a time period that was very conservative.
When it comes to theatre, I’ll take Musical Theatre any day. My favorite musical of all time remains RENT. I can sign along to that musical soundtrack any day. Although, you may not want to hear me sing. I belt ut songs at the top of my lungs and lets just say, I’ve never been trained!
I went to school in the South and Country Music and Southern Rock will always be my favorites. I put on the song, “The Fighter” which is a duet with Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban almost daily. I’m an energy worker and this song shifts my energy in an instant!
I grew up in Chicago and moved to LA 7 years ago. I’ve always been a seafood lover. My favorite restaurant is in the Northern Suburbs of Ravinia. It’s called Michaels. It’s run by Michael Paulsen who is also the chef and its’ truly the most divine food I have ever tasted. He starts with these homemade rolls fresh out of the oven covered in the most delicious cheese. It’s heaven! In LA, I live in the South Bay. My favorite restaurant is very casual. It’s the Fish House in Manhattan Beach. I would be great on a desert island. Give me fish and coconuts, and I’m a happy camper.
HOBBIES….
I took up yoga late in life. I started in Chicago in my early 40’s and I never quite found my spot. Moving to Manhattan Beach, I discovered the YogaLoft. If I had more time, I would become an instructor and train there. They have the most fabulous instructors. It’s very laid back with no pressure and I love that. To me, yoga is all about you. It’s not meant to be competitive. It’s designed to create space inside of you and to reconnect you to your mind and body. I also love meditation. I can’t say I’m great at it as it’s hard to stay focused but that’s the point. I went to a meditation retreat in Whistler with Deepak Chopra and Davidji. It was life changing. I remember coming back and people thought I had snuck away and had work done! I had to laugh. Truly. We had a week of 12 hour meditation and it was hard but brilliant. I try and do it every single day. I also do breathwork and energy work.
I also love to do artwork. I can’t say I’m great at it but I do enjoy simple meditative coloring books and mandalas.
HOME….MODERN, TRADITIONAL, ANTIQUES (WHAT ERA) ECLECTIC
I had an interior design business in Chicago. I wasn’t formally trained but I’ve always had an “eye” for beautiful design and aesthetics. To me, it’s no different than fashion. It’s all about creative self expression. I’m very eclectic and non-traditional. I did my home in Chicago and did the entire renovation. I lived in Winnetka and made it a very beachy home with soft whites, pale blues and seashell scones and chandeliers. I guess I have always been a California girl at heart! A California couple bought the home. I’m not a big antique collector but I do love the Asian philosophy. I collect things like Buddhas and Quanyin figurines. I love things that have deep, spiritual devotional meanings. My daughter told me if I brought home one more Buddha she was going to kill me. You have to laugh!
WHO WOULD YOU HAVE AT YOUR FANTASY DINNER (LIVING OR DEAD) AND WHAT WOULD YOU SERVE
Oh, that’s a hard one. I have so many people I’m dying to interview. I absolutely love people’s stories. I’m one of those people that are very open and people love to ask me for advice. I was supposed to go on a cruise with Wayne Dyer right before he passed away. He would be at the top of the list. So would Mother Theresa, Jesus, Mother Mary, and David Hawkins.
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT VISITED AND WHERE DO YOU WANT TO VISIT
I haven’t traveled a lot but have a deep desire to see the world. My favorite place would be either the beach or the mountains. I’ve never forgotten my first visit to Estes Park, Colorado or the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. I also love the beach. Maui is absolutely breathtaking and magical. I have a huge bucket list for travel. I would start with the Maldives and Bali. I’ve also never been to Italy and Greece. Those are high on my list.
Adidas Dress, Asos by Public Desire shoes
YOUR FAVORITE CHICAGO PUBLIC ART PIECE
I love the sculpture at Millennial Park. I can’t recall what they call the sculpture but it’s breathtaking. (Nena’s note, I presume she means Cloud Gate!)
HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED
I want to leave this world a better place. I’m a total empath and I feel people’s pain as though it were my own. Quite honestly, that’s why I started The Fierce 50. It was painful to me to see how women over 50 were treated. I’ve not had that difficult of an experience myself. I believe it’s because people have always thought I was younger than my age. I’ve never ever lied about my age except to get into a bar when I was under age. Other than that, I have always believed that we should be proud of our age and celebrate every moment. I love being a crusader for women over 50. I intend to be on the forefront of ushering in a new paradigm where we are revered for our age and our wisdom, much like they are in the Far East. Every single year is a triumph and a blessing. Plus, we are sending the wrong message to younger generations. They fear getting older when they should embrace it.
WOULD YOU SHARE A FAVORITE RECIPE OR TWO WITH US
I have an incredible homemade spaghetti that I make. It’s to die for and it’s one of my most requested recipes. It’s called Sensational Spaghetti http://www.food.com/recipe/sensational-spaghetti-sauce-109761 and I also make a homemade pot roast that’s killer. It cooks for hours so the meat falls apart. I was a vegetarian for awhile and I was sick all the time. I had to add meat back into my diet. I work for a nutrition company that’s on the cutting edge of superfood nutrition. I’m a big believer in healing from the inside out and also finding balance in your life. I don’t believe in diets or restriction. I believe in moderation in everything! I used to have a sweet tooth and was an addict. It’s completely gone now finding superfood nutrition. I start every day with a vegan dairy free chai meal replacement shake. It’s my greatest health secret.
CATHERINE’S BEEF POT ROAST
Urban Outfitters black and white check crop top and pants, Cult Gaia bag, Zara shoes and sunglasses, French Kande necklaces
CATHERINE’S SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION
Blog: http://www.CatherineGraceO.com
Radio: Cat & Kaehler
Cat & Kaehler Show Page: http://www.latalkradio.com/content/cat-kaehler
Archives on are this page as well
iTunes: search Cat & Kaehler
Instagram and Twitter: @catherinegraceo
Facebook: CatherineGraceO
Facebook: Fierce 50 Revolution Group Public Group
Newsletter: http://catherinegraceo.com/newsletter-sign-up/
BLOGS CATHERINE FOLLOWS
http://www.TheMiddlePageBlog.com
Michael R. Hawley
Here not only a great article but Michael’s career timeline. Chicago Tribune.
Michael gave me this magnificent textile pillow when he was Vice Presiden/General Manager of Saks Fifth Avenue, Chicago. I treasure this magnificent addition to my pillow collection primarily because he made it and most of all that he thought enough of me to share his creation with me!
Cover of Women’s Wear Daily for Bloomingdale’s SoHo Opening.
Chicago Magazine piece 2006
Skin Dimemsoms Team.
Cheering on the Bloomingdale’s SoHo team.
Having fun at a black tie gala.
I am mad for “original” recipes, Michael’s well used orginial copy from Cincinnati newspaper. Sounds yummy, enjoy!!!
Michael’s grandparents, his grandfather, the well driller.
My current most favorite photo of Michael taken in New York.
A treasured photo that hung on the “designer wall of fame” in my office. The criteria was that you had at least made a personal appearance in the Store. It is now part of the Nena Ivon Archives at Columbia College Chicago and I am using it with their permission.
Maybe if we look very closely we can find me in the audience….this coat was very typical of the Trigère look (I remember having many conversations with her about her major regret of not “licensing” her coats. She wanted to keep complete control over her garments, rightly so.) You could always identify a Trigère garment it had her creativity all over it.
Her signature coat, it spells PAULINE TRIGÈRE! Two of my coats are in the Columbia College Chicago Fashion Study Collection, one in a royal purple mohair and the other in a cranberry wool with wide notched collar.
In her workroom working on a garment draping and cutting into the fabric which she then turned over to her pattern maker…you are looking at a genius at work. Image from Pinterest, photo credit unknown.
The finale of her 50th Anniversary Show 1992. The finale was a retrospective of her collections. It was a huge hit with the audience at a private club in Chicago. We did a show for the Club for many years. Photo courtesy of the Nena Ivon Archives at Columbia College Chicago, 
In her red room surrounded by items she created for Gold Violin. Pinterest photo credit unknown.
From New York’s Designer Walk of Fame.
Pauline and Nena at the Mayfair Regent in the main floor lounge. I did many events coordinating with the then PR guru of the Hotel, Biba Roesch as well as many dinners in the Hotel’s Ciel Bleu restaurant, still miss it! This photo was taken at one of the breakfasts with designers we did. Informal get togethers with personalities who would share their stories….always fascinating. I think it’s time to do this again, any takers!!!!???? Photo courtesy of the Nena Ivon Archives at Columbia College Chicago.
What got me thinking about shell art was this group of shell-encrusted boxes found outside at the May Randolph Street Market, 
The top of a box from my friend, Virginia Heaven’s, collection. Virginia’s collections are very eclectic and inspired. I have shared some in past posts and will share more as we continue my journey. Photo courtesy of Virginia Heaven.
Two boxes I found on Pinterest, photo credit unknown. Aren’t they stunning!!!
A Sailors’ Valentine, exquisite, I particularly love the shading and the softness of the pastel shells. Sailors’ Valentines could be an entire post, there are so many and so many different stories about their origins, I would suggest the two books below if you wish to investigate this subject.
One of my favorite images…it is truly a work of art.
Isn’t she a beauty!! Many, many more images on Pinterest.
And when you Google this is what you can find…just a taste of what goes into cameo shells and cameos. Taken from a Google search.
A faux shell from the collection of Kevin G, whose booth The Red Leopard Crocodile, (found each month at RSM in the Ballroom) is always filled with magical objects concentrating on vintage handbags and jewelry. Photo taken by me with my iPhone.
Sally shared a watercolor of a nautilus shell that hangs in her home, stunning! Photo courtesy of Sally Schwartz.
Stephanie’s nautilus shells on brass branches, one of a pair.
The piece surrounded by Stephanie’s unique necklaces in her showroom. Both photos courtesy of Stephanie Lake.
Oh my, one can, most certainly, see the Tony Duquette influence in these elegantly created pieces. Photos courtesy of Candace Jordan.
One of the most beautiful books you can own if you don’t be sure to add it to your collection.
From the Hutton Wilkenson Collection. We haven’t even touched on Coral…that can be another time.
A chair from the genius of Tony Duquette.
And from the genius of Alexander McQueen, there are no words!!!!
Using shells like fabric petals.
Another Alexander McQueen creation.
And the back of the garment.
I think from Tony Duquette but am not sure of the source, just know I love the look.
Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. Pinterest photo credit unknown.
I probably like this photo because it gives me the feeling of infinity as I look through the trees. I am mad for the canopy the branches make. I presume in a European garden, image from Pinterest photo credit unknown.
These three images from Grant Park South of Adams between Michigan Avenue and the railway tracks.
Another European garden with facing rows of hedges and a magnificent canopy of wisteria!!! Love this photo found on Pinterest photo credit unknown.
Not really an allée, but probably my favorite photo that I took in the Southern garden of the Art Insitute of Chicago. Glorious in any season and a perfect place of peace in our hectic City!
The Gown
I just don’t get this outfit on Halsey….did she forget her top…the skirt and sandals I quite like but if we are going in our bra let’s make it an interesting one!!!!
I really liked this by Giambattista Valli (I did a show with him with him several years ago with his ready-to-wear collection, he was a delight to work with, very shy and OMG so very talented) The gown is young, very fashion forward and, in my opinion right on trend to attract a new Couture client or for that matter any fashionista. How one is going to handle the trains (lots of them on every red carpet this season) heaven only knows.
Pure movie star glamour by Gucci.
And wearing Vivianne Westwood’s handpainted “Unicorn” gown. We have seen Elle grow up on screen now we are seeing her make the red carpet her own with great aplomb!
I don’t know the actress nor the designer, but interesting none the less, obviously making a MAJOR statement, how does one sit in this!!!
And we end with this and why not…Fun or Freaky. I tend to Fun…from Maison Margiela and worn by Li Yuchun.
Balenciaga evening dress with cape in silk gazar 1961 a gift of Mrs. George Connor, 1985.
An iconic piece, evening coat in wool gabardine and silk taffeta, 1950. Gift of Mrs. Kathleen Catlin (Fashion Director at Marshall Field’s) in 1985. Both photos above courtesy of the Chicago History Museum Costume Collection.
As photographed by Irving Penn for Vogue. Be sure to see the Irving Penn Exhibition to celebrate his Centennial at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York through July 30 (you can visit it and the Rei Kawakubo Exhibition at the same time….you will definitely need wine and a sit down after!!! And, of course, get books on both exhibitions, you know I will!!!)
Pteridomania: the Victorian fern craze probably from 1837 to early 1900’s. A magnificent solarium in a Victorian home with ferns and palms.
A closeup of the detail on my fern stand.
A fern fossil, they have been on Earth for over 300 million years, imagine!!!!!
Covers of two vintage books on ferns. The covers alone are display worthy. Look for special vintage books at Randolph Street Market this Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27 from 10 to 5. In addition, the Printer’s Row Lit Fair is Saturday and Sunday, June 10 and 11.
Fiddlehead ferns, see the bottom of the post for a fiddlehead fern recipe, no longer in season, but have at the ready for next year or you can substitute asparagus!
The beauty of nature in a fern frond!
Ferns in the garden photo taken by Tom Mantel this week, glorious.
A beautiful closeup from the same garden also a photograph by Tom Mantel.
Two photos of another variety from the same garden and same photographer.
The Chicago Garfield Park Conservatory Fern Room.
From Carolyne Roehm’s garden, she is a genius with decor and gardens and thankfully shares her expertise with us in her many books…love everything she does!
Image from Pinterest photo credit unknown.
Another photo from Pinterest…love this variety.
Wallpaper image also from Pinterest photo credit unknown.
And a fern botanical fabric also Pinterest, photo credit unknown.
I am mad for this image…so much so I am using it as my screen saver on my iPhone!
Another solarium, let’s move in!!!
A silver wine caddy, yes, please!
Or pearl handle fern engraved flatware.
Or perhaps a handpainted piece of Limoges…
Or a beautiful Majolica pitcher.
A wonderful Philip Tracey hat, yes, I know a bit of a stretch….
A Vogue photo of John Galliano Dior Haute Couture Fall 2006 (I saw that Collection in Paris, it was magnificent) next to another fern variety, isn’t it a beauty!
Not necessary fern botanicals but a look you can emulate when you collect your prints.
From my collection of Botanical prints (along with other “paper”) that I collect from the Randolph Street Market vendor, Paper Patty, located on the Third Floor, don’t miss the vendors up there, it is the first place I stop each month! My photo.
My favorite of all, it looks like lace! Again from Pinterest credit unknown.