Summer in the City

Wednesday, July 6, 2016


While it's nice to escape the City for a little adventure, there is also something to be said about spending the summer in the city. Whether it involves a glass of wine at the new Thomspon Hotel rooftop bar, a walk along Alki Beach at sunset, or a bit of shopping at University Village, there is just something magical about a summer in Seattle. The days are longer, the sun shines bright (most days) and the light breeze off Puget Sound calls for off the shoulder dresses, bags that pop with color, ballet flats and unique jewelry.


Off the shoulder dresses are so on trend this summer, and this is one trend I am seriously loving. I am not one to always follow trends, as I tend towards more classic. But once in awhile a trend catches my eye that's worth investing in and I deem off the shoulder dresses as one of those. Super flattering, perfect for a hot/humid day and easy to transition from day to night, this dress is definitely a classic. 

Showing a little skin since the mid-1800's, the off the shoulder dress has been in and out of fashion since. With almost 200 years of wear by the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Kate Middleton and even Napolean's Spanish-born Empress Eugenie, the off the shoulder dress is here to stay and definitely an essential addition for every closet.

This off the shoulder chambray dress from ATID is particularly on point. ATID is an LA based brand that believes in staple, classic pieces to be worn year round. Designed and manufactured in Los Angeles, California, this 100% cotton, off the shoulder Carmine dress is my summer go-to and currently available in my Poshmark closet. Poshmark is the #1 app for buying and selling fashion and if you use code HDPMM when you sign up you'll get $5 off your first order! 


For a little pop of color to my outfit, I added the sleek and modern Verona Medium Grab Handle Bag c/o mywalit, an Italian brand of designer leather goods. I love the roominess of this bag for all my summer essentials (chapstick, sunscreen, phone, bottled water . . .) and the subtle slip pockets for maximum organization. The Napa leather is buttery soft and the optional leather strap allows an easy transition from tote to cross-body, something super key for strolling the city or attending a music festival. And how cute are the pops of orange and yellow on the inside of this bag?!

Founded in 2005 in Lucca, Italy and renowned for creativity and fun, mywalit bags are whimsical, colorful and innovative. For my Seattle locals, you can visit Pirkko, a downtown boutique near the Pike Place Market to check out mywalit's collection. You can also shop directly on the mywalit website and take advantage of the mywalit summer sale with items up to 50% off! And don't forget to mention code LUCCA2016 for a discount on the mywalit website! Time to add those pops of color!



I adore a unique piece of statement jewelry and this hand-sculpted clay cylinder necklace in blue speck c/o Surface Handmade is the perfect necklace for summer. Surface Handmade is a Richmond-based line of polymer clay accessories designed and produced by Jacqueline Davis; featuring minimal shapes, unique patterns, and one of a kind style. I love the cylinder necklace for an addition to almost any summer outfit, and I plan to style mine all summer long with off the shoulder dresses, midi dresses and chambray dresses. It is such a gorgeous statement piece for summer!

You can find Surface Handmade at Need Supply, the Surface Handmade website, and/or if you happen to be in the area, at one of these shows:

Richmond, Virginia - Quirk Gallery (July 9, 2016)
San Francisco, California - Renegade (July 16 & 17, 2016)
Seattle, Washington - Renegade (July 23 & 24, 2016)
Portland, Oregon - Renegade (July 30 & 31, 2016)



These Repetto ballet flats were my very first Poshmark purchase. I absolutely adore gold for summer and during my recent interview with Ken Downing, Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus, I was also wearing gold shoes and he told me gold was super in! Bring on the gold!

Ballet flats are a great alternative to the sandal in summer. Sometimes city sidewalks and streets just don't agree with an open toe and lack of coverage, so the Repetto ballet flat has become my go to. In 1956, on Brigitte Bardot's dream, Rose Repetto created the cendrillon ballerina as comfortable as a ballet shoe, but much more appealing and feminine. And who doesn't want to walk in the same shoes as Brigitte Bardot?!



Outfit Details:

ATID Carmine Off the Shoulder Dress

mywalit Verona Medium Grab Handle Bag c/o

Surface Handmade Cylinder Necklace c/o

Repetto Ballet Flats

Marc Jacobs Sunglasses (similar)


Shop My Summer in the City Outfit:





Photography: Maggie Bradshaw Photography



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