Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress!

Tis the Season! It's the first giveaway of the holiday season and it's a good one! This beauty giveaway is worth over $300 and includes facial scrubs, serums, a cleansing oil, lip treatment, gift cards and more! I'm all about gifting the love this holiday season and this one is a gift to all you beauty lovers out there!

What You'll Win:

• European Wax Center $60 Gift Card
• European Wax Center Smooth Me Ingrown Hair Serum 1.7 fl oz
• European Wax Center Restoring Serum 0.5 fl oz
• Julep Love Your Bare Face Hydrating Cleansing Oil 1.5 fl oz 
• Julep Your Lip Addiction Tinted Lip Oil Treatment in Crave 0.15 oz
• DevaCurls How to Quit Shampoo Kit for Hydrated Natural Curls, Kit Includes: No-Poo Decadence 8oz, One Condition Decadence 8oz & SuperCream 3oz 
• HUM Nutrition Collagen POP
• Sebamed Moisturizing Body Lotion 6.8 fl oz
• Dessange Paris Top Coat Serum for Color-treated Hair 3.4 fl oz
• Indigo Wild Zum Face Rosemary-Mint & Walnut Sugar Facial Scrub 4 oz
• Bang Beauty Dolce Pink Cream Color 
• Redken Color Extend Travel Size Shampoo 1.7 fl oz
• Redken Color Extend Travel Size Conditioner 1 fl oz
• NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner in Brooklyn Thorn
• NYC  Liquid Lipshine Lip Gloss in Nude York City
• Jesse's Girl Lipstick in Victoria
• Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen Lavender Lemon 1 Stick Pack
• Free 20-Minute Facial at Aveda
• $1 off any service at Brow Arc
• Colleen Rothschild Dual Enzyme Polish, travel size
• Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm, travel size
• Dermalogica Precleanse travel size
• Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel, Travel Size Samples x3
• Caviar Anti-Aging Miracle Multiplying Volume Mist, Travel Size Sample x2
• Nomaterra Malibu honeysuckle Fragrance Wipe 
• Nomaterra Oahu gardenia Fragrance Wipe
• Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Perfecting Wand Sample
• Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator Water-in-Oil Sample
• Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick Samples
• Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick Sample
• and more!

Total Beauty Giveaway Value Over $300!

Gift Guide: Fashion Lover Bohème

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress!

Bohème ~ "a person with artistic or literary interests who disregards conventional standards of behavior." 

Still seeking a gift this holiday season for a fashionista friend or loved one who dreams of days in a hippie chic atmosphere, such as Ibiza, and prefers an alternative crowd of artists, musicians, beatniks and creatives? This gift guide is for you!

In this Gift Guide: Fashion Lover Bohème, find gifts that have that special bohème vibe for those fashionistas that move to their own beat and follow their own path. These gifts are perfect for the free spirit fashionista in your life!

Gift Guide: Host & Entertain

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress!

Today's gift guide is dedicated to all things hosting and entertaining. If you've still got that person on your list who adores hosting a cocktail party or girls brunch, or is just thrilled at the idea of entertaining a house full of friends and family, this gift guide is your new go-to-friend this holiday season.

From flutes for sipping champagne, to a folding tray for all things cocktails, to a retro style mixer that is as eye pleasing in the kitchen as useful for baking delicious treats, each of these gift ideas is sure to please and delight the hostess and entertainer.

Gift Guide: Beauty Lover

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress! 

Beauty lover in your life and still searching for the perfect gift? Look no further! I've curated the perfect selection of gifts in this year's beauty lover gift guide for anyone who delights at just the idea of opening a gift of beauty, skincare, perfume or nail polish!

From a beauty silk sleep mask to my favorite holiday value kits and holiday exclusives, these beauty gifts are also on my own holiday wish list (oh Santa, please leave me that Chanel Rouge Coco Pink under the tree!)

These gifts are perfect for beauty lovers!

Gift Guide: JetSet & Wanderlust

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress! 

It's Gift Guide #2 of this holiday season! For this gift guide, I included fewer, better gift ideas perfect for the wanderers, jetsetters and travelers in your life, or even for those with just wanderlust in their hearts.

I was inspired by my travels of this past year, including global destinations of Amsterdam, Athens and the Greek Islands of Naxos, Paros & Santorini, as well as our more local Pacific Northwest destinations that included the Oregon Coast, Tacoma, the North Cascades and Camano Island.

These gifts pair perfectly with travels to near and far!

Gift Guide: Hygge & Home

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress! 

It's gift guide time! Starting today, with a holiday gift guide for hygge and home, I'll share a new gift guide each day for those special people in your life. Whether friends, family, co-workers or loved ones or yourself(!), I've done my best to find those fewer, better things this season that are sure to delight the gift receiver.

The Timeless Camel Hair Coat: That Simple, Beautiful Coat You've Always Wanted

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Items gifted & sent for editorial consideration are marked c/o. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress!

Ulla Johnson Silk Dress (similar) | Fluerette of California for Nordstrom Gallery Camel Hair Wool Coat (vintage, similar) | Christian Dior Vintage Trotter Pattern Double Saddle Bag | Vionic Nellie Mule c/o | Guess Sunglasses

The timeless camel coat is that simple, beautiful coat you've always wanted. It's perfect for transitioning dresses from fall to winter and a season essential if you prefer simplicity.

In a day when the loss of Phoebe Philo from Céline (with an é) has us craving classic, roomy silhouettes, an oversized Camel Hair Wool Coat becomes this season's must-have investment piece.

Shop This Post:

Fall Into Autumn With These 3 Trends

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress!

Uniqlo U Crewneck Long-Sleeve Sweatshirt | Trina Turk Pleated Skirt (sold out, similar) | Vintage Frye Cowboy Boots (similar) | Vintage Bag (thrifted, similar) | Cole Haan Aviator Sunglasses

Oh hello November!! It's nice to see you again! I can't believe it's already time to enjoy the last bits of Fall and start preparing for the holidays. Do you have any fun plans for the holiday season?  I can't wait to bake cookies, decorate our home, spend time with friends and family and enjoy some holiday shopping!

However, before I get ahead of myself and into the holidays, I want to make sure to enjoy one of my favorite seasons, Fall! There is still officially a month and a half of the fall season and I want to do all I can to breath in the crisp autumn air, dance through leaf piles and truly enjoy sweater weather and boots season.

I am particularly a fan of the fall season for the fashion. Sweaters, boots, denim and layers all season long for the win please! This fall I am particularly loving three trends that I just happened to already have in my closet and you might too! If not, I've got a few suggestions for easy additions to your wardrobe.

It's so easy to fall into autumn with these 3 trends!

Shop This Post:

Fall Fashion Trends With Savers Value Village & Giveaway!

Hello Fall! This time of year is one of my favorites. I just love the season of beautiful changing colored leaves, sunshine, crisp air, apple picking, cider donuts and pumpkin spice! It also means it's time for fall fashion and boots, coats and sweater weather. Bring on the layers!

Over the weekend, I visited my favorite local thrift store, Value Village™, to update my fall wardrobe with some budget friendly finds. Value Village has a few different brands, so depending on where you live, you might also know them as Savers® or Unique® Thrift. All are fabulous for scoring some thrift treasures!

Since high school, I have been thrifting at Value Village for their great value and selection. From Abercrombie pants in high school to Patagonia fleeces in college to vintage in my 20's, Value Village has always been my go-to place to shop for unique, fashionable, high quality, customizable and budget friendly clothing at a price point my bank account doesn't cry over. This season, Value Village is my go-to for fall fashion trends!

With over 100,000 items on the sales floor and thousands of quality items arriving daily, I can pretty much guarantee I'll score some great deals from their amazing selection. Seriously, there are incredible deals, unique finds and treasures at every turn!

Want to score some of your own fall fashion finds from Value Village?! I am so excited to offer you the chance to win a $50 gift card to Savers Value Village to go shopping for some your own fall fashion treasures (all the details and enter to win at the end of this post!)

How I Beat Jetlag With a Spa Day at Penelope and the Beauty Bar

Thank you Penelope and the Beauty Bar for partnering on this post and graciously providing a RENEW treatment and spa day. All thoughts are my own!

I spent much of my summer and now into fall traveling. Between weddings on Eastern Standard Time and our honeymoon in Amsterdam and Greece, my internal clock was a mess. I couldn't tell 3am from 9pm or 1pm from 11pm and every time I boarded a plane crossing time zones, jet lag would hit me once more.

I've always been one to struggle with time zone changes and I absolutely hate that. Which is why I was so excited to discover what I have deemed the perfect way to beat jet lag (disclaimer: this worked for me, but I am by no means an expert on jet lag and this is not a professional medical opinion.)

Following our honeymoon in Greece, I was invited by Penelope and the Beauty Bar to enjoy a spa day with a full relaxing RENEW treatment that included a full body exfoliation, followed by a soothing body wrap and concluding with a customized European facial. 

A Pacific Northwest Walk in the Woods w/ JaM Cellars

Thank you JaM Cellars for sponsoring this post. Looking for JaM Cabernet and Butter Chardonnay near you? Check out their easy-to-use Store Locator! Just pop in your zip code and the wines will be waiting!

Can you believe tomorrow is the last day of Summer 2018? I can hardly believe it! It seems like just yesterday my hubby and I were departing for our honeymoon in the Greek Islands as summer began. Now, Autumnal equinox is on the horizon and there is just one sunset and one sunrise to mark the start of Fall.

For one last fleeting Summer adventure I headed out for a Pacific Northwest walk in the woods with JaM Cellars. Spending time in nature is always on my #SummerBucketList. I find such inspiration away from the cement world because, really, nature is the original designer and the perfect spot for creativity.

Off to the Movies!

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Items gifted & sent for editorial consideration are marked c/o. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress!

Tomas Maier x Uniqlo Dress (sold out, similar) | mywalit Bruges Flapover Cross Body Bag c/o | Pagonis Handmade Greek Sandals (similar) | Jennifer Fisher Earrings (sold out, similar) | Timex Crystal Bloom Watch c/o | Cole Haan Aviator Sunglasses

Are you a fan of going to the movies? I have such a love for a going to see films at classic movie theaters. The Admiral Theatre in West Seattle was recently remodeled and is the perfect spot for catching new flicks; while enjoying bags of salty, butter popcorn and old candy favorites.

My one dilemma when I go to the movies, other than what kind of candy I want to get, is what to wear. I often get so cold in the movies, anyone else?! Also, I always worry about the what I might find on me once I take my seat (I see you kid who smashed your gum and stuck that chocolate candy to your seat when you left!)

When I spotted this dress as part of the recent Tomas Maier x Uniqlo collaboration, I knew it was the perfect dress for catching a flick and added it immediately to my shopping cart and closet.

Shop This Post:

Essential End of Summer Playlist That Pairs Perfectly w/ Butter Chardonnay

Thank you JaM Cellars for sponsoring this post. Find ButterCans by popping in your zip code in the JaM Store Locator!

It's that time of year when the sun is shining, the air is beginning to get crisp and dressing in layers is key. The end of summer and beginning of fall is a beautiful time of year and one of my favorites in Seattle. Saturday is Autumn equinox and while I have to admit I'm a tiny bit hesitant to wish the season of heat and sunshine away, I am also looking forward to what the next season will bring.

I particularly love this time of year for exploring my own City. Summer brings the crowds, tourists and hot weather. Yes, in fact Seattle does have a hot summer! This year we had a record breaking heat wave and many days in the upper 80s and 90s! End of summer means the thinning of crowds and cooler temperatures for escapades.

Whenever I decide I want to head out on an exploration, whether it be for just a few hours or a full day trip, I like to make a play list to go along with that adventure. I'm a huge music lover and enjoy a range of genres from 70s folk to 90s hip hop.

Today, I'm excited to share with you my Essential End of Summer Playlist that pairs perfectly w/ Butter Chardonnay, more specifically brand new ButterCans from JaM Cellars, as well as any fleeting days of summer adventure!

Closet Must Have: Globally Influenced Designer Ulla Johnson Dresses

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Items gifted and sent for editorial consideration are marked c/o. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress! 

Ulla Johnson Dress (sold out, similar) | St Agni Henni Leather Slides | Christian Dior Slip (vintage, similar) | Kenneth Jay Lane Earrings (sold out, similar) | Guess Cat Eye Sunglasses | Woven Tote Bag (thrifted, similar) | Gold Shell Pin (thrifted, similar)

If you follow me over on Instagram, you might have noticed a slight obsession I've had lately. Specifically, I'm absolutely loving the dreamy dresses of Ulla Johnson and consider them a closet must have. Including the dress featured in this post, I've also featured another favorite Ulla Johnson dress over on the 'gram that I wore pretty much everywhere during our recent honeymoon in Greece (honeymoon photos coming soon!)

I've even got a third Ulla Johnson dress I picked up at the recent Net-a-Porter sale I plan to wear next week to Fashion Week at The Bellevue Collection (photos of that dress also coming soon I promise, because it is just too beautiful. Hint: it's silk and gold!)

New York based Designer Ulla Johnson (born and raised in Manhattan) is one of those designers where everything she designs turns to a piece of clothing out of your dreams. Raised by archeologists, her style is inspired by the global travels of her childhood and the streets of New York she knows so well.

Beautiful prints, detailed embroideries, natural fibers and fine tailoring are what you can count on when adding a piece of Ulla Johnson to your closet. Think luxe bohemian, breezy yet refined, silk and cotton dresses that become instant closet classics.

Shop This Post:

A Weekend Getaway to Camano Island

Thank you Go Whidbey Camano for partnering on this post and graciously providing brunch, a wine tasting and overnight accommodations on Camano Island. Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link & make a purchase. Products gifted are marked c/o. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress! All thoughts are my own!

Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Seamless Parka | Outdoor Voices 7/8 Spring Leggings | Cuyana Small Carryall Tote | Uniqlo Heattech Turtleneck T-Shirt | Brooks Heritage Sneakers c/o (sold out, similar) | Cole Haan Aviator Sunglasses | Ana Luisa Earrings c/o (similar)

Once an island girl, always an island girl! I grew up looking at Camano Island, just across Puget Sound from Whidbey Island, the island I grew up on. With just the Saratoga Passage separating the two islands, I am almost ashamed to admit I had yet to visit until very recently.

Just a short drive off the mainland, sleepy and beautiful Camano Island is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive north of Seattle on Interstate 5. Separated from the mainland by a sliver of water, Camano Island is the perfect destination for a weekend island getaway.

I recently partnered with Go Whidbey Camano for a weekend adventure on Camano and was so grateful to finally have some time to explore this picturesque Pacific Northwest island. With a handful of restaurants, a few country style grocery stores, two beautiful state parks, easy beach access, fascinating fine art galleries and breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, Camano Island is a treasure island getaway.

Shop This Post:

Tips for Reusing and Rewearing Your Wedding Day Jewelry and Accessories Beyond Your Big Day

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link & make a purchase. Products gifted are marked c/o. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress! All thoughts are my own!

Target Cold-Shoulder Floral Maxi Dress (sold out, similar) | BHLDN Yates Stole | BHLDN Crystal Clutch (sold out, similar) | Badgley Mischka Dawn Crystal Back D'Orsay Pump c/o | Marc Jacobs Sunglasses (sold out, similar)

I can't believe it's already been almost a year since S and I got married! It's been such a beautiful year and I wake up so grateful every single day for marrying the love of my life. We just got back from our Honeymoon in the Greek Islands (post coming soon!) and we are currently planning our 1 year anniversary, eek!

I also can't believe it's been a year since we were wedding planning. For the year leading up to our wedding, planning for the big day pretty much consumed all we did from choosing my dress to creating our website to putting together a wedding day emergency kit.

After choosing my dream wedding dress, on the to do list was to choose my wedding day accessories and jewelry. One thing that was really important to me in choosing what I wore for tying the knot was choosing not to wear things I would only wear for a few hours on one day of my life and then just put in a box somewhere and maybe pull out every now and then for nostalgia.

As such, I really took into consideration what I would wear alongside my dress and made a plan for incorporating them into my wardrobe after the big day. And today, I'm sharing those tips with you!

Tips for Reusing Your Wedding Day Jewelry & Accessories Beyond Your Big Day ~

Shop This Post:

Curate a Sustainable Closet and Save Money with Summer Thrifting

Thank you Value Village for graciously coordinating a shopping excursion to my local Value Village for some Summer thrifting! Items gifted and sent for editorial consideration are marked c/o. Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link & make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress!

Pineapple Moon Palm Tree Shirt c/o Value Village (thrifted, similar) | Oat + Fawn Shorts c/o Value Village (thrifted, similar) | Johnston & Murphy Jules Lace-Up Sneaker c/o | Target Blocked Panama Hat | Marc Jacobs Sunglasses (sold out, similar) | Market Net Bag

It's the season of sunshine! And it is seriously hot hot hot here in Seattle. We will be at, above or close to 90 degrees Fahrenheit for at least the next week. Definitely not complaining though, as I personally love the heat and sunshine.

However, to keep things cool as the thermometer turns up and to make sure I don't get too roasty toasty (as our home does not have A/C) , I plan to enjoy lots of iced coffee, seek out spots with A/C, and, of course, head to the beach in my summer wardrobe favorites!

For my summer and beach wardrobe, I am all about thrifting. It's a great way to save money for summer adventures and also an easy way to curate a more sustainable closet and lower my clothing footprint. Secondhand clothing is the most sustainable clothing because it already exists! Win-Win for the planet. Win-Win for my bank account. Win-Win for my summer wardrobe!

Shop This Post:

Opt Outside: 5 Essential Items For Exploring Your Local Parks This Summer

This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.com.

Summer is the perfect time for taking advantage of summer weather, stepping outside and enjoying local parks! I have long been a lover of City parks, both large and small. Parks offer a refuge amidst the hustle and bustle of traffic and people, a place to catch a glimpse of nature in an otherwise cement world, a spot to enjoy a swim, walk, hike and bit of sunshine or shade, depending on the day.

Parks are the perfect location for a picnic, gathering of friends or breath of fresh air. I like to think of each park I visit as a little haven to be discovered by the visitor passing through. From New York's Central Park to San Francisco's Golden Gate Park to Seattle's Alki Beach, every City park is unique and worth a wander.

Whenever I am in a new City I love to visit at least one new park. In addition to the opportunity to spend time outdoors, I also find parks offer some of the best places for people watching and enjoying the local culture.

Seattle has over 485 parks and 3 are in walking distance from my house in the West Seattle neighborhood. In just these 3 parks I can find hiking trails, a community garden, a dog park, tennis courts, ball fields, playgrounds and a spray park the neighborhood kids love!

A few of my favorite Seattle parks include Golden Gardens, Alki Beach, Green Lake, Volunteer Park, Lincoln Park, Seward Park and Westcrest Park. All these, plus many others, are well worth a visit if you live (or find yourself!) in Seattle, particularly during the beautiful Seattle summer season.

Whenever I'm planning on heading outside to explore one of my local parks in summer, I always make sure to prepare with 5 essential items to make my experience even more enjoyable, which I'm sharing with you today!

July Beauty Edit: Skincare Favorites for Summer

Disclosure: This post includes sponsored product placement by VIIcode.  Items gifted and sent for editorial consideration are marked c/o. Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase.  Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress!

VIIcode T2 Oxygen Eye Cream c/o  | Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser | Zum Face Gentle Facial Toner c/o | Herbivore Botanicals Lapis Facial Oil | Tula Hydrating Day and Night Cream c/o | Kopari Coconut Melt c/o | Izipizi Sun Nautic King Blue Sunglasses c/o | Straw Tote (thrifted, similar) | Greek Beach Towel (similar)

Oh hello summer! The sun is shining, iced coffee is the order of choice, bikinis are emerging from the back of closets and jet-setters are leaving on summer holidays. Summer is pure bliss in my humble opinion.

However, summer also means a change in both outdoor and indoor temperatures (hello Heat to AC and back to heat), a change in humidity and spending more time outdoors in the sunshine, which all tend to affect my skin. As such, a skincare seasonal change is necessary.

From a cleanser made with whole cucumbers to an eye cream that's been a royal secret for over 2 centuries, today I'm sharing a July beauty edit of my current skincare favorites for summer. With colors inspired by the blue and green waters of the Aegean Sea from my recent Honeymoon in the Greek Islands (post coming soon!), these beauty and skincare products, just like summer and Greece, are pure bliss!

Shop This Post:

Lighten Your Footprint When You Travel With Samsonite ECO-Flex

Thank you Samsonite for sponsoring this post.

Samsonite ECO-Flex 20" Expandable Spinner ~ 32 Recycled Plastic Bottles were used to make the fabric for this bag!

I am always looking for ways to lighten my environmental footprint when I travel. From what I pack, to how and where I travel, I am always considering how it might impact our planet. I love that I can now walk (fly, bus, drive, sail, travel . . .) more softly with Samsonite's ECO-Flex line.

Known for durability and reliability, Samsonite is launching something completely new! The ECO-Flex line, part of the ECO-Nu line, has fabric made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Both good for the environment and thoughtfully designed with the traveler in mind, Samsonite Eco-Flex Spinner Luggage is a great way to lighten your footprint when you travel!

I recently took my Samsonite ECO-Flex 20" Expandable Spinner (with fabric made from 32 recycled plastic bottles!) for a "spin" to Fauntleroy in West Seattle. The Fauntleroy Ferry Dock serves both Vashon Island and Southworth, providing numerous opportunities for a day or weekend trip on Puget Sound or the Olympic Peninsula.

Georgetown Bohème

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Items gifted and sent for editorial consideration are marked c/o. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress!

Calypso St. Barth Dress (sold out, similar) | Want Les Essentials Shoulder Bag (sold out, similar) | Aritzia Talula Cardigan Sweater (sold out, similar) | With 212 Bleeker Satchel Bag c/o Ivory Clasp | Target Rancher Hat (sold out, similar) | Nickel & Suede Champagne Shimmer Leather Earrings c/o | The Shine Project Bracelets c/o | Nine West Pumps (sold out, similar)

Tucked away, just off the main street of the historic Georgetown neighborhood in Seattle, is a little known haven for unique and one of a kind goods from collectors, independent artists, designers and makers. The Georgetown Trailer Park Mall is one of my favorite spots in Seattle for a weekend shopping trip.

Each trailer houses a permanent, independently run shop. With a mission of the promotion and advancement of sustainable, locally-sourced, up-cycled, reused and handmade products, the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall is well worth a stop for some treasure hunting.

Combine a shopping trip to Georgetown Trailer Park Mall with brunch at the Hangar Cafe, record browsing at Georgetown records, a visit to an art gallery and a stop at Fran's Chocolates, and you've got yourself the perfect Georgetown Saturday Bohème!

bohème ~ "A person with artistic or literary interests who disregards conventional stands of behavior"

Shop This Post:

Photography: Jenn Haskins of HelloRigby

Design a Dream Closet: Tips and Tricks from California Closets and Marie Kondo to Make Your Small Space Stretch

Thank you California Closets for sponsoring this post. 

My husband and I were super lucky and were able to buy a home in the City of Seattle in the Fall of 2015, just before we got engaged. We absolutely love our home in the West Seattle neighborhood of Seattle and we feel so incredibly grateful to have found something in the increasingly insane Seattle real estate market.

Our 1918 (happy Centennial to our house!) 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom 900 sq/ft craftsman-style home is absolutely perfect in so many ways. We are within walking distance of public transportation (15 minute bus ride to downtown!) and 3 parks, and the smaller space means we are doing our part to live a more sustainable lifestyle and leave a smaller environmental footprint. We were able to find something within City limits and adore our neighborhood. We have a backyard and we have more space than our previous loft in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle or our apartment in Half Moon Bay on the California coast.

However, we live in a 1918 house which means the absolute tiniest of closets and we have a grand total of 2 closets, one in each bedroom, and no coat closet. So, while we were lucky that our home was move-in-ready upon purchase, re-doing our closets is at the top of our our to-do-list to make our home more functional, because I am the first to admit that I love beautiful clothing, bags, shoes, etc and need the space to store and display them!

As such, I am so excited to share that I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with California Closets and have an in-person design consultation at the California Closets in Seattle showroom with Design Consultant Michelle Gion. I worked with Michelle to help us design a customized solution for our closets and I'm excited to share with you some tips and tricks I learned, including 5 design tips and tricks from California Closets and Marie Kondo to make your small space stretch!

I Found #mySPFMatch: Olay Regenerist Whip with SPF is Not Your Average Sunscreen

I love sunshine! I love summer and sunshine and if I could, I would spend every bit of the summer season basking in golden rays and barefoot outdoors. I am just loving the current rising temperatures and disappearance of gray in Seattle. Summer is on the way! However, I am the first to admit that even though I know I am spending more time in the sun in the warmer months and know I should wear SPF daily for skin protection, I often go without (Sorry Mom.)

I'm more of a beach-day, poolside or vacation-only kind of SPF gal, like for our upcoming Honeymoon to the Greek Islands in June! When I know I'm going to get those direct rays for hours upon hours, I'm actually decent about applying sunscreen. But daily use? Ha ha ha. Sunscreen is greasy, heavy, smells terrible and makes me breakout. I mean, who would actually want to wear it every day?

Well, I'm so so excited because I've finally found my SPF match!  I've mentioned before my love for Olay Whips, aka the "Unicorn of Moisturizers," and Olay Regenerist Whip with SPF 25 has absolutely changed my perception of wearing sunscreen every day!

You're Invited: Maggie Sottero Pop Up at I Do Bridal and the Story of Finding My Dream Wedding Dress

Thank you Maggie Sottero for sponsoring this post. All thoughts are my own.

Dreams do come true! Today, I'm not only sharing the story of finding my dream wedding dress, but I'm also so excited to finally be able to share that I will be partnering with Maggie Sottero (the designer of my wedding dress!) for a pop up event at I Do Bridal in Seattle (the bridal boutique where I found my dress!) on Friday, May 4, 2018! Brides-to-be, you're invited!

Earth Month: Reuse and Restyle Challenge With Value Village

Thank you Value Village for graciously coordinating a shopping excursion to my local Value Village for an Earth Month Style Challenge! Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link & make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress! 

Thrifted Vintage Liz Claiborne California Dreaming Blouse c/o Value Village (similar) | Thrifted Vintage Plastic Retro Basket c/o Value Village (similar) | Thrifted Callisto of California Shoes c/o Value Village (similar)  | Jag Jeans c/o MyFitCode (sold out, similar) | Moorea Seal Straw Cross-body Bag (similar) | Marc Jacobs Sunglasses (sold out, similar)| BKR Glass Water Bottle

Happy Earth Month! April 2018 is the 48th Anniversary of Earth Month and this Sunday, April 22, is Earth Day! The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970 and is now celebrated in more than 193 countries annually. In 2018, it's more important than ever to demonstrate support for environment protection, responsibility and stewardship of our planet, and work together towards a sustainable future. 

For Earth Month this year, I've partnered with Value Village on a style challenge to style an outfit with thrifted pieces of clothing alongside re-styled pieces from my closet to bring attention to the life-cycle of clothing. Shopping secondhand and consciously curating your wardrobe has a positive impact on the environment and planet and is a super easy way to go green year-round.

Shop This Post:

Photography: Karya Schanilec Photography

Talbots and O, The Oprah Magazine Third Capsule Collection Benefiting Dress for Success

Disclosure: Complimentary product was received from Talbots for this post. Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress! 

Talbots O, The Oprah Magazine Collection for Talbots Stripe Yarn-Dyed Clutch c/o | Talbots Dot Tile Smocked-Neck Cover-Up c/o | Talbots Embroidered Split-Neck Tunic c/o | Talbots Capri Wedges c/o | Summer Hat (sold out, similar) | Ana Luisa Earrings c/o | Basket Bag (thrifted, similar) | Sunglasses (sold out, similar)

It's finally that time of year of spring breaks and summer holidays, aka vacation season! For S and I, that means we are going on our honeymoon! We are so excited for two upcoming weeks at the beginning of summer in the sun and on the sea.

I, of course, am already planning all my honeymoon outfits and doing a bit of pre-summer holiday shopping. Dreams of the Aegean sea and lounging on beach chairs are my current inspiration, with my continued intent of spending 2018 shopping only for good and supporting fashion with causes.

The Talbots x O, The Oprah Magazine third capsule collection benefiting Dress for Success, featuring hero stripes, gingham and embroidered ladybugs, is the perfect summer holiday collaboration.

Shop This Post:

What to Wear When It's 50 Degrees Out: Jeans Are Queen This Season

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress!

Pendleton Turtleneck Sweater (sold out, similar), Frame Denim Jeans (sold out, similar), Donald Pliner Pumps (sold out, similar), Max Mara Jacket (sold out, similar), Basket (thrifted, similar), Cole Haan Sunglasses

We are slowly, slowly transitioning out of the dark of winter and into the light of spring. But really, I am so ready to jump, swing and skip into spring and summer weather. While the calendar says it's spring, the weather outside is still hovering around 50 degrees max with a rain drop or two more likely to appear than a ray of sunshine.

So exactly how do you dress on days when its not quite winter and not quite summer? What do you pull from your closet for those in between days when you're not quite sure if the sun will appear or a rain cloud? What do you wear when it's 50 degrees out?!

The classic sweater and jeans combo is a quintessential style for 50 degrees and cloudy. If the sweater is thick enough, you might even be able to forego a heavier coat in exchange for an anorak, windbreaker or perhaps none at all.

Shop This Post:

Ready, Set #GlowUp: 3 Ways to Glow Head-to-Toe This Year!

2018 is the year I am going to #GlowUp! I am dedicating this year to taking better care of myself, indulging less in the less-than-healthy and embracing a well-rounded well-being. Last year things got a little crazy during wedding planning and as I continue to inch away from 20 and closer to 40 I realize it's time to prioritize taking care of me.

This year I'm going to make some changes to take better care of myself and today in partnership with Olay I'm sharing 3 ways I plan to Grow up and #GlowUp this year. I've reached that point in my life when I realize it's time to 'adult' more and that includes drinking more water, saying goodbye to my favorite sweet treats and taking better care of my skin with the NEW Olay Cleansing Infusions collection.

Dreaming of Gucci and Finding Grateful Dead in Georgetown

Disclosure: Affiliate links are occasionally used throughout this site, which means I might make a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. Items gifted and sent for editorial consideration are marked c/o. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress!

Theory Dress (sold out, similar), Turtleneck Sweater (thrifted - no label, similar), Maison E. Goyard Bag (not available online, similar), Donald Pliner Pumps (sold out, similar), Marc Jacobs Sunglasses (sold out, similar), mywalit Medium Matinee Purse c/o, PORTER Magazine

My favorite way to spend a free day? I pick a Seattle neighborhood I love and spend the day exploring new spots and visiting my favorites. Georgetown in Seattle is one neighborhood I love to visit often. Just south of downtown, this industrial chic neighborhood is filled with hip and underrated restaurants, the cutest shops (there's a trailer park mall!), one of my favorite coffee shops in the City and a fantastic record store perfect for digging through stacks of vinyl.

Shop This Post: