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"

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How to Wear Polka Dots: The Trend That's Suddenly Everywhere

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!

Target Cold Shoulder Polka Dot Maxi Dress | Cuyana Small Carryall Tote | Target A New Day Rancher Hat | Nine West Pumps (sold out, similar) | Jimani Collections Raine Necklace c/o | Cuyana Leather Coin Pouch c/o | Benetton Wool Jacket (vintage, similar)

I have to admit I never thought I would wear polka dots again. However, after witnessing them all over the Fall '17 runways, throughout many Spring '18 collections and now on the racks and street, I have decided to once again embrace the pattern I adored on my dresses as a young girl and pre-teen.

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A Denim Story and a Love Letter

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!

Levi's 501 The Original Button Fly Jean (vintage, similar) | Everlane Cashmere Crew Sweater | Known Supply Customized Tee c/o | Moorea Seal Millie Basket Bag | Courage Coins Necklace c/o | Moorea Seal Sunglasses c/o (sold out, similar) | Nine West Pumps (sold out, similar)

This is a bit of a denim story. It's also a bit of a love letter to a customized tee and an adoration of a soft and lovely cashmere sweater. At the end of winter, with spring on the horizon, I am finding joy in beautiful pieces of clothing that are the softest, the coziest, the comfiest, of the highest quality and fit just so perfectly.

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DIY Dessert Bar: The Month of Love in Paris

Thank you Value Village for partnering on this post and graciously coordinating a shopping excursion to my local Value Village! All opinions are my own!

Is there anything more romantic than spending Valentine's Day and the month of love in Paris?! If you're dreaming of spending the month of love in the city of love and romance, why not create that amorous atmosphere at home for your sweetheart with a Parisian month of love themed DIY dessert bar?

This year for Valentine's Day and the month of love I partnered with Value Village to create a DIY city of love themed dessert bar I surprised my husband with on Valentine's Day, after our dinner out for wood-fired pizza and vino. First we had dinner in Italy, than dessert in Paris! Value Village is the perfect place to pick up holiday and party ready decor that's both good for the environment and great for your wallet!

Roses Say I Love You On Valentine's Day

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of FTD Flowers. All thoughts are my own.

This Valentine's Day is the first year S and I will celebrate Valentine's Day as husband and wife! Although this is our 7th year celebrating Valentine's Day together, somehow this year feels just a bit different celebrating this special day of love as a married couple. Can you believe we've already been married for almost 6 months?!

Every year S makes me feel so loved and special on Valentine's Day. Whether a home cooked meal, a dinner out at a fancy restaurant, or a weekend away, it's always so romantic, full of love and I feel so grateful to call him my best friend, partner and now husband!

One thing that always rings true, no matter how we celebrate Valentine's Day, is S always sends me flowers. My amazing husband knows that a bouquet of flowers, and more specifically long stem red roses, delivered mid-day on Valentine's Day are my favorite surprise and a perfect way to show how much he cares!

HGTV Dream Home 2018: A Pacific Northwest Oasis

The HGTV 2018 Dream Home in Gig Harbor, Washington is truly a DREAM! I recently had the honor to spend the day at the HGTV 2018 Dream Home for the VIP Launch Party and the details of this home are just stunning! At the VIP Launch Party, we enjoyed a lovely brunch with a stunning view and had the day to explore the home.

There are so many perfect dream details in this home and it was so exciting to have the opportunity to meet the interior designer of the home Brian Patrick Flynn! I immediately fell in love with the new streamlined black exterior as we approached the 2018 Dream Home from the driveway, as well as the extended views of Puget Sound. The backyard, with a fire pit and pergola, is perfect for year-round coastal living and breathtaking sunsets.

Olay Whips: The Unicorn of Moisturizers for Winter Skin Problems

Dealing with winter skin problems? Ugh, the worst, and I am so with you! As soon as those temperatures started dropping, I knew that dreaded dry, itchy skin would soon be upon me, and the oh-so-heavy moisturizers required to deal with it that also cause me to breakout, #winterskinproblems. No thank you, so over it.

Did you know that our skin starts to feel the effects of cold weather when temperatures drop below 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit? Also, that central heating reduces air humidity levels to just 20-25%, the same moisture content as the Sahara Desert? No wonder by mid-winter and mid-January our skin is on the defensive!

Which is why I am so excited about the new Olay Whip! Formulated to work and feel different, Olay Whip offers powerful hydration with a smooth matte finish that feels as light as air! Excuse me while I shout from the rooftops, "The weight is over, heavy creams no longer necessary!"

On the Run With Brooks Running

Brooks Running provided items for review. Items gifted and sent for editorial consideration are marked c/o. All opinions my own. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress! 

Brooks Running Levitate Road Running Shoes c/o | Brooks Running Canopy Jacket c/o | Brooks Running Pick-Up Tank c/o | Brooks Running Greenlight Tight c/o | Brooks Running Glycerin Midweight Socks c/o | Brooks Running FineForm Medium Impact Sports Bra c/o

I started running in 7th grade. I honestly cannot remember exactly why I decided I wanted to run, I just know that my middle school self decided that running track and cross country were the sports I would enjoy. I had previously done gymnastics for 7 years, although living on an island meant zero opportunities for competition as a gymnast and I was likely ready to move on.

Running track and cross country at Langley Middle School meant several times during the season getting out of school early and heading off island for a meet, so maybe my 12 year old self just thought that was pretty cool. Whatever the reason, once I started running, I did not stop.

Long Live the Puffer Jacket: It's Puffer 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. Items gifted and sent for editorial consideration are marked c/o. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress!

Everlane Long Puffer Jacket | AYR The Skinny Jeans c/o | Brooks Heritage Fusion Sneakers c/o (sold out, similar) | mywalit Rio Small Zip Top Mini Shoulder Bag c/o | Absurda Belleville Sunglasses c/o | UR Powered Ear Muffs c/o (sold out, similar) | King & Fifth Slouchy Beanie - The Forte c/o | Everlane Wool-Cashmere Rib Scarf

Long live the puffer jacket!

The puffer jacket is an absolute essential item for any and all closets to keep out the cold and chill of the winter season. The old school puffer, typically with a nylon shell and puffed quilted sections filled with insulated material, is one of my favorite cold weather staples. It's also currently trending on the runways and on the streets which means an absolute Win Win cold weather situation! Yay for Puffer Season!

Now available in a rainbow of colors, and a variety of fabrics and styles, the puffer jacket has quickly become an essential item for any closet! They were super hot on the runways of Paris Fall/Winter 2017 Fashion Week, emerging as one of the top outerwear trends. Yay for fashion and function!

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Photography: Karya Schanilec Photography

Apothecary Preparations: Kiehl's New Personalized Skincare Service

Disclosure: Kiehl's provided a product sample for review purposes.

Ever wanted your own personalized skincare formulated just for you? Well now you can make that dream a reality! Kiehl's now offers personalized skincare in all Kiehl's retail stores! I was recently invited by Kiehl's to visit their University Village store in Seattle to try to out Apothecary Preparations, Kiehl's new personalized in-store-only service, and I love how it gives your skin exactly what it needs!

Closet Staple: For the Love of the Trench Coat

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

London Fog Trench Coat, Who What Wear Collection Fit & Flare Little Black Dress | Marc Jacobs Sunglasses (sold out, similar) | Who What Wear Collection Ring Handle Bag (sold out, similar / similar) | Target Merona Margo Pearl Slide Sandals

The trench coat is one of those iconic closet staples that is chic, sophisticated and oh-so versatile. I've gone through numerous versions myself, but always come back to the classic, double-breasted, army inspired version that ties just so perfectly at the waist and hangs just long enough to wear with either flats or heels.

My current version is by London Fog and since purchasing I've been wearing almost daily. On warmer days I like to style it over a little black dress with sandals (like 2 days ago in Seattle when it was over 60 degrees and sunny!) and on colder days with a colorful hoodie (I have a magenta vintage Nike hoodie I thrifted I'm particularly loving right now), skinny jeans and sneakers. It's also great with heels, a pencil skirt and blouse for the workplace.

From Jackie O to Kate Middleton, the classic trench coat has found it's way into chic and polished closets everywhere and for good reason! From rain to sleet to wind to the red carpet, the trench coat has you covered and always looking chic. It is also season-less and timeless; just as perfect for a chilly day in autumn as a rainy day in spring.

Oh for the love of the trench coat!

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Photography: Karya Schanilec Photography

Welcome Saks Off 5th to Seattle!

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

When I lived in Half Moon Bay, on the California coast just outside San Francisco, I would often drive over the "hill" (aka Highway 92) for sunshine and shopping. When the coast was fogged in, I could count on San Jose to still be hot and sunny pretty much all the time. I could also count on San Jose for a Saks OFF 5TH!

I love that Saks OFF 5TH offers great designer fashion at great prices. Some of my favorite closet pieces are from Saks OFF 5TH include a Mar Y Sol Tote I found for almost 50% off I plan to take along on our honeymoon (we're planning it right now!) and a pair of blue slide sandals that are summer favorites.

So you can imagine my excitement upon learning that a Saks Off 5TH would be opening it's first Seattle location in my now-current backyard of downtown Seattle. I had the opportunity to attend the VIP Grand Opening Party, the night before the official opening, and I hardly left empty handed.

The new, approximately 36,000 square foot Saks OFF 5TH is stocked with more than 800 designer brands and an ever-evolving selection of luxury designer fashion, accessories, and of course shoes! I managed to score a See By Chloe mini Polly bag (that can transform into a belt bag!) and Saks Fifth Avenue Fabia Slides; my closet is so happy!

The new Saks OFF 5TH is located in downtown Seattle, Washington at 400 Pine Street on level 3 in Westlake Center and is now open! Happy Shopping!

xoxo

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Blue Nile Holiday Party at the Hotel Theodore Penthouse

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

Dressed in festive cocktail attire, aka my new favorite vintage Little Black Dress, I recently had the opportunity to attend the Blue Nile Holiday Party at the Hotel Theodore Penthouse. A stunning location, the new Hotel Theodore in downtown Seattle is a place you need to add to your bucket list for places to stay; I felt so lucky to spend a few hours in their gorgeous penthouse for the party.

Drinks and light bites were provided by Ryder, Hotel Theodore's in-house restaurant. I, of course, enjoyed a glass of bubbly to peruse the beautiful jewelry on display from Blue Nile (I've shared a few of my top picks below perfect for Valentine's Day or for Treating Yo' Self!). My wedding ring and a number of my favorite pieces of jewelry are all from Blue Nile, including these oh-just-so-lovely emerald earrings (which I shared about recently here).

The party had perfect holiday photo-ready spots at every turn and the views from the penthouse of downtown Seattle were spectacular and nothing but memorable. During the evening we participated in a Blue Nile gift exchange, which allowed for mixing and mingling among the private guest list and was oh-so-fun!

Thank you so much Blue Nile for the invite to your holiday party and my beautiful gold ring, J'adore!

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Photo Credit: Vivian Hsu Photography

Strolling Pike Place Market

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

Target Mixed Print Cold Shoulder Maxi Dress | EMU Roadside Boots c/o | Madewell et Sézane Sweater (sold out, similar) | Moorea Seal Morley Hat c/o (sold out, similar) | Longchamp Mini Le Pliage Handbag | London Fog Trench Coat | Storyville Coffee

Coffee in hand, strolling Pike Place Market, a light rain falling; so quintessential Seattle, so Pacific Northwest. A quick stop at La Panier for bread, DeLaurenti for cheese, wine and pasta and the local farmers' market stalls for vegetables; a quick laugh at the tourists in line at the original Starbucks before heading home, love our City life.

Winter florals, a cozy sweater, waterproof boots, hat and solid trench ensure the light rain does not chill to the core. I spy ferry boats along Puget Sound heading for islands and consider stopping at Fran's Chocolates for double chocolate figs for dessert before heading home.

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Photography: Karya Schanilec Photography