Thank you Boma Jewelry for partnering on this post!

Boma Jewelry Starburst Sterling Silver Ring With White Topaz c/o | Boma Jewelry Modern Thin Sterling Silver Bar Bracelet c/o

2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! To wrap up Earth Month, I'm sharing the story of sustainable and ethical jewelry company, Boma Jewelry! Founded in Seattle in 1981, Boma Jewelry makes high-quality, sustainable and ethical jewelry at affordable prices that is perfect for everyday wear.

Minority owned, operated by women of color, sustainably minded and ethically manufactured, Boma jewelry is gorgeous, good for the planet and I am obsessed! Looking for a gift for upcoming Mother's Day, a loved one in quarantine celebrating a birthday or to treat yo' self?! Boma Jewely is the perfect choice!

Boma Jewelry was oh so gracious and recently sent me the Starburst Sterling Silver Ring With White Topaz and Modern Thin Sterling Silver Bar Bracelet, both of which would make great gifts!

The Starburst Sterling Silver Ring With White Topaz has quickly become a daily piece I reach for. Non-toxic, nickel-free and with a genuine white topaz stone, this ring is just stunning! Ethically made in a fair-wage factory by artisans in Thailand and certified 925 recycled sterling silver, I will continue to wear this beautiful piece for years to come.

The Modern Silver Bar Bracelet is also a new favorite. Certified 925 recycled fine sterling silver, ethically made by artisans at a fair-wage factory in Thailand, made with recycled silver (mine-free!), non toxic, nickel-free and hypoallergenic, this bracelet is perfect to wear dressed up or down for everyday wear.

Boma Jewelry is a company doing really great things! They are an ethical and sustainable jewelry company from my hometown I am proud to support and share their story with you.

Ethical Meets Accessible

Founded in Seattle in 1981 with a mission of filling a niche in the market for high-quality, affordable, ethically made, sterling silver jewelry, Boma Jewelry is non-toxic, nickel-free and hypoallergenic.

The Best Boots for Winter Under $200

17. EMU Australia Roadside Boots c/o | Sezane Sweater (sold out, similar) | Floral Maxi Dress (sold out, similar) | Moorea Seal Hat c/o (sold out, similar) | Longchamp Le Pliage Club Tote

Snow, freezing temperatures and après ski call for all the winter boots please!

We are experiencing our first snow of the season in Seattle right now and it's beginning to look a lot like a winter wonderland in our City. But with that winter wonderland comes slippery sidewalks and snow to trudge through, requiring the perfect pair of winter boots to beat the winter elements.

This year I am all about winter boots that will keep my feet warm and dry and my toes nice and toasty for the winter season, but are also oh-so-stylish. I'm also looking for boots that will last for years to come and not need replacing next season, as I continue on my quest for fewer, better things and a more sustainable closet.

Perfect for ski towns, city strolling and/or cabin getaways, I've rounded up my favorite boots for winter all for under $200! Winter days call for winter boots!

xoxo

What Wear When: 6/14 Events in Seattle & Beyond

It's the final week countdown until it's officially summer and I am seriously jumping for joy! We hit 90s this week in Seattle and it has been HOT, HOT, HOT! But I am definitely not complaining; I am a huge sunshine and hot weather fan!

With summer, comes all the fun things! Last weekend my husband and I road-tripped to the Gorge Amphitheater (the most AMAZING live music venue) to see the Dead and Company (yay for festival season!) and had such a great time!

Along with summer festivals and live music, this sunshine season brings new store openings, fashion exhibitions, dining al fresco, outdoor adventures and so much more! I just love summer in Seattle!

Particularly on my radar going into this weekend and the next few weeks are the A Queen Within: Adorned Archetypes exhibition at MoPOP,  Seattle Style Fashion/Function exhibit presented by Nordstrom at MOHAI Seattle, Glossier Popup on Capitol Hill and the new Allbirds store at University Village!

Here's all the fun things I'm looking forward to as we head into the beginning of summer  . . .

What Wear When: 6/14 Events in Seattle & Beyond

15+ Must See Movies at Seattle International Film Festival

We're one week into the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) and there are so many good movies this year! Tonight I am planning to catch Celebration at Pacific Place, an opulent and immersive behind-the-scenes look at haute couture designer Yves Saint Laurent's final show before his death, told through the eyes of longtime business partner Pierre Bergé, which was suppressed for the last two decades. I am so excited to see this film!

Tonight's viewing of Celebration at Pacific Place is the 2nd Fashion Film Friday of SIFF. Each Friday of the festival is a different fashion film showing at Pacific Place. Last Friday was Jean-Paul Gaultier: Freak and Chic (the US Premiere!), with Timeless Beauty showing next Friday and the final Fashion Film Friday featuring Halston (additional showtimes available.)

In addition to four amazing fashion films, I've included in my Seattle International Film Festival Guide this year some incredible films around travel, art, music, design, just for fun and more! There are over 400 films at this year's SIFF, and after strategic examining of this year's film guide, these are 15+ films I am hoping to see!

If you're attending SIFF, I would love to hear your thoughts on the films and what you're planning to see! If you see me at the movies, come say 'Hi'! Now I'm off to the movies . . .

xoxo

SIFF 2019 FILM GUIDE:

Need New Glasses? At Eye Eye Care Find a Perfectly Curated Selection of Independent Designer & Vintage Dead Stock Frames

Thank you Eye Eye Care for partnering on this post!

Garrett Leight California Linnie Eye Glasses c/o Eye Eye | Ganni Barra Print Crepe de Chine Wrap Maxi Dress | Unisa Miola Bootie | Vintage Bag (thrifted, similar)

I was recently invited by Eye Eye Care to stop by for a comprehensive eye exam and new pair of frames and the experience was fantastic! If you are in the market for a new pair of glasses or shades you are going to want to make an appointment at this Seattle eye clinic and optical shop asap.

A glasses wearer since 5th grade, I have gone through many trials and tribulations related to wearing glasses and my nearsightedness. I remember in my middle school years begging my Dad to get contacts (and finally permitted to in 8th grade) and never feeling like the pair of glasses I was given to wear or chose really suited me. Maybe you can relate?

I have also always dreaded going to the eye doctor. Between dilation and the puff test, that was enough to give me anxiety for a week leading up to my visit. But that all changed the moment I stepped foot in Eye Eye Care! Eye Eye Care is the first eye doctor I've visited where I felt calm the minute I opened the door (and really even spotted the storefront).

What Wear When: 4/26 Events in Seattle & Beyond

It is really starting to feel like Spring in Seattle! After months of hibernation, the emergence has begun as the new season brings sunshine, new blooms and flowers and so many fun things to do! From new store openings to museum exhibits to festivals, spring into summer (and even looking ahead to fall!) in the Pacific Northwest is about to fantastic!

This new What Wear When: Events in Seattle & Beyond feature here on Story of My Dress is something I'm hoping to keep up every week and share with you all the fun things going on in Seattle and beyond. Featuring fashion, style and beauty events,  as well as food/drink, art, music, culture and even just for fun, these events and happenings are all things I'm excited about and thought you might be too!

Particularly on my radar going into this weekend and next week is the Amour Vert Grand Opening at University Village today (April 26), a New Menu by Chef Nick Novello for Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar available April 29 and the MOHAI: Seattle Style Fashion/Function Exhibit presented by Nordstrom opening at MOHAI Seattle on May 4!

Here's all the fun things I'm looking forward to  . . .

What Wear When: 4/26 Events in Seattle & Beyond

Feller Raincoats are Sustainable, Stylish and Perfect for Rain or Shine!

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!

Feller Queen Anne Trench c/o | Veronica Beard Jeans (sold out - similar, similar) | Cuyana Trapeze Satchel c/o | GANT Featherweight Twill Blouse (sold out - similar) c/o | Sam Edelman Pumps | Cole Haan Aviator Sunglasses

The snow has transitioned to rain in Seattle and although a bit more snow is in the forecast, beginning signs of Spring are starting to appear. Crocuses are beginning to pop up in our yard and small buds are making their appearance on trees. I am definitely ready for this change of seasons, how about you?!

However, with Spring in Seattle comes rain (April showers, bring May flowers . . .) which makes good rain gear an absolute must-have in the Pacific Northwest. I have long struggled to find rain gear that is stylish, sustainable and keeps me dry, until I discovered Feller!

Feller makes re-imagined waxed cotton outerwear that is uber stylish, has an elevated style, keeps me warm and dry, is a woman owned brand, uses sustainable fabrics and is based in Seattle! So basically, win, win, win, win for me and closet (and perhaps yours?!)

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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.

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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!

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!

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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!

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"

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Photography: Jenn Haskins of HelloRigby

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

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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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.