It can often be hard to find the "perfect" gift for loved ones, so I'm here to help! I've created a bunch of gift guides for a variety of budgets and interests including clean beauty lovers, sustainable fashionistas, travel adventurers and more! Check out the latest gift guide below and find more here!

If you're like me and still doing some last minute holiday shopping this year, this gift guide is for you! I've rounded up my favorite stocking stuffers for travel lovers (and really they apply for anyone still on your list!)

From first class luggage tags to luxe travel size beauty items to cozy layers for jetsetters, these gifts are all small enough to fit in a stocking, yet sure to delight any wanderlusting recipient. At a range of prices to fit any budget, these travel ready stocking stuffers are exactly what you need to finish your list and move on to the eggnog and cookies!

Happy Holidays and Happy Gifting!

xoxo

Stocking Stuffers for Travel Lovers Gift Guide:

A Wine Tasting Weekend on Whidbey Island

Thank you Go Whidbey Camano for partnering on this post! Whidbey and Camano Islands are located in the middle of Puget Sound and an easy drive from Seattle. Drive off the mainland to Whidbey & Camano Islands!

Amour Vert Varden Silk Wrap Dress c/o | St. Agni Woven Slide Sandals | Cult Gaia Cupola Bag c/o Farfetch | Cole Haan Aviator Sunglasses | Sincerely Jules Scrunchie | Chan Lu Earrings (sold out, similar)

Just a short drive and ferry ride from the Seattle metro area sits beautiful Whidbey Island. I grew up on Whidbey and it's where I got married (at a vineyard!). It's also one of my favorite weekend destinations to drive off the mainland. The scenic beauty and tranquility of Whidbey island provide the perfect backdrop for a weekend of wine tasting.

On the largest island of Puget Sound's island gems find small family wineries and distilleries creating critically acclaimed and award winning wines and spirits nested in vineyards and farms with unpretentious hospitality. Wine tasting happy place!

I recently partnered with GoWhidbeyCamano for a weekend on Whidbey Island for the Savor Spring Food Wine and Spirits Tour. My husband S joined me and we had the best time wine tasting at the island's wineries and distilleries, staying at the beautiful Comforts of Whidbey Bed & Breakfast and enjoying the tranquility and beauty of Whidbey Island.

Summer Vacation Packing List

Summatime!!! It is officially summer this weekend with summer solstice this Friday, June 21! I am so excited for the start of the sunshine season. Not only does summer equal sunshine and ice cream and days at the beach and time spent outdoors, it also means summer vacations!

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! 

Last summer my husband S and I spent two weeks in the Greek Islands for our honeymoon and yes, it was incredible (stay tuned for travel guides!) This year we are staying closer to home for the summer with lots of Pacific Northwest adventures planned. Seriously, PNW is best in summer!

We've already been to Whidbey Island for wine tasting and the Gorge Amphitheater to see the Dead & Company. We have an end of summer trip to the Hood Canal on the books for our anniversary and we are currently in the midst of planning for the rest of June, July and August. Any suggestions? We are contemplating Mt. Rainier, the Washington Coast, another island visit to Whidbey (or another island or 2 or 3), the Painted Hills in Oregon, Portland (OR), and a few other fun spots!

Do you have any fun trips planned for summer? If so, you're in luck! I've rounded up some of my favorite items to add to your summer vacation packing list. From cotton voile tops, to gauze-y wide leg pants to leather sandals, each of this items is absolutely worthy of a summer vacation suitcase or weekender addition!

Tacoma, Washington is the Perfect Spot for an Urban Getaway

Thank you Travel Tacoma for partnering on this post!

On the shores of Puget Sound with Mount Rainier standing watch to the east, sits urban port city Tacoma, Washington, an ideal spot for an urban weekend getaway. Just south of Seattle, Tacoma is known for it's world renowned glass art, and is quickly becoming a destination for new restaurants, indie boutiques, beautiful natural parks, art museums, music venues and a stunning waterfront on the saltwater banks of Puget Sound.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest and the Seattle area, I have to admit I previously thought I had only two reasons to visit Tacoma. One was to attend High School state championship basketball games when our team made it (and miss school!) and two, in college, to go to Dave Matthews Band concerts at the Tacoma Dome. But that has all changed after a recent weekend getaway to Tacoma!

I recently partnered with Travel Tacoma for a 3 day, 2 night visit to Tacoma, WA and quickly fell in love with this vibrant and sophisticated old-meets-new City alive with art, shopping, food, nature and culture.

Gift Guide: Beach Bum

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! 

Beach Bum ~ Someone who spends a lot of time enjoying themselves on the beach.

The countdown to Christmas is on, with just 6 sleeps until Christmas morning! If you're seeking the perfect gift for a beach lover or sun worshipper in your life, this gift guide is for you! Perfect for sunny days on islands and beaches near and far, these gifts reminisce of sand squishing beneath your toes and lazy afternoons spent sunbathing by the ocean.

These gifts are sure to delight any beach bum!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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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.

A Weekend on Whidbey Island

Thank you Whidbey Camano Islands for partnering on this post and hosting our stay at Inn at Langley and dinner at Orchard Kitchen. Whidbey and Camano Islands are located in the middle of Puget Sound and an easy drive from Seattle. The shortest distance to far away!

Just a quick drive and ferry ride from Seattle, Whidbey Island is one of my favorite destinations for a quick weekend getaway. For one, it's the Island I grew up on, and two, my fiancé S and I are getting married on Whidbey in September! Once an island girl, always an island girl! I recently partnered with Whidbey Camano Islands for a weekend visit to Whidbey Island for S and I to gather ideas for our guests for when they visit the island for our Wedding!

5 Beauty Upgrades To Make Traveling a Breeze

After years of jet-setting, including 5 continents checked off my bucket list and a semester in college spent traveling around the world by boat, I have learned the art of packing a suitcase. I tend to be a minimalist packer, choosing to pick up many items needed throughout my vacation (the perfect souvenir!). I can now fit everything I need into a carry-on bag for any length of trip! However, there are a few beauty essentials I refuse to leave home without. Today I'm sharing with you 5 beauty upgrades that keep my skincare on point, take up very little space and make traveling a breeze!

Fashion Week at the Bellevue Collection: Day 3 with Hyatt Regency Bellevue

Disclosure: a complimentary stay at Hyatt Regency Bellevue and brunch at Eques were provided by Hyatt Regency Bellevue. All opinions are my own!

For the 3rd night of Fashion Week at the Bellevue Collection, the Hyatt Regency Bellevue (where all the fashion shows were taking place!) generously offered me a room to stay in. After driving back and forth to Seattle for Days 1 and 2, I so appreciated the opportunity to stay right on site after the Front Row Fashion Show presented by Vogue. This, of course, also meant being able to fit in some of shopping at The Bellevue Collection and a Sunday brunch at Eques (best brunch in Bellevue!). A perfect weekend of fashion!

June 2016 POPSUGAR Must Have Box

Cheers to a 3 day weekend! Do you have any fun plans to celebrate the 4th of July? We are keeping things pretty low key and sticking around Seattle, with the possibility of catching a few fireworks and festivities. To kick off the weekend I decided to open my POPSUGAR June Must Have Box. POPSUGAR sent me this Must Have Box to try and it is just perfect for Summer. 

Skagit Valley Tulip Tour with Chooka Boots

One of my favorite times of year to live in Washington State is Spring! The sun begins to appear after days of gray and rain, and with that the gorgeous blooms of flowers! Each Spring the Skagit Valley becomes a Pacific Northwest destination-must, as thousands flock to see the fields upon fields of tulips in every color imaginable. This year I joined Chooka and Western Chief Rain Boot brands of Washington Shoe Company on a Tulip Tour for a perfect Spring Saturday in Skagit Valley to celebrate their 125 year anniversary in the PNW!

Coffee Royalty: 5 Favorite Seattle Coffee Shops

Seattle is truly a caffeine dream. I always feel like coffee royalty! Living in coffee City presents numerous options for consuming those oh so delicious cappuccinos, cortados, and macchiatos. In many neighborhoods you will find not one, not two and perhaps not even three, but four coffee houses on the same block. With so many tempting options, I've rounded up my current favorite Seattle coffee shops to share with you whether you are a Seattle area resident or planning a visit and want to enjoy coffee like a local.

Closet Refresh: Spring Favorites and ThredUP Giveaway!

This past weekend we decided to head out of the City for a road trip, destination unknown. The weather was hitting high 60s and Spring was in the air, the perfect ingredients for a little adventure. We headed north on I-5 out of Seattle and exited to take Chuckanut Drive to Bellingham. Taking advantage of the lovely weather, I wore a few of my Spring favorites I recently discovered on ThredUP.

Into the Mountains with Northside

So I am one of those people that just loves the snow! Growing up in the Pacific Northwest did not allow for too many a snowy winter, but after 3 years in Ann Arbor, Michigan for Grad School, I can say that I am a genuine snow lover. Now that I am back in Seattle, it is such a necessity to head to the mountains once in awhile to experience that snow white bliss. And snow requires good footwear, like these oh so fashionable winter boots from Northside USA. Yes I did just type fashionable and winter boots in the same sentence, and for good reason! The Northside Bishop Boots are both fashionable AND functionable, who knew that could be possible?!