Thank you Responsival for partnering on this post. 

 

Oh hello Winter (officially tomorrow.) It's now time for a new season and new wardrobe, although really it feels like we've been in winter for a month or so already here in the Pacific Northwest. Between windstorms, rain and a wintry mix of rain and snow today, the need to at least dress like it's winter has been here for awhile.

With the official start of the winter season tomorrow, today (on the last day of fall), I'm sharing with you my favorite winter style essentials. Snow, dropping temperatures and après ski call for not just utilitarian attire, but also the best elevated essentials. 

This year my winter style essentials include beautiful gold rings, cozy and weather proof boots, warm puffer jackets, chunky sweaters, modern saddle bags, emerald dresses and elevated rain gear!

Image courtesy of AUrate

Gifts for the Outdoor Adventure Obsessed

Still looking for a few holiday gifts? Perhaps you've got someone still on your list that loves the outdoors and playing outside. Trail runner? Hiker? National Park lover? We've rounded up our favorite gift ideas for the outdoor adventure obsessed. 

From the new and oh so cool Brooks Running Tie Dye collection to the best recycled wool fleeces from Outdoor Voices to the collaboration between Eddie Bauer and The Great. that we are incredibly obsessed with, this gift guide has got you covered!

Here is our roundup of the best gifts this year for the outdoor adventure obsessed!

Gift Guide: Sustainable Style Gift Ideas

For our latest gift guide, we've rounded up our favorite sustainable style gift ideas. From jewelry made from recycled materials to bags produced from pre-consumer waste to recycled (and recyclable!) beanies, we've got you covered for the fashionista in your life who loves sustainable style and cares about where their gifts come from, how they're sourced, what they're made from, who made them and how they impact our planet. 

This is our roundup of the best style gifts this season that are also sustainable!

10 Great Gift Ideas for Teens and Tweens

Hello December! No snow yet in Seattle as we still enjoy our slow transition to winter and the solstice in a few weeks. With Thanksgiving now past, a few days into Hannukah, and with Winter Solstice and Christmas only a few weeks away, it truly is the holiday season! 

For our latest gift guide, we're sharing some of of our favorite gifts for teens and tweens on your list. We've got quite a few nieces and nephews to give gifts to this year, including some tweens and teens and these ideas are sure to please even the teenager-ist of teenagers (yes we did just make up the word teenager-ist.) 

From beanies to bath bomb DIY kits to zodiac necklaces, these gifts are sure to be teen and tween winners! Here are 10 great gift ideas for your neices, nephews, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, grandchildren and other loved ones that are currently in their teens and tweens!

10 Best Gifts For Entertaining

 

Happy Thanksgiving (tomorrow!) We are looking forward to all the mashed potatoes, green beans and pumpkin pie we can manage to stuff our face with over the next couple days. We are also looking forward to a little holiday shopping, as the Black Friday sales keep rolling in and we try to check the names off our list as early as we can this year. 

In honor of Thanksgiving and a beautiful holiday season of entertaining, we are offering up our latest gift guide. Today's gift guide has our favorite gift ideas that are perfect for the host or hostess in your life. Know someone who loves throwing parties and entertaining? This gift guide has something for them! Enjoy our 10 Best Gifts for Entertaining!

20 Gifts for the Beauty Lover

Happy Holidays! Are we officially allowed to say that yet? With the holiday deals in full swing, holiday decor on store shelves and Black Friday and Thanksgiving this week, it sure does feel like the holiday season! So we'll just go ahead and kick things off with our first gift guide of the season!

Our first holiday gift guide of 2021 is dedicated to gift ideas for beauty lovers. Beauty lover in your life and searching for the perfect gift? Look no further! We've curated the perfect selection of gifts in this year's beauty lover gift guide for anyone who lights up at just the idea of opening a gift of makeup, skincare, perfume or visit to their (our) favorite spa!

From skin masks to serums to candles to our favorite holiday value kits and holiday exclusives, most of these beauty gifts are also on our own holiday wish lists (oh Santa, please leave us that Glossier Lip Trio in Cranberry under the tree!)

Here are our 20 gifts for the beauty lover on your list.

Seasonal Running Transitions Featuring Brooks Fall 2021

And just like that we're midway through Fall 2021! Holy smokes, Fall in Seattle burst on to the scene like nobody's business. One minute we're going in hot at 110 degrees in Seattle mid-summer, we slowly move onto cruise control in the 80s and then just like that the rain starts pounding, the temperatures drop and the color changing leaves are already being whisked from trees by the wind. 

However, from these photos you'll notice, that although the temperatures are dropping and the weather getting a bit temperamental, I am still wearing shorts to run. Because, yes, I am one of those runners that refuses to give up shorts and transition to leggings or tights until it is truly winter or the snow begins to fall. There is just something about my legs being a little bit more free that propels me forward and lets me feel like I'm flying.

Because of this though, I am all about layering in other ways to keep me warm and dry as we continue to creep through Fall into Winter. Layering is absolutely key for seasonal transitions. One minute it's 60 and sunny, the next the rain is pelting your face. This week for example, we were hitting close to 70 a few days ago and I barely needed a long sleeve over my shorts and sports bra.. Today (as I'm writing this post) it's raining with a high of 58 and a wind chill that's dropping it to feel like 51. I will definitely need a few layers, including one to repel rain, when I venture outside for a run. 

When I'm choosing what running clothing and running shoes to wear in seasonal transitions (and really, year round!), I turn to Brooks Running. I've been wearing Brooks Running clothing and shoes for years (decades!) and I trust Brooks for their quality, style, wear-ability and the newest technology in running gear.

Brooks Aurora-BL Women's Running Shoes in Grey/Coral/Black* | Brooks Notch Thermal Hoodie in Heliotrope* | Brooks Shield Hybrid Vest in Magenta/Heliotrope* | Brooks Drive Mesh Run Bra in Heliotrope/Magenta* | Brooks Chaser 3" Short in Heliotrope/Brooks* | *gifted by Brooks Running

What to Wear When Trail Running

 Thank you Brooks for partnering on this post!

My favorite seasons for trail running are fall and winter. When the air is crisp. multiple layers required and the likelihood of a raindrop or two increases. You see, I'm about to let you in on a little secret. In the fall and winter, as temperatures drop and the sky overhead turns grey in the Pacific Northwest, the trails empty out. 

In summer in the Pacific Northwest (and also spring as soon as the first ray of sunshine appears) and particularly in close proximity to Seattle, trails are crowded every single day! Everyone loves to hike and run and play outside when that sun is shining bright and those living in the PNW crave that vitamin D. But as soon as it gets just a little colder and a little rainier and a little more grey, that is the best time to hit the trails with your running shoes!

Today I'm partnering with Brooks to share with you what to wear when trail running! Trail running is a healthy, simple activity that requires minimal gear, but it does require you to be prepared with what you do need for your run. You'll want to find the right shoes and gear up for your run to help make your run more enjoyable and stay safe, healthy and run happy!   

What to Wear in Fall: Gold Earrings, Sustainable Scrunchies, Recycled Fleece, Cashmere Sweaters and More of My Favorites This Season!

 Thank you Nakturnal for partnering on this post.

Brr! November is here and with that brings crisp (cold?!) days and nights, the last of the leaves changing color and now falling off trees and a mix of weather from sunshine to rain (and possibly snow?) It's that time of year when layering is key and accessories shine like the golden leaves upon the trees. It can also be a bit challenging to get dressed, as the weather can vary day to day, but its not quite time to break out the winter parka.

Today I'm sharing an outfit I see as my go-to a this time of year - an oh-so-soft cashmere turtleneck sweater, black leggings, sustainable pearl and gold earrings, the most comfortable pair of flats, a cozy fleece made from recycled wool, scrunchies made from recycled water bottles and my favorite thrifted crochet bag. The perfect outfit to wear in fall!

5 Tips For Winter Wellness

 This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.

Who else is noticing our days getting shorter and colder? Post-daylight savings and I can definitely feel that winter is just around the corner. With the sun now setting in the 4p hour, the temperatures dropping and sweater weather turning into puffy jacket weather, winter is in the air!

This change of seasons brings the importance of winter wellness. From staying warm during the colder days and nights to paying special attention to protection and treatment of lips from harsh weather and stress to transitioning your skincare to winter to taking care of your hands and feet and keeping your body moving, winter wellness is so important.

Today I am excited to share with you, in partnership with Babbleboxx, five tips for winter wellness.  

Who Made My Jewelry: Boma Jewelry is Sustainable, Ethical and Affordable

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.

Run Happy: 10 Tips to Start Running Today For Beginners

 Thank you Brooks for partnering on this post!


Brooks Glycerin 17 Running Shoes c/o | Brooks Greenlight Running Tights c/o | Brooks Fly-By Hoodie c/o | Brooks Cascadia Thermal Vest c/o | Brooks Pick-Up Tank Top c/o | Brooks Hot Shot Sports Bra c/o | Brooks Glycerin Ultimate Cushion Running Socks c/o

Today I run.

In graduate school I turned to running for stress relief. Again, today, in this strange new world we are living in, I am running. Partly because, with our current restrictions for those of us under stay-at-home orders, running is one of the few forms of exercise allowed outdoors (also, walking and bicycling) while maintaining social distancing. And also, because I really love running.

Running is a form of exercise I truly enjoy that provides oh so many mental and physical health benefits, including improving cardiovascular fitness, helping with sleep and improving immunity, among countless other benefits. I also love being outside.

I started running in 7th grade. I competed in both track and cross-country in middle school (on the district winners podium in 8th grade) and in high school (varsity and lettering as a freshman and team captain as a sophomore). By college and my 20s, running turned recreational and now I no longer compete. But through my 30s (and soon to be 40s!) I still find myself running.

With many years of running now under my (running) shoes and as something I find brings me joy, I thought I would take this time to share with you a few tips to start running today if you're a beginner (or not!) I've partnered with Brooks to share with you 10 Tips to Start Running Today For Beginners. It's time to Run Happy!

Run Happy: 10 Tips to Start Running Today For Beginners:

Weekend Reading and Inspiration 1.31.2020

Well, it is officially the last day of the first month of this new decade. As we depart January 2020 and head into February tomorrow, Seattle is continuing to experience more and more rain. To avoid the dreariness overtaking our city, I've started planning some fun travel adventures for the year (including at least one trip abroad, stay tuned for destinations!) and dreaming of attending Copenhagen Fashion Week someday.

With a focus on sustainability, Copenhagen Fashion Week is Scandinavia's only fashion week, taking place twice each year (Jan/Feb and August.) Cophenhagen Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2020 (CPHFW AW2020) took place this past week (1.27-1.31, 2020) and I have been obsessing over all the new designs on the Vogue Runway App.

On January 28, 2020 Copenhagen Fashion Week launched their Sustainability Action Plan 2020-2022: Reinventing Copenhagen Fashion Week, presenting how the event will transition to become more sustainable, implement sustainability requirements and new standards for participation, to push the industry toward necessary, comprehensive change.

How Ganni's Fall 2020 Collection Set The Mood (& Trends) For The Next Decade

Have you heard the news?! Nordstrom Launches Secondhand Clothing Sales and I am so curious to check this out!

This is the Cost of Your Beauty Routine and tips for a more sustainable one!

Davines LOVE Shampoo and LOVE Conditioner and The Renaissance Circle Hair Mask are saving my hair this winter. I love that Davines is sustainable and uses only the best ingredients in their products.

Trickling down from outdoor retailers to now all corners of the fashion market, fleece is now everywhere! Is the Fleece Trend-Bubble About to Burst? Or is fleece a fashion forever?

Speaking of fleece (for me, a forever!), the Outdoor Voices MegaFleece Half-Zip Hoodie is on my wish list (and currently 20% off!) so I just might be adding to my shopping cart this weekend. Also, for a limited time only, score a FREE! Outdoor Voices Doing Things Hat with purchase of an Outdoor Voices bra or croptop! Perfect for DOING THINGS this spring! Want 20% off your first Outdoor Voices order? Use my referral link, because Doing Things is more fun with friends!

Leaves, Mushrooms, Bark and More: 6 Innovative Eco-friendly Leather Alternatives

The Nadaam Winter Sale is going on right now! Which means up to 50% off sustainable cashmere! The Nadaam Wool Cashmere Sweatshirt Dress in dark ginger is SO GOOD and it's currently on sale for $97! I've also got my eye on the Cashmere Lounge Pants and Luxe Cashmere Ribbed Hoodie.

Interested in shopping sustainable, ethical jewelry? 5 Sustainable Jewelry Brands + Tips for Buying Ethical Pieces

Are you a Pacific Northwest based Fashion or Style Blogger? The 5th Annual Gossip & Glamour Seattle Style Summit is THE must attend of the event of the year for PNW and Seattle Fashion and Style bloggers! It's on April 10, 2020 at the W Bellevue and tickets just went on sale!

I am pretty much wearing this sweater every single day right now (it's currently on sale!)


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!  Find more information in my Disclosure statement.

The Best Winter Sweaters Under $200

17. Everlane Cashmere Crew Sweater | Vintage Levis 501 Jeans | Moorea Seal Sunglasses c/o (sold out, similar) | Bembien Marfa Bag | Courage Coins Necklace c/o (sold out, similar)

Winter weather means sweater weather! As much as I wish Spring was just around the corner, the reality is we're still looking at almost 2 months until the change of seasons. February can even be one of the snowiest months (hello Seattle Snowpocalypse 2019!), so sweater season it is!

This year I am all about sweaters that will will be not only perfect through the rest of winter, but also transition well to spring. That might be a short sleeved sweater I wear now over a long sleeve turtleneck base layer and alone once spring appears. Or a heavier sweater now for the warmest of days that I wear over a light skirt or shorts once the sun reappears. I'm also looking for sweaters that will last over time and not need replacing after only a few wears, as I continue to curate a more sustainable closet.

Perfect for aprés ski, strolls around town and cozying up by the fire with a cup of cocoa and good book, I've rounded up my favorite sweaters for winter (also perfect for spring!) for under $200. It's sweater season!

xoxo

Weekend Reading 1.24.2020

Happy FriYay! Can you believe we're almost already through January and the first month of the new decade?! It's been a pretty dreary and rainy week here in Seattle and the forecast for the distant future is calling for same same, which is honestly getting a little hard to deal with.

As such, I've been in search of all things that slightly resemble "sunshine." That has included a walk through Target (seriously the lighting in this store has a magical pick me up), buying a giant slice of Funfetti cake and requesting all the library books for sunny places such as Ibiza and the Caribbean. I am now about to purchase some SPF in the form of Glossier Invisible Shield. Please send sunshine!

This weekend I'm going to do my best to get outside, even if it means donning a raincoat, grabbing my rain boots and splashing through puddles. I'm loving these Everlane Rain Boots and they're only $75!

Could the future of sustainable materials be milkweed floss? It grows like a weed, is six times warmer than wool and offers a plant based alternative to down. The plant was once valuable to the United States during WWII because it's silk fiber floated in water and was used to fill life vests. It fell out of fashion after the war, regaining popularity as "just a weed." But this weed plays a crucial role in the monarch butterfly life cycle and has untapped potential as a material for fashion. Sustainable, vegan, and with amazing thermoregulatory properties, is The Future of Sustainable Materials: Milkweed Floss?

Speaking of sustainability, my friend Joanna (and fellow Seattle Blogger) shared this week a round-up of 6 Eco-Friendly Activewear Brands to Shop Right Now. I can personally attest that PACT, Outdoor Voices and Patagonia offer amazing active wear options and I look forward to checking out the the other brands. I am particularly loving this Patagonia Fleece Vest this winter!

The newest Nordstrom Pop-In is an ungendered capsule collection by Eileen Fisher that marries the sustainable ethos of Eileen Fisher with the future forward vision of Nordstom's Olivia Kim. With a focus on organic and recycled materials, this is a future where what you wear is whatever you want and collections aren't for him or her, they're for us! The organic cotton nylon fishtail anorak and this tote are both on my wish list.

Is your skin like mine and go absolutely nuts in the winter? This Skin Regimen Moisturizer is absolutely saving my skin this winter season. Other winter skin warriors I am loving include the Skin Regimen Cleansing Cream, Thayers Rose Petal Toner and Skin Regimen Microalgae Essence.

The Cuyana Spring Preview is just so lovely! Such a beautiful color palette with such lovely silhouettes.

I've got my eye on this cropped alpaca cardigan sweater for $100. I can't decide between the almond and pomona green. Isn't it perfect?!

The Creator of American Sportswear Who Time Forgot. Her legacy still dictates how women dress.

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!  Find more information in my Disclosure statement. 

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

Delight Beauty Skincare Brings Delight To My Daily Routine

This post is sponsored by Delight Beauty.

I am a big fan of an uncomplicated skincare routine. Seriously, life is busy! With often just a few precious moments a day to myself before heading out the door or at night when things quiet down, it's so important to take those moments for some self care, pampering and practical indulgence to start and end my day with delight. Which is why I'm super obsessed with new skincare line Delight Beauty!

Delight Beauty, available on Amazon, believes that everyday skincare should be a pleasure and that caring for your skin, while essential, can also be truly enjoyable. Yes, please! As uncomplicated as it is unexpected, the world of Delight Beauty offers a skincare routine and beauty solution that is simple, effective and delightful. Exactly what I want to start and end my day and what I need to bring delight into my daily routine.

With products that both indulge your senses and enhance your complexion, there are absolutely zero questionable ingredients! Seriously, every product smells incredible, feels amazing and is formulated with only the good stuff. All Delight Beauty products are cruelty-free, vegan, dermatologist-tested and are clinically proven to be non-irritating. Perfect for skin pampering and delightful for skin!

Stocking Stuffers for Travel Lovers Gift Guide

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:

Sustainable Fashion Gift Guide

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!

Interested in shopping more consciously this holiday season? In search of of a gift for a fashionista? This gift guide is filled with a variety of eco-friendly, ethical and sustainable fashionable finds perfect for gifting a loved one in your life!

As I continue to try to curate my own more sustainable closet filled with fewer better things, I've discovered some of the best brands and companies creating sustainable fashion. I'm excited to share them with you during this season of giving. These sustainable fashion gifts are also perfect for a little treat yo' self gifting!

Happy Holidays and Happy Gifting!

Sustainable Fashion Gift Guide:

Clean Beauty Gift Guide

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!

In search of a gift for a beauty lover in your life? This gift guide is dedicated to all things clean beauty. Whether they've already committed to a complete non-toxic skincare routine or are just beginning to discover a love for products that offer a better kind of beauty, one (or multiple items) is sure to delight your gift recipient this season!

I admit to being a bit obsessed with all things skincare and have recently been doing a major overhaul of my skincare and beauty routine to include ONLY clean and green products. As such, I have lots of great gift ideas for clean beauty lovers (and definitely a few, or all!, I wouldn't mind receiving, HINT HINT!)

Also, if you're looking to treat yo' self this holiday season, these gifts are absolutely perfect for a little pampering and self care. I might event take my own advice and add to shopping cart now, because 'tis the season!

Happy Holidays and Happy Gift Giving!

Clean Beauty Gift Guide: