Cuyana Trench Wrap Dress c/o | Cuyana Small Structured Leather Tote c/o | Castañer Carina 80 Suede Wedge Espadrilles | Chan Luu Gold Plated Pearl and Crystal Earrings (sold out, similar) | Cuyana Leather Travel Case Set | Cole Haan Aviator Sunglasses | Kjaer Weiss Lip Gloss | Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick

As I continue to curate and create a more sustainable closet, there are a few brands I continue to turn to when I need a new piece for my wardrobe. Cuyana is at the top of that list. With a philosophy founded on owning fewer, better things, Cuyana's beautiful timeless pieces stand the test of time and are those I reach for time and time again.

I've shared my love of Cuyana before (here, here and here) and I am so excited to partner with them once again this fall to continue to create a foundation of fewer, better things and a more sustainable closet. Cuyana believes owning fewer, better things leads to a richer life filled with cherished belongings that stand the test of time. I just love this!

Each Cuyana piece is created with intention: to be beautiful, functional and timeless. Precisely what I'm looking for when adding a new piece to my closet. Collections are informed by elegance, simplicity and practicality, and Cuyana's Fall collection, as well as Foundation pieces are no different.

Shop This Post:

Heritage and Sustainability With GANT

GANT Shirt c/o (sold out, similar) | Veronica Beard Jeans with Frayed Hem (sold out, similar) | Cuyana Work Clutch | Sam Edelman Black Pumps | Chan Luu Gold-Plated Pearl & Crystal Earrings (sold out, similar) | Cole Haan Aviator Sunglasses

Oh hello Fall! I mean, seriously, how is it already the last day of September?! As October appears tomorrow, Seattle is full swing into fall (winter?!) mode. The leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp, the temperatures have dropped and everyone is sporting fall fashion on the streets of the City.

Although it's crisp and cold, the sun is shining in Seattle and it's definitely feeling like coat weather is on the way. For now, it's time for button down shirts, sweaters, denim and closed-toed shoes. Sandals season is by far my favorite, so it's a bit hard to see that go in place of sweater weather, but I do love fall fashion!

For a recent neighborhood walk, I reached into my closet for a beautiful button-down shirt from GANT. This button down shirt is just the softest, as well as the prettiest blue, and one I have found I reach for quite often. Tied in the front (a french tuck would have also been perfect) and styled with jeans, classic black heels, a Cuyana Work Clutch and my go-to aviator sunglasses, I already know this will become an outfit repeater!

In 2019, GANT celebrates 70 years of innovation and shaping modern American sportswear. Seven decades after this iconic brand's beginnings, the GANT button-down shirt remains a preppy icon. Committed to sustainability, GANT believes the conscious, sustainable approach to designing beautiful products is the future of good business. That climate should never come second to fashion. And in taking responsibility and real action towards creating a more sustainable business. Yes, yes and yes!

Shop This Post: 

Sustainable Fashion with Amour Vert

Meaning 'Green Love' in French, Amour Vert is a sustainable fashion brand on a mission to revolutionize the fashion industry to make the world a more sustainable place!

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

I am also currently on a mission to make my closet as sustainable as possible! This means loving and wearing the clothes I already have, purchasing secondhand clothing at thrift and vintage stores instead of new, repairing clothing instead of tossing and when a new item is truly needed, purchasing it from a sustainable brand, like Amour Vert!

According to the Green Strategy, "Sustainable fashion can be defined as clothing, shoes and accessories that are manufactured, marketed and used in the most sustainable manner possible, taking into account both environmental and socio-economic aspects."

With beautiful, versatile, sustainable and thoughtfully designed clothing that's both good for you and the planet, Amour Vert is all about being effortlessly sustainable. I love to shop at Amour Vert when I need a new item in my closet! Green Love! Love! Love!

Amour Vert Marianna Dress c/o | Cult Gaia Cupola Tote c/o Farfetch | ST. AGNI Henni Slides | Chan Luu Earrings (sold out, similar) | Cole Haan Aviator Sunglasses

As a huge proponent of sustainable fashion, I was so excited to learn that Amour Vert was opening a store (now open!) at University Village in Seattle. I was honored to receive an invitation to the grand opening and the store is absolutely worth a visit (you can also shop online!)

In addition to stocking the Amour Vert in-house brand, Amour Vert also carries a handful of other sustainable brands in line with their mission, such as Veja and Machete. From silk midi dresses to the softest of  tees to an exclusive denim line with AGOLDE, each piece at Amour Vert is absolutely sustainable-closet worthy!

Shop This Post:

From Spring Blossoms to Summer Sunshine

We are now a few days into June, which means we're moving from spring blossoms to summer sunshine! The past few months have brought cherry and plum blossoms to our Seattle neighborhood, as well as beautiful flowers and a slow increase in temperatures. With the sun setting now after 9pm, summer is truly in the air!

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!

Tularosa Dress (sold out, similar) | Paseart Espadrilles Wedge Sandal (similar) | Bali Rattan Top Lid Shoulder Bag | Cole Haan Aviator Sunglasses

With spring blossoms giving way to summer sunshine, if you haven't already, it's time to break out the sundresses and summer sandals and bags! I was thrilled to find this dress by Tularosa on a recent thrifting adventure. Although it has long sleeves, it is lightweight cotton, with gorgeous embroidery and lace details, and a new favorite dress for the season.

Tularosa is known for it's refined vintage-inspired collection of romantic dresses, textural jackets and embroidered tops designed for the wild at heart. A beautiful modern bohème LA-based brand, Tularosa is one of my go-to's for summer.

For a recent neighborhood walk in Seattle, I styled my Tularosa Dress (sold out, similar) with a pair of Paseart Espadrilles Wedge Sandal (similar) from Spain, a Bali Rattan Top Lid Shoulder Bag and a pair of Cole Haan Aviator Sunglasses.

Shop This Post:

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?!)

Shop This Post:

Off to the Movies!

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

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

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

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

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

Shop This Post:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shop This Post:

How to Dress in Layers for Winter

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! 

Who What Wear Collection Quilted Velvet Bomber Jacket | Target A New Day Watercolor Kimono | Siizu Sunna Silk Peplum Top c/o | Aritzia Wilfred Free Daria Pant (also similar) | Timex Metropolitan Watch c/o | Clare V Foldover Clutch c\o Farfetch (sold out, similar) | Madewell Alice Sandal (on sale!) | Cole Haan Aviator Sunglasses

While not officially winter on the calendar yet, the temperatures outside in Seattle have been steadily dropping and that cold winter chill is definitely in the air. As temperatures drop, layers become an absolute essential for dressing and braving the cold in the Pacific Northwest.

This winter season I am looking to a variety of fabrics and textures to add variety when dressing in layers, so as not to fall into the winter dressing doldrums I find myself in every year. I'm particularly loving layers of faux leather, velvet, and silky fabrics to get me through until Spring.

Shop This Look:

Photography: Karya Schanilec Photography

Happy National Thrift Shop Day! 5 Items I Always Look For When Thrifting

Thank you Value Village for partnering on this post and graciously coordinating a shopping excursion to my local Value Village to score some finds in honor of National Thrift Store Day! Affiliate links are used throughout this blog. Thank you for supporting Story of My Dress! All opinions are my own!

Aritzia Wilfred Top thrifted! | APC Denim Cutoff Shorts (DIY, similar) thrifted! | Jimmy Choo Kitten Heel Pump thrifted! | Moorea Seal Anniversary Tote c/o | Cole Haan Aviator Sunglasses | BZR Amethyst Sunglasses | Target Faux Fur Jacket (similar) thrifted!

Happy National Thrift Shop Day! I've long loved the thrill of visiting a thrift store and finding that "unicorn" item. Most of my outfits typically include at least one thrifted item and on many days my entire outfit is thrifted (recent outfits featuring thrifted items: here, here here and here)!

Since my early childhood days of thrifting at the local island thrift shop with my Mom to the discovery of Value Village as a teenager and all the Abercrombie and J.Crew I could fill my cart with (at a fraction of the cost compared to the Abercrombie at the mall on my measly summer camp counselor salary), I have always loved to thrift for not only the economical reasons, but also the environmental, fashionable and stylish ones!

With nearly 96% of retail items at Value Village priced under $10, shopping secondhand can seriously benefit your closet and bank account. However shopping secondhand also has a huge impact on the planet. It can take 700 gallons of water to make one new cotton t-shirt and the average American throws away 81 pounds of clothing each year. Thrifting can help your lower your clothing footprint. (Here are 5 steps to Give a Sh!rt and lower the ecological footprint of your closet.)

In additional to the economical and environmental impacts of thrifting, shopping secondhand also provides unlimited opportunities for creating unique outfits and discovering vintage and designer fashion. Whether it's finding that vintage band tee from the 70s or a designer item from a sold out past collection, there's just nothing like the thrill of the hunt (and the find!) for these treasures. My vintage Bottega Veneta Bag, Chloé sunglasses, vintage Levis, Rag & Bone Boots and favorite vintage Tees are some of my favorite items in my closet, and all are thrifted!

In fact, almost the entire outfit I am wearing in this post is thrifted! That Aritzia Wilfred top? Found at Value Village for $3.99! Those DIY APC denim shorts I'm wearing? Yup, thrifted at Value Village! Jimmy Choo kitten heels? Thrifted! Faux Fur Jacket? Thrifted! I only added a few accessories of sunglasses (both received as gifts) and my Moorea Seal Anniversary Tote c/o. This whole outfit cost less than $100! Seriously, I love thrifting!

In honor of National Thrift Shop Day, I'm heading out to my local Value Village in search of 5 items I'm pretty much always searching for when I visit a thrift store. While I might look in other departments (and I promise to share some of my favorite thrifting tips shortly!), these are the 5 items I always focus on, especially if I'm short on time or feeling overwhelmed with a cluttered secondhand store.

West Seattle Vibes

Affiliate links are 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! This post may contain products sent for consideration; Items gifted are marked c/o. All thoughts, as always, are my own!

Lindsay Nicholas New York Perfect Dress c/o | Moorea Seal Morley Hat c/o | Who What Wear Collection Shoes (sold out, similar) | Silver and Salt Golden Bar Necklace c/o | Silver and Salt Tri-Color Textured Ring Stack c/o | Cole Haan Aviator Sunglasses | Coach Clutch (vintage, similar) | Target Faux Fur Jacket (sold out, similar)

It's finally feeling like summer in Seattle and I am just loving it! This sunshine has inspired me to seek out all my favorite neighborhood spots and also discover new hidden gems in my neighborhood and city. A recent afternoon had my feet leaving footsteps all over the California junction in the West Seattle neighborhood.

Serious West Seattle vibes.

The "Junction" as locals call it (where California meets Alaska), is the perfect spot for an afternoon of record shopping at Easy Street Records, coffee and croissants at Bakery Nouveau, consignment shopping at boutiques lining California and ice cream at Husky Deli.

As the weather heats up, you will definitely notice me sporting this fabulous little black dress c/o Lindsay Nicholas New York. I am a big fan of the little black dress for sunshine days, accessorizing to match the day and mood. The perfect dress in black by Lindsay Nicholas NY has quickly become a closet favorite.

Lindsay Nicholas New York designs clothing that fit any career, any season and any woman who wants to wear confidence while she takes on the world—then gets up and does it all again the next day.

For this particular afternoon jaunt to the Junction, I paired my Lindsay Nicholas NY LBD with a perfect-for-summer hat from Moorea Seal, vintage Coach clutch I thrifted and my favorite aviator sunglasses. Also making an appearance were a pair of flats from the the Who What Wear collection and some new jewelry c/o of Silver and Salt that I am pretty much wearing all summer long.

Simple and classic, Silver + Salt is jewelry that you can wear everyday. Our jewelry is hand-crafted in Seattle, WA using sterling silver, gold, and semi-precious stones. We use recycled metals and conflict-free, ethically sourced gemstones.

While strolling California, I was also sure not to miss the newly-opened Falafel Salam and you can be sure I took home a box of cupcakes from Cupcake Royale.

What are some of your summer favorites? Seattle neighborhood spots not-to-miss? Favorite summer accessories? Please leave your tips in the comments!

xoxo

Photos: Bailey Makaimo

Shop This Post: