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!   

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.

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.

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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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.

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.

Pacific Northwest Love