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

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: Après Ski

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 my last gift guide this season! With Christmas only 4 sleeps away, I am getting so excited for Santa and his reindeer to make an appearance in the sky and stop at our house in Seattle on Christmas eve. Perhaps also, a bit of Christmas Day snow!

In honor of the possibility of a white Christmas this year (let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!) and the opening of ski resorts this season, this gift guide was curated for ski and snow lovers everywhere. Whether a last minute gift for a loved one or a a little Christmas gift for yourself, you'll find all things in this gift guide that will have one ready for après ski.

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!

Gift Guide: Hygge & Home

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 time! Starting today, with a holiday gift guide for hygge and home, I'll share a new gift guide each day for those special people in your life. Whether friends, family, co-workers or loved ones or yourself(!), I've done my best to find those fewer, better things this season that are sure to delight the gift receiver.

The New RH Gallery at University Village

The new RH Gallery has opened at University Village and it is seriously breathtaking! I had the opportunity to attend the VIP Grand Opening party and a press tour before the official opening, and each room I wandered through was simply stunning. Whether you are contemplating a decor overhaul for your home for the new year or just love to wander through beautiful spaces, you are definitely going to want to add a visit to the new RH Gallery at University Village to your 2017 bucket list.

You're Invited: Gilt Sample Sale Seattle Debut!

The legendary Gilt Sample Sale makes it's Seattle debut next week and you're invited! Think coveted designer fashion at up to 80% off retail from Chloe, Valentino, Helmut Lang, Jimmy Choo, and more!

All the Best Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday Deals

image via glamour

It's that time of year again! Whether you plan to line up early for the best Black Friday deals, support a local small business on Saturday, or shop in your pj's in the early hours of Cyber Monday, I've rounded up my favorite Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday sales, deals and specials to pay attention to (and of course SHOP) this year!