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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!
Happy New Year! Can you believe it's 2019?! I am so excited for what this year holds and can't wait to share all the fashion, beauty, life and travel stories I have planned here on Story of My Dress! From the runway to the street, 2019 is about to be so good for fashion! In just one month Fall 2019 Fashion Week will hit the runways in New York, London, Milan and Paris; I can't event wait!
If you follow me over on Instagram, you got a sneak peak of this post's outfit! Featuring faux fur, a silk slip dress, saddle bag, tights, and burgundy, merlot, maroon and oxblood, this outfit is one where it's all in the details.
Disclosure: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!
I can't believe it's already been almost a year since S and I got married! It's been such a beautiful year and I wake up so grateful every single day for marrying the love of my life. We just got back from our Honeymoon in the Greek Islands (post coming soon!) and we are currently planning our 1 year anniversary, eek!
I also can't believe it's been a year since we were wedding planning. For the year leading up to our wedding, planning for the big day pretty much consumed all we did from choosing my dress to creating our website to putting together a wedding day emergency kit.
After choosing my dream wedding dress, on the to do list was to choose my wedding day accessories and jewelry. One thing that was really important to me in choosing what I wore for tying the knot was choosing not to wear things I would only wear for a few hours on one day of my life and then just put in a box somewhere and maybe pull out every now and then for nostalgia.
As such, I really took into consideration what I would wear alongside my dress and made a plan for incorporating them into my wardrobe after the big day. And today, I'm sharing those tips with you!
Tips for Reusing Your Wedding Day Jewelry & Accessories Beyond Your Big Day ~
Thank you Value Village
for graciously coordinating a shopping
excursion to my local Value Village for some Summer thrifting! Items gifted and sent for editorial consideration are marked c/o. 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. Thank you for supporting
Story of My Dress!
It's the season of sunshine! And it is seriously hot hot hot here in Seattle. We will be at, above or close to 90 degrees Fahrenheit for at least the next week. Definitely not complaining though, as I personally love the heat and sunshine.
However, to keep things cool as the thermometer turns up and to make sure I don't get too roasty toasty (as our home does not have A/C) , I plan to enjoy lots of iced coffee, seek out spots with A/C, and, of course, head to the beach in my summer wardrobe favorites!
For my summer and beach wardrobe, I am all about thrifting. It's a great way to save money for summer adventures and also an easy way to curate a more sustainable closet and lower my clothing footprint. Secondhand clothing is the most sustainable clothing because it already exists! Win-Win for the planet. Win-Win for my bank account. Win-Win for my summer wardrobe!
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!
Tucked away, just off the main street of the historic Georgetown neighborhood in Seattle, is a little known haven for unique and one of a kind goods from collectors, independent artists, designers and makers. The Georgetown Trailer Park Mall is one of my favorite spots in Seattle for a weekend shopping trip.
Each trailer houses a permanent, independently run shop. With a mission of the promotion and advancement of sustainable, locally-sourced, up-cycled, reused and handmade products, the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall is well worth a stop for some treasure hunting.
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!
I have to admit I never thought I would wear polka dots again. However, after witnessing them all over the Fall '17 runways, throughout many Spring '18 collections and now on the racks and street, I have decided to once again embrace the pattern I adored on my dresses as a young girl and pre-teen.
Disclosure:Affiliate links are occasionally 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!
The trench coat is one of those iconic closet staples that is chic, sophisticated and oh-so versatile. I've gone through numerous versions myself, but always come back to the classic, double-breasted, army inspired version that ties just so perfectly at the waist and hangs just long enough to wear with either flats or heels.
My current version is by London Fog and since purchasing I've been wearing almost daily. On warmer days I like to style it over a little black dress with sandals (like 2 days ago in Seattle when it was over 60 degrees and sunny!) and on colder days with a colorful hoodie (I have a magenta vintage Nike hoodie I thrifted I'm particularly loving right now), skinny jeans and sneakers. It's also great with heels, a pencil skirt and blouse for the workplace.
From Jackie O to Kate Middleton, the classic trench coat has found it's way into chic and polished closets everywhere and for good reason! From rain to sleet to wind to the red carpet, the trench coat has you covered and always looking chic. It is also season-less and timeless; just as perfect for a chilly day in autumn as a rainy day in spring.
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!
Coffee in hand, strolling Pike Place Market, a light rain falling; so quintessential Seattle, so Pacific Northwest. A quick stop at La Panier for bread, DeLaurenti for cheese, wine and pasta and the local farmers' market stalls for vegetables; a quick laugh at the tourists in line at the original Starbucks before heading home, love our City life.
Winter florals, a cozy sweater, waterproof boots, hat and solid trench ensure the light rain does not chill to the core. I spy ferry boats along Puget Sound heading for islands and consider stopping at Fran's Chocolates for double chocolate figs for dessert before heading home.
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!
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.
Disclosure:Affiliate links are occasionally 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!
Whenever I am in doubt on what to wear to a holiday party, family gathering or night on the town, my go to is almost always the Little Black Dress (LBD). It is that essential wardrobe item I can always count on and feel confident in. I like to believe the LBD will take me anywhere!
Just throw on a jacket and pair of heels, grab a clutch and you're
party ready! Or dress down with a pair of sneakers and an oversized
cardigan sweater for an afternoon with friends. The LBD makes the perfect traveling companion and more often than not at least one will end up in my suitcase as my jetset partner. The Little Black Dress truly is my closet BFF!
However, it is the story of the LBD that really catches my attention.
This simple garment does not have so much a simple history. Similar to
that of denim, it is a tale of the wealthy appropriating the clothing of
the working class and poor.
In October 1926
American Vogue Magazine featured a sketch of a Chanel design for a long
sleeve, calf length, black sheath dress and predicted the dress would
become a uniform for "women of taste." They called the little black
dress a "Chanel Ford," simple with potential for enormous and great
success, and named after the era's democratic black model-t automobile.
Thank you Everlane for partnering on this post! 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! Products gifted are marked c/o. All thoughts are
my own!
While I was living in the San Francisco Bay Area, prior to Seattle, I stumbled upon the brand Everlane. Immediately I knew this was a brand to watch and that they were doing something pretty cool and pretty different through a concept called radical transparency: ethical factories, exceptional quality and affordable prices.
With my educational and professional background in environmental studies and social work, I am deeply committed to shopping sustainably and ethically. I was so happy to have finally found a brand that matched my values.
At Everlane they want the the right choice to be as easy as putting on a great t-shirt. That's why they partner with the best, ethical factories around the world, source only the finest ingredients and share the product story with you, including the true cost of every product made. It's a new way of doing things and they call it radical transparency. I say, finally!
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!
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, herehere 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 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.
Disclosure: Affiliate links are used throughout this blog, which means I might
make a small commission if you click on a link. This post contains paid placement and products sent for
consideration; Items gifted are marked c/o. Thank you for supporting
Story of My Dress! All thoughts, as always, are
my own!
Alki Beach is one of my favorite spots in our West Seattle neighborhood. Known for the only sandy stretch of beach in Seattle, a boardwalk, and gorgeous views of the Seattle city skyline; it tends towards a California vibe with summer weekend volleyball tournaments, sunset beach bonfires and coastal beach boutiques.
Just around the bend from the main stretch of Alki the crowds dwindle a bit (especially in summer when Alki can get PACKED) and the less crowded path is perfect for a romp, walk or jog. Marination Ma Kai, one of my favorite Seattle restaurants is on this stretch and I highly recommend the sexy tofu tacos or pretty much anything on their menu for some delicious Hawaiian-Korean cuisine. A perfect spot as a break or destination.
For a recent jaunt to Alki Beach I grabbed my favorite and oh-so-comfortable Aritzia jumpsuit from my closet (sold out, similar).
I truly believe jumpsuits are the perfect alternative to a dress or any
kind of decision related to matching or not matching; just accessorize
and you're good to go.
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!
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!
Disclosure: Affiliate links are used throughout this post. All thoughts are my own!
I am a firm believer in the Brunch. Whether a Sunday brunch with friends, a Saturday brunch with the fam' or a mid-week "let's play hookie" little Saturday (aka Wednesday) brunch with a bestie; brunch is always a good idea. Not breakfast, nor lunch, nor dinner; the brunch is an original with an eclectic personality.
For most brunches, my go-to outfit is a dress, sandals or mules and a favorite bag. I might accessorize with a sunhat and/or sunglasses if the weather is warm and the sun is shining, or add a sweater with a breeze.
However, my go-to outfit for brunch has not been working lately in Seattle. With a constant rain since last fall and temperatures barely crawling above 50, I needed a new go-to brunch outfit stat. With a bit of a surprise, I turned to pieces that tended towards neutral. And when I think neutrals, I typically think fall, not spring.
Well it turns out I love to wear neutrals in spring too! Neutrals are great pieces to have in your wardrobe for year-round and in no way need to be limited by season. Pairing well with other neutrals or colors, they provide flexibility no matter the situation.
For cooler temps, wind that is not just a breeze and overcast days,
layers are key. For a recent brunch with friends at Luna Park Cafe in
West Seattle, I turned to a few of my closet staples and wardrobe
favorites: a fisherman sweater from Madewell, faux leather leggings from
Zara, a MaxMara Safari Jacket I've had forever and a vintage leather
bag I found at a thrift shop on the California coast when we lived in
Half Moon Bay.
I paired these closet favorites with
a few recent additions to my wardrobe: Earrings and Necklace c/o
Rebekah J Designs, dv Kenli perforated mule booties from Target and Gap
Aviator Sunglasses. Both the Paths Between Necklace and Fortunate
Earrings are from Rebekah J Designs' fragment Collection. Rebekah J Designs is based in West Seattle and all her pieces are stunning!
One of my favorites, the Paths Between Necklace
by Rebekah J Designs, is perfect for layering with other jewelry or as a
stand alone piece. Cast in brass and hung from a 14k gold fill chain,
the necklace is a great reminder that "there's more than one route to
take you there", no matter where 'there' may be.
Another favorite, the Fortunate Earrings
by Rebekah J Design are hand carved with texture on one side and
polished on the other. An elevated take on your everyday basic hoop,
they're the perfect way to remember that "sometimes it's the simplest
things that remind us how fortunate we really are."
And as a special offer for Story of My Dress readers, you can take 20% off all Rebekah J Designs products on www.rebekahjdesigns.com! Just use code STORY20!
If you're like me, you've been living in off-the-shoulder dresses all summer long. Now that fall is in the air, I am definitely not ready to pack them away or delegate to the back of my closet. Instead, I am all about finding ways to transition my off-the-shoulder dresses to fall, like this All About Lace Shift Dress from TOBI.
I pretty much live in neutrals. Black, brown, taupe, grey, white, this is what you will most likely find if you peek in my closet. However, sometimes I get in the mood to shake things up. This fall I am all about incorporating what I have deemed "the new fall neutrals" into my wardrobe.
