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!

London Fog Trench Coat, Who What Wear Collection Fit & Flare Little Black Dress | Marc Jacobs Sunglasses (sold out, similar) | Who What Wear Collection Ring Handle Bag (sold out, similar / similar) | Target Merona Margo Pearl Slide Sandals

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.

Oh for the love of the trench coat!

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Photography: Karya Schanilec Photography

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.

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Photography: Karya Schanilec Photography

Your Closet BFF: A History of the Little Black Dress

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! 

 

Who What Wear Collection Fit & Flare Little Black Dress | Marc Jacobs Sunglasses (sold out, similar) | Who What Wear Collection Ring Handle Bag (sold out, similar / similar) | Target Merona Margo Pearl Slide Sandals

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.

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Photography: Karya Schanilec Photography

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

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How to Wear the New Fall Neutrals

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.