sweater weather

sweater weather: my favorite kind of

weather! who doesn't enjoy soft, thick,

and oversized sweaters? they're perfect for

any occasion, whether layered over a flannel

and leggings, or stylishly paired with a 

dress or blouse at the office. 

i have an immense love obsession for

sweaters; 'you do not need another

grey sweater, megan.' words that are uttered

far too often. in my opinion, one can

never own too many grey (or colorful) sweaters ;)

disclosure: a special thank you to boho chic boutique for graciously providing me the 

sweater worn in today's post. as per usual, all opinions are my own!

sophisticated turtlenecks; cardigans;

fuzzy pullovers; i love them all.

when it comes to sweaters, i have learned

brand (and/or quality of material) is of great

importance. thus, my love for bargain hunting does

not always apply in the sweater department. 

this doesn't mean that all my sweaters are cashmere or

purchased for $100+. no, no. instead, i try

to find quality pieces at local boutiques, 

department stores, or on consignment. 

additionally, when sweater shopping,

i look for two things: is the garment dry-clean 

only? what is the garment made of?

fibers extracted from plants and animals

and made from cotton, wool, linen, or 

silk are going to be of better quality (and

subsequently longer-lasting) than synthetics and

other man-made materials, such as 

acrylic, spandex, and polyester. thus, prior

to hitting the cash register, check

the inner tag of your sweater or garment.

quality over quantity!

this is something i, personally, need to adhere

to. i cannot tell you how many times i've 

purchased an inexpensive sweater, only to wear it

a few times and have it stretch out, pill, and/or

look crummy. this is discouraging and

ultimately a waste of money. the best

way to judge the quality of a sweater is

to touch it. try it on. how does it feel? what

is the density? if it is a knit sweater, upon 

stretching, does it return to its original shape? 

inspect the seems holding the sweater

together, too!

photos by karya schanilec photography

blouse: loft, sweater: c/o boho chic boutique,

jeans: loft, flats: franco sarto (thrifted via seattle goodwill), 

purse: thrifted via seattle goodwill, rings: target

a few weeks ago, i discovered a new

local boutique on instagram (@bohochicboutique2017).

they offer a variety of blouses, sweaters, pants,

and bralettes that are of great quality and at an

even better price point. i feel fortunate for the 

opportunity to collaborate with and support

them here on my blog. the sweater i am wearing

today has been on major repeat as of late. it's incredibly soft

and has maintained its shape (despite many

wearings)—no pilling here, either!

are you familiar with boho chic boutique?

you can shop my sweater on instagram.

cheers to supporting local, small businesses!

xoxo.

how to wear shorts in the fall

i know i have said this before, but summer

is my favorite season! there is something special about

the bustling city - people out walking, biking,

and enjoying time on the water; farmers markets;

traveling to our family cabin; of course, summer

fashion can be a great deal of fun, too! 

although fall has begun to make an appearance

in seattle, i am determined to hang on to some of

my favorite summer clothing items. i am not ready

to put my sandals and shorts away. just

hang in there, summer. i need a few more days weeks

of sun (and i have a few outfits i would like to wear)!

disclosure: asa of lace and pearls jewelry graciously lent me the necklace

i am wearing in today's photos. i am thrilled to support my dear

friend and talented business owner! as per usual, all opinions are my own.

despite my pleading, i think fall weather is

around the corner; while i love jewel tones, knits

and layering, and anything plaid, i am determined

to re-style a few of my favorite summer pieces

in the coming weeks. first up?

these adorable floral shorts from zara!

shorts are an essential in every woman's summer

wardrobe. after labor day, i typically pack up

my shorts and exchange them for leggings,

jeans, and other cool-weather styles, but not this year!

here are a few simple ways you can wear shorts in the fall:

1. add tights

black, grey, colorful or patterned tights are a quick 

and easy way to add warmth and excitement to your

outfit (i.e. your shorts).

2. grab heels or booties

looking to dress up a pair of black shorts

(while also making your legs appear longer)?

heels can do this! booties are a casual alternative 

and pair perfect with any fall look.

3. add a blazer or structured jacket

i recently pulled out my navy, denim, and black

blazers. i have a green bomber jacket from last

season that will pair well with casual shorts (such

as the floral pair i am wearing today). 

a structured jacket of any color, fabric, or 

print will go well with darker-colored shorts.

4. grab a chunky sweater

your favorite knit sweater? structured

shorts with booties (or tights and ballet flats)

are a fun way to style shorts in cooler weather.

photos by chelsea macor photography

top: tj maxx, shorts: zara (exact here),

rings: forever 21, purse: nordstrom, 

flats: madewell, necklace: c/o lace and pearls jewelry

earlier this week, i spoke of my passion for

supporting local business owners and creatives.

today, i am thrilled to be wearing one of my dear

friends' designs, (and fellow blogger, asa of lace and pearls)

'lace and pearls jewelry.' asa and i have been

friends for more than two years, and i have to say, she is 

one of the sweetest and most hard-working women

i know! she juggles a full-time job, blogs,

and maintains her beautiful social media platforms.

recently, asa also began making jewelry.

asa's designs are handmade, and each piece

is crafted with exquisite detail and care. i am wearing

 the lariot pendant necklace, and i cannot wait

to style it with other tops and dresses.

asa's website will be launch soon, but in the

meantime, be sure to follow along here for updates

and new designs!

do you wear shorts in the fall?

if so, how do you style them?

xoxo.

shop local with morning siren

happy monday, everyone!

how is it that, without fail, the work

week seemingly drags on, and the weekend flies by? 

can we somehow reverse this, please? 

i could surely benefit from a few extra hours of sleep

and an additional day (or two) spent brunching, 

exploring, and visiting with family and friends.

what do you think? #amiright

one of the things i have come to

appreciate about my city (seattle), is the 

amount of raw talent we have. whether jewelry and fashion, 

or home decor and other art forms, the vast skills our 

designers and creatives possess are truly inspiring! 

i often find myself in awe when browsing 

urban craft fairs, online marketplaces, and various

instagram profiles. teach me your ways?!

i strive to 'shop local' whenever i can

to support seattle creatives. i enjoy purchasing from

and spreading the word about these talented individuals, 

both on my blog and social media channels. 

the quality and creativity you are likely to receive when 

purchasing from a local designer is unparalleled 

(i.e. you won't show up to an event wearing the 

same dress as another guest).

'style changes your mood, and your mood

isn't the same everyday.'

--kaitlin, founder of morning siren

today, i would like to introduce 

seattle designer, kaitlin uemura

of morning siren. i recently met kaitlin 

at the front desk when getting a hair cut at

 the collage salon on first;

her talents are diverse -- fashion design,

sewing, hair, business, etc. kaitlin was born and raised 

in hawaii, but moved to seattle, washington a few 

years ago to pursue her design dreams!

i am styling kaitlin's reversible zip vest.

it is chambray on one side and hawaiian-print

on the other (the print reminds me of a dress

my mom purchased on a trip to hawaii several

years ago). the exposed

gold zipper is sewn at an angle, giving the

vest a unique, edgy vibe. i paired it

with a cropped black top and my favorite

patchwork jeans. a simple metallic clutch and black 

mules completed my outfit.

kaitlin is both talented and incredibly sweet!

i am lusting after several of her pencil skirts

and bodycon dresses. you can find my vest, 

as well as several other styles, handmade by kaitlin

here; and of course, follow along for new

styles (fall fashion is in full swing, ladies)

via instagram.

photos by jenn from hello rigby

vest: c/o morning siren (borrowed); top: zara,

jeans: holding horses (thrifted via seattle goodwill), 

mules: tj maxx, bracelets: target,

clutch (cosmetic bag used as a clutch): tj maxx

who are some of your favorite designers?

if any are local to seattle, please let me know!

i know i am biased, but our city is 

pretty incredible!

xoxo.

the 'awa collection' launch party

two weeks ago, i had the immense pleasure of attending the launch party

for rebekah j designs' new awa collection; and party, it was! the event was hosted  

by chesney schmidt of all the flutter and 

chris guillot of merchant method. it was held at the bemis arts building -

the space is gorgeous and allowed for an open, but intimate setting. 

i was finally able to meet rebekah, founder and creator of rebekah j designs, 

in person! not only is she incredibly genuine and kind (and gorgeous!), but the 

excitement she possesses for her jewelry is seemingly palpable. i loved trying on the many 

necklaces, rings and bracelets (some of which are pictured above). 

^^^ chris guillot (right) introducing rebekah's new awa line! ^^^

^^^ so many friends, family, and bloggers in attendance to support rebekah! ^^^

rebekah spoke briefly about her excitement for the new line as 

well as the inspiration behind it. i loved learning more about her family and

her desire to use jewelry-making as a creative outlet. 

delicious eats were provided by andrea manca's wedding cakes and manca's 

catering, as well as cupcakes from lulucakes vegan cupcakes. 

my sweet tooth was very happy after enjoying one (or three!) of these beautiful cupcakes!

photos by elizabeth kathryn photography

'water has always had the ability to reconnect me when i feel lost.'

-rebekah j designs

the awa collection was born after rebekah took a trip to hawaii with her husband and 

daughter. the sunsets, white sand beaches, and gorgeous scenery can be

seen in the shapes and styles of the awa line. you can read more about the inspiration

behind the awa collection on rebekah's blog here.

and in case you missed it, be sure to check out my earlier

collaboration with rebekah j designs on my blog here.

i styled the ocean necklace, eclipse bracelet, and stud earrings with a cropped 

white blouse and my favorite skinny jeans. i cannot wait to pair the pieces

with different dresses and tops this summer!

congratulations, rebekah! and thank you for including me

on your special day! 

xoxo.

dressing comfortably while looking stylish!

...it's chilly, but not quite cold enough for a jacket...

...i want to wear leggings as pants, but need to cover my bum...

...i can't wear a sweatshirt to work...

...i want to try this fashion trend...

...it's seemingly comparable to wearing a blanket, but a fashionable blanket...

...i need a layering piece...

...seattle weather is very unpredictable. you never know 

when you'll need a hood...

...i ate too many cookies after dinner last night (post dinner food baby)...

...it's terribly picturesque... 

just a few reasons you need this poncho in your closet to wear

at the most opportune time (like today when you need to hide the fact that you had 

one too many slices of birthday cake over the weekend... or was that just me?). 

other peoples polyester (OPP), founded and designed by malia peoples, 

is a local and handmade clothing line featuring ponchos, cardigans and soft accessories.

malia was born in hawaii and raised right here, in the pacific northwest. 

her line is inspired by vintage silhouettes and eclectic patterns, japanese street fashion, 

and the comfortable (and practical) style of a seattle fashionista. 

i kept my outfit relatively simple today, as i wanted

the poncho to be my statement piece. i love these distressed skinny

jeans, as they're incredibly stretchy. because they're such a dark grey color (seemingly black), 

they can be paired with almost any blouse or top. my cowl neck tee is 

also from sassafras. with summer just around the corner, it was time to dig out all my favorite

open toed shoes and sandals for the season. i bought these dolce vita studded 

sandals several years ago and am eager to pair them with my shorts and dresses. 

hair & makeup by sharell katelynn; photos by jenna lynn photography

poncho: other peoples polyester (borrowed from sassafras), jeans: american eagle,

top, rings & earrings: borrowed from sassafras,

sandals: dolce vita (old), bracelets: urban outfitters & forever 21

other peoples polyester is available at sassafras, located in belltown.

sassafras is one of my favorite boutiques for unique, handmade pieces.

the clothing and accessories are absolutely beautiful, and several of the designers

are based in the store (crafting their gorgeous items in belltown!). 

in case you missed it, be sure to check out my other collaboration

with sassafras (and designer, boho republic) here!

xoxo.

**this is a sponsored post. all opinions are my own! 

a tour of the new flagship filson store

seattle's premier outdoor and luggage retailer since 1897, filson, 

recently opened a new flagship store. just in time for the holidays, too! 

the store is located at 1741 first avenue south and is 6,500 square feet larger 

than their previous location. 

i had the pleasure of attending their grand opening 

two weeks ago, and 'event' is a bit of an understatement; it was a party!

the opening featured live music, bites from tom douglas,

and a selection of local beer and wine. 

^^^ my dad attended the event with me, and he 

greatly enjoyed learning about the repair process. these are original filson 

bags that have been redone and are available for purchase! ^^^

filson is known for their attention to detail, quality customer service, 

and lifetime guarantee. the new space is gorgeous and includes 

the warehouse, store, a community meeting space, and home

to artifacts from the klondike gold rush era and other original filson products.

we had a wonderful time at the opening and loved learning 

more about filson. i may or may not have brought home a few

things to give to my family for christmas (!!!). 

have you had a chance to stop by their new location? it's worth the trip!

you can learn more about filson here.

xoxo.

holiday gift guide for her (part ii)

i shared the first part of my holiday gift guide, 

featuring seattle goods and services, here.

i have a few additional ideas for the women in your life;

happy shopping!

photos found here

you know i am completely addicted to false lashes! i apply 

drugstore brand lash-strips most days. i've come to feel naked 

without them (whoops!). the solution? 

a visit to noir lash lounge, located in bellevue.

schedule an appointment at their boutique before attending 

your holiday parties! you're sure to look and feel glamorous

with a gorgeous set of lashes. to learn more about 

noir lash lounge, visit their website here.

cap sleeve top // ankle leggings // camisole classic

are you familiar with mere basics? 

this local brand features luxurious layering pieces that are 100% cashmere! 

each item is incredibly soft with feminine details. 

the tanks, tops, and leggings are sleek and lightweight enough 

that they can be worn year-round. be sure to check out mere basics

when completing your holiday shopping here.

photo found here

is there a fashionista in your family?

look no further than lika love! the former mobile boutique 

has grown into two, full-line stores in the seattle area.

malika and her team will help you find the perfect 

gifted item - whether a holiday dress, cozy sweater,

comfortable jacket, or accessories to wear with all the above!

learn more about lika love and check out her lookbook here.

despite completing two holiday shopping gift guides, 

i have yet to start actually shopping! here's to hoping

the sales continue, the shopping isn't too tedious,

and i can find the perfect gift for everyone on my list.

xoxo. 

plaid, jewelry & a giveaway!

^^^ wearing the mini lune necklace with greek goat leather,

handmade by talented aimee of leia beila jewelry ^^^

t-shirt: target, plaid tunic: nordstrom rack, flats: dolce vita,

purse: nordstrom, ring and necklace: c/o leia beila jewelry, 

jean: kut from the cloth (via july stitchfix)

i'm collaborating again with the incredibly talented aimee, 

of leia beila jewelry! i recently styled her 'kaleidoscope' crystal earrings and 

'ghost babe' obsidian ring here. 

today, i am wearing the mini lune necklace with greek goat leather. 

each of aimee's pieces are handmade with exquisite detail - 

even the clasp on the above necklace is stunning! 

i wanted the focus of this outfit to be the necklace, 

but added the plaid tunic to keep things simple, yet fun.

aimee has been handcrafting jewelry in the seattle area

for just over ten years. her website features numerous 

pieces, all of which are unique, trendy, and can be styled 

in countless ways (i'm lusting after so many things, too!) and today, 

you can win your very own piece from leia beila!!

^^^ similar here ^^^

to see more leia beila, be sure to follow aimee on instagram (@lb_jewelry) 

and twitter (@leia_beila).  don't forget to enter the giveaway below, too!

good luck and happy shopping!

xoxo.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**winner will receive one leia beila piece of jewelry, 

valued at $100 or less :)