Look of the Day: Ok, it's a sack

 It's just the right amount of shapeless, especially when it's 85 degrees! I found it while thrift shopping, of course. It's made of pin striped chambray and looks so cool over a crop or bandeau top.

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Look of the Day: Hawaiian Maxi

 I scored this fabulous maxi dress at the Memorial Day sale at Value Village. I have so many "statement" maxis, though, that I've decided to give this one up. It has the potential to fit a multitude of sizes and body types, so if you're interested make sure to check out my Etsy shop for more details!

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Look of the Day: Orchid Maxi Dress + Vintage Denim

Here are a few of my latest thrift store spoils. I found the Levi's denim jacket in the kid's section. Really, I should thank my sister-in-law for pointing it out. It's quite a find! It has a big 'E' on the red tab instead of a lowercase 'e'. Based on the size of the tag inside, the design of the buttons, and the absence of handwarmer pockets we think it was made sometime in the year 1969. I still need to take it to Insurrection in Greenwood to confirm everything, but I'm fairly confident it is that old! Kinda wish it had pockets, though...

The dress is from the 1970s, I believe. I wore it, and the jacket, to the fashion show at the SAM. If you're interested in the dress, it's available through my Etsy shop.

I'm a little sad to see this dress go. It's so pretty, both in print and fit. I have so many floral maxis, though, that I figured I should share. The empire waist is probably my favorite part.

 It has a back vent so you can actually walk in it. It makes it all the prettier, too.

Oasap Sugar Linked Necklace - Vintage Maxi Dress - Vintage Levi's Denim Jacket - MIA flats

Look of the Day: A Whole Lot of Dress

 It's taken me a couple months to make up my mind on this dress. It's a whole lotta dress! The colors and pattern are so bold, and polyester is not my first choice of fabrics. I've made up my mind, though. I LOVE IT. It's the perfect summer evening dress. 

On my way downtown last week, I stepped out my door and a family walking home from the lake said "Look at that dress!" That settled things. This dress is over the top in the best way!

Without the belt, the front of the dress is a little shapeless. The back, however, is a gorgeous, Lanvin-esque cocoon shape. It drapes beautifully. I plan on wearing it as maternity wear someday. 

 Vintage maxi dress (similar) - thrifted leather belt - Oasap sunglasses - Forever21 sandals (similar) - Tiffany bracelet 

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Summer-to-Fall: 1 Maxi 2 Ways

I'm divided right now. 

Do I let go of summer and embrace Fall in all it's layered glory, or do I soak up the last of these sunny days? Living in Seattle, it seems silly and wasteful to start donning caps or scarves when it's still in the 70s. No need to rush into that 9 months of clouds we have ahead of us!

Nevertheless, I'm still excited for Fall. I've been finding some amazing sweaters and scarves at garage sales, and I'm kind of excited to wear them. Especially the J.Crew cashmere turtleneck I got for $17 (that's like 92% off the original price)! This mix of guilt and excitement has inspired me to try my hand at transitioning Summer pieces for Fall. It's a good way to get more use out of seasonal items. For instance, this yellow chevron maxi dress from Gap. I found it on clearance for $17 (sorry the dress at the link I posted below isn't as cheap!) and was worried it wouldn't carry over into the next season, but I've found ways to make it work.

1. Casual/Work

 I always want to wear loads of black and grey in the Fall and Winter, but by the time January rolls around I've got fashion-induced depression. I've made it a goal this year to make color a part of my wardrobe year-round. It can seem tricky, but remember that most "Fall" colors are neutrals and go quite well with brights.

 A cropped sweater keeps the skirt looking long and lean. For extra warmth, layer maxi dresses and maxi skirts over leggings. No one will even know you're wearing them!

2. Fancy/Event

 Try some lush layers and textures to add some drama, as well as warmth, to any outfit. Here I'm wearing vintage fur and an oversized cardigan that my husband hates, haha. It's so thick, I'm pretty sure I'll be able to wear it as a coat this winter.

 A great thing about maxi length dresses & skirts is that you don't need to wear heels. That means, whether you're walking around at Fashion's Night Out or dancing the night away, you'll be comfortable.

 Again, neutral colors keeps this texture-loaded look from getting too wild.

 Don't forget to add a bit more glam with some jewelry. Don't overload, though. Do earrings or bracelets, but not both.

GAP chevron maxi dress - H&M blazer - Vintage sweater - Handemade circle scarf - Vintage leather satchel (similar) - Madewell Meshbound Earrings - Thrifted cat eye sunglasses - Thrifted wool cardigan (similar) - Gap clutch - Chloe flats - Vans Classics

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Look of the Day: namesake

Dear Suede Jacket,

Poor neglected little jacket. I'm sorry I forgot to style you. You see, I just wasn't sure you worked with "my style". I was wrong, and I'm woman enough to admit it.

 Thanks for bringing so much boho-vintage chicness to my basic jersey maxi dress. It was in dire need of some bad-assery! (note: I just made that word up). Thanks for making me feel a tiny bit like Kate Lanphear.

Sincerely, Catie

 P.S. I got this super cool, GIANT vintage leather bag at Kaleidoscope Vision on Capitol Hill when I was hanging out with all those cool ladies from the Seattle Style Bloggers meet up. 

H&M Maxi Dress (similar) - Felicee leopard print belt - Vintage suede jacket (similar) - Vintage Liz Claiborne bag - Urban Outfitters sunglasses - DIY infinity scarf - Bracelets are vintage & Forever21