Happy Spring! I know we’re already about a week+ into the season, but today is my first official ‘spring outfit’ post. After a few introspective/contemplative posts last week, it’s good to be back just talking about outfits, and not over-thinking things too much.
Hackwith Design House – a fabulous Minnesota-based brand that designs and makes all their garments in house – kindly invited me to pick a piece from their spring line. You may remember their Basic Shift Dress made some blog appearances over the winter. After looking through their beautiful spring line up – so many great options!! – I landed on this beautiful cotton-cupro maxi dress in French blue.
Since it’s still a little chilly for maxi dresses in Portland, I thought it would be fun to put together a Now & Later post. I am styling the dress for now (keeping warmth in mind!) and for later, when the summer heat has made it’s way into the Willamette Valley.
FOR NOW:
I knew right away I wanted to style this dress with tennis shoes and a leather jacket. I felt like the gentle, feminine silhouette was begging for some contrast. In all honesty, I think this dress would look super cool with some white sneakers that are ever-so-popular right now, but I’m trying not to follow alll the trends right now (nor spend all my money). If I were to pick some though, this style would be at the top of my list.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Leather jacket, Veda x Reformation | dress, c/o Hackwith Design House | shoes, old Cons, try these instead | tote, c/o FashionABLE
FOR LATER:
Something about the promise of spring (and summer) has made me feel more inclined toward the bohemian side of things. I don’t remember feeling this way so much last season. I think bohemian just shouts laid-back summer, and that’s what this sun-deprived Oregonian is starting to crave. Also, just as much as the current fashion scene is being influenced by the 1990’s, I’d say the 1970’s are making a heavy play too. (Especially when it comes to décor!) Either way this look is a nod to those feelings and influences.
I found this vintage 70’s era bag at a local leather shop, and had a hard time walking away from it. The tooled leather and beautiful braided details made it clear that this was something special. And then my mom sent me a picture of her in high school using a very similar bag. *Swoon*
In some ways it makes me feel nostalgic for an era I never even lived in.
Wearing this dress makes me feel a slight connection to times gone by, and it fills my bohemian craving while still staying true to my love of clean lines. I look forward to wearing it over tanned shoulders and flat sandals in the summer, or just like styled above. For now I’ll have to settle for a few layers.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Dress, c/o Hackwith Design House | bag, vintage | clogs, Moheda | cuff, FashionABLE
That dress is awesome! Great color, unique lines. I love how the buttons end a foot higher up than the length to take some “maxi” out of it and show a little leg, all the while mirroring the collar notch. Gives the length for colder spring and the breeziness for hotter times. These outfits are so good – the “edgy” is not too overdone and the summer is so easy but with a definite look. Great work!
Yes, the beauty is in the details of the design of this dress. So true Lindsey! Thanks for you opinions on this. ;)
Love the dress and tooled leather bag! My brother used to make a lot of tooled leather things in high school in the 80’s. I have a tooled leather bag with a horse on it that he made me sometime around then. He also made wallets, key chains and belts. He is very talented. I should tell him he should start making them again….I bet he could make some serious money on Etsy! Have a great week!
That is really cool! My dad is actually getting into this stuff right now, it is really fun to watch. He’s making casings for old rifles, and now he’s talking about sandals! He let my daughters make little bracelets, which was super cute.
So pretty! I’m in love with that color blue. I love how you styled it both ways–those looks are so laid-back and effortless.
Thanks Lo! It is a really great color. I think this dress could be fun with the right tank layered over it too.
LOVE the motorcycle jacket! Seriously perfect–not cropped, not too much hardware. What size did you end up choosing? Can’t wait to see how you style it!
Thank you Desta! Great question, I got the Medium, but it was too big, so I sized down to the Small.
I love that dress, but it would take me months of saving to afford it. I want to buy more consciously and ethically, but I sometimes feel like the only way people can afford these things are if they’re given to them through a sponsorship or c/o. Just frustrating for me sometimes.
Hi Sarah, I feel yah, and I know it’s hard to see those $$$ price tags sometimes. I don’t want you to feel discouraged. Sometimes when I am inspired by a style or piece that’s out of my budget, I love hunting through thrift shops for an item that has a similar feel. I know it can feel like a needle in a haystack, but some of my most successful thrifting purchases have come from being inspired by other pieces. (For example, have you seen Christy Dawn’s amazing dresses?! I feel like the thrift shops often have similar 90’s style dresses on their racks.)
Another option to keep you inline with your shopping ethically goals is to shop at more curated thrift shops online (try @noihsaf.bazaar on instagram). I also love the thrifting chain Crossroads for shopping in person. The other option of course is to wait it out, which is definitely hard. I have my eye on a particular piece right now that is $$$, but I will probably have to save and wait until next Spring to purchase it – that’s a full year! At least I’ll know by then if I truly want it. I know it can be super disheartening to see the big price tags, and I appreciate your honest thoughts. Thank you for taking the time to weigh in.
This outfit screams spring comfort and days of relaxing! I am a new follower to your blog but I already feel at home.
Hi Rachael – welcome!! I’m so glad to have you. YES- relaxing! Always a goal of mine, even if it hard to to achieve. Looking forward to seeing you around more!
70s are back BECAUSE 90s are back, and vice versa! They will always revive together because so much of 90s style was 70s-inspired. 😊
I never have made that connection! Great point!
Big fan of the grandma style! This would also look great with a pair of those dreamy MNZ palmas.
Agreed Michelle! That look would be gold. As for my mom, I so agree! I love everything she is wearing in that pic. 😍
Love this dress and the way you styled it. I agree – the details are just perfect. I really like the leather jacket too. How does it look with the new Clyde pants?
Thanks Mel!
The jacket and the Clydes = 😍. I kicked off 7 days of styling today and can’t wait to share soon!
I totally get pining for things you never pined for before because MY GOD, where is the SUN already?
Also, this jacket!!! I love it and I love that you got a grailllllllllllll. Looks great and perfect for this in-between weather right now.
Thank you Alicia! I feel pretty pumped. It just feels so glossy. Still getting used to wearing it on the regular.