Tag: Travel Oregon

Pacific Northwest, Portland, Travel Oregon

Flower Season in Portland, Oregon

by shakespeareloveschanel2 Comments on Flower Season in Portland, Oregon
Portland International Rose Test Garden

When you live in a rainy place like Portland, Oregon, spring is something you definitely look forward to after a long, wet winter. Granted, we still get quite a bit of rain this time of year, but sprinkled in—pun intended!—are beautiful, sunny days and lots of gorgeous flowers.

Listed below are generally the best times to see these flowers in bloom, though keep in mind that it varies slightly from year to year! Whether you’re local to the Portland area or are planning to visit, I hope this post can serve as a helpful reference for spring and summer flowers.

Cherry Blossoms at Waterfront Park

The cherry blossoms at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland typically reach peak bloom mid to late March. The area with the cherry blossom trees is at the Japanese American Historical Plaza and between the Burnside Bridge and Steel Bridge. I highly recommend visiting on a weekday if possible because the weekends can get super crowded!

Cherry blossoms with the Steel Bridge in the background

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

About 45 minutes south of Portland in Woodburn is the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. The best time to see their vibrant tulips is usually mid to late April.

This year, tickets must be purchased online for specific dates/times, and they’ve extended their festival this season until May 8th, 2022. The weekends usually sell out so definitely plan ahead!

Portland International Rose Test Garden

The Portland International Rose Test Garden first opened over a century ago in 1917. It’s the oldest public rose test garden in the US and a lovely example of why Portland is often called the “City of Roses.”

While it’s open year round, the best months to visit are May through September. Admission is free!

Mountainside Lavender

About half an hour west of Portland in Hillsboro is Mountainside Lavender. Usually the best time to visit is in June and early July! On clear days you can even see Mount Hood in the distance (as shown above).

You can purchase pre-cut bundles of lavender and various lavender products here, or you can cut lavender out in the fields yourself ($6 per bundle). Admission to the fields is free.

Sunflowers at West Union Gardens

West Union Gardens are also located in Hillsboro, not far off Highway 26. The best time to see their beautiful sunflower field is in August. I did pay a small fee for entry when I was there in 2020, but I’ll revise this when I find out what the fee will be for this summer.

There are two more flower fields I plan to add to this list later this season: Adelman Peony Gardens in Salem and Swan Island Dahlias in Canby. I’ve never been to Adelman, and I haven’t seen the dahlias since I was a kid, but I’ll definitely update this list with photos and more info after I visit!

  • This year, Adelman Peony Gardens are open from April 30th to June 15th, and peak bloom is usually around Memorial Day Weekend.
  • The Swan Island Dahlia fields are open in August and September (closed on Wednesdays).
fashion, Pacific Northwest, Portland, Travel Oregon

Walk Among the Flowers: Two Portland Gardens to Visit This Summer

by shakespeareloveschanel2 Comments on Walk Among the Flowers: Two Portland Gardens to Visit This Summer
“Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us. In this garden – in all the places.” —from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Though this summer looks a lot different than years past, there are still things I’m looking forward to: more sunshine, outdoor adventures, and wearing some of my favorite sundresses.

As states have slowly opened up and eased restrictions, many of us are planning local summer getaways and outdoor pursuits. In this post, I’m highlighting two historic gardens in my hometown of Portland, Oregon. Both of these gardens I visited myself last week and are absolutely stunning this time of year. Keep in mind that there are some changes and safety precautions that have been made because of the current pandemic.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

Note that if an exact item is no longer available for purchase online, then I link similar styles.

Portland International Rose Test Garden

Up first is the Portland International Rose Test Garden, which opened over a century ago in 1917. It’s the oldest public rose test garden in the US and a lovely example of why Portland is often called the “City of Roses.” While it’s open year round, the best months to visit are May through September.

Outfit details (and similar styles) are linked here. These Cole Haan mules are a recent purchase, and they’re currently on sale on Nordstrom Rack’s website.

This garden has free admission, though keep in mind it can get quite crowded on sunny weekends. I visited on a weekday afternoon, and while there were other visitors there of course, it wasn’t hard to maintain social distance and keep at least six feet away from others.

Portland Japanese Garden

Just across the street from the Rose Test Garden is the Portland Japanese Garden. This majestic space, with its lush greenery and Japanese aesthetics, was designed back in 1963.

It re-opened a few weeks ago, and they’ve done a wonderful job with extra precautions and social distancing. To limit lines and capacity, they only allow a certain number of tickets for each time slot (which you can purchase in advance online).

Their website requests visitors to wear face coverings (we chose to wear our masks throughout the garden). However keep in mind that in accordance with the Governor of Oregon’s orders, face coverings are required in all indoor spaces. While the majority of the garden is outdoors, they do have some indoor areas.

We visited on an overcast, mild Sunday afternoon, and I was glad I wore jeans and a long-sleeved blouse. Though Oregon summers can be very warm and pleasant, we still have plenty of summer days that are cloudy and/or rainy.

Outfit details (and similar styles) are linked here. These black Topshop jeans are such a classic staple in my wardrobe!

2020 has been a difficult time in so many ways, yet visiting these gardens provided a much-needed dose of tranquility and splendor. And like The Secret Garden quote says at the beginning of this post, magic is “all around us. In this garden – in all the places.” We just have to remember to look for it.

Have a great weekend, loves! Stay safe and stay well ❤️

fall, fashion, Pacific Northwest, Portland

All the Fall Things

by shakespeareloveschanel4 Comments on All the Fall Things

“I can smell autumn dancing in the breeze. The sweet chill of pumpkin, and crisp sunburnt leaves.” —Ann Drake

I know, I know–pretty much everyone and their mother has been at the pumpkin patch lately 😉 (I, too, went with my mama last week on a glorious fall day, and we had a blast!)

Fall is in full swing, and that means shorter days, cozy scarves, and more pumpkin spice than one can possibly know what to do with.

But all jokes aside, fall in Portland is truly a beautiful time of year. Sure, there’s no shortage of rain, but that makes the colorful leaves and sunny days even more vibrant.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

Shop this outfit here.

Today I’m sharing a cozy chic fall outfit that’s perfect for picking pumpkins (or even just heading to a coffee shop for a PSL, if that’s more your thing ☕️).

Shades of rust and cinnamon are two of my favorite tones for fall. I styled this outfit around my rust-colored sweater, opting for accessories in neutral tones like my beige wool fedora and a classic Burberry scarf. I’ve had my Burberry scarf for many years, but it’s truly one of those investment pieces that can be worn year after year.

*If an exact item is no longer available, then I linked similar options in the LIKEtoKNOW.it app or through their website!

The wool fedora has been a really popular fall fashion accessory the past few years and is still going strong. I personally prefer the more structured styles, and though sometimes they give an Indiana Jones vibe, I dig it (pun intended 😉).

My mom and I visited Plumper Pumpkin Patch, which has some lovely views of the surrounding hills and is located about 20 minutes outside of Portland. 🎃 Some local pumpkin patches are only open weekends, but Plumper is open daily through October 31st from 9am to 5:30pm.

My mom wanted a variety of pumpkins to decorate the entryway of her house, and I helped her choose different sizes and colors for a fun, fall aesthetic. I always buy some mini ones for decor inside the home as well!

Another reason I love this time of year is because I LOVE horror movies, and I especially enjoy watching them throughout October in anticipation of Halloween! This year my husband and I have been on a Stephen King kick. These are the King film adaptations we’ve watched so far this month:

We watched Netflix’s recent film In the Tall Grass. There were some plot holes, but I liked the general premise: they took something commonplace like a field of grass and turned it into something eerie and strange. Patrick Wilson is one of the main characters (he’s awesome in The Conjuring movies, which I highly recommend).

We also watched Gerald’s Game, the story of a husband and wife who are trying to rekindle their marriage and travel to their vacation house for a getaway. Things go very awry when the husband has a sudden heart attack, leaving the wife handcuffed to the bed. This film has a lot of psychological elements, especially regarding the wife’s childhood, though I personally would categorize it as more of a thriller than a horror movie.

We re-watched King’s iconic horror story The Shining, in preparation for next month’s much-anticipated sequel, Doctor Sleep, which stars Ewan McGregor. This time I payed closer attention to the little boy Danny and his supernatural abilities, whose character will be the adult protagonist in the sequel.

Also, we did see It: Chapter 2 last month, but honestly found it to be less scary than the first installment. I thought they did a great job with casting and the characters’ backstories, but we found the first one to be far more terrifying (I still can’t get the simultaneously maniacal and hilarious image of Pennywise dancing in Chapter 1. If you’ve seen it, you’ll know what scene I’m talking about).

What’s your favorite horror film? Do you have certain traditions for fall or Halloween?

P.S. If you noticed that this blog post’s title is a play on words of the classic Blink-182 song “All the Small Things” then 10 points to Gryffindor! 😉

Pacific Northwest, Portland

A Night Out in Portland

by shakespeareloveschanel4 Comments on A Night Out in Portland

I’ve worked in downtown Portland for years, and I often get asked about recommendations for a night out. So in this week’s blog post, I’m sharing where we ate, drank, and were merry when an old college friend recently came to town.

There are so many amazing bars, restaurants, and local hot spots in Portland, and in future posts I’ll detail some of my favorites by category. But for the purposes of this post, I’m sharing our stops on a single night out in the downtown area near Pioneer Square–from happy hour drinks to late-night treats.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

Shop this look here.

One of my favorite little bars is Barlow, whose Jazz Age vibe appeals to my personal love for all things Gatsby. I enjoy the “Summers Ago” cocktail (pictured above) because it combines local marionberries with lemon and vodka to create a drink that’s the perfect mix of tart and sweet.

We started here for happy hour and then walked next door to Barlow’s sister restaurant The Picnic House.

Their meat and cheese boards are incredible and were such great options for sharing with our out-of-town guests.

I’m always a sucker for a great charcuterie board, and I love that theirs includes deviled eggs. When we first tried out this particular board months ago, we were a bit leery of the “edible duck fat candle” that is also included. This time around we knew what to expect, and it’s actually quite delicious to spread on the bread!

We also enjoyed the sausage trio, and each meat is sourced locally. Here in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest region, we pride ourselves on our local food!

My husband usually orders their fried chicken (shown above) and it’s soooooo good.

I’m a big fan of rosé, so we ordered the rosé flight and highly recommend it! Three of the wines are from the West Coast, and one is from France.

Shop this look here.

Our next stop was Departure, a rooftop bar on top of The Nines hotel just a few blocks from Picnic House. It’s a popular spot amongst tourists and locals, and for good reason: it has some of the best downtown views in the city.

Though definitely bring a light jacket or coat, especially in the evening. Even in the summer, it can get quite windy! (As illustrated above lol 😂)

My favorite time to go is just before sunset, which was when we arrived. We got lucky and snagged a corner table as a group was leaving. It was the perfect spot to hangout because we were on the corner of the balcony, which provided panoramic views of the Portland skyline.

Our last stop of the evening was for late night food at The Original, a “dinerant” once featured on the Food Network’s TV series Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. It’s located just a few blocks north of Departure on 6th and Oak.

Most of us ordered milkshakes or floats, and as you can see we definitely enjoyed them!

My friend ordered a crispy fried chicken sandwich. I had a bite, and it was excellent!

They also serve various pastries and desserts, if you’re in the mood for something sweet other than a shake or float.

One thing that was a priority when planning our route for the night was making sure everything was within walking distance of each other. From our starting point at Barlow to our final treats at The Original, the distance is only about nine blocks.

Cheers to a memorable summer evening, filled with old college stories, amazing views, and delicious food and drink! 🥂

Have you been to Portland? What’s your favorite spot for a night out?

Let me know in the comments! Thank you so much for stopping by ❤️

fashion, Pacific Northwest, Travel Oregon

Twirling Through Tulip Fields

by shakespeareloveschanel3 Comments on Twirling Through Tulip Fields

“A tulip doesn’t strive to impress anyone. It doesn’t struggle to be different than a rose. It doesn’t have to. It is different. And there’s room in the garden for every flower.” –Marianne Williamson

I recently visited the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon. I hadn’t been since I was a kid, and I was thrilled that my grandma, my mom, and my brother could come along as well (we also got so lucky that it didn’t rain on us!). 🌷

This gorgeous field of flowers is a local favorite spot of photographers and bloggers, but also a wonderful day trip for couples and families.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

We went on a weekday afternoon–which I highly recommend!–because the line to get in on the weekends can get super long. The Wooden Shoe Farm said on their Instagram page that if you do visit on a weekend, try to come closer to opening at 8am or later in the day towards closing time at 5pm (though as of May 5th, the festival has ended for the 2019 season).

Shop this look here.

I also recommend coming prepared with rubber wellies or a pair of old boots because the ground between the rows of tulips can get pretty muddy. It hadn’t even rained for a couple days before we went and the ground was still muddy in some areas.

My denim skirt is by Madewell and was a Nordstrom Rack find from earlier this year. I love the button details, the classic shade of blue denim, and the flattering length (not too short, not too long!). This exact style is unfortunately no longer available, but I included similar options for this entire outfit in the link above.

A floral dress and ankle boots are also great outfit options if you’re planning a photo op in a field of flowers, whether for engagement photos, family photos, etc.

Shop this look here.

Lavender has been a very popular color this spring, and I really liked the color palette of this particular floral print. I’m also a big fan of wrap dresses (as I mentioned in my previous post) because they tie at the waist and are usually adjustable.

I unfortunately couldn’t find this exact style online anywhere (the brand is Studio B by Bobeau) but I linked similar options above.

My Panama Hat is from J. Crew and has been a go-to of mine for years. It’s a versatile, classic style that looks great with so many outfits (denim, dresses, skirts, etc).

We also took some family photos at the Tulip Fest, and this one of my mom, my grandma, and me is a personal favorite. I’m really close with my family, and I truly cherish the time I get to spend with them.

Hope you all have a wonderful week! Thank you so much for stopping by ❤️

fashion, Pacific Northwest, Travel Oregon

From the Mountains to the Ocean

by shakespeareloveschanel7 Comments on From the Mountains to the Ocean
From the Mountains to the Ocean

One of the amazing things about living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest is that you can go from snowcapped mountains to the Pacific Ocean in just a few hours’ drive. In last week’s post, I shared a glimpse of Mt. Hood, and this week–you guessed it–I’m sharing one of my favorite spots on the Oregon Coast.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

Recently, my best friend and I took a day trip to Cannon Beach, which is only about 90 minutes from Portland by car.

We got so lucky with the weather! If you’ve ever been to the Oregon Coast, you’ll know it’s usually quite windy and chilly (even for summer visits, I always wear layers). But on this particular day, it was sunny and in the mid 50’s, with almost no wind! Considering we were there in the middle of winter, it was an absolutely perfect day.

If you visit Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock is a must-see landmark (shown above). It’s also within walking distance of a great local restaurant, Mo’s, whose famous clam chowder is one of my personal faves!

To shop this outfit, click here.

I wore casual layers for our day trip, with an olive green utility coat and my beloved high-waist jeans (both from Topshop). The coat is from a previous year, but I linked similar options above.

As for shoes and accessories:

My faux fur beanie is by Kyi Kyi, and I adore the fun, oversized pom pom and the overall quality and durability. My Blondo boots are such a go-to in my closet, and–as you can see demonstrated above–the waterproof leather makes them safe to wear even on the wet beach as the tide came in.

My nylon crossbody bag I’ve had for several years (from Marc by Marc Jacobs), and I found a super similar Marc Jacobs style on the Nordstrom Rack site (linked above and currently on sale for under $100!). My scarf is an old TJ Maxx find, but I found some similar black and white options. And of course, my classic Ray-ban Clubmaster sunglasses kept my eyes both safe and stylish.

Last year I read Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize winner All the Light We Cannot See, and his precision of language and beautiful imagery were things I truly admired (for my more detailed review of this novel, click here). This passage from All the Light We Cannot See felt fitting for this week’s post:

“I have been feeling very clearheaded lately and what I want to write about today is the sea. It contains so many colors. Silver at dawn, green at noon, dark blue in the evening. Sometimes it looks almost red. Or it will turn the color of old coins. Right now the shadows of clouds are dragging across it, and patches of sunlight are touching down everywhere. White strings of gulls drag over it like beads.

It is my favorite thing, I think, that I have ever seen. Sometimes I catch myself staring at it and forget my duties. It seems big enough to contain everything anyone could ever feel.”

Doerr paints such a vivid image of the sea in this quote, from its various colors that change with the time of day to the more abstract idea that its sheer size could hold anything you could possibly feel. I love standing in the ocean as the tide comes in because it makes me feel like a kid again, and I think sometimes it’s good to feel that way. It keeps things in perspective when you stand next to something so vast and powerful, something that seems to go on forever.

What do you think? Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean?

Hope you all have a wonderful week! Thank you for stopping by ❤️

Uncategorized

Tulle Skirts and Snow Days

by shakespeareloveschanel7 Comments on Tulle Skirts and Snow Days

As I mentioned in my previous post, this month marks my one-year blogiversary! In honor of that milestone, I want to share a glimpse of the Pacific Northwest wonderland and the beautiful state of Oregon that I’m lucky enough to call home. So for this post and the next one, I’ll be highlighting two very different landscapes here in Oregon: the mountains and the coast.

Though we don’t usually get a ton of snow in the Portland metro area, Mt. Hood is less than a two hours’ drive away. Every winter my husband and I go snowboarding up at Mt. Hood Meadows or Timberline (after a long day of snowboarding we stopped to take these photos–thankfully my husband is quite patient ❤️).

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.

To shop this outfit, click here.

I wanted to style a playful winter look to contrast the majestic snowy backdrop, and I knew this tulle skirt would be perfect. It’s from one of my favorite local designers, Tulle On Lace. Tulle skirts always remind me of Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sex and the City character and the iconic skirt she wore for the show’s opening credits (this is my Queen Elsa meets Carrie Bradshaw look 😉).

My double pom beanie is from the collection Lindsey Vonn did with Under Armour (unfortunately this beanie is sold out, but I linked some similar styles above), and my off-the-shoulder top was a TJ Maxx find (comparable options also linked above).

Celebrating one year with my blog, I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on how I’ve grown, what I’ve learned so far, and goals that I have for the future. A few years ago, I would’ve been afraid to share my personal style–let alone my thoughts and experiences–with complete strangers. I would’ve also been afraid of what those in my real life think–would they make fun of me? Would they think that my blog is silly?

I’m so glad that I shook off those fears because this blogging journey has been so rewarding. Connecting with so many of you and having real, honest conversations were things I didn’t foresee when I started last year. And as for my friends and family, I feel so fortunate that the vast majority of them have shown tremendous support and encouragement.

Yet as much as I love sharing what I’m wearing and what I’m reading, I want to share more of myself this year—personal struggles and successes. If you know me in real life, you likely know I struggle with OCD. You might know I had an eating disorder back in my teens. You know my family means everything to me, even though we have a complicated history (but seriously, whose family is without problems or complexities?).

With social media it’s easy to think someone’s life is picture-perfect, but we have to remember that what’s shown is a curated glimpse into that person’s life. And though I strive to share positivity here on my blog and on Instagram, there are times I want to share topics that are a bit more serious–even if it just helps one person who’s going through a similar situation realize that they’re not alone.

Going back to Sex and the City, I was recently reading an article about the show, and this Carrie Bradshaw quote really hit home: “So just love, make mistakes, and have wonderful times, but never second-guess who you are, where you have been, and, most importantly, where it is you are going.”

I hope to share more wonderful times with you all this year. I know who I am, where I’ve been, and though I may not know exactly where I’m headed (does anyone?), I’m for sure going to enjoy the journey and wear some fun outfits along the way. ❤️

Thank you for stopping by!

Uncategorized

Up to Snow Good

by shakespeareloveschanel5 Comments on Up to Snow Good

“There’s just something beautiful about walking on snow that nobody else has walked on.” –Carol Rifka Brunt

As much as some people are dreaming of spring, winter is still very much here (yes, yes, cue the Game of Thrones theme song 😉… Who else can’t wait for the final season?! More on that another time!).

My husband and I got to enjoy some fresh powder up at Mt. Hood last week. It was perfect for a day of snowboarding and playing in the fluffy snow!

Camel coat: Calvin Klein (similar styles also here and here) Cable-knit sweater: TJ Maxx (similar here and here) Black leggings: Under Armour Boots: Ugg Australia (similar here and here) Beanie: H&M (similar here and here)

I’ve been wearing this Calvin Klein camel coat on repeat the past few months, and it’s one of those versatile pieces that transitions from the city to the mountain with ease. I love its classic cut and color and know it will last for seasons to come. It’s currently on sale on Bloomingdale’s website (unfortunately only two sizes are left, but it also comes in red and black). I’ve linked similar camel options above and on the LIKEtoKNOW.it app!

For our snow day, I paired it with a cable knit sweater and matching beanie, Under Armour’s ColdGear leggings that are perfect for layering in chilly temps, and my lace-up waterproof boots by Ugg Australia. I couldn’t find this exact style of boot online (except for resale on sites like Poshmark and eBay), but I linked some similar styles above.

What’s your favorite winter activity? ❄️ Do you like to snowboard, ski, snowshoe? Or maybe a weekend getaway in a cozy cabin?

Have a great week, loves! Thank you for stopping by. ❤️

Uncategorized

Festive Lights and Winter Ice

by shakespeareloveschanel5 Comments on Festive Lights and Winter Ice

Happy Holidays, everyone! I absolutely love this time of year–from the beautiful lights to the festive attire to the special times with family and friends.

In this post, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite holiday activities in the Portland area and, of course, winter outfit ideas that keep you both warm and stylish! Pictured above is the giant tree at Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland at sunset.

When I was growing up, we went to Zoo Lights at the Oregon Zoo here in Portland almost every year during the holidays. It’s such a festive activity that is perfect for all ages, from families with kids to a romantic date night for two.

From left to right: my brother, my mom, my step-dad, me, and my husband ❤️

It was a crisp evening in the 30’s when we went to Zoo Lights, so I knew layers would be key to staying warm!

I love all the festive colors during the holidays, but I also love shades of gray for a classic winter look.

Gray Coat: Zara (similar here and here) Gray Sweater: TJ Maxx (similar here and here) Black Jeans: Topshop Leather Boots: (similar here and here) Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (very similar) Beanie: H&M (similar here)

My gray wool-blend coat I purchased at Zara last fall, but I linked two similar options both under $100. A great pair of leather riding boots is a timeless investment (I’ve had mine for several years), so I linked comparable styles above!

You can also shop this look on the LIKEtoKNOW.it app!

Another favorite activity of mine is skating at the outdoor rink at Winter Village, which is located at Orenco Station in Hillsboro (less than half hour’s drive from Portland). This is the fourth year this little rink is open during the holiday season. The above picture of my husband and me is from a few years ago, the first Christmas after we got married.

This particular activity is near and dear to my heart because I was a competitive figure skater for 11 years of my childhood (more on that in this post back from February). Unfortunately, I had to quit at age 15 due to injuries and health issues, but I do try to get back on the ice during the holidays every year!

Despite the many years I spent skating, this was also only the second time my mom came out on the ice with me! We had a blast, and I highly recommend going later in the evening if you can–we went to the last session at 8pm on a Sunday, and the last half hour we almost had the rink completely to ourselves.

Puffy Vest: Nike (similar here and here) Sherpa Pullover: Elodie (similar here and here) Legwarmers: TJ Maxx (similar) Earmuffs: J. Crew (similar here and here)

Leg-warmers, earmuffs, and a fuzzy sweater are the perfect athleisure look for nighttime skating! ⛸⛸ Cozy sherpa pullovers are really on trend this fall and winter, and I linked two similar styles above–both on sale for under $50. I love how fun and classic earmuffs are (this well loved pair from J. Crew I’ve had since college!), and I linked some comparable options above.

Whether you’re local or visiting Portland, here are a few more ideas for holiday fun:

  • Winter Wonderland lights show at Portland International Raceway (you get to stay in your car for this one and drive through to see all the light displays)
  • Holiday Lights at Peacock Lane (this one is pedestrian only on certain nights so be sure to check out their website for more details)
  • View the Christmas Ships from the Columbia River or Willamette River (be sure to check their website for exact locations, dates, and weather conditions)
  • Holiday river cruises on the Portland Spirit

In next week’s post, I’ll be sharing more holiday outfit attire–from festive workwear for the office, to Ugly Sweater Parties, to Christmas Eve glam!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! ❤️

Uncategorized

Thankful Always

by shakespeareloveschanel3 Comments on Thankful Always

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

—Oprah Winfrey

This is one of my favorite quotes about thankfulness and feels very fitting as we head into the week of Thanksgiving.

This time of year, it’s so easy to get swept up in shopping lists and party-planning: from Black Friday madness to decorating the tree to finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a great sale just as much as the next person (I’m listing a few of my favorites at the bottom of this post). However, what I’m saying is this quote illustrates how thankfulness and contentment are all about perspective–we choose what to focus on, whether it’s all the things we do have, or the things we don’t.

The older I get, the more I truly cherish the time I have with my family, and I’m so grateful to spend the holidays with them. I’m also very thankful to call the great Pacific Northwest home (if you scroll through these pictures, you’ll get a glimpse of just how beautiful it is here).

Today, I’m also sharing more Thanksgiving outfit inspiration. This poncho I purchased last winter and wore it on a day trip up to Mt. Hood in January (pictured above). Ponchos feel like wearing cozy, fashionable blankets and, as such, would also be perfect for travels this holiday season.

Poncho: B.P. (similar here and here) Faux Leather Leggings: Spanx Boots: Blondo Waterproof Belt: Gucci

For Thanksgiving dinner, I like to dress casual chic. I definitely reach for items that aren’t constricting–my step-mom goes all out with the cooking, and my sister and I always make the pumpkin pie, so it is definitely not the day to wear something tight!

I wanted to dress up the poncho a bit, and the Gucci belt and faux-leather leggings elevated the overall look. The belt also helped give the poncho some definition and shape.

These particular leggings are really popular (I bought mine during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale last year!), and there’s a reason for that: they’re so stretchy and comfy, without compromising the least bit on style.

My brother Mikey takes the majority of my blog photos, and I appreciate him so much for taking the time out of his busy schedule to do this (he works two jobs and is also finishing up his last college credits!).

This is what happened when we were taking pics yesterday:

“Is that a cape you’re wearing?” Mikey asked.

“It’s a poncho, but yeah, pretty similar to a cape.”

“And you’ve got the belt and the tall boots with it.”

“Yes…” (By then I was wondering: where is he going with this?)

“So you’re basically dressed like a Jedi. Where’s your lightsaber?” He joked.

At that point, I burst out laughing. “I never would’ve thought of that!”

So there you have it. This is a great Thanksgiving outfit option, but also a modern-day Jedi look. 😂

I’m thankful for my brother, who always knows how to make me laugh (plus, we’re both big Star Wars fans, so this joke was not lost on me)!

A few notes on current and upcoming holiday sales:

  • The Kate Spade Surprise Sale is going on currently and ends on 11/24/18 at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). All sales are final but the savings are HUGE (up to 75% off). If you or a loved one has a purse on their Christmas wish list, this is definitely the perfect sale to check out!
  • I love Target’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals–in my family, we always do matching pajamas on Christmas morning, and they have family pajamas starting as low as $10 (it is a Doorbuster deal, so it’s while supplies last). I’ve also gotten great savings on their cozy throw blankets in past years, so that’s something I often keep my eye out for.
  • The weekend of Black Friday/Cyber Monday, a lot of big shopping websites offer free shipping with no minimum purchase amount, so that is definitely something to watch out for.
  • My mom and I are obsessed with the 3-wick candles from Bath and Body Works (right now they’re discounted to $12.95 each, whereas full price they’re $24.50 each). I’ll probably wait ’til Friday to see if they add any further discounts or coupon codes.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 🦃 I would love to hear what you’re thankful for in the comments below. ❤️