Changing Shape: A Dress for All Seasons

Last spring I attended an event sponsored by the Seattle Chapter of Fashion Group International featuring local designers in a Pop-Up Shop at University Village. It was really great to see so many amazing creatives in one spot and I did not go home empty handed! It was at this fashionably fun evening that I had the pleasure of meeting Rebekah Adams, the local designer behind the label Poppyseed. I was so smitten with her Zipper Dress that I bought it on the spot.

The following September at Fashion Week at The Bellevue Collection, Poppyseed won the Independent Designer Runway Show for 2017. I attended the show, and in my article for Vanguard Seattle I wrote:
"Poppyseed’s innovative designs and modern aesthetic make her pieces both wearable and completely original in their approach to dressing. While the brand is geared towards modern maternity wear, the designs has a wider focus that has created bold pieces that are can be worn by women in any stage of life. The “Zipper Dress” was her first foray into this versatile dressing and kicked off the creativity of Poppyseed that won the show this fall."

The Zipper Dress from the Poppyseed capsule collection was originally designed with a woman's pregnancy and changing body in mind. The double zipper front is sewn onto inverted pleats, which allows the dress to change its shape. Zip it open for a bell silhouette, close the zippers for a fitted look, or a bit of half and half. It has multiple and charming personalities and I love the details of the high/low hem, plus the viscose, nylon, and spandex fabric combination make it keep its shape beautifully.

That being said, I am not expecting anything other than some packages from the UPS man so I wasn't in the market for maternity wear. ;)  However, this beautifully unique dress is not only for ladies with a baby on the way, it is a fabulous and uber flattering dress no matter what your size and shape. It comes in black or navy and is equally able to look casual chic or dressed up for cocktails.

I love the dress so much that I didn't want to have it be just for warmer months, but wanted to style so I could wear it in cooler temps without freezing to death. (I am often cold!) The solution? Layers. Athleisure wear continues to be strong for Spring 2018, with cool and unique sweatshirts giving us a fun alternative to knits. I hit the sales this month here and there and found this cool Jonathan Simkhai Lace Appliqué Cropped Sweatshirt in black and blue, a favorite color combination of mine. I love this cropped sweatshirt over this dress, which doesn't hide all of its great details and creates a whole new look. It is unexpected and I like that.

I added black heeled Via Spiga booties with sparkling Emilio Cavallini Metallic Double Net Socks peeking out to them...I am obsessed with socks! Socks with booties, socks with high heels. Get yourself some super fun socks! Finally, a cool bag: this black Valentino Rockstud Garavani Bag I received from Santa gives the whole thing a bit of sass.

I have been cleaning out my closet and slowly adding things to my closet on Postmark and consigning other things to local shops. Getting things organized helps me shop in my own closet too and mix things unexpected together. Adding a jacket, sweater or sweatshirt can change up a dress you already have in your closet and give it a new perspective, all while keeping you warm in the winter months ahead. Try it with any of your favorite dresses, from florals to prints to solids, and add a layer, socks or tights and a pair of booties to get creative with both your old and new loves in your closet.
Thank you for reading! xx