It’s been a rather ‘balmy’ January in Portland. We haven’t had a freeze, the temps are often hovering around 50 degrees F., and I am surprised at the amount of dry days we have had. I’m already seeing a few buds on plants, particularly my favorite, Daphne bushes. The pink blooms are pushing forth, almost a month ahead of schedule.
Basically, if Portland wants to skip winter, I’m okay with that (environmental concerns aside). Because I have a serious spring crush.
Hackwith Design House launched their Spring/Summer 2018 line yesterday and, several weeks ago, they sent me a preview piece to try out: the Swing Painter Skirt.
As you guys know, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to try many beautiful items first-hand from my favorite, independent American designers. It’s not something I take lightly, nor for granted. When the opportunity to share arises, I spend a lot of time considering whether an item will be of long-term value for me and you guys.
Your time, readership and opinions are of great value to me, and I strive to do my best to share only what is worthy of your consideration.
That being said, hot damn, I love this skirt!
When I put it on for the first time, I immediately fell for it because of the comfort and the shape. I love the midi-length (something I previously didn’t think I could pull off!) and the elastic waist. The pockets add a bit of playfulness to the skirt and make it a great everyday item. As soon as the the temperatures catch up to my spring-dreaming heart, I will be wearing this skirt with my favorite white t-shirt tucked in, or an easy button up, or even a crewneck sweatshirt. In the heat of summer it would be great with a cropped linen top. The possibilities run long. Now do you see why I have a crush?
This fabric color is called ‘Baked Clay.’ It’s made from 65% Lyocell and 35% cotton, and features a beautiful woven texture. I particularly like the fabric because it feels durable. I am always partial to clothing that lets me sit on the ground, or a park bench, or a city train without fear of stain or snagging. Durable items are the ones that often end up being workhorses in my closet.
Bonus points if said durable items are equally perfect for dancing.
SHOP IT
Seasons + Salt readers can save 10% on Hackwith Design House’s SS18 line with the code FORSALTREADERS. This code is good through January 30th. The collection is full of soft, warm tones and lots of texture. I’m particularly fond of the camel, off the shoulder dress, the balloon sleeve top and white raw finish easy tunic.
Here, I am wearing the Swing Painter Skirt in Baked Clay, in a size medium. My sweater is several seasons old, my clogs are from Bryr Studio, and my bag is c/o ABLE.
This post is in partnership with Hackwith Design House and contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase, I will make a small commission. Thank you so much for your support, and for supporting wonderful American-made brands like Hackwith Design House. All photography by Kiara Rose.
Wow, such a gorgeous color – the skirt looks beautiful on you! I am experimenting with more color in my wardrobe after a long stretch of neutrals. I just got a silk Georgia tee in rust, which is a similar muted shade, and I can’t wait to use it to punch up some of my other items. I’m generally not a fan of skirts but I definitely see the appeal of a midi that’s easy to care for. Looking forward to seeing you style it into spring and summer.
I totally eyed that tee Brandi, it’s such a beautiful color! Excited to see it on you. I like how I can mix one color with my favorite neutrals, and it really makes the outfit feel ‘done.’ I generally lean toward dresses in the summer, but sometimes I get a little bored and want separates, and while I like shorts okkkkay, they’re not my favorite. Excited to get lots of wears out of this skirt!
I’m so envious of your early spring! I saw the bare legs and it made me gasp (I’m in Canada). This outfit is literal perfection from head to toe and I LOVE lyocell in my garments! Adding the skirt to my wishlist :)
Hi Kat, it was definitely chilly when shooting this, but not nearly as cold as it normally in January. Agreed on the lyocell, it makes fabric SO soft, and with perfect movement!
Love this skirt and color! I’ve also been on the midi skirt fence, but this skirt is very tempting. Any thoughts on whether it would be possible to bike in this? I find that when I buy spring/summer clothes that I can’t bike in, they don’t get much wear. Thanks!
Hmm, that’s a really great question. I suppose if you gathered it up in the middle with a hair tie you might be able to? The skirt is a bit on the full side, so coverage shouldn’t be a problem, it’s just a matter of keeping the skirt out of the gears. Have you seen this hack? https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/09/keep-your-skirt-down-on-bike-ride-free_n_5570419.html
Thanks! I have seen that hack but I’ve never tried it. This might be the year!
Ha! I have always suspected you live near me in the Pearl, either you were on location for photos, or you do. Love your blog, and love that skirt :)
Hi Debbie!! I was definitely shooting in the Pearl, that flower shop was too good! But I live in SW/Corbett area. I imagine it would be super fun to live there! :) Thank you for the kind words!
I love the color of this skirt. Those clogs are great too! I wish I could say Texas weather was as mild as Portland’s but we’re having an early cold spell so I’m enjoying my sweaters and joggers!
Yay, enjoy your sweaters while you can!! :)
So cute. I think pockets make a skirt 100% better.
I agree. With all my heart.
Oh my goodness! You look so incredibly lovely in that outfit!
Thank you so much Hannah, I feel like a million bucks in this outfit!
It’s funny how 50 degrees can feel so different in different places! I’ve been living in San Diego for almost 4 years and when I hear 50, I think wintertime, long pants, jacket and definitely NOT bare legs :-)
The skirt is beautiful and I love your sweater. I’m going to go check out Hackwith’s spring line right now!
Totally! It’s all what we’re acclimated to! In the summer it feels freezing, and in the winter it’s almost comfortable! ;)
Oh girl…this is just too good! Too good. I love this look on you.
Thank you so much friend. I feel pretty amazing in this outfit!
I actually gasped when I saw these pictures. This skirt looks amazing on you!! I see it comes in white, and I am looking for a white a line skirt so…
White would be gorgeous!! This skirt is such a great length too, makes it easy to move around and do things in, without fear of showing too much!
LOVE this! Would love to hear even more about your Bryr clogs in these photos! These are higher than the mid heels I’ve seen you in before…do they feel too high? Comfort factor? Is this bone or blush color? Thank you for giving great and dependable reviews!
Hi Lauren! So far they feel really good, but I have only worn them a little bit. These are indeed the high heel, I was going for something dressy! This is the blush nubuck! But it definitely seems a lot like the bone. It’s very light! I’ll share more later into the spring when I’ve worn them more. :)
I came here to ask about your Bryrs also! They look so great on you, and I’m really curious to see if you find the higher heel as comfy as the mid heel.
Hi Romy!
They do feel very good, but I haven’t had time to significantly ‘road test’ them yet. They are easy to walk in, but do wear a lot more like a ‘heel’ than the mid-heel. I’ll try to share more when the weather warms up, and I get more miles on them.
Wow, that color is amazing on you! This is such a cool looking skirt, it’s got great movement and look at the pockets! (I really wish more pants/skirts had workable pockets, it drives me crazy where there’s no pockets.) It also looks so lovely and warm there, flowers outside and greenery! It’s just non stop snow and cold up here so I am a little envious of your pleasant winter. :)
Thank you Katie. I agree, pockets make a tremendous difference on a garment. To me, the item always seems more fun with pockets. It’s very rainy here, so it seems like it’s always green! Thankful to have found this beautiful flower shop to shoot at! :) Makes me have way too much spring fever though!
I am going gaga over this skirt Andrea! You look gorgeous and I can see you wearing this skirt all year to tell you the truth. Good find!
Ah, thanks so much Shelbi!! I really love it! :)
I love this outfit on you! I’m thinking the skirt might be a little too full for my taste. But I’m eyeing up the easy wide leg pant in the same color and fabric. Or the white chevron fabric. I’ve had my eye on a pair of Florence pants but these have pockets and color!!
Pockets really up the ante, don’t they? I hope you find something you love!
Oh my GOODNESS–here I was expecting a 10 X 10 post and you are mid-SPRING already! These photos are STUNNING, Andrea! Stunning!!!! I MISS the flower markets of Paris…heck, I almost miss skirts after seeing this (I hardly ever wear skirts anymore). That color is just (insert Parisian smooch sound here!!) That top is super fun too!