The Many Layers of Bartle B. Designs

Cruise season started for Seattle last week. Flocks of giddy passengers are arriving in town as I write this to take a dream trip up to Alaska for a week or so. I know this because I can see the tail feathers of a Norwegian cruise ship from my balcony.

Cruise season means spring has officially arrived and summer is just around the corner. But spring in Seattle can still be a little nippy, especially if those cruise passengers bring chilly winds back with them from Alaska.

Just Add Layers

One of the first pieces I gravitated to this season is a silk shirt dress by Bartle B. designs. I bought it at Sassafras at the end of last summer. The only time I haven’t worn it is in the throes of winter when its lightweight feel just didn’t fit with my need for heavier pieces.

Still, Brittany Forney, the designer and creator, is from Seattle so she is keenly aware of the idiosyncrasies of our weather in the Pacific Northwest. This dress is a perfect example of her work. It’s tailored and luxurious and it can be dressed up or down depending on what I need.

All of Brittany’s designs do this well. Perhaps you remember the silky polkadot top I layered with my red pantsuit when I became a Pantsuit Hero in Honor of Mary Tyler Moore? It’s a Bartle B. original as well and it’s just as stylish and practical as the dress.

A Duster or a Glamorous Cape?

I tend to wear my Bartle B. dress as a duster over layers. The silk drapes beautifully and floats back behind me like a glamorous cape. The back tailors in a little to provide shape, even when the dress is open in the front.

For this transitional outfit, I layered “up” to create something I might wear out at night. This outfit includes a J.Crew silky feel tunic, some black Eileen Fisher ponte knit pants, and my favorite SmithLabs black necktie.

And then there are the boots. Let’s just pause for a moment to thank the Fashion Goddess for granting me good boot karma on eBay.

🙌 🙌 🙌

These pink, purple, and cream colored boots are vintage Bakers, though I’m not sure what era. That company has been around since early last century. The color combo and striping have a 60s vibe but the pointed toe and stiletto feel more modern.

Any vintage connoisseurs wanna take a guess?

Something More Casual

I don’t save this dress just for special occasions. Until the summer heats up, though, I still have to wear it over layers.

In this case, I’m wearing a black silk Eileen Fisher tee over black American Apparel leggings. I’ve also worn it over skinny jeans.

The shoes are truly my all-time favorite shoes–silver Cole Haan brogues that feel like a sneaker. I’ve had them for years and need to purchase another pair or two before these wear out!

Casual Summer

When the summer does get rolling, I have one last way I like to wear this dress–as a real dress. (grin)

Brittany’s designs are always tailored and sophisticated, but they also have a playful side. Take, for example, the pockets made from fabric with the cutest little bird pattern.

(Yes! This dress has pockets!)

Bartle B. on the Brain

As I look out my window and I see the cruise ships coming from and going to Alaska, my mind drifts toward warmer weather and I crave more pieces like those Brittany creates. Thankfully, she’s about to unveil her newest collection.

Over the last several weeks I’ve been keeping a watchful eye on Bartle B.’s social media postings. I’ve gotten glimpses of sweet fabric swatches and exciting pattern layouts. This coming weekend, I’ll finally get to see it all come together in her new collection. (And I’ll have access to the sale rack, too! Woo hoo!)

If you’re in Seattle, I’d love for you to join me! If you’re out of town, perhaps this photo of bright blue Seattle skies will convince you to make a trip. (Ha ha!)

But if you can’t make it, check out Bartle B.’s designs on the Sassafras website. Amy and Crew have just done a whole reboot of the shopping experience there and it’s fantastic!

Outfit Details

Dress by Bartle B.
Other designs available here.

J.Crew Cream-Colored Tunic (old):
Similar here.

Eileen Fisher Ponte Knit Slim Pants (old):
Similar here.

SmithLab Black Necktie:
Available here.

Bakers Vintage Pink Stiletto Boots (vintage):
Search on eBay here.

Black Silk Eileen Fisher Tee (old):
Similar here.

Black American Apparel Leggings (old):
Similar here.

Silver Cole Haan Oxfords:
Available here.

---

Linking to the lovely Patti’s Visible Monday at NotDeadYetStyle.com.

---

Affiliate link disclaimer: Please note, some of the items linked abvoe may be affiliated with companies I am associated with. By purchasing from these stores, I receive a small commission and you support the work I do here. Thank you for your support!