Conscious by Chloé

Chloé Lepeltier - Conscious By Chloé

A Sustainable Lifestyle Blog focusing on Zero Waste, Slow Living, and Ethical Fashion.

A Weekend in the Columbia River Gorge

green trees on mountain during daytime

The other week, Octave and I had to take a trip to Portland to pick up something that's gonna change our lives (but that's a whole other subject).

We had a blast in the city, eating at new restaurants, catching up with old friends, and visiting our favorite spots.

On the way back to Central Oregon, I suggested we take the long way back home through the Columbia River Gorge. Our friends recently moved there and I really wanted to see with my own eyes the beautiful house they built.

I also had many, many many spots on my "to visit" list and added a few that my friend Jenna, owner of Lost River Apothecary, recommended.

Lodging

We got to stay at Jenna and Tal's place in Lyle and woke up to the most striking view of Mount Adams, but I found a few cool places you could stay at during your trip:

Hood River

White Salmon

Bingen

Lyle

Food & Drink

We've had the most amazing food during our stay, and I wish I could have stayed longer to try more spots!

Our faves so far: Soča and White Salmon Baking!

Hood River

White Salmon

Lyle

I was sad I didn't get to try the pastries at White Salmon Baking but got to eat their scrumptious pain au chocolat at Confluence Café. Extra points for the river view from the terrace!

Shops

Besides visiting our friends Tal and Jenna, my goal was to hit all the cute (vintage) stores in the gorge. And boy did the gorge deliver!

Hood River

The most stunning shop in town. Perfect clothing curation (I almost bought a lacy dress) and some furniture in the back room.

Laura's new shop. I've visited every shop she's run since 2015 and this new endeavor didn't disappoint. I'm sad I didn't get to see her, but her shop girl was the sweetest and I came back home with lots of Mexican snacks for the road (that's not what's mainly sold there, but that's what I felt like shopping, lol)

I didn't go in because I wasn't really in the mood for shopping clothes anymore, but the selection looked on point!

White Salmon

I mostly wanted to stop by to take a picture of the sign for Octave's nephew Marcel, but was so glad I stopped by to see the amazing curation from the owner, Amy. We got to chat for a bit and got along really well!

Bingen

Everyone knows everyone in this little community and I love it! On my way out of Sun Sun -where I got a smiley pair of socks and some incense- I bumped into Jenna, who was on her way there for a restock!

This spot is what I picture when I think about an antique store, and its basement reminded me of Cargo in Portland!

Local makers

I visited a market hosted at MoonMountain Highway and got to discover the work of amazing local makers:

And I'm excited to visit this spot one day:

We had already visited the gorge quite a few times, to go hiking, and mountain biking, but had never had a chance to really slow down and spend time there and meet the locals.

It's the perfect balance between being immersed in nature while still being less than an hour and a half away from a major city and airport.

I can't wait to go back, and maybe finally give kiteboarding a try!

Have you visited the gorge already? What was your favorite spot?

The Conscious List

man in fruit market

Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? I'm gonna attend a market and go on a hike.

This post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase via one of my links, I may make a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

The Conscious List

Spring Snow Flowers for Conscious by Chloé

Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? I'm gonna enjoy the latest snowfall!!

This post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase via one of my links, I may make a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

The Conscious List

Birthday Potluck Pie Pop Tarts for Conscious by Chloé

Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? I'm gonna attend a birthday potluck!

This post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase via one of my links, I may make a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

My March Styling Challenge - Week 2

Woman Holding a Pile of Colorful Sweaters by Conscious by Chloé

Wow, have I been taking daily pictures of my outfits for the past 14 days?!!

Here's week 2 of the monthlong styling challenge organized on Instagram by Abbey Cerek.

Day 8 - Maximalist

Oversized Men's Shirt Anna Allen Pomona Linen Pants Sherpa Vest by Conscious by Chloé
Outfit Details:

I’m not sure what maximalist means in terms of fashion. I went for oversized (thrifted men’s shirt, DIY wide-leg linen pants) and a few accessories (necklaces, earrings, rings).

Not my fave look if you ask me, I’ve been feeling super tired and only got to take pics after lunch.

Day 9 - Opacity play

Anna Tivel Band Tee 90s Flower Skirt Everlane Cotton Cardigan by Conscious by Chloé
Outfit Details:

There are no transparent or translucent items in my wardrobe, what does that say about me?

I chose the closest thing I have to a peek-a-boo skirt, a buttoned number I found a few years ago at the thrift store.

I paired it with a cozy cardigan and a band tee from my friend Anna Tivel.

Anna actually just released a new single and music video. Give it a listen 🔊

I can’t wait for the merch of the new album, out May 31st!!!

Day 10 - Pajama сhіс

COS Camel Coat Michael Kors Quilted Purse Sam Edelman Laguna Chelsea Boots by Conscious by Chloé
Outfit Details:

Let’s be honest. It’s Sunday, it’s gloomy, and I don’t want to dress up to go to the bakery. I just throw on a coat on top of my sweat set, grab my bag, slip on a pair of boots, and Bob’s your uncle!

I shared real pajama chic inspo in my Stories later that day, in case someone wanted to buy me a set of silk pajamas...

Day 11 - Utilitarian vibes

Utilitarian Kookai Jumpsuit Kiriko Bandana Portland Oregon by Conscious by Chloé
Outfit Details:

Considering today’s theme, I couldn’t not wear another jumpsuit, paired with hardworking Blundstones, and my favorite Kiriko neckerchief.

I’ve had this jumpsuit for close to… 20 years! I used to wear it to work, and ultimately decided it would be my tinkering uniform.

I wore it to update my studio Radius 🎨, to paint the Woodlawn Farmers Market mural 🖌️ , and to do a whole bunch of work in all the houses we’ve lived in since we moved to the States 🔨 .

I’m glad I chose to wear it today, because I noticed it needs a little mending 🧵 at the top of the zipper (I now remember that from was from our last move).

Day 12 - Ganni core

Ganni Style Vest Wrong Shoe Theory by Conscious by Chloé
Outfit Details:

  • Vest
  • Dress (DIY from thrifted sheets), similar
  • Jeans (vintage Levis)
  • Sneakers
  • Tote (DIY by my mom and her mom)

Today’s challenge required a lot of research on my part as I’m not one of the #gannigirls yet.

My takeaway? Layers, cuffs, accessories, and a mandatory vest.

(I’m also considering sewing the iconic tie-top for this summer.)
How did I do?

Day 13 - Tonal dressing

Blue Sweater Men's Striped Shirt Beanie by Conscious by Chloé
Outfit Details:

I love a monochromatic look. I used to tend towards earth tones, but for some reason, blue has taken over my closet, and I’m not mad about it.

Another thrifted striped men’s shirt and Pomona pants combo, with the addition of yet another cozy sweater and fluffy beanie, paired with my trusted wool clogs and socks!

Sorry, not sorry for today’s soundtrack 💙💙💙

Day 14 - Dress like an art teacher

70s Crochet Cardigan Sandgrens Clog Boots by Conscious by Chloé
Outfit Details:

Today’s look features a cardigan my mom made from a crochet blanket that she and her mom made back in the 70s 🥹

Art passed down from generations. That’s something to learn (or teach) about.

Woman Holding a Pile of Colorful Sweaters by Conscious by Chloé

My thoughts after Week 2

  • I have to admit I'm getting a little burnt out and wonder whether I'm gonna keep going.

  • But I do like to explore my closet and dress up in the morning!

  • We also have friends visiting for the next few days and I'm not sure I'll have the time to / feel comfortable shooting outfits in my living room / their bedroom.

Woman Holding a Pile of Colorful Sweaters by Conscious by Chloé

  • I'm gonna have a look at the rest of the calendar again and see what I can come up with. Pastel colors, rock stars, toddler, party, leopard... I'm not so sure about that!

  • I also don't really feel like a genuine community is being built around this challenge, but maybe it's just me...

Woman Holding a Pile of Colorful Sweaters by Conscious by Chloé

Here is the calendar for the rest of the month, wanna join in?

428657410_18411519922055514_8916850796863125897_n.jpg

Thank you Abbey for a fun March styling challenge. Follow #wawmarchchallenge for more winter wardrobe inspo!

This post is not sponsored, but it does contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase via one of my links, I may make a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!