Everlane Try-on: The V-Heel

This summer I've really been loving my V Slingbacks from Everlane (review here) so I thought I would try out their heeled version, the V-Heel.  There's something about the high profile v-shaped front that looks granny-chic yet modern.  And the V-heel looks even more granny-chic because of the low square heel.  This is a pretty trendy shoe that looks "very right now" but I wonder how it will look a couple of years from now?

First a note on sizing: I got this in my usual Everlane size of 8 and I found that it was a tad too long.  The front part felt perfect (and I have slightly wide feet), but my heel kept slipping out the back.  I was debating sizing down and trying this shoe again, but I was worried that then the front part would feel too narrow.  I then debated on adding a heel pad like this one, which might have worked.  But in the end I decided to return the shoe because of the in-between sizes issue and because I'm just not a fan of suede.  I can never keep my suede shoes nice and I rather not have to fret about getting my shoes wet or scuffed.

Other than the trouble with the fit, I did like the heel height which is the same as my Day Heels.  I really love block heels and wished these fit my feet better and I could almost look past the suede.  I guess if you really want to try this shoe then I would advise possibly sizing down (or if you're in-between sizes, definitely go with your smaller size).

Anyway I probably have too many Everlane shoes as it is, so I need to start cutting back.  But I can't help it, I really love their well-made Italian shoes.  

Anyone else try this shoe and what did you think?

P.S. Also here’s another review of these V-heels from fellow Everlane addict Jamie-lee!

Trying out YOOXygen

So the other day I was browsing through my usual blog roll when I read about YOOXygen, an arm of YOOX that promotes responsible and ethical fashion.  I've heard of YOOX before, and always thought of them as a kind of Net-a-Porter (basically a site that sells designer clothes).  I've never shopped at YOOX before but I was intrigued by YOOXygen, which is a curated selection of brands that are either produced ethically or sustainably.  There's a kind of hodge podge of brands on YOOXygen, some are well known but most are not.  But on each product page, they give a little background as to why this brand can be considered under the YOOXygen umbrella.  I think this is a great idea for an online site and would love to see something like this for Net-a-Porter or Shopbop so it makes it easier for the conscious consumer to buy from socially responsible brands.  Also this is a great way to discover new ethical brands if you're looking for something different.

So I purchased two items to try.  The first was this white organic cotton blouse from a new-to-me brand called Rakha.  Here's the blurb that YOOXygen gives on Rakha's ethical standards: Rakha recognizes social and environmental responsibility as an integral part of their strategy and practice. Materials are carefully sourced from partners who share the brand’s values: cruelty-free, non-toxic, fair wages, and helping to build sustainable communities. Rakha’s approach to design and garment making is focused on sustainability, making items in eco-friendly or repurposed materials that are biodegradable or can be recycled. All their organic or sustainable materials are certified, including Woolmark certified merino wools, GOTS certified organic cotton, and RPET recycled fabrics.  Sounds awesome right?  Sounds like my kind of ethical brand.  However, if the product doesn't really hold up, all the great ethics in the world isn't going to make me want to wear the item.  And unfortunately this blouse was super transparent and see-through.  Plus the sizing was a bit off and oversized.  So back it went.

The other garment that I got from YOOXygen was this Wool & Gang black long cardigan.  I've heard of Wool & Gang before from Andrea when she knit her own beautiful rust colored sweater from the kit that the brand sent her (you should check it out, it really is gorgeous).  But I'm not a knitter (I've tried) so I thought, why not just buy something that's already knit from this awesome brand.  Here's the blurb that YOOXygen gives for them: Wool and the Gang is a brand which disruptes the traditional business model by empowering customers to produce fashion at home. The brand work for reducing the impact that fashion has on the environment. Wool is the main yarn used by brand, because of its natural, renewable and biodegradable charachteristics. The collaboration with fashion fabrics helps to repurpose fashion waste into new yarn to reduce landfill. The brand also aim to create a community in which every single customers become a crafter, able to produce its own hat or sweater.  And well, I didn't love it.  The wool fibers kept coming off on everything it touched and then when I wore it, it just looked so ridiculously oversized with the front flaps kind of pointing out like wings.  This is just one of those things that you don't know what it's going to look like until you try it on.  So unfortunately I returned this too.

Ah well it was worth trying but I guess when it's a collection of various brands, each with differing standards of quality it can be quite hit or miss.  And in this case it was a miss.  Luckily like most big online sites, returning items was a breeze (one step online and it comes with a UPS label sticker in the box) though they do take $6.95 out of the refund for the return shipping cost.  But it's great to see so many different brands ethical and/or sustainable brands out there now.  I have a feeling that this is a field that's just going to keep growing!

Everlane Choose What You Pay Sale

I know Everlane to a lot of people is the gateway to ethical clothing because it's priced at a pretty accessible price point for many, but I also realize that's not true for everyone.  So here's a quick round-up of some things that I like from Everlane that they recently added to their Choose What You Pay sale page.  And of course if you're not in the market to buy anything, please don't buy it just because it's on sale.

1) The Day Heel Mule

Reviewed here.  The cognac leather version of these has been my favorite heeled shoe from Everlane ever (even preferred over my Day Heels) because once I broke them in (about 4 hours in one day), they have been my most comfortable heels ever.  It's one of those rare shoes that I will choose interchangeably with flats, and this is from someone who before Everlane, swore off all heels.  I loved these shoes so much I bought a second pair in the natural suede (unfortunately before they went on sale, woomp woomp).

2) The Linen Oversized Collarless Shirt

Reviewed here.  This is another item I loved so much I purchased twice (first in white and then in the black).  If I didn't already have two, I would definitely be tempted by this peach striped version now on discount.  And just a note on sizing, I purchased the white one in a size smaller than my normal and found the fit to be great since I prefer my shirts to be less oversized.

3) The Modern Zip Backpack in Mini

Reviewed here.  I added this to the line-up because it's perfect for back to school!  This is an Everlane classic and I first reviewed this bag 2.5 years ago! Though I would note that this backpack isn't meant to be loaded with heavy books, but rather just a laptop and notebook (but do kids even carry heavy textbooks anymore?).

4) The Cotton Crew

Reviewed here.  I really love this style of Everlane tee with the high neckline.  I wear these on days when I'm spending a lot of time outdoors and don't want any sun damage on my chest.  For the micro stripe tee like this one I would probably size up to a medium for a looser fit.

5) The Short Puffer Jacker and The Lightweight Puffer Jacket

Reviewed the Short Puffer here and the Lightweight Puffer here.  I know it's a tad early to be planning for winter (did I just say let's relish the summer and not rush into fall, lol).  But if you're in the market for a new winter puffer jacket, Everlane makes a great high quality one (and you can't beat these prices now).  The short puffer is probably best for places with snow, while the lightweight puffer is perfect for our California winters.  

Weekend Ramblings

So the other day I was thinking what's the difference between a Dupe and a Fake?  I saw a blogger post about a "dupe" of a very popular bag and I thought, "Well doesn't that make it a fake?"  But then would Everlane's Day Glove be considered a dupe or a fake (of the Martiniano Glove Shoe)?  What's the difference and where is the ethics on that?  For me, a dupe seems okay (I've mostly seen it used for makeup), while a fake (usually handbags) is obviously not.  So does the difference come down to the monetary value of the item: "dupe" is for inexpensive items while "fakes" are for expensive items?  Or maybe it's a matter of logos?  If you're copying the logo then it's a fake but if the item has no logos, then a design copy is just a dupe?  Of course it's all a bit gray and you just have to do what works for you.  As for me, buying fake bags is a definite no-go (buy a fake, you're a fake), but that's also because fakes have no resell value unless you're willing to dupe a person (which I could never do).

Also I'm happy to see that Garance Dore (one of my long time favorite bloggers) is finally starting to featuring conscious/ethical fashion on her blog Atelier Dore.  She's highlighting fashionable woman who choose a more conscious way of dressing.  I really liked this interview with Natasha Schick, which now makes me want to try Feit shoes.  I also appreciated this one with Renee Peters since she wears Elizabeth Suzann.

Everyone seems to be getting ready for fall but this year I'm not there yet.  Maybe because the summer hasn't been as hot here in San Jose as the last couple of years or maybe because I've been dressing in uniform all summer, but I'm still going to try to squeeze out more utilization of my summer clothes (especially some summer dresses).  Plus I'm trying not to look into the future (and planning and wanting for the future), but live in and relish the present.  Because I know once we're in the thick of cold season, I'm going to be wanting the summer heat again.  

Currently watching: Casual on Hulu (love the cynical LA humor and one line zingers) and Scott & Bailey (on Amazon Prime), which is one of those BBC detective shows but this one features a pair of women as the protagonist detectives, and they have an awesome female boss.   It's more procedural but pretty realistic, and it's kind of sad that this type of female-centric show is an anomaly.

ace & jig Try-On: The Daisy Dress

So this is another review that was requested by a reader via Instagram (so Page this one's for you!).  I had mentioned in a post before that ace & jig is really not my jam.  I'm not a fan of prints and color (as you can tell by my mostly minimalist, mostly Everlane wardrobe).  So trying this Daisy Dress from ace & jig is me stepping out of my comfort zone.  But I'm willing to try anything once, especially something as noncommittal as trying on clothes.

So what did I think?

When I first tried on this dress I got it, I got why people go ga-ga over ace & jig (I mean you should have seen their booth at West Coast Craft).  The material is absolutely amazing, with the textures and beautiful thick fabric.  I'm wearing black underwear with this dress and you can't even see it since the fabric is so thick and opaque.  Also the embroidery and stitching on the dress was really special.  I can 100% believe this fabric was made by hand by an artisan in India.  And thus I can understand why this dress retails for $269 (I was able to get it from Shopbop on sale at $188-which I think is a really good value for what you're getting).  This garment feels special through and through.

Ok but in the end I decided not to keep it.  First off, the dress felt really big on me even though I got a small.  I might have been able to get away with an XS in this (I'm a size 4-6, going towards 6 these days).  And the second reason why I didn't keep the dress is because it's just not me.  The styling isn't me. And when I look at most of the offerings at ace & jig, most of it is just not me.  I'm not Boho nor whimsical and that's what these styles seem like to me.  I'm much more of an Everlane/Gap/Uniqlo style with a couple trendy Zara pieces thrown in (though these days it's actually more of an Everlane+Elizabeth Suzann+Celine combo).  I think if you like Free People and Anthropologie, then ace & jig is more your style.

But that's okay, I'm glad I tried it out.  I'm also glad I know my style since I would hate to spend that much money on a dress just because I like the fabric and believe in the brand's ethics, only to have it languishing in my closet.  In this day and age where there are ethical/sustainable/slow fashion brands cropping up every year, we're so lucky to have choices.  Anyway ace & jig might not have worked out for me, but Grechen had been on an ace & jig kick so you can see all the items she tried on and reviewed over at her blog!

Ethical Little Black Bag Round-up

Sorry it's going to be bag heavy review week but recently on Instagram I asked what you guys want to see reviewed next and lovely Sarah asked for suggestions of an ethical version of the little black bag (so Sarah this one's for you!).  And I love these kinds of questions because as you all know I'm such a bag lady.  So without further ado here are some of my picks!

Everlane Foldover Crossbody ($150)

Everlane

Of course I have to start with my go-to favorite ethical brand, Everlane.  Yes they're not sustainable nor slow fashion, but they are ethical in that they produce their goods in factories where they ensure they pay their workers a fair wage and provide safe working conditions.  Their leather bags are usually produced in Italy or Spain.  These bags are made in Ubrique, Spain, which is also where Polene makes their bags (and when I asked Polene about the ethics of production in this town they let me know that since this what this town is known for, everything is highly regulated and done by the book).  The leather of this foldover bag reminds me a lot of the kind of leather used in those lovely Comme des Garcons pouches (also coincidentally made in Spain).  This foldover crossbody is one of my favorite bags from Everlane because it's super practical and minimal but made with really yummy leather.  Also you can tuck in the straps and use it as a clutch in the evenings if you want, and the crossbody strap is adjustable (perfect for my short stature!).  I have the same one in oxblood and you can read my review of it here.  I traveled all over Europe with my foldover crossbody bag and I found it to be the perfect traveling companion!

Mini Bow Bag ($250)

Classic Shoulder Bag ($325)

Cuyana

Cuyana is also a well-known brand in the ethical space and they produce their bags in Italy at small artisanal factories.  I've tried their bags before and find that they are usually well made and quite durable.  My favorite black bags from current their line-up is their Mini Bow Bag (that Napa leather looks as amazing as Prada's!) and their Classic Shoulder Bag (which Andrea reviewed here).  I've tried their Mini Saddle Bag before (review here), but found it a bit too small for my needs, but if you like the half moon shape then the larger one might be a good fit!

Maya Folded Purse ($128)

Clara Crossbody ($158)

Nisolo

If you're looking for an ethical company that supports artisans from developing countries and pays fair trade wages then Nisolo is your brand.  They also produce a line of ethical black bags including their Maya Folded Purse, which is like the Everlane Foldover Crossbody but without the zippers or adjustable strap, or the one I really like called the Clara Crossbody.  Both purses are super simple yet elegant.  Full disclosure here I have yet to try their line of purses so I can't speak to how they wear over time.

Large Drew Bag ($90)

Bini Bag ($125)

Matt & Nat

Matt & Nat is everyone's go to bag brand if you want well-made ethical vegan bags.  They are also one of the few bag brands that you can call at least partially sustainable since they use 100% recycled water bottles for their bag linings and incorporate other recycled material in their non-leather bags.  I used to have one of their bags a long time ago and I can tell you they hold up well.  Also a lot of the times you can't even tell it's not real leather (until you touch it of course).  I like their Large Drew Bag which is a simple crossbody bag with removable straps and the Bini bag which is their version of the bucket bag.  Seriously they have so many great styles of vegan bags, so if that's what you're looking for then you need to check them out!

Rockwell Mini Venti in Noir ($350)

Future Glory Co.

So this is another brand I haven't tried yet, but I've seen this local-to-me brand pop up on my radar from time to time.  Each bag is hand made to order in SF, thus the price is a tad higher than the rest.  But I love all that Teresa, the owner, stands for and all the charities she gives back to.

Clare V Herieth Bag ($378)

Clare V Le Box Bag ($328)

Clare V

I've had a couple Clare V bags before and I have to say they are really lovely.  If you're looking for more fun and varied designs, then Clare V has a lot to choose from.  All their bags are made in Los Angeles so as long as they're following US laws, you know the workers are being paid at least minimum wage and are working in safe manufacturing conditions.  The couple of black bags that caught my eye are the Herieth bag and the Le Box Bag (I can see myself switching the short strap for a longer one and maybe wearing it crossbody).

Louis Vuitton Epi Segur Pochette ($450)

Lanvin Quilted Amalia ($495)

Lanvin Quilted Sugar Shoulder bag ($450)

Balenciaga classic shoulder ($360)

Secondhand from Fashionphile

Ok, you knew this was coming right?   How can I talk about ethical bags without talking about my favorite and most sustainable way to buy bags: secondhand from my favorite online consignment store Fashionphile.  I talk about them in-depth here if you want to learn more about them.  But as you know I'm a big believer in buying luxury bags secondhand since designer bags are usually well made and thus they last you for years if not decades.  Also luxury bags have a really good resale value, so even when you're done using it you can pass it on to someone else who would love it and give it a good home and you get some of your money back.  Above are some black bags that I picked that are currently in stock at Fashionphile, but their stock is always rotating fairly quick so here's a link to their selection of black bags under $500.

What are some of your favorite ethical brands that make a little black bag?  Would love to hear what you guys carry and recommend!

Grateful Giveaway {Closed}

I had allocated within my Everlane budget the purchase of the Form Bag (reviewed here), but since I got it as a gift I ended up saving my precious credit.  So in gratefulness to Everlane and the support from readers like you who allow me to be worthy of free gifts in Everlane's eyes, I've decided to pass on some of that "Yes, I've won the lottery" feeling by doing this short giveaway!  Sorry it won't be for the full price of the bag, but hopefully this $50 Everlane gift card could go towards the purchase of the bag if you're interested in it or anything else you've been eyeing at Everlane.  To enter just fill out the form below (email will be used to notify you if you win and it's also where I will send the digital gift card if you win).  Only one entry per person please and giveaway ends in 24 hours (so Tuesday at 6am PST)!

Update: Congrat's Deborah for winning!  You have been emailed!

Everlane Review: The Form Bag {Updated September 2018}

*I received this item as a gift so this is a type of sponsored post

Hi guys, so since I've been getting a lot of questions about Everlane's Form Bag I've decided to fast track this review if you are debating on whether or not to get this bag.  So as I disclaimed up top I got this as a gift from Everlane, but only after I kindly asked my contact at Everlane (this was the first time I've ever asked them for anything).  I originally wasn't on the list of influencers to get this bag for free (cuz I'm still small beans you know), but I thought why not just try asking?  And wonderful Emily at Everlane said yes and she sent it to me with next day delivery (shout out to Emily--thank you so much!).  Man I feel like I won the lottery!

And you guys, I did win the lottery because this bag is uhhhhmazing.  No really, I know bags and this is a good one!  True to its name this mid-size bag is uber functional but the build and leather quality on this is really fantastic.

So here are all the ways I love this bag:

- So this 13” height x 5” depth x 10.5” width bag fits my 13" Macbook Pro.  This is the first bag I've ever had that can isn't a tote that can fit my computer, which is awesome.  However, a Macbook with a laptop sleeve will not fit horizontally because it just barely fits with the laptop alone.  I think a larger laptop might fit vertically but then you wouldn't be able to close the top of the bag. But I'm not really afraid of leaving my laptop in there without a case since the inside of the bag is soft (it's lined by a kind of cottony felt material glued to the leather).

- I really love the adjustable fabric strap.  Yes, it might make the bag look cheaper, but when it comes to function and comfort a fabric strap can't be beat!  The fabric strap allows you to adjust the strap to the exact length that you want (as opposed to pre-determined belt holes of a leather strap).  And I prefer fabric straps when it comes to comfort since leather straps tend to be stiff and heavier than fabric ones.  But where the straps connect to the bag is leather so that helps to keep wear and tear to a minimum.

- The magnetic closing up top is super easy to open and close.  I also like to grab the bag by the pinched ends at the top, making it easy to grab.  I usually like bags with top handles as well as a shoulder strap since I can easily grab the bag by the top handles.  In this case the flattened top acts like a top handle.

- I can pile a ton of stuff inside of it.  The other day I ended up buying a bit too many snacks at World Market (I rarely go in there so when I do, I end up overdoing it lol) and since I didn't want to use a throwaway bag I just threw everything into my bag.  When it gets stuffed, the Form bag ends up acting more like a bucket bag (the top won't close but that just means you have even more space to throw stuff in).

-Inside the bag is one large flat pocket great for stashing my phone and keys.

- The corners of this bag are reinforced with stitches so it should keep wear and tear to a minimum.

On top of all the great functionality, the leather quality on this bag is really amazing.  When someone asked how it compares with my Celine smooth leather bags (like my Sangle), I would say the Everlane leather is a tad more lightweight (thinner) but also less prone to scratching.  For what you are paying ($235 for this bag), you are getting a great value (compare that to $2200 for a Celine).  And for those wondering, the bag empty weighs 1 pound 6oz, which is fairly lightweight for a midsize leather bag (the Celine Sangle weighs 2 pounds 4 oz.). 

The only thing I would caution about the design of this bag is that with time and wear, if you don't take care and moisturize the leather at the top where it bends to close via the magnets, I can see the leather wrinkling and cracking in the distant future (this is like longterm care tips).  Keeping the leather supple there will keep it from creasing too much and then cracking (I like Chamberlains Leather Milk which I reviewed here).

Anyway let me know if you have any other questions about this bag and you can find them in dark green like mine (it's the new neutral!), black or cognac.

{Sept Update: Now that I’ve been using the bag for awhile now I just wanted let you all know that it’s wearing great. The leather on this is quite tough and I haven’t had any major scratches on it yet. The leather does soften a bit at the top and where the straps attach but nothing major. Also I usually use it to carry my 13” macbook but I get lazy and just insert it vertically because getting it in and out horizontally everyday is a pain.

Also wanted to let you know one of my favorite bloggers, Andrea just posted her review of the form bag and you can read it here.}

Whimsy and Row Review The Lilah Crop

Hi guys and I have another new ethical brand review for you today!  Wimsy & Row is an LA brand that makes small batches of clothing in LA from deadstock fabric (which they called "recycled materials" but I think is more accurately described as deadstock).  They are all about sustainability in fashion.  In that way they remind me of Reformation (my one review of them here), but I like Whimsy & Row more because I prefer their styling.  Reformation definitely skews young to me with their tight fitting dresses and short skirts, but W&R does a good job mixing it up.  They make a great pair of wide leg cropped pants and I love their Lilah Crop top that I'm reviewing today.  I first heard of them during my visit to West Coast Craft, which you can read about here.

I had never heard of W&R before West Coast Craft (WCC) so when I stumbled on their booth, I was intrigued to try on some of their stuff.  I walked away with this Lilah crop in raw silk that I absolutely love.  First of all, their raw silk quality is excellent and just as good as Only Child or Jamie + the Jones.  But because it is deadstock raw silk, their price point is much lower than either of the other two brands.  In fact this raw silk top only cost $68!  I think that's such a steal.  They do make this top in other deadstock materials as well like rayon, and for those I don't think the value is there since they are also priced at $68.  

{Wearing: Whimsy and Row Lilah crop, notPerfectLinen skirt (reviewed here), Everlane Day Heel (reviewed here)}

I'm wearing a size small here and I think it fits well, especially in the waist.  It's hard to find a cropped top that kind of nips in and defines the waist, so when I saw this at WCC I knew I found a keeper.  The shoulder are a bit wide but if I wear it with the crew neck in front, I find that I have no problems.  Ah, also this top is reversible so you can wear it with the wide v-neck in front, but then I find it just a tad too open at the chest for me.  You can see me wearing it reversed above.

I also love how the sleeves hang down a bit to give some coverage to the triceps.  Since this top is quite cropped (I would say as cropped as my ES Petra Crop but not as cropped as my Only Child Alta top), I wear them with my highest waist pants or skirts.

Anyway let me know if you have any questions about the top or about Whimsy and Row in general.  And definitely check them out if you're looking for responsibly made clothes sewn in LA from deadstock material!

Everlane Review The Polka Dot Shirt Dress

*I received this item as a gift to review and thus this is a type of sponsored post

It's finally here!  The Everlane Polka Dot Shirt Dress review!  This was the item I was debating on whether or not to request from Everlane back in early July.  Well due to their warehouse move I've only just received this dress (and I know a lot of you guys are feeling the pain of the shipping delays!  I too ordered some other things from Everlane that have still yet to be delivered, but I've heard that the warehouse move is just about done and things are about to get back to their normal albeit still rather slow shipping time--but at least it won't be excruciating slow lol).  

I was so interested in trying this dress because it's made of a new-to-me material called Cupro, and after doing some research on it I knew I really wanted to try it out.  Cupro is a sustainable fabric made out of cotton linter (basically cotton waste by-product) and via a closed-loop chemical system.  Cupro is similar to tencel/lyocell in that it's a man-made fabric but tencel is made from wood cellulose fibers.  Since cupro is made from cotton by-products, the material is biodegradable like cotton and also breathes like cotton.  But it feels a lot like a heavy silk and thus is often used as a vegan form of silk.  Best of all you can just machine wash it at home, unlike some silk garments.  Cupro also has hypoallergenic and anti-static properties.  (References: 1, 2)  To me this material feels wonderfully silky smooth and heavy-weight (the material feels way more substantial than silk).  Plus it has a really nice drape.

{Wearing: Everlane Polka Dot Shirt Dress and Everlane Day Heels (reviewed here)}

I love this polka dot pattern (a rare patterned dress from Everlane).  I also love that it comes with a belt so you can define your waist.  The other dress I really love from Everlane (the collarless belted shirt dress) also comes with a belt.  Though I kind of like the look without the belt too (pic below).

I'm wearing a size 4 here and find it fits TTS.  The back hem is slight longer than the front so it covers my backside well.  I'm 5'4" and I love the length on me, but I think if you're quite a bit taller than me, you'll find this dress a tad short.  Also since it's a belted style of dress, the sizing is quite forgiving and this would make a great buffet-eating dress lol.  My only teeny tiny complaint is that this dress doesn't have any pockets, but oh well sometimes you can't have everything.  

Anyway I really love this dress!  I think for the gal 5'5" and shorter, it's a perfect casual dress for the weekend or even a business casual dress for the office.  $110 is quite steep for a dress, but I think you're paying the price of the sustainable material on this one.  As for me, I'm super excited to add this not-flowy but not form-fitting dress to my collection since I only have a couple of these.  I'll let you know how this material wears with time and washing but I have high hopes for this one!

Casper Sheets Review (and comparison to Brooklinen Sheets)

via

Since we moved into a new house and got a new bed, I decided to try out a new company for sheets.  As much as I love my Brooklinen sheets (which I reviewed here), for the sake of research for this blog, I decided to try Casper Sheets.  I purchased mine through their website but you can also buy them at Target.

Much like Brooklinen, Casper promises premium sheets at direct-to-consumer prices.  Also like Brooklinen, Casper makes their sheets from long fiber cotton (though Casper's is from Supima cotton grown in California).  But Casper uses 2-ply thread at a 400 thread count while Brooklinen uses a single ply thread at a 300 thread count.  Brooklinen claims that  single ply thread makes for a smoother, lighter and softer fabric.  Also the Casper sheets are a Percale weave while the Lux core sheet set I bought from Brooklinen are a Sateen weave and thus has more of a sheen.

In terms of pricing, the Brooklinen ones are a tad more expensive ($149 for a Queen set compared to Casper's $140 for a Queen set).

So which one do I think is better?  For me Brooklinen is the winner hands down.  The Casper sheets are definitely less soft and more rough than the Brooklinen ones.  My husband however likes the Casper ones because he runs cold and sometimes finds the cool crispness of the Brooklinen sheets too cold when first getting into bed.  As for me, I love that feeling of cool sheets.  Since I regret not getting a set of Brooklinens for the new bed, I think I'll be returning these (Casper has a 100 day return policy).  Also I'm thinking of trying linen bed linens (lol linen linens) since a couple of you guys highly recommended it after I wrote up my slow fashion linen review.

What kind of sheets do you guys sleep on and recommend?

Weekend Update/Ramblings

This has been a relatively rough summer (thus accounting for the lack of super regular posting).  If you follow me on Insta-story I touched upon a current health issue: uterine fibroids.  The good news is that I've switched over to stretchy pants long before my uterine fibroids started growing, thus allowing me to still wear a lot of my favorite bottoms (like my ES linen Clyde pants and skirt, my nPL skirt and my Everlane chinos).  The bad news is that most fitted high-waisted (like my new Only Child Dune pants) are a no-go.  The ES canvas Clydes are also too tight.  And most of my jeans don't work.  Just when I'm starting to really love my wardrobe, my body up and changes on me.  On the bright side, it allows me to flex my creative juices when it comes to finding my style again.

So now I'm looking at some flowy dresses.  I asked some of you guys on Insta what you wanted to see on the blog and long-time reader Page suggested Ace & Jig.  My style is mostly not prints and very minimal so Ace & Jig is a bit outside of my comfort zone (and at West Coast craft I noticed a ton of people going crazy over their stuff but I just kind of gave it a cursory glance).  But I want to be open to new brands so I'm giving it a shot.  I ordered this Daisy dress (lol notice how I picked the least colorful and patterned one available) and it's coming in this week. Also love that it was on sale.  So review of that up soon!  

In other news, did you hear Walmart is going to come out with a private label that looks like Everlane.  First of all, I highly doubt Walmart is going to try to find the kind of factories that are going to pay fair wages, especially if they're going to try to undercut Everlane on price.  And second of all I'm sure they're not going to be transparent about it either.  It kind of defeats the whole purpose of making a copy of Everlane if you're just going to copy the basic normcore styling and not the ethics.  But we'll see I guess.

Currently watching on TV: Sharper Objects, Castle Rock (on Hulu--sooo good!), and I just finished Ordeal by Innocence on Amazon Prime.  I think I'm on a mystery/suspense kick.

Celine Nano Belt Bag Review & Comparison to the Micro Belt Bag {Updated March 2022}

Call me crazy and I'll understand because this is my third Celine Belt Bag!  I started off with the Mini Belt Bag and then downsized to the Micro Belt Bag (Celine Micro Belt Bag review here).  And this year I've downsized to the Nano Belt Bag.  I really just love this functionality of this design with a top handle, a long shoulder strap, a zippered top, and a flap.  And with each smaller iteration Celine comes out with, the more I love it!  I used the Micro Belt bag for over a year now and as much as I love it, the Micro size is just a tad too large (lol when is a micro anything too big?).  It's too big to wear crossbody (it’s kind of bulky for my 5’4” frame) and the bag ends up getting weighed down by all the extra stuff I leave in there when I only really need the essentials.  Also the larger size means more leather and thus is also heavier than the Nano from the get-go.

They've also made some improvements to the Nano that's won me over.  First of all, the long strap is now adjustable so I can adjust it either to wear as a cross body or over the shoulder.  The Micro Belt Bag strap isn't adjustable and I've found that it's too long for me to wear it over the shoulder (thus I replaced it with a YSL cloth strap when I was using the bag).  The Nano version doesn't have the back outside zip which I found nonfunctional in the Micro bag anyway.  Also there are no pockets or compartments inside the Nano bag, which doesn't bother me but some might miss that.  But it also keeps the Nano bag extra lightweight!

But my favorite new improvement is the easy magnetic round clasp that's found on the Nano instead of the fussy and hard-to-use clip that the Micro has (which is the same for the Mini and Small sizes as well).  Now it's so much easier for me to close the flap, though I still mainly use the zipper as a way to close the bag.  

But of course the biggest difference is the size.  The Nano is 8 X 8 X 4 IN (20 X 20 X 10 CM) while the Micro is 9 X 8 X 5 IN (24 X 20 X 13 CM). So what can the Nano fit?

Well for me it fits all my essentials with some room to spare.  I usually only carry my wallet, coin purse, sunglasses, keys (which are made extra bulky with my Airpods attached to them), my sunscreen hand lotion and some lip balms.  I can also fit a couple baggus in there as well.  Since the base is fairly wide, a lot of stuff that can fit in there!

So for me, the Nano bag works perfectly.  If you're one to carry a bit more than I would probably advise going with the Micro Belt bag.  But since I prioritize weight, I like that the Nano is so much lighter than the Micro.

Micro

Nano

Sometime you can find a used Celine Nano belt bag from my favorite consignment bag shop Fashionphile here (and if you want to know why they’re my fave, read this post).  If you're looking for the Micro Belt Bag, they usually have more of a selection here. You can also sometimes find the Nano on The RealReal here or the Micro here. 

And as usual, I'm welcome to any questions you might have about Celine's Belt bags.  Just drop a line below!

Jan Update: Also here’s a quick comparison pic of all the different sizes taken from Fashionphile. It goes left to right: Nano, Micro, Mini, and the Small.

Also, here are all my other Celine bag and wallet reviews!

March 2022 update: I was considering re-purchasing a mini Celine Belt Bag from Fashionphile when I took this pic below (it was $900 and in great shape!):

But in the end I returned it because the bag was quite a bit larger and heavier than what I was used. I think if I were to get another belt bag, it would be the micro size (lol I know I should have just kept my black micro belt 🤷🏻‍♀️ oh well). But I’m still very happy with the lightweight nano size and use it mostly for solo errands trips or going out at night (it’s just too small when I need to travel with my kid). Also the nano belt is holding up really well. It probably wears better than my mico did because I don’t overload the nano size (you can’t!) and I use it less frequently than I did the micro.

Slip Silk Pillowcase Review

via

As you know, I sometimes like to review much-hyped about things even though they aren't in the ethical or sustainable realm (like Away luggage or Glossier products) because just like you, I want to know is the product really worth it or is it all marketing?  Well the Slip Silk Pillowcase has been on my radar for awhile now.  I mean who doesn't want to sleep on a pillow case that promises anti-aging?  

So what do I think?

Ok so the claims are definitely a tad over-hyped (I mean c'mon there's no anti-aging anything really other than cosmetic surgery) but I will say that this silk pillowcase does have benefits and I haven't gone back to a regular pillow case since buying this one (coordinated bed sheets be damned, lol)!  My favorite part about this silk pillowcase is that it prevents those sleep creases on my face, which as I get older take longer and longer to disappear (thanks to waning elasticity in my face).  This is especially important to me since I'm a side sleeper and used to get those creases all the time.  Before getting this I tried to become a back-sleeper since my friend told me side-sleepers get more wrinkles on their face from sleeping on it, lol.  Nope, it didn't work so I'm so glad I got this pillow case instead.

The silk is a 22 momme weight made from Oeko-tex certified silk, which means harmful chemicals were not used for its production.  That also means they use non-toxic dyes (I have the white one so there's minimal dyes in that one especially).  I discussed momme weight before here.  For reference, Everlane uses about 16mm silk while Elizabeth Suzann uses 23mm silk.  Grana uses 22mm silk for their Georgette satin pieces (no longer readily available but you can still find it being used for their V-neck slip dress).  And since I had a bunch of Grana credit left over, I thought I might as well try to make some silk pillowcases out of them (since it will mean they are essentially free for me).  And well I made them and tried sleeping on it but it's not the same, even though the momme weight is the same.  And that's because Slip uses a special charmeuse finish that makes it softer and more breathable when compared to the Georgette satin.  So at least I know I'm really getting a great product from Slip that can't be easily copied.

Also they do mention in their FAQs that they "work closely with our suppliers to ensure that fair workplace practices are enforced and that only the highest quality materials are used."  But they don't advertise where they make their products so I'm pretty sure they're made in China.

So yes, $79 is a lot for one pillowcase, but it's the only pillowcase you'll ever need for the rest of your life.  Just take care of it well (I machine wash on delicate with the Laundress Delicate wash and hang dry).  This product is definitely worth it for me and it's the tiny bit of luxury at the end of the night that makes sleeping just that much better!

P.S. If you're wondering if their Slip Silk Sleep Mask is worth it, I'm going to say that's a big fat nope.  I loved the pillow case so much, I purchased the $50 sleep mask for travel and I have to say it's not comfortable.  Either I have an abnormally large head or they make it way too small but it's tight around the head and puts pressure on the eyes.  Save your money on this one and just skip the sleep mask.

Everlane Review The Linen Muscle Tank

If you've been following along with my Summer 10x10 challenge, you would have seen me pair this Everlane linen muscle tank with my Elizabeth Suzann linen Clydes for a very SF Giants fan look.  This is actually my first time wearing this tank because, well color!  It's almost too much color for my usual taste but when I first tried it on at the Everlane store I really liked it (see pics below).  I especially like how the orange (well they call it "rust" but really it's quite orange) goes with denim of different hues.  It works for both dark and light denim.  

I sized up to a medium in this because I found the small to be quite fitted.  And though the arm holes are a tad big, it doesn't really bother me.  The 100% linen is a great lightweight knit which breathes really well.  It's a tad scratchy at first but will soften with washings.  It will also stretch out a tad with washings (which I learned from my Everlane linen knit dress from awhile back), but unlike the dress I don't think this muscle tank will lose too much of its shape since there's less material overall.  I think the dress became a little potato-sack-y after awhile because the dress stretched in odd places.  The best way to keep the shape is probably to lay flat to dry instead of hanging.

What do you guys think?  Anyone else try out their linen knit items this year?  I might not wear this as often because of the color but at least I know what I'm wearing the next time I go to a SF Giants game!

Rothy's Giveaway Winner

Whoops forgot to pick a winner for the $200 Rothys gift card giveaway.  Lucky Julie is the winner and you have been emailed!  Thanks again to everyone who entered and I'll probably be doing another one of these again in the future! :)

Ethical and/or Slow Fashion Linen Guide: Comparison of Only Child, Two Days Off, notPerfectLinen, Linenfox, Ichi Antiquities and more {Updated July 2022}

Ichi Antiquities Linen dress

I have to admit, I'm quite a bit late to the linen game.  I've avoided the material for most of my life because I never liked the look of wrinkles and yet couldn't be bothered with an iron.  So even though I've grown up in hot climates all my life (Hawaii and then California), I've pretty much stuck with cotton.  But with the purchase of my handy dandy travel steamer and my further progression into slow fashion (where linen is the superstar material), I've begun to see the light.  And this year I've finally come fully around and now I absolutely love linen.  I can't get enough linen!  I've purchased linen items from several ethical/slow fashion brands in the last six months so I thought I would let you all know how they all stacked up against each other.  {P.S. If you're interested I've also done this before with silk here.}

ES linen petra crop and linen clyde skirt

First, why is linen such an amazing material?  My (internet) research has pointed me to these facts about linen that make it quite possibly the most best cloth on earth:

Why Linen Is So Awesome

- Everybody knows linen is the best material for hot weather.  Since linen has a high moisture absorbency but doesn't retain moisture, it doesn't get weighed down with sweat (unlike cotton) and essentially wicks away sweat.  Linen also dries quick to inhibit bacteria growth to prevent smelly odors.  The hollow linen fibers also allow for air permeability keeping you cool in the summer heat.

- It's hypoallergenic (great for those with sensitive skin like myself) and it's moth resistant.

- Linen is uber durable (just look to the Ancient Egyptians who used it for their mummies).  It's 30% more durable than cotton and doesn't pill.  In fact linen just keeps getting better with washings and age.  

- Linen is made from the flax plant which is a fairly hardy plant, especially when compared to cotton, and doesn't need nearly as much water or pesticides as cotton.  And that's because flax plant can grow in quite poor soil conditions.  Flax growing practices in China tends to be more agro-industrial while European linen tends to be grown more naturally since their climate is suited to the plant.

- Nothing in the flax plant is wasted with other parts of the plant making linseed oil or consumable flax seeds (high in fiber and omega-3 and considered a superfood).

- Linen is fully biodegradable (when undyed).

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

So why don't people just wear linen all the time?  Well linen is expensive to produce because of the laborious process to harvest the plant and weave the material.  It's a luxury fabric.  But if you're going for quality and not quantity, you can't go wrong with linen!  You know it's going to last and it'll only get better with more washings.  Also if you splurge on the best linen, you also won't need to be steaming/ironing it much either.

So here's what you guys really want to know, right?  Which brands use the best linen material? {Note: I use oz/yd^2 to indicate the weight of the linen with a higher number meaning a heavier cloth weight and thus a more premium product.  Also I only include 100% linen items and no linen blends} . Here's how the brands linen material stacks up from best to worst (also thickest to thinnest):

1) Two Days Off

{Added Jan 2021. I think it qualifies for the top position because of the all reasons listed below but especially because they prioritize deadstock material}

Weight: 5.90 oz/yd^2 (200 gsm)

Source: Deadstock for the colors clay, cactus, and soy; Canada for the colors black, moss, mushroom, bright navy

I love the fact that TDO prioritizes using deadstock first thus “recycling” in a sense. And of course Gina (the founder) would because she is a climate scientist. Plus they are a plastic-free company (only biodegradable garment bags) and she takes the extra step to be Climate Neutral certified (by offsetting the carbon footprint of manufacturing and shipping). Also this slow fashion brand makes all their clothes in LA in limited or made-to-order quantities. These are just some of the reasons why I love this BIPOC-owned, women-owned, California brand, and on top of all this Gina is a kind and warm human being who takes the time to connect with all her customers. Review of the linen Kaneko dress coming soon!

2) Only Child Clothing (no longer produced)

Weight: 7.5 oz/yd^2 (or 254 gsm) for 2018

2019 Update: This year I purchased the Cove Pants (reviewed here) and I don’t know the exact numbers on flax linen (which I read through their stories that they source from a different producer than all their other linen colors), but I have to say based on feel alone seems slightly thinner to Elizabeth Suzann’s flax linen. The OC flax linen seems slightly thinner, lighter and rougher than the ES material. Based on this I would actually rate ES linen to be number one in terms of thickness.

Source: Japan

Does this surprise you guys?  It totally surprised me since I for sure thought Elizabeth Suzann had the best linen out there.  But I have to qualify this rating by saying it only applies to linen items produced by Only Child this season.  Last year's linen is of a lower quality and is not the same as this year's linen.  So be careful when buying Only Child linen items on the secondhand market since this rating doesn't apply.  But it does mean that if you've been eyeing something linen from Only Child, this is the year to get it.  Having the linen Dune pants myself (along with a lot of other Elizabeth Suzann linen items) I can attest that the OC linen is of equal calibre (though slightly better according to the numbers.  But in an actual blind feel test I can't tell the difference between the two).

3) Elizabeth Suzann (no longer produced)

Weight: 7.08 oz/yd^2 (or 241 gsm)

Source: Japan

In a very close second is ES and like I mentioned above, it feels exactly the same to the OC linen to me.  You will not be able to feel the difference of 0.42oz/yd^2.  If you've been reading my blog, you know that I have a ton of ES linen items that I wear constantly.  These include the Petra Crop, Clyde Linen Work Pants, Clyde Linen Billow Skirt, and the linen Georgia tee (all links are to the reviews on this site).  I love love love ES linen and cannot get enough.  But with just those 4 linen items alone (2 tops and 2 bottoms) I'm really set for almost a week's wear of linen (okay with lots of outfit repeating).  Also while doing research for this post I came across this interesting article about Japanese linen from the NYT.  From my experience with Japanese made items, I’m pretty sure those weaving the linen in Japan are highly unlikely to be slave labor or paid poorly.

4) Pyne & Smith

{Added in 2019}

Weight: 5.90 oz/yd^2 (200 gsm)

Source: Flax grown in Belgium and France, fabric milled in Lithuania

The linen from Pyne & Smith is a great midweight linen that’s slightly thicker than the fabric from the Lithuanian producers below yet thinner and less heavy than the linen from ES and OC. If you want to support a domestic company and linen dresses are your thing, then Pyne & Smith might be your go-to. I love my no.12 dress (reviewed here) for both the simplicity and ease of wear.

5A) LinenFox

{Added in 2019}

Weight: 5.46 oz/yd^2 (185 gsm)

Source: Lithuania (Oeko-Tex certified)

I love my Linenfox Kimono Top (reviewed here) since it’s basically a dupe of the ES Georgia tee. LinenFox items are of the same quality as nPL with a linen weight of 185gsm (and I suspect they might be sourcing their linen from the same local Lithuanian linen producer though I don't have any real evidence of this--but how many Oeko-tex certified linen producers are there in Lithuania?).  I’ve also ordered their linen pants and plan to see if it’s similar to my OC Cove pants. I seriously love the styles they produce at LinenFox and their items are a great value (true midweight linen, made ethically, and at a great price). If you’ve been wanting to get some great ethical linen pieces, I would start with them (and even though the linen quality is the same with nPL, I slightly prefer LinenFox’s styling). The only drawback when comparing them to domestic brands is that 1) you’re not buying in the USA and 2) the lead times+shipping times are much longer so you’re going to have to wait longer for your item.

Linenfox Heavyweight Linen

{Added in 2020}

Weight: 340 gsm

Source: Lithuania (Oeko-Tex certified)

Released at the end of 2019, the heavy linen is a great option in cold weather for those who live in milder climates. Or a great transition piece. It truly is the heaviest linen of this bunch. This linen isn’t really suitable for summer. My review of their heavy linen jacket is here.

5B) notPerfectLinen

Weight: 5.46 oz/yd^2 (shown as 185 gsm on their site and converted with this calculator)

Source: Lithuania (Oeko-Tex certified)

When I felt the nPL linen (when I purchased this Marseille skirt--reviewed here) I knew it was good but not quite as thick and durable as the ES linen.  With a little bit of digging I was able to come up with numbers to prove my suspicions.  In a blind feel test you will for sure be able to tell the difference between nPL and ES/OC, but that doesn't mean that nPL is inferior.  The linen from nPL is still quite thick, opaque and durable and it has the added benefit of being Oeko-tex certified (meaning the linen was processed without harmful chemicals).  And though it doesn't have the same quality as ES or OC linen, I think nPL linen items are the best value out there since their stuff costs significantly less than either ES or OC (both of which are American-made brands). 

6) Quince (One Quince)

{Added in 2020}

Weight: 160gsm

Source: China, but it's 100% organic linen dyed without hazardous chemicals in a dyeing mill that meets bluesign® standards

I love my organic linen tank (Quince organic linen tank review here) and linen shorts. Quince’s linen feels like the best of the thinner, lightweight linen items (all those above are considered midweight to heavyweight linens). This linen is smooth to the touch and heftier than even the (very expensive) Ichi Antiquities linen listed below. The fact that this top is made of 100% organic linen and costs only $30 seems to good to be true (but it’s possible because of their shipping model detailed here). Also I really like that even though this is light colored linen (my tank is in the color “driftwood”) that it’s completely opaque—can’t see my bra at all. This is the perfect linen tank for hot and humid weather!

7) Ilana Kohn

{Added 2021}

Weight: Unknown

Source: Unknown

I am basing this on feel alone so it’s not the most scientific observation, but I would say the linen of my Eleanor top from Ilana Kohn (review coming soon) is about the same as the Quince linen and a tad thinner than the linen from Lithuania. It’s still an excellent weight and textured fabric though and items from Ilana Kohn have the added benefit from being made in the US (NYC).

8) Ichi Antiquities

{Added August 2020}

Weight: unknown/can’t find (so basing the rating on feel)

Source: I can’t find where the linen is sourced from but the garments are all made in Japan.

As much as I love the dress I got from Ichi Antiquities (reviewed here), I have to say the linen is definitely on the light-weight side. It definitely feels lighter than my Lithuanian linen items so I’ve placed it on the list here. It’s also too bad I can’t find where they source their linen from. Price-wise, Ichi is definitely up there (with ES and OC) but value-wise it’s not really there. This is a cult favorite, and I appreciate their silhouettes but I don’t think I’ll be purchasing from them again.

9) Everlane

Weight: 4.87 oz/yd^2 (165gsm)

Source: The linen is from China from a mill called HLC - it’s one of or the largest linen supplier in China

I love my linen collarless shirt, and still wear it 4 years later. This linen quality is the same as Quince’s which is a good lightweight linen.

10) Grana

Weight: 4.13 oz/yd^2 (converted from 140gsm) 

Source: Linen fibre is sourced from flax growers in Northern France and the fabric is woven and knitted in two separate mills in China. The final garment production process is also completed in China.

The linen from Grana this season is much softer and more sheer than any of the linen from the brands above, but Grana also does line their linen items (usually with a cotton lining).  The white linen items are especially sheer.  Grana's linen is definitely the softest and the least stiff of the bunch though it still wrinkles quite a bit.  Grana's Irish linen from 3 years ago was the best but every subsequent year has seen a decline in their quality.  I don't know if Grana's going to make it at the rate they're going.

11) Tradlands

Weight: Unknown

Source: Unknown

So in all honesty, this is based on one linen item I received from them last year but Tradlands no longer makes 100% linen items (they're all currently 70% cotton 30% linen).  So it must mean they stopped sourcing material from the producer they used last year.  And good thing too since based on the quality of that linen top, I have to rate them down here.  It was the only linen piece in my life that came out stiff as a board after washing and horrible to wear.  I can't figure out why since I washed it the same as I do all my other linen items.  Before washing it though I would say it had the same quality as Everlane's (on the thin side but decent). {Feb 2021 update: So I purchased the linen tencel blend Nico dress last year and love the material, though that is also not 100% linen.}

Grana on the left and Elizabeth Suzann on the right, both are washed and hung dry without any steam pressing. As you can see, the heavier weight linen doesn't need any steaming while the lighter weight linen piece could use a good press.

Anyway I hope this little guide about linen has got you thinking about adding linen into your life (if you haven't yet and if you have I hope it makes you appreciate your linen items more).  Seriously a high quality linen piece can be life changing!  We still have a couple more months of hot weather and with global warming and more record high temperatures in our future, investing in good linen is not a bad idea!  

Weekend Update/Ramblings

Summer 10x10 picks

Man, is it still No Buy July?  Lol, I know it defeats the purpose of a shopping ban month when you go out and purchase a ton of stuff right after (it's like abstaining then binging right).  But after a reader left a comment about the awesomeness of LinenFox, I now want to get a couple stuff from them (specifically the Georgia tee dupe).  Then I can do a quick comparison review to let you know the differences between them (other than the price point).  Also still pining for the Everlane Day Heel mules in natural suede and the cotton mockneck muscle tank.  Oh and the Elizabeth Suzann Harlow dress in linen (originally wanted the tunic but I think the dress is what I really want).  Of course I won't go out and buy it all at once and I'll probably pass on the Harlow dress since it's quite pricey (and by the time I actually get it, we'll be in the Fall season).  Also the ban did help me realize I don't need or want any of the crop tees and tanks from Everlane.  But it's funny how not buying something just means I talk about it more (and it makes me seem even more consumeristic even though I'm abstaining from buying).  

Anyway I also came across this post from a fellow sustainable closet blogger that really resonated with me.  This is the conflict I feel every time I think about getting free Everlane items to review.  Oh by the way my contact forgot to send me the luxe cotton tee dress to review which is actually a blessing since now it ends up that I have added zero items to my closet this July, thus fulfilling my No Buy July goal.  And it looks like the polka dot items are coming in August (if she doesn't forget to send it anyway).

So now I'm thinking of doing shopping bans on months with a "y" in it (lol arbitrary maybe), but I figure that gives me "consumption pauses" in January, February, May, and July.  So that's perfect for a pause after a spendy December and still lets me spend in March (my birthday month).  Ideally of course I would not be buying closet items for the bulk of the year but at least this way I won't be buying for a third of the year.

Anyway I'm doing the summer 10x10 challenge (10 items styled 10 ways over 10 days).  This is my first summer edition so I'm pretty excited.  You can see all 10 looks from my Spring 10x10 here and the Winter 10x10 before that here.  I usually do the Fall and Winter challenges because I like dressing for cold weather, but finally with the addition of a bunch of linen items to my closet this year, summer dressing has become a joy as well.  Can't wait to share with you guys (it'll all be on Insta, not the blog).

And finally this article really hit the nail on the head: sometimes going zero waste feels like hammering a nail to halt a falling skyscraper.  Okay I know that doesn't make a whole lot of sense but read it and it will :)

Elizabeth Suzann Review: The Petra Crop in Linen

As I said in the past, I really love getting my slow fashion items secondhand.  Not only does that make them more affordable but since slow fashion items are meant to last, this means the items have a gently worn in feeling that I love.  In this case, this linen Petra crop from Elizabeth Suzann has some slight fading on the edges, which makes it look like a well taken care of and loved garment.  It gives the item character!

I purchased this on selltradees on Instagram, and it was the first time using this platform for buying Elizabeth Suzann.  It was such an easy process that I would definitely do it again.  The only drawback is that it's a lottery system so there are no guarantees.  But if you do get chosen, it's an easy Paypal transaction and you can find items quite reasonably priced.  To be honest, if I hadn't seen this on selltradees I probably wouldn't have purchased this because I'm not really into crop tops.  But when I saw it, I thought why not just enter my name (actually most people enter their zip code to get their name into the drawing) and see how it goes.  But now that I have so many high waisted items from ES (the 2 clyde pants and the clyde skirt), I find that this Petra crop is the perfect pairing item!

{Wearing: Elizabeth Suzann Petra Crop, Elizabeth Suzann Clyde Skirt (reviewed here), Everlane Day Heel Mules (reviewed here), Celine Nano Belt Bag (similar here)}

I got the Petra crop in a size small and it's the perfect fit (I'm usually a size 4 on top with a 36 bust).  The arm holes and neck hole are the perfect size and I love that my bra straps don't peek out anywhere.  This top reminds me of a cropped muscle tank, which is perfect for the summer (yay to no farmer tan lines).  Also I know I've said in the past I like tops that hide my chicken wings (my flabby triceps), but I've decided to stop caring about it and just embrace them.  You know, they're my arms, they're strong and serve me well.  So what if they're not model skinny?  They never really were and they for sure will never be, so it's time to stop caring and hiding them.

{Wearing: Elizabeth Suzann Petra Crop, Everlane Denim Skirt (reviewed here), Everlane Day Heel Mules (reviewed here), Celine Nano Belt Bag (similar here)}

The Petra really is quite cropped (about 16" from shoulder to bottom hem) so it works best with high-waisted bottoms.  Even my Everlane chinos are a bit too mid-waisted to work with this top (unless you want to show some belly but I'm guessing most of us here are probably a bit too mature for that).  But if you're looking for a well-made but simple crop top to last you through the ages then I don't think you can go wrong with this Petra crop!

Rothy's $200 Giftcard Giveaway {Closed}

Hi y'all, so since I haven't had the chance to write up a good review for you guys (see yesterday's vent sesh, lol) I've decided to do a giveaway instead!  I'm so lucky to have so many of you guys support this little blog of mine (thank you thank you, a million times thank you!).  So once in awhile I'll get more than I need.  In this case it's a Rothy's gift card accumulated from all those who bought through my referral link posted in my review.  Since my own pair of Rothy's are going strong and I don't really need another pair, I decided to pass along the $200 gift card/promo code along to you guys.  Giveaway open to all and ends July 31st at 12am PST.  Winner will be announced August 1st.  To enter, just fill out the form below (again email is just so I can contact the winner--no spam I promise).  Oh and please no repeat entries.