Elizabeth Suzann Harper tunic (gift for review) | size OS minus
6397 Shorty Jeans | sold out, selvedge wash at La Garconne
Beek Finch Sandals
Kara midi tie-tote
Well, it’s finally hot. And it stopped raining for a few days, so I can wear WHATEVER I want 🙂 And all I want to wear is everything Elizabeth Suzann. I mentioned before that the Marlena Midi dress is the perfect go-anywhere, do-anything dress, well this linen tunic is the shirt version (or short dress, if you’re so inclined).
As I do, as soon as I received the Harper tunic from Elizabeth Suzann I tried it on with everything, and it literally works with so many different pieces. This is my favorite look right now, over these slouchy jeans, but I also tried it with leggings, the silk Florence pants also by Elizabeth Suzann, a midi pencil skirt by Raquel Allegra, and yes, even denim shorts.
I decided to stick with the one size minus (they sent me a one size to try on as well) because it’s shorter, which suits me better, and it’s slightly less voluminous all around. The neck is not tight, but it did take some effort to get it over my head, and I definitely can’t keep my glasses on and try to put it on!
And THE POCKET. The placement is brilliant, because it really doesn’t add bulk, but it’s still crazy functional. The linen is beautiful also, I haven’t worn this tunic much yet, but it seems to be softer and yet keeps its “crispness” a bit better than Everlane’s. Perhaps it’s the black that doesn’t show wrinkles as much, but anyway, it seems a more luxurious piece.
I highly recommend the harper tunic as a shirt, tunic, dress, coverup, whatever. I can’t wait to live in it during our family summer vacation in the Ozarks this year. Where would you wear it??
While I’ve enjoyed your blog for a long time, I have a hard time reconciling all the new clothes you post and the freebies you get with your manifesto about minimalist and conscious shopping. Does it make it any less consumerist since the items are free to you? No where in this post did you mention the cost of this item. I had to google it on my own to find that out that it is $185. Considering you just received linen items from everlane, does it really fill a hole in your wardrobe? Would you have sought it out and paid your own money for it, given the items you already have and your budget?
I am not trying to be critical, but the more you post new/free clothes, the harder I find it to continue reading your website.
I love that on you but NO WAY could I deal with that neckline. Claustrophobia to the max!
the neck isn’t tight at all when it’s on. just with my glasses on and if i have something in my hair, there’s way i’m getting it over my head!
ugh. i’ve written and deleted a million things here, in response to your comment kate, but honestly, the only thing i can say is that i’m doing the best i can. i understand that many of my readers come here to see reviews, specifically of everlane, and i’m still happy to support the company, and be helpful to the readers who appreciate those reviews and take items from them when they’re offered. as i mentioned in my last several everlane posts, i get items from them to review at their discretion, not at my request. of course, i could say no.
although it may seem that my “role” here has changed a little over the last 12 years i’ve been doing this, it really hasn’t: my mission when i started was to showcase designers and clothing i loved on my own body, and introduce people to smaller designers and companies they may not have heard of yet. that is STILL what i’m most passionate about. no, it doesn’t always jive with having fewer things, and that is something that i struggle with reconciling, and as i said, i’m just doing the best i can to try and balance that.
my partnership with elizabeth suzann and emerson fry before that, and inhabit in the past, james perse, etc., etc., are what feed my soul, for lack of a better characterization. i have built grechen’s closet over the years as a place where people can come to discover new designers, learn things (i hope) and see reviews of items they might not see anywhere else, and my ultimate passion is supporting small designers as much as i can. if i can use my place in the overcrowded blogosphere to bring attention to designers like elizabeth suzann (for example) and encourage one person to try them who wouldn’t have otherwise, i am fulfilled.
same goes for everlane, although they’re not small anymore. i still believe in their mission, and if i can help someone make a decision about buying a piece from everlane rather than something from the gap, or madewell, or a less “transparent” brand because i reviewed it and helped them figure out their size, then also, i have done my “job.”
i get the conflicting message sometimes, which is why i honestly haven’t written many minimal closet posts in quite a long time. i want to encourage people to be thoughtful about what they buy, and ultimately buy fewer, better things, but i also understand that my reviews/outfits/images are important for women who are trying to be more sustainable and conscious about what they add to their wardrobes but don’t want to stop buying new altogether. over the years, i have seen the power that my outfits and images have at encouraging women to try things they might not otherwise, and buy from designers they’d never heard of.
and as we’ve talked about, it’s really hard to buy from smaller designers online without being able to try them on first, and if i can make that a little easier, i’m happy.
see? i’m happy 🙂
i’m not trying to tell anyone how to live or what to buy, or anything, really, i’m just trying to do my job to the best of my ability. and i guess right now, i see my job as being a model (ugh, again, for lack of a better word) for brands i deeply and truly believe in.
Yes, I understand you completely. It is your job, although you put it in quotation marks. And most of us are looking forward to reviews. Minimalism, yeah, that one is a little bit harder to work with, but you haven’t been posting about it for a while.
First of all, this tunic is EVERYTHING. It looks so cute on you, and it really seems like the kind of piece that could work in a million situations and outfits. I love it!
Second, brush off the haters. Whenever someone says something like “I don’t mean to criticize” or “in my opion” or “to be honest” all I hear is “I’m unhappy with my life and I’m gonna project it on you.” Your blog is brilliant, your style is brilliant, your reviews are amazing, and your butt is magnificent.
This is the first time I’ve commented but a long time reader. Gretchen, I value the work you do. You introduce others, like myself, about what it means to be a sustainable designer while also questioning and reframing the word ‘sustainability’ in the world of clothing and fashion. I also very much respect how you incorporate mindfulness regarding body image laying bare your own vulnerabilities. That takes great strength. And, of course, you do it with great (and sustainable) style as well. Thank you…
Oh Cathy…you always make me laugh out loud. Thank you. 🙂
Wow that is such a gorgeous piece, esp that pocket!! I had a browse through ES website and the navy is a stunning colour as well. Thanks for the review!
I don’t get that. Why is a person labeled a “hater” for having a critical thought? Why can’t that person simply disagree? And to say it shows discontent in their life is very far reaching. I disagree with things daily but to say because I don’t like it I am unhappy well, I just don’t get that.
Gretchen, I read your blog very often but comment rarely. I really appreciate your reviews because it brings to light some items I wouldn’t know existed. This tunic…….is ORDERED! I freaking love it! Love the way it looks on you and only hope my large bust will allow it to look half as good.?
I just love this piece on you — had loved it since you linked to ES a while back but it’s very helpful to see it modeled on you, especially in the OS- size.
I absolutely love reading your blog. I look forward to seeing your outfits, sizing comments and learning about new designers. I wish you posted outfits everyday ! I have purchased items , like the silk pants, that I never would have but for your blog. You have also inspired me to continuously clean my closet. Thanks to you I have become a conscious shopper with a minimalistic and much much smaller wardrobe. I am s o glad you accept free clothing from designers,. It gives me something to look forward to seeing. I hope you get more !!! And I like how honest you are when discussing your positive or negative opinions on a free item that you were lucky to receive. I hope you don’t change a thing. And by the way, today’s tunic is great and completely different from the 3 items Everlane sent you or the short boxy shirt they didn’t send you ! Happy Friday !!!!
thank jess 🙂 i love that they do the OS minus and plus, for those of us who are very picky about how things fit 😉 a couple of inches here and there definitely make a difference!!
thank you cheryl! there’s plenty of room in there for a large bust 😉 i think it will look lovely on all shapes and sizes!!
I LOVE this tunic. I have it on order in flax (as I’m trying to expand my black and grey wardrobe into some paler neutrals) and can’t wait to get it! It looks fabulous on you – this effortless, comfy look is exactly what I always crave. Did you get the Clyde pants at the same time? Anxiously awaiting your review of those!
Also, I wanted to say that I don’t see a conflict between having a minimalist closet and reviewing a lot of garments for us. This is your job, and if you only had a 30 piece minimalist capsule wardrobe and didn’t ever review anything unless it “filled a hole in your wardrobe,” nobody would read your blog. We also can’t assume that everything you review actually stays in your wardrobe, but even if it does, you have been doing a great job of staying true to your mission of “conscious shopping.” Maybe you should change “The Minimal Closet” to “The Sustainable Closet,” or something, but that’s just semantics and I think you’re doing a great job!
haha! thanks lisa 🙂
Oh so tempted! I had this tunic in navy in the OS size (before they launched the new sizes) and it was just too voluminous on me. When they relaunched the signature line I used that credit to order the clyde pants and am still waiting for them. I’m a little gunshy to order anything else until those arrive so I can assess the new sizing. I have my eye on the Elise dress (now that it comes in a shorter size) and this tunic.
And as a follow up to the last shoe and jewelry post I did order some shoes from Freda Salavdor. Waiting with bated breath…
Love it!!! I swear you look taller in the second pic. I’d wear it to work over my skinny white ankle jeans and my as-yet-to-arrive Charlotte Stone black slides that I scored for $30!
I agree, Cheryl. I believe a blog comment section should allow for honesty, even though it may not be what we want to hear. I didn’t read Kaye’s comment as hateful at all…frustrated perhaps….with what she is trying to understand about “methodology.” I love Grechen and her blog! Does that mean I should not ever disagree? I think Grechen’s response was well-thought out and acknowledged Kate’s questions and Grechen’s own ambivalence about how to handle new items for posting on the blog. It was honest! I respect that.
Grechen, I’m nearing 40, have a curvy figure, live in Texas, and I’m interested in ethical clothing. I really appreciate your honest reviews and often check them before I purchase something. You have definitely influenced my style and shopping habits for the better. I’m excited about Slowre and hope to submit some items soon. Please keep up the great work that you do!
Thank you for your honest and thoughtful response, I appreciate it. I realize that we’re all trying the best we can in whatever we do, and no one is perfect. Your response was gracious and considerate and I really appreciate that. So often, any comment that is not 100% fawning in nature is dismissed as jealous, and must be coming from a person who is unhappy/unsuccessful (see Cathy’s comment below). In fact, I am an employed physician, in a committed relationship, with family/friends, and hobbies, including fashion. I appreciate that you didn’t just dismiss me as a ‘hater,’ when in fact I’m a long-time reader. I will continue to stop by, and know that you continue to put forth wonderful content, even if the focus has shifted slightly. You foster wonderful conversation and thoughtful consumption.
Totally agree!!!
The outfit has too much fabric … Lose those jeans . Perhaps leggings ?
.
To be perfectly honest, this was the first thought I had when I pulled up this post. You certainly see the slouchy jeans and flowy tunic look pop up from time to time on tall, willowy models, but on someone so petite and curvier it does seem like a lot of fabric. The more I look at it, though, the more I appreciate that Grechen didn’t just choose to go the standard tunic-with-leggings approach that seems to be the go-to these days. This seems a little more effortless, and yet a bit more daring in terms of silhouette – more “I put this on for myself and not for the internet.” The drape of the tunic looks to be lovely, at least in the photos, and the slightly cropped length of the jeans with the very minimalistic sandals… something about it does work for me.
I wouldn’t have the guts to wear this myself. I’m only 5’5″ and a classic hourglass shape – very busty, curvier through the hips and thighs – and I feel like I’m always so concerned about avoiding silhouettes that “make me look bigger.” I confine myself in shapewear tanks and sculpting pants. Physically, though, I worry that doing this as long-term as I have has contributed to my digestive troubles and skin rashes in the summer. Emotionally, I know it’s allowed my insecurities to continue to eat away at me. I’d be better off if I could let go and enjoy myself in a breezy tunic and slouchy jeans, and I wish I had the confidence Grechen has in something like that, because the way she carries herself in this outfit makes it incredibly chic.
And that’s why I enjoy this blog. Even when my first thought about a photo is “I could never!”, I appreciate the way it makes me think.
Grechen – i love this tunic on you – you look just great. I also admire the honest and positive way you respond to more critical comments.
I enjoy reading and thinking about all the responses and completely agree (with you and other readers) that we don’t have to, or even want to, share the same opinons to get along and enjoy a respectful and thoughtful conversation. And then tere’s Elizabeth Suzann – just beautiful clothing.
I’ve been eyeing this tunic for a couple of seasons in the navy, but the ES prices are high and there aren’t a lot of photos online of normal people wearing her pieces. I think she does a better job at having normal people model her clothes on her website than most companies (not the product shots, but when she features her staff), but its still hard to know how the clothes will fit in real life. I have one ES piece and the quality is excellent. I do plan to order more, but it’s hard to decide what. I love the way the tunic looks on her models, and on you, but with you wearing it the neckline does look closer to the neck than on the models, and I know that I look better with a wider neckline… so I have more doubts now… do you know what her return policy is?
i think they take exchanges only – store credit basically, so you can eventually find something you’ll love.
the neckline is a bit slim, and i have to not be hasty sitting down, but i like the look/feel of it with this type of tunic on me, because i’m showing enough arm to balance it out, if that makes sense…
if you have any doubts about sizing at all, i’d stick with the one size, then you could go up or down based on how you thought the one size fit. for me there was not an insignificant difference in the sizes.
thank you chris 🙂
i have so many things i want to say to you in response to this i don’t even know where to begin…
first, when i read it, i felt tears start to sting my eyes, then joy, then just contentment, because i know i’m doing the right thing, now, doing what I do.
it has been a journey for me, learning to wear what i like, and what may be not conventionally flattering on my body type, simply because i appreciate the silhouette, and like it on me. it took a lot of practice. and still, i hesitate. of course, when i first put this outfit on, i loved it immediately, but also in the back of my mind thought “i should wear this with leggings, it would balance the proportions out a bit more” – but as I try to do now, i went with my initial reaction of love/joy/happiness/comfort in my first outfit and never looked back. i’ve worn this exact outfit for three days in a row, and feel entirely me, although i know it’s not what most women of my stature would consider wearing. and indeed, i stick out like a sore thumb here, but i’ve learned to let that go…
all i can say to you is that it takes practice, and you have to sometimes make yourself wear what you REALLY want to wear, whether you think you look “good” in it or not, if that makes sense at all. try to separate what you think is “flattering” on your body and what you really enjoy. sometimes those will be the same – i wear a lot of things that are ‘conventionally flattering’ for my short, stocky body, and I like them, but i also like other things. and that’s okay 🙂
i got called out a while ago for using “baby steps” too often here, but i’m going to use it again because i think it’s relevant – take a teeny tiny step every day in the direction your heart wants to go, leaving behind the words of your parents, or peers, or whoever said “you shouldn’t wear that for your body” and every time it will get easier…not that that voice or those words ever truly disappear, but you will get better at ignoring them when they inevitably pop up. just flick them away and move on!!
i still can’t find the right words to express my appreciation for your comment, and your willingness to open yourself up like that here. I am so grateful to you for it.
I like this tunic better than I expected, and it’s BECAUSE you paired it with those jeans. The proportion really works for me – whereas I might not have looked at this twice if you were wearing it with black leggings. Thise jeans look like a great fit – not too roomy at all, and the wash lightens up this whole look, along with the bare sandals. There’s just the right amount of skin showing, too. I wasn’t considering the Harper tunic at all – it didn’t really speak to me – but this is an outfit that I can imagine myself in. The curve of that hem is really lovely – and the contrast of the jeans really shows that off.
I love this outfit! You look great! This top is on my wish list for ES!
Grechen, sort of a tangent, but do you know why Everlane doesn’t support customer reviews on their website? I don’t like ordering new items from them because it’s so hard to find objective feedback on their products.
Really great answer here, can tell it is from the heart and how gracious you are. I appreciate these reviews myself, and your mission to support small designers. I myself struggle with minimalism but have grown so much over the years with choosing quality over quantity, better over more. I haven’t stopped shopping, but I have stopped shopping because things go on sale. I have done capsule wardrobes and I have also backslid and failed at it. We still need reviewers and bloggers, and I appreciate them so I can make better choices with what companies to support and as I study my own personal preferences for style or in general my own convictions. As far as minimalism is concerned, that choice is individually ours, so no matter how many people review and blog and advertise, it is still up to each person to decide.
Thanks for having the courage to take pictures of yourself and show the rest of us everyday folks that we are all beautiful. That has spoken even louder to me in all your posts than all the opinions you post about any single object. So, thank you!!!