James Perse leggings
Elizabeth Suzann harper wool sweater | gift to review from Elizabeth Suzann, no longer available
Vince technical weave Warren sneakers
Jas M.B. bag | purchased in 2010
Pockets are so important to me in my daily life; actual FUNCTIONAL pockets, ones that hold things like my phone, Dagny’s treats, keys, snacks, etc. And still, lots of women’s clothes don’t have pockets, or they are small, and flimsy, not good for much of anything. (I loved Michelle’s “10” outfit recently, as in 10 pockets 😉 )
So naturally I love Elizabeth Suzann’s harper tops (sweater, linen tunic) and their huge front pockets, and her Clyde pants with their large circular side pockets. If I could wear the same thing every day, I would probably wear some variation of this outfit, or the Clyde pants and sweater because they’re just so practical & comfortable to work in, and to live in. When I have photos to take for SLOWRE* and am going to be spending my time mostly at home, taking photos, editing photos and taking Dagny out in between, AND it’s 70 degrees or warmer, I will wear this outfit, as I did yesterday.
I can’t wear this sweater if it’s actually very cold, because it’s just not warm enough for me. I do layer it over a long sleeve top or turtleneck, and will wear a scarf with it if it’s in the 50’s or 60’s, but I prefer to wear it layered over a t-shirt or tank top, and with the sleeves rolled up a bit to show my wrists. I don’t like to wear something again on top of it, like my Lauren Manoogian alpaca coat, because that’s just too much oversized for me, and might actually be TOO hot. I have a very small window where I am comfortable! Yesterday it was sunny, in the low 70’s and I was soooooo comfortable in this sweater.
BTW, did you see that Elizabeth Suzann re-launched knits today? Not her own knits, like this sweater, but the collaboration she did with Kordal. Several pieces are already sold out, but the Billie Sweater is still available, and I love it – the texture is fun, and the fit looks spot-on. Did anyone order a piece? Who’s received their sample sale items? I am still waiting on my Clyde jumpsuit…
A few other notes about the outfit:
The shoes- after I mentioned that I’d seen these “technical weave” Warren shoes by Vince last week, I sought them out in my size to buy and they sold out from underneath me at Vince.com. I wanted this version, not the leather, so I called my Vince store and bought them there, the last pair in my size. They seem to fit me like the Blairs fit – a half size large – but the SA at Vince said she’d noticed women taking their true size. Unfortunately, you’d probably have to try both on in this style, just to get the fit right. I wear my Vince sneakers to the GROUND (which I have done with my black pair), so these are well worth it for me.
And this bag is an oldie, but goodie. Jas bags are so practical, and made for life, so they really stand the test of time. I don’t really love this shape anymore, but I appreciate how “easy” it is, that it has short handles and a longer shoulder strap, and lots of places to put stuff AND matte black hardware. I see that they’re coming out with a new collection soon – I can’t wait to see more. All Jas bags are/were handmade in England.
*speaking of SLOWRE, if you’re not signed up for the newsletter yet to be notified of new arrivals (on Wednesdays!!), I would encourage you to do so ASAP. You won’t be sorry. I promise 😉
Hi Gretchen – I don’t always have a chance to read through all of your posts and comments, but I read this yesterday and it made me think of you (and it’s by Elizabeth Suzann!). https://elizabethsuzann.com/blogs/stories/money-talk
I apologize if you’ve already shared this and I missed it. Thank you for your blog!!
The Harper sweater looks amazing on you! Elizabeth Suzann’s Harper and Georgia series are my favourite of all her collection. For the knits relaunch, I was super lucky (or super prepared) and managed to snag the charcoal Rhodes sweater in my size which I really really wanted . I literally completed the purchase in 2 minutes and when I went back to browse more at 11:03, ALL the sizes were gone! My heart was pounding so hard, I felt like I’d run ten laps!
I’m still waiting on my two pieces from the sample sale (Harper tunic and the Georgia wool tee) but it shipped a while ago so should arrive any day now.
I received the Harper dress (raw silk) several weeks ago; your sweater looks like a very similar weight. I like the dress very much, though I’m struggling with getting a second alteration. Originally I had it shortened by about 3″ all around (otherwise, on me it was practically a maxi dress)… but it still feels a little long in the back. So far I’ve only worn it over jeans (it’s cold in the Midwest!!), but when I’ve tried it on just as a dress, I feel like the hi-low hem is just too much for my short frame. I think I’m going to ask my tailor to bring up the back an inch, so it still has that hi-low “look” but isn’t so exaggerated.
I’ve been stalking the website, hoping the Harper sweater comes back but your post makes me think twice… I prefer a heavier weight for sweaters.
BTW – it’s totally worth checking back on the website for sold out items. A few weeks ago I managed to snag a pair of the dark gray Suzi boots! Obviously a return (there was only one size available and it was back to sold out once I made the purchase), but when they arrived they seemed like brand new. They fit TTS so I can only imagine that someone else took a chance ordering them to see if they *might* be a little bigger/smaller than standard, but had to send them back. They are super, super comfortable and look really great on. I don’t think the other colors would work for me, but I would consider buying another pair if they start producing the Suzi boot in black.
haha! it’s astonishing how fast her stuff sells out. she has a cult following, for sure!!
i love the rhodes sweater – i’ll be anxious to hear how you like it.
my order hasn’t even shipped yet 🙁 i emailed them about it yesterday, but i understand the delays…i’m just getting really impatient.
the sweater is 100% wool but it’s a mid-weight, and the open neckline, shorter sleeves make it sort of “drafty” lol – so i probably wouldn’t recommend it for a very cold climate. like i said, it works well for me, here, when it’s warmer, but then again, i am VERY cold natured, so someone else would probably think i’m crazy wearing it in 70 degree weather!!
i wondered about the long sleeve harper dress – but i’ve passed on it because i just thought it would be too much for my frame as well. i hope you get it altered enough so that you’re happier with it! i’m very tempted by the long sleeve raw silk tunic.
and thanks for the note on sold out items – i’ve checked for the mules a couple times and alas, they never re-appear in my size, or i’d snap them right up!!
hi sandy! yes, i did share it already, but it’s such a great post, it’s worth sharing over and over again 🙂 and reading a few times!!
thank you.
I resisted today’s ES knits. My mind is wandering toward spring a summer with two big trips planned. I’m almost convinced to get the Marlena tank in white raw silk since I love my black one so much. I’m also considering the Emma kimono in linen but haven’t decided on a color.
I love my Clyde pants as well! The Harper pocket keeps catching on the drawer pulls in my kitchen.
I had the Charcoal Rhodes sweater in my bag but dropped it at the last minute (I vowed to not buy any black this year since I have so much); I already have the Cream Rhodes in a M, and it’s tighter than I would like so I was hoping for a Large, but when I changed my mind AGAIN, it had already sold out. I did get the Billie in fog though — I don’t necessarily NEED another sweater, but I’m so tempted by the texture, I just couldn’t help myself. I figure if I don’t like it I’ll exchange it for something else — there are so many ES things I’m lusting after, the money would definitely have been spent either way!
I own (now) two Harper items – a white linen (I know I have already spilled coffee on it – but I LOVE it) short sleeve that I was able to find on eBay and I bought the raw silk long sleeve Harper – OMG I love them both – walking the dogs it’s the perfect place to slip treats or mail if I stop at our mailbox. I don’t think I would buy the Harper Dress but I am looking at the Artist dress for more formal occassions – I am torn between that and a Georgia (I already have the Marlena but I want a bit more sleeve length and coverage for fall/winter events). And I am going to check out the Vince Sneakers!
I love the Harper items! I have three ES items now, all Harper. I bought the long sleeve raw silk dress in black in the fall. I am only 5’4″ and it is longer on me than the model (of course), but I don’t mind the length. It’s shorter in the front, which helps. I wear it once a week with leggings or jeans underneath. I recently got the linen tunic with gift cards I received at Christmas. And finally, I snagged a Harper sweater during the sample sale. It arrived Friday. It’s slightly itchy, so I need to wear long sleeves under it. It’s pretty cozy. I think the linen tunic is my favorite, as I am partial to linen, but I love them all. That pocket it so great.
I love the look of your ES sweater, but there’s no way I can even think about the wool or alpaca. I checked out her knits and I ADORE the shape and length of the Meredith turtleneck. Alas, I think I’m resigned to cotton or (sometimes) cashmere. The Billie is beautiful, too…that texture!
Love the sneaks and that you pulled your bag out again. I think a satchel is timeless!