This is a linen top. Its name is Chandler. It has stripes and a pocket, is made by Hackwith Design House, and is my new favorite shirt. I wear it tied or tucked or un. I wear it wrinkled as you please or crisp from the wash. Its utility, comfort, and simple beauty are the reasons it earns a place in my closet. And at this point in my life, that truly has to be earned. Clutter makes my ADHD hurt, and I’m in the process of a continuing purge with the goal to donate 80% of my clothing. The goal is to build a streamlined, functional wardrobe of sustainable goods while giving my unworn clothing a better home, a home that needs it.
The literal fabric of our lives matters. Sustainable clothing is just as important as sustainable food. That’s why I choose to buy less but buy better. I opt for U.S. made clothing and quality, sustainable fabrics. And I opt for simple pieces that can withstand time over trends. Most of the pieces in my closet can be mixed with one another, and I get interest from the odd print (I’m obsessed with mud cloth), head scarves (most especially in the summer) & vintage hats, simple jewelry (I wear the same handful of pieces every day), and handsome but comfortable shoes. Though you could fairly argue my childhood fueled affinity for Birkinstocks isn’t so handsome. I would agree to disagree.
The art of dressing ourselves is another of those pragmatic, humble arts like cooking. A creative act born out of necessity. It doesn’t have to be creative. You can dress for pure function just as you can eat for pure utility. And for some temperaments, that’s just fine. But as for me, I’ll take some form with my function.
Some happenings…
Are you in Melbourne or Sydney? Join Rebekka Seale of Camellia Fiber Co., photographer Luisa Brimble, and I for Slow Living: A Practical Workshop in September! We’ll be exploring creating content through food, florals, photography, and fabric—we’ll bake, dye, style, shoot, and share meals & tea together. There are still some tickets left and you can get yours here!
Not in Australia? No worries! I’m teaching photography at Cook & Scribble’s Food Media Workshop alongside the Lee Brothers (dapper southern cookbook writing duo), Molly O’Neil (author & founder of Cook ‘n Scribble), Kristin Miglore (executive editor of Food52), and Kate Lebo (poet, bookmaker, and pie enthusiast). It’s going to be a wonderful weekend, July 17-20. You can register here.
pictured: Chandler Top by Hackwith Design House; head scarf from Camellia Fiber Co.; Elizabeth Jeans from Imogene + Willie; clogs from No. 6
It’s beautiful on you, Beth!
I recently purged almost my entire closet and now I’m down to a 35 hanger closet, and I have less than 100 items (including clothes, jewellery, scarves, shoes, bags – everything) overall. It’s the best feeling.
Love Lisa’s work. And yours too.
Ronnie xo
You are so right! There is too much clutter in our lives. I think that’s why I gravitate to the Tuscan farm type of decor. Not too fussy and whatever is in the house is utilitarian. I have jewelry but I’m like you, I keep the same thing — I have too many other things to think about. I love your stories and photos. Wish I could take one of your seminars.
There’s nothing I like better than a linen top. Thank you for introducing me to Chandler!
xo!
Natalie
http://www.oystersandpearls.net
I love your website—pictures and your beautiful narrations.
True and helpful post ; “giving unworn clothing a better home, a home that needs it.”
Aren’t those Elizabeth jeans a godsend? I bought the same ones when I was in Nashville in the spring and have lived in them ever since. (And since they advise sparse washing and heavy wear, I’m never in a bind because “they’re in the wash”.) Genius.
You are so, so lovely Beth. Inside and out. As an artist myself, functional but beautiful clothing is very important to me too. My imogene + willie jeans are the only ones I will wear anymore. That top may just have to be mine. So perfect that the two of you collaborated…
oh boy, this is like the perfect outfit!
I love this post because I too and trying to pair down my closet and beyond that, my whole home. Too much clutter in my life has left me feeling overwhelmed. Time to purge!
-Claire from FOXTAIL+MOSS
http://www.foxtailandmoss.com
Simply beautiful, utilitarian, perfection! Less is more… support/buy local!
“Makes my ADHD hurt.” Oh, how I identify with that statement. As a chef, I rarely wear most of the clothing in my closet. I’ve been pairing down on the cheap stuff and purchasing the best quality pieces I can afford, here and there. I sure don’t need a lot! If it’s not very beautiful, or very functional, I don’t want it. I’m glad to know there are so many others out there that taking a moment to recognize the “how” and “why” of the things that they own.
I am on a similar journey to downsize my wardrobe, keeping only the things I love that are quality made. I love that top on you.
DW | http://www.daundra.com
omo! Love the outfit<3
Love your style and your ethos. Inspiring!!
Love your style and your ethos! Inspiring!!
Hello, I love this post because I too and trying to pare down my closet and beyond that, my whole home. Too much clutter in my life has left me feeling overwhelmed. Time to purge!
Purging can feel so good! Hope it helps with overhwelm!
Thank you.
Nice share this post.