Weekend Style – Laid Back Cotton!

As the mercury rises here in the deserts of New Mexico the daily challenge is what to wear especially if, like myself, you are sensitive to the frigid air conditioning which is so common in modern buildings these days!!! The key, of course, is to keep it simple by layering with cotton and cotton blend separates in that slightly chic, laid-back style the Californians get so right – yet with the price of cotton continually rising, which label gives the most style for your hard-earned buck?

Personally I look to homegrown labels for casual wear such as Splendid, James Perse, Velvet , LAmade and my new favorite, Ella Moss. Sure the cost of a tee is pricier than say Target BUT, trust me, garments by these labels are investments that will last beyond one wash and become mainstays in your closet. One of my most cherished garments is a simple black Velvet dress I purchased over 5 years ago, while another is an LAmade basic tee which is still available for a relatively inexpensive $35. Given the many times I have worn these two pieces, they have more than earned their initial layout – many times over!

Check out my top 5 favorite labels for cotton/blend investment pieces in casual laid back style –  all, of which, are manufactured in the USA!

Simplicity is the name of the game for Splendid which was founded with the purpose of creating the ultimate comfy tee. Classic shapes in a blend of modal and supima cotton for softness have become this labels signature making it the go-to for everyday casual and vacation apparel. The key to versatility is clean lines, quality fabrics and dual purpose of which Splendid ticks every box.

 LAmades‘ website describes its line as “Embodying the lifestyle of Southern California, the LAmade collection is both unique and understated”. Such is the versatility of my favorite “LAmade” white tee I have just ordered another two – I didn’t know I could be quite so passionate about a simple basic yet for $35 how can you go wrong!! It’s about more than the price – this tee has an androgynous silhouette edging more towards the feminine and is made from 100% cotton. Perfect!

Predominantly manufactured in  LA, Velvet by Graham and Spencer, offer a trend inspired “timeless contemporary line of apparel” sought by many a fashionista world-wide. Check out Revolve Clothing for a fabulous choice of Velvet apparel.

Lifestyle brand, Ella Moss, incorporates the soft drape of cotton blends into their designs making for that Californian laid back chic. So who is the Ella Moss customer? “She’s a modern bohemian. She travels the world and falls in love easily.She listens to feel-good music and drives with the windows down. She shops at flea markets and thinks a beach vacation is the best kind of vacation. She smiles easily and laughs a lot-often at herself.” Sound familiar?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James Perse is synonymous with quality with his line of womens apparel sought all over the world.  The brand offers clean-lined lifestyle basics made of the softest cotton that you feel sure will shrink in the first wash!! Guess what?….It doesn’t! It will, however, become a firm favorite in your closet!