Seven Easy Pieces for Fall: Women
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA on 09.21.07
A new wind is starting to blow and you can almost smell change crackle in the air, feel the crunch of leaves beneath your soles. We pulled together seven versatile, mix-and-match basics that will keep the chill at bay, while treading gently on the planet we live on.
These classic styles will weather any fad or faithless trend and never go stale—stalwart wardrobe basics we hope will stand you in good stead year after year.
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1) Stewart + Brown's cozy merino wool dress can be worn by itself or layered with an undershirt and leggings beneath for additional warmth.
The V-neck bodice is complemented by bubbled sleeves for subtle visual interest and romantic allure. Made under fair-trade conditions in China. ($295, Stewart + Brown) |
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2) These geometrically inclined textured tights from Maggie's Functional Organics, perfect for pulling on underneath skirts and dresses, comprise 73 percent certified organic cotton, 22 percent nylon, 3 percent Lycra, and 2 percent rubber.
Each pair comes in three sizes in your choice of plum (shown), black, or chocolate. ($26, Maggie's Functional Organics) |
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3) Made from 100 percent organic cotton, Under the Canopy's Henley is a fall essential you can slip into on its own or as base-layer thermal underwear for warmth sans bulk.
Comes in four cool and earthy tones in shades of red and blue. Made in fair-trade-certified factories in India and Peru. ($29, Under the Canopy) |
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4) Simple Shoes' Toetally boots for women—which come in chocolate, tan (shown), heather gray, and dark earth—are made from organic cotton/linen and wool, then lined with bamboo fabric. Molded latex forms the outsole, while natural crepe rubber makes up the midsole. Jute laces tie the whole thing together.
Simple Shoes uses nontoxic water-based cements in its manufacturing process, as well as 100 percent post-consumer paper-pulp foot forms. ($120, plus free shipping, Simple Shoes) |
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5) Most wool fabrics are treated with chlorine to reduce the itchiness and coarseness of raw wool, according to Patagonia. The company chooses to keep its lambswool chlorine-free, slow washing it for softness next to the skin and minimal shrinkage.
Its pullover has a mock shawl-neck-collar for added flair; comes in teal (shown), heather black, and sable brown. ($85, Patagonia) |
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6) This corduroy-like skirt by Sweetgrass Fibers hits sassily just above the knee and is made from 55 percent hemp and 45 percent organic cotton in the United States. You also get two front pockets and a 4" slit in the back for a fetching A-line silhouette.
Colors available are granite, turmeric, henna (shown)), and green curry. ($48, Sweetgrass Fibers) |
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7) Made in Southern California by a mother-daughter team, Rebe's Sara Sweatshirt is crafted from a blend of 100 percent recycled cotton fleece and acrylic fibers.
An empire side-tie and a hood with contrasting reverse fabrics—whether you choose to go with black and pink or olive and light blue—are subtly feminine touches. ($112.00, BTC Elements) |
