Remember my beloved black silk tee dress? I wore all the time last year. In fact, I styled it as a top in my fall 10×10 remix challenge — creating an outfit that looks eerily similar to this one. :) It was my favorite outfit of that remix, and ever since then, I knew I wanted to get a shirt version of that dress.
Well, I finally did!
I’ve had my eye on this silk tee for a long, long time (almost two years!), and I finally got it.
It’s an investment piece for sure. In fact, the price was the reason I held off on it for so long. But I knew I wanted to support Elizabeth Suzann specifically. If you’re not familiar with her brand, check out her website — you’ll love her transparency and commitment to doing good. I know I’m inspired by it.
(Also, just in case you’re wondering, this isn’t a sponsored post and I paid full price for the tee.)
I’ve heard so much hype about Elizabeth Suzann, but now I get it. There’s something about the cut, the way it drapes, and the attention to detail. It’s beautiful and I love knowing it’s beautifully made.
It was one of those pieces that was worth the wait.
So tell me: Got a piece in your closet that was worth the wait? Are you still in the waiting phase? I’d love to hear your stories.
xo,
• • •
Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:
01 | Silk tee by Elizabeth Suzann (made responsibly) Fit note: I’m wearing size “OS”. | similar (under $70) | similar button down (made responsibly) | similar with a scalloped hem (under $30)
02 | Jeans (old by Rag+Bone) | same jean in a different wash (made in USA) | similar | similar (under $30)
04 | Bag (old by Marc Jacobs) | similar (vegan leather) | similar (made in USA)
05 | Necklace (old by Madewell) | similar
I like it! Usually my waiting period is waiting for a sale. For jeans, sometimes it’s just waiting for desperation!
-kirsten // http://www.porkandcookies.com
I often play the waiting game with sales too! I spot things I like and wait it out or search it out. If I really like something, I will keep waiting.
Very lovely tee, Caroline. Your silk dress always reminds me of a hush one that got away!
My Abera crossbody tote by FashionABLE. I searched for something like that for about three years. Waited on that particular bag for at least a year–waiting for a sale and to save up the money. It was totally worth it! I’m so in love with that bag.
Yes! I researched and waited and saved for three years as well before getting the exact same bag (the combination of the cross-body form and large storage capacity plus the ethical production was the clincher for me). I love it and I appreciate it all the more for the time I spent researching and planning for my purchase.
That’s a good one!! :)
Wow. I’m saving up for this exact shirt in navy right now! Elizabeth Suzann is a wonderful company and they just keep getting better all the time. After nine months of doing a capsule-ish wardrobe, I’m finally getting to the good part– where I can buy very few pieces that are very high quality (even on a small budget). It’s absolutely wort the wait and I find that I’m so much more appreciative of what I have. So glad yo posted this today!
Very exciting, Jane! Hope you get to add some pieces that really make it worth your time and money. :)
I have a top shaped just like this, that I got last summer. But mine is machine washable linen and it has a lace border around the bottom. I’m glad you finally found this top, Caroline. I’m looking for a white dress for summer that covers my knees. I have one in linen, but it wrinkles too much and it’s not washable.
That linen top sounds great, Carol! Hope you have some luck in the white dress department too. Classic summer item! :)
My Red Wing Heritage harriet heeled Chelsea boots…I worked an extra job on the weekends for months to pay for them. But THEY ARE PERFECT.
My wait time was about 6 months.
comfortable : check
Chic : check
Made in the USA : check
Red Wing is great!! So worth the money.. my husband has bought their boots before and they withstand a lot!
Score!!! :)
I’m still in the waiting phase for two items, 1) a really good pair of dark wash skinny jeans (Rag & Bone, Paige, etc.) and 2) J. Crew’s Regent Blazer in Camel. Both items are over $100 and I have yet to be able to spring for them.
Look for Paige on sale at Nordstrom Rack! Or, Hudson jeans are another of my favorites!
Just watch out for Nordstrom Rack if you make returns! I’ve had them “forget” to refund my item twice and had to contact them about the returns to get my money back. Not sure why their costumer service is so poor when the main Nordstrom store is so great about it.
I love the silk T-shirt! It looks great on you.
When I look at my closet and think back on my all-time favorite clothes, often they are the most expensive … initially. But when I look at these favorites in terms of cost per wearing, they are the least expensive garments in my wardrobe.
So, for me, it’s not about justifying a purchase because of the sustainability of the production process or the point of view of the manufacturer, even though those are important. What turns out to be the most important to me is how much joy the garment brings me, how well it works with other things I own, and how I feel in it. Those are the clothes I wear the most. As expensive or inexpensive as they are initially, the cost-per-wearing is always the lowest in my closet.
I recently came to the same conclusion! I’ve worn my jeans so much, it’s probably a nickel a wearing, or less! Fun!
Great way to look at those investment pieces, ladies! :)
How does silk hold up with contact? Not necessarily a stain question, but if I splash water on a silk shirt, or get hugged/tackled a lot by a little person – how would it hold up? I’ve always envisioned silk to wrinkle easily and show water spots, but that comes from my little knowledge of the fabric too!
Hey Abi – great question. This top is actually made from silk crepe, which is incredibly durable. Not like the typical silks we get used to seeing in department stores. It is really lightweight and luxurious. It can repel most stains and it’s even machine washable (although, I might recommend hand washing just to be safe). It’s supposed to get better over time, so I’m excited to break this one in. :)
I own several ES pieces, though none in raw silk (yet!) and they all hold up wonderfully in the wash, hung on a rack to dry. I love everything ES stands for and am so glad to see them featured on your blog ❤️
I have this top in navy and moss in silk crepe and they are amazing. I am notorious for spilling and these tops hold up wonderfully. You can machine wash and dry. I usually just hang dry and the wrinkles smooth out as soon as you start wearing it. Highly recommend ES products for silk (both crepe and raw, I have the georgia tee in white raw silk and it is also amazing). You don’t have to baby them like most silk pieces, which I have stopped buying because the care is too expensive.
I have stopped shopping at “fast fashion” stores (H&M and Forever 21 used to be my jam!) and I have been able to purchase so many high quality pieces like tee’s, dresses, pants and sweaters from independent makers like Elizabeth Suzann. The wait to save and then to receive your items is so worth it! I feel so wonderful when I wear her clothes!
I also have many Elizabeth Suzann pieces. Linen, silk crepe and the raw silk. All wear beautifully and I wash w like colours and hang dry. I find myself saving for my next piece as soon as I’ve ordered. They are beautiful wearable pieces of art.
Waiting to buy investment pieces is a great strategy to a) budget your money and b) make sure it’s something you really want. I can’t tell you how many times I used to impulse buy and then months later never touched it again.
http://www.insearchofsheila.com
Yes, Sheila Joy! I totally relate to that feeling :)
Last year, I started a new approach: I decide at the beginning of the year how much I want to spend overall on clothing for the entire year. I keep a running list of purchases (I’m an excel nerd) and how much money I have left in the clothing budget. I find that a yearly budget is so much more helpful to me than a monthly budget when it comes to keeping large investment purchases in check and determining if it’s a need or want. Actually seeing that number decrease is certainly powerful!
I don’t think I’ll continue doing this over the long term. However, it’s been extremely helpful as I’m building a lean, mostly-ethical wardrobe from scratch after a 50 pound weight loss.
I’m currently trying to decide which should be my first Elizabeth Suzann purchase – Florence pants in black linen, Clyde pants in natural, or the Georgia Tee in white raw silk. I’ve been eyeing Elizabeth Suzann for a year and a half!
My Eileen Fisher pieces (System Silk Pants, Silk Blazer, Long Silk Shell) were worth the investment and year-long wait! The wait time meant I was able to get them all on sale.
Inspiring! Thank You!
And congrats to -50.
Eileen Fisher pieces have helped me lean out my closet. Always choose her pieces!
Great strategy, Stephanie! I love the way you look at those investment pieces over the long haul! :)
I started doing this too! I love making my wish lists and visiting my wish list items on-line until I can buy. I definitely have a few Elizabeth Suzann pieces on my list now.
My classic london fog trech coat. it’s so well made and i feel bad ass when i wear it. It’s always in style.
Love that, Faustina!
Love the structure of this top – so unique. Those shoes are beautiful too!
http://www.wonderlandsam.com
i waited a year before i purchased my everlane heeled oxfords and i love these shoes so much. they instantly class & feminize my entire look. i wear with slacks, skirts or dresses, and i always get compliments on them. i recently pulled the trigger on everlane’s street shoes for walking and a more casual look, while not sacrificing a put-together aesthetic. i’ll likely put away my oxfords till next autumn & winter, so i am looking fwd to wearing these street shoes.
I am also waiting on some low-heeled oxfords to come back into stock. Yours look cute! I’m going for a lower heeled one, the Cobb Hill Georgina.
Great purchase, Lan! It’s exciting when those pieces work in so many different ways. :)
Caroline, thank you!
First, love the 3 colors. Another wonderful lesson I am soaking in & using!
Ona Tote was my year-long-wait. Worth the wait.
Question: need a few hints how you organize your “goodies” in your Ona. I did view it in your packing post, but for everyday….?
Thank You!
I have a few ES pieces (Harper Tunic in Raw Silk, Rhodes Sweater in Eggshell and Billie Sweater in Fog), and they are ALWAYS worth the price, IMO.
I waited to purchase a pair of Tieks flats for about 4 months because of the price. I was SO excited to get them, but sadly, they didn’t fit my feet. I exchanged them for another pair – hoping that maybe because they were hand made another pair would fit differently (and better!), but the fit was still wrong for me. So back they went…
Aw, that’s a bummer, Evangel! Sometimes pieces don’t work, that can’t be avoided. But hopefully you get to use that money on something else that is worth the investment. :)
Love this! I was lucky enough to score an ES top during her sample sale, and I’ve been in love ever since. The Georgia tee & dress and Emma kimono (all in linen) are my personal favorites. They drape so beautifully!
The were all absolutely worth the wait – isn’t it funny how sometimes we get so caught up in ordering something and expecting it right away? It’s nice to order something personal to you, wait for it and almost forget about – it’s a simple reminder that yes, while clothes can bring us joy, what matters most is the life that happens to you in between :)
Maybe that’s ES’s secret ;)
Sally, absolutely! We are so used to the fast pace and getting things immediately, it’s kind of nice to be forced to wait — and really exciting when it arrives finally!! :)
I’m in the process of having custom jeans made through Delta Blue Denim. It’s a BIG investment for me, but I’ve got awkward proportions, so having one pair of tried + true, custom denim will save me $ and headaches in the long run. All their custom pairs include future alterations — and they keep your pattern on file in case you want to have another pair made. Finally – they’re all handmade in my home state of Mississippi, which makes me feel awesome for supporting our state.
Emily, that’s incredible!! I can’t imagine anything better than custom denim.#denimnumberonefangirl :)
Hey!
This shirt has been on my wishlist for a couple a months! With spring around the corner I think this is a piece I want to add to my wardrobe. I just can’t decide between white or black…..I just worry the white would be see through?
Hey Sue! Sorry, I can’t help you from experience, the white looks beautiful. But usually the raw silk is a nice, thick textured top. If nothing else, I imagine a nude bra would work marvelously with it. Let us know what you decide! :)
This tee!! So gorgeous. I have two pairs of pants from ES and they are both incredible. I have two other things from them on my immediate wish list for this year, plus some other things on my “maybe someday” wish list. Also a pair of Kamm pants are on my wish list of investment pieces.
Oh! I am in the middle of this wait myself. I’ve been such a fan of Elizabeth Suzann for so long and decided to take a step in investing in her pieces. Right now I am saving a dollar per day by using Qapital (highly recommend) and any money I receive from consigning to purchase. Right now I have my eye on either the Clyde Pants or the Silk Georgia dress. I saved up last year to get a chunky cardigan from Everlane and it’s been so worth the investment. Still in wonderful shape and I have worn it every week, sometimes multiple days! As a side, I did your capsule planner in late 2014 and though it took time, I now have a pretty minimal wardrobe that crosses seasons (Portland, Or weather!) with only rotating in and out a few pieces. The majority are from Everlane so they’ve held up well…I don’t imagine I’ll need to fresh up my basics until late this year after wearing them for nearly two. I came across your plan when I had a really unhealthy relationship with clothing/emotional purchases. Having to think critically and break down the process was really necessary! I’m really confident in my style now and spend so much less even though my individual pieces are more expensive. They just last longer! I simply wanted to say thanks. :)
I love this and am so inspired by you. I am learning so much from your theory on less is more and good, quality, lasting items are worth far more than a whole closet full of cheap thrill purchases. So grateful for this space that you share with us.
This top looks amazing on you and I could see it going with so many things. I completely agree that it’s better to have a closet full of pieces that you love, even if it costs a bit more!
http://www.thebeautydojo.com
Nude, round toe 2.5 inch Louboutin heels. Good with a pair of white, distressed skinnies, or a little black dress. Seriously don’t need other dress heels, I’m satisfied with these.
Love the silk! Truly multi purpose and long lasting.
Boom. :)
This silk top is lovely, it was definitively worth waiting for!
http://ariadibari.com
This is what minimalism is all about. Less items but better quality..beautiful top. Can’t wait to see how you style this.
The Georgia tee looks amazing on you! I’m a little “meh” on ES. I feel like you save up and then wait so long to get them, that I end up keeping them when I should return them. Maybe they just aren’t cut for me. I have 2 Georgia dresses (one midi silk crepe and one shorter raw linen) and they are great, but the neckline is too open and shows bra straps. The Eva top is the opposite,: too high that it bunches up in front of my neck. The clyde pants were clown pants on me, the cecilia stretch out, and the kimono jacket wouldn’t stay on my shoulders. I guess I’m just unlucky! But I love her designs and hope to try the Linn tee soon.
Hey Lara, have you thought about maybe making some money back and selling the pieces that don’t work for you? I know a lot of ladies who would probably jump at the opportunity to own ES for a slight discount! :)
Oh, I have! And what I have kept is the stuff that I feel okay about some days, just not others–like the Georgia dresses.
ES is one of my favorite. I’m saving up to get the Tilda pants in cotton canvas. I already own the Clyde pants and they are so worth the price and wait time. A nice alternative to jeans I think. I haven’t tried any of their shirts yet though. Yours looks great. I would love to see some close ups to get a sense of the fabric.
I’ve been considering the Georgia tee, but I’m trying to decide whether to get it in the raw silk or linen (I’m thinking black). If anyone has an opinion, I’d love to hear! xx
Hey Janet, I personally haven’t tried the linen, but the silk is fantastic. I imagine it’s a little thicker in texture and less wrinkles, but I could be way off! Let us know what you decide! :)
Thanks, Caroline. I think I’m going to go silk. :)
The linen in surprisingly thick. It’s a great fabric. It definitely wrinkles with wear, but it has a cozy “lived in” look. It’s great for hot weather! The raw silk is very soft and cozy. Both can be dressed up or down.
Caroline, you look great. Love the top. Simple and chic.
I am wondering if you have any advice for those of us who are cash poor. Your shirt alone costs more than I make in a week.
You don’t cover much about the gradations in responsible shopping; I wish you did because that’s the single part that I find unrelatable in your posts. Would love to know your advice on making responsible fashion choices at any income level.
I’m prob gonna write about this soon, but if you think you’ll cover it, I’ll hold off until you do.
http://aspiringminimalist.tumblr.com
Absolutely lovely as always! I’ve been following a few designers for awhile that I’ve been hoping to support… It’s true though that the price tag does make that a little tricky sometimes! You’ve convinced me it’s worth it!!
xo Mackenzie | ToThe9sFashion.com
Hi there! Would you recommend this tee to someone with a long torso? I’m 5’5″ with a longer upper body than legs and I would love to invest in one granted it won’t be too cropped. Cheers!
I am 5’11” and have problems with cropped tops. I have the Georgia tee and for me, it only works with high rise pants or shorts. 9″ rise jeans.
Oh that tee is gorgeous indeed, but like every piece i see you wear to be honest i adore your style, period! I’m personally saving my money for a Vegan handbag from Matt & Nat, i usually like to splurge on piece like bags or shoes but unfortunately a silk top wouldn’t last long with my two cats so i tends to go for basic sturdy coton for stuff like tees.
As always thanks for the inspiration darling! :*
Melodie
http://www.happymelodie.com
Have you checked out Jamie + the Jones? After 2 years I just invested in one of their pieces and I’m in LOVE. (Responsibly made as well!)
Caroline- Follow your blog and you are such an inspiration. Yesterday our fairly new blog responded to a readers question of a simple way to keep our wardrobes manageable. Would love to interview you sometime for future posts…you make simple “so real”!
Check out our blog, follow us and perhaps pass on. Thank you in Advance! – Laurel
https://littleblackdomicile.com/2017/02/27/jumpstart-your-week/
I have always been such an impulse/emotional shopper, that I never used to save for investment pieces. I would buy cheaper stuff that doesn’t actually fit that well or hold up just to get something new and satisfy that instant satisfaction factor or would buy something pricey and wayyy overspend and buy nicer pieces that in the end weren’t very functional. I moved abroad a few years ago, took a drastic pay cut, and discovere dthat shopping where I live is ridiculously expensive and the quality is blah. These factors plus reading this blog and a few others has really inspired (well the location maybe forced :) me to actually think through purchases, saving for better pieces to buy when I am back in the U.S. It’s still a process but at least now I’m questioning items before I buy them and choosing to think through purchases beforehand…
This is such a great shirt! I definitely need one in my life.
xo, Kait.
http://www.teacupsandthings.com
Thanks for the Elizabeth Susan tip. The clothes are beautiful! Will have to begin saving for a favorite piece.
An hour or 2 browsing ES has inspired me to get my sewing machine out! Such simple designs and construction but styled beautifully and in lovely fabrics. Off on a fabric buying mission for raw silk and linen next
There are a lot of indie patterns out there that reflect this minimalistic style like ES, Jamie and the Jones, Only Child….I started my learning-to-sew journey not quite a year ago. I’m now at the skill level that I can produce some of these simple designs. I’m at the point where I’ll be purchasing top notch fabric from retailers like Merchant and Mills and I will be able to replicate these wonderful designs! As good as it feels to purchase these wonderful ethically produced items is, making them with your own hands and picking out fabrics to suit you is so wonderfully gratifying! Oh, btw…I’ll be fifty this month, so it’s never too late to teach an old dog new ticks!
Completely agree…i have some japanese pattern books and there are some lovely pieces with very simple lines. Going to check out your recommendations too. I learnt to sew as a small girl and my mum made all her and my clothes…such that buying clothes was the ultimate act of teen rebellion and I was put off sewing for years. However now I am gratiful to have the skill and joy of being able to make my own
That top is a great find! And so are those shoes!
xo, Sofia
http://www.thecozie.co
What a beautiful top! This is my first time commenting here, but I’ve been reading for a while and put together my capsule wardrobes (fall/winter and spring/summer) following much of your advice. I find that having fewer, nicer clothes makes me feel so much calmer, especially when I can look into a nicely organized closet! One big investment pieces I’d love to be able to purchase eventually is a pair of Frye boots, but for now I have my eye on some new Birkenstocks for this summer. Thanks for your writing :)
I’ve been holding out on jumping on a couple ES pieces for the same reasons, but also because I wasn’t too sure on the sizing. Do you like the fit of the OS? What size do you wear in otherbrands, eg: madewell?
I’ve been eye-ing these shoes up for some time. Are they comfortable to wear? They look great, but a bit higher then I would usually go for.
Hey Renee, they really are quite comfy! :)
Can you do a front tuck with the Georgia tee or is it too much fabric/too thick of a fabric to look nice?
Hey Julia, I think it’s doable, but the fabric falls so nicely and lands in a good spot, so I have just preferred to keep it simple and let it drape. :)
Cole Haan Juliana Pumps (75 mm height) in both black and nude. The key was the AA sizing for my skinny feet! I’ve been searching for the perfect wearable pump my entire adult life. I don’t know how many so-so/impractical pumps I’ve been through! They were $150; the most expensive shoes I’ve ever bought in my life. But they are both forever. <3
Thanks for the tip about Elizabeth Suzann too. I'm going to check her out.