knits from elizabeth suzann.

December 5, 2017

knits by elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leavesThis post is sponsored by Elizabeth Suzann, a clothing label committed to finding comfort in clothing.

“You’re wearing a sweater to bed, Mama?” Faye was equal parts enthralled and scandalized when I slipped into her bed to read the last (in a long series of lasts) picture book of the night wearing Elizabeth Suzann’s new Rebekka Kimono. “Don’t wanna take it off,” I told her.

Earlier this fall, Elizabeth Suzann debuted a new line of knits in partnership with Brooklyn-based textile company, Kordal. Liz explains that her motivation with this collaboration was to tap into the strengths of knits and take advantage of Kordal’s expertise to highlight their “comfort, drape, movement, and texture.” Yes to all of that, I say, plus versatility. The knit pieces transition seamlessly from mid-week meetings, to errand-running, to dinners out, and yes, even post-dinner snuggles, draped over pjs and paired with slippers. I’ll leave the PJ ensemble to your imaginations, but here I am wearing the Patti Shell and the Rebekka Kimono in two different looks—casual paired with canvas and somewhat more festive paired with silk.knits by elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leaves

Here’s the sheer linen Patti Shell in the sage color, up close and personal. I love how the fine linen thread looks almost iridescent in this knit. In both looks, I wore mine untucked over a lacy bralette that peeked through the knit a bit.
knits by elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leavesOver top, the Rebekka Kimono in a rich true black is made from a cotton and linen blend that feels substantial but not oppressive. Mostly, it’s very, very soft. 
knits by elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leavesThe kimono’s generous cut allows it to drape in a way that feels simultaneously elegant and relaxed. Like everything else made by Elizabeth Suzann, the what and the why and the where and the how of these knits have been carefully considered. Perhaps obvious, but worth mentioning, unlike their cut-and-sew counterparts, the knit pieces in this collection are entirely zero-waste—every thread stitched ends up being a thread used. 
knits by elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leavesOn the bottom? The new Clyde Culottes in natural canvas from Elizabeth Suzann’s recently relaunched Signature Collection
knits by elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leaves For an even more luxurious look, I kept the knits and swapped the Clyde Culottes for the black silk crepe Florence Pantknits by elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leaves
The combination of the soft knits and soft silk make this whole ensemble irresistibly comfortable—and perfect for someone who doesn’t always relish the thought of getting gussied up.
knits by elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leavesPaired with simple Mary Janes, this feels like my ideal ratio of comfort to elegance for wearing to a holiday party.
knits by elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leavesIf a very special knit is something you’re considering for your own wardrobe, you might like to know that the Elizabeth Suzann knits ship in just one week, which still leaves time for adding something new to your holiday party ensemble (or, you know, your Christmas Eve pajama party).
knits by elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leaves

For the curious: My Mary Janes are by Frye from several years ago. My boots are by Sandgrens. My hat is by Tsuyumi and my scarf is from Steven Alan (both from past seasons).

This post is sponsored by Elizabeth Suzann. All opinions are my own. Thanks so much for supporting the brands that support Reading My Tea Leaves.

Photographs by Whitney Kidder for Reading My Tea Leaves.

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34 Comments

  • Reply Rachel December 5, 2017 at 10:00 am

    I love your clog boots!

  • Reply Jennifer December 5, 2017 at 10:13 am

    Now I know where you got the paper 😉 Hope those knits fall under the “keep” category! Stunning.

  • Reply Jennifer December 5, 2017 at 10:15 am

    May I ask- how tall are you? I’m considering the kimono sweater but I’m afraid it might be too long on my 5′ 3″ frame. Did you get OS- ?

    • Reply ERIN BOYLE December 5, 2017 at 10:17 am

      I’m 5’5″ and I’m in the OS MINUS!

  • Reply Of Ashes & Bones December 5, 2017 at 10:43 am

    Look so comfortable. I live in a tropical country, and sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect jacket/cardigan – that has the balance of not too hot, but enough to keep you warm in a tropical country. This is looks perfect

  • Reply Grace December 5, 2017 at 10:44 am

    Guh I am continually envious of your beautiful wardrobe! As a recent college grad I am trying to save for investment pieces and shop locally but the prices can be frustrating. Your style is so on point!

    • Reply ERIN BOYLE December 5, 2017 at 12:58 pm

      Thanks so much for the kind words. It’s such an honor for me to get to work with folks making beautiful things! I hear you on the investment side of things, but I think one of the loveliest things about ES is that they continually tweak their signature collection to make it stronger and stronger, so if it takes you a while to save up, it likely just means you’re getting an even better edit!

  • Reply Sabrina December 5, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    I always love your takes on styling clothes from ES, Erin! You look so comfortable and elegant. I found with the few ES pieces I own that once I stopped being precious with them (residual sticker shock!), I was wearing them all the time, even late into the night when I’d otherwise have changed into pjs hours earlier. It helped me realize that I value versatility/functionality over having lots of options when getting dressed!

    In the spirit of centering intentionality & functionality re: adding to one’s wardrobe, this New Englander wonders how warm you found the Rebekka kimono as an outer layer, and whether it works under coats with more structured sleeves? I talked myself out of it during her knits sale because the 3/4 sleeve seemed impractical, but seeing you in NYC wearing this and her wool kimono coat is making me reconsider!

    • Reply ERIN BOYLE December 5, 2017 at 12:55 pm

      Hi Sabrina! The kimono is cozy, but it’s not really heavy enough to wear alone as an outer layer on true winter days. I agree that this style of sweater can be a challenge to wear outside of the house in a climate where you need to really bundle up—those coat sleeves always messing things up—but as you say, it layers beautifully under a cocoon-style coat with equally wide and drapey sleeves!

  • Reply Judith December 5, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    I have been wondering about that hat ever since I spotted it on you last winter, so thank you for mentioning it. As for the knits, yum. And I have been eyeing the Clyde culottes. I’m hoping that they will make them in linen for summer. But, if not, do you see yourself wearing the canvas ones on a hot day or are they a bit too heavy?

    You look beautiful, BTW.

    • Reply ERIN BOYLE December 5, 2017 at 12:52 pm

      The culottes are terrific! They’d be warm on the hottest days, but I think they’d be pretty solid in a range of weather!

  • Reply Wren December 5, 2017 at 1:37 pm

    I am trying to do the same as Grace and also feeling her same hurt. But I honestly think that over time this makes for the most lasting, functional wardrobe. I think this is why my sense of style has become so incredibly pared down over the last couple of years. I don’t want clothes I’m constantly having to change out because fashions are coming and going or because they get too worn and torn, I want clothes I can keep in my closet and want to wear and still feel good in for decades.

    • Reply Hannah December 5, 2017 at 2:59 pm

      Just want to add my voice to those who are in the admiration/aspirational phase with ES. I am in the make/thrift/mend phase of a sustainable wardrobe, and have found a few ES re-sale instagram accounts can make these items feel a bit more in reach (relative, obviously) even if I have yet to be able to make the leap, financially.

  • Reply linda December 5, 2017 at 2:14 pm

    i adore ES and am trying to make their mara jumpsuit work. their customer service is EXCELLENT though and I feel like I’m talking to a friend when I need their help.

    i’m hoping to add the florence pants in silk and a few of their tees to my wardrobe soon. =)

  • Reply Kelly December 5, 2017 at 3:25 pm

    Such beautiful outfits! I love the posts you do with Elizabeth Suzann. I’m curious about you Sandgrens, I’ve noticed you have a couple pairs and I wonder if you treat the wooden soles at all? Thanks!

    • Reply ERIN BOYLE December 5, 2017 at 3:34 pm

      Thanks! I don’t treat the soles, but I do replace the rubber when it starts to wear so that the wood doesn’t!

  • Reply Jo December 5, 2017 at 5:47 pm

    Hi Erin,

    As always looking beautiful in ES clothes, you could be their model for every season:) I prefer to see their clothes on many models but knits were only worn by one and even tough the model s very beautiful somehow it didn’t do magic for me:)

    I know you are 5’5″ and with very petite frame, and I wonder whether your Patti top is in XS or S, it looks lose on you but more fitted on ES model. I am between sizes and out of the USA so posting it twice for return is not exactly environmentally friendly.

    It would be super helpful and probably save your time if you could provide sizes you are wearing in your article so we have good reference:) Thank you Erin!

    • Reply ERIN BOYLE December 5, 2017 at 6:26 pm

      Happy to provide size details:

      Clyde Culottes: 00, regular
      Florence Pant Silk Crepe: XS
      Patti Shell: XS
      Rebekka Kimono: 0S Minus

      • Reply ERIN BOYLE December 5, 2017 at 6:38 pm

        Also just following up to say that the revamped size chart is extremely thorough! Definitely check it out to get a sense of your measurements!

        • Reply Jo December 5, 2017 at 6:42 pm

          thank you gorgeous! Very true with their precise size charts, it is only the worry for these in between sizes. Funny thing is once bottoms slip through my butt, they are very loose on my waist, I guess Xmas will make up for it!;)

  • Reply Mun December 5, 2017 at 11:35 pm

    Those ES pieces look so cosy on you!

  • Reply Karen December 6, 2017 at 6:47 am

    personally I’m in love with those shoes! Source?

    • Reply ERIN BOYLE December 6, 2017 at 6:52 am

      Everything is linked in the post!

  • Reply Kat December 6, 2017 at 8:09 am

    You are literally the most stylish person I follow.

  • Reply MA December 6, 2017 at 11:04 am

    I so appreciate the level of detail that is included in the ES size charts. Its amazing. I have yet to buy an item but think I am saving up for a pair of canvas culottes. The knits are so lovely though too. Thanks for this post.

  • Reply Zoe December 7, 2017 at 12:18 am

    Lovely, yes….But why are they all so expensive?

    • Reply ERIN BOYLE December 7, 2017 at 12:29 pm

      Hi Zoe, I won’t pretend that I know all of the details of how individual items are priced, but the team at Elizabeth Suzann does a lot of talking about how they come up with their pricing. You can explore their blog for a lot of that discussion, but in the meantime, I know that in-house production, living wages for workers, sustainable fabrics, and quality of craftsmanship all contribute to the price points of their clothes.

  • Reply Alex December 7, 2017 at 9:49 am

    Hi Erin,
    Is the kimono heavy, as in weight? I’ve been frustrated in the past by knits that are just too heavy and cumbersome and want to make sure that isn’t the case here.

    • Reply ERIN BOYLE December 7, 2017 at 11:30 am

      Tough call. I know what you mean—and I don’t personally find the kimono to be too heavy—but I wouldn’t want to make that call for you!I bet you could ask ES how much it weighs to get a better sense!

  • Reply Alexis December 7, 2017 at 3:12 pm

    Hi Erin, can you tell us more about the silk pants? Are they easy to wear/wash and do they hold up? As a fellow Brooklyn mom I am worried about ease of wear and how they stand up to running around with a toddler, NYC grime, and multiple washing.
    Thanks!

    • Reply ERIN BOYLE December 7, 2017 at 3:17 pm

      Hi Alexis, I haven’t had the experience of giving the ES silk pants the full runaround, but I’ve had their silk Olina jumpsuit, cut from the same cloth, for a year and a half and it’s held up beautifully, both to grime and washing! (I hand wash mine, but otherwise I don’t fuss over it!)

  • Reply Annabel Wyatt December 13, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    Love your style, there’s so much to be said for not dressing in high street “trends” or fast fashion and still looking of the moment and timeless! Always learning from you xoxo

  • Reply Michaela December 19, 2017 at 1:32 pm

    You look fantastic.
    I love buying clothing by looking at the label – not the price label but the sort of materials they used to make it. It is so hard to find linen (reasonably price), silk or wool. I buy nothing else.
    Try flax linen for your bedding. You will never go back. Try wool in your mattress. Or inside your pillows.
    Love your blog!!!
    x

  • Reply Michaela December 19, 2017 at 1:33 pm

    *priced* sorry, typo.
    🙂

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