Style Bee - Patti Shell

THE PATTI SHELL – NOW & LATER

10.26.17

It feels as though it’s been a long time since I put together a good old fashioned outfit post. But here we are! This one was inspired by all the warm Fall weather we’ve been having lately. The changing leaves and balmy breezes have been such a treat this year. This unexpected combination has translated into muted earth tones, easy layers, light knits and simple shapes within my closet and personal style. Needless to say, it’s been a lovely autumn to dress for.

As you may know, I’m all for easy-chic combos when it comes to Fall style! One of my go-to uniforms since the Fall 10×10 Challenge has been along the lines of today’s look. That is, a dark pant, plus my new Patti Shell, a cardigan or kimono, a loafer or sandal and a geometric bag. It can be created lots of ways within my current wardrobe and the result is an ‘effortless’ look that’s super comfy and chock-full of understated autumn vibes. No pumpkin spice required!

So here’s how that uniform can work for a warmer Fall day (now) and scroll down to see how a few tweaks make it ready for colder temps (later). I’ve also shared lots of info on the Patti Shell, my latest Elizabeth Suzann addition, in a Fit & Function section below. PS. This post isn’t sponsored, it’s just because! 


NOW


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FIT & FUNCTION


I love the cropped mock neck sweater I bought from the last ES + Kordal collaboration and hoped the Patti Shell would be another gem. I ordered it just minutes after the collection launched and it is indeed a new fave! I shared it on my instagram this weekend and got a few questions and DMs, so here are my general findings on fit and function:

SIZE: I’m wearing a size S which is my usual size in tops. I’m 5’7 and 125 lbs for reference. I am pretty close in measurements to the ES model and found it fits a bit looser than I’d expected but not so much that I wanted to size down.

FIT: I’ve always loved how Elizabeth Suzann pieces are designed to fit and the Patti Shell is no exception. The fit is definitely relaxed but thoughtfully tailored so the neckline isn’t gaping and the armholes don’t show your bra. The length hits just below my hip bones so it’s not particularly long or cropped. It’s cut straight through the torso but the fabric keeps it from feeling boxy.

FABRIC: 100% washed linen knit, which is ‘cool and slinky like soft, fibrous chain mail,’ as ES put it so perfectly. It’s very soft to the touch and moves fluidly, similar to a silk more than a knit or typical linen.

Is it warm? Nope. It’s a linen knit so it’s quite lightweight. The weave is open so it’s not much warmer than regular linen except it falls closer to the skin. It will be amazing paired with my Florence Pants in the late Spring and Summer next year but for now and into the Winter I’ll be wearing it under my long cardigans and duster coats. I might try it over a fitted turtleneck too!

Is it see-through? Not especially. At least not that I can tell. It’s described as a ‘sheer’ knit and I feel like that’s accurate. I simply wear a nude bralette underneath and find that’s entirely enough to keep it PG.

Does it wrinkle? Not much and compared to your typical linen not at all. I’d already worn the top before these photos were taken and it had barely any fold lines right out of the box.

Does it stretch out? I can see that it might stretch more if it were tighter on my frame but the loose fit means it doesn’t have to. The weave is not super tight so I imagine with lots of wear it will relax but should return to it’s original size when washed.

DESIGN DETAILS: There are two key design details that set this simple knit apart to me.

SHOULDERS: The shoulders on this top are cut so they fall in a very elegant way and hit a flattering spot on the arm. I didn’t adjust them for the shoot or even think about them at all while taking photos. They just sit right where they are and I love that. The cut is reminiscent of a muscle tank, as ES notes in the description, but executed in a way that’s very sophisticated.

HEM: There is a deep 2 in. hem on this top which helps it hang beautifully when worn loose and tucks into pants easily (+ stays put!).

CARE: Handwash in cool water with a mild detergent. Submerge in cool water, gently squeeze and release fabric to fully wet. Let soak, remove from water, and press with a dry towel. You may also machine was on the hand-wash cycle in cold water. Tumble dry on lowest setting or lay flat to dry, stretching garment to original shape. Lightly steam once dry to remove wrinkles.

COST: This beauty was a piece I’d anticipated buying for a while so I was prepared to drop $220 USD for it, knowing I could wear it at least 3 out of 4 seasons of the year. It will be a perfect piece to take on trips and a great option for everyday wear in the studio. It’s easy to dress up or keep casual and I LOVE the muted sage green shade with all the neutrals in my closet.


Feel free to ask any additional questions you might have! 


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LATER


Since the temps are heading south soon, I wanted to layer up and give this look a cold weather vibe. Keeping things super simple I just tossed on my long wool camel coat, swapped my loafers for ankle boots and exchanged my leather bag for a fuzzy one instead. I love how both looks have almost the same palette and how the warm neutral tones all mix together. I wasn’t sure if it was too much colour but I’m into it!

For a cold day, if the wind picks up I’ll grab my grey wool scarf, button my coat and slip on a pair of gloves for good measure!


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SHOP THE LOOK


  • PATTI SHELL IN MOSS | ELIZABETH SUZANN + KORDAL | Wearing size S | $220 USD | Made in Brooklyn, NY.
  • RIB CARDIGAN FAWN | HAN STARNES via Garmentory* |Wearing size S/M | $370 USD | Made responsibly in Peru.
  • BELIEF PANT | c/o NICOLE BRIDGER | Wearing size 4 | $198 CAD | Made in Vancouver, BC.
  • SUNGLASSES | old CELINE | Made in Italy.
  • LOAFERS | EVERLANE | Wearing size 7 (runs narrow) | $168 USD | Made in Italy.
  • MARGOT BAG | c/o THE STOWE* | Made in Spain.
  • CAMEL COAT | MARVIN BROWNE | Purchased in London | Similar here (imported), here (made in Canada) and here (made responsibly for less)
  • FUZZY BAG | old by PRIMECUT BAGS* | $120 USD | Made in Portland.
  • MARS BOOTS | RACHEL COMEY* | TTS | Made in Peru.
  • *Available through Garmentory. Save $20 when you sign up here and get free shipping and returns always.

Did you order anything from the latest ES + KORDAL knitwear collection? 
What are some of the new ES Signature styles you’re excited about?

Personally, I can’t wait to get a better look at the Wide Clyde and the new silk colours!


Photography by my talented friend Jacklyn Barber.


This post is not sponsored but contains affiliate links. When you shop via the links above I may make a small commission from a sale. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Style Bee! As always all opinions are my own.

12 comments
10.26.17
Outfits

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Lena says:

    Great Idea to make a fashioned outfit post and present this lovely look.
    But would you really wear a outfit with bare ankle when it’s getting colder?

    Lena

  2. Shae says:

    Hi Lee, looking cute and classy as ever. Love the way you styled the Patti. I hadn’t given it much thought before this post. (1) Did you buy any of the ES fabrics or styles that were taken down? Curious as to what you may have gotten! I chose a white Marlena tank and black Georgia dress in raw silk. I’m looking forward to the natural Clyde jacket and the return of the Cecilias (mine had a zipper issue so I need a new pair). (2) Ahhh I’ve been eyeing the Han Starnes sweaters! I couldn’t decide between the one you got and then the same color but the shorter pull over version. Would love to see some more styling of the one you got! I may have to purchase it.

  3. Alex Chua says:

    I was on the fence about this top, but you’ve helped make up my mind to get it thanks to this review. XO

  4. Tess says:

    Hi Lee, how do you like that Han Starnes cardigan and the belief pants? Both are very intriguing!

    Thanks
    Tess

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi Tess, I really like both pieces! I shared a full review of the Belief Pants here. The Cardigan is new but I basically haven’t taken it off in the last week. It’s my first piece by Han Starnes and it’s so beautiful! The alpaca knit is warm, soft and has held it’s shape very well (and I sit in it all day and lay on the couch with it in the evening). It’s getting a bit fizzier with wear but overall I’m very happy with it. Hope that helps! xo

  5. Oh. Wow!
    This silhouette is perfection. I love how you layered the cardigan and the coat. And the color palette is just what I want this season. I really like the pop of color of your first look, it’s so playful!

  6. Briana says:

    I enjoyed how detailed you got with this look, great post!

    Briana
    https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/

  7. Geneviève says:

    Can you expand on your thoughts regarding linen during fall / winter? I’m thinking about buying the Ode to Sunday Hanna Pant. It’s more than I have ever spent on a single item of clothing, so I want them to be versatile. My thought was to wear black tights underneath when it gets chillier? Obviously in the dead of an Ottawa winter, they wouldn’t be ideal.

    Maybe this would be a good post idea? How to wear linen in colder weather?

    Thanks!

    Geneviève

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi Geneviève, Sure! The Hanna pant is beautiful and wearing tights underneath is a good plan for sure. That’s how I’ve worn them in the past. Especially with a looser fit pant like those. I also have a couple of pairs of wool knee socks that I wear underneath my pants in the winter to keep my lower leg warm. I find wearing long coats is a good way to fight the cold too.

      Honestly, during the dead of Winter linen is not my go-to fabric. I choose wool, cashmere and tighter fitting pieces that I can layer (most of my linen pieces are loose fits). The Patti Shell is a linen ‘knit’ so it feels a bit more winter friendly and tanks are super easy to layer over and under pieces. I’m wearing it right now under the sweater shown above and I wore an oversized jacket over them both this morning with a hat and it was -1 outside. Worked great!

      Thanks for the post idea I’ll add it to my list 🙂 I hope this elaboration is helpful but let me know if you have any other questions! xo