This fall, I’m focusing on getting the absolute greatest mileage out of all of my clothing. This means figuring out how to contextualize, accessorize, and maximize each piece so that I can wear them over and over.
Beyond living simply, one of my biggest passions for years has involved fighting for justice and creating opportunity for the poor around the world. This has meant jumping on board with Noonday Collection, a fashion-forward company that partners with artisans in vulnerable communities to create beautiful jewelry.
So of course when I found out about Symbology, I was thrilled.
Symbology takes fair trade fashion to the next level by designing beautiful styles with textiles printed in India. This particular textile tradition (printing with blocks) involves meticulously dipping the carved blocks in dye and making the patterns as consistent as possible.
I love handmade items. This black caftan dress is cut out of a beautiful luxe fabric that is so cozy and light. I love wearing it for work, play, and travel!
One dress, 3 ways to wear it
Look #1: Workday Chic
Symbology pieces are versatile; the printed shirts and dresses are perfect for the office when worn with the right accessories! For this outfit, I wore my dress with boots and tights (perfect for fall) and and a statement necklace, handmade in Ecuador.
Look #2: Weekend wandering
I love the fabric that Symbology pieces are made of. While this dress is super stylish, it’s also really comfortable– perfect for exploring new neighborhoods, going out for drinks, or cozying up with a book. For a fresh accent, I layered on my gorgeous paper bead necklaces from Uganda (turquoise and firelight), and kept it casual with a rustic leather bag.
Look #3: Travel in style
The best thing about this dress? The waist is elastic! All of Symbology’s dresses are either shifts or cinched at a flattering waistline. I’ve boarded planes while in this dress and there’s nothing easier than throwing a cozy printed scarf over it. And while it *feels* like you’re flying in your pj’s, you get to look stylish all day long.
Ethical fashion matters.
You don’t need to look too hard these days to find ethical brands that seek to make a positive impact in the lives of ALL of their stakeholders.
But here’s the truth: these brands are still a minority.
What most brands do behind the scenes– their sourcing practices, their contracts with factories, their local and environmental impact– is still hidden from our sight. And ultimately, we as consumers have to choose what happens in the industry.
I love that Symbology and other brands are seeking to preserve tradition, provide dignified jobs, and bring beautiful pieces to the marketplace. But these companies can’t do it alone.
Shop Symbology
Get 20% off with the code DAISYLOVE16 and a FREE elephant scarf!
[Tweet “What to wear this fall: 1 dress, 3 looks. #capsulewardrobe via @daisysrosales”]
What versatile pieces are you wearing this fall? I’d love to know!
This is a great post! I always love seeing how you style your capsule wardrobe, Daisy! And Symbology sounds great! 🙂
Thanks for this post, I’m always looking for new ethical fashion brands!
That dress is perfect – I love how much you can dress it up in the first look and how comfortable it looks in the others! And I love that it supports such a great cause!
Thanks Annie! It’s so fun to style versatile pieces!
Thanks Laura!! 🙂
Thank you so much, friend!! I’m with you on mixing patterns– I’m learning to make it work!
Love this! You styled it so well and it looks fantastic on you!
Great post and of course, you look fantastic!
Laura
http://www.blackcoffeebeautiful.com
This dress is amazing! I am always inspired by the way you style clothes for multiple uses. I especially love the patterned tights you picked. I’m always nervous to mix patterns, but this looks awesome!
Awe thanks so much! 🙂
Oh thank you so much Mica! I’m so glad the patterns worked out. 🙂
Thanks Jo-Anne! It’s a great fit.
Thanks lady!! It’s a great one!
Thanks Rosie!! 🙂
Thanks so much Kiki!! 🙂 And that is exactly right! 🙂
Thanks Kathryn!! And I’ll definitely check out your blog!
It really is such a great dress! Thanks lady!
Thanks so much! xo
Thanks Kaelene!! Ooh you would look so good in Symbology pieces!
That is a beautiful dress, looks great all 3 ways! I do like the chevron print on the bag matching so nicely with it in the third photo! 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Looking good, the dress fits you nicely
What a gorgeous dress! It really does fit so many different situations! <3
This dress fits you so well. . . love the way you styled it in all of them
Life is just Rosie
Instagram
This dress is so flattering on you! The best garmets are the ones we can stretch to a bunch of different looks! (:
http://www.accordingtokiki.net
Love the dress & they way you styled it three ways. I have some posts like this on my blog too if you want to check it out 🙂 Also, love your take on ethical fashion. Since I’ve graduated college, I’ve stopped buying fast fashion and have become much smarter about my clothing and where it comes from. It’s important that we give back, even in the smallest ways!
Thanks for sharing!
What a great, versatile dress. Love your styling.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Love that dress!
xx
The Black Blush Blog
This dress is so cute, I saw it on Instagram and was like I need to get this dress!