The Feral Childe Paganini Shift Dress.

This autumn marks a year of carrying the Brooklyn-based eco-fashion line Feral Childe, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. The fashion-forward silhouettes and impeccable tailoring evident in each season’s collection make this one of our most treasured lines. We’re proud to carry such innovative and fresh designs that are eco-friendly, too.  But perhaps the most alluring and unique element of these beautiful pieces are the illustration-based prints. One look at any of their garments will instantly reveal the fine arts background of the women behind the brand. These highly covetable prints have recently garnered quite a bit of attention, being at the root of the legal trouble fast-fashion giant Forever 21 is experiencing. Though we’re appalled by Forever 21’s methods, we can certainly understand the urge to own a piece of Feral Childe’s wearable art!

This season we’ve got a few fun new silhouettes, ranging from a simple, organic cotton tee to a dress of strange and beautiful proportions. Each piece bears the whimsical, playful print “Rabbits,” the delightful absurdity of the pattern elegantly balanced by deep and dusky hues of burgundy and teal. The palette hints at vintage inspirations, but the sustainable textiles, utterly unique pattern, and unexpected detailing are definitely 21st century.

If you’ve been in the store, you’ve seen our rack of Stewart + Brown lengthened tees. Maybe you passed them by, thinking you already have plenty of tee shirts. Or perhaps you paused, struck by the beautiful palette of colors, and took a moment to take a closer look. If you’re anything like us, it was in that split second that you fell in love. Unbelievably soft organic cotton. A delicate contrast-stitched boat neck. Super long through the sleeves and body. And when you put it on? Magic. The lightweight cotton hugs and glides, falls in perfect folds at the hips or flows to the upper thigh, depending on your preference. The long sleeves pool over the back of your hand or roll and scrunch up as you please.

Such perfection is no accident. Karen Stewart and Howard Brown, a husband and wife design team, founded the eco-conscious fashion label in 2002. Based out of L.A., their designs directly result from a love for nature, an eye for the unique, and a deep understanding of how to accentuate the female form. They work solely with ethically-sourced materials, something we certainly appreciate here at Substance. The tee is their best-selling item, and one of ours, too. The beautiful hues and dreamy cotton may be what grabs you, but it’s the incredible versatility that has our savviest shoppers stocking up in every color. Here are 5 of our favorite ways to style the indispensable Long Sleeve Lengthened Tee!

1. Worn next to the skin as a super soft, light and breathable layer under your favorite sweater, tee or tank.
2. Slip it on over a tank dress or camisole too keep away early fall chill without adding bulk to your look.
3. We love to pair the soft cotton with an obi or wide waist belt for contrast.
4. Every season S+B’s new palette inspires with a pop of color. We’re loving this new, unexpected Peacock color for fall.
5. Packing light for that last summer get away? Don’t forget to bring your tee — it makes a simple and sophisticated swim cover-up.

How do you wear your S+B tee? We’d love to hear your styling tips.

Autumn is approaching more quickly than anyone would like to believe. Let us ease the pain of trading your sundress for a sweater — today only enjoy 25% off new fall styles! We may miss the long days and firefly-lit nights, but fall is undoubtedly our favorite season for fashion. After months of bare legs and sandals, the classic combination of a pair of classic dark wash jeans and a slim long sleeve top feels so chic.

Eileen Fisher’s Skinny Ankle Jean is a perfect foundation for a polished ensemble. Sitting below the waist, the slim fit through the hips and legs and the midnight blue wash elongate the legs. Pair with ballet flats à la Audrey, or slip on some heels for mile-long legs. Slip into Indigenous Designs’ Drape Neck Tee for casual elegance. The wide cowl neck is eternally chic, and the way the lengthened bodice falls in folds at the hips tempers the slinky silhouette, making this subtly sexy tee office-friendly.

If Indigenous sounds familiar, perhaps you’ve seen their Turning Leaf Sweater in our store before. They’re back for another season, in an updated (read: gorgeous) palette. The dreamily-soft organic cotton was hand-loomed in Peru, and the artistry is apparent. Subtle bell sleeves, a turned down button collar, and a feminine silhouette has made this Indigenous’ best-selling style, and one of ours, too! For something with a little more funk and flair, try their Savvy Skirt. High-waisted with a saucy slit up one side, accented by lines of contrasting serged seams, this is a seriously fun piece. As any Swing Skirt devotee can tell you, a high-waisted cotton skirt is probably the most comfortable way to pull together a look. For a strong statement, play with colored tights as winter nears.

As the air grows crisp, layering possibilities multiply exponentially, to our delight. At no other time of year does the combination of a floral frock and chunky cardigan work so well. We’re aching to get out our boots, slip into a sundress or slinky knit dress (local ladies, we’ve still got several styles on our clearance racks!) and cuddle into the handknit heaven that is the Talia Cocoon, by Pure. Worn open or belted, the draping is perfection. Exquisite crocheted detailing on the back across the shoulder blades will reveal glimpses of layers beneath, while the dramatic shawl collar frames the neckline and, in doing so, minimizes the waist.

Whether you’re desperately soaking up your last rays or dusting off the leaf blower, be sure to take a moment today to check out our sale! Autumn’s on its way….