Wonderful things can happen when an ethical fashion blogger decides to create her own dress line. Hanna Baror-Padilla just wrapped up a very successful Kickstarter campaign for her label Sotela. Her experience as a blogger gave Hanna an understanding of what she wanted for her own line, local and ethical manufacturing using Eco-friendly fabrics. She also knew exactly the kind of dresses she wanted to create, "the last dress you’ll ever need".
Having struggled with the incredibly common closet full of clothes and nothing to wear conundrum, she wanted pieces that fit our ever-changing bodies. Most of us know the feeling of trying on half the contents of our wardrobe, just to find an outfit that feels comfortable at certain times of the month (or day). Whether its bloating, pregnancy or just a big meal our bodies are constantly yo-yoing up and down. Hanna wanted to create pieces that work regardless of your size, a go to when nothing else feels right.
The resulting dresses are now available for pre-order on her website. The Shift dress is a square cut that hits just above the knee, with a slightly longer back hem. Constructed from 100% Tencel twill, this Eco fabric is made using the natural cellulose found in wood pulp, harvested from sustainable tree farms. Tencel is anti-bacterial, biodegradable and the manufacturing process is done with a closed loop system which recycles solvents and cuts down on water usage. The Cocoon Dress is made using the same fabric but is cut a bit longer and has a more billowy shape. Lastly is the Jersey Swing Dress, an A-line cut with elbow length sleeves, constructed using a Modal fabric blend. Modal is also derived from wood; it comes from renewable beech trees.
I was thrilled to get to play dress up with one of Sotela’s samples. Having been introduced to Hanna through the Ethical Writers Coalition, she sent me the Cocoon Dress to give it a go. The dress is incredibly comfortable, soft and easy to wear. An extra plus, the prices are very reasonable. I hope you enjoy the looks I created below.
Beach/summer casual
One of the things I love about this dress is its ease, so for my first outfit I kept it really simple. This look is perfect for the beach, farmers market, or just about anything else on a warm day when you require comfort and functionality. Ethically made Panama hat picked up from Magpi shop in Studio City, shop USA made versions from Clyde and Janessa Leone. Leather flip flops by Moment Goods, hand made in the USA.
mellow evening
Cozy dinner, evening stroll or watching the sun set from the Santa Monica Mountains. Find similar ponchos on eBay or Etsy. Sandals are by Valia Gabriel, handmade in Greece, also picked up from Magpi. For a USA made option try Pam Left Pam Right.
coffee run
When you're not yet ready to face the world but need to venture out for your caffeine fix. Throw on a vintage sweatshirt and some comfy shoes, when the caffeine kicks in and the sun warms up just tie it around your waist. Find made in the USA sweatshirts with that vintage feel at Calder Blake and This Is The Great or Etsy for second hand options. Handmade espadrilles from Puerto Rico, try Zuzii for a similar striped look.
girls night
Last time I went to a girls night I wore fitted high waist jeans, big mistake. Halfway through our dinner and wine I was unbuttoning under the table. This would have been a much better option, paired with vintage jewelry and Creatures of Comfort shoes (while some of their clothing is USA made these shoes were made in Peru, color from last year but other colors available and on sale). This pair of heels from The Palatines is USA made and would also be a great option. Crescioni, M. Grace and Takara all offer beautiful handmade statement jewelry that would be a nice compliment.
date night
Just add a great pair of shoes and let the dress speak for itself. Marais has a vegan, made in the USA option in a similar blushy nude that would be a great option (lower heel). Or try some clogs from No.6, we love the Front Seam Slide or the Harper Clog both in Naked.
into fall
This dress layers up so easily, add tights or even pants as the weather gets cooler for extra coziness. Second hand cardigan found on eBay, I also love this one from Calder Blake on Garmentory, + Zady has a light weight alternative here or a pullover here. Linen scarf (similar on Etsy) and check out Jada and Jon for a cute bootie option that is made locally in LA.
Shop the dress at www.sotela.co + follow along @sotelaco. Etsy and eBay links are affiliate links.
* Note not all the items included in my outfits are American made which is why I provided alternative options. I used pieces from my own closet which is a mix of USA made, second hand, vintage, ethical brands and items from before I changed my own shopping practices.