Off the Label
Including the best organic cotton brand I have ever worn
Introducing Off the Label, part science dispatch, part personal journal - what I’m wearing, what I’m questioning, what I’m loving, and what I’d never put on my body again. If you care about what goes in and on your body, you’re in the right place.
“I’m challenging you!” said with a laugh by my instructor at a recent figure drawing class in Midtown.
The challenge? To stop overthinking and just draw. Not worry about perfection, not make every stroke literal. Just let my hand align with what my eyes were seeing without thinking. It’s harder than it sounds (for me at least), as a recovering type A perfectionist (I’ll never actually recover).
The class was a vibey event to get to know EDN, the 100% plastic free brand designing intimates from the most luxurious organic cotton, third-party tested free from a multitude of harsh chemicals and heavy metals. I have tried a lot of organic cotton basics brands and let me tell you, both their fabric and design win by a landslide. Incredibly soft and silky on your skin, their underwear doesn’t show lines (a must for a fashion girl) and their tees have added details like a seam down the back to make you feel like you’re wearing The Row (IYKYK). They design pieces for men, too!
So, my challenge to you this summer is to be free and let life flow without overthinking. (If anyone accomplishes this, please let me know how.)
Styling
This summer I am taking it back to basics. This means high-quality natural fibers like linen and organic cotton in silhouettes that allow my body to breathe. But this does not mean looking like I’m on little house of the prairie (no shade, it’s just not my style). I have never been ok with compromising style or health, so I will continue to explore new looks while reading the fabric label. Check out my latest post debunking the common notion that “you can’t be into fashion and only wear natural fibers”.
Current items on repeat:
You literally cannot get hot in these linen pants (for men too)
A basic tank that is flattering yet modest
Organic cotton sports bra for looking hot (while actually being hot) + the gender-neutral muscle tee on my list
The aforementioned silky organic cotton intimates (they have men’s pieces too)
Reading
Lindsay Dahl’s latest post on the two groups getting information on toxins wrong was such an eye-opener. Many of us start out as perfectionists, realize it is impossible to be toxin-free, and then settle for what seems major vs what we can let go. Her advice is to be a pragmatist, where you follow the science while embracing nuance. It is difficult but possible!
You can check out her full debrief on the topic here. Next up, reading her book Cleaning House.
It is also enlightening hearing alt ways of looking at the sustainable fashion space. Is it dead? Did Shein win? According to Conscious Fashion, it is merely being rebranded. What do you think?
Listening
The Rev On Air - Sustainable Stories podcast is a favorite of mine. I listened to their recent ep on living to 100 - secrets of the Blue Zones which was much simpler than I realized! If you are unfamiliar, Blue Zones are areas of the world where people live to 100 or more and sustain healthy, happy lives. The podcast highlighted tips like filling your diet with whole foods, taking time for daily movement (walking to the restaurant or to a friend’s counts!), and prioritizing community as a staple and not just a weekend venture.
My main takeaway was to go back to basics and not get sucked into the noise of overworking and overconsumption. Hardcore workouts are great, but daily walking is even better. A glass of wine once in a while isn’t meant to cause guilt. Friends and (chosen) family matter more than you think. When you lean into your body and how you are feeling, and learn to trust yourself, you will be better off.
Questioning
Summer usually pushes me to take a closer look at the skin and makeup products I am using, as I use so much less in the heat. Two things have been on my mind:
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