April 2009

I think the weather has been socializing with the stock market. The current heat wave in California is countered by blizzards in Wyoming. For many of us though, the end of April is the clear sign that the season of warm (and hot) weather has arrived. Along with pony tails and popsicles, linen is high on my list of cooling concepts.

Spiegel

Remnants of linen have been found in Swiss lake dwellings dating back to 8000 BCE. In Ancient Egypt, linen was symbol of purity and wealth, and upper class mummies were often wrapped in it. Egypt also is the home of the 4000 year old commercial linen industry.

Garnet Hill

Highly absorbent, linen easily removes perspiration from the skin. Because it’s a stiffer fiber and the styles tend to be looser, it dries quickly allowing the wearer to stay cool. You’ve probably noticed there is a typical color palate for linen- it grows naturally in shades of ivory, tan and grey.

J Jill

Linen is the strongest of vegetable fibers, but it’s weakened by routine creasing. When you pack it up at the end of the season, don’t fold it neatly- let it crumple into your storage system to give the threads a chance to relax. (Same goes for linen table cloths.)

There is always something so Italian chic about white clothes- perhaps it’s the supreme confidence that you have mastered espresso and wine consumption and now live a spill free life. But for most of us, every spring they show up in magazine spreads and every fall they wilt on sale racks. Yes, according to the fashion calendar, you shouldn’t wear them for another month, which is why now is the perfect time to buy. You can spend a few weeks testing out the look in your home before braving the world in white.

Express

Both casual and rock star at the same time, a white motorcycle jacket screams effortless style. I’d look for one in a lightweight fabric and use it to add a hard edge to classic dresses in my wardrobe.

Brooks Brothers

A colored button down or a chambray shirt and a wide leather belt would lend a white skirt a little bit of oomph. You can match your shoes to the belt or wear something multi-colored.

Levi's

White jeans are the epitome of coolness. I’d seek out a pair with minimal to no pocket detailing and add my monogram to one back pocket.