Bella Bow Tie
Jessica Wagner
Charming & Sustainable Fashion
It doesn’t get much more charming than a classic bow tie.
It evokes earlier times. Simpler times, and that’s exactly what up-and-coming fashion house Canapé is setting out to do – simplify, through sustainable fashion.
Earlier this year, Rob traveled to LA and had the opportunity to meet and shoot with Bri (Brianna) Olenslager, LA native, model and designer. If you aren’t already in love, just wait!
“Revamped staples made to last”
Bri runs an amazing women’s apparel company, Canapé, based in Los Angeles. Through her designs she is seeking to provide woman with gorgeous and sustainable fashion choices. Canapé is one of the few that are sustainably and ethically made here in the US.
Canapé launched this past summer with one {darling} staple item in five patterns: The Bella Bow Tie. Prim, with vintage-eclectic flare. While a proper bow tie might be menswear inspired, there is nothing formal about this look! A classic staple piece, this boxy button-up ties at the top into a jaunty little bow. Bri was kind enough to send me one of my choice to shoot with and keep! I went with the “vintage rose” (as you know my weakness for rose anything, here.)
Miss Olenslager is on a mission is to change the way we think about fashion and introduce the idea of investing in truly artistic staples. Each item she designs is constructed with the intention that it will maintain and sustain in your closet.
I LOVE this idea. The more I delve into the world of blogging and fashion the more I see the need for awareness, especially when it comes to ethical fashion choices.
We need to demand open-conversations on the subject. I am guilty of buying into "fast-fashion" brands because they are inexpensive, but you end up with cheap items that don't last. I've have worked multiple retail jobs and it amazing how much waste we create through the clothing industry. It’s wreaking havoc on our ecosystem.
As a consumer we have a responsibility. I want to know where my clothing is coming from. How are your clothes being manufactured and by whom? I know there have been lists released calling out specific fashion houses for using child labor and subjecting employees to unsafe working conditions. There is much to be done to wage battle for the underpaid, over-labored and unfairly compenstated. One way to help put an end to these actions is to buy from trusted designers and invest in quality pieces.
Know your brands babes. Look for equal and fair trade companies who empower sustainability. Help speak awareness. Knowledge is power!
In Bri’s own words:
"For me, shopping is a luxury. I believe in only buying items that I know I'll love and wear for years. I curate my wardrobe to reflect my quirky personal style and only select pieces that I feel truly belong. Canapé is just that - only unique pieces that truly belong in every woman's closet."
YES! This is a goal for me as well. I tend to “fall” for fast-fashion. The price is right, but it’s not going to last. Trendy doesn’t always mean fashionable. This is an area I am working on, and a great place to start is with socially conscious brands like Canapé.
As Bri shared with me:
“It's {Canapé} all staple pieces, not trends, made out of unique fabrics with quality sewing. I really try to make them artistic and a little loud so they'll stand out. I want people to buy my things knowing that it's a good investment. I want them to feel like they can keep it forever and wear it a bunch and feel unique and cool each time. I feel your wardrobe should be like a fine art collection, each piece should be unique and stand on its own. Everything should be your favorite. Or maybe I just have a weird attachment to clothing, lol who knows!”
Confession: I had no clue how to fashion a traditional bowtie (!) and Bri has an easy how-to video here that even I managed to master in a couple tries!
Right now the Bella Bow Tie top is 20% off with code FALL20 at checkout!
If you can’t tell I’m a bit obsessed. You guys know decision making is not my strong point, and I seriously had to go back and forth on which pattern to style because they are all so cute and well-made. The material is a wispy cotton poplin, and each print can easily pair with everything from a classic jean, to old school overalls, or even a frilly skirt.
Check out all the chic ways to style a bow tie top, by following Canapé on Instagram here!
Outfit Details:
Top: Canapé Vintage Rose c/o Skirt: Express (old, similar here) Basket: Free People Shoes: Zara Kitten Heel Faux Patent Ankle Boots Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters Plastic Oval Lips: Kylie Cosmetics Kristen
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