19 Comments

I love this post because I don't spend money on basics and should! . Are there any brands you recommend that are easier to source in the US? I was looking at ninety percent But they don't offer free shipping to usa. thanks!

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Hi Anne!

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Shoot about Ninety Percent! It's annoying that there are no free US shipping options.

It's not a very original recommendation, but if you liked the look of Ninety Percent and the idea of soft Tencel stretch, Reformation has some really good elevated basics and will give you a range of options in neutral colourways. (I don't vouch for them for many things, but for this, I will.). There is one 'knit' fabric they have that I love - incredibly comfortable to wear and has good longevity - it's the 88% Tencel + 12% Spandex.

I have two of this top: https://go.shopmy.us/p-10473068 and two of this one: https://go.shopmy.us/p-10473179. For a long-sleeved (more simple) option, I like this in the same fabric: https://go.shopmy.us/p-10473549. I'm also obsessed with their Muse Tee: https://go.shopmy.us/p-10473685. I just bought two more colours in their black Friday sale. If you venture out of these, their fabrics are a bit hit or miss - some are downright terrible - so, if you can, it's best to try in-store to get a feel for them.

The only other option that comes to mind, if it's specifically the Ninety Percent vibes and price range you liked, is St Agni. Their website will also charge you for delivery to the US but they have so many stockists: https://www.st-agni.com/pages/stockists. They make basics with a twist (asymmetric hems, straps, etc.).

I hope this helps, and if anything else comes to mind, I will follow up on this comment and let you know. Oh, AND I'm putting out another 'basics' themed newsletter in a couple of weeks, so hopefully, you will find plenty of other options there.

Xxx

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Thanks so much!! I will check these out

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Liza! This is your writing at your best. At a time where fast fashion hauls and Shein are all the rage, what would happen to ourselves and our planet if we stopped and asked ourselves these questions? How much more comfortable, confident, and conscious would we be?!

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Oh Maggie, thank you so much! A few Sundays each year, I give myself a little pat on the back after hitting Publish, and this one was one of them so I'm really really glad it's getting all the love. I feel lucky to have subscribers who are passionate about sustainability and mindful shopping! I learn as much from y'all as I hope you learn from me. Have a beautiful week!!

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Fabulous post! I can’t tell you how many t shirts I’ve tried on, that are recommended over and over, that just don’t work for me. I decidedly don’t want to look like everyone else, but I do want to look current. It’s a delicate balance.

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Thank you SO much Mary! Oh same... revisiting all the regret purchases to write this was definitely... something haha. Best antidote to relapsing though! I am so very very picky and even with things like the Flore Flore basics that I love, I'm buying them one by one, wearing, washing, wearing, washing to see how it ages before repeat purchasing. Better safe than sorry! Have a gorgeous week!

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Yes! I have spent so much time this year trying to decipher what are actual basics for me and my body as opposed to what works for others. It’s so easy to get lost in the basics/capsule wardrobe/essentials vacuum that you can be left scratching your head wondering what works for you. As a shorter woman with a larger chest, I’ll always prefer a fitted t shirt compared to a baggy or oversized one because it just never does anything for my body. Another great post ❤️

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I wholeheartedly agree! We might as well use them in our favor since we were so blessed with them to begin with 😂

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Happy Monday from a fellow short woman with large chest ❤️. I'm so with you on all of the above. I love my tighter sleeveless or short-sleeve tops with my super oversized trousers. It really helps create balance. And if the boobs are going to cause us to have backpains and buy ugly bras... we might as well show them off in tight tops! Silver linings...

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I think I would click to make sure that jacket doesn’t end up in my wishlist 😅 (and I inadvertently end up with the same jacket as everyone else). Love all your brand recommendations in these newsletter, including some like Saint James that I hadn’t heard of!

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Hahaha - that should have been an option in the poll! I LOVE that attitude. Yay to individuality. Have a beautiful week lovely Mariela! ❤️❤️❤️

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Good grief, what an INCREDIBLE post! Kudos Liza ❤️

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Oh Anna! It means SO much coming from you. Thank you for making my Monday that bit brighter. Xxx

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Your newsletter is the one I wait for. So thoughtful and helpful. Thank you!!

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Right back at you for that thoughtful comment that made me my Monday that bit brighter. I'm so happy you found it helpful. Have a gorgeous week! <3

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Wow, best newsletter about basics ever written. Thank you for finally explaining to me why I should care if something is “Pima” cotton 🤯. I will come back to this time and time again to reference. Was loling at your folded basics giving you the ick. Flore Flore looks amazing and I can’t wait to get my hands on a few pieces!

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Your opinion matters so much to me. When you say it's good, I believe in myself and you know that's a lot for me haha. Seriously though regarding the folding vs hanging, and, well, silver linings of my recent circumstances is... I now have space to hang EVERYTHING. Wearing the Car Tee in Off white right now and it's making me feel SEXY. I can't wait to get more, but will definitely be waiting for the black friday sale bonanza hehe.

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I got the Esme tank in grey last spring and it’s one of my most worn tshirts ever! I love pairing it with my more feminine skirts to balance out the look.

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