Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

10.19.18

Happy Friday folks! It’s been a busy and exciting week with the release of my Define & Streamline Closet Toolkit and as things gear up for the #Fall10x10 (starting Monday). Thanks so much for your support and enthusiasm towards the toolkit, I’ve already been getting some great feedback and hearing that it’s proving helpful for you makes my heart very happy!

Another thing makes my heart light up is seeing how designers I’ve known since their first collection have grown their brand and business into a full-on crowd favourite. One of those designers happens to be my good friend Haley Tucker, of ONLY CHILD, a line of simple, versatile and unexpected pieces that are wearable, timeless and entirely handcrafted in Oakland, CA. You can check out our very first collaboration from 2015 right here!

Haley, is an absolute gem and it’s so inspiring to see how she’s built her business from a one-woman show to a growing team of many talented women (and one adorable Penny the pup!). Each ONLY CHILD collection builds on the last, which gives her pieces a longevity and wearability we don’t often see from contemporary brands. What’s most impressive to me is how Haley has maintained her creative vision from the beginning and never waivers when it comes to choosing the best materials, creating timeless silhouettes and producing with integrity.

Today we’re partnering again as I share a few pieces from the latest AW18 collection and give my two cents on the cult favourite Dune Pant (in cotton), the Tierra Dress (in Tencel) and the Bolinas Duster (in wool). I only kept one item (which was no easy feat!) so read on to find out which one it was!


STYLE BEE READERS SAVE 15% OFF ANY ORDER FROM ONLY CHILD WITH ‘STYLEBEE15’

(Enter code at checkout. Valid through October 31st.)

FREE shipping on US orders and INTL orders over $200 USD.


LOOK 1 – DUNE PANTS


Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

I’ve wanted to try the Dune Pants for so long and have seen women rocking them all over the responsible style realm. As you’ve likely noticed, the wide-leg pant silhouette has been in full force for the last few years. I believe this style is a timeless one, so I’ve enjoyed trying various offerings from different designers. The Dune Pant is ONLY CHILD’s answer to a high-waist, wide-leg, cropped pant, which provides that classic sailor pant shape we’ve all been so enamoured with. Here are some quick facts and my pros and cons after testing them out.


Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

DUNE PANT – QUICK FACTS


PRICE: $160 USD $136 USD with ‘STYLEBEE15’ to save 15% off any order now through October 31st. All US orders ship free and International orders over $200 USD ship free.

FIT: I am wearing a size 4 R and my measurements are 26 inch waist, 37 inch hip. I’m about 5’7 and 125 lbs. They may require some effort to get over the hips/butt (at least they did for me) but once on the fit is very flattering and comfortable. Not too tight or too loose. From my experience, I’d say the sizing chart is accurate.

Available in sizes 0-14 and three inseam lengths. ONLY CHILD is also working on expanding their size range further. 

FABRIC: 100% Cotton in a muted olive-green. The fabric is a sturdy cotton but lighter than a canvas so they don’t feel stiff or rigid (I’d say they’re about 1/2 the weight of a Kamm pant). The cotton is very comfortable to move and sit in but it will crease throughout the day. Not as noticeably as linen but it’s not impervious to wrinkles, similar to most natural fibres.

Also available in Black and a gorgeous deep Camel/Clay tone. 

DETAILS: These are a pull-on style with no zippers or buttons. The waistband is 2.25 inches wide and has a covered elastic through the back (shown below). There is a 1 inch deep hem.

CARE: Machine wash cold, line dry. Press on high for a clean finish if desired.

MADE RESPONSIBLY IN: Oakland, CA. Each item is made to order.


Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

PROS: 

The fit exceeded my expectations. I was worried these would run too narrow in the hip on me (I also tried the size 6 but the waist was too loose) but the fit was great once I got them on. At first I wasn’t sure I’d get them over my butt/hips because they’re a pull-on style and only have elastic at the back, but with some shimmying and interpretive dance moves I was able to nudge them on. Once on they felt great and fit where they should (through the waist and hip) without being too tight where they shouldn’t be (through the crotch and thigh).

True high-waist with clean lines and a flattering shape from the front. I have tried a lot of wide leg pants and these offer a really streamlined fit, particularly from the front. The pant falls in an a-line shape from the waist and skims the curve of the hip and falls straight down the ankle. This is no easy design feat, especially without any buttons, zippers or openings of any kind.

Great for a wide range of activities. Whether you’re heading to an office, studio, sports game, concert, dinner,  dancing the night away with your pals or home with the kiddos, these pants are up for the task.

  • WORK: I would wear this exact outfit if I worked in an office or you could just as easily pair them with a silk tank and a boyfriend blazer with chunky heels for a more corporate vibe. They’re not so wide that they make too much of a statement for a more conventional workplace dress-code.
  • PLAY: These are just as adaptable to after hours events and would be great with a pair of white sneakers, a graphic tee an a leather jacket!

CON-CERNS: 

The regular length is a little bit too cropped for me. Any easy fix would be to order the Tall inseam length but I liked how they fit the model (who is my height), however, she seems to have a different torso:leg ratio than I do so they fit shorter on me. I think they’d be fine for warmer seasons but to wear them in the Fall and Winter they’re a bit too short. My tallest ankle boot just barely makes it underneath the hem but perhaps if I had knee-high fitted boots that would solve this issue. I also prefer the aesthetic of a slightly longer inseam on me as I find a cropped inseam that hits about 2-3 inches above the ankle is more flattering than one that hits 4-5 inches above such as these.

Lots of gathered fabric at the back. I included a detailed look at the back of the Dune Pant waistband in this review (shown above) because it was something that I hadn’t given much thought to before I received them to test out. There is quite a lot of gathered fabric at the back, where the elastic is. Now this is not a big deal if you generally plan to leave the back of your top out and overlapping the waistband, which I imagine most people do. However, I personally like to have the option to tuck my tops fully into my pants and I think the gathered material at the back might bug me. It’s similar to the J+J Wide Pant (reviewed here) but feels a bit more bunchy and noticeable to me.


Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

SHOP LOOK 1 

  • BOLINAS DUSTERgifted ONLY CHILD | $275 USD $233.75 USD with ‘STYLEBEE15’ to save 15% off any order now through October 31st. | Wearing size OSR | Made responsibly in Oakland, CA
  • DUNE PANTS in OLIVE COTTONborrowed ONLY CHILD | $160 USD $136 USD with ‘STYLEBEE15’ to save 15% off any order now through October 31st. | Wearing size 4R | Made responsibly in Oakland, CA
  • CROP SWEATER | EVERLANE | $100 | I wear a size S | Made responsibly in Dongguan, China
  • CARIE BOOTS | AQUATALIA via NORDSTROM | $450 USD | Runs TTS | Made in Italy and fully Weather Proof
  • EARRINGS | MACHETE | $44 USD | Made sustainably in Atlanta, GA
  • ELOISE BAG | THE STOWE | Sold Out | Similar option here and here.


LOOK 2 – TIERRA DRESS


Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

Although I’m not much of a dress wearer in reality, I really love a good dress in theory and lots of Style Bee readers have asked for more simple dress suggestions. With that in mind, I took the opportunity to try out the Tierra Dress from ONLY CHILD. This one stood out to me because of it’s easy fit, long sleeves and contemporary v-neckline (shown below with more shots in look 3). I had a feeling it would be great over jeans thanks to the fluid texture of Tencel and love how it layers under my existing Cardiff Coat (also shown below). It’s definitely a good option for traveling and would make for a chic addition to any closet. More on all that below!


Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

TIERRA DRESS – QUICK FACTS


PRICE: $180 USD $153 USD with ‘STYLEBEE15’ to save 15% off any order now through October 31st. All US orders ship free and International orders over $200 USD ship free.

FIT: I am wearing a size Small and my measurements are 32 inch bust, 26 inch waist, 37 inch hip. I’m about 5’7 and 125 lbs. The drop shoulder makes the sleeves super comfy and easy to layer over a fitted base layer for colder temps (think ribbed turtleneck). The fit is roomy through the torso but not huge and the fabric moves with you and grazes the figure beneath in a very flattering way. I love that the v-neck isn’t too deep or wide so it’s very work appropriate and won’t reveal any bra straps!

Available in sizes XS-XL. ONLY CHILD is working on expanding their size range further. 

FABRIC: 100% Tencel in a muted black. The fabric is as fluid as silk but as easy to wear as cotton. It is not a particularly cozy fabric but the weight gives it a lovely feel and it’s great for layering since it’s smooth and glides over anything you can imagine. I love Tencel because it is more wrinkle resistant than silk or linen and has a glorious flow to it.

Also available in Sage, Clay and Pearl, which are all so lovely in Tencel.

DETAILS: This dress goes on over the head easily, eliminating the need for any zippers or buttons. There is a 7 in panel on the sleeve (which is similar to the T Top if you have that) and makes for an elegant subtle detail and easy cuffing. There is a deep 2 inch hem which helps the bottom hang sleek and straight across.

CARE: Machine wash cold and tumble dry low or line dry. Press on medium or low, not high.

MADE RESPONSIBLY IN: Oakland, CA. Each item is made to order.


Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

PROS: 

Comfy, comfy, COMFY! The fit and feel of this dress is so ridiculously comfy. Whether you’re at a desk from 9-5, working from home, on your feet all day or running from meeting to meeting, this piece will be up for the task. I wouldn’t be surprised if most folks kept this on after hours for a Netflix binge with wine and take-out (not describing my ideal night or anything, haha!).

Perfect for a work wardrobe. I would be all over this dress if I worked in a more formal office environment. I love it over a slim black pant with boots and a scarf or over opaque tights with a belt and black boots (shown in look 3). It also works great under an oversized cardigan or wide sleeve jacket (like the Cardiff or Sonora). Of course, this can be easily dressed down over jeans or even a flowy base like the Cove Pant.

If I ever participated in an event like Dressember, this would be the perfect option and I actually think the Clay or Sage colours are just as versatile as the black too!


CON-CERNS: 

I never end up wearing dresses as much as I think I will. I always have the best intentions of wearing dresses, especially when they are as simple and comfortable as the Tierra, yet, they just never seem to get much time off the hanger. I also find if I’m going to wear a dress during the cold months it’s usually for a fancy holiday event or a sweater dress that I can throw on over leggings while I work on the couch.

Sleeves fit into oversized jackets but not as well under slimmer styles. Most of my coats and jackets have wide sleeves but I have a few coats, sweaters and blazers that I wear a lot throughout the winter that these sleeves were not so comfortable to layer under. Vests are great if the armholes are deep (like the Bolinas Duster below) and anything like a Cardiff Coat, Clyde or Harper Jacket would be fine!


Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

SHOP THIS LOOK

  • TIERRA DRESS in BLACK TENCELborrowed ONLY CHILD | $180 USD $153 USD with ‘STYLEBEE15’ to save 15% off any order now through October 31st. | Wearing a size SR | Made responsibly in Oakland, CA
  • RILEY CROP JEANS | AGOLDE | $168 USD | Made responsibly in LA | Lots of washes and colours available here.
  • BOSS BOOTS | gifted EVERLANE | $225 USD | Runs TTS | Made responsibly in Italy
  • CARIE BOOTS | AQUATALIA via NORDSTROM | $450 USD | Runs TTS | Made in Italy and fully Weather Proof
  • EARRINGS | MACHETE | $44 USD | Made sustainably in Atlanta, GA
  • VINTAGE BAG | Linked to another option I love. | SCARF s/o | Linked to a similar option.


LOOK 3 – BOLINAS DUSTER


Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

Last but not least we have the Bolinas Duster, which is a great layering piece for cold weather seasons. I’ve been so tempted by this piece for a couple of seasons now but it wasn’t until the oatmeal wool was added that I really fell for it. I’d originally had the Cardiff Trench in wool on my Fall wish list but as the season progressed I noticed that the jacket department in my closet is doing well and something like a vest that I could layer and wear indoors might actually be more useful. Hence, why I opted to try this one out!


Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

BOLINAS DUSTER – QUICK FACTS


PRICE: $275 USD $233.75 USD with ‘STYLEBEE15’ to save 15% off any order now through October 31st. All US orders ship free and International orders over $200 USD ship free.

FIT: I am wearing a size OS Regular and my measurements are 32 inch bust, 26 inch waist, 37 inch hip. I’m about 5’7 and 125 lbs. It hits me just below the knee and the front panels can overlap by several inches when I pull them closed. The arm holes are deep and will easily fit just about any size sleeve no problem. I could have sized down to a OS Petite for a more tailored fit but I like the Regular for comfort and more styling options.

Available in sizes OS Petite, OS Regular and OS Plus. ONLY CHILD is also working on expanding their size range further. 

FABRIC: 90% Wool/10% Nylon in Oatmeal. This is a mid-weight wool that’s very soft on the skin (I don’t find it itches my neck at all) and it feels like it’s only going to get softer with wear. It’s not a heavy fabric, in fact it’s quite light for how warm it is. The oatmeal colour is a marled cream/beige that’s a perfect neutral for pairing with earthy tones, navy, ivory, black and dark denim (any neutral essentially). It’s surprisingly cozy and would be great for chilly office days and as a thermal layer under my long camel peacoat.

Also available in Black and Charcoal wool and 4 cotton canvas colours.  

DETAILS: This vest has a shawl collar which can be worn up for warmth around the neck or folded down for a more open look. There are deep inseam pockets that are also wool so they’re toasty and serve as catch-alls for your keys, phone, wallet, sunnies and whatever else you need handy. There is an 8 inch vent at the back, which allows for easy movement.

CARE: Dry clean only. Spot clean as needed with mild detergent.

MADE RESPONSIBLY IN: Oakland, CA. Each item is made to order.


Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

PROS: 

Tons of styling opportunities. I love a duster vest for layering because they always create a dynamic look without taking over the way a coat does. You still get to see the sleeves and an open front creates an interesting visual window for the rest of the look. The Bolinas Duster can work over dresses, jumpsuits and separates just as well as it does over jeans and a long-sleeve tee. This one is also roomy enough that I could overlap the front panels and belt it too!

Added warmth without all the added bulk. I love how this duster has a cozy, cuddly feel like a giant robe or sweater but it’s not swallowing me up the way some outerwear can. No sleeves means I’m not worried about dragging my cuffs through anything (looking at you kimono sleeves), yet, the shawl collar gives the feel of a coat without the commitment of needing to be outdoors to wear it. I love that it’s free of buttons, zippers and clasps of any kind for a streamlined feel. It’s unlined which also keeps it from being too heavy or cumbersome.

CON-CERNS: 

I have a wool vest already and I’ve had a light coloured duster vest in my closet before but eventually parted ways with it. This is all true, and usually that would be enough to steer me away, however, I regularly think of that vest (I sold it to someone who gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse).  This one has a couple of design elements I prefer to my current wool vest (seen here most recently) such as the shawl collar and inseam pockets (instead of exterior ones). It’s also roomier so I could wrap it around and belt it. All-in-all I think the two would probably serve unique purposes in my wardrobe.

It’s DCO (dry clean only) and a light colour. I love my morning coffee and my evening glass of red even more in the winter so I’ll have to be a little bit careful if I keep this one. Luckily, wool doesn’t absorb moisture the way other materials (such as cotton) do so it’s to catch spills before they set into stains.

Shedding potential. I didn’t notice any on the Dune Pants or the Tierra Dress but I saw some light wool fibres on a pair of black jeans I had originally tried under it. So that’s a sign that more shedding is likely yet to come. On the other hand, this marled oatmeal is a great colour and fabric for hiding unwanted shedding from my two fur kids, Dobby the corgi and Evie the cat. I think it’s a net-neutral type of situation and the truth is that I have a roller in every room of my house anyway!


Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

SHOP THIS LOOK 

  • BOLINAS DUSTERgifted ONLY CHILD | $275 USD $233.75 USD with ‘STYLEBEE15’ to save 15% off any order now through October 31st. | Wearing size OSR | Made responsibly in Oakland, CA
  • TIERRA DRESS in BLACK TENCELborrowed ONLY CHILD | $180 USD $153 USD with ‘STYLEBEE15’ to save 15% off any order now through October 31st. | Wearing a size SR | Made responsibly in Oakland, CA
  • TIGHTS | old AMERICAN APPAREL | Linked to a sustainably made option.
  • BOSS BOOTS | gifted EVERLANE | $225 USD | Runs TTS | Made responsibly in Italy
  • EARRINGS | MACHETE | $44 USD | Made sustainably in Atlanta, GA
  • MINDY BAGgifted OPELLE | $375 CAD | Made responsibly in Toronto.


SO…CAN YOU GUESS WHICH ITEM IS A KEEPER FOR ME? 


Style Bee - 3 Items & 3 Looks With Only Child

THE BOLINAS DUSTER!

I’m so excited to add this fabulous piece to my closet for the winter months ahead! You bet I’ll be including it in my Fall 10×10 on Monday and I can’t wait to discover some fun new ways to wear it.

I’m SO glad I got to try out the Dune Pant and the Tierra Dress as well and I really hope that this review might help anyone who’s in the market for pieces like those.

Big thanks to Haley and the Only Child team for being open to partnering with me in this way too!


So there you have my thoughts on a few pieces from the Only Child AW18 Collection! 

Which piece would you have chosen?

Do you have a favourite from the collection? 


Have a great weekend and I hope to see you on Monday as we kick off the Fall 10×10 Challenge!

STYLE BEE PARTNERSHIP: This post was produced in partnership with Only Child, a brand I have supported since Haley’s first collection! These pieces were sent for me to test and review for this post but I only kept the Bolinas Duster. While I receive a commission on sales made using the exclusive Style Bee reader code I never recommend brands or items that I am not personally interested in and feel are a worthwhile investment. This type of partnership enables me to work with independent brands and helps to support my small business. All opinions are entirely my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Style Bee!

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Sarah Winton says:

    Lovely looks as always! I would have kept the duster as well. It’s a great piece.

    http://www.poutineandprada.com

  2. Jen says:

    Hi Lee, I’m back to ask you more questions about trousers! How do you think the Dune pants compare to the J+J raw silk trousers? I’m wondering about fit throughout the hips and waist and the gathering of the fabric at the back. And how does the fabric gathering compare to ES Florence pants? I’ve got the Dune pants in black linen but the elastic at the back refuses to lie flat, there’s so much fabric at the back and the give of the fabric is making me consider passing them on to someone else.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi Jen! The J+J pants are more forgiving through the hips and waist and easier to get on thanks to the side zipper (which also means less gathered fabric is needed at the back). The Dune pants have a slimmer fit in general and fall close to my frame whereas the J+J pant has lots of room. The dune pant is a more ‘crisp’ look overall I’d say. The gathering at the back around the elastic is not much different than the Florence pant in canvas but it feels slightly more substantial than the silk or linen due to the nature of the fabric. I hope that helps!

    • Jen says:

      That’s super helpful Lee! Thank you so much for always taking the time to write really thurough reviews and answering questions.

  3. Kat says:

    Used the discount code to purchase the Solana slim fit pants in olive and the Dune pants in camel – both in the tall inseam per your suggestion! I am 5’7” as well, and VERY often find that pants are just too short to look proportional and appropriate for Detroit winters! Thank you, as always, for so much inspiration!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi Kat! Oh that’s great! I’d love to hear your thoughts on them once they arrive. I hope they work out well for you! I love the Solana pant and those colours are such good choices. The Tall should be great for overlapping boots and such for the winter 🙂 Thanks a lot for the support! xo

  4. Katie says:

    Hello!
    I’ve been looking for a wool coat/sweater and was thinking of the Only Child wool jacket. A few questions.
    What are your thoughts on the material pilling in the future?
    Do you think the wool jacket would fit well under a rain jacket? I live in Seattle…;)
    Other similar wool jacket/cardigan with pockets you would suggest?
    Thanks!
    Katie

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi Katie, Sorry for the delay! Great questions. My wool Cardiff Coat is still in great shape with no significant pilling at all but I think there might be some pilling over time, especially in areas where the fabric rubs (under arms, purse etc.). Not sure though but the wool is soft and a bit fluffy if that makes sense. This also makes it soooo comfy and cozy. Would probably be easy to trim the pills too. I don’t think it’ll fit great under a rain jacket unless the sleeves are wide. I poncho on the other hand, totally fair game! I honestly haven’t seen anything quite like the Cardiff. I hope that helps! xo

  5. Catherine P Horvath says:

    Love the post, Lee. Your reviews are always thoughtful and comprehensive. The Bolinas Duster is so sophisticated without trying, if you know what I mean – clean lines yet avoiding a boring or utilitarian look. The color is versatile and dare I say yummy – oatmeal, get it. ? I just bought a similar duster (less wool content, darn it) or I’d be choosing this one.

    I would add to your observation about vintage wool garments – grab them when you can. The adage “they don’t make ’em like they used to” seriously applies.

  6. Janet says:

    I’ve been thinking about the Sonora Coat but I live in Buffalo and need my winter-ish items to be warm enough. That said, I would love some suggestions for coats that can fit big sweaters/dolman sleeves (like the cotton Babaa). Most of my coats are slim and I can’t fit it under anything I own right now, which is a bummer because I love that cardigan. I’ll take a look at your archives and remind myself of what you have, but if you have any new suggestions, let me know! Love this vest on you, too.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks so much Janet! I hear you on the need for truly warm winter options. The Sonora is gorgeous and would definitely fit well over the Babaa sweater but in the dead of winter you’ll need a warmer option. I have found that vintage coats can be good option (albeit harder to find) because they used to make sleeves and shoulders roomier and used heavier weight wools (instead of poly lining). I’ll try to pull together some good options for properly warm winter coats that can also handle wider sleeves. Thanks for reading! xo

  7. Abbey says:

    Thanks for this! I’ve been debating the Only Child Bolinas vest for months now–I love the look of it but I couldn’t find it reviewed anywhere and that worried me. Now I think I’m finally going to go for it!

    Also, I love the dress-over-pants look–do you find that dresses that are short enough for that tend to look too short (especially for work) with just tights, or is there a perfect length that works for both?

    • Lee the Bee says:

      You’re more than welcome Abbey! I’m so glad the review was helpful for you. I think you’ll LOVE the Bolinas Duster too! I’m wearing it right now 😛

      The Tierra is a good length with tights but a few inches shorter and it might be pushing it for me, especially when worn belted since that hikes the hem up a bit too. I think it varies from person to person as to what they feel comfortable in but I find the key to a dress over tights it the cut and material more than length. I like a straight hem (curved hems don’t look as polished over pants to me), a slight a-line and a fluid material so that it doesn’t cling to the jeans/pants. That said, I wouldn’t want the dress to be much longer than the Tierra when worn over pants. I hope that makes sense haha! xo