Style Bee - Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

07.02.20

I’m delighted to introduce you to a very special brand from Vancouver, B.C., known as Vestige Story. Led by Aileen Lee, Vestige Story is self-described as, “A poetic synthesis between the essence of minimalistic beauty and the gravity of storytelling.”. This is a sentiment that resonates deeply with my own philosophy on personal style as I’m sure will be the same for many of you as well.

I’ve long admired Vestige Story’s beautiful clothing line and was over the moon when we connected to work together. Having had the opportunity to get to know Aileen and the vision behind her work, I’ve gained even more respect for what it requires to bring a collection of this caliber to life.

In today’s post I’m sharing a detailed look at the Hyle Top (it’s reversible) and Vim Pant (as comfy as pjs) along with a few ways to style each piece. I’ll also be sharing more about how storytelling is woven into every aspect of Vestige and a peek at the newly released Prose Collection. I hope you’ll enjoy discovering this collection of elegant and wearable pieces designed to last a lifetime in both quality and style.


STYLE BEE READERS SAVE 15% OFF ANY VESTIGE STORY PURCHASE WITH ‘STYLEBEE15

Enter code at checkout, valid through July 15th.


This post is produced in partnership with VESTIGE STORY, an independent Canadian-made brand. The featured pieces were gifted and Style Bee earns a commission on sales made using the reader code (at no additional cost to customers). More details below.


Style Bee - Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

ABOUT VESTIGE STORY


I’ve known of and admired Vestige Story for a couple of years now and, more recently, became intrigued through a series of beautifully captured interviews with creatives in the Vancouver area. I love how this brand is uplifting unique individuals and artists through their craft and personal journeys in such an earnest way. Aileen’s interest in the wearers of the clothing she creates is evident through every touchpoint and that really stood out to me.


Here are a few examples of unique artists & creative folks to discover through Vestige Story’s journal :

Tap through to read the stories of:

  • Hannah & Lydia | A creative duo on their first meeting to married life in quarantine.
  • Renée Gouin | A monotype printmaker & artist.
  • Iva Tong | A scientist on the front lines of COVID-19.


A FEW REASONS WHY VESTIGE STORY CAUGHT MY ATTENTION


  • Offers a lean collection of highly wearable and timelessly elegant pieces in comfortable fits, unique fabrics and a neutral palette.
  • Currently operates as an one-woman-show.
  • Works with local tailors in Vancouver B.C. who are paid a living wage. These tailors are women who’ve accumulated decades of garment experience and together, Aileen & her production team make pieces that are meant to last a lifetime.
  • Employs the skills of program graduates from the non-profit society Common Thread, an organization dedicated to providing training and employment in sewing and craft to people with social and work barriers.
  • Sources stunning, natural & plant-based fabrics.
  • Has a price point range from about $95 CAD (Top) – $450 CAD (Coat)

These facts simply scratch the surface of Vestige Story but you can learn more about the brand here.


Why Made In Canada Matters


Aileen and I have connected over our passion for thoughtful style and we got to talking about the importance and unique challenges of producing in Canada. Throughout the experience of COVID-19, it’s become clear that local production is more important than ever.

We’ll be diving into this topic more next week through an IG story series but I wanted to share a taste of the Q&A session I shared with Aileen:


STYLE BEE: What do you wish more folks were aware of when it comes to made in Canada garments?

VESTIGE STORY: Shopping local nourishes all Canadians!

I recently had a conversation with the owner of my partnered factory. I brought up the fact that folks might pay more attention to “Made in Canada” in our post-pandemic future. However, he explained that we are still a long way from shaking off our offshore production dependency. The most basic materials and parts, the crucial nuts and bolts, are still being made outside of Canada today.

His partner added that Vancouver once possessed a vibrant garment manufacturing scene. This industry has been in rapid decline for a long time. I also questioned — do we really want Canadian craftsmanship to disappear altogether?

In the long run, shopping locally provides Canadians with jobs, keeps money circulating in our country and trains our future craftsmen. With a stable economy, the positive benefits will trickle back to the consumers themselves.


This just scratches the surface of our Q&A so be sure to follow @vestige.story or myself @leevosburgh to catch more. Aileen has a wealth of experience & insight within the Canadian slow fashion industry and we’ll be touching on topics like pricing, finding local partners, post-COVID predictions and so much more in this series.


Style Bee - Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

Now for a closer look at the

HYLE TOP & VIM PANT


I’d seen the Hyle Top & Vim Pant set popping up on Vestige Story’s instagram (a must follow!) and was taken by its wearability and uniqueness. The design details and shapes were unlike anything I’d seen before. I loved the versatility of the Hyle Top (it’s reversible!) and the easy, functional fit of the Vim Pant (they’re modelled after pajamas and every bit as comfy).

Now that I’ve had a chance to wear test them both and to see how they integrate into my closet I’m even more convinced that they’re going to be long-term favourites. Read on to see all the elements that stood out to me and some essential sizing and details.


Style Bee - Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

HYLE TOP DETAILS


Style Bee - Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

REVERSIBLE DESIGN

The thoughtfully designed minimal neckline can be worn with a high neck to the front…


Style Bee - Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

…or reversed with the statement making twist to display.

I love how unique this element is and that it’s a touch revealing but still totally bra friendly.


Style Bee - Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

GATHERED ELEMENTS ADD INTEREST

The gathered shoulder, cuff and waist on the Hyle top give it a unique fit that’s effortless to style. No tucking, tying or fussing needed, just slip it on and go!


Style Bee - Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

FABRIC IS LIGHTWEIGHT & BREATHABLE WITHOUT BEING TOO SHEER

I simply wear a light or nude bralette underneath.


Style Bee - Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

ITEM SOURCES: HYLE TOP | VIM PANT | SHEARLING SLIPPERS | PEARL EARRINGS | All Canadian brands.


MORE NOTES ON THE HYLE TOP


PRICE: $210 CAD $178.50 CAD with code ‘STYLEBEE15’.

FABRIC: 30% linen, 70% plant-based viscose. This material is resistant to wrinkles and has an ultra soft hand feel with a beautiful drape. It’s unlike anything I’ve felt before and has the softness of jersey and the movement of silk with the wearability of cotton. Great for lounging at home, dressing up to go out & awesome for travel, when the time comes.

CARE: Machine wash cool on delicate or gentle cycle only. Wash with like colours inside out. Do not bleach. Dry flat. Iron low or steam out any creases.

SIZING/FIT: I’m wearing a size Small and the fit is roomy but not too oversize.

For reference my measurements are approximately: 34 in Bust / 27 in Waist / 38 in Hip

AVAILABLE SIZING: S / M / L

COLOURS: Cream (shown, similar to ecru or a warm off-white) / Black (available for pre-order) / Pink (limited edition and so fun!)

MADE IN: Vancouver B.C. Canada

SHIPPING: Domestic shipping is $8 CAD, US shipping is available for $18 CAD and international shipping is available for $25 CAD. 


SHOP THE HYLE TOP HERE

USE STYLEBEE15 AT CHECKOUT FOR 15% OFF ANY ORDER THROUGH July 15th.


3 FUN WAYS TO STYLE THE HYLE TOP


The Hyle Top layers over a slip dress perfectly thanks to the ease of the split hem and an elastic waist that helps to create shape and adds texture. I like how a little bit of the dress peeks out at the top and with a necklace and some suede slides I’m all set!


The Hyle Top is great for folks with a tendency towards simple styles (like me!) who want an easy-to-wear piece that also packs some interest and fun. Wearing the twist to the back adds a unexpected element to the look with no styling required!


In the summer I love a retro vibe so I paired the Hyle Top with my denim Kamm Pants, some block-heel sandals and a pair of fringe earrings. This one is SO fun and I’ll be rocking this look for some socially distanced backyard time with friends. In this outfit I also folded the elastic hem under and it creates a whole different feel!


Style Bee - Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

ITEM SOURCES: HYLE TOP & VIM PANT (gifted) | SHEARLING SLIPPERS | PEARL EARRINGS | All Canadian brands.


VIM PANT DETAILS


Style Bee - Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

ELEGANT SHAPE

The slightly tapered leg has a gentle flare at the bottom for an elongating silhouette. I really love the unique shape of the Vim Pant.


Style Bee - Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

ELASTIC WAIST BAND & POCKETS

An elastic waist adds ease and comfort while in seam pockets offer practical function without distraction or bulk.


Style Bee - Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

TONAL DOUBLE SIDE SEAM & DEEP HEM

These subtle design details elevate the pant style making them feel dressier while offering more versatility along with supreme comfort.


ESSENTIAL NOTES ON THE VIM PANT


PRICE: $210 CAD $178.50 CAD with code ‘STYLEBEE15’.

FABRIC: 30% linen, 70% plant-based viscose. This material is resistant to wrinkles and has an ultra soft hand feel with a beautiful drape. It’s unlike anything I’ve felt before and has the softness of jersey and the movement of silk with the wearability of cotton. Great for lounging at home, dressing up to go out & awesome for travel, when the time comes.

CARE: Machine wash cool on delicate or gentle cycle only. Wash with like colours inside out. Do not bleach. Dry flat. Iron low or steam out any creases.

SIZING/FIT: I’m wearing a size Small (these were a sample I borrowed for the shoot) and they fit very comfortably. That said, I decided to order a Medium for my personal set, which results in a slightly roomier fit through the hip and a bit more room in the waist. On the Vestige size chart I’m right in between Small & Medium so depending on what your desired fit is, you could size up or down accordingly.

For reference my measurements are approximately: 34 in Bust / 27 in Waist / 38 in Hip

AVAILABLE SIZING: S M L

COLOURS: Cream (shown) / Black (available for pre-order) / Rust (currently in my cart) / Pink (so fun for summer) / Taupe (on sale) / Ecru / Brushed Cotton (on sale)

MADE IN: Vancouver B.C. Canada

SHIPPING: Domestic shipping is $8 CAD, US shipping is available for $18 CAD and international shipping is available for $25 CAD. 


SHOP THE VIM PANT HERE

USE STYLEBEE15 AT CHECKOUT FOR 15% OFF ANY ORDER THROUGH July 15th.


3 FUN WAYS TO STYLE THE VIM PANT


Right now I love the Vim Pant with a fitted mid sleeve tee and a pair of classic block-heel sandals. I also wanted to show them over a black top so you can see there isn’t much show through. When it cools down in the fall I’ll throw on a trench jacket for a minimal look.


Thanks to the forgiving elastic waistband you can wear the Vim Pant higher or lower on your waist depending on the top you’re pairing them wth. I like to wear them just below my natural waist when pairing with a front tie top like this one.


I wouldn’t have thought that a silk button down and loafers would suit the Vim Pant but this look is one of my favourites! Leaving the bottom few buttons undone and rolling the sleeves gives this top a laid-back vibe that balances the loafers and headband.


Style Bee - Sets & Sensibility with Vestige Story

& JUST LIKE THAT WE’VE COVERED A WEEKS WORTH OF OUTFITS WITH THE HYLE TOP AND VIM PANT!

I hope this introduction to Vestige Story has been enjoyable and that you’ve got an incredible Canadian-made brand to add to your list. At the very least perhaps some new styling ideas!

If you have any additional questions about these pieces or Vestige Story, please don’t hesitate to ask.


STYLE BEE READERS SAVE 15% OFF ANY VESTIGE STORY PURCHASE WITH ‘STYLEBEE15

Enter code at checkout, valid through July 15th.


BE SURE TO EXPLORE THE NEWLY RELEASED (& INCREDIBLY CHIC) PROSE COLLECTION

Style Bee readers can shop the PROSE Collection with ‘STYLEBEE15’ and save 15% through July 15th (a full set is under $200 CAD). Simply enter the code at checkout.

AILEEN ON PROSE: As a brand owner, I thought to myself: how can I make slow, locally made fashion more obtainable to my community, especially in the face of a dangerously slowing economy? Most of the affordable loungewear and basics I find in malls are made off shore. How can I help keep the circulation of money within our own country?

The Prose Collection was my answer:

  • Durable basics for everyday wear.
  • Quality, sustainable fabrics.
  • Sizing expanded up to XXXL.
  • A lowered price point that does not affect my factory worker’s living wages. ($95 CAD – $128 CAD $80.75 CAD – $108.80 CAD)

I am a small brand, and I work with a small sewing team. Our endeavours are small, but I believe small steps will accumulate to bigger feats.


THANK YOU FOR READING AND HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!


A QUICK NOTE: I completely understand that during these uncertain times not everyone is in a position to shop. My goal is always to share inspiration first and foremost, with options to shop if you choose. I hope this post offers up lots of styling ideas for pieces you already have and highlights details worth considering when you’re ready to add to your closet again.  


This post is produced in partnership with VESTIGE STORY and contains commissionable links. The featured products were gifted as part of this collaboration and Style Bee earns a commission on sales made using the reader discount code (at no additional cost to customers). Thanks for supporting the independent brands that support Style Bee! 

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Alessandra Reid says:

    I LOVE THIS SET. They seem easy to style and seems like the perfect weight for summer. Definitely going on my wish list!