a signature collection with elizabeth suzann.

April 5, 2016

elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leaves
This post is sponsored by Elizabeth Suzann, a women’s clothing label based in Nashville, Tennessee.

One of the greatest privileges of my work in this space is to introduce readers to people doing inspiring work. This spring, clothing label Elizabeth Suzann relaunched its Signature Collection. As a label known for a focus on thoughtful, long-lasting designs, tweaking an already good thing might come across as perfectionism. But it’s this kind of attention to detail that makes Elizabeth Suzann stand out. In taking the time to relaunch their signature pieces, the team there has taken a look at their designs, listened to customers’ experience of their clothes, identified what’s working and what could be made better and they’ve gone back to the drawing board, and the pattern-making, and the cutting tables, and sewing machines. The result is a new and improved foundational collection. It’s back to basics, and then some.
elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leaves

In writing about the re-launched collection, designer and founder Elizabeth Pape talks about the versatility and wearability of the clothing on offer. I’m especially intrigued by her thoughts on clothing as cultural artifact. She writes: “Clothing is so intimate, so closely related and influenced by how we live our lives each day.” I love this idea. For me, so much of keeping a pared down wardrobe has to do with this. The goal—whether I always succeed in it or not—is to maintain a collection of clothes that make getting dressed easy. To have a wardrobe filled with clothes I can work in and play in and feel good in whether I’m meeting a colleague for lunch, or dashing around on errands, or sitting for long hours in a café writing, or climbing on furniture to get the perfect shot. As Elizabeth says, the goal is for “clothing that enables us to live life fully, comfortably, without self-consciousness or doubt.” Amen to all that.elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leaves

As part of the Signature Collection relaunch, Elizabeth Suzann has expanded its size offerings, changed some of the fabric choices, identified timeless, season-less pieces, and come up with a collection that women can return to, build on, and grow with.
elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leavesFor my own part, I’ve chosen pieces from the Signature Collection in fabrics that are hard-working and comfortable: linen and cotton twill won for ease in my book. In the photo above I’m wearing the Georgia Tee in ivory linen with the Clyde Work Pant in natural cotton twill. The Georgia Tee feels endlessly versatile. It looks just as sweet dressed up for date night as it does with a pair of jeans. It’s an elegant cut that’s still wearable. In an effort toward making this collection accessible to women of all sizes, what began as a one-size tee now comes in three different sizes. The Clyde Work Pant is the functional pair of pants you’ve always wanted, but with a high waist and playful side pockets to elevate them being only purely functional. They feel of this particular moment at the same time that they feel positively timeless. (These guys range from size 00-16 and come in three different lengths.)elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leaves

Here, I’m in the Georgia Dress in navy linen. Like the tee of the same name, the Georgia Dress is designed for comfort, flexibility, and versatility. It’s designed to be worn alone or layered on top of and underneath other things. I’m looking forward to wearing it for days on end this summer, and really I can’t wait to see this dress years from now: soft and rumpled and every bit as classic as it is now.
elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leaves







elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leavesFinally, here’s the sweet Tilda Pant in navy linen. This pocket-less pant fits slim on the hip and high on the waist for an elegant drape that feels comfy, but not frumpy. It’s already done duty at a dinner out and perched on the edge of the neighborhood sandbox. (The Tilda comes in sizes XS-XL and the same three pant lengths as the Clyde.)elizabeth suzann | reading my tea leaves

If you’re in the market for adding something special to your own closet, Elizabeth Suzann is offering Reading My Tea Leaves readers a$25 discount with the code TEALEAVES25. The code expires May 5, 2016.

Photographs by Stephania Stanley for Reading My Tea Leaves and Elizabeth Suzann.

This post is sponsored by Elizabeth Suzann. All opinions are my own. Thanks so much for supporting the brands that support Reading My Tea Leaves.

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65 Comments

  • Reply Bridgit April 5, 2016 at 7:43 am

    Lovely collection. Looking to buy some pieces but your discount code isn’t working!

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 7:44 am

      Hmm. Will check in and update ASAP!

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 8:01 am

      Oops! Nevermind! It looks like it is working! TEALEAVES25 in the discount code spot should work!

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      • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 8:05 am

        Screenshot to help: discount code

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        • Reply Bridgit April 5, 2016 at 8:05 am

          Thanks!

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  • Reply Lydia @ lupinelydia April 5, 2016 at 8:27 am

    lovely! I love clothes that feel sturdy and solid and rooted, and you can really see that just in the way these drape. 🙂

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  • Reply Erin April 5, 2016 at 8:43 am

    Love the dress. Want to love the shirt but I desperately search for longer items (I am 5’10” so, anything even remotely cropped is just a no-no for me). Maybe I will check it out.

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 9:28 am

      I’d check out the collection and pay attention to the sizing tab! I bet there’s something that would work for you!

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  • Reply Melanie April 5, 2016 at 8:59 am

    What a lovely collection of garments! =)

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  • Reply Kelly April 5, 2016 at 9:04 am

    I had just removed a piece by them from my wish list. I saw it there and asked myself, why am I paying so much for a cotton dress? You reminded me why: I love well-made basics that last.

    If you haven’t read the book Women In Clothes yet, I totally recommend it. It’s given me a lot to think about, and it’s one of the few books I bought a physical copy of.

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  • Reply Denise April 5, 2016 at 9:08 am

    Hi, Erin! I have been considering the Georgia tee for some time, but was unsure of the sizing. What size do you take in the Georgia tee? Thank you!

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 9:23 am

      I believe I have the OS in both! They both fit me with plenty of room!

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  • Reply lara April 5, 2016 at 9:15 am

    so beautiful! makes me want to purge my pants (mostly worn jeans that have unsightly holes in the inseam), and stick to this loose pant look, are those mohinder slip on shoes? I’ve been toying with buying a pair for a year now!

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  • Reply Tara Rasmus April 5, 2016 at 9:49 am

    Erin!! These photos of you are SO beautiful!! Also, I feel like these clothes are SO you—almost like you designed them yourself. Seems like a great partnership. But seriously, you are so beautiful. <3

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 10:55 am

      Thanks so much, Tara. I love these women!

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  • Reply laura April 5, 2016 at 9:57 am

    You could not be more beautiful! Gorgeous collection. Must scoop up something.

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 10:54 am

      Thank you, friend!

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  • Reply Lisa April 5, 2016 at 10:08 am

    Beautiful pics! I’m curious where your leather clutch is from? Thanks!

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  • Reply Eva April 5, 2016 at 11:17 am

    Gorgeous pictures and clothing pieces! I love Elizabeth Suzanns’ collections. The clothing and their purpose really fits within these frames you’ve captured, they’re meant to be comfortable and used over and over.

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  • Reply Kim April 5, 2016 at 11:20 am

    Really nice feature. Erin you really know how to pull off effortless beauty.

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  • Reply Ashley April 5, 2016 at 11:32 am

    I love Elizabeth Suzann clothing! I’ve had the Georgia dress for about a year, and it just gets better with age. I also love the Harper Tunic. I just order another tunic, because I wear the one I have at least two times a week. So excited for the spring launch today!

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  • Reply Emilie April 5, 2016 at 11:58 am

    Erin, you’ve written a lovely review on a company that is new to me. Curious to know if the linen feels at all scratchy – love the color and drape on you, but have sensitive skin.

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 12:02 pm

      Thanks so much! The linen does not feel scratchy! I don’t have particularly sensitive skin, but this linen is really quite soft. Not a brushed cotton, mind you, but not as rough as, say, a linen dishtowel! I’m sure there are more technical terms to use to describe all of this, but I hope that helps!

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  • Reply L April 5, 2016 at 12:07 pm

    Now I must know where your lovely jewels come from! The necklace and cuff bracelet?

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 12:10 pm

      The necklace is one I’ve had since I was little. It has three little charms: a flat circle with my name and birthdate that I got on my baptism, and a shamrock given to me, I think, for my first communion. The third is a little brass disk with a flower etched on it. The bracelet is made by a designer in Connecticut. Not sure of her name. All gifts from my mama.

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  • Reply Gianna Nicolay April 5, 2016 at 12:10 pm

    Your middle part bangs are giving me serious hair envy! You look beautiful and I just discovered this designer last week and after reading your post about I want even more of her beautiful pieces. x

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 12:12 pm

      Oh, thanks! I just got them re-chopped, so they’re not quite so separated anymore 😉

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  • Reply Rita Tocta April 5, 2016 at 2:47 pm

    You look stunning! I’ll be sewing myself some linen pieces this year because shopping is a no-no at this time but I’m happy to get to know this brand. I agree with others it’s almost like you made the collection yourself: so you 🙂 !

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 5:13 pm

      Thank you! So jealous of your sewing skills!

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  • Reply Kim April 5, 2016 at 3:36 pm

    Wow you look so stunning in these picture! Those pieces look like they are made for you! I’ve been pinning after her collection for a while now. Am definitely going to get something now!

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 5:12 pm

      Thank you!

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  • Reply Alexandria April 5, 2016 at 3:37 pm

    I’ve been staring at and dreaming at Elizabeth Suzann’s beautiful creations for a while. I’ve been a little hesitant to purchase though, as I have a 17 month old and am in the stage of life where my size will be influx for awhile (which is one of the great things about her one size pieces), breastfeeding and have sticky fingered kids. I love that even her silks are machine washable- but how do you feel that this collection works with the everyday “work” of this time of life (aka: wiping blueberry juice off the floor, spending a lot of time outside etc…)?

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 5:12 pm

      Color choices notwithstanding, I think it’s great for all kinds of everyday work! A navy linen is probably the world’s most forgiving fabric!

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  • Reply Theresa April 5, 2016 at 4:11 pm

    Is this post secretly about your hair? It’s looking on-point, girl!

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 5:11 pm

      Ha! Thanks! Just chopped it, so the look’s slightly different today!

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  • Reply Nicole Brant April 5, 2016 at 4:17 pm

    Agree with everyone else on how lovely you look, Erin. Random Q: what lipstick are you wearing here? I have an obsession with lip stuffs.

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 5:10 pm

      Thank you! I’m wearing the muted plum from Stowaway!

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  • Reply Emily M. April 5, 2016 at 4:22 pm

    This clothing is incredibly elegant. I’m going to try to save up for a piece – I’m thinking the Emma Kimono in Cotton Twill. And also, the post itself is lovely and peaceful, it gave me a moment to breathe during a very busy day, so thank you!

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 5:10 pm

      So glad!

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  • Reply Mary Kate April 5, 2016 at 4:50 pm

    These clothes look so good on you; alas baggy clothes do not work on my short, curvy frame. Do they have anything more form-fitting, or is this kind of their general style?

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 5, 2016 at 5:09 pm

      You should definitely check out their site! They’ve got a range of things that might work for you!

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    • Reply Tiara April 6, 2016 at 7:05 pm

      I’m in the same boat. There are quite a few fitted pant options, but nothing fitted with dresses and shirts

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      • Reply Erin Boyle April 6, 2016 at 7:53 pm

        There’s the Elise dress if you’re on the hunt for something fitted!

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  • Reply Lauren April 5, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    I love these! Such easy, beautiful and effortless pieces! Totally my jam!

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  • Reply emma April 6, 2016 at 1:20 am

    I’ve been thinking about that dress for a while but in a lighter color. Please tell how sheer it is!!

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 6, 2016 at 7:15 am

      It’s really a pretty tight weave. I haven’t done a light test per se, but it’s not something that even crossed my mind as being a problem! I think you’d be good!

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  • Reply Bridget April 6, 2016 at 10:06 am

    Lovely stuff! Does the linen becomes super wrinkly after washing? I try and avoid clothes that need to be ironed. Thanks so much!

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 6, 2016 at 10:46 am

      All depends on what you like! Linen does rumple up a bit when washed, but I wouldn’t call my wrinkly per se (and I avoid regular ironing too!)

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  • Reply Mun April 6, 2016 at 5:33 pm

    I’m super in love with their line… and I gotta admit that seeing you pottering around your house and neighbourhood makes me want to purchase something even more! <3<3<3

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 6, 2016 at 7:57 pm

      Ha! Pottering about is going into my catch-phrase rotation;)

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  • Reply Elizabeth Kang April 7, 2016 at 1:47 pm

    Wow! The clothes are so beautiful! And your skin is absolutely beautiful, Erin! Thanks for sharing 🙂

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  • Reply Sara April 8, 2016 at 7:37 am

    Hey Erin,

    You look beautiful! So elegant.

    Sara xx

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 8, 2016 at 8:25 am

      Thanks!

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  • Reply Kay April 13, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    Thanks for this lovely feature! Wondering how you would compare/contrast the Clyde versus Tilda pant, in terms of fit/style? xo

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 13, 2016 at 2:19 pm

      The Tilda doesn’t have pockets, so that’s the biggest difference off the bat! It’s also linen, not cotton, so the look is looser and more rumply! There are great product shots on the Elizabeth Suzann website that help show the difference between the two, too!

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  • Reply Melissa April 14, 2016 at 9:42 pm

    Love everything about Elizabeth Suzann and love your choices! I’m trying to decide between the navy and the ivory linen Georgia dress.. What are your thoughts on the ivory linen.. Is it sheer at all? How would black undies hold up under it…? 😉

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    • Reply Erin Boyle April 15, 2016 at 11:00 am

      Thanks! I think trying to wear black underwear with a white linen dress *might* be pushing your luck on the transparency test, but I will say that the linen is pretty tightly woven and I was actually wearing a dark bra the day these photos were shot!

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  • Reply heidi May 17, 2016 at 7:56 pm

    Bummed I missed the discount! What size Georgia dress are you wearing? I love it! Gorgeous clothes!

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  • Reply Ali October 9, 2016 at 2:15 am

    Hello! New to your blog and am an instant fan. I have had a few Elizabeth Suzann pieces on my wishlist and am wondering what size you are wearing in the Tilda pant?

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    • Reply Erin Boyle October 9, 2016 at 1:47 pm

      I have the XS regular length Tilda!

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      • Reply Ali October 10, 2016 at 1:44 am

        A huge help. Thank you!!

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  • Reply Ailsa June 21, 2017 at 5:23 am

    This is late to the party, but I love the Georgia tee on you. I’m considering getting it but unsure of sizing, what size are you wearing here? I’m 5’4 and about 33″ around the bust and can’t decide between the OS and OS-. How tall are you? Xx

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    • Reply ERIN BOYLE June 21, 2017 at 10:51 am

      Hi! If memory serves me, I have the OS minus. I would definitely reach out to Elizabeth Suzann though to ask about specifics and what size they recommend for you!

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