a cold weather collection from elizabeth suzann.

This post is sponsored by Elizabeth Suzann, a clothing label based on a philosophy of mindful, careful consumption.

Ta da! Here I am, very pregnant. It’s just a thing about me right now. Like having garlic breath or a good hair day, it’s something I carry around, mostly for better and sometimes for worse and you might not even know it unless you’ve seen me up close in personal. I’ve learned to manage or mask or flaunt my expanding belly depending on my mood or the side of the bed I climb out on. I try my best to take good care. At nearly 32 weeks, I’m trying very hard to stay comfortable. Staying comfortable sane in the third trimester depends an awful lot on heating pads and warm baths and nightly demands for massages, but it also depends a fair bit on a supportive wardrobe.

Elizabeth Suzann launched their Cold Weather Collection earlier this fall. Like their Signature Collection, the intention was create a stock of basics that customers could come to depend on. Or, as designer Elizabeth Pape would put it: “to build a foundational collection of timeless wardrobe staples.” Instead of the typical model of fashion designers releasing seasonal collections that get replaced year in and year out, Elizabeth is hopeful that the designs of the Cold Weather collection will stay steadfast. It’s filled with long sleeves and thicker fabrics. As always, construction and comfort and a commitment to making clothes for a diverse group of customers are paramount.

No, these aren’t maternity clothes, but they’ve been very comfortable indeed for this pregnant woman. Here are three pieces I’ve been enjoying from their Cold Weather collection:

The Ida Trench is an oversized trench for days when you need deep pockets. (And isn’t that every day?) It comes in black, natural, and khaki-colored cotton canvas. (I’m wearing the khaki color in size XS in these shots.)

When Elizabeth designed the jacket she had in mind someone taking the jacket on a trip to the public library. I heartily agree that it’s the perfect library-going coat. The pockets are cut in the same generous u-shape found in the Signature Collection’s Clyde Pant and they’re just right for stowing a good book or three.

Underneath the trench, I’m wearing the Eva Dress made from raw silk broadcloth. The high boat neck is so elegant and the full cut of the dress makes it incredibly comfortable for a growing belly. 

Best of all, it’s a dress that can be dressed up or dressed down. I’m planning to pair it with tights now that the weather is getting chillier. (I’m wearing the black Eva dress in size XS in these shots.)

All of the pieces in the collection are made with the same incredible attention to detail and quality that are the hallmarks of every Elizabeth Suzann piece I’ve had the good fortune to touch. I especially love the double shoulder seam on the Ida Trench.

Off to the library I go. 

With a trusty pair of maternity jeans or leggings, the Long Sleeve Harper Tunic is my new very favorite thing to wear. It’s cut from the same nubby raw silk broadcloth as the Eva dress shown above. I love that it’s roomy enough to fit over my pregnant belly right this minute but that like the dress, I have every confidence it will drape just as beautifully and forgivingly in the months after this little one makes his or her debut. (Bonus: It’s long enough to cover my bum, but loose enough that I’ll be able to pull it up for nursing.) Also: A pocket!

I’m wearing the eggshell Long Sleeve Harper Tunic in the OS minus size.

The shawl collar on the Ida Trench can be work folded down or pulled up for a more structural effect. 

Head to Elizabeth Suzann to take a look at the entire Cold Weather Collection. (For folks looking for an extra layer of warmth this time of year, they also just launched new knits in collaboration with Kordal New York.)

Because every Elizabeth Suzann piece is made to order in their Nashville studio, please allow 3-4 weeks for these pieces to ship. Elizabeth Suzann ships free, worldwide.

And here’s a helpful heads up: If you plan to place your orders this week, your dollars will stretch even further. Starting on Black Friday (11/25) and running through Cyber Monday (11/28), Elizabeth Suzann is offering a special discount to customers seeking to build a more intentional wardrobe and they’re running a simultaneous charity match to benefit the American Refugee Committee. Here’s what you need to know:

+ $20 off purchases of $250 or more with code TAKE20
+ $50 off purchases of $500 or more with code TAKE50
+ $100 off purchases of $750 or more with code TAKE100
+ $150 off purchases of $1000 or more with code TAKE150

For the curious: My hat is made by Brookes Boswell; my clogs are from Bryr; my bag is by Utility Canvas.

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.

Photographs by Whitney Kidder for Reading My Tea Leaves.