As is true for most of us, I’m always on the lookout for ways to spice up my wardrobe. Although I absolutely have my tried and true shops I frequent (both vintage and vintage inspired), discovering a new shop comes with it it’s own thrill. In particular, I love discovering new small businesses – shops that source local material and put time and care into the art they create. Enter SAMDE La Jupe.
Despite having been around the fashion block a few times, I admit I had never heard of SAMDE La Jupe until I was contacted by the lovely owner and designer Charity. But, it took me about 3 seconds on her website before I knew I had found my way home – frothy feminine full skirts abound! A bit of research on her company (I am a scientist after all), I learned that Charity worked for Eva Franco for years before starting out on her own. In addition to designing all of the pieces in house out of her studio in Los Angeles, Charity sources all of her textiles locally and each piece is lovingly made in the USA. I feel such a kinship to entrepreneurs and companies that share my commitment to the time and care that true art deserves. And fashion is the art we get to live in.
So, when Charity offered me the chance to live in some of her art, I was so excited to work together. After swooning over just about every garment on the website, I was sent four beautiful pieces to review – some squarely in my wheelhouse, with full skirts ready to take on my crinoline collection – and others that pushed my sensibilities and challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone in the very best way…
Elise & Anise
The piece that instantly stole my heart was the Anise skirt – made of a bold yellow jacquard, this skirt makes a statement without having to say a word. She has all of the things I love in a skirt: a wide waistband (2 3/8″ wide) and a full skirt with perfectly set box pleats. She took one of my fullest crinolines from Handmade Petticoats and didn’t even break a sweat. This skirt really felt luxurious to wear – fully lined in what feels like a silk satin – and closing with an invisible side zip and hook & eye closure.
I also decided to go for the full set and wore it with the matching Elise top. I love that you can pair these two pieces separately or together. The Elise is made out of the same Jacquard fabric (64% Polyester, 36% Cotton) and has an open back with wide, criss-cross straps and a side invisible zip. The bare back and super cropped shape was definitely pretty daring for me – but as a set with the high waisted skirt I still felt really put together with just the right amount of skin showing.
I opted for the size 4 in the Anise skirt and 6 in the Elise top – and I’m generally a US size 6 with a 27-28″ waist and a 36″ bust. I feel these were pretty true to size if a bit small. The Anise skirt was a hair over 28″ at the waist (which sits between the 2 and 4 according to the SAMDE La Jupe size chart) and fell 31″ from waist to hem (aka Kara’s Happy Length).
The Elise top has more give in sizing because it’s an open criss-cross back, measuring ~16″ from shoulder to hem and 6″ underarm to hem. As a taller gal, this hit just under the bust line on me (though may be longer on more petite customers). Of all of the pieces, I think I struggled most with the fit of the crop top due to the open back. As a fuller-busted gal, I have me quite the collection of brassieres to help batten down the hatches. However, this isn’t a piece you can wear a normal bra with. My solution was a stick-em-up style backless bra, which has molded cups and adhesive in the side straps. In addition, I think because my bust cup runneth over, the top sat slightly away from the body in the front. So, I may have been able to size down to a 4 in this piece. But, I will probably make the very simple adjustment of a hook & eye at the back to secure the criss-cross straps where I want and keep the fit snug at the front.
Overall, I was thrilled with these pieces – the color is heavenly and the set is perfect for spring and summer. The heavier jacquard fabric of the skirt will definitely also make it a great transition piece for autumn and winter. Year round clothing? Yes please!
Outfit Details:
Top: Elise c/o SAMDE la Jupe
Skirt: Anise c/o SAMDE la Jupe
Shawl: gift (similar)
Handbag: Glenda Gies (similar here & here)
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Baudry
Of all of the pieces I got to take for a spin, I would say the most surprising for me to fall in love with was the Baudry top. As you all well know, I’m a huge fan of a fitted bodice and a full skirt. But, for some reason this boxy top just called to me. I loved the unique juxtaposition of materials and prints. The gingham and intricate hand-sewn floral embroidery. The sheer bodice that could be styled as daringly as I liked. It felt both earthy and bold and got me really excited to flex my styling muscles.
The Baudry top comes in one size fits most – and I can definitely attest to a roomy fit. Mine measured 43″ bust and 43″ waist. Mine fell 16″ from shoulder to waist and slipped on over my head without any zippers or closures. Because of the volume on top, I opted for a fitted silhouette down south, but am really excited to play with the styling options and try a high waisted flared skier (navy polka dots are in her future…). The bodice had stunning embroidery on the front and back – I went with a cami underneath for these photos, but when I’m feeling cheeky I may opt for just a champagne-colored bra…
This piece is made from a combination of silk and linen and managed to feel as delicate as a gossamer butterfly wing but sturdy and earthy at the same time (an impressive feat for a top to pull off!) I thought the gingham sleeves gave it a bit of a farm girl touch – as if this is a gal who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, but still wants to slip into couture…
Outfit Details:
Top: Baudry c/o SAMDE la Jupe
Skirt: Anthropologie (similar here & here)
Bracelet: Swarovski
Handbag: gift, vintage (similar here & here)
Shoes: Miss L Fire, sold out (similar here & here)
Bouffant Belle
Ie have (finally) accepted that I have a type. No one likes to be typecast, but it’s pretty obvious that, of all of the pieces from SAMDE La Jupe, the Bouffant Belle skirt was definitely my type. Made from layers of twinkly champagne tulle and an overlay of sparkly burnout velvet polka dots, this cutie and I are ready to hit the town. The skirt itself has 4 layers of underskirts, including a built in crinoline, and really gives it amazing shape and dimension. I particularly like that the sheer & opaque layers are all interspersed and of different lengths, which hints at what lies beneath and gives off the illusion of wearing candlelight. I just loved the inherent girliness of this piece – I mean, sparkle and tulle?? Sign me up!
The Bouffant Belle skirt comes in sizes 0 to 16 (27″-36″ waist). Again, I went with a size 4, which is 29″ waist according to the size chart. Mine was a bit smaller, measuring 28″ waist and fell 27″ waist to hem at its longest layer. The quality of this piece was amazing – although made out of 100% polyester, the skirt felt luxurious against my skin. I loved the ombre effect of the polka dots, which increased in size and density towards the hem. I styled it for a night on the town for these photos, but can actually see it with a simple t-shirt and converse for an off-duty ballerina type of look.
This skirt has a narrower waistband than the Anise at 1″ wide and closed at the back with a hook and eye and invisible zipper. I put a light crinoline underneath (cause we all have a type, right?), but the skirt had a lovely fullness just on its own. It was beautifully twinkly yet still understated, and I can tell I’m going to be wearing it for years to come.
Outfit Details:
Top: WHBM (similar)
Skirt: Bouffant Belle c/o SAMDE la Jupe
Belt: Altar’d State (similar)
Handbag: Moyna, NY (similar)
Shoes: DSW (similar here & here)
The Anise skirt and Bouffant Belle skirt both retail for $168 USD and the Elise top and Baudry top for $78, all available through the SAMDE La Jupe website. I find the prices of SAMDE La Jupe designs to be incredibly reasonable, particularly given these are such high-end, designer garments that are designed and produced in the US with so much attention to detail. If any of SAMDE La Jupe’s amazing pieces have caught your eye, Charity is offering a coupon code exclusively to my readers! Use code givecolorfully at checkout to take 30% off your order at SAMDE La Jupe, good through September 22, 2018.
This shop has free worldwide shipping (which is AMAZING – as someone who used to live in Australia, it was often the shipping fees that would kill me). And even better, Charity offers size customization for her pieces – if you fall between sizes on the size chart or want something made to a specific waist measurement, send her a message and her team will do their best to accommodate. You can also check out SAMDE La Jupe on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram to keep up with Charity’s latest collections and inspirations as soon as they hit her site.
I personally love supporting small businesses and was so thrilled for the chance to work with Charity and familiarize myself with her brand. She is such a lovely person and I kind of wish she lived closer so we could grab a coffee and discuss fashion all day. But for now, drooling over her site will have to do (ohhhh that Poppy skirt – I’m coming for you!).
This is definitely a brand to watch – I’m really excited to see what she comes out with next.
xoxo
Outfit 1 Details:
Top: Elise c/o SAMDE la Jupe
Skirt: Anise c/o SAMDE la Jupe
Shawl: gift (similar)
Handbag: Glenda Gies (similar here & here)
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Outfit 2 Details:
Top: Baudry c/o SAMDE la Jupe
Skirt: Anthropologie (similar here & here)
Bracelet: Swarovski
Handbag: gift, vintage (similar here & here)
Shoes: Miss L Fire, sold out (similar here & here)
Outfit 3 Details:
Top: WHBM (similar)
Skirt: Bouffant Belle c/o SAMDE la Jupe
Belt: Altar’d State (similar)
Handbag: Moyna, NY (similar)
Shoes: DSW (similar here & here)
Lip Color: Retrofuturist
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