MY MUST-HAVE TUNIC!

Tunics are so easy! I just love that you can throw a tunic over a pair of jeans, leggings, or jeggings and you’re set. There are, however,  some pretty unflattering tunics out there, and as far as I’m concerned, a tunic has to be beautifully cut: loose but not baggy, figure-hugging but not tight. Huh- not so easy to find, unless you’ve heard of the Kline Tunic by Raw Earth Wild Sky. I’m going to admit right off the bat that this company is co-owned by a great mate of mine – a fellow Brit who has an incredible eye for detail – not just in the design of each and every garment she creates, but also in how the garments are made – talk about ECO-FRIENDLY! Before I explain about that side of things, I have to tell you that the Kline Tunic (photos don’t do it justice,) is the best piece of clothing I own this year. I have worn my Charcoal Gray tunic to death – and actually it’s holding up brilliantly considering how many times it’s been through a wash & dry cycle.

A huge peeve of mine when buying cheap t-shirts is that they’re actually a total waste of money because after two or three washes, they look terrible. Cheap cotton pills very quickly, so aside from being harsh on the environment (mega pesticide use,) they also end up NOT saving y0u money because after a few months, it’ll make it’s way to your rag bin or the landfill. BTW – you cannot toss old shirts or any kind of cloth in your recycling bin – it either has to be taken to a thrift store, torn up for a rag, or shoved in your regular trash.

On the other hand, if you spend a little more to buy good-quality, organic cotton, you’ll likely end up with something that will last for a few years. Did you know the average life of a t-shirt is 3 months! I promise you – I heard this from a buyer of a massive chain store and he has the inside scoop. Of course they depend on t-shirts only lasting that long. So spend a bit more with the intention of keeping your precious shirt for quite a bit longer. I’ve got dozens of Raw Earth Wild Sky pieces and even after years of heavy-handed washing, they’re still looking great.

A particular favorite bottom of mine is the Scout Pant – I only have a pair in every color – it’s my travel pant of choice because it manages to look smart, sexy and yet be super-comfy at the same time. Also I promised my husband that I’d never wear those velour Juicy-type sweats again – says it reminds him of Carmela in the Sopranos – thanks a lot!!

So back to the Kline Tunic – you cannot go wrong with one of these beauties this season. It suits all body types, comes in a plethora of colors, can be worn over practically anything and is perfect for layering when it gets really cold. As I suggested in my first book, Gorgeously Green, just pick ONE  change to make a difference. Most of us can’t afford to buy more than one organic piece per season, but just the one will do – it means you’re voting with your dollars for sustainable farming, and you’re supporting a company – one of the very few companies actually, who really walks the walk (manufacture in Los Angeles, treat workers well, gives jobs to Americans,  low-impact dyes, water conservation, etc etc).

One word of warning – my mate tells me that these tops are bestsellers and my guess is that unless you get on it fast, they likely will have run out of your size and/or color choice. Hopefully I’ll met you along the way in our matching tunics!