There really couldn't be a better time for refreshing (and re-organizing) the clothes that are hanging in our closets. Like many of you, I am in the process of doing this myself, and I can tell you first-hand..."this is no simple task!" As the experts in this field have so wisely advised, it is so important to be thoughtful of what you should keep in your closet to maintain functionality. If you haven't done this for awhile, you might have to ask yourself a few tough questions...
Does this still fit me? Do I still like this style? Does this color still look good on me? Am I going to wear this in the next 3-6 months?
Once you have removed the items that didn't make the cut, you can toss, donate, re-sell, re-purpose, or put them into storage elsewear. Now that you can fully utilize all of that valuable real estate in your closet, you can re-discover (and re-organize if needed) all of the clothes that you already have, and you LOVE!
You will also be able to see exactly what your wardrobe is lacking. For example, you may have plenty of sleeveless tops, but not enough bottoms...or you might have lots of sleeveless dresses, but you don't have any lightweight jackets to layer over them on cooler days. If you're anything like me, you might even find that you have a rainbow of colors in FLAX tees and tunics, but not enough neutrals...or a ton of Solids, but not enough patterned pieces to break them up.
The FUN part has finally arrived! Now you can start shopping for those wardrobe staples that you are missing, or that "must-have" statement piece that you need to refresh your looks!
The FLAX brand makes it so easy to build a beautiful wardrobe that will last for years, with only a few additions here and there, to add a new texture, or a new splash of color. The styles that FLAX offers are timeless, and they are woven in Linen, which is a natural fiber that is lightweight, breathable, pre-shrunk, and durable. I can tell you from personal experience (and all of our loyal FLAX fans will back me up), when I say that FLAX Linen clothing is definitely designed for maximum comfort and longevity!
We are currently offering a total of 7 New FLAX 2023 Collections, including Sunshine 2023, which is our newest arrival! You can also shop our FLAX favorites that remain with limited stock in Vintage FLAX and Vintage URBAN. With such a large variety of styles and colors, there truly is something for every occasion!
~ Tonya, J. Fenton Too (Charlottesville Va)
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The unique character of both linen, and the FLAX brand, distinguishes them from all else-- and we’re very proud of that! Their story is not just how, but why FLAX has become a mainstay in the fashion industry. We know that here at Linen Woman they are utterly irreplaceable!
A wise message we found in the Flowing Pant encourages you to have a positive mindset every time you put them on: “I love my body”
~ Sophia, J.Fenton Gallery (Williamsburg, VA)
]]>In our globalized world, near-constant consumption has become virtually synonymous with living a modern life. In this new brand of consumerism, quantity quickly overcomes quality. Here at Linen Woman, we sing a different tune!
Conscious consumerism is the movement to encourage the thoughtful purchase of products that both last longer and have a neutral or positive effect on the environment and those involved in production. In buying more quality goods, like the specialty linen clothing that FLAX offers, your clothes look better and last longer, with the added benefit of reducing your overall carbon footprint. Through purposeful purchasing, your dollar becomes a powerful indicator of support, which can lead to even more eco-friendly and moral choices in production to come! Perhaps even more vitally, it can turn declarations of support into substantive action, both in the part of the producers and the consumers.
The FLAX brand of linen clothing embodies the tenets of being a conscious consumer. The people behind FLAX make genuine and substantial efforts to make the production and distribution process of their linen clothing environmentally friendly. As discussed in our recent Blog Post (May 29th 2020), the FLAX brand backs up their claim of sustainability and reflects a commitment to thoughtful production and consumption.
Even better, FLAX offers the type of clothing you buy, and love, for life! Their specialty linen fabric is of supreme quality, and beyond being machine-washer friendly, it is built to last. The durability of natural linen fabric ensures that, even after many years of use, your clothing will retain its shape. Even more, the relaxed cuts are timeless, for effortless style year-round. Like numerous other FLAX designs, the Floods and the S/S Crop V are just two of the many versatile items, offered in a variety of colors, that can be worn year-after year, season after season because Classics like these just don’t go out of style! And, as many of our Linen Woman customers will tell you, their favorite FLAX linen pieces have lasted decades! Even more, your FLAX linen clothing can even be repurposed to new heights. Looking for a change but still in love with one of your all-time favorite FLAX pieces? You can bleach the 100% linen fabric and re-dye it to a color from a past collection, or you can even make your own original!
With a thoughtfully curated FLAX linen wardrobe, there are almost endless possibilities! We suggest you spend time considering the needs of your lifestyle and what cuts are most flattering for you, and we’re sure you’ll find something functional and stylish for any occasion. Every FLAX Collection offers staple pieces that are designed to be multi-functional-- meaning you can easily restyle and refashion them for an entirely different look! For instance, by wearing it open, a FLAX Button-Down Blouse can be easily converted into a light jacket! If the weather is a bit cool, many knee-length Dresses can be refashioned into Tunics, if worn over a Linen Pant or Leggings. In addition, almost all FLAX linen pieces, like the Sleeveless Tanks, lend well to layering, so that the same pieces you love in the Summertime can keep you warm in the Wintertime! Even more, you can layer different textures and patterns for a fresh take on a classic look. FLAX designs their Collections to coordinate, including a wide range of Neutrals, Pastels, Bold Brights, and Jewel Tones, which makes mixing and matching a breeze! The versatility of FLAX alone makes it a thoughtful and lasting purchase, easily fitting into the lifestyle of a conscious consumer!
With a little bit of thought, and a whole lot of style, you can find many ways to build a “Conscious Closet” with FLAX! Supporting brands that imagine a kinder and more considerate world is the essence of our mission and embedded in our ethos. Our purchasing power has been, and will continue to be, an amazing facilitator of change. We hope you will be inspired to make a conscious effort to support brands like FLAX, and embrace the idea of living sustainably by making only quality and enduring purchases that you will love for life!
If you would like to learn more about why being a “Conscious Consumer” matters, you can read more about it from the New York Times and Medium.
Here’s to crafting a “Conscious Closet”!
For one, linen is breathable and encourages great airflow. Due to its construction, linen is naturally permeable to the air, which encourages the circulation that keeps you cooler for longer. Furthermore, linen can absorb up to 1/5 of its weight in liquid without feeling noticeably damp. Meaning, while you sweat, the linen will actually wick away the moisture! These dual mechanisms of linen create a natural cooling effect, which makes FLAX an essential for any Summer wardrobe. While all linen is naturally lightweight, FLAX offers several styles in a Handkerchief-weight linen, more delicate and lightweight than any other linen they offer, ensuring you won’t feel bogged down by a heavy fabric in the heat. Rather than feel inhibited by the hot weather, you can stay cool and comfortable in FLAX linen clothing while looking stylish to boot! Keep in mind that 100% linen fabric gives slightly as you wear it, adding comfort as the day goes on, and is durable enough to be machine washable without the worry of shrinkage -- an effortless choice for a hot Summer day.
For a relaxed day out in the sunshine, the Midtown Dress from the more contemporary FLAX Urban II 2021, the Gallery Dress from FLAX Urban 2021, or the Horizon Dress from the FLAX Urban 2020 collection, are just a few of our Top Picks! Featuring 100% Handkerchief Linen that has been steam-crunched to achieve the signature "crinkled" look, these dresses are ideal for achieving high style with low maintenance, and are offered in soft and summery shades. In these dresses, you can forget all about the heat, slip on a pair of sandals, and just enjoy the sun!
Finally, the change of the seasons can signify new beginnings and a dynamic vitality. With an unusual year behind us, we can move into the Spring and Summer seasons by looking towards the future with unrelenting hope. I would like to end this week’s post with the poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African American poet and playwright of the late 1800’s, who wrote about this palpable buzz of energy in an excerpt of his poem In Summer.
~ Sophia, J.Fenton Gallery (Williamsburg, VA)
Oh, summer has clothed the earth
In a cloak from the loom of the sun!
And a mantle, too, of the skies' soft blue,
And a belt where the rivers run.
And now for the kiss of the wind,
And the touch of the air's soft hands,
With the rest from strife and the heat of life,
With the freedom of lakes and lands.
]]>Yoga is the noble practice of unifying one’s mind, body, and spirit through a series of postures and poses. Derived from the writing of ancient Indian sages, the discipline of yoga can be both a spiritual and physical activity. Yoga encourages you to foster an awareness of your body through measured, thoughtful breathing and movement. At times, practicing yoga can help quiet the mind and achieve much-needed clarity.
Any yoga instructor will tell you-- comfortable clothing is key to the practice of yoga. For instance, itchy, uncomfortable fabrics can leave you irritated both physically and mentally, pulling your attention away from your body and your practice. Breathable, non-restrictive clothing like linen allows you to move freely and get the most out of every movement. Naturally, this makes FLAX the ideal outfit for yoga-- you may even forget you’re wearing anything at all! The comfortable, airy linen can help you breathe into the relaxation. As well, our sustainably made FLAX reflects a commitment to loving and respecting the earth, a tenet embedded within the discipline of yoga.
For your yoga needs, I recommend the sporty Urban Crop, or the even more relaxed Full Time Pant. As all three are part of our Urban FLAX collections, they have a cotton knit trim and a natural wrinkle perfect for comfortable, flexible movement. Whether practicing yoga at home or at Yogaville where many of our regular customers in Charlottesville retreat to, yoga can help you lean into the current moment and arrive at even greater revelations. At the present moment when we can genuinely affect the world with our every action, wellness is more paramount than ever. Why let uncomfortable clothing stop you when you can wear FLAX?
Happy Yoga and Namaste!
~ Sophia, J.Fenton Gallery (Williamsburg, VA)]]>So what is sustainability and why does it matter? Sustainability refers to embracing eco-friendly measures that conserve the earth’s natural resources, while also maintaining the same quality of life we’re accustomed to. In short, sustainability is about enjoying material goods without contributing to polluting forces, making the production sustainable. However, the marking of a “sustainable” product is nebulous at best and false at worst. It is important for consumers to hold brands accountable for their eco-friendly promises, which is where FLAX excels!
From the very start, FLAX has been committed to creating a sustainable product. The linen of FLAX clothing, extracted from the eponymous flax plant, is one of the world’s most eco-friendly fabrics. Derived from the earth itself and fed by rainwater, the flax plant requires little intervention to prosper, conserving vital water! Furthermore, FLAX adheres to regulations of the European REACH organization, which ensures that any chemicals involved in the production process have a neutral effect on the environment. With both water and chemical waste being major contributors to the polluting effect of the fashion industry, FLAX’s record reflects a credible commitment to sustainability. Even better, all of the buttons on FLAX clothing are made using the natural seeds of the Corozo Palm tree, utilizing a native substance of the earth without being exploitative. FLAX stands apart as one of the few brands that actually follows through on promises of “sustainability.” These layered efforts to create a sustainable product make FLAX an exceptional choice for fashion AND for supporting brands that protect the environment. Your purchasing power reflects the type of world you want to live in, and supporting brands like FLAX who actively embrace sustainable practices is an incredibly valuable action we can all take!
~ Sophia, J.Fenton Gallery (Williamsburg, VA)With much more time spent at home and an increasing need to destress, the phrase “Dress How You Want to Feel!” has never felt more relevant! As we navigate the changing landscape of community health restrictions, our Flax clothing is perfect for feeling unrestricted. The breathable and flexible linen of our Flax clothing allows you to connect with the natural world, without feeling contained by harsh and stiff fabrics. Our linen fabric is inherently lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, and thermoregulating, and our thoughtful Flax cuts emphasize those qualities for the best possible wear. Whether taking a stroll in your neighborhood, lounging on the couch, or simply stepping out to get some air, Flax is the ideal clothing for you. For those days when you want to get out of your pjs and slip into something just as comfy (& even more stylish!), Flax is the perfect fit. You’ll never want to wear jeans again!
~ Sophia, J.Fenton Gallery (Williamsburg, VA)
]]>I do hope the day finds you well and you are enjoying your shopping experience here on our website.
After fielding some emails and phone calls regarding size options and also processing some returns due to incorrect sizing, I have decided to post a blog that may be helpful as you proceed through the process of making your next FLAX selection.
There are a lot of choices and we understand (especially for new customers) that picking the right fabric in the right size can be daunting, especially when there are words used like - over sized - roomy and bias, to name a few....Here in the store, all we have to do is take one look at a customer and USUALLY we can get you in the right size first try - we are that good! Unfortunately we are not so tech savvy as to have an online personal shopper that can see you - but....we want to offer you the same personal experience and expertise that we would offer you in store - online.
I cant say it enough.....
Please email me with your questions at info@linenwoman.com
And if you have trouble navigating the web site, call me (434) 293-1800 and I can help you through it or we can do phone order, and make sure you are getting the right size.
We are here in the boutique in Charlottesville, Virginia - Monday through Friday from 10am - 4:30 pm, someone is always available to talk to you and help with any questions or issues you may encounter. If we happen to be particularly busy we may have to take your name and number and call you back, but rest assured we will get back to you just as soon as its possible...We truly love helping our customers!
Until then....here are a few helpful hints to keep in mind when shopping with us online.
FABRICS: linen is a natural fiber and when you put it on and it warms with your body temperature the fibers will expand and grow a bit. This is a blanket statement for everyone, no matter body type or size, linen fibers always expand.
Often in the boutique we will see women who may have larger chest measurements come in between sizes - one is snug, the other too loose. Our standard response is to always stick with the more snug rather than moving up to the too loose - because regardless of snug or loose - the linen will GROW. If you jump up a size you will end up being unhappy when the loose gets even looser. Most often, the growth is just enough to make a piece that starts off snug fit perfectly within an hour of having it on.
To figure out if your piece may grow just enough, check your "wing span" which is our way of saying, move your arms like a rower. If your seams feel compromised, then the piece is too small - however....it just feels slightly snug this is probably the right size and you just need to wear it a bit for it to loosen. This fit test applies to pants as well, just sit down in a chair a few times and evaluate your seams.
If you have areas that are more endowed than others, naturally you will see the expansion happen there the most - so don't fret over body parts that may be somewhat problematic in other synthetic fabrics - linen loves curves....
I have have had a few regular customers call me regarding the "standard" linen vs. the handkerchief and gauze weights; confusion over what's what?
The "standard" linen that FLAX has always used is the linen that you will find in the neutral collections. This linen is lightweight enough to wear in spring and summer, but can also be layered and worn all year. The texture is soft and natural feeling, not bumpy or dimpled in any way.
"Handkerchief" linen is available in some pieces in the neutral collections and is just a touch lighter than the standard weight I discussed above. It is very airy feeling on the body, extremely light weight and perfect for very warm/humid climates. Because it is a thinner variety it can be somewhat transparent in some colors and so if you have any questions regarding the peek a boo effect, call us directly and we will help you discern if it's right for you. I will say that a number of women who experience those bazaar "episodes" of tropic like heat waves in the middle of December, really love the lightness to the handkerchief linen which can be layered comfortably without threatening to melt you like a snowman in June.....
"Gauze" linen is just that, a gauze weave of linen fibers. This is the lightest version we carry and often will need something worn underneath as the weave is loose and somewhat see through. There is definite texture to this linen and we suggest that in these pieces you choose a loose fit as any undue stress on the delicate seaming can pull and damage this beautiful fabric. If you need help deciding... call me.
Other weights....Throughout the year FLAX will produce several seasonal collections and in those collections weaves may differ. For example, the "transition collection" for 2015 has a "twill" linen which has two colors woven in a lightly raised and heavier weave. These unique collections always differ and have special, unique characteristics! We try really hard to always provide accurate descriptions for each individual piece, but as always, if you have questions (434) 293-1800.
Now that you have a little more info on the fabrics and how they wear, lets move on to sizing issues - this is always the hardest part of getting acclimated to this product as the sizing is NOT typical to mainstream sizing.
FLAX is always over sized and we always recommend that you go down one full size, at least. This can vary somewhat depending on the collection; for example the new "in motion" collection is meant to be roomy in addition to the typical over sizing and in some of these pieces customers who typically wear a large are wearing a small. I kid you not!
In the boutique we are met with resistance about 50% of the time when making sizing suggestions to first time FLAX customers. New customers who have no history with the product tend to think we are over complimenting to make a sale! We aren't - FLAX sizing runs large - trust us - we want you to be in the right piece and happy!
The only time that we suggest you stick to your "regular" size is when you see the word BIAS or BIAS CUT and, if you have a larger chest or wider back.
Take me for example. I am 145 pounds and I wear a 36D for a bra size. I am almost always a Petite in FLAX - however....because bias pieces are cut on the diagonal and have a slimmer shape along the rib cage, I wear a small in these pieces to accommodate my chest and wider back region. If I was not a D cup, petite would work just fine. Again.....Confused???....CALL ME (434) 293-1800
Pants are a little easier to fit for the first time as they are all pretty loose fit and accommodating. The hardest part with pants is typically finding the right length as MOST Flax pants tend to hit right at the ankle and some women are taller than average height. Please read the individual descriptions as they tend to be more revealing than the photos (keep in mind the FLAX models are about 5'10)
Leg fit and cut will be personal preference, but sizing is more consistent for bottoms - if you need help finding the right pant fit for your body type, just call us and with a few simple measurement questions we should be able to get you outfitted correctly.
This is the recommended sizing table used in store:
Petite sizes 6 - 10
Small sizes 10 - 14
Medium sizes 14 - 18
Large sizes 18 - 20
1G sizes 20 - 22
2G sizes 24 - 26
3G sizes 28 - 30
I really do hope that this blog was helpful! I can't answer a question until it is asked..... and so, I am anxiously waiting to hear from you. Keep in mind that no question is too small or too silly for us to answer - we are here for our customers and enjoy the process of getting to know you - it helps us serve you better!
Have a blessed day and wonderful shopping experience!
Yours,
Deb
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For those of you who have visited our two locations in Charlottesville Virginia, it is very likely that we have met in person as I have had the extreme pleasure of working for Joan and her wonderful family for the better part of seventeen years - If we have met, I hope you came away from our time with a strong sense of my commitment to provide you with exceptional customer service. After Joan herself hand selects product lines that we can stand behind and believe in; she leaves the sales floor to an amazing team of women who strive to give the best service to you, our customer.
Technology has certainly changed the face of retail sales and we have considered this with each step while building this website; how do we meet the demand for our customers who are far away and yet retain the personal experience we are known for and so proud of?
The answer is - we will be as available to you online as we are in person and treat you as if you're right here with us.
With that said, we encourage you to request help at any time during your shopping experience. Feel free to pick up the phone and call us directly, there is no unimportant question.
We have been known to model clothes - send pictures via text messages and email - pick the perfect accessories - whip out tape measures - search for hard to find items - do whatever it takes to make our customers smile and we hope this continues or I personally, will be very bored! Although we won't reap the rewards of seeing your smile in person - it remains our #1 goal as a staff - your satisfaction.
We are very grateful to have the opportunity to expand our customer base and to keep in touch with those of you who have been so faithful after visiting us in our stores. We appreciate your business, your trust and your continued support of small business and quality products.
On behalf of all of my amazing co-workers, we welcome you (or welcome you back) and cannot wait to serve your fashion needs.
This is so exciting!
Fondly,
Deb
]]>Not everything we have in our stores is posted online, so if you are looking for an older style, or something in a size we don't list on line, please contact us, and we are happy to see if we can locate it for you, email you photos, and do what we can to help you. We believe in customer service and we will do whatever we can to help you.
And of course we would love to have you shop with us in person. We are located on the Historic Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, Va., and in Merchants Square, next to Colonial Williamsburg. We have a limited selection of FLAX also available at our store in Hot Springs, Virginia, a quaint little town next to the Homestead Resort.
All of our staff loves helping you find the perfect coordinating outfit, in colors and shapes that you will wear year after year. And we will also suggest places for dining and lodging if you are coming to see us.
From all of us at J. Fenton Too and Quilts Unlimited, thanks for shopping with us.
And please, let us know if there are ways we can improve this site. It's all new and exciting, but I am sure there are lots of things we need to learn how to do better.
Yours,
Joan Fenton
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