We love the concept of a capsule wardrobe, but how do we boil it down to ‘the basics’ without also becoming completely boring? With a few cool pieces by L.A. designer, Lily Ashwell, to start. Her modern-minimalist designs are vintage-inspired, making the collection – and adorable shop they’re housed in – a perfect match for the Venice hood that surrounds it.
While we don’t cover fashion often, when we do, it’s because there are elements of sustainability and style we just need to talk about. Lily’s designs are all made from natural materials like linen and silk and come in silhouettes you’ll wear season after season. As the daughter of shabby-chic queen, Rachel Ashwell, we know this young designer’s taste is more than seam-deep.
We stopped by the Lily Ashwell store for a morning with its namesake in our fave L.A. neighborhood. From her local lunch obsessions to thoughts on what makes style sustainable, here’s Lily…
The shop in three words:
A curated, inspired lifestyle.
Other brands you carry:
For clothes, we only carry our in-house collection. For lifestyle, we carry other symbiotic brands – a few of my favorites are organic apothecary by Marble & Milkweed, fine jewelry by Vale and handmade ceramics from Big Sur.
Recent obsessions:
Recent beauty obsession: Marble & Milkweed Rosy Lip Tint, we carry it at the shop (I also put it on my cheeks and eyelids). Jewelry obsession: our new thin 14K hoops by Vale. If my boyfriend doesn’t catch on by Valentines Day, I will be gifting a pair to myself.
Our customers are…
Creative, socially-conscious humans inspired to curate life through beautiful, thoughtful design.
Go-To Shop Uniform:
Our signature linen Jo Dungarees – all us ladies behind the scenes wear them most days – and they are also our bestseller at the shop.
Recent design inspirations:
While designing our upcoming spring and summer collections, I was definitely channeling a ’90s Liv Tyler in Stealing Beauty.
The signature brand look head to toe:
By day: Jo Dungarees with a Girl Long Sleeve Tee (our vintage French kids-inspired tee). By night: Trade the dungarees for our silk Gia Slip (layered over the same chic tee you wore all day), for the stylish woman on the go!
On natural materials…
Our clothes are built with integrity here in Los Angeles, using the finest, natural fibers (100% linen, cotton and silk). In the same way we cook with fresh, organic ingredients, I’m inspired to carry this energy into every corner of life. I’ve noticed a growing community with this wholesome mindset and I’m inspired to know our lovely customers appreciate the feeling of our 100% linen overalls covering their beautiful skin!
On capsule wardrobes…
I’m a minimalist at heart and I see its influence in my design approach. Everything we make is beautiful and special but also timeless and useful. I believe in building a wardrobe of gorgeous well-made pieces, that can be mixed and matched from day to night and season to season.
Always stashed:
Always playing:
Always a tough question. I like a wide range of music from classic rock to certain types of electronic (this is when I start to sound like a grandma because I can’t properly categorize musical genres). I listen to Neil Young, Bon Iver and Beach House the most.
Candle always burning:
Maison Louis Marie, No. 04 Bois de Ballincourt!
Go-to spot for lunch nearby:
Café Greatitude. I love their veggie bowls, smoothies, matcha and homemade baked goods!
