Edited Pieces Arriving 11/10

Oh my goodness, friends. After quietly working on this on the side for several years, it feels surreal that Edited Pieces is almost ready to share with you all. Like many startups, it was born out of plugging away during late nights, early mornings, and the magical moments when both babies are actually asleep at the same time. None of it could have come to life without your support, though. From all of you who filled out our initial survey, to the readers around Boston helping with fit tests, to my small but mighty team supporting it all – thank you!

For our initial few pieces I wanted to go back to why I started this blog 12 years ago. More than just learning how to put outfits together, it was to help myself and others feel confident and empowered despite size or stature. And I must admit, it’s been the best feeling wearing my own pieces around town, and getting stopped by strangers asking about them!

At launch, we have just a limited collection of products, each handmade in small quantities. A few additional styles are in the works being tweaked and refined, and those will become available to shop on Edited Pieces as they’re ready!

Sizing and fit

For apparel, our fit is designed to be petite-friendly with some pieces (like our upcoming knit pencil skirt) that will work on a range of different heights. Footwear will be in sizes 4 through 9 to start. And for accessories, we offer sizing starting at XXS for belts and a narrow wrist option for bracelets.

With this being our first collection, I know we have a lot to learn about sizing. To help customers choose the right size in each style, we did fit tests on several different body types to share as a reference. Our initial size range was determined based on demand (per a survey that thousands of you helped me fill out a few years back!), and I’ll be tuning in closely to feedback for our future size offerings.

For fit reference: I’m a tad under 5 feet tall, 32-25-32 and size 5 to 5.5 in shoes.

The Launch Lineup

Our initial collection ranges from $48 to $348.

1. The Reversible Horsebit Belt

About the belt: Two timeless belts in one, our reversible belt features soft black Nappa leather on one side and textured cognac Saffiano leather on the other. The design ensures a clean, refined look with the belt tail neatly concealed rather than flapping around. For ultimate versatility, the buckle is detachable from the strap, and will be interchangeable with future belt styles that we release (color suggestions welcome)!

We partnered with an incredible belt maker that has been crafting belts for 15 years, with strong attention to environmentally responsible processes and material traceability. Their leathers are sourced from LWG certified tanneries and finished in-house. I have spent many a late night facetiming with our contact at the factory, who has patiently taught me about the art of belt making and helped perfect this belt after a dozen rounds of revisions.

Sizing: XXS to XL. This is meant to be worn higher at the natural waist, so some fit testers took one size up from their usual. Please take the time to measure your waist and compare it to our belt sizing chart that will be on the site! If you plan on wearing it lower near your hips, or if you plan on belting it over blazers and coats, consider going 1 size up.

I’ve been living in denim and solid colors, and this belt has been the perfect finishing piece for pulling everything together. I also love it over a dress, workwear, a blazer or a coat!

For our launch jewelry lineup, we worked with a local business where jewelry-making has been in the family for generations. My picky self is definitely not the easiest customer, and they were fantastic in addressing my above concerns, and helped refine simple yet elegant pieces that elevate everyday outfits.

We made the fun Gemma earrings light as a feather and hypoallergenic, and just the right size to catch the eye without being too large. The gold Nora Bracelet hardly ever leaves my wrist, and is one that I always get compliments on. The Constance necklace is beautiful with just a simple V or square neck top and jeans. All of our jewelry also comes packaged in a gift-ready box and pouch, designed by Nick.

3. The Duo Coat

For our first coat, we went with an oversized midi style rather than tailored, since I have had better luck over the years finding the latter. I just love the easygoing look of an oversized style, draping wool coat, but so many of the ones I try from mainstream retailers are comically long or overwhelming.

About the coat: Our extra versatile Duo coat is handmade using luxurious double faced wool. It’s completely reversible so you get two classic coats in one, and looks effortless worn either open or belted. Our coat partner is a small, women-run factory that has specialized in crafting wool outerwear for decades. Together we went through 6 rounds of samples before ending up with a unique piece that we love.

This has been my everyday coat all season, as it pairs easily with workwear, nighttime looks or leisurely weekend outfits. I usually wear mine open with the belt removed, like a thick coatigan.

Material: Our double faced wool is made of two layers of wool fused together (with no separate lining) and hand stitched. The coat is medium in weight, meant for layering.

Cut: A relaxed, oversized cut with room to layer over thick sweaters or a blazer. When unbelted, the silhouette is straight along both sides.

Sizing: XXS – Large. XXS on me has plenty of room to layer, and my mother in law is wearing size XS (she is 5’2,” 34-28-36, size 4 to 6 in other brands). Stick to your usual size for a similarly oversized fit, or go 1 size down for a closer fit. If you’re typically in between two sizes, I would consider taking the size down.

Fit testers who were curvy or had fuller busts preferred to stick with their usual size (rather than go a full size up, which made it too roomy in other areas) but note the coat will have less overlap in the front for wearing closed and belted.

Care notes: The coat comes folded upon arrival, so just hang it up and wear it a few times for the folds to come out. Or use a garment steamer (do not iron). I have found that the drape on this coat becomes better with wear!