Story

The Celeste is all about simple, clean lines ... and ruffly sleeves. A dress that is simultaneously understated and fun, it balances a classic shift silhouette with a button-cinched keyhole back and ruffly three-quarter length sleeves. The sleeves are created by sewing a circle-shaped piece of fabric onto a regular sleeve, which essentially creates a miniature circle skirt for your elbows. (Something I'm sure you never realized you needed until now.)

Design Details

• Main fabric: 100% khadi cotton
• Lining: 100% organic cotton
• Designed, cut, and sewn in Arkansas, USA
• Shift silhouette with subtle high-low hem
• Fully lined
• Three-quarter length sleeves with ruffled hem
• Keyhole back with vintage mother-of-pearl button closure
• Measures 35" long
• Hand wash cold, line dry, warm iron as needed (learn more about garment care here)

Materials

This dress is made of handloom fabric woven by hand in India. Handloom was the way basically all fabric was made from the dawn of time until the invention of electricity and modern milling techniques; it requires a high level of skill and craftsmanship, using the same techniques that were used centuries ago. The handloom process uses zero electricity, and the industry employs many skilled workers in rural areas of India where other jobs are scarce, making handloom super sustainable in addition to being breathtakingly beautiful. (Read more about handloom on our blog here.)

This particular fabric is made of 100% khadi (i.e., handspun) cotton. It's a soft, textured, midweight fabric, good for winter layering but breathable for warmer days. The fabric has a true black base with white threads forming the grid pattern; it pairs excellently with darker denim, jewel tones, and black.

The dress is lined with 100% organic cotton double gauze, produced in India, that I have hand-dyed a shade of dark grey using fiber-reactive dyes. It is unbelievably soft and breathable.

In addition to the fabric, this style uses 100% organic cotton thread, one vintage mother-of-pearl button, and organic cotton labels.

Fit

Take a look at our Size Guide to find your size.

The Celeste is most fitted in the bust area, so use your bust measurement when determining your size. If your bust measurement falls in between sizes, or if you want a dress with a bit more room, I recommended sizing up.

Alyssa is wearing a size Small and is 5'8" with a 35" bust, 26" waist, and 37" hip.