“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.” – Brené Brown
2020 looks a lot different than it began. Earlier in the year, we set the intention to focus on a practice of retreat and self-care; in the most unexpected way, we find ourselves digging deeper and deeper into these ideas right now. And although all of us at Alabama Chanin are still working, we’re also looking for even more ways to practice loving ourselves, owning our stories, and being brave.
Our Leisure styles have, for me, become part of my daily uniform. I’m feeling that getting dressed every day is part of feeling comforted and calm. Sometimes just getting dressed can be the bravest thing we’ll do today. Writing and rereading this, I keep thinking of Pema Chodron writing in the introduction from When Things Fall Apart:
“Usually we think that brave people have no fear. The truth is that they are intimate with fear. When I was first married, my husband said I was one of the bravest people he knew. When I asked him why, he said because I was a complete coward but went ahead and did things anyhow.”
A piece of clothing may not make us brave but sometimes, getting dressed in something I love makes me feel like more of a brave soul. A few of our Alabama Chanin team favorites are below.
Stay well as we all soldier on,
xoNatalie
Each of these organic cotton styles is proudly made in our Building 14 facility where we continue to work making face masks and organic cotton uniforms (of all sorts) each day.
Brands We Believe In
P.S.: Here are a few more American-made brands and partners we love and believe in—each with their own unique story. They do brave work that makes us feel and look good as we soldier on. Get familiar with them, give them a follow on social media, explore their websites, and support where you can. Sometimes a simple word of encouragement is the best gift you can give.
Heath Ceramics
In California since 1948, Heath Ceramics designs and makes goods—ceramics, tile, bags, accessories, and more—of timeless design and beautiful quality.
Sophie Simmons
Modern underpinnings for everyday elegance, made with 100% Japanese cotton and designed in Nashville and made in New York
Little River Sock Mill
Organic cotton socks made in Fort Payne, Alabama—once known as the sock capital of the world
Hable Construction
A surface design company that creates artwork (with a lot of color!) painted and drawn in their studio in Athens, Georgia
Malia Mills
American-made swimwear, clothing, and lingerie since 1993 – all designed and sized to flatter an array of body types
imogene + willie
USA made jeans (and more) cut and sewn in Nashville, Tennessee
Swans Island
Handcrafted blankets and apparel woven and dyed in Northport, Maine, for over 27 years
Alabama Sawyer
Modern, environmentally sustainable products from fallen trees in Birmingham, Alabama. Alabama Sawyer makes “field-to-studio” furniture.
Hawks & Doves
Hand-crafted leather and kitchen goods from Raleigh, North Carolina
Julia Turner
Contemporary designed jewelry and objects from San Francisco, California