Alejandra Echeverria has built a business taking something basic–a t-shirt, and making it anything but. Her silk, cotton and cashmere blend tops are the most pulled-together, luxurious feeling, slightly sheer so also sexy, tees I’ve ever encountered. I have several in my drawer and rely on them during the fall and winter (note: read the care directions and do dry clean or hand wash accordingly.) Alejandra’s unique viewpoint and attuned aesthetic permeate every aspect of her work (her Instagram account is one of my favorites). Here she shares her Fall notes.
What do you love and look forward to most about fall? Usually New York comes alive in the Fall and there’s so much going on culturally to enjoy and good energy. This year is of course different but I’ve been enjoying all the outdoor dining and gathering in parks with friends.
What are your newest fave fall purchases? I bought a new bag from The Row for everyday, it’s a small leather purse that also works as a clutch. It’s very classic and I know I’ll use it for years to come. And I didn’t purchase them but I refreshed a few of my favorite tees that I wear all the time and it’s been such a nice treat.
Something already in your closet you are pulling out for the cooler weather: All my oversized, cozy, cashmere sweaters to layer on top of our tees. I also love a good coat to pull together a look and am always excited to start wearing these again.
Your favorite new pieces from your Fall collection and how you will personally wear them: We just delivered our first dress, the Beatrice, this season. It’s a fitted black dress with a scoop neck in the front and back. I didn’t expect to be wearing it a lot while social distancing. But it’s so comfortable and cozy I’ve been wearing it at home in the evenings with slippers or barefoot. It changes my whole mood and feels special, even if it’s just to curl up on the sofa. Other than that I’ve been wearing our Bette camis layered under long sleeves.
Fave Fall food and/or recipe: My husband’s duck ragu pasta which he only makes during fall and winter months.
Fave Fall drink: I’m always cold so I drink a lot of tea once the temperature starts to drop; Earl Grey, chamomile or some combination of lemon, ginger, cinnamon or apple with a bit of honey.
Fave Fall smell: The smell of firewood burning when I’m outside or Diptyque’s Feu de Bois candle when I’m inside.
Favorite weekend activity: A walk in a park, either in the city or somewhere upstate.
Key elements for being cozy inside your home: Soft lighting, candles, pillows and throws for curling up.
New skill you’ve recently acquired: Making a good martini.
Current mood booster: Post dinner dance parties! One of my quarantine purchases was a disco ball for our home, which I highly recommend, it helps to set the mood.
Latest read: I recently started reading Swing Time by Zadie Smith. I’m a big fan of her work and had bought this when it came out but hadn’t gotten around to it.
Current online rabbit hole: The news.
New Insta Discovery: I’ve been trying to stay off of Instagram lately or at least keeping it more focused on work and friends, less discovering.
Favorite hour of the day: The early evenings, with a cocktail usually. It’s a nice time to hang out and talk with family or friends.
Where you are donating your money and/or time: Primarily to getting democratic candidates into office around the country this election. As well as donating to Fair Fight Action, Southern Poverty Law Center, NAACP, Planned Parenthood, Feeding America and local organizations like South Bronx United and The River Fund NY.
If you’ve had a chance to travel recently where did you go? If not, what will be your first trip? I spent several months upstate which was really nice and since then I’ve been trying to do regular trips upstate and to Montauk just to get out of NY a bit and be closer to nature. I’d love to visit my mother in Toronto and my father in San Diego at some point soon. Apart from that I miss traveling to Europe, especially during the summer.
What are your hopes for the post-pandemic future: For myself, this time has brought into focus what I really care about and want to be spending my energy on, I hope to continue to have this clarity. For the world, I hope more compassion and care for others and for our planet.
Follow Frances de Lourdes: Instagram.
Her gold PP Aquanaut is the coolest watch.
Alejandra has impeccable taste!