Alex Mill

The Alex Mill Edit

Alex Mill linen skirt

I can’t remember when I discovered Alex Mill, but I recall that it was love at first sight. The company’s motto, uniforms for individuals, and slogan, wake up, get dressed, don’t overthink it, embody the principles of this blog. The brand, launched officially in 2012, came into its own when Alex Drexler found a formidable business partner in Somsack Sikhounmuong. Alex, son of Mickey Drexler (former CEO and Chairman of J.Crew Group), was introduced to Somsack by his father a few years after the company’s inception. The co-founders (with Somsack heading the design team) make, in their words, the right clothes. I’m drawn to their timeless staples. My Alex Mill item of the moment: the khaki Kelsey skirt in linen.

Works Sighted

J.Crew slim perfect shirt in Baird McNutt Irish linen // Alex Mill Kelsey skirt in linen // Cole Haan Avani city sandal (old)

Alex Mill pull-on skirt in paper cotton // Alex Mill Paulie tunic dress // Alex Mill Kelsey skirt in linen // Alex Mill pull-on skirt in paper cotton

Further Reading

Somsack Sikhounmuong on designing for Alex Mill and life after J. Crew (Glossy)

Somsack Sikhounmuong Is Back—and He’s Launching Affordable Women’s Wear at Alex Mill (Glamour)

Escape to the Chateau

Outfits inspired by Channel 4’s Escape to the Chateau. Two dresses and gardening clothes for your visit to Château de la Motte-Husson.

You’ll recall that a bottle of Chateau du Petit Thouars Crémant de Loire prompted me to travel virtually to the Loire Valley this past November. Visiting the makers of my favorite Crémant has been on my to-do list since the holiday season, but Channel 4’s Escape to the Chateau is starting to inspire a full-scale Loire Valley itinerary. I’ve recently added Château de la Motte-Husson to the list of stops.

The nineteenth-century house is a two-hour drive from the Château du Petit Thouars, but stops in Tours, Angers, Le Mans, and Laval are bound to extend the trip north by a few days. The venue is available for hire during the wedding season, but its owners offer other opportunities to see the chateau first-hand. I envision myself taking part in the gardening days and food-filled festivities. The grounds are also outfitted with pods for glamping.

It has been a joy to see Dick and Angel Strawbridge transform this 45-room house. I’m currently on episode 3 of season 3, and there are 7 seasons in total. If you’re in the UK, you’ll be able to watch via Channel 4, but as a resident of the US, I’ve been tuning in via Peacock TV. Dick and Angel are such a creative team! I can’t predict what improvements I’ll bear witness to next, but I’m sure I’ll find myself in awe several more times as the series progresses.

Works Sighted

The Floral Society apron and glove setJ.Crew linen shirtCOS pantsSuperga 2750 Cotu Classic

Sunbody Hats straw hatJessie Zhao silk scarfKayu tote

Alex Mill dressSuperga 2750 Cotu Classic

Aurate earringsMiss Dior eau de toiletteL.K.Bennett clutch

Staud dressSarah Flint heels

Art elements from thechateau.tv