Inspiration:

There are outfits from movies that are burned in our collective memories like Audrey Hepburn's little black Givenchy dress in the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany's. The green ensemble Gwyneth Paltrow wears in the 1998 film Great Expectations is one of those iconic outfits. It was the tail end of a decade of minimalist fashion. The height of the frenzy over Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's chic minimalist style. It was a time when long, slim skirts were popular for both casual wear and the office — a style we think is still a wardrobe essential.

Why we love it:

• The cut of this skirt skims the body and a front kick pleat added for ease of movement and understated sex appeal.
• Skirt has a higher waist to create a streamlined look. Fits at your natural waist.
• The heavier weight of this unique deadstock micromodal fabric is as unusual as it is luxurious and is the best substitute we've found for silk jersey, but easier to care for in that it's machine washable. It's perfect for days when you want to wear your pajamas all day, but can't.

Fit notes and construction details:

• • High waist pencil skirt.
  • Two-inch elastic waistband for comfort and prevents the dreaded muffin top.
  • Style is designed to be relaxed, but it is not oversized. Order one size up if you want to wear lower on your hips.
  • 92% Micromodal, 8% Spandex. Deadstock fabric.
  • Made in Los Angeles.
  • **Note: Final sale items can only be returned for store credit. See Delivery & Returns page for full details.**

Styling ideas:

• We love this style paired with a button-down for a more casual look.
• Top it with a blazer and one of our Marilyn tees for a more polished look for the office.

Care:

• Micromodal should be washed on the delicate cycle in cold water only. Use a detergent formulated for delicates and placing the items in a mesh bag while washing will help the fabric wear better over time.
• Tumble dry low or lay flat to air dry.

What is deadstock fabric?

• Deadstock is leftover fabric ordered by brands that overestimated their needs.
• We use several local suppliers in Los Angeles who carry overstock fabric. This strategy prevents us from creating additional waste in the form of excess fabric.
• It also helps lower our carbon footprint as these suppliers are within walking distance of our atelier.
• It also means this style cannot be re-stocked in this fabric once the supply we purchased runs out.

Inspiration:

One of Elizabeth Taylor’s most iconic roles is as “Maggie the Cat” in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and so are her costumes designed by the equally iconic, Helen Rose. Elizabeth Taylor only wore three outfits throughout this film and the iconic white chiffon dress was supposed to be a shirt dress, but Helen Rose knew Liz would never go for that style. This dress is similar to our Maggie shirt and this dress pays homage to the legendary costume designer. Elizabeth Taylor’s wardrobe in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof showcases Helen Rose’s attention to detail in styling, fabric and fit — details that echo Senza Tempo’s style and design ethos.

Why we love it:

• The classic shirt dress is a wardrobe staple and we wanted to create a polished yet versatile option when launched our shirting capsule collection.
• This relaxed pull-over tunic dress looks like a button-down only there aren’t any buttons, so you never have to worry about them popping off or pulling at your chest.
• The kimono sleeve and longer tunic style gives you extra room in the arm and shoulder, and a more relaxed fit.
• This fabric is slightly thicker than the white cotton pique the Maggie and Debra shirts are made from, but is made in the same mill in Switzerland.
• The crisp Swiss cotton pique lends an air of polish to the style while making it forgiving when it comes to wrinkles.
• While we love the idea of a no iron white shirt, we don’t love the chemicals that go into making them that way. The texture of the pique masks wrinkles for days when you don’t feel like ironing.

Fit notes and construction details:

• This dressy yet casual shirt dress has a roomy fit, but is not oversized. If you want an oversized fit, we suggest selecting one size up.
• Sleeves hit at wrist and feature a French-inspired cuff that can be turned back for a polished rolled shirt-sleeves look.
• 100% Swiss cotton pique.
• Size Guide >
• Made in Los Angeles.

About the fabric:

• The Helen is made from a Swiss cotton pique from one of the finest mills in Switzerland. The fabric meets the Swiss+ Cotton standards.
• The key attributes that distinguish Swiss+ certified cotton is that the raw material can only be extra long staple cotton (ELS) which is only 1% of the cotton produced in the U.S. and Egypt. The fibers must be at least 35.7mm. The length of the cotton fiber is what gives it its strength and makes this cotton 40% stronger than average cotton.
• Swiss expertise in the production (at least 67% of the value add to the raw material must be done in Switzerland to meet the Swiss+ standard) helps further distinguish Swiss+ cotton from other production centers.
• The mill produces all fabrics to Oekotex standards.

Care:

• The Helen can be washed at home on the delicate cycle (cold water only).
• Lay flat or hang to air dry. Cool iron though the texture of the cotton pique fabric makes it forgiving when it comes to wrinkles.
• Helen can also be dry cleaned.