I collaborated with two other ethical fashion writers on a style challenge to take one versatile wrap – a blank canvas if you will – and make it distinctly ours.
It saw it as a rare chance to dress up and an opportunity to introduce you to Abrazo Style, a brand that’s committed to contemporary slow design, responsible sourcing and fair wages for its workers.
Plus, there’s a deal in it for you. You can enter to win the Abrazo Catalina wrap that I’m wearing and style it on your terms. Here at The Peahen, I’m about thoughtful wardrobe curation, so before you enter be sure to check out my review and see how Leah and Hannah styled theirs (end of the post) to see if its right for you.
For the photoshoot, I headed to a tranquil hilltop in Austin where my favorite spot is tucked away from the grind of the city – The Laguna Gloria Sculpture Garden. The shots are dripping in fall and sunset, swoon.
All photo creds go to the talented Magdalena Antuña.
My Review of the Catalina
The Catalina walks a fine line between wrap and coat. That’s because it’s actually made from two woven cotton shawls that are bound together at the back with a subtle leather accent. This is what sets it apart from an average oversized shawl. Hands down, it’s my favorite feature. The wrap drapes with lots of extra material in the front – making it an open canvas for style play.
Twist it and cinch it with a belt it for something sleek, toss it over your shoulders to bundle up, or leave it loose for freedom and movement.
It also comes in six neutral-ish colors. I went with the cream because it fit best into my personal wardrobe – one that I’m currently trying to downsize and simplify. I should note, however, that the creme does have faint yellow detailing at the bottom. It wouldn’t hold you back from styling a monochromatic look or pairing it with another color if that’s a concern.
A few reasons I love it
It looks luxurious
Seriously, much more so than a generic wrap. This is thanks to the rich textile and attention to detail. The Catalina is 100 percent cotton with a thick weave that looks sturdy and wears substantially.
It’s slightly see-through
This might be a unique feature of the creme color, but I like that it allows the garment I’m wearing underneath to peak through.
A note on the weave: it isn’t soft and supple like the processed cotton muslin or jersey you may be accustomed to. This isn’t a wrap to snuggle on the couch with. It’s more of a go outdoors kind of piece, but it’s designed to last an eternity. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about pilling.
I can hand wash it
More like spot clean only. This is such a relief now that I’m armed and dangerous with information about the dry cleaning industry (see my series, Green Your Clean, if you haven’t read it yet).
More About Abrazo
This is a brand that fuses contemporary design with the artistic traditions of Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico. They believe in fair trade and collaboration instead of exploitation. Abrazo has a sweet spot for rich embroidery, woven scarves, sturdy toes and sculptural accessories.
Read the rest of their story here.
Other two ways
Check out how my ethical writer friends styled their Catalina wraps!
Leah Wise of StyleWise
Hannah Theisen of Life+Style+Justice
Win this Wrap!
From the Abrazo Style team: Would you like to style a Catalina of your own? Abrazo Style knows it looks great on everyone and is offering a giveaway to readers of StyleWise, Life+Style+Justice and The Peahen. One lucky winner will be chosen on Friday, October 28.
To Enter:
- Sign up for Abrazo Style’s Newsletter and mailing list here by scrolling to the bottom of the page and entering your email in the subscription form.
- Comment below (on this post) and tell me two things: 1.) how you would style it and, 2.) where you would wear it if you won the Catalina Wrap.
Please be sure you comment with both of these things to be entered to win. Only one entry per person. Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. PST on Thursday, October 27! Winner will be announced the following day. This contest is open to international readers.
Or Buy it Now
If you missed the contest, Abrazo is also offering a special 20/20 promo to The Peahen readers. It runs Friday 10/29 and ends the following Friday, 11/04.
- Get $20 off the Catalina with code: 20CAT
- Get a $20 off coupon toward your next purchase by styling the Catalina, using #abrazostyle on social media (here or here) and tagging Abrazos (Abrazos will send another coupon code after they see your photo)
Transparency rocks – This contest was sponsored by Abrazos Style. That means the wrap was gifted and I was compensated for my time writing, editing and shooting. This does not impact my review, which is still 100% my own candid opinion. I do the homework so you can shop informed.
– Kasi
Photos: Magdalena Antuña, Selva Beat Magazine
Shot at The Contemporary Austin, Sculpture Park at Laguna Gloria
Boots: Vintage Jil Sander
Skirt: Zara (secondhand, similar styles on ThreadUp)
Earrings: Albisia.
