When creating our second Gibson x Living in Yellow collection, we wanted to personalize the experience as much as possible. You may remember from our spring line that every piece was named after a woman in my life – a mix of my family, the girls on the LIY team and a piece named from you, the readers. This time around, the LIY team and I decided to highlight the grandmothers [and a few mothers] in our lives. We all look to these women as sources of love and coziness which embodies what this entire collection is about. Today, we’re sharing the women behind the pieces and why we chose each name for the pieces that we did. Introducing our favorite ladies…
Diana
Inspiration: No, Princess Diana isn’t my grandmother [unfortunately] however, we opened this piece up to the tribe [you!] to name. We asked all of you who the most influential “celebrity” woman was in your lives and the popular vote was this beauty. Much like this top, she encompasses classic and timeless beauty.
About the piece: Our Diana Cozy Fleece Wrap Top may just be the top you find yourself wearing non-stop this fall and winter! It’s as cozy as it is flattering. Truly a piece that you can style so many ways – with our betty lace cami for a holiday look, cozied up with our Ann racerback tank and Skye joggers for the perfect night in at home look, or under your go-to vest for your fall uniform! Bonus: nursing mamas, you will love this piece! Available in 5 colors! Fit Tip: Size down if in between, wearing in XS
Mary
Inspiration:
The Mary top is named after both of my grandmothers who have passed — Mary Ruth my spunky, passionate and loving “Lala”, and Mary Alice the sweet and nurturing grandmother I never had the chance to meet. Lately I have been thinking a lot about these two wonderful women and the courage they showed throughout their lives. Mary Ruth battled cancer, all while remaining strong and brave and giving so much love to her children and grandchildren. Mary Alice gave birth to twin boys while living in a foreign country where she barely spoke the language back in the 60’s back when her husband [and only nearby family member] could not even be in the room with her! I see the bravery that they exemplified and it fills me with a sense that since I came from them, maybe I can be brave as well!
About the piece: Whenever you can combine cozy fleece in a flattering and sexy cut, you know it’s going to be a winner. Long enough for leggings, versatile enough to lounge in around the house or dress up for a girls night or date out on the town, there are so many options on where to wear this piece! Made to be worn off both shoulders or just one, it’s the perfect top to pair with your favorite bralette for an added pop of appeal! Five colors available, the hardest decision will be which one to order first! Fit Tip: Size down if in between
Betty
Inspiration:
This cami is named after my beautiful grandmother, Betty. She is one of the strongest yet delicate women I know. For the majority of her life she helped tend to the home while my grandpa worked tirelessly on the farm. I will always remember the taste of her mashed potatoes and tapioca pudding along with the licorice she had awaiting our every visit. She continues to show her strength and wisdom while turning 93 this week!
About the piece: Easily one of my favorite pieces in the collection, the Betty lace camisole. I can’t wait for you to feel just how delicious this fabric is. This isn’t your typical cami, the fabric is extra thick which makes it a must-have winter camisole. You don’t have to worry about sheerness here! Add in the beautiful lace contrasting detail that we added to the front and back both, dainty button detail and adjustable straps and you will quickly want it in every color! Fit Tip: True to size, wearing in small
Ann
Inspiration:
The Ann Tank is named after my Mimi, Lois Ann. I have always admired her selfless personality: her willingness to put others before herself. Her encouragement is unwavering and I can always count on her endless support. As a way to honor her strength, love and [of course] ability to make the best mashed potatoes ever, I have named this piece the Ann Tank.
About the piece: This may just be the most comfortable and quality swing tank you’ve ever put on, our Ann Racerback Tank! This tank is truly the perfect layering tank for all seasons! I love that it isn’t fitted through the stomach area which makes it a perfect option during the holidays [hi, extra helping of mashed potatoes please]. Whether you’re pairing it with cozy joggers at home or throwing it on under your faux leather jacket for a night out, this tank will be there for all of your needs! Fit Tip: True to size
Lou
Inspiration:
The Lou Tie Front Top is named after my mom, Bonnie Lou! She is the most selfless, kind hearted person I have ever known, always offering to help others without ever thinking of herself. She is who I look up to as my idol as a mother, wife, sister, friend, and nana. I’m the youngest of four kids, and my mom always made sure that each of us kids felt so special, whether we were all in one spot or spread out across the country. She deserves so much more than to have a shirt named after her, but for now, this is a start! Fun fact: my mom is a twin! Their names are Bonnie Lou + Connie Sue!
About the piece: If there is one thing we love, it’s Gibson’s signature cozy fleece fabric which makes up the Lou tie front long sleeve top! Long enough to pair with your favorite pair of leggings and versatile enough to wear to work! This top is such an easy piece to throw on and go, all while looking like you put in an extra dose of effort into getting dressed! Four colors available! Fit Tip: Size down if in between
Judy
Inspiration:
The name Judy comes from my grandmother, Judy Higgins. I chose to name this piece after her because I have always admired her endless strength and strong family values. Not only has she battled breast cancer and won, she also raised four children and has been the best grandmother to me and my many cousins! You can always count on her to have a Hershey Kiss on hand, she somehow turns plain peanut butter toast into fine dining experience, and she always has love to give. Much like this piece, I count on my grandmother for her warmth, comfort, and coziness!
About the piece: Another personal favorite in the collection, our version of a cozy pullover to wear all winter long! Our Judy Plush Fleece Standing Collar Pullover will help fuel your pullover obsession. It can be hard to find a standing neck pullover that doesn’t make you feel claustrophobic, but thanks to the button side closure you have full control over just how you want your neck positioned! Another fun perk: Thumbholes. This baby comes in three colors and if you’re anything like me, you’ll want ’em all! Fit Tip: True to size
Alice
Inspiration:
When we were asked to name a piece of the line after someone in our lives who showed qualities we admired; my grandmother Alice was one of the first people that came to my mind. She had so many amazing qualities that I strive for daily. Throughout her entire life; Christ was always the center of her heart and daily life which she showed by always putting others before herself and showing compassion to those in need. She always displayed a tremendous amount of strength, grace and bravery, even during her short battle with cancer. We miss her every day and think about her often but know she is watching over us.
About the piece: Introducing the Alice! The softest jersey material striped tee that is the epitome of the perfect layering top for fall and winter. If there is one thing I wear consistently during the cooler months it’s vests and jackets, so creating the perfect tee to pair under these was key! The solid rolled cuff detail adds an extra touch of fun. Available in three colors, see how to style them all here! Fit Tip: Size down if in between
Ellen
Inspiration:
The name Ellen comes from my mom, Sue. Ellen is her middle name. Fall is my favorite time of year! One of the traditions I most look forward to is going on a craft show tour with my mom [and I mean tour – we’ve been known to go to 6 or more in a day!]. The point of these adventures isn’t to always walk away with an arm full of finds, but we’re always sure to visit our favorite stops – including a local church with THE BEST ham & beans and cornbread! Naming a fall staple piece — Hello, perfect plaid! — after the person I do my Fall staple activity with seemed just perfect.
About the piece: Oh, how I love our plaid top oh so much! It’s impossible to get through fall without a great plaid so this was a no-brainer piece to add to our collection. However, we wanted a plaid top that set itself apart from the rest of the crowd. We decided to make ours slightly more feminine than others on the market by adding in pintuck detailing, a non-traditional collar and the most feminine plaid color combo! Fit Tip: Size down if in between
Shirley
Inspiration:
This piece was named after my grandmother, Shirley. She was a woman of few words, but when she spoke, she always spoke with such kindness and had a side of humor within her. Shirley always had a sparkle in her eye, the most beautiful braided hair and taught me how to work a cash register in one of my first jobs that I had the joy of working alongside her for. She is an example of love and light and I am so thankful for the precious memories I shared with her during her lifetime.
About the piece: These joggers quickly became the most popular of the collection on launch day as they sold out FAST. Fortunately, we’re bringing them back and will be updating you when they are back! Whether you wear these to the office, running errands or lounging around the house [yes, you can do all three!] you will love and appreciate just how great this fabric feels on. They aren’t sheer, offer an elastic waist and come in both standard and petite sizing! Once you own these, you won’t want to take them off, guaranteed. Fit Tip: True to size, wearing in XS
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
