Evergreen Reads to Empower Your Mind
The Standard Sister
Issue no.6
The Quality Issue
Feb 7, 2025
Liz Pringle, Jamaica, 1957 Richard Avedon
100% Quality
Quality over quantity is a motto The Standard Sister lives by. It’s the reason we’re here—to save you time and scrolling effort so you can focus on consuming meaningful, high-quality content.
We sanctify quality because, for us, it means patience- something we could all use a little more of. Behind every piece of true quality, there is a story—a legacy of dedication, values, and mastery passed down through time. Quality isn’t just about superior materials or flawless execution;
it’s about the thought, effort, and tradition that shape something meaningful. It’s the artisan who perfects their craft over decades, the designer who prioritizes vision over volume, and the creators who choose integrity over shortcuts.
This issue is dedicated to a quality life choices—because you only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
If you find this uplifting, please share this link with a woman you love.
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Q&A With Petit Pois
Since launching Petit Pois in 2015, Shirley Lasry, the visionary behind the brand, has redefined femininity with her ethereal, sheer, and intricately designed pieces. A graduate of Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, she brings a delicate balance of structure and fluidity to her work, creating garments that not only flatter the body but also invite curiosity.
The name Petit Pois, meaning ‘peas’ in French, holds a deeper significance. It speaks to the contrast between what is revealed and what remains hidden—an idea that runs through the heart of Shirley’s designs. Her pieces play with transparency, layers, and movement, allowing the wearer to embrace both mystery and self-expression.
Shirley is committed to slow fashion, valuing craftsmanship, sustainability, and mindful design over fleeting trends. Each Petit Pois piece is meticulously created with a focus on quality and longevity, encouraging a deeper connection between the wearer and their wardrobe.
Q: Which quality/ word define your past?
A: Curiosity
Q: Which quality/ word defining your present?
A: Movement
Q: Which quality/ word will define your future?
A: Freedom
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
A: Trying to remember my dreams from last night.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Forgetting everything I’ve been taught about the 'right' way to do things and discovering my own way. (From Neta, a past mentor.)
Q: If you could be anywhere in the world in a second, where would it be?
A: Paris. Always and at any time
Q: What turns you on/ off?
A: Passion and curiosity—they have me under their spell. Over-effort and dishonesty turn me off instantly.
Q: What makes you feel at home when you’re away from home?
A: The scent of fabric softener.
Q: If you could meet any woman, living or dead, who would it be and why?
A: Ronit Elkabetz is the woman I always dreamed of dressing, but I never got the chance.
Q: How do you express love?
A: Letting them know—through so many moments—that I am with them, even when they’re not around.
Q: What’s your favorite word?
A: Souvenir
Q: Who is your hero/heroine in real life?
A: I meet so many "everyday" heroines—women who, against everything the world has thrown at them, are full of strength and move forward even when it’s uncomfortable. The one who has always been my greatest inspiration is my mother, who silenced all the background noise and followed her own path.
Q: Which fear you will give up to be invincible?
A: The fear of not being loved.
Q: Which motto would you send to the next generation of women?
A: Don’t try to be like anyone else. Your identity—the precise combination of elements that make you you—is your superpower.
Non-Refundable Time
In a fast-paced reality, we often think that a full inbox and endless to-do lists are signs of success. So we chase more—more tasks, more efficiency, more time to handle it all. And then, even if we find a spare moment during the day or the weekend, we get confused about how to use it! We barely manage to take advantage of it and truly enjoy it. Real luxury in an era like this isn’t about having more time—it’s about how we spend it when we finally have it. Quality time is defined by presence, intention, and the ability to overcome distractions and be in the moment.
Sam Shepard and Jessica Lange by Bruce Weber for Vanity Fair ,2006
There is a beautiful term in the Danish language: hygge (pronounced hoo-gah)—a concept that embodies the essence of meaningful, cozy, and fulfilling moments. It’s about creating warmth, both in your surroundings and within yourself. Whether it’s sharing an unhurried meal with loved ones, reading a book by candlelight, or simply savoring a morning coffee without distraction, hygge teaches us that true quality isn’t in quantity, but in the depth of experience.
By embracing simple, intentional steps, we can turn our time into meaningful moments alone or with others:
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Curate Your Space: Before reading a book, cooking, or even getting ready for your day, take a moment to set the atmosphere. Warm lighting, soft music, and inviting scents transform any space into a sanctuary where time slows down. You may find that even getting ready for a busy day suddenly becomes a time in your day you look forward to.
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Indulge in Simple Pleasures: Even if you are a superwoman, you must place time frames in your calendar yourself, a slow walk at sunset, or a glass of wine—these moments are as important as showing in the office. These small pauses will restore your energy and help you keep going. A great tip is to divide your day into categories—personal time for relaxation or a passion project, exercise, social time with loved ones, and business. Measuring in percentages can help you see where your time truly goes and how to find balance.
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Disconnect to Connect: This one is the easiest to remember but actually the hardest to do. Put the phone away when you can. Be fully present with yourself or with the people in front of you.
Time is the only non-refundable currency we have, so make sure you spend it wisely. Not every moment needs to be ‘productive’—sometimes, the most meaningful time is simply spent being.
Philippe Halsman andJean Cocteau“Dream of a Poet”, 1949
Image by Amit Ofek
It's Bed Time
Lifestyle-Article by The Standard Sister
When going on vacation, one of the things we look forward to the most is diving into the perfectly soft, cloud-like white bed in a hotel room. And if it’s a truly great hotel, we probably won’t even want to leave that bed. There’s something about high-quality white bed linen that feels like heaven—cradling you in comfort, easing your mind, and setting the stage for deep, uninterrupted sleep. But why should this level of comfort be reserved for vacations?
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We spend nearly a third of our lives in bed, yet many underestimate the impact high-quality bed linen has on sleep, well-being, and overall comfort. And the best part? It’s one of the easiest upgrades you can make. Investing in premium bedding isn't just about aesthetics—it’s about bringing that five-star hotel experience into your daily life, enhancing your nightly rest, and transforming your space into a true sanctuary. The quality of your sleep directly affects your physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Poor sleep can lead to stress, a weakened immune system, and lack of concentration, whereas deep, high-quality rest rejuvenates the body and mind. Luxury bed linens, made from high-thread-count cotton, linen, or silk, provide superior breathability, softness, and moisture-wicking properties. Unlike synthetic blends, these fabrics regulate body temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter, meaning fewer night sweats, less tossing and turning, and a deeper, more restorative sleep.
But it’s not just about sleep—it’s about self-care. Your pillowcase plays a crucial role in the health of your skin and hair. Silk and high-quality cotton pillowcases reduce friction, preventing hair breakage, frizz, and facial creases. They also absorb less moisture than synthetic fabrics, helping to keep your skin hydrated overnight. If you struggle with irritated skin, acne, or hair thinning, your bedding could be an unexpected contributor. High-quality bed linens are often made from natural fibers that are hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and bacteria. This ensures a cleaner, healthier sleep environment, free from allergens and irritating chemicals. Breathable, chemical-free sheets allow your body to recover more effectively overnight.
Beyond comfort, high-quality bed linen is a smart investment. Some premium linens, particularly Egyptian cotton, linen, and silk, can last a lifetime when cared for properly. In the long run, investing in quality over quantity proves to be more cost-effective than replacing lower-quality sheets year after year. And then, there’s the pure indulgence of it. There’s something undeniably satisfying about slipping into crisp, luxurious sheets at the end of a long day. It’s a small but meaningful act of self-care, a reminder that your comfort and well-being are worth prioritizing. Luxury linens don’t just elevate your bedroom—they elevate your lifestyle.
When choosing bed linen, fabric matters—opting for Egyptian cotton, linen, silk, or bamboo ensures maximum comfort. Thread count isn’t everything, and an ideal range between 300-600 for cotton sheets offers the perfect balance of softness and durability. Weave type also plays a role, with percale providing a crisp, cool feel, sateen delivering a smooth, slightly glossy finish, and linen offering a relaxed, breathable texture. Choosing brands that use non-toxic dyes and eco-friendly production methods ensures a healthier sleep environment.
High-quality bed linen might seem like a splurge, but when you think about the time you actually spend in bed, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make. We often don’t hesitate to spend money on gym memberships, good restaurants, or even designer shoes—but if your productivity, well-being, and daily mood are directly impacted by your sleep quality, shouldn’t you invest in that first?
The Best Mid-Price Brands
We already know what fast fashion is doing to our planet, but here are a few facts as a reminder. Over 60% of fast fashion fabrics contain synthetic fibers like polyester, which are derived from fossil fuels and contribute to microplastic pollution in our oceans. Beyond the environmental impact, fast fashion often relies on low-wage labor in developing countries, where garment workers are paid less than $3 per day. Additionally, fast fashion’s carbon footprint is enormous, accounting for 10% of global carbon emissions, more than the combined output of all international flights and maritime shipping.
In an ideal world, we’d all be draped in The Row for our everyday lives—living in perfectly tailored, timeless designs made of the finest fabrics without destroying the world we live in. But unfortunately, the price tags for luxury brands are skyrocketing. Luxury fashion has become less about craftsmanship and more about trends, driven by online hype rather than the true value of materials and design. As brands continuously raise prices, even the wealthiest women have started looking for mid-priced labels that offer high-quality, well-designed, and potentially more sustainable pieces. After all, it simply doesn’t make sense to pay €200 more for shoes that cost €200 less last year.
According to Vogue, over the past few years, mid-priced brands have been gaining momentum as the smart shopper’s alternative to both fast fashion and unattainable luxury. The Standard Sister has curated a list of worth-buying brandsthat offer style, quality, and sustainability without the excessive price tag:
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Charlotte Simone– Boho-Chic Fluffy Coats (Best for fluffy coats). The ultimate Kate Moss energy—fun, bold, and perfect for layering in the colder months (and you need to register for the shop).
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Doen– Feminine and Ethically Made (Best for romantic and flowy styles). If you love countryside vibes, Doen’s feminine, vintage-inspired designs bring soft, effortless elegance.
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Dora Larsen– Luxe Lingerie with a Conscience (Best for lingerie). A small, playful UK-based lingerie brand that’s cheeky, fun, and size-inclusive.
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Foresta G– Earth-Conscious Minimalism (Best for summer vacations). A family-owned Sardinian brand crafting beautiful silk and cotton pieces, perfect for warm-weather escapes.
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La Veste– Statement Outerwear with Spanish Flair (Best for cool colorful items). A playful, bold Spanish brand that adds a pop of personality to your wardrobe.
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Leset– The Place to Invest in High-Quality T-Shirts (Best for everyday comfort). If you’re looking for the perfect everyday essentials, Leset nails the balance between quality and simplicity.
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Nanig– Sustainable Edge (Best for unique pieces).
A young designer label drawing inspiration from childhood nostalgia. You won’t see these designs on anyone else. -
Pangaia– Sustainable Innovation Meets Comfort (Best for tracksuits). This brand is all about helping the planet—using recycled cotton, planting trees, and donating to organizations fighting climate change.
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Petit Pois– Modern Israeli Chic (Best for silky items)
Elegant and minimalistic silky pieces, made to be cherished. -
Rixo– Vintage-Inspired, Timeless Pieces (Best for dresses). A go-to brand for everyday looks with a twist, combining vintage aesthetics with modern style.
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Rouri– Best for the country-side white dress. The designs are informed by organic shapes, natural textures, and earthy tones that echo the landscapes that inspire the brand.
To end this article, we have the best tip for next time you are about to shop: think cost-per-wear – A €500 coat worn for 10 years is a smarter buy than a €100 coat that lasts one season.
