Overall(s) of it.

Bragging about my Villeine LeRoy Overalls this week for my LAST OUTFITS FROM A SUITCASE SERIES!

Above from left: Shelley Duvall in The Shining, (1980), Mia Goth in Pearl, set in 1918 (2022), Tia & Tamera Mowry on set of Sister, Sister, (1997), Julie Christie at the airport in 1973

I never thought this day would come: I’m moving into an apartment this week. It’s been 132 days without a home, wearing what I’ve packed into two suitcases and an assortment of vintage purchases along the way…I feel a sense of achievement, weirdly, as someone to whom clothing is such an essential form of expression, having worn such a minimal number of items (not without complaint, but still)! This experience has allowed for me to preemptively Marie Kondo my wardrobe, and more deeply appreciate the versatility of a few great garments. It’s about quality, not quantity, after all.

On that note, I’m doing my last outfit journal series from a suitcase, wearing none other than the original piece from my brand, Villeine: The LeRoy Overalls, six ways. Staying again at my friend Taylor’s place in BK, this week I’m sporting both the raven and oatmeal colorways in an assortment of bib-wearing stylings and different shoe options, of course.

I can’t discuss the LeRoy Overalls without elaborating on their inspiration, for one. I named the garment after my Grandpa LeRoy (Roy for short, which I dubbed the shortalls version of our long overalls), who, while I was perusing old family photos, I realized, wore overalls growing up quite often. My great grandpa on my father’s mother’s side wore them, too, as an unruly country youth, and the tradition was passed down from both sides of my family.

Left: My Grandpa LeRoy as a kid with two wild bears?, est. 1938 2) Roy w/ my dad in lil overalls, my Grandma Barb & Aunt Jill, est. 1958

The photo that started it all: my Great-grandpa George fourth in from right w/ head partially covered & a motley crew of friends & family in Cul de Sac, Idaho, est. 1915

It may seem strange, but the pull I’ve always felt toward the specific garment that is overalls feels like roots to me; connecting me to my past when I wear them and, even more so, while I was inspired to design them.

Above: I’m wearing the Raven LeRoy Overall w/ Villeine Harriett Top in Pearl

Roots aside, the LeRoy Overall is (in my clearly unbiased opinion ;) the best garment ever! The LeRoy is made from a heavy, yet soft hand feel, denim that’s milled in the U.S.A. It has custom color military-inspired hinged buckles down the bib, and a side lace-up gusset detail, inspired by an old military pant I saw at a vintage fair. Each pair is made in N.Y.C. with great attention to detail: one pair takes eight hours to make, start to finish, and that isn’t including the time it takes to apply their metal hardware. I love the waist-cinching ability and body-skimming fit for a more sophisticated iteration of your typical “boyfriend” overalls. When in doubt for what to wear for a specific occasion, I bust out my LeRoys probably too often lol.

Above: LeRoy Overall in raven looks of three 2) w/ Villeine wallet chain & bindle man charm, 3) half-up/half-down

Like unto any unlined jumpsuit or jeans, you’re going to want to make sure the seams at high pressure points, i.e. along the back rise, at the back gusset on overalls, and where the straps are attached, are flat felled or clean finished. Again, this type of seam or finish is lasting, durable, and it just looks so much nicer and higher quality (you can see the backside of straps on overalls quite easily when you’re wearing them).

Above: I’m wearing the Oatmeal LeRoy Overall w/ 4) thrifted button-down & bolo tie, 5) thrifted handknit shawl, & 6) MILER RUNNING hat & bib-down styling w/ a vintage rugby shirt

If you can’t picture yourself in the LeRoys, I’ve linked some other overalls-adjacent jumpsuits that I think are pretty great. It’s fun to try new things, and I truly believe there is a pair of overalls for everyone.

Above: Kyle Minogue at the airport in the ‘90s

1. Raven Villeine LeRoy Overall made in NYC $530

2. Oatmeal Villeine LeRoy Overall made in NYC $530

3. Constant Practice 1980s Armani Flight Cargo Overalls men’s S $800

4. Second hand Rosie Assoulin cotton jumpsuit sz 4 $475

5. Second hand unworn Jacquemus linen halter jumpsuit sz FR 34 $348.21

6. Christopher John Rogers shirred silk taffeta strapless jumpsuit $1,895

7. Vintage railroad stripe LEE riders made in Japan sz 33” $100

8. Vintage French Moleskin Workwear Painters Overalls $186.59

9. Comme des Garçons Shirt cotton twill shortalls $462

10. Vintage wool overalls don’t judge the photo they seem amazing & seller says she removed the stain sz men’s L $350

Until next week, when—watch out—I will be moved into a Brooklyn apartment with my entire wardrobe to pull from for the first time since starting CRACD. xo Hannah