Letter-from-rose-nola
A letter from Rose, Rowan & Rose, Sydney. October 2026
On hot days she reaches for a plain singlet. And spends the whole lunch wishing she had worn something nicer.
On the six things that made me choose the Nola, how it compares to what you have been wearing, and why it is $64.95 in our Retirement Sale.
This is the one.
I am Rose. For years my husband and I have watched women in an Australian summer make the same small compromise.
It is thirty degrees. Anything with sleeves is too warm. So out comes the plain cotton singlet, the one you would wear to do the garden.
It is cool enough. But it is not what you want to be wearing when a friend suggests a glass of wine at the café, or when your daughter takes a photo.
A sleeveless top should not have to mean a casual one.
The Nola is my answer. A soft waffle-knit sleeveless top with a V-neck and a little button placket that makes it look finished. There were six things I would not do without.
A waffle texture that looks considered
Soft knit with a little texture.
This is the thing that caught my eye. The soft waffle knit gives the top a gentle texture, so even in a single colour it never looks flat or plain. It feels comfortable on the skin and has a little more interest than a smooth cotton tee.
★★★★★
"It looks so much nicer than my usual singlets. The texture makes it feel like a proper top."
Sara, Melbourne
A V-neck that flatters
The open V-neckline draws the eye up and lengthens the neck. It looks lovely on its own, or with a simple necklace if you want to dress it up for lunch.
★★★★★
"The neckline is perfect. Open enough to keep me cool, modest enough that I don't think about it."
Angelique, Sydney
A button placket that makes it polished
A small detail that changes everything.
The neat little row of buttons at the front is what turns this from a singlet into a top. It gives the relaxed shape a finished, put-together look.
★★★★★
"The buttons make it look smart enough for lunch out. I've worn it three times this week."
Miriam, Sydney
Cool on warm days, easy to layer
On its own on a hot afternoon. Under a light cardigan or jacket when the evening cools or the air conditioning is too strong. The sleeveless shape works through the whole of a warm day.
★★★★★
"I wear it under my linen jacket for dinner and on its own during the day. So useful."
Mariette, Palm Beach
A relaxed fit that goes with everything
It sits easily without clinging. Tuck it into wide-leg trousers, leave it loose over jeans, or wear it with a midi skirt. Weekend errands, a long lunch, a walk along the water.
★★★★★
"Relaxed but not baggy. Goes with all my white trousers."
Lisa, Palm Beach
Four colours, S to 2XL, one price
Khaki, Rose Red, Pink and Olive.
Soft khaki and olive for quiet days. Pink and rose red when you want a little colour near your face. Every size from S to 2XL, at the same price.
★★★★★
"Started with the khaki, now I have the pink as well. At this price, why not."
Lisanne, Parramatta
The Nola, against what you have been wearing
| The usual summer singlet | The Nola | |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Plain, flat cotton | Soft waffle-knit texture |
| Neckline | Scoop or crew, nothing special | Flattering V-neck |
| Finish | Looks like gardening clothes | Button placket, polished look |
| Layering | Only works on its own | On its own or under a cardigan |
| Choice | White or black | Four colours, S to 2XL |
I refuse to sell a woman something that asks her to look casual just because it is hot outside. That is the whole reason the Nola is in our shop.
Why it is $64.95
The Nola is part of our Retirement Sale. Rowan and I are slowing down, and we would rather our last pieces go to women who will wear them than sit on a shelf.
And summer is nearly here. This is the top for every warm day between now and March.
When a size sells out, it will not come back.
The Nola, in our Retirement Sale.
- Soft waffle-knit texture
- Flattering V-neckline
- Button placket for a polished finish
- Cool sleeveless shape, easy to layer
- Four colours, S to 2XL, one price
- Free shipping across Australia and New Zealand
Combine pieces and save up to 20% extra. Discounts are applied automatically at checkout.
I have watched a lot of women try on a top like this. They look in the mirror, then reach for the buttons and straighten them, as if they had just put on something special.
Because they have. It just happens to be cool enough for January.
You are allowed to look lovely in the heat. Go and find your size.
With love,
Rose, Rowan & Rose
Free shipping across Australia and New Zealand. 30-day money-back guarantee. Rowan & Rose, Sydney.