Forever 21 Goes Luxe. And Grows Up Just a Bit.
It’s no secret around here that I love Forever 21. Sometimes there is no greater thrill in life than scoring a fabulous sweater for $17.80 (seriously- all of their prices end in $0.80??!?!). But even I have to admit, stalking around the brick and mortar store amongst the youth of America can make me feel a bit ridiculous. This is why I try to shop their store online as much as possible. I find that it is wiser to buy tops online, as opposed to dresses or pants, because the sizing is more consistent and easier to predict. Not to mention the fact that the items that are shipped from the online store tend to be in much better condition that those found in store.
I also feel slightly less ridiculous shopping the Twelve by Twelve line, which is at a slightly higher price point, and has slightly more adult pieces. For example, this gorgeous cardigan sweater:
Twelve by Twelve Pleat Chiffon Cardigan
This cashmere blend sweater is slightly more refined that your average Forever 21 find. It is actually made of natural fabrics! The chiffon trim at the neckline is a detail most appreciated by those who have already graduated from high school, and the rhinestone buttons add just enough sparkle without venturing into teeny-bopper territory. I love the gathered waistline as well.
Pleat Chiffon Cardigan at Twelve by Twelve, $42.00. Availabe in sizes XS-L. In colors navy or black.
Not-So-Basic Basics
As J.Crew’s self declared Ultimate Number One Fan, I believe thus far I’ve shown remarkable restraint by failing to make every day’s featured item something from my J. Crew wish list. But I would be remiss in failing to highlight some of the awesome things available in J. Crew’s sale section right now.
First up, this fantastic cardigan:
J. Crew Tartine Cardigan
This sweater is marked down to $49.99, from the original price of $88.00. I love that is a basic piece, a cardigan, with an extra something special in the chiffon ruffle trim. This cardigan is available in a variety of colors, but my favorites are buttercup and bright rhubarb.
I also love this pleated tee with the metal square accents:
J. Crew Pleated Cotton Tee
Once again, a basic piece, with something extra to take it up a notch. The pleating and metal studs make this much more than your average shell top. In addition, the standing collar with the button back detail make this top not only perfect with casual jeans, but also fancy enough for your office.
Tartine Cardigan at J. Crew, $49.99. Available in sizes XS-XL, in ten different colors!
Black Cotton Pleated Tee at J. Crew, $34.99. Available in sizes XS-L.
Ask and You Shall Receive
Yesterday, a reader left a comment asking for work appropriate sweater dresses. This is something I am also seeking out because I like to be comfortable and snuggly at work as often as possible. So, I started hunting.
Fortuitously, I received the Isabella Bird catalog in the mail just a few days ago, and luckily I decided to look through it before tossing it in the pile of unsolicited catalogs that live in a basket beside my bed. In that catalog, I found this fantastic sweater dress, which I feel will both be perfect for the office, and flattering to many body types:
Isabella Bird Whitney Dress
This dress is form fitting enough to be flattering, but loose enough not to create any extra bumps or lumps, as sweater dresses can do. The defined waist will also prevent that sack look that sweater dresses can sometimes create. I would pair this dress with boots as shown, or a with a pair of round toe pumps.
Whitney Sweater Dress at Isabella Bird, $99.00. Available in sizes XS-XL.
A Fantastic Combination
Fall is the season of layering. Sweaters with camis. Cardigan and shell sets. But why layer like everyone else is layering? Allow me to present to a slightly more unconventional brand of layering:
This look is comprised of two pieces. The bottom layer is a silk ruffle top and the top layer is an adorable wrap front sweater.
The great thing about this ensemble is that the ruffled detail on the top eliminates the need for a necklace- it serves as built in jewelry! Both pieces would also be great on their own, or with other layers. For example, you could pair the silk ruffle top with a simple cardigan (which you probably already have in your closet anyway). Or you could pair the wrap sweater with a coordinating turtleneck for cooler days. They can also be dressed up or down, with jeans or dressier pants. So really, you are getting multiple looks with the addition of just two new pieces. And who doesn’t love that?
Silk ruffle top at Old Navy, $26.50. Available in sizes XS-XXL.
Wrap sweater at Old Navy, $34.50. Available in sizes XS-XXL.
Gap reimagines the twin set, just in time for summer
Twin sets are a perfect wardrobe staple, no matter what your personal style is; wear the shell and cardigan together, or break them up for a less Preppy look. Pair the cardi with a tank or camisole, layer the shell under a jacket or over a tee. Mix and match with dresses and skirts and jeans and trousers.
The Gap’s current twin set has some fantastic details, like the keyhole closure and ribbon tie. To balance the traditionally feminine line of the shell, the cardigan is a little more casual, with front patch AND welt pockets. It’s the perfect solution for those days when you have to go from the hot outside to the arctic inside.
Ribbon keyhole shell ($34.50) and super soft cardigan ($44.50), available in four colors.
Boden merino tunic takes you from winter to warm
I am over winter. I’m ready for balmy spring days, the kind where a light sweater is precisely warm enough. And Boden has just the tunic for those days.
This lightweight merino wool tunic is not quite a dress but not quite a sweater; pair with slim jeans or leggings, or toss over a swimsuit for your winter holiday break. The deep V neck and empire waistline make this the perfect top for a variety of shapes and sizes.
Merino tunic from BodenUSA, $88.00. Available in five colors, but currently back ordered, which is fine because in most parts of the East coast it’s still too cold to wear it anyway.
Hayden cashmere tunic gives you one more sweatsuit alternative
It’s cold where I live these days, and I’m trying to find cozy pieces that are NOT my fleece yoga pants. I’m also looking for pieces that are both appropriate for lounging on the sofa and for running errands or going out to lunch. This cashmere tunic by Hayden totally fits the bill.
Pair with leggings or footless tights for a casual Saturday, or with boot-cut or skinny jeans for lunch or dinner out. Depending on your height, the hem may hit closer to your knee, making this top more like a dress than a shirt, which is even more versatile. Wear with a long necklace for a little pizzaz or over a long-sleeved tee for warmth.
Hayden cashmere tunic, Bluefly, $119.99.
Romantic sweater from Chico’s
I love cardigans; I love the shapes and colors, and the whole easy toss-it-over-a-tee ethos of the cardigan. But when we think about cardigans, we tend to default to a boring, straight-up crew or V-neck, which is … fine. But not particularly sexy.
Thank god for Chico’s.
This cardigan has a fantastic shape and luscious color, like so many of Chico’s pieces. Wear it over your little black dress for an evening out, or with a tank for daytime. Layer it over a scoop neck tee for cool mornings. Pair with jeans or an A-line skirt.
Tressa sweater, Chico’s, $118.00.
Sweatsuit alternative: Caslon babydoll cardigan
Tim Gunn is big on the “sweatsuit alternative” for casual wear, and I’m with him; if I have to see one more young woman waiting in line for her fancy Starbucks coffee in a velour track suit I will cry. CRY!
Skip the grandma track suit and try this instead: pair a long cardigan or tunic with a pair of leggings, or with knit lounge pants. Layer over a tee or turtleneck for warmth; wear with ballet flats or sporty Mary Janes.
Choose a cardigan that flatters your shap; this one is good for girls with larger hips, because the slight baby doll line will skim over them. Curvy girls might opt for a cardi with a belt, to pull them in at the middle and give them an hourglass shape. Comfortable doesn’t have to mean sloppy or oversized; you can be warm and cozy and still look chic.
Caslon babydoll cardigan, Nordstrom, $58.00.
Buy the sweater, or just get the look
Sometimes, in the dead of winter, your wardrobe and your waist line need to be rescued from all those warm, chunky sweaters by something sleek and bright and maybe a little sexy. I love this look, because it’s so simple: gray deep v-neck sweater with a fabulous fabric belt and a pop of camisole underneath.
This sweater, from Boden, comes with the belt included, but you could easily recreate this look with pieces from your own closet. Tie a belt on over a crew or V-neck sweater, or wrap and belt a basic cardigan. Use a scarf or leather belt, but choose something with color. Wear with flat-front trousers or a skirt.
Boden drapey wrap sweater, currently on sale for $64.00.