sweaters
Sweatsuit alternative: Caslon babydoll cardigan
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 | sweaters | No Comments
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
Thursday, December 27th, 2007 | sweaters | No Comments
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.
Cozy mets chic
Tuesday, December 25th, 2007 | sweaters | No Comments
Some days — okay, MOST days — a girl just wants to be comfortable. But comfortable doesn’t have to mean sloppy; it IS possible to be warm and cozy and comfy and STILL look fabulous.
All it takes is the right sweater.
This cardigan, by Trina Turk, is made of a warm wool blend, but unlike a typical cardigan, it has a little more style and sass. The stand-up collar and big buttons and flared, bracelet-length sleeves make it a statement piece, rather than your usual schoolgirl layer.
Wear a shorter sleeved cardi over a tank or tee, or layer over a turtleneck. Wear with long sleeved tops and sweaters, but keep sleeves clean and slim (another sweater or tee, rather than a woven shirt).
Trina Turk Shiro sweater, Nordstrom, $228.00 (but look for similar detailing at your favorite department store or boutique).
Basic cashmere cardi, in color and on sale
Monday, December 24th, 2007 | sweaters | No Comments
I have a soft spot for J. Crew, particularly for their cashmere sweaters. I have a cardigan that is ten years old and it has held up remarkably well, both in terms of style and quality. Their basic sweaters are substantial without being bulky and the colors are terrific. (The tees, on the other hand, are thinner, so keep that in mind.)
This week, J. Crew has their classic crewneck cardigan on sale for $119.00. It is available in 21 colors, and in sizes XS to XL. For that price, you might want to get two. At least.
Dress this up with a blouse and skirt, or wear it with jeans and a tee. Hand wash in cold water with baby shampoo to preserve the fibers.
Spring is just around the corner
Friday, December 21st, 2007 | sweaters | No Comments
It’s finally winter here, which means that the stores are chock full of spring clothes. And while I am resisting the urge to buy anything I can’t wear right now, I am completely in love with the buttons on this Banana Republic cardigan.
The cardigan is a cotton/silk/wool blend, with a little viscose for shape, but the BUTTONS are what really make it. That, and the magnificent green color (which is called “finger paint green” — how much do you love that?).
The look is sleek and classic and Preppy, in a really good way. Pair with khakis and a white tee for casual wear, or with boots and your LBD for a more edgy, urban look.
Banana Republic long-sleeved knot-button cardigan, $68.00. Available in sizes XS - XL.
Wrap up in cashmere
Monday, December 17th, 2007 | sweaters | No Comments
Holiday shopping and party hopping can leave a girl longing for her coziest pajamas. On cold days when staying in bed just isn’t an option, pull on a cashmere sweater and go.
Cashmere seems like a splurge, but it’s really an investment. For longevity, go with a classic shape and a versatile color, but don’t default to the basic black turtleneck. Look for a twist on the cardigan or an updated Henley or a fancy boatneck — something that will always have a little edge.
This ballet wrap cardigan from Garnet Hill is a wonderful choice; the slim line is both flattering and versatile, while the wrap shape and deep V give you the option to play it a little sexy. Wear with jeans or a tailored skirt; layer over a tank or blouse. Available in nine colors, including five that are bright and cheery and not the least bit boring.
And at $148.00, it’s a good deal on a great sweater.
Layer up without bulking up
Friday, December 14th, 2007 | sweaters | No Comments
Wintery weather doesn’t have to mean looking like the Michelin Man. Choose thin layers designed for warmth, like cashmere or merino wool in simple, structured silhouettes; wear with fitted tees in cotton or silk blends, to keep you cozy without bulking you up.
I love this simple scoopneck sweater from Banana Republic. The shape is flattering for women with larger chests, or for women who are carrying their weight through the mid-section; the neckline flatters fuller breasts while the slight fullness through the body camouflages a thicker waist. I would roll the sleeves to give the sweater a cleaner line, and add a simple necklace for interest.
Banana Republic long-sleeved scoopneck sweater; available in six colors, in sizes XS -XL, for $68.00. Shown here in dark fuchsia.