Shopbop Winter Sale Picks

Still some great pieces to be found at Shopbop's winter sale. These lovelies are all under $100 a pop.

There's still plenty of winter left to wear this cozy cardi. American Vintage Big Sky Country Cardigan, $60.

Get in a few more fireside s'mores sessions in this comfy intarsia knit.  Reformation Gia Cardigan, $85.80.

A great work-to-play number. Pair it with tights and belt a long black cardi over it for day, which you can shake off for after-work cocktails. BB Dakota Matson Abstract Print Dress, $42.50.

Photos: www.shopbop.com

Spring Thinking: Three Great Cardigans

I'm not into New Years resolutions.  I gag a bit each time I see a magazine cover or marketing blast exploding with those inane "New Year, new you!" headlines (actually the same story recycled from the previous year, with a new cover model).  While I certainly have goals both big and small, I don't feel the need to designate a time of year for a self assessment or suddenly resolve to shed old habits and take up new and enriching hobbies. One of my ongoing non-resolutions has been to declutter, which includes the purging of my closet (probably so I can fill it up again with new stuff a few months later). In addition to the eight pairs of jeans, seven pairs of shoes, and countless coats and tops I've already done away with in the past year, I'll also be retiring several cardigans that have seen better days. The timing couldn't be more perfect, as I've just discovered a trifecta of perfect spring cardigans:

1. A folksy, open-stitched neutral with a bit of bright accent color. Kimchi Blue Rosie Posie Cardigan, $68 @ Urban Outfitters.

2. A slim, whisper light number in brilliant poppy to shake up your tired rotation of black and neutral hues. Vanessa Bruno Cotton Cardigan, $130 @ Net-a-porter.

3. A chunky, oversized knit for chilly mornings. Paul & Joe Sister Flavio Crochet-Knit Cardigan, $340 @ Net-a-porter.

Photos:
1) www.urbanoutfitters.com
2-3) www.net-a-porter.com

Wardrobe Essentials: Perfect Winter Sweaters

I absolutely detest winter. Just about the only thing that gets me through, besides copious amounts of spiced hot cocoa, is the cozy cold-weather gear I get to pile on. Four sweaters I'm crushing on at the moment:

A lovely herringbone neutral: Built By Wendy Herringbone Loose U, $194.

A chunky striped cardi: Marc by Marc Jacobs Wool-blend cardigan, $330.

The perfect slouchy, marled sweatshirt: Vanessa Bruno Athe's Cropped cotton sweatshirt, $175.

A nubby sweater-tunic: Rag + Bone Greville Sweater, $325.

Photos:
1) www.builtbywendy.com
2-3) www.net-a-porter.com
4) www.lagarconne.com

Cardi Time!

September is upon us, and it will soon be time for cardigans to emerge from beds of mothballs and resume their dominant role in our wardrobes. I've been recycling the same trusty old standbys for a while now and while grateful for their service, I'm very much looking forward to acquiring a few fresh toppers this season. A couple of nominees for best non-traditional cardi:

In patchwork-esque argyle, this style from Joie is a great spin on the cocoon cardi. Irisa Argyle Batwing Cardigan, $258 @Tobi.

If it wasn't so darn expensive, this would be my dream. I shall continue to stalk it until it goes on sale. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent 50's Cozy Mohair Melange Cardigan, $467 @Tobi.

Photos: www.tobi.com

Doo.ri Does it Right with Under.ligne

I've been a fan of Doo-ri Chung since the debut of her semi-eponymous label at New York Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2005, and I clearly remember the moment I first glimpsed one of her gorgeously crafted pieces in the flesh. I was working at a boutique in San Francisco that year, and my coworkers and I were busy putting the latest fall shipment out on the floor. A collective gasp escaped from us when we discovered among the merchandise a cropped tweed jacket with oversized buttons,  beautifully embellished at the sleeves with crystalline beading.  It retailed for over $1,000 so owning it was but a wistful dream. Fast forward to 2009, when Ms. Chung cured me of that heartbreak by launching under.ligne, a diffusion line that offers the same play on proportions, deft draping, and distinctive design details that first won me over, but at a much friendlier price point. Some items I'm currently crushing on:

A sheer, whisper-thin draped cardi, $325 @ under.ligne. Available in cream or black.

Love the cutout detail on the Harness Tank Top, $165 @ Tobi.

A sculpted, stretch mini that's both cozy and chic. Knit Mini Skirt, on sale for $100 (was $245) @under.ligne.

And just for old time's sake, here's the doo.ri jacket that broke my heart:

Photos: 
1, 2, 4) www.under.ligne.com
3) www.tobi.com
5) www.style.com

Menswear Obsession: Collared Cardies

Cardigans are by now a wardrobe staple for most guys, and the shawl collared sweater is still going strong. Put 'em together and your go-to look gets an instant update. Three fine examples:

Shades of Greige Grey Stark Cardigan, $132 @ Oak.

Scotch and Soda Collared Cardigan, $139 @ 80's Purple.

Shades of Greige Chunky Cardigan, $121 @ Need Supply.

Photos: 
1) www.oaknyc.com
2) www.80spurple.com
3) www.needsupply.com

J. Lindeberg's Spring Essentials: Ethan, Ives, and Travis

Boys, I'll try not to forget you as the shows steal my attention during Fashion Week. I will distractedly post some menswear finds for you while I'm in the grips of the mania that takes hold of the internet's fashion-minded populace twice a year.


Lucky for you, Tobi just got in a new shipment of J. Lindeberg and it's looking very, very good. Three pieces to covet for Spring:

1. A red-tipped cardi to keep you toasty til summer. J. Lindeberg Ethan Cardigan, $190.

2. A lightweight sweater with an electric stripe. J. Lindeberg Ives V-Neck Sweater, $160.

3. A windbreaker to fend off any lingering chill. J. Lindeberg Travis Jacket in Dark Blue, $205.

The contrast lining inside the collar is a nice little detail.

Photos: www.tobi.com

The Weekend in Clothes: Some SONIA, a Denim Mini, and a Slouchy Cardi

Friday, at long last! It's strange that an abbreviated work week should feel so long, but no matter because I'm off to DC to see my youngest brother off before he moves to San Francisco (exactly three years after I left it . . . tear).

Before I head out, I thought I'd bring some relaxed-yet-chic, leisure-time pieces to your attention. Bonne weekend!

Nothing says "weekend" like sailor stripes. Bonus points if it's from a cheeky chic French label and features ruffled sleeves.  SONIA by Sonia Rykiel Striped Ruffle Top, $275 @ Tobi.

The weekend version of your workday pencil skirt: faded black, pieced together denim (only it's actually a stretchy knit!) with a higher hemline and exposed zipper.  Perfect for nighttime revelry.
Blank Knit Denim Mini Skirt in black, $78 @ Tobi.

 

The perfect throw-on cardi for a slouchy, brunch-y Sunday. You don't even have to undo the buttons to get it over your head.  Free People Slouchy Striped Dolman Sweater, $98 @ Tobi.

 

Photos: www.tobi.com

Hibernation Essentials: Oversize Knits

Oh, my. I could just crawl into this enormous, chunky sweater, let it absorb me, and never come out. Do not knock on my cardigan house until it's springtime. Thanks.

Chunky hoodie knit cardigan, $156 @ Pixie Market.

 

 

Photos: www.pixiemarket.com

Shopping the A.P.C. Sale: Top Picks for the Men

As promised, here's my roundup of menswear finds from the A.P.C. sale currently in progress. Hit the brick-and-mortars for the best selection, but there are deals to be had online as well. I decided to limit this post to items under $200. While you ogle the discounted goods, I'm going to dump The Wizard of Oz (I've already watched it one and a half times today) for Inglourious Basterds. Bf gave it to me as a nondenominational holiday present (for an unofficial holiday which shall henceforth be known as "Khanmas") and yes, I gifted him with a copy of the very same for one of his Hanukkah presents -- funny story.

Striped pullover sweater, now $140 (was $200), shown in dark indigo/ecru stripe. Also available in dark indigo/violet stripe.

 

Flecked cardigans are all the rage these days, apparemment. Cardigan, $175 (was $250). Available in beige/multicolored (top) and anthracite (bottom).

 

 

Narrow plaid shirt in chestnut brown/navy, $85 (was $170). Also available in black/grey and navy blue/white.

"Boy" shirt in blue plaid, $119 (was $170), shown in blue plaid. Also available in red plaid and brown plaid.

Wool web belt in grey, $45 (was $90). Also available in black and red.

 

Tennis shoes in grey, $140 (was $200).

 

 

Photo credit: www.apc.fr

Shopping the A.P.C. Sale: Top Picks for the Ladies

If you haven't hit the A.P.C. sale, you had better get over there as fast as you can, snow be damned. Almost everything is 50% off, unless otherwise indicated. Though some of the goods are available online, there's plenty in store that you won't find. While passing through to pick up a tie for bf's final Hannukah present, I managed to grab the red hard shell purse I'd been coveting for $165, and I may have to return for the belt.

If you're not a local lady, there are still some great finds on the website. Men's version coming up next!

The anchor cardi! Now $126 (was $180).

Okay, so this green animal print tunic from A.P.C.'s new Madras line is not on sale, but I had to post it because it's both pretty and reasonably priced at $120.

 

This bag is actually from the men's collection but I think it goes both ways. It's looks like the perfect thing to tote to Lit class. 

 

This one is also unisex. These flannel duffels look so cozy and are great for lugging your things home for the holidays.  Duffel bag with nickel zipper, $135 (was $270). Available in red/violet and black/white.

 

 

Photo credit: www.apc.fr