January's Obsession - Big Knits

Image from etsy.com (Ohhio)

You know when you’re out and about living your life, and all of a sudden, you spot a fabulous look that just stops you in your tracks?  It could be an outfit or the wearer that inspires you or that perfect cream chunky sweater you’ve been searching for the past 3 years?  Said sweater was spotted on a harried mom at the car dealership one afternoon.  Her style was perfection though it wasn’t intentional.  I could tell by the ease of her look that It was her day-in-day-out wardrobe.    Jeans tucked into worn boots, chunky cream turtleneck sweater, baseball cap, stacked bracelets that looked like a little Sisco and Berluti sprinkled in there. THIS is the sweater I want!  I could pull off this look!  As I was trying to commit the whole look to memory without gawking, the thought of actually asking where she got it did cross my mind.  But I didn’t.  Should have, but didn’t.  

Instead, as I do when I’m on the hunt for something - I took it to the internet.  What DID we do before we could click click?! 

What I did learn is that “big knit” is a big trend.  I could outfit myself and my home in this comfy chunkiness.  Somebody hold me back.  Starting with, where else, Etsy. 

There are so many amazing handknit options on Etsy.  First up, this giant super chunky knit blanket from Knit Couture Co. Looks so soft and yummy!  I just want to curl up with it on the couch with a book.  

Image from knitcoutureco.com.

Handmade in the Ukraine of 100% Australian merino wool and available in dozens of colors. Why Australian merino? "The secret to Australian merino's softness is its exceptionally fine fibers.  This makes merino wool feel soft and luxuriously gentle next to your skin.  Merino fibers can absorb large quantities of moisture vapor them move it away to evaporate into the air.  It's also odor resistant.  The merino wool blanket is extremely breathable, regulates body tempurature and heart rate too so that this actually improves sleep."  Who knew?

If you’re feeling crafty and want to make it yourself, there’s Loopy Mango’s Nantucket Throw.

Image from loopymango.com.

If knitting isn’t your thing, then there are plenty of options for you.  This giant knit blanket is handmade to order from merino wool in 70 different colors by Ohhio in the Ukraine.

Image from etsy.com.

How about this fabulous Italian-made hand-knitted wool throw or hat  from Bloisem? Choose from over 70+ colors and 10 sizes.  GASP!

Images from etsy.com.

Love the colored pom pom of the Pokomoke hat from Peony Knits.  In a Rainbow of color combinations.

Images from etsy.com.

RK Hats and Knits has a super selection of hats with fur pom poms like this one.  All handmade in the USA and available in a multitude of colored yarns and pom poms. Totally cute and unique, right?!

Images from etsy.com.

You can get your chunky knit on with a pouf, too.  

Image from wayfair.com.

I never did find that sweater (new rule...always ask).  But I do have some great ideas for where to put some chunky in my life and some design inspiration for decorating my home with big knits.  Check it out! ~ LB

Images from designtoinspire.com.

Image from glitterinc.com.

New to Us - Brochu Walker Sweaters

Let's talk SWEATERS!  It's sweater weather and I'm ready to break out some new purchases!

Back in August, I happened upon a new sweater brand (new to me, that is).  After a mani/pedi at Miniluxe, I wandered into Gretta Luxe in Wellesley to check out what was new for fall.  

They had received a ton of early fall/fall.  I love the women who work there because they point out things that I would have never picked up.  For example, this Brochu Walker sweater.  It was folded on a shelf, and (confession) I hate messing up nicely stacked piles of clothing, so I rarely hold something up that is folded.  But Kelly did, and she told me that they had sold through the same sweater (different color) last year very quickly.  Which is such a great sales tactic on me; I bought it immediately!

Image from shopbop.com.

I love the layered look without the layers!  Those sleeves?  Faux!  The shirt hem and neckline?  Faux.  Super soft and cosy.  Love.  Something easy to reach for and pop on.  I like turning up the sleeve cuffs on this.  Easy, grab-and-go, run-around sweater.  

What did I do as soon as I got home?  Hopped online to see if I could find more of this brand.  And, of course, I did.  The brand is very Vince/Theory-like, which for me is a huge positive.  But they aren't exactly Vince/Theory, which I love.  I can totally see wearing their clothing everyday.  Like this dress with tights and boots.

Image from brochuwalker.com.

Or this versatile top - under a jacket as a layer or with a pencil skirt.

Image from brochuwalker.com.

Check out their goods - and look for me in that sweater when the temperature is right! ~ JH

Back in the saddle!

After a dismal holiday shopping season, Lisa and I decided to change things up and made a shopping appointment with Claudine Eaton Lewis at Saks in Boston.  (For local readers, you might know Claudine as she worked at J. McLaughlin for years in Wellesley. We were so happy to reconnect with her at Saks.)  Claudine was the one who hooked me up with the fabulous gown for the black tie event, and I was so impressed with her choice and styling that I wanted to see what else she could do.  Of course, Lisa HAD to join in!  While I can dress others pretty easily, I continue to scratch my head and wonder what I should be wearing.  Kind of like a wedding planner who never gets married.  

Anyway, Lisa and I were a little anxious; after all, we have a lot of clothing already and have some specific needs.  We also like to be a little surprised.  I sent Claudine this email before the appointment:

"Wanted to get a list of things to you for our shopping appointment...  What I really want are 2-3 outfits for walking around London/shopping in Boston/ladies lunch out.  I don't need dresses or skirts, just functional and fashionable everyday outfits - so I can grab and go and look great!  Might want to look at a spring outerwear option too - I have the classic trench, but might want something more updated.  I'm a little obsessed with complete looks rather than a piece here or there that end up sitting in my closet.

Brands I love:  Vince, Theory, Rebecca Taylor, some Marc by Marc Jacobs, Weekend Max Mara, 3.1 Philip Lim, rag & bone…but am open to try - just trying to give you a sense of what's in my closet."

I am so happy to say that Claudine filled some voids in my closet (especially for that transitional hell we call 'spring' in New England) and sprinkled in some surprises.

First item that both Lisa and I had to get:  Givenchy floral ballet flats.  Floral prints and patterns are everywhere this spring.  While we like to be current, I can't really see Lisa or myself sporting a floral dress or pants.  Not in our wheelhouse.  Claudine suggested these as a nod to the trend, while allowing us to stay true to our classic, neutral looks.  It was love at first sight.  And, they are so completely comfortable.

Image from barneys.com.

She told us to pair them with ANYTHING.  Black cropped jeans and a white blouse.  Jeans and a white blouse.  Take your basics and update with a floral shoe.  

I am always in DIRE need of layering for the spring.  Claudine totally nailed it with a Vince silk blouse (layered over a black tank) with a Theory cardigan layered over it (or not!).  I can wear this over black jeans or pants, white jeans or pants, cropped or long, denim jeans, the blouse only tucked into dressier pants with heels - all things I have in my closet already!  Oh, and with my new ballet flats!  Just saying.

Image from lyst.com.

Image from vince.com.

Lisa and I also fell in love with this totally soft and comfortable Helmut Lang asymmetrical stretch knit jacket.  Totally easy to wear, open and zipped, and again, over all the basic bottoms we have.

Image from nordstrom.com.

I know, you might be thinking "that's a lot of black".  For transition, I've decided that trying to make lighter colors work is a little back-breaking.  I think the floral flats will really 'lighten' up the palette.  In full disclosure, I also picked up an Alexander McQueen scarf (as did Lisa), a crisp white blouse, and an oxford blue blouse (also an item to have for Spring 2014) - all will be work-horse items in my closet!

Lisa hit a home run in Saks!  Seemed that everything she put on was magical.  If you recall, Lisa was really into ivory fisherman knit sweaters this winter. She wanted a linen/cotton/silk version of it for spring and fell in love with this ivory Helmut Lang sweater.

Image from lyst.com.

Lisa also picked up this beaded, silk 3.1 Philip Lim top that looked stunning on her!  She can wear it now with black leather pants and into the spring over white pants with sandals.  This was another Claudine pick that surprised Lisa - she said she would have never picked it up off the rack.

Image from ssense.com.

So many things to look at!  There's even more!  We highly recommend seeing Claudine for your shopping needs.  Not only did she 'get' what we wanted and our personal styles, but she's a lot of fun and completely honest.  As in, 'that's horrible, take it off!' honest.  Gotta love a girl who's got your back! ~ JH

Wanted: A basic sweater that is not basic.

You are not navy or gray.  Or black.  You are easy to wear and comfortable.  You make me look fabulous and put together.  I can throw you on with skinny jeans in any color.  Or trousers and a jacket.  Or layer you under vest or big comfy sweater.  You make those blue suede wedges I got last year look even better this year.  You can share the spotlight with a necklace or look fab without one. 

Hello Joie silk animal print top.   Your mix of silk body and wool sleeves is genius.   Your shades of gray, black and white are perfection.  Welcome to my closet.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Image from Lisa Bida.

It's out there this year.  The non-basic, basic sweater.  Love this Tory burch top and whole look from head to toe.

Images from toryburch.com.

Check out the Polyvore set below to get some other ideas.  Purrr.  ~ LB

PS - In full disclosure, Jen also purchased the Joie sweater, completely on her own and separately.  What's the etiquette here?! - JH

W2WW: "Basic" Sweaters

Tory Burch woven top / Equipment leopard print sweater / Joie sweater / Tory Burch crew neck t shirt / Hermès turtleneck top