Sweaters & Vests :The Fashionable Housewife

Review: J.Jill Marled Sweater Coat

December 2nd, 2011 by Lucie Amberg

Even here in SoCal, the weather turned chilly right before Thanksgiving, so I found myself giving thanks for a cozy item I had for review. The J.Jill marled sweater coat is a full-length, cardigan style sweater in a plush (and surprisingly soft) wool.

Since I have yet to reach 5’3″ on the measuring stick (after 20 years of trying), I have never worn a sweater coat before. It’s always seemed like too much for a petite person, and this one was a bit long for me. Despite that, like all J.Jill items I’ve tried, it’s very well made. The shoulders and body of the sweater are beautifully tailored, avoiding the slightly sloppy look of some sweater coats. It would just work better on someone who’s at least 5’6″.

That said, I certainly enjoyed it. First of all, it’s quite warm; in fact, the only thing currently in my closet that’s warmer is my winter coat. Whenever it actually gets cold here, my house turns into an igloo, so having this sweater coat was crucial during our recent frosty spell. And even though I’m typically sensitive to wool (to the point of not wearing it), this wool is so high-quality that it’s actually soft enough to curl up in.

Also, the marled pattern is lovely– a pretty mix of browns, greys, and creams. It’s a great going-apple-picking-in-New-England kind of look. If I lived in a cold clime and were taller, that’s exactly how I’d wear it, just toss it on over jeans. I Polyvored the following, though, to show you how I wore it while compensating for my (lack of) height.

Wearing black from top to bottom gave me an illusion of length, so the sweater coat didn’t look overwhelming. If I’d really wanted to stretch that, I could have worn a boot with a heel.
So while this item presents a few challenges for my fellow petites, I can definitely recommend it for taller ladies. It is a true classic, the type of piece I can envision someone gleefully pulling out every October.

The J.Jill Marled Sweater Coat retails for $199.

Fashionable Media Review Policy: This item was presented to me, at no cost, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. My opinion is my own and not influenced by compensation, monetary or otherwise.

Posted in Fall Fashion, Fashion Advice, How To Wear..., New Products, Outfit Ideas, Reviews, Sweaters & Vests, Winter Fashion Related Topics: cold weather, fall fashion. fall 2011, j. jill, lucie, Review, Sweater, sweater coat, Wool

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Fall Fashion Trend: Fair Isle Knits

November 12th, 2010 by The Fashionable Housewife

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I’ve always been a fan of fair isle knits and I have several fair isle sweaters myself. I especially like them this season with jeggings or leggings and tall boots like the Born Bryne.

Banana Republic has a fabulous fair isle sweater I know you’ll love.

The Banana Republic Shawl Neck Patterned Cardigan comes in regular, tall and petite sizes.

Get It: Banana Republic stores and BananaRepublic.com

It’s a great wardrobe basic, but might be a bit out of your price range at $175.00.

Here are some fair isle sweaters for those on a budget:

More Charter Club…

Posted in Sweaters & Vests, Winter Fashion Related Topics: Cardigan, fair isle, Shawl, Sweater, sweaters, waterfall cardigan, Wraps

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Fall 2010 Fashion Trend: Cover Ups

October 27th, 2010 by The Fashionable Housewife

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The latest trend I’m loving this Fall is chunky knit Cover Ups. Did you know you can layer sweaters? Looks really cool and Amazon.com is totally on top of this trend.

I love the look of these outfits and am trying to get my hands on some affordable pieces so I can recreate this comfy, warm looking outfit. Up here in New England, we need warm outfit ideas like this.

See more sweater coats & cardigans >>

See more layering sweaters >>

Posted in Fall Fashion, Fashion Advice, Sweaters & Vests, Trend Alert Related Topics: Cardigan, cover ups, Fall 2010, Fall 2010 Fashion Trends, Fall Trends, layering, layering sweaters, Sweater, sweater coats, sweaters, Trends

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Cozy Cardigans for Crisp Fall Days

October 19th, 2010 by Sara Cornell

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What do you wear when it’s too warm for a coat and too breezy for a simple sweater? Or when it’s cold enough for a coat in the morning but the temp is is in the 60′s by noon time? A cozy cardigan in a textured fiber may be your best friend until the first hard frost. If you are looking for one of those “in-between” pieces that will keep you toasty outside in the fall and then transition to the colder temps of the winter, check out some of these mid weight textured sweaters. Old Navy has a great selection of cardigans at fabulous prices. The Fair Isle tie-belt cardigan is so chic and reasonably priced that I want one in every color. (And it’s featured in the current issue of Lucky Magazine!). I love the cable knit cardigan, also from Old Navy, and wouldn’t mid committing $44.50 to the military chic trend. The olive green color is perfect for this fall, but won’t be out dated next year.

Women's Fair Isle Tie-Belt Wrap Cardigan $39.50 at Old Navy

Cable Knit Tie-Belt cardigan $44.50 at Old Navy

If you prefer something with a little more length, check out the selection at Piperlime.com. I really like the Kensie Tweeded Knit Cardigan ($88)

and the Jacquard Cardigan by Juicy Couture ($258)

If you live in a warmer climate, you can get the same look in lighter weight fabrics. These pieces transition well from Fall to Winter and even into early Spring, so don’t be afraid to invest in a piece that will keep you warm 6 months of the year.

Posted in Fall Fashion, Fashion Advice, Retail Therapy, Sweaters & Vests, Wardrobe Must-Haves Related Topics: Cardigans, Fall Fashion, Old Navy, Piperlime, Shopping, sweaters

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Outfit Ideas: Trousers

September 2nd, 2010 by Lucie Amberg

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If many women were asked how many trousers they own, they wouldn’t even have to check their closets. A lot of us have let this once-essential item drift out of our wardrobes. But this might be the season to change that, since they are very in– part of the trend towards grown-up dressing.

So what makes something a trouser as opposed to pants or slacks? In general a trouser has some (0r all) of the following characteristics:

Classic styling with a fitted waist and straight legs (that may flare slightly towards the ankle).
Quality fabric (probably a wool or rayon blend for Fall).
Neutral color that may include subtle prints like houndstooth, tweed, or tone-on-tone plaid.
Polish– many pairs are lined but if not, the inside seams are finished.

A couple of thoughts about wearing trousers:

Many women have the conception that they aren’t flattering. But truthfully, a classic pair that fits well is one of the most attractive looks out there. Take your time searching for the right pair, and when you find them, be willing to tailor them to fit perfectly. After all, if you get a great pair, you can wear them for years.
Trousers are particularly flattering for people who carry weight in their hips and thighs. Just be sure that the leg extends straight down from the hip, creating a balanced silhouette.
The most iconic version of the trouser features a high waist, pleats, and cuffs. I love it on Katharine Hepburn, but unless you’re long and leggy like she was, it’s not the best choice. Instead, look for a waist that falls below your natural waist–around your belly button, a flat front, and slash-front pockets.
Shoes, shoes, shoes! Many styles complement this look, but chances are you’ll want to wear something with a heel to highlight your elongated legs.

And a couple of ideas about how to wear a specific pair:

Tarina Tarantino Earrings at Nordstrom.com,
Co-Lab by Christopher Kon Python-Print Hobo at Endless.com, Hydraulic Distressed Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket at Macys.com, Antonio Melani “Antonio” Trousers at Dillards.com,
AK Anne Klein – Cap Sleeve Pullover at Zappos.com,
Adee Waiss 18k Yellow Gold Overlay Wide Ring at Overstock.com, Collection 18 Gauze Scarf at Nordstrom.com, and
Glaze Betsy 9 Bootie at Endless.com.

***

BCBGeneration Wool blend V-neck Sweater at Bluefly.com,
Melie Bianco Shoulder Bag at Endless.com, Vanity Fair Body Caress Camisole Daywear at BareNeccessities.com, Antonio Melani “Antonio” Trousers at Dillards.com,
Peacock Black Freshwater Pearl 64-inch Endless Necklace (8-9 mm) at Overstock.com, Sterling Silver Three Bangle Set at Amazon.com, and
Circa Joan & David Cameo T-Strap Pump at Endless.com

Posted in Accessories, Blazers & Jackets, Bracelet, Earrings, Fall Fashion, Fashion Advice, Handbags & Purses, How To Wear..., Jewelry, Outfit Ideas, Rings, Shoes Shoes Shoes!, Sweaters & Vests, Trend Alert Related Topics: Fall 2010, Fall Trends, How To Wear..., lucie, menswear trend, Outfit Ideas, Pants, trousers

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Fall 2010 Fashion Trends: Wrap Up Your Winter Wardrobe

September 1st, 2010 by Amanda Davis

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I know, I know… No one wants to think about the arrival of the Fall let alone the winter but I can’t help but be excited when I see what’s coming down the runway at us for Fall and Winter wear! From the awesome collections or Jill Stuart and Jean Paul Gaultier to the Nordic sweater wraps from Missoni to the updated ski bunny from D&G, there is sure to be more to outerwear than ever before!

Whether you live in the Northeast, like myself, or somewhere as far away as I am from the equator, it is only inevitable we start thinking about looking stylish while also keeping warm… Now if only those Victorian Hand Muffs would come back in style; boy, have I always wanted one of those…. and don’t get me started on the footwear for Fall 2010. Laced up boots, furrrrrrrr lined boots… a combination of the two?

Updates to our wardrobe?

Vince Oversized Sweater Coat, $345, Saks Fifth Avenue

Icelandic Summer Sweater, $50.00 Sierra Trading Post, BDG Mixed Stitch Cardigan, $58.00 Urban Outfitters, Neve Mary Cardigan Sweater, $71.00 Sierra Trading Post

Diesel Miggy Oversized Sweater, $70.00, DJPremium

Sketchers Unlimited Fur Lined Boots, $89.95, Zappos.com, Aquatalia Boots, $270, 6pm.com, Nine West Casilda $95.00, Zappos.com

via Style.com

Posted in Fall Fashion, Fashion Advice, Outerwear & Coats, Shoes Shoes Shoes!, Shopping, Sweaters & Vests, Trend Alert, Winter Fashion Related Topics: Boots, dolce and gabbana, fur trim, Jean Paul Gaultier, jill stuart, Missoni, nordic, outerwear

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Outfit Ideas: Skinny Cargo Pants

August 25th, 2010 by Lucie Amberg

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If you’re only looking for a few pieces this Fall, definitely consider getting a skinny cargo pant. They began trending last Spring and are totally mainstream and on-trend for the upcoming season.

Initially, I had mixed feelings about them, probably because of my aversion to traditional cargos. Those have always been too crunchy and utilitarian for my style. Plus, the loose silhouette and giant pockets (although convenient) are never, never flattering– especially on people who are short like me.

But the new skinny cargos largely resolve those issues. The sleeker silhouette makes a huge difference, and the pockets sit flatter to the body, which keeps them from adding extra bulk and width to the legs. Overall, the effect is very sassy-girl-in-the-city as opposed to just-got-my-first-job-as-a-camp-counselor. So I think they’re a win and a great way to make your wardrobe scream 2010!

A couple of thoughts about wearing them:

They work because they combine a sexy shape with no-nonsense flair. Build on that by pairing them with body-conscious, streamlined pieces. Just remember to keep it modern and basic. Adding overly frilly or feminine elements will just confuse the look.
As always, wearing the right shoe is important. Unless you’ve got long legs, try to add a slight heel, but avoid Carrie Bradshaw-esque stilettos. Good bets are wedge flats, gladiator styled shoes, some ankle boots, and some pumps.
These can be appropriate for a casual office. Treat them like you would skinny jeans and wear a balanced top or blouse.
Still hesitant? Consider colors like gray or black rather than the traditional khaki and army green.

Some quick thoughts about how to wear a specific pair of skinny cargos two different ways.