The Fisherman Sweater: Winter's Coziest Addition To Your Closet


You guys, I am super duper cold right now. I realized yesterday, it's January! It's January! Oh my goodness! I started a new job at the end of August, and somehow from then until now it became winter, and now I wake up every morning trying to figure out how to wear as many sweaters and scarves as I can without looking like that crazy cat hag lady on The Simpsons. Don't worry though, I've found the most stylist of solutions--the Fisherman Sweater.

Let's start with what's awesome about the Fisherman Sweater: level 20 coziness, on trend for winter, plus you can wear it with dresses, jeans, and cords alike.

There are so many options!

alexa chung for madewell aimee fisherman-knit sweater
Alexa Chung for Madewell Aimee Fisherman-Knit Sweater, madewell.com, $99.99 (sale)

This one is part of the Alexa Chung for Madewell Collection. Wear it with pastel hued cords and finish the look with a brightly colored scarf and patent oxfords or loafers.

J. Crew men's Cotton cable sweater
J. Crew Men's Cotton Cable Sweater, jcrew.com, $108

Yeah so this is a men's sweater, but it's also insanely crazy comfortable because...taaa daaa...it's 100% cotton! Buy an extra small and embrace the oversized number. Pair with a chambray shirt or cotton button down underneath, tucked into a floral or jewel toned midi skirt.

J. Crew Women's Fisherman sweater
J. Crew Fisherman Sweater, jcrew.com, $98

This one is on sale! Score! Also it comes in an array of winter appropriate hues; perfect for pairing with trousers and booties or pumps for a classic look to take out to dinner or to an interview.

Lyle & Scott Fishermans Rib Shawl Neck Cardigan
Lyle & Scott Fishermans Rib Shawl Neck Cardigan, asos.com, $149.99

Fisherman sweater turned cardi, which gives it just a few more versatility points than a traditional crewneck option. In addition thanks to Asos, it's the cheapest option. If I still had classes to get to I'd, be so comfortable and snuggly warm.

Murphy of Ireland Lumber Cardigan Sweater
Lumber Cardigan Sweater, murphyofireland.com, $129

The real deal classic fisherman sweater, imported from Ireland, and another cardigan option. Balance the bulkiness with skinnies and combat boots. Or go for the most classic of options:

Definitive Aran Ladies Sweater (Cable Stitch)
Definitive Aran Ladies Sweater, murphyofireland.com, $119

Go for Loafers


Loafers are the new ballet flats, and the new moccasins, and the new oxfords, and the new black. This is coming from someone that was a ballet flat and oxford early adopter. Loafers are my favorite trend this year, better than color-blocking, and nail art; a trend that has stayed strong from fall into winter. Loafers are also amazing because they can be edgy, classic, or girly; you choose. Celebs are all about loafers; they've been sighted on everyone from trendsetters Kanye, Rihanna, and Rachael Bilson, to Suri Cruise!

Rihanna in loafers
Rihanna

Suri Cruise in loafers
Suri Cruise

So how do you get this sweet style? As usual here are some options for you!

1. These are great for going out, because honestly who wants to wear heels all the time? Answer: masochists. Wear them with an LBD and black tights, keep the look simple and you won't detract from how badass your shoes are. I actually kind of (really really) want them.

melter loafer via stevemadden
Melter Loafers, Steve Madden, $129.95

2. Steve Madden is the land of loafers, and the Madee Loafer is available in 18 colors! Yeah, 18. You've got glitter, you've got velvet, and this classic look.

madee loafer via stevemadden.com
Madee loafers, Steve Madden, $119.95

3. These are a little more pricey than the other options but grey leopard is definitely a different take on leopard than other leopard options. Consider them as a splurge!

darby calf hair loafer via j. crew
Darby Calf Hair Loafers, J. Crew, $275

4. These are so glittery and studded and sparkly and fun!

adena loafer via sam edelman
Sam Edelman Adena Loafers, 6pm.com, $112.50

5. All outfits need a good pop of color, and these could be that pop. Just imagine how amazing they would look against grey or navy.

kosy mustard loafers via topshop
KOSY Mustard Suede Slipper Loafers, Topshop, $78

These are just a few of the multitude of options and they don't even include penny loafers which are popping up everywhere as well! This might require a part two...

Cardi Party


Baby, it's cold outside. As someone who is a constant shiverer and victim of popsicle toes, I am constantly on the search for cold weather gear.  I wear sweaters almost year-round, yet my sweater collection just seems too small.  So I've have rounded up a selection of cardigans for you and me, in solid colors to maximize versatility.  Why cardigans?  Because they are amazeballs.  Also they don't hide the super cute outfit that you spent time planning, they optimize it.  When you walk through varying degrees of air conditioners and heaters you can unbutton them for venting or button them up for added coziness.  There's just nothing not to love.  Pick some to add to your collection!

1. For some unfathomable reason, this sweater is only 20 bucks right now.  The v-neck, plus the waffle-knit, plus the large buttons make it an instant classic.  I like the dark gray heather, but the navy or mink heather are also great for fall.  Each of the colors of the Thermal Cardigan by Land's End Canvas are perfect for pairing with fall's jewel tones.

Land's End sweater
Land's End Thermal Cardigan, landsend.com, $20

2. The Rowboat Cardigan from Madewell has it all, including elbow patches.  Plus the colors; red and brown, are both beautiful, especially since they have a slight ombre hue that creates the faintest of stripes.

Rowboat Cardigan from Madewell
Madewell Rowboat Cardigan, madewell.com, $110

3. "Vivid poppy", "neon azalea", "spiced chartreuse", "heather pumpkin", and "heather aloe". It's like a rainbow color party, and the sweater is priced surprisingly well for J.Crew at $69.50. The Crystal Button Cardigan is another great option for fall, and into winter for bundling up on your way to holiday parties.

J. Crew Crystal Button Cardigan
J. Crew Crystal Button Cardigan, jcrew.com, $69.50

4. Mustard yellow with bronze buttons, makes the Ribbed Grandpa Cardi from Nasty Gal pretty pretty. Plus I love the way it looks over the acid wash denim dress.

Nasty Gal Ribbed Grandpa Cardigan
Ribbed Grandpa Cardigan, nastygal.com, $58

5. I love how long this sweater is, and the military details of the French Connection Military Long Line Cardigan from Asos are adorable. Because it's so long, use it to cover leggings, especially the sweatery kind, sweater on sweater!

ASOS French Connection Military Long Line Cardigan
French Connection Military Long Line Cardigan, Asos, $124.89

6. A colorful fisherman knit cardigan, this Aran Knit Cardigan from Asos is timeless, like the one you tried to steal from your dad.

Asos Aran Knit Cardigan
Colored Aran Cardigan With Cute Collar, Asos, $57.50

7. Another Aran option from Asos, this time in the brightest of reds.  Such a red would make so many outfits pop!

Asos Aran cardigan
Bright Aran Cable Cardigan, Asos, $57.50

8. Here's a crew-neck staple from Aerie with a bit of pointelle detailing around the seams. Also it looks super duper soft and comes in 6 pretty hues.

Aerie Perfect Crew Cardigan
Aerie Perfect Crew Cardigan, ae.com, $34.99

9. The baby blue hue is too cute, and it looks as if it comes pre-worn just for you! This Urban Renewal Vintage Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan from Urban Outfitters is definitely oversized, but the silhouette perfectly contrasts with skinny jeans or tight-fitting dresses and baby blue is just one of six color options.

Urban Renewal Vintage Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan
Urban Renewal Vintage Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan, Urban Outfitters, $44

10. I love the uniqueness of this knit, like a zig-zag cable-knit/ waffle-knit, I don't know. It's pretty though and the pink would look perfect with winter whites.

Anthropologie Gossamer True Cardigan
Anthropologie Gossamer True Cardigan, anthropologie.com, $78

So there you go! 10+ lovely cardigans for you to power through fall and winter in cozy comfort and style.

Obit: The Death of My Favorite Gray Combat Boots


Once upon a time, I had the perfect pair of lace-up gray combat boots. I got them in a shop in Amsterdam while studying abroad and wore them almost every day of my time abroad after that. I'm sure we all have our own version of the perfect boot, but for me they were perfect because:

1. They were the best shade of gray possible. Not too light, not to dark, and neutral; I could wear them with black and brown easily.

2. They had really long laces. This may sound trivial but have you ever had a pair of shoes where the laces were too short? Long is definitely better, and I could wrap them around the top of the boots with an extra bow.

3. They were flat, and extremely comfortable. I wore them so many places and made so many memories. They had been to concerts, festivals, parties, football games, classes, cities, far and wide.

4. They were the perfect height; definitely short boots but not too short. They looked great with midi skirts, shorts, short skirts, denim, and cords, and everything.

Alas, the boots are no more. They met their demise one day when I wore them to the Virgin Mobile Free Fest. The week before, it had rained TORRENTIALLY, the ENTIRE week. So the venue was crazy muddy. I had the perfect outfit for the straight-up terrible weather. It was absurdly hot but also still very very muddy so I pulled on my boots with hiking socks, cut-off jean shorts, and a tank top (plus sunglasses, of course). Halfway through the walk to the festival, I realized that the boots that I had worn and loved for years had developed huge holes in the soles right under the balls of my feet.

Now I know what you're thinking; get them resoled! I just believe that they wouldn't be quite the same, they have all these memories and fun times associated with them and I think it's time for some new boots to make memories with.

So I've rounded up some replacement options, most coming in under $150. One of them may become my new favorite pair or maybe, just maybe, you'll find something to love.

1. This pair, the Athens boot by Seychelles, is a great start. The boot has clean lines but little details like the shirring at the top, under the laces. The color is a lovely neutral gray and for added excitement the top flips over to create a cuff, changing the lines of the boot completely; perfect for dresses and denim.

Athens boot by Seychelles
Seychelles Athens boots, Zappos, $125.99

2. Here's an option from Steve Madden, the Troopa Boot in stone. With all the classics of a combat boot; long laces, inside zipper, the works; there's nothing not to love about this boot. Yet I'm not convinced they're my perfect pair; I could fully commit if they were just a bit darker and less brown-hued. However I'd still consider taking them home.  They'd be perfect for pairing with this fall's brightly hued cords. Add on a patterned tank with a chambray/cardigan combo on top and finish the look with a fun square scarf. Don't forget the socks! Happy Socks have a cult following, with reason!

Steve Madden Troopa Boot
Steve Madden Troopa, stevemadden.com, $99.95

3. Another pick from Steve Madden, the Thistle boot in stone as well. This one gains points for being a bit darker and the quilting on the side is a lovely detail perfect for going from day to night.

Steve Madden Thistle boot
Steve Madden Thistle, stevemadden.com, $109.95

4. Everyone knows Frye Boots have a reputation for lasting comfort (like decades "lasting"). So while these boots cost a pretty penny, they're likely worth those pennies, especially since I'm a known boot killer.

Frye boots
Frye Carson Lace Up, Zappos, $248

5. I'm sorry, but these are just cool. They aren't what I was looking for but they are almost too fun to pass up.

Frye boots
Frye Veronica Combat, Zappos, $268

6. These are awesome! Criss cross straps are definitely a perk and so is their sale price.

Boutique 9 Faunus, Zappos
Boutique 9 Faunus, Zappos, $159.99

7. This may be them! The perfect color, and at under a hundred bucks they're priced to make me happy. Plus I love the rugged touches; mud would be no problem.

Boutique 9 Optimus
Boutique 9 Optimus, Piperlime, $149.99

So, maybe you and I have found our next perfect pair of boots. Hopefully we can all crunch through fall leaves and first frost in style!

Wear It Now, Wear It Later: Bold, Bright Hues


So it’s super duper insanely hot outside, which means of course that I am thinking about the fall (and by thinking about I mean wishing for).  It’s the time of year when everyone concerned with fashion starts talking about the fall collections and magazines feature those “wear it now, wear it later” articles. Why should I be any different?  I personally am especially excited because the summer trend of bright shocking colors is being translated perfectly into bold jewel tones for fall.  This means that all of the lovely bright colors I bought for the summer will have some staying power and I can tell my parents that I’m buying clothes that will last me for a while, which is my go-to excuse for shopping.

Here are some lovely pieces that you can get right now in summer clearance! Mix them with new pieces from the fall collections (I’ve included some of those too) and voilà, you have a whole almost new wardrobe to start the fall or school year off right.  Don’t lie like you don’t still plan your first day of the semester outfit days in advance.

1. Journal Shirtdress from Madewell – A surprisingly complimentary hued shirtdress (in bison or galvanized gray) in a lightweight silk; wear it now alone with wedges, wear it later with a cardigan, sweater tights and oxfords.

Madewell Journal Shirtdress
Journal Shirtdress, Madewell, $158

2. Eden Cardigan from J. Crew – Speaking of cardigans, this one from J.Crew is the perfect length for pairing with dresses or blouses.  As an added bonus it comes in an array of vibrant colors.  The warm mustard, vibrant flame, or bright dahlia would all look amazing over the muted hues of the Journal Shirtdress.

J.Crew Eden Cardigan, $90
Eden Cardigan, J.Crew, $90

3. Lucca Couture Chiffon Scalloped Short from Urban Outfitters – I personally believe shorts can be far more versatile than most people think; they’re not just for the summer.  Wear these now with a lace tank and some strappy sandals, wear these later with a collared blouse, tights, and a blazer.  Add a satchel and oxfords for a distinctly collegiate look.

Lucca Couture Chiffon Scallop Shorts, Urban Outfitters, $30
Lucca Couture Chiffon Scallop Shorts, Urban Outfitters, $30

Carin Wester Nilla Hammer Short – Another short option, in a bold print perfect for pairing with brightly colored blouses.

Carin Wester Nilla Hammer Short, Urban Outfitters, $80
Carin Wester Nilla Hammer Short, Urban Outfitters, $80

4. Bamboo Scoop Top from ShopNastyGal.com – I’ve been eyeing this top in any one of the lovely colors it comes in, shown here in mint, but also available in magenta and other hues of pinks and blues, because it looks like it could become an instant favorite.  I haven’t taken the plunge yet so I’ll have to take someone else’s word about how soft it is, but I think this mint color would look amazing paired with booties and skinny jeans in either a dark wash or a mustard yellow.  Or white. Or off-white. Or pastel pink or purple.  Really just anything.

Bamboo Scoop Top - Mint, Nasty Gal, $38
Bamboo Scoop Top - Mint, Nasty Gal, $38

5. Teal long sleeve dress from Pixie Market – This dress is all about the details; keyhole in front, free-flowing yoke in the back.  Also the color is flattering to lots of skin tones and is easily paired with fall’s other bright colors.

Teal Long Sleeve Dress, Pixie Market, $118
Teal Long Sleeve Dress, Pixie Market, $118

 
Danielle DesBordes
Fashion Babbler
I'm Dani and I am a recent graduate from Brown University where I majored in Visual Art and American Civilization. I currently work and live in Baltimore, Maryland where I spend my time compulsively organizing my closet and when I'm not adding to it with things that I've thrifted, made, or discovered. I am also a painter and printmaker who delights in the sight of blank white canvases. As I prepare to pursue further education in Fashion Design or Accessories Design, I am working in the fashion industry and creating my own designs. Follow me on Twitter @danidesbordes and check out my personal blog http://amatterofdelight.blog.com.
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