Killer Mom Wear Part 2: Knit wear

Tanya

Patience, are you looking for suggestions on sweaters or knitted tops? Particular pieces or general layering ideas? And I assume this is to be worn with jeans ( skirts with have different length requirements)?

I'll suggest more stuff later, but for now I'll post this sweater I am swooning over. Hopefully it will go on (substantial) sale at some point:

http://www.shopbop.com/motorcy.....nd-viewall

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Tanya, that sweater is swoon-worthy!

This morning I put on a pink sweater and felt weird. That's when I realized that YLF had changed me (again): once I put a button-down underneath, I felt much better. For me, the challenge is not only finding sweaters or knitted tops, but how to layer them (to answer Tanya's question).

I have shelves packed with pre-YLF sweaters that are not being worn now and need to find layering options so they can be resurrected and put into circulation.

17 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Holy cow! I would love to try on that sweater, Tanya! Hopefully I'll run across it here in Austin. If you are keeping an eye on it Tanya, would you let me know when it goes on sale. I'm going to add it to my wishlist bookmark folder, so I'll be eyeing it as well.

Patience, Tanya asks some good questions. I'll see what I can find once I know what everyone is looking for. That sweater would definitely be Killer Mom Wear (KMW).

17 years ago

Patience

Veteran

I just mean any knit wear that would qualify for KMW, layered or not. I'm open.

17 years ago

Dani

Veteran

Patience, I'm doing just as Laura mentioned, trying to layer more creatively. I'm trying to find patterned or interesting tops to put under cardigans or ruffles or tie necks to add interest to a v-neck sweater. I'm definitely gravitating toward cardigans as I feel I can add more interest with these items. I've got to work on building layering pieces as that seems to be the missing piece of the equation now for me.

Here's an example of an outfit I would wear:
This sweater in a fun color

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../97072.jsp

over a ruffle shirt like this one
http://www.express.com/catalog.....egoryId=16

or over a sweet pea style top.

I think the challenge is in how to layer these items, or specifically for me, how to make the items in my closet more interesting.

I don't think I've helped at all but I'll be interested in hearing others' responses.

17 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

OK, here are some ideas:

1. Simple solid sweaters ( crewneck and V-neck) can be layered over shirts/blouses that have ruffles, tie-necks, interesting cuffs, than over shirts theat are striped or patterned. One can add add skinny belts in interesting patterns and textures, and with simple collared-shirts, interesting necklaces. For v-necks, same lace peaking out the V is pretty.

2. Same can be done with cardigans and sweater vests. Those can also be layered over simple turtlenecks ( solid and striped) and knit tops with interesting necklines, such as cowl. Short-sleeved sweaters look amazing layered over shirts/blouses.

3. A lot of sweater shapes can be found in interesting patterns: argyle, houndstooth, animal prints, flowers, abstracts. I especially like layering argyle sweaters over striped or polka-dot blouses.

4. Finally, you can find a lot of so called sweater jackets ( like the cream one I posted) that have a lot of structure and details on their own, so they are quite a statement even with a simplest layer. Here are some more I have been eying:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....8&P=2

http://www.shopbop.com/carlynn.....shopbysize

http://www.designerexposure.com/product/24192/

17 years ago

Patience

Veteran

Ooh, Tanya, I love all of the things you've posted. That very first one looks just like the leather jacket Shana posted which I also would love to own. I hope someone is able to at least get the sweater.

17 years ago

marianne

Active Member

I struggle with tops as well and I will be watching this thread. It seems that sweater preferences vary a lot, in both style and material. For example, I tend to like very simple styles and can never bring myself to get anything with unusual neckline or other details. I've been trying to add interest with layering since finding YLF, but all my pieces are very basic.

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Tanya, you are on your way to becoming a stylist! Really great suggestions.

In terms of layering, this ruffled polka dot top from Lucky caught my eye:

http://www.luckybrand.com/Prod.....&pn=1

It would look great under a bright-colored cardi, and it's casual enough for everyday.

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

I hate feeling 'over dressed' especially when my day is going to revolve around my family. I also hate to dress the same day after day--but sometimes when you find a style that works for your body and lifestyle, it makes sense to have it in available in a few color options.

So for me, that happens to be V neck sweaters. I prefer thin knit, low v (so I can wear colorful tank tops underneath), and a variety of lengths so I can wear them with a variety of bottoms. If I see a V neck sweater in a color I don't already own, I am quick to try it on. I feel like I can't have enough of these winter staples in my closet. The more colors I have, the more creative I can get with color combos in layering pieces. Also, V neck sweaters are really easy to find--so it's not like I have to hunt for months to find one.

17 years ago

jwomack

Active Member

I really love knit tops with interesting patterns. I have actually had good luck with the Vera Wang collection for Kohls. I got two great layering tops there with fun patterns. I have lots of neutral cardigans (black, navy, gray, tan) and shirts with fun patterns really pop under them. Kohls is constantly on sale so I never buy full price. I have also been eyeing Sweet Pea tops ever since I read about them on YLF.

17 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Well Patience, I did some shopping around, I just hope you won't regret asking about this;-)
Excellent suggestions have already been made, by the way.

I'm always on the look-out for interesting tops that can instantly take an outfit up a notch. I did some browsing, and found quite a few items... oh boy.... I think I'd better do this in installments, otherwise everyone will keel over out of sheer boredom.

First up:
I love sweaters and tops with cowlnecks, or with dramatic or quirky collars because you don't need to add much else to create an interesting outfit (and they often work well with my short haircut).
Another advantage: sweaters and tops that you can wear 'on their own' are no-brainers, because you don't have to think about how to layer them.

I realise that some fabrics (like silk and cashmere) are not very practical or child-friendly, and that some of the items are expensive, just ignore all that. These are just examples to get started.

the marled effect adds some extra visual interest
http://www2.victoriassecret.co.....rfnbr=5184

texture and dolman sleeves
http://www2.victoriassecret.co.....rfnbr=5184

boatneck and billowy sleeves
http://www2.victoriassecret.co.....rfnbr=5184

two sweaters with a twist neckline (probably best for ladies with a smaller bust)
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=38705
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....oryID=4099

belted turtleneck with 3/4 sleeves
http://www.bluefly.com/Design-.....detail.fly

banded pocket sweater with buttons
http://www.bluefly.com/Design-.....detail.fly

turtleneck sweater with cable detail and raglan sleeves
http://www.bluefly.com/Design-.....detail.fly

tie-neck sweater, will look lovely with a (patterned) A-line skirt
http://www.bluefly.com/Acrobat.....detail.fly

turtleneck sweater with 3/4 dolman sleeves, simple yet elegant, I can see this with a (denim) pencil skirt and knee-high boots or with straight-legged jeans/trousers
http://www.bluefly.com/Susana-.....detail.fly

crewneck with tie-sash, I want this one!
http://www.bluefly.com/Magasch.....detail.fly

I love the ruffle-trim V-neck with the floral crochet and the tie-cuff
http://www.bluefly.com/Blu-Sto.....detail.fly
(a while ago they had this in red too, but I don't see it on their site today)

puff sleeves and boatneck with pleated detail
http://www.bluefly.com/Karoo-m.....detail.fly

asymmetrical collar that can be buttoned up as a turtleneck
http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....pid=606749

ribbed cowl-neck sweater
http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....=606739022

cardigan with fold-over collar and extra buttons, I love the quirky details!
http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....orName=RED

twisted sweaterknit cardigan with wide collar
http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....ARK+ORANGE

silky ruffle sweater, a belt does add some extra polish
http://www.martinandosa.com/we.....=1010_9453

colour-block turtleneck sweater with button details
http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....=606748002

a simple cowl-neck sweater in a vibrant colour to liven up a dreary day
http://www.martinandosa.com/we.....=1060_9409

textured stripe batwing cardigan
http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-.....&sh=0

cowl-neck jumper, sleeves with large ribbed cuffs
http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-.....&sh=0

layered neck frill knit cardigan
http://www.asos.com/Vero-Moda/.....&sh=0

merino wool twist front sweater
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....5&P=8

ombre belted wrap sweater, this is really lovely
http://www.macys.com/catalog/p.....d3BNVBjBxA

The below are not knitwear I know, but it's good to have other options too;-)

sweater with double ruffle ballet neckline
http://www.nyandcompany.com/ny.....d=cat60038

twisted front supima top
http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....ame=PURPLE

empire top with draped, deep V-neck
http://www.nyandcompany.com/ny.....=cat790002

That's a lot of links. I'm sorry. It's a disease, when I get started, I can't seem to stop.
If anybody's still interested, I'll post the second installment (fun cardigans) tomorrow. And I won't be offended if everybody starts yelling 'NO!' now;-)

17 years ago

Anonymous

The merino wool twist front sweater at Nordstroms is styled very like most of my Sweet Pea tops. Thank you, Inge, for posting all the pictures! I'd love to see your fun cardies too.
As far as easy care knits, I'm now wearing my long sleeved Sweet Pea tops with long sleeved knit layers underneath (and /or cardies and jackets over them.) I'm planning to take a couple with different layering options on a 6 day trip to Denver where it looks like the temperatures will go from mild to cold.

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Inge! You are amazing. Fun cardigans, please. I'll be watching - and I've already put a few of your picks on my wish list.

17 years ago

Dani

Veteran

Wow, Inge...there's something in there for everyone! Thank you so much for the enormous effort! I'd also be interested in your fun cardigans as well

17 years ago

marianne

Active Member

Wow, thank you for compiling such an impressive list, Inge. Hmm I really like the first 2 Bluefly sweaters. I'd like to see the cardigans, too!

17 years ago

anne

Veteran

I wanted to second Inge's point about "no brainer" sweaters that you can just wear without having to think about layering etc.
I always need at least one of these each winter, and this is what I bought last winter (I am in spring now)
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....5459-1.jpg
(sorry it is a bit fuzzy) (
While this did not have universal YLF approval, I liked it and found it, paired with jeans, and especially with skinnies and my low heeled riding boots, a very useful mum outfit. The cowl neckline and the bright colours added enough interest to not need extra decoration

17 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Happy to read that some of you were inspired;-)

As promised, the second installment is all about cardigans. In my opinion, they are fairly easy as well: pair even the simplest V-neck or crewneck cardigan with a cute button-down shirt, a cami, crewneck or scoopneck top or (tissue weight) turtleneck and you're good to go.
P.S. If you're scared of stripes or if you think you can't wear them at all, this is a good way to incorporate them in an outfit: wear something striped underneath a cardi, only a small part of the top will peek out, and it will make you smile;-)

I know some of you find button-down shirts a bit too fussy for daily wear, a good alternative might be a cowl-neck sweater (short-sleeved or sleeveless often works better for layering purposes). I like the drape of them and you immediately look more polished (I've seen Shiny wear this combo a few times, and she always looked great).

The below are cardigans with some interesting details, to add some more pizzazz to an outfit.

relaxed V-neck cardigan with button detail
http://www.bluefly.com/Magasch.....detail.fly

tie-front dolman cardigan, I like the drape of it
http://www.bluefly.com/Autumn-.....detail.fly

sleeveless V-neck peplum cardigan
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=40571

I know that a zipper detracts from the style quotient, but I like the collar of this one
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=40571

shawl-collar cardigan with asymmetrical one button closure
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=40397

open front ruffle cardigan
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStor.....rdigan.jsp

for dragonfly lovers;-)
http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....Name=BLACK

flyaway cardigan, beautiful colour
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/e.....ylor/35559

button-tab cardigan
http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....=606745022

shawl-collar cardigan
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....5&P=6

I'm personally not a big fan of bouclé, but the peplum detail is lovely
http://www2.victoriassecret.co.....%20Catalog

faux-wrap cardigan (I know chunky knits are not for everyone - I don't look good in them - but I love them on others)
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStor.....-_-Primary

'military' cardigan with dome shaped buttons
http://www.armaniexchange.com/.....-_-Primary

heathered sweater with corduroy trim details
http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....orName=ivo

short-sleeved cardigan with stripes and bow
http://www.mangoshop.com/redir.....o=79212337

cardigan with imitation-leather closure
http://www.macys.com/catalog/p.....EyJDBOjunQ

3/4 length juliet sleeves cardigan
http://www.maxstudio.com/cgi-b.....D=32901144

tie-neck cardigan with 3/4 length sleeves
http://www.macys.com/catalog/p.....wV05SA8L3w

boiled wool ruffle cardigan (I think Tanya has this one?)
http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....orName=grn

short-sleeved chunky knit cardigan
http://www.mangoshop.com/redir.....o=79212834

drapey cardigan with oversized collar
http://www.maxstudio.com/cgi-b.....D=32904436

'Cut-away' cardigans can give you some extra waist definition
http://www.bluefly.com/BCBGMAX.....detail.fly

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStor.....digan.jsp#

An open front long cardigan looks great with skinnies tucked into boots or straight-legged jeans and booties or maybe a wedge heel
http://www.express.com/catalog.....egoryId=20

or opt for a sweater coat with a scarf
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=40571

long cardigan with asymmetrical collar
http://www.mangoshop.com/redir.....o=73110713

Patterns always add visual interest too
Houndstooth cardigan
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....5&P=6

argyle cardigan with button closure and belt
http://www.burberryusaonline.c.....age=family

ruffle herringbone cardigan
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navig.....VQe1fg10ZQ

cheerful striped cardigan
http://www.bcbg.com/product/in.....age=family

17 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

One more thing, and then I'll be quiet for the rest of the evening, I promise.

I always thought that knit tops with interesting necklines that come up a bit higher interfered with the neckline of a cardigan, but I've recently discovered that this isn't necessarily the case.

Tops like the ones below, can look great with a simple fitted (especially in the shoulders) V-neck/crewneck cardigan.

http://www.thelimited.com/deta...../clearance

http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....pid=606598

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Inge, this is just fantastic! I have looked at a few of your choices a couple of times, drooling

Thank you sooooo much for doing all the research. Of all the sweaters posted, my fav is the one on Bluefly from Karoo Mark Eisen. I love those fitted sleeves!

Speaking of which, I wonder if Angie knows much about Mark Eisen? He is an amazing designer. My friend worked for him in NYC - he's South African. He's been around for quite a while, for quite a while with his own label.

17 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

You're very welcome Laura. And the Mark Eisen sweater is one of my favourites as well: it has those beautiful sleeves and the pleated collar detail while still remaining simple and elegant, I like that!

I hadn't heard of him before finding this sweater, but I'd be interested too see more of his work.

17 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

Wow Inge, what an effort! Thank you so much for finding all these pretty cardigans, there are so many choices.

The Anthropologie cardigan you posted is very similar to mine, mine is a year old so it's slightly different, but it is from the same brand. Great memory.

17 years ago

Patience

Veteran

Inge, wow. I love so many of your choices. Thank you. As I mentioned on another thread, you have just made me want to send you a Christmas present.

I'm going to have to try a few of these. The reason I started this thread is because I was realizing that my collection of fall knitwear for the weekend is a couple of sweet pea tops and some turtlenecks for the most part. I do have some cardigans too but they're fairly plain.

How does everyone feel about turtleneck sweaters? I like them because I feel instantly put together in them. They are very classic. However, while I think they look fine on me, I'm not sure they are the most flattering style for me and I'd like to get out of my box for casual where with my kids. (Turtlenecks can also be hot here where it doesn't get too cold.) The point that Anne made and the rest of us probably feel with very young kids is that we do want knitwear that is "no brainer." At the same time I don't want to be wearing the fall knitwear equivalent of t shirts which is very tempting.

Another idea-- adding a belt to knitwear does take things up a notch.

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I am happy to pitch in toward a pair of red docs for Inge's Christmas present

Inge, Mark Eisen had a gorgeous aesthetic. He was known for a ball gown that had a giant reddish pink rose that covered an entire side of the skirt - in the early 90s it was in all the big mags. I have seen it copied (not as well) many times since.

17 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Aah you guys, that is so incredibly sweet of you. I just want to say that the thought alone is more than enough to put a broad smile on my face; I shall consider that my first Christmas present of the year. Thank you Mrs Santa and Mrs Santa;-)

I'm happy I could be of help and that you like some of the options, and I'm excited to see how you'll be incorporating them into your wardrobe.

Patience: I like turtleneck sweaters very much, they are classics indeed, but never go out of style, in my opinion. I do agree though that it's fun to have other alternatives too,

Laura: Thanks for the extra info. I googled him and he really does make beautiful things. A man to keep an eye oni

Tanya: I remembered it because I thought you looked amazing in that cardigan!

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Inge, I am sorely tempted because that Mark Eisen sweater is another 15% off today, down to $140. Did you see that they added a color? It's not a good one for me, but maybe it is for you - they call it "spice." I am thinking dusty mauve, since I have nothing that color and cool tones are best on me. What do you think?

Hmmm. Maybe it's a good thing that I didn't buy that BR sweater yesterday.

17 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Oh you should go for it Laura!! I just had a look, and the spice is not my colour either (too orangey, I bet Ana would look great in it).
I think both the heather grey and dusty mauve will look fantastic on you (love them both for myself as well;-), but as you already pointed out, the mauve is more unique and I can really see you in that.

Do keep us posted on what you get?

By the way: I read about your bad experience with BR and was surprised they didn't offer better service. Maybe you'll still be able to get that sweater as well with a discount? (what colour did you like best?)

17 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Which cardi are you guys talking about? I couldn't see it?

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Ana, it's this sweater by Mark Eisen on Bluefly, and it's an extra 15% off today:

http://www.bluefly.com/Karoo-m.....detail.fly

Isn't it pretty?

I would love to go for it Inge! I am really debating it - but don't think I can, argh, the temptation! Let's keep watching it. All of the sizes are still available in a bunch of colors, and I bet the sales will get better and better as we pass Thanksgiving.

So basically now I am stalking this sweater

17 years ago

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