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K/R Two Sweaters

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

I just did the seasonal clothing switcheroo and found this purple sweater I bought a few weeks ago at Winners. I've been meaning to do a K/R for some time.

Pro:
The fit is great.
It is comfy.
It is lightweight. Perfect for today.
Bracelet sleeves are perfect for computer work and washing dishes.
Colour is good.

Con:
There is an awful lot going on!

This next sweater I just bought Friday night as part of the big Pennington's sale.

Wine Cable Kit:
Pro:
Love the colour
I can scrunch the sleeves
warm
classic

Con:
Is it too bulky? Do I look huge?

As some of you may already know, I am building a fall/winter wardrobe from basically scratch. (I have a few cotton turtlenecks but that's it. Oddly enough, in white, aubergine and red. I laughed when I realised that. I thought I was doing something *new* when I decided that aubergine (or grape) and warm red would be my "accent" colours!)

Maximalists--you are not allowed to read this next paragraph. (you will laugh)--

I have had a lot of luck finding sweaters--I am afraid maybe I now have too many. I have nine. Plus, three, possibly four, turtlenecks. That's an awful lot for a wardrobe for being at home, socializing and running errands. (I work 30 hours a week in the paint dept. of a large retail chain. I will never, ever wear these clothes to work.)

So Keep and enjoy? Or return and put more money into Tees and cardigans (or toppers of whatever kind!)

eta: pics! Sorry about that.

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33 replies

Latest reply was from tulle

Inge

(website)

I think the first one could be a keeper, Alana: I really like the colour-blocking and the fluid fit. Question is: will you wear it around the house or do you feel more comfortable in a tee and cardigan for the activities you mention above? Personally, I feel it's nice to be able to switch things up, so I would go for a wardrobe with some sweaters and some tops and cardis, but you know best if you'll wear the sweaters or not.

I'm not a super fan of the second sweater. I don't think it makes you look huge, but to my eye it feels less modern than the first sweater.

Astrid

Veteran

I also like the first one better, I think it looks more interesting and modern, just like Inge said. I think I would keep that one and return #2.

Anonymous

I like #2 better! I do like cable sweaters and think it fits you well. I like #1 too just not quite as much.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Funny!
2 votes for 1 and 1 vote for 2!
Inge--I agree, a switch up is nice and given the sleeve length, the first one is great for doing my household chores in comfort and style.
Astrid--well, the lack of "modern" is exactly what is making me think twice about keeping #2. It was something of an impulse buy: I was standing in line--(about an hour long) at the sale and I saw this and popped it on--I was just freezing. The A/C was ridiculously low.
Floradora, thanks! I do like it. I think I will wait before I make up my mind for sure on #2.

(I've already decided to keep #1. I will only know if it is too busy given how many times I will reach for it given everything else I have.)

carter

Veteran

I like #1 best. I think the illusion created with the color blocking is fun and adds a bit of variety. I you don't need #2, return that one and put the money toward a fun topper or something.

Do these 9 sweaters carry you through your very long Winter, or are you just focusing on a Fall wardrobe for the moment?

catgirl

Veteran

I'm meh on 2 but 1 is great!

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Carter--these nine sweaters are 8 more than I had last year. These are for both fall and winter. Not included in this tally are T shirts, Turtlenecks, Tunics, and button downs.

Jen W

I LOVE the first sweater on you! The second doesn't get me nearly as excited but it is nice.

And I enjoyed reading your numbers too. I have some categories that are "bigger" by comparison to everything else and they feel huge in my struggling to grow wardrobe. But I think about Angie's commentary on knits this year, and think, if you find sweaters you adore, then maybe those 9 sweaters will last you a few years when perhaps the knit options won't be as exciting or easy to find?

Although I'd selfishly love to see what you find for toppers! I've just spent a greater part of the day returning toppers.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Keep #1 imo. I don't think nine is too many. In my experience knits never last as long as jackets or pants

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I also prefer #1. I find that a tighter finer knit usually drapes better and I think this is the case with #1. The color is nice on you too.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Inge--I do prefer tees and cardigans, but the first sweater is fine with the sleeves. (Really, sleev length is the whole issue. I just spent the day in a sweater that was long sleeved--and not scrunchable. Not fun--especially when I had to deal with raw meat.)
Astrid, thanks! I think I will do that and put the money towards tees and toppers.
Alaska girl--thanks! I am looking forward to wearing it.
JenW--oh, when I find toppers, I will share them, for sure! I am sorry you spent the day returning a bunch.
Caro--well, I do believe we are now down to 8.

It's odd. Eighteen years ago I bought two cable knit sweaters on Aran Island, in Ireland. I had them shipped home immediately so I could avoid the VAT. But, I never wore them. When I got home, I gained weight from stress. Then, I met and married my husband and had my son--and gained even more weight. I have not seen a cable knit sweater since that I could wear--and when I saw this, I thought, hooray! Finally! I can wear a cable knit sweater.

But, you know, it's OK. It's not as great as it should be for waiting eighteen years, lol!

shiny

Veteran

This is your color! It's mine too... I have an entire capsule in this color. I will tell you something: this color comes around and goes around. I remember OD'ing on this color about a decade ago... and booting it out of my closet. Then being very sad when for 10 friggin' years... I could not find this color anywhere in the stores. Now, it is back again, big time. Stock up? I say YES.

If it were me, I'd keep both these sweaters... but then again, I collect sweaters and prefer them above all other types of tops. I would not view these two as duplicates, just similar color but serving different functions in my wardrobe.

#1 -- is KILLER on you. If you can only keep just one, keep this one. It's more dressy, and can work with dressy or dressy/smart casual. It looks to be a good transitional weight for fall/spring and even summer. Winter, yes, with layers underneath and heavier topper. Therefore highly versatile.

#2 - is more classic but there's nothing wrong with that. The thicker cable knit is more casual, and perfect for deepest part of winter in particular, or fall with a light or no topper.

Tanya

Veteran

I adore #1 on you, a definite keeper. Not so sure about the second one.

Aida

Veteran

#1 looks fabulous! Certainly not too busy to my eye, and even better it looks fab without needing a topper. I rather like #2, though it's certainly a more classic looking sweater. I like to wear my similar sweaters with a boxy jacket on days when I really need the extra coziness.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

#1 is great. That's a keeper. I'm not as wild about #2 due to the fit.

I also think 9 sweaters is not too many even for a leisure wear/ weekend capsule. Our winters are very, very long. If you change into your regular clothes every day after work, you will be wearing one of these sweaters almost once a week at that rate, for about 7 months. That is 28 wears each. In one year. Knits "tire" easily. With 9 sweaters in a Canadian winter, even someone who wears her clothes lightly will almost wear them out in one year -- and need to replace an entire capsule the following year.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Oh No! Suz! I cannot replace an entire capsule. Never, ever again do I want to shop this hard for my clothes! Besides, it's pricey.
Good grief. 28 wears each?
I do have other tops.....Ok, I think I need to do the big Fall/Winter Wardrobe Intro post.
Aida--I cannot imagine the bulk I would create by putting a jacket over #2. That's crazy-talk.
Tanya--thanks!
Shiny--there we go again--a topper! Never thought of it. I did purchase this red plaid top at the same sale which looks fabulous underneath it--but the whole thing starts to slide mid-west classic with no twist or irony anywhere. (No "jazz") Still you are right--this colour did vanish for 10 years and I don't want that to happen again! But, on the other hand, ow that it is current--perhaps there will be better pickin's for sweaters or other toppers. (I do have a cowl neck sweater and a blouse type top and a turtleneck all in shades of deep cool red.)

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thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

I love that first sweater on you Alana!

frannieb

Veteran

I vote for sweater 1.
Meh on sweater 2.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Thanks thimblelina!
frannieb.

Marley

Veteran

#1 is absolutely beautiful on you! The color, the fluidity, and the color blocking works so well! NOT busy at all!
#2 - hmmm . . . don't like it near as well - I think that if you'd like a cable sweater you should keep looking for one that fits you better.

Neel

Veteran

Ummm .... I read the last paragraph. *sigh* I do exactly what you do except for those 30 hrs of work (!) And boy oh boy I am kind of embarrassed right now. Lol! Will that change my maximalist wardrobe ... Umm ... I will take the embarrassment. Lol!

#1 is a define the keeper. I like 2 too, I love the fit in fact! But it is a classic piece and you would need to modernize the other elements of the outfit in order to avoid looking too old school, IYKWIM. I can see it with boyfriend jeans and ankle boots. Not sure if that is even workable for your winter?

Momo

Veteran

1 looks wonderful on you. I don't think 2 flows as well.

Anonymous

Agree that #1 is wonderful on you and am glad you're keeping and that #2, while definitely a great color, seems fine but not exciting.

Dark reds and purples are totally my colors too. I mean, I named myself after them on here.

And I agree that 9 sweaters wouldn't be too many. One thing I haven't seen mentioned is that, if one or two of your sweaters turns out to fall apart quickly or have some unforeseen issue or just be something you like better in theory than practice, it's nice to have a little bit of a built-in cushion so you won't have to completely scrounge around for a replacement.

Liz

Veteran

Just for counter-balance, I'm going to give you a vote on the side of "too many sweaters, slow down." It's not that I think 9 is "too many" overall. But for you, right now, maybe so. You indicated that you got overwhelmed this summer when you had five or six bottoms to choose from. And you're in wardrobe building stage. You have no idea what works for you and what you are going to enjoy wearing. So my vote is, go slow. You have plenty to get you started, and sweaters are going to be in the stores for MANY months to come, and they are going to get cheaper than they are right now. In fact, around Christmas, sweaters go on all kinds of wonderful sales. So you have plenty of time ahead to pick up one sweater here, and one there, that you will really love.

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Liz, thank you for that! I am glad to hear there will be sales. That's when I will scrounge Aubergine, if I have too.
Thanks Momo, funny how some don't think it fits and some do.
Neel--I didn't mean for you (or any maximalist) to feel embarrassed--I just thought you would laugh at me trying to get through a Canadian winter with 9 sweaters! But I really do prefer tops and cardies for working around the house, so I need to shift my focus over that way. I had no idea that it would be difficult. Thanks, Marley--it has been decided--this cable knit sweater is going back.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Okay -- so maybe not quite 28 wears each, if you also own other tops.

But...if you are like me...what I discovered was that for my at-home days in winter, I really, really, really reach for knits 9 times out of 10. I do have other tops, of course -- but for months and months, I pretty much only want to wear sweaters. I might wear a top (i.e. a button up or tee) and then a sweater (layering them) -- but there is always a sweater involved.

Keep in mind that in my heart of hearts I am actually a JACKET person!! I love the structure and the feel (and on me, the look) or a jacket. And when I go out into the world -- whether it's to a doctor's appointment, a movie, or a date with a friend, I'm more than likely to put on a blazer as my topper when it's cold.

But I work from home most of the time, and of course weekends tend to be casual. So even though I prefer jackets, I actually wear my sweaters more often. So my knits get a serious workout!

I now have 19 Fall/ winter/ cold spring knits. So, twice as many as you are thinking of. And I intend to add to this capsule because last year I got bored with a similar number and/or the ones I had didn't fill all the functions I needed.

Now, I'm not saying a person "needs" this many, even in our climate. We all have different needs. Some people love to repeat, some need endless variety. Some have tiny budgets, some have bigger budgets.

I consider myself a closet "moderate" -- not a maximalist, nor a minimalist. But even if you aimed for a moderate number you might want fewer than I would want.

I "see" myself in my clothes more than you do, because I am not wearing a uniform all day at work. So I might tire of what I own sooner. That also means my wears are longer, and they may involve housework, etc. which implies that I also might be wearing my clothes harder than you wear your at home capsule. Which in turn implies a quicker turn around in the closet.

Still....I think 9 sweaters in a Canadian climate really borders on the bare minimum. Of course, people living on extremely restricted budgets can and do get by with two or three. But it's not much fun -- and those sweaters would be completely worn out at the end of the season.

With about 20-25 sweaters in constant rotation for Fall/ Winter/ Cold spring, I figure on replacing/ upgrading about 5 to 8 each year, depending on when they were bought, how often they were worn, how well they wear, and whether fashion has taken a sea-turn to a new silhouette.

If I kept myself to 10, I am pretty sure I would be replacing all but 2 or 3 each year, simply because -- even in the unlikely event that they were not looking tired out and worn -- I would be bored beyond belief with them.

Gigi

Veteran

I'll be a spanner with Floradora: I prefer #2. But yes, I will admit that it is not exciting, just very classic. Some people have commented on the fit, but the fit to me looks to be quite good, unless I'm missing something (which is entirely possible).

I don't know what my deal is with #1. It's purely subjective: I think I just don't care for the style. It reminds me of Star Trek or something. Sorry!

I think Liz has a good point about maybe stopping if you're feeling overwhelmed. Although Suz is right that knits don't always hold up very well, since you are just building a wardrobe it might be better to make do for this winter, and then as you spend more time honing your style you will get a better idea of where you want to spend your money in the future. One of the mistakes I made while building a wardrobe was going too fast. I felt like I had to have a complete winter wardrobe, just how I wanted it, or a complete fall wardrobe, etc. But if you make your wardrobe perfect the first time around, there's nothing left to improve on for next year!

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

Suz--that is very helpful information. Will I be able to pick up more sweaters in December, do you think? Will there still be some in the stores?

Gigi--star trek--grin! Star Trekki is not bad, actually. I will smile when I wear it again and think of your reference. I was a HUGE STNG2 fan--and I even liked DS9 for a few seasons.
(I love being able to watch Captain Janeway again--even though she is a bad ol' Russian Mama in prison,now.;))

You are right--I am starting to get a bit worried about the amount of money I have been spending--investing in experimenting, really--still trying to figure it out.

I adore minimal, architectural types of things, even star trekky things--and then my evil twin goes and gets something mid-western classic.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yes, in December and early January you should be able to do a "knit refresher" and stuff will be on sale. The only issue is sizing. If you are a hard-to find or hard to fit size, you won't have as many options. I fall into that category, actually, so lost my chance at a few things I'd had my eye on. But I console myself with the thought that something great always comes along another year.

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