The knitwear is usually good at the NAS and this year was no exception. It was great to see an assortment of silhouettes, fabrics and colours. There were LOTS of cardigans, which went down well with my clients. Fewer patterns and more solids this time round. Lots and lots of draping and fewer hectically oversized pieces.
There was an even greater variety in tops, both knitted and woven, and again fewer patterns and more texture and solid colour. I had expected to see a lot more casual boho styles, but they were few and far between. Curvy drape, straight drape, asymmetry and comfort reigned supreme. I loved the resurgence of the pussy bow blouse. Thankfully, most tops had sleeves and didn’t fit like tents like they did last year. I welcome a good amount of structure, and I bet you do too.
Knitwear
- Sejour Relaxed Open Front Cardigan (Plus Size): A fluid yet streamlined cardigan that works as well for casual as it does for business casual. The wide welt adds extra chic. All colours are fab.
- Nic + Zoe 'Mixy Cables' Two Button Cardigan (Regular & Petite) (Nordstrom Exclusive): A fitted cardigan is a tall order, but this one fits the bill. The fabric is delicate and quite dressy. I vote blue or orange.
- Classiques Entier Merino High/Low Poncho: A killer piece for Team Tall. One of my size 14 clients wore this poncho over a white Halogen button-down shirt with the black zippered Ponte pants from NYDJs - and absolutely took my breath away. She was a sight for sore eyes and I was WOWED. Very dramatic and chic. The style is genius because the drape is at the back of the garment only, which means the sleeves do not get in the way of doing stuff. Do not attempt this piece if you are small framed or petite.
- Lafayette 148 New York Drape Neck Layer Wool Jersey Top: My favourite drape top at the NAS. The photo does not do it justice. This looked marvelous on all my clients. The architectural drape is stunning and the fabric is refined and dressy. I LOVE its flattering asymmetry. Adds pizzazz to a black pencil skirt or pair of work trousers. Runs big.
- Pure Amici Cashmere Hooded Cardigan: Refined Cozy Casual. Works well on petites and taller gals.
- Halogen Cotton Blend Duster Cardigan (Plus Size): An affordable dramatic maxi cardigan for Team Tall. Wear it just like the model or over trousers instead of jeans.
- Chelsea28 Pleated Hem Sweater: A super little sweater that's all about the fun back pleat detailing. Best with a black camisole. Looks best in the blue because of the low contrast between the black and the navy. Super with black trousers for the office.
- Rebecca Taylor Fringe Knit Cardigan: Boho Fabness. This looked better on shorter gals because the fringe hits them in a better place. Best on inverted triangles because the fringe adds hip bulk.
- Lafayette 148 New York Silk & Wool Long Sleeve Cardigan: The photo does not do this amazing cardigan justice. It has a satin lining and an inner drawstring that gives it waist definition. Fluidly shaped. It comes with a matching olive satin camisole which creates a twinset effect. Good with the olive Irving trousers from Lafayette too. A very chic tonal combination.
- Nic + Zoe 'Checked Out' Knit Jacket (Nordstrom Exclusive): A super sweater jacket for those with salt and pepper hair. Cozy yet structured. Runs big.
- Caslon Stripe Sweater Coat (Regular & Petite): Bathrobe Fabness. I love that this super cozy and graphic cardigan does NOT have a waist tie. It works well on petites in petite sizes. Great for working from home. Nice in both the grey and tan.
- Halogen Asymmetrical Hem Tunic Sweater (Online Only): A fab handkerchief hem pullover with extra length both in the front and back. Arty Chic. Great jewel tones.
- Halogen 'Photo Floral' Cotton Sweater (Regular & Petite): Soft, cozy and pretty. The pattern does all the talking in this simple silhouette. Equally lovely in the ivory and black.
- Leith Waterfall Open Front Cardigan: Another amazing piece that worked on 5ft 2 clients AND 6ft clients. It surprises me every time when that happens. Dramatic, cozy and well made. The maroon and dark olive are much better than the black. Runs big. There's a matching Leith trapeze dress in maroon and dark olive that looks AMAZING under this cardigan - again - a great modern twinset effect. The dress is short so best worn as a tunic.
- Topshop Sleeveless Ribbed Mockneck Sweater (Nordstrom Exclusive): A very trendy and arty piece with dramatic side vents and funnel neckline. Looks great layered over a white button-down shirt or long-sleeved tee. Not good on short necks and large bustlines.
- Sofia Cashmere Leopard Print Cashmere Knit Cape: Dramatic Cape Fabness. Comes in warm colours too. Perfect for very mild Winters.
- Treasure&Bond Layered Shirttail Sweater: This is a great top but only in the oatmeal and plaid combination. The shirting on the other colours is too thin and looks off. The placement of the colour blocking strategically narrows the volume of the boxy cut. Looks great on petites and regular height gals. A little short for tall gals. Runs small.
- Eileen Fisher Long Sleeve Ballet Neck Top (Regular & Petite): This is an amazing piece. The photo does not do it justice. It has a very flattering high-low hemline. Fluid but streamlined. Gorgeous drape and stunning fabric. It's very good over bootcut trousers or a pencil skirt. Also good with flared jeans. My clients did not find it scratchy but one of our forum members did. Runs big.
- Vince Textured Crewneck Sweater: Pretty ink blue with a touch of hard edge. The side zipper looks best a little unzipped to create garment interest. Non-scratchy. Runs big.
- Vince Superwash Colorblock Sweater: The striking colour blocked effect of this piece does not come through in the photo. It's grey at the back with a lovely back V-neckline. Fab from the side. A very lightweight sweater. Great for early Fall or mild Winters. Runs large.
- Autumn Cashmere Fair Isle Sweater: An adorable cropped Fair Isle in a chunky knit. Lovely quality. It must blouson a little at the welt so don't pull it straight down. Excellent with skirts, high-waisted pants and culottes. Runs very small.
- Theory 'Jodi' Cotton & Cashmere Short Sleeve Sweater: A chunky funnel neck cropped pullover that's slightly shaped. Best on a long neck and smaller bust. Beautiful quality. Runs small.
- Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Bateau Neck Boxy Top: A fashionable piece to wear to the office with a pair of trousers, heels and a necklace. Lots of great colours. Runs big.
Tops
- Classiques Entier 'Vienna' Crepe Drape Neck Top (Plus Size): Drapes like a dream and works best on very curvy figures with a short neck and larger bust. Gorgeous fabric. Not clingy on the midsection. Comes in solids and regular sizes too. Fab layered under a jacket.
- NYDJ Henley Top (Plus Size): An excellent blouse for apple and pear shaped gals. Skims the body and drapes quite well. Best with black bottoms.
- Zella 'Amore' Pullover: A cozy kangaroo pocket knit top for lounging or to wear in very casual settings. The hem curves so that it creates a comfortable and flattering effect over midsection extra bits.
- Karen Kane Handkerchief Hem Top with Side Slits: A wow handkerchief hem top that works extremely well on curvy gals - especially hourglasses and pear shapes. The cut is genius and very streamlining despite the volume. Fab over leggings or skinnies with tall boots. All the colours are nice. Runs big.
- Trouvé Textured Knit Tunic: You'll either love or loathe the sueded feeling of this fabric. My clients who loved it bought the style in a few colours to wear over leggings and skinnies and with very drapey cardigans. Works on ultra curvy figures. Runs small. All the colours are nice. Great on petites.
- Eileen Fisher Cap Sleeve Silk Tee (Regular & Petite): A great layering piece for under jackets. The fit cleverly skims over all sorts of midsection extra bits smoothing out the silhouette. Luscious fabric. Pricey, but worth it. Available in colours. Runs big.
- Caslon Side Slit Long Sleeve Tee: A cozy tunic for very casual settings. The hem shape is extremely flattering with its shark bite and vents. This top worked for clients ranging from 5ft to 6ft. Amazing. Runs big.
- Caslon Hooded Tunic: A super comfy hoodie that's extra soft to the touch. Not good on pear shapes because the welt rides up. This top worked for clients ranging from 5ft to 6ft. The mint and purple are best.
- Halogen Sleeveless Drape Neck Top (Regular & Petite): A great inexpensive layering piece for jackets and cardigans. Great on shorter necks and larger bustlines. Runs big and long. The prints look better than the solids.
- Sejour Shark Bite Hem Oversized V-Neck Tee (Plus Size): Dramatic Poncho Tee Fabness.
- Eileen Fisher V-Neck Tunic (Plus Size): Luscious fabric and a brilliant fit. Works well on many body types. Long enough for Team Tall.
- Ted Baker London 'Xuna' Floral Print Tee: A happy tee in a gorgeous floral. Yummy fabric and a good fit. Shaped yet fluid. Forgiving on the midsection. Great drape.
- Vince Camuto 'Celeste' Multidirectional Stripe Top (Regular & Petite) (Nordstrom Exclusive): Works really well on hourglass and pear shaped ladies. Those diagonal lines are flattering and forgiving.
- Vince Camuto 'Graphic Boxes' Hardware Detail Print Keyhole Neck Cap Sleeve Top (Regular & Petite) (Online Only): A formfitting piece that's great for layering under jackets.
- Caslon Three-Quarter Sleeve Drape Neck Knit Top: Best on a curvy figure with a larger bust. Soft and long. The cowl is quite sculptural. Nice in all the colours. Purple and teal have been winners with clients. Might need to size down.
- Eileen Fisher Scoop Neck Jersey Tunic (Regular & Petite): Exquisite drape, fabric and fit. Tailored up top and party at the bottom. Works as well for petites as it does for taller gals. Works for all body types. I like the round edges on the side vents. Size down.
- Wildfox 'If At First You Don't Succeed' Long Sleeve Pullover (Nordstrom Exclusive): Cozy and comical. Good for lounging or extra casual settings. Runs big.
- Vince Camuto 'Graphic Boxes' Top with Sheer Sleeves: This blouse is beautiful over a pencil skirt or tucked into a flared skirt. The gathered sleeves are feminine and dramatic. Works well on a curvy gal with a larger bust.
- Vince Camuto Tie Neck Ruffled Hem Blouse: I loved this blouse over a pair of black bootcut trousers for business casual. Interesting. No need to add pizzazz with a jacket. The dropped peplum is unique and interesting. They've cleverly curved the hemline for structure. Runs big.
- Two by Vince Camuto 'Prairie Tapestry' Peasant Blouse: Pretty Boho Fabness. Runs big.
- Vince Sleeveless Print Top: A good blouse to wear under an eggplant topper. The diagonal lines of the pattern are interesting and flattering. Nice V-neck for larger bustlines. Runs big.
- Halogen Scarf Tie Blouse (Regular & Petite): This neon fireworks pattern made a number of my clients happy. It's much better in burgundy than in white. Retro Fun. Runs big.
- Lafayette 148 New York Drape Overlay Jersey Top: A very interesting wrap front blouse because there is an attached long sleeved T-shirt under the silky wrap portion. Extra comfy and no gaping at all. Excellent over trousers and skirts. Dressy.
- Sejour Shark Bite Hem Kimono Top (Plus Size): Happy Kimono Fabness. Best over slim black bottoms with heels.
- Sejour Split Neck High/Low Tunic (Plus Size): An elegant burgundy silky tunic for Team Tall. Best over skinny Ponte pants.
- Diane von Furstenberg 'Lorelei Two' Sheer Lace Shirt: One of the best dressy blouses at the NAS. Exquisite fabric, gorgeously shaped, and beautifully made. Its longer length with curved hem vents adds a quality touch. I love the way the lace creates a pattern on the skin, which breaks up the expanse of black. My client tried this on UNTUCKED with black camisole, black ankle pants and black pointy toe ankle strap flats and I GASPED at her beauty. It was soooo chic.
- A.L.C. 'Clay' Print Silk Top: A delicate piece for a long neck, smaller bust and dainty shoulder line. I love the welt, roomy short sleeve, front neck pleat detailing, and spaced floral design. Runs very small.
- Vince Long Sleeve Colorblock Blouse (Online Only): It's amazing how the strategically positioned colour blocking adds structure to this very voluminous piece. The eye is drawn in at the corners of the contrast blocking and creates waist definition. Soft and comfy. Runs big.
- Trouvé 'Double V' Colorblock Tank: Alluring for date night. No need for a special bra.
- Topshop Moto 'Elton' Washed Black Denim Oversize Shirt (Nordstrom Exclusive): A unique black denim shirt with interesting chest pocket shapes. Runs big.
- Sandra Plaid Cotton Flannel Boyfriend Shirt: My favourite plaid shirt at the NAS because it's soft, long and has side entry pockets. It's more like a tunic and comes in four colours. My size 14 client combined this with the Ellen Tracy toggle vest, jeans and boots, and looked like a million bucks.
- Caslon Space Dye Tunic Sweatshirt (Regular & Petite): Give this a go if you bat for Team '80s. Cosy and cute.
- Trouvé Neck Tie Blouse: A "wet look" pussy bow blouse with lots of spunk. Its fluid fit is quite streamlined. Adds a nice bit of texture to dark outfits.
Collections
Here are the collections pages if you would like to see the items alongside the descriptions.
