Here’s an assortment of items across a range of price points that have been winners on my clients recently. It’s fun to see fresh and “new” silhouettes come through, and in colours other than black and grey. It’s great to see a more consistent level of good quality across brands like Universal Standard, Boden, Club Monaco, Halogen and COS. I’m loving the availability of extended sizes too.
1. Universal Standard Short Puffer Jacket
This is the first time I’ve seen a plus-size brand size down to supply regular sizes in the same items. Usually it’s a regular size brand sizing up to provide plus sizes, and I like how the tables have turned. This puffer is available from a US2-4 to a US26-28, and the complete size assortment was displayed in the casual Point of View area at Nordstrom. A step in the right direction. It’s one of the best short puffers of the season, and well made too. Avant-garde, fashionable and architectural. Looks like a COS piece. The cut is sublime and works on a range of body types. The high-low hem is flattering. The colour is in between a cinnamon and burgundy, and quite accurate in the stock photo. It’s very versatile, looking as good with a dressy outfit as it does a casual one.
2. 1901 Cape
Bring out your inner Sherlock Holmes with this darling cape jacket. It’s SUPER cute, especially in the check. The waist tie is removable so that you can button the jacket like a proper cape if that’s more your vibe. Runs a size big so size down. NICE quality and crease-resistant. The checked cape has matching wide cropped pants. That’s a lot of check to wear in one outfit, but fabulous if that’s the statement you want to make.
3. Catherine Malandrino Faux Fur Collar Snap Down Jacket
One of the best $47 purchases of the year, and unfortunately the stock photo does not do the item justice. It’s a sweater jacket with a small faux fur collar that works on all neck lengths and bust sizes. Its gentle cocoon silhouette gives it an on trend vibe, as well as a Modern Retro one. It’s soft, comfortable and works over single and multiple layers. Dress it up or down. Wear it over dresses, skirts, jeans or pants. Leave it on indoors, or wear it as outerwear. VERSATILE. The ink blue with black collar gets my top vote. The black with the leopard collar next.
4. Boden Velvet Pants
The best velvet pants of the season at a relatively affordable price. Beautifully made and a fabulous fit. They have worked on everyone who has tried them on, although some need a slight waist alteration at the back. A magical fit that works on curvier and straighter body types because of sturdy fabric, a longer length rise, a bit of stretch, and enough room on the legs so that pocket linings don’t grin through. Available in petites, regular and talls in an assortment of colours, and up to a size US18. Very deserving rave reviews. The mustard is on its way to me.
5. Boden Velvet Blazer
The best modern classic velvet blazer of the season. It has worked on a range of body types, and is absolutely GORGEOUS quality. The stretch makes it extra comfy and allows it to mould to the body. Wear it with the matching velvet pants, or with jeans or trousers. Available in petites and regular, but not in tall. It might feel a little short on tall gals, but not too bad. Read the rave reviews. The mustard is on its way to me.
6. Zara Coat
BEST brown on-trend cocoon coat of the season. The silhouette is very flattering in an architectural way, and has worked on a range of body types. There is ample structure in the tapered hem and architectural drape of the style. My client tried it on and took my breath away. The shade of brown is cool-toned too. Wear it over single or multiple layers.
7. Club Monaco Dress Kyosti Sweater Dress
One of the best holiday dresses of the season. Warm, covered, avant-garde, architectural and very comfortable. Fabulous quality. Both colours are beautiful. Best suited to a straighter hip and less curvy bottom half, although a gentle hourglass can feel fab in it too. No shapewear required. Works really well on a broader shoulder line and shorter neck. Length is longer in person unless you are very tall.
8. Club Monaco Knitwear
Do yourself a favour and browse Club Monaco’s knitwear this season. Try it on, and look at all the colour options. It’s a little dressier and more unique than most of what is out there at the price point, and much nicer quality too. The colours skew cool-toned and neutral, which isn’t good for me, but might be ideal for you. The styles in this collection are the winners on clients so far.
9. Halogen Atlantic Pacific Faux Fur Coat
The quality of the coat is brilliant for the price point, and better than the usual Halogen level of quality. It’s a delicious shade of spicy cinnamon and makes a gorgeous on-trend statement. Modern retro, versatile and fun. Great length. It spans a range of sizes, which is one of the best things about it.
10. COS Pleated Dress
This is a repeat style for good reason because its works extremely well on a larger bust, and both curvier and straighter body types. Not good on extreme pretty pear shapes, but wonderful on adorable apple body types and broad shoulders. Substantial fabric and great drape. Can be dressed up or down. Wear it as dress with hose and boots, or over leggings. Our Inge has last year’s version in navy and looks sensational in it. She wears it over leggings and with booties and pops a coat and scarf over the top. Urban Casual Chic.
