Retail stocks are better than I expected them to be, and some of these items are on sale. If you’re shopping for yourself or others, you’ll probably get what you’re looking for. Order early if items need to go under the tree. Shipping is unfortunately not as fast as it should be.
1. Franco Sarto Waxton Chelsea Boots
These boots have a roomy square toe box that is more pronounced on the foot than in the photos. Clients and others find them very comfy. I found the heel too high, and the footbed needed a cushioning insole because I like VERY soft shoes. But the leather is soft, and does not rub on the ankles. The turquoise, burnt orange and purple options are unique.
2. French Connection Mozart Popcorn Cotton Sweater
I bought this at the NAS in cream and love it. It’s white in the stock photo but cream in person. It has a fantastic architectural drape to it, and looks like a COS item. Just enough volume and structure in the right places. It’s very comfy, layers well under puffers, 100% cotton, and semi-tucks well too. It launders beautifully in the machine. Crisp and substantial.
3. Everlane Cashmere Beanie and Scarf
These are the bomb. Gorgeous quality, sustainably and ethically produced, super soft, and flattering. I could not believe my luck that the beanie fit my small head. It also fits larger heads well. I got the orange and wore it right away. None of the photos show the beanie worn slouchy without the folded edge, but that’s how I like to wear it best. It has a darling shape, and scarf to match.
4. Everlane Cashmere Crew
Sustainably and ethically produced, super soft, and heavenly on the body. I like the interesting front shoulder seam, and the fluidly tailored silhouette. An excellent simple sweater that can be used as an effective colour vehicle. They layer well under jackets and coats, and provide a fab back drop for a statement scarf. You might need to size down. Hubs Greg was enamoured with the orange that matches the beanie, so it followed me home. The orange is the only colour with a bit of cream tipping, which perfectly matches my pearls.
5. Hobbs Dresses
I’m a Hobbs fan because their items are clean, crisp, colour-rich, trendy classic, fit well, lovely quality, and the fabrics are substantial. Items are generally tailored and drape well. I enjoy the subtle playfulness in their pattens too. I do well with their jackets, coats, knitwear, and more recently with the dresses. I appreciate that the brand offers dresses that keep me warm and covered in midi lengths with sleeves. Clever forum member Tanya alerted me to the first horse-printed navy and chartreuse dress in the collection. She thought it could work in my horsey capsule. It does! I got it on deep discount and it fits perfectly. It’s gorgeous, swooshes when I stride, and I feel fabulous in it. I tie the tie in front and not the back, which gives it more of a ‘70s vibe.
6. Casual Holiday Sweaters
Last, if you like to wear cosy, very casual, and festive warm Winter knitwear between now and the end of the year, here are some options. Some are subtle and others hectic. You can dress these sweaters up a bit if you like. Utterly besotted with Yorkshire terriers, I got the first red Yorkie sweater. I’m wearing it here with jeans, but plan to dress it up with a pair of orange faux leather pants, pearls and cream boots.
