Supply chains continue to struggle, causing shortages and shipment delays almost everywhere. Yet I am pleasantly surprised by how good online Autumn and Winter retail collections look so far. The items here were winners on some of my clients, friends and forum members.
1. Liverpool Plaid Boyfriend Blazer
These blazers have a casual and rugged touch with the addition of the fleece hoodie insert. The insert is removable, so you can create a dressier look without it. The stretch in the fabric makes the structured item more comfortable, and it’s machine washable too. Some of the plaids have a bit of shiny lurex thread running through them. Dress it up or down. Lightweight and good in mild weather.
2. Liverpool Kelsey Knit Trousers
These Ponte-like knit pants are soft and stretchy, but not form-fitting. They have a casual integrity, but are dressier than joggers and jeggings. The rises aren’t too high either. The silhouette works on a range of body types, because the fabric moulds to the contour of your figure.
3. Banana Republic Boyfriend Flannel Shirt
These are generally good value for money, and run from XXS to XXL. Soft, roomy, and not tailored like some of the comments have mentioned. Nor does it run big. It’s soft, fluid, long and very comfy. The fronts are long enough to tie at the waist with a good amount of tie. I bought the beetroot ($35) for my burgundy capsule and it’s perfect. Nicely made and launders well. That said, the quality across the colours is a little inconsistent. I also got the navy with blush option to assess which colour I would prefer, and the quality wasn’t as good as the beetroot. Same fabric and cut, but not as well made.
4. Amicale Cashmere Travel Wrap Scarf
If you like to wear solid, super soft cashmere scarves that double up as a wrap like I do, then these are worth a look. There are a few subtle patterns too. They come in handy for travel, snuggling with Yorkies, and when you need a warm layer over your shoulders while working from home. They look great tied neatly over a coat or jacket, and aren’t too bulky. My cream scarf bit the dust last year, so I am thinking about replacing it with this one in cream.
5. Cinq à Sept Jeans
These jeans are pricey, but they are fairly unique, very well made, and you can get them on sale. The silhouettes are different, the fabric is dark and dressy, and they DO NOT stretch out. The fits are quite sleek, without being form-fitting. They have worked on straighter and curvier body types. The corn-coloured top stitching has a fun vintage appeal. I’m absolutely delighted with the first pair of wide crops with contrasting pockets that I bought at this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. They have become fast favourites because they look very polished throughout the day, are very comfy, and feel substantial. I don’t have zipper issues like some of the comments have mentioned. Nor do I find the fabric thin, or the brand to run big. I have laundered them in the machine, air-dried them on a hanger, and pressed them afterwards with stellar results. There is no need to dry-clean them. The full-length wide legs might be my answer to trouser jeans, so I’ve ordered them. If they work, I will wear them with sneakers, loafers and flat boots.
