Cardigan comparison shopping - YouLookFab Forum

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Anniversary Sale

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Cardigan comparison shopping

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm hoping to replace an old pilled up BR cardigan from a few years back. The question is, what would be the best option for replacement.

My current cardigan appears as the first Find. What I like about it -- lightweight yet warm, colour is great with my hair, has a bit of texture, length is great on me (longer on me than on model but still just above the knee), pockets.

Here are some options from the sale. I'm wondering how they compare -- anyone who has seen? This would be a workhorse for me, so I will pay for quality if there. OTOH, I'm also not averse to a bargain!

Banana Republic

Merino Wool Long Cardigan

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17

Halogen Long Ribbed Cashmere Cardigan

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11

Halogen Long Ribbed Cardigan

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3

BP Lightweight Rib Stitch Cardigan

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3

Halogen Merino Blend Long Cardigan

Sale

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25

Halogen Long Open Front Cardigan

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2

Anniversary Sale

24 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

Preppy Pear

Veteran

Suz, I got the Halogen Merino blend one at last year's sale in that color, and it is a favorite - I wore it about once a week last season and no pills yet, despite the fact that I am rough on clothes. Two things to consider - it is not thin and not very warm, and the sleeves show every lump and bump and so are best over sleeveless tops, though I have layered it over button downs with long sleeves. It's an elegant piece, not a cozy piece, IMO.

I have a Madewell Ryder long gray cardigan that was my go to for very cold days - I'm in WI. I also tend to be more casual the colder it gets....so I'm casual a lot in the winter!

I am 5'10" and got the regular length - it is really long on me (which I love).

Lisa

Veteran

A great question, I'll be watching this thread.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, Preppy Pear -- that's a good review and excellent info. And thanks, Lisa!

gryffin

Veteran

Suz - I don't know if this helps. I bought the halogen merino vest last year which I wear as a jumper dress. It's light and comfortable. It's a huge dog hair magnet. No pills but it's very subject to static cling. Don't know if the sweater was identical but I thought I'd mention for what it's worth.

Joy

Veteran

This may not help because I've not seen this year's version, but 3-4 years ago I bought the Halogen merino long cardi ( boyfriend?). In two colors, I finally gave them up because, while still not pilled or looking worn, the sleeves were quite tight and I do not have heavy arms. It is worth a try. I'd try ordering a size up although the brand usually runs large.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, Gryffin. That's helpful, too. My cat sheds like mad in summer but in winter not so much, and his hair is sort of taupe...blends with grey (I can hope!) Still, the word "magnet" gives me pause. I know what you mean -- some fabrics just seem to catch the fur and hold it in a way that others don't, and I admit I don't reach for those wardrobe items as often.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Interesting, Joy. I tend to like a snug sleeve but it can interfere with a shirt or blouse underneath for sure!

MaryA

Here are my impressions from this morning. I purchased the Halogen rib knit cardigan in cream but I may not keep it. It is warm and cozy but I'm afraid it also might pill. I'm still torn. I also tried on the merino cardigan and I'm not sure if it's because the fabric is rather fine or that the sleeves are too narrow but the outline of my shirt.sleeves was very noticable. However I was wearing the Pleione shirt that I put into finds with the sleeves rolled up.

Pleione Faux Wrap Blouse

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4

Scarlet

Veteran

Suz, I happened across this one in the loungewear section. Less dressy, so maybe not what you are looking for, but I thought I would share nevertheless.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ba.....ategory-pe

Tina

I ordered that BP one and this one: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ug.....an/4611469 to see which I like better. Sadly the Ugg one doesn't come in gray so it probably isn't what you are seeking.

kkards

Veteran

No help for you, but this are the times when I long for instore shopping!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I will get to Toronto week after next, but not sure I have time for shopping, alas... I like the look of the Ugg, Tina, but yes, I am looking specifically for grey.

Thanks, Scarlet! That one is more casual than I am after, you are right. But it looks cozy!

Mary, that is TWO comments on the sleeves of the Merino. Interesting. Thanks.

Tanya

Veteran

I still have that BR grey cardigan, Suz, but I have worn it much less than you have yours. I am hoping to go to my local store tomorrow after work - I have just placed a huge order online and most items available for in store pickup once one gets an email that the items are ready. Once I am in the store, I will check all of these catfish the store has and post my impressions here for you.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Suz are you considering the Halogen Long Open Front Cardigan?
I haven't seen any of these in person, so I'm afraid I'm no help. But this one looks like a style I have, in two very different knits (mine are a lot thicker and/or textured--see below), and that I like a lot for its simple style and current but not overly long length. The photo looks like it has potential for you, since the model is wearing it over a woven blouse, and it works well that way.

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Halogen Long Open Front Cardigan

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2

Joyce B

Veteran

Those are nice choices although the last cardi from the first set of pictures seems very thin.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Sharan. Just added that one to my list of potentials. I'll need to look carefully at fabric contents. One good thing about the cashmere one is that it comes in petite. Hmmm....

Tanya, that would be really nice of you -- thank you!

Joyce, I agree -- the merino looks very thin.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I've only had the last two on clients, Suz. Neither of them compare to your old BR - too lightweight.

I will look at the others today, and let you know.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, Angie! The cashmere one comes in petite, which might be good for me since it is quite long.

I am worried about the high acrylic content of the ribbed. Acrylic has its advantages, I know, but in my climate it tends to be hot (in indoor heating) and very static prone in winter, plus itchy to me.

Tanya

Veteran

So, I am on my way home from the store, and only had a chance to look at the cashmere Halogen, but it is really nice. The cashmere is soft and thick. I have tried on XS/S petite and that is what I have on in the photo. I'd say it's nicer than our old BR one.

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Tanya, thank you!! It looks great on you. Alas, that size is sold out online, or was when I last looked. I am pretty sure that's what I'd need.

And I see a beautiful blouse on the rack behind you....

Tanya

Veteran

I am pretty sure that is what you'd need too, Suz - I am bit taller than you and the petite was plenty long on me.

The blouse is the VB striped shirt Angie recommended for me. It is stunning, and the quality is impeccable, but I did not get it, as the puffy sleeves were really bothering me. I need to post some dressing room pictures on my thread soon.

fathenry

Veteran

I like the looks of the Halogen one the best. Outside my budget so not what I ordered but it looks really nice.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Looked at it all for you, Suz - this is the one to get. High fiving, Tanya. I had the regular on a 5ft 2 client yesterday - super cute.

Halogen Long Ribbed Cashmere Cardigan

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11

Lisa

Veteran

That cardigan is gorgeous. But wait, Tanya is wearing the petite size?! I know she is taller than me, this has me thinking I would need a petite length for this cardigan then.