Decision Time K/R (UPDATE on Page 2: Decision Made)

Jenn

The first of my fall packages arrived and I have a decision to make.

I ordered this chunky cardigan As a potential replacement for the one I’ve been wearing for the past two winters (84 wears since September 2018).

#1 is the new cardigan. #2 is the one currently in my closet. (obviously, no styling here and my faces are not indicative of my thoughts)

Points in favor of new:

it has pockets
nice fiber blend of 50% linen, 50% wool (old sweater has a Frankensteinian blend shown in pic 4)
pretty cable knit
bracelet-length sleeves are practical for my work and climate
doesn’t have 84 wears on it

Points in favor of old:

has been my favorite sweater for two years
slightly cheerier color (though not so much difference as the Finds suggest, see pic 3)
still in reasonable shape, no holes, texture disguises pilling (again, see pic 3)
is already in my closet (this counts double, maybe even triple, for budget and sustainability reasons...I can buy other things if I don’t get this)
will probably be worn mostly at home, since it's looking like that sort of winter

What do you think? Is the replacement worth it or should I wait another year?

(The silk cami is also new, and I’m inclined to keep it, but need to try on again after a steam.)

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Sleeping On Snow | Anthropologie DuPont Cardigan

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by Jenn

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4 years ago

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48 replies

Latest reply was from Liesbeth

slim cat

Veteran

I like the new cardigan - nice shape, good fabric and pretty fit.
I vote to keep new cardi and camisole of course ( fab! ).

4 years ago

SarahD8

Veteran

To me, the cocoon shape and shawl collar of the old cardi say Colorado, while the slightly sleeker silhouette and fiber blend of the new cardi say LA. So, I vote new. That said, it certainly seems like the old cardi could do another year of service if you decide you're not in love with the new one.

4 years ago

Anonymous

New all the way.

I thought that was a good price already and it looks like Garnet Hill is having a 25% off sale, could you ask for the discount?

4 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

Wow, new, hands down. The old one looks cozy for at home but the other one looks current and like you could wear anywhere in LA!

4 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yes! Absolutely prefer the new! KILLER colour and shape. Sleeves better for LA. Slam dunk.

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Eh, I’m the spanner: I prefer the old one. I like that it has a collar and I know I’d gravitate personally towards the one that does. I like the way it frames your face.

4 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I prefer the new one - sleeker shape and you would have it for years. Eventually we will go out again (she says as country heads toward second lockdown). Since the old one is still in good shape, it can still be rehomed.

4 years ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

I like them both on you but I do notice the pilling on the old one and it would drive me bonkers. So I say it’s time to replace.

4 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

#1 is a fabulous upgrade! It is sleeker, and I love the interest of the cable pattern. Like Aquamarine, the pills on #2 make me want to give your old faithful the thumbs down .

4 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I would keep both.

The old one for lounge wear and the new one to wear out. To me the old one is fine to wear - but I can see signs of wear. But perfect for cosying up on the roof or reading a book or even over pjs whilst you have a coffee. Then when you are going out for a walk or to the beach or wherever I would wear the new one.

I view the old one as a sunk cost and probably not quite in donate able or salable condition so I see it as more sustainable to keep and wear a little bit longer......but there is a place for the new one too.

4 years ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Well, y'all are resoundingly in favor of the new one, it seems (dissent noted, rachylou!). Sal's logic makes sense to me, except that I really, really don't know how much we'll be able to do outside the house this winter, so maybe it makes sense to just continue wearing the old sweater as a cozy at-home layer and pop on a different topper on the rare occasions we go anywhere. The question for me is, is this so good I'll regret not snapping it up when it was available?

4 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

I’m going to join Rachy. I prefer the style of the old one. The shawl collar is really flattering. I also don’t care for the short sleeves on the new version (but that’s personal - I like really long sleeves - to my knuckles if possible!) But I do see the wear on the old one, and the blend of the new version is superior. Plus cables! In the end, these things are personal - you’ve got to love it.

4 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I really like the new one on you and think the fibre blend is better for your location. Basically, what Sarah DB said re the different vibes. But I'm tempted to say, with Sal -- hang onto the old as well, if you have room. True, you might not wear it a lot this winter. But who knows what next winter might bring? You know I am not usually one to hold onto clothes that have served me well and are now showing wear...sustainable donation or re-creation is my motto on those cases. But I sort of feel like these days, it's hard to predict the future, so...

4 years ago

Joy

Veteran

You got your hair cut short? It is cute.i like both sweaters and would do what Sal suggests, at least for a couple of months. To really feel it is a change maybe you would like a new color.

4 years ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Joy, my hair is just pulled up in a (very messy) bun. I tend to do that when I’m working to keep glue out of my hair and hair out of my work.

4 years ago

Liesbeth

Veteran

In your experience, is this color hard to find? I would think so and therefore might assume you'll regret not snapping up this stylish replacement later.

4 years ago

Liesbeth

Veteran

Oh yeah and do you already love the new one enough that you actually want to wear it right away? If not, maybe hold out until the other one really falls apart ;p. As a minimalist you probably don't need an exact replacement, just a new favorite sweater.

4 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I prefer the knit and style of the new one — more refined yet still cozy looking. I would be tempted to keep the old one for now too, but that’s how I roll.

This color is popular this year. If it’s one that works so well for you, I’d be inclined to keep the new one because who knows what the colors will be like next season. I personally am underwhelmed by most of the available colors this year — just not my palette — but more and more I see the sense of stocking up on favorite colors when they trend. Wishing I had invested a little more the last time cobalt blue was trending since it’s hard to find now, for example.

4 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

While I personally prefer the more refined look of the first, I would say you should keep the old sweater and spend your money on something else, or save it. If it’s a sweater for use at home, why splurge on something new when the old sweater is good enough for your current use. FOMO is not a reason to spend money now. If this is a HEWI, my thinking might change and I would be more inclined to keep.

4 years ago

Star

Veteran

I totally agree with Staysfit. Seems like a bit of a waste for home use.

4 years ago

nemosmom

Veteran

They both look great on you and I could see the new one earning a rightful spot in your closet, just on fabrication and pocket factor alone!

I could argue for keeping both. If the current one is still in good shape, and is still a favorite, I certainly would not let it go. The new one could help split wears and allow you to baby your fave a bit longer, but knowing you prefer a lean closet, I might return the new one unless you absolutely love it.

I am of NO help whatsoever

4 years ago

nemosmom

Veteran

PS the silk cami is a total keeper!

4 years ago

lisaflex

Veteran

id keep new one!!! I just looked - its sold out!!! very cute. I too would keep the old as an at home comfy piece.

4 years ago

Preppy Pear

Veteran

I really, really like the new one! I prefer the non-shawl collar, but that’s also my general preference. I like the shade of both.

Very nice cami and jeans!

4 years ago

RobinF

Veteran

I love the new one, it looks a bit neater and love that it has pockets. I am with the keep-both team, especially if you think it will be hard to find a replacement when the old one bites the dust.

4 years ago

SarahD8

Veteran

As a person who has long worked from home (which I think Jenn has too) I’d like to gently push back against the idea of nice clothing being “a waste for home use.” Do we only deserve new clothing/clothing that gives us pleasure if people outside our household will see us wearing it? Similarly, what are we losing by framing the coming months as a waste/not “real” life/not deserving of investment?

Of course given the uncertainties in people’s finances etc these days it’s wise to think through purchases very carefully. And maybe Jenn decides she doesn’t really need the new sweater or doesn’t like it enough to keep it. I just think it’s worth taking care to examine how we frame the questions we are posing to ourselves in this time.

4 years ago

Vildy

Veteran

Never thought I would say a cami is magnificent but this one is, on ypu.

I like the sleekness of the new cardigan's refined cable weave but, by far, prefer the drape and fit of the old one. Though that amount of pilling and wear would drive me batty, until I slued my perspective around to valuing the rough, artisanal texture.

ETA: y'know, we make a big fuss and pay big bucks for those teddi type coats and jackets, the ones that aren't thick like the MaxMara ones but are just extra nubbly.

4 years ago

Anonymous

The new one is great - definitely keep it. And I'd also hang on to the older one .

4 years ago

Star

Veteran

Would like to clarify as a person who has worked from home since 1994 and now retired I don't think any nice clothing is a waste for home use. My comment was tagged on to Staysfit' comment and I should have clarified that to me they look really similar and in your own words the old one is still in reasonable condition and you love it, so why not spend the money on something quite different.

4 years ago

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