Out of the Closet

Sweater Weather

By Charlotte on October 20, 2011 9:15 AM

I'm NEVER without a sweater. I always carry one or two as insurance against the cold, whether I'm shopping our neighborhood Target (that's Tar-jay in Colleywood, Dahling) or touring Napa (guess who always wins the award for the biggest bag?).

Of course, being a sucker for snuggly wraps, I'm in Heaven now that it's cooling down enough to require not just sweaters but furry vests, velvety jackets and more. But I'm pretty choosy. To live in my closet, they have to offer:

 

1.     Serious style (50 does not mean frumpy) and 

2.     Warmth

 

In that order. That's why I selected these favorite fall pieces from Gaiam and Ming Wang for review on The Brief. What a way to warm up your look!  

 

Gaiam's Swingin' Pointelle Knit Sweater

 

I love the long, lean look of this smart, go-anywhere cardigan, which works as well with dresses as it does with my skinny jeans. The pointelle design keeps it both fun and a little breezier than your standard knit, especially nice if you're like me and prone to unpredictable hot flashes or "mid-life moments."

 

I've already worn it everywhere from SMU's Tate Lecture series where there's an unwritten conservative-but-cool dress code and my seat's directly underneath an air vent (BRRRRR!), to the plane ride home from Napa with the girls, my style barometers. The travel-right wrap passed the test on both occasions thanks to its flowing, shawl-style front, somewhat tapered waist and swingy back.  Ooh, la la!

 

A natural choice, this blend of organic cotton and rayon made from sustainable bamboo is both comfy and eco-friendly.  I've enjoyed the Cypress Green color for fall but this sweet sweater also comes in Black, Purple and Teal. ($124; Gaiam.com)  

 

Ming Wang's Purr-fect Animal Print Vest

 

Talk about fun!  This new Ming Wang vest combines three of my favorite fall trends:  faux fur, animal print and mixed materials (animal print fur front + black, wide-ribbed sweater back = right on trend).

 

Now, I also had my eye on a gorgeous red jacket from Ming Wang, which sadly wasn't available in my size. But the vest's more relaxed attitude turned out to be the better choice since these days we work from home and there's little need for suiting up.   

 

This animal-inspired style-maker is a little on the wild side for Ming Wang, a brand known for its "mom-and teacher-oriented" knit separates that promise both style and practically. Designed to travel with ease, the vest came out of my suitcase picture perfect in New York. (I saved space that trip by planning my outfits around one neutral color - black - per the advice of wardrobe specialist and Ming Wang Senior Merchandising Director Carolyn Wang.)

 

Great for lunch with the girls or running around town, this layering delight has a pull-up zipper that makes it easy to throw on ... or off ... and go. ($173; Dillards, Von Maur, Nordstrom and other high-end specialty boutiques)

 

 

"Thank You" to Gaiam and Ming Wang for providing samples for review and testing.

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