With the leaves turning and the winds churning bringing with them the first chill of winter I thought it high time to update my wardrobe. Although I cherish my moth-eaten woolen cardigans and decades old cashmere sweaters handed down to me from Grandmother Joan herself, I have recently found myself in need of a few new essentials. As I know I am not the only young woman in my position. Whether it be out of need or “need” a great many of you ladies have been searching for those perfect additions to your fall/winter attire. So here, from me to you, are some of the seasons musts!
1.) The Lightweight Cashmere Sweater: From Audrey to Greta to Grace and Leslie, it is a well known fact that no fashionista is without a cashmere knit shirt in her arsenal. Paired up with a midi length Jacquard skirt or down with a pair of dark wash skinnies and pointed flats this cozy blouse will be your best gal pal when those glacial winds come roaring down the streets.
SPLURGE!: Burberry Brit Cashmere Crewneck $450 (Nordstrom)
Kate Spade Genni Sweater $298 (Kate Spade online/boutiques)
SAVE!: Halogen V-Neck Cashmere Sweater $58.90 (Nordstrom)
Caslon Cashmere Cowl Neck Sweater $128 (Nordstrom)
2.) The Iconic Trench Coat: Although there are many definitions as to what makes an icon and icon it is almost impossible to say that the khaki utilitarian trench is anything but legendary. Capable of carrying us from fall to winter then spring to summer the perfect fitting trench is a girls greatest ally. It keeps us warm, grants us that coveted hourglass figure, and–in times of dire need–pulls double duty as a sulty yet playfully tongue-and-cheek dress.
SPLURGE!: Burberry London “Buckingham” Double Breasted Trench $1,495 (Burberry boutiques/Nordstrom)
BOSS “Cadena” wool blend trench $745 (Nordtrom/BOSS boutiques)
SAVE!: Calvin Klein Double Breasted Trench $158 (Nordstrom online only)
London Fog Heritage Trench with detachable liner $178 (Nordstrom only)
3.) The Wear-Anywhere Jeans: Fabled to bring you confidence the second you fasten the zipper these babies are not only real but obtainable. Thick enough to keep you daddy long legs snug in the winter yet breathable enough that they won’t stifle you in the summer these jeans are a must no matter what time of the year it is. Because the style depends on the wearer I’ll just give you the brands with the best selection based of longevity and weave.
SPLURGE!: J Brand, rag&Bone, Chloe, Citizens of Humanity, and True Religion
SAVE!: Lucky Brand, J. Crew, Hudson, and Paige
4.) The Plaid Scarf: Undoubtedly every woman-about-town has one of these tucked away in her closet for a rainy day. However the concern at present is of the scarfs’ condition. From day to night, work to play the plaid scarf is just as much an icon as the khaki trench. With the amount of love this lovely accessory sees it’s no wonder why we stock up on them whenever our favorite shop is having a sale. You can either stick with tradition and snatch up a long-length scarf or mix it up and indulge in an infinity wrap scarf. Either way you’ll look head to toe chic.
SPLURGE!: Burberry Check Cashmere scarf $525 (Burberry boutiques)
Burberry Wool and Silk Check scarf $395 (Burberry boutiques)
SAVE!: Kate Spade New York wool blanket scarf $128 (Kate Spade boutiques)
Betsy Johnson ‘Zip’ Infinity scarf $36 (Nordstrom)
5.) The Equestrian’s Boot: Equestrian Boots or, as we horse lovers would call them, Riding Boots will likely be the best shoe purchase you make, PERIOD. Not only to they look smart when paired with beige or mulberry skinny jeans but they keep your legs warm and dry during stormy weather. Now unless you have a girlfriend that rides horses and is willing to loan you a pair–willing being the operative word here–you may have to do a little hunting before you find the perfect pair. But as any shoe lover would know, the search is part of the fun because once you find your ideal boot it’s like falling in love. It just clicks. Like denim, I cannot say what style of riding shoes work best for everyone (yes, there are different types of this particular style), I can suggest some of the best that I and a few of my fellow riders have come to adore.
SPLURGE!: Hermes ‘Jumping’ Equestrian Boots in Dark Chestnut $2,725 (Hermes boutiques/online only)
Frye ‘Dorado’ Polished Leather Riding Boot $498 (Neiman Marcus/Nordstrom)
Alberto Fermani Adria leather/suede boot Tmoro $695 (Neiman Marcus/Bloomingdale’s)
Aquatalia ‘Oralie’ Leather Stretch Knee boot $498 (Neiman Marcus/Nordstrom)
SAVE!: Clarks England “Mullin Spice” boot $299.95 (Clarks boutiques/Nordstrom)
Topshop ‘Dreamer’ Over the Knee Riding boot $210 (Nordstrom/Topshop)
Enzo Angiolini ‘Saying’ Riding Boot $149.90-$198.95 (Nordstrom)
BP. ‘Burton’ Moto Style Riding boot $129.95 (Nordstrom)
