Don't Sweat(er) the small stuff

Every season I become completely enamored by one or two clothing items. Last season my penchant for denim shorts and maxi skirts saw the accumulation of six of each in various shades, cuts and weights. This may seem excessive to most people (myself included) but these versatile pieces form the bones of my closet and are worn season after season. This autumn, my fixation with sweaters has almost reached a breaking point. I have always held some latent affection for an oversized cashmere round neck. However, recently my infatuation for this winter basic has seen me scouring stores both, online and in Dublin, staring wide eyes and clicking or grabbing every jumper that captures my attention. I am usually captivated by a thick cuff or a cropped sleeve and will only be fully satisfied when I have analyzed four key components: shape, wool, weight and colour. At the moment I'm favouring neutral and chunky open knits in an alpaca or merino wool; like those spotted at the Stella Mc Cartney and Hussein Chalayan shows.

Stella Mc Cartney
www.style.com

Hussein Chalayan
www.style.com

Needless to say, I don't discriminate and my fickle admiration will bounce between cable knits, polo necks, eccentric prints and brights depending on my mood and the weather. With so much on offer this season its almost impossible to pick a favourite. One thing I do envisage is that my conglomeration of sweaters may even triumph last seasons short and skirt blitz. But hey, lets not sweat(er) the small stuff...

The Eccentric Lady.

The lady of last autumn/winter was poised and chouffed in a 40's style that oozed charisma and polish. Prada and Louis Vuitton manifestation of this stunning creature had her adorn kick skirt dresses and midi length skirts to prim perfection. This season's vintage lady is a little less proper and a little more quirky. While she still holds the elegance and grace of yesteryear there is an edge to her style. Think Greta Garbo rather than Grace Kelly. The eccentric lady of autumn/winter '11 lets her kooky knits do the talking but remains refined in pencil skirts and cigarette trousers.

Givenchy
www.style.com

Preen
www.style.com

Topshop Unique
www.style.com

The Polo Neck.

No longer the workwear staple of the dowdy 90's secretary, the polo neck is back with sleek vengeance this season. It can be worked in numerous ways from slim cut to chunky and oversized but my favourite would have to be those styles with the overbearing, heavy collar. Having been hauled into thin-ribbed turtle necks as a child, I never thought I would see the day where I would enjoy this garment again. But, with such diversity between each polo neck this season I guess you can never say never!

Altuzarra
www.style.com

Reed Krakoff
www.style.com

Vanessa Bruno
www.style.com

Brights.

My attachment to brights began last season with all the magnificent colour trends. With reds, yellows and oranges blocking and clashing, the lucid colours of last summer's fashion brightened most moods despite the dull weather. Given their pick me up power, I was delighted to discover the trend had made it through to another season. 

Erdem
www.style.com

Mulberry
www.style.com

Jil Sander
www.style.com

The Cable Knit.

There is something so unassuming about a cable knit sweater. It is probably the easiest way to casually channel the men's wear trend.  I love it juxtaposed against a sleek skirt or tailored shorts and how the weights completely counter balance each other.

Theysken's Theory
www.style.com

Erdem
www.style.com

Carven
www.style.com

The Winter Print.


Nothing says winter's chill like a dark printed sweater. The morbid colours and graphic prints are somewhat gothic yet cozy. I love the contrast of patterns at Proenza Schouler and Rochas. While the leather midi at Versus lends itself to a laid back charm.

Proenza Schouler
www.style.com

Rochas
www.style.com

Versus
www.style.com

Less than two weeks until the competition on the 30th of September- prize is €100 voucher for ASOS! So for those of you who have yet to enter simply click the follow button at the top of the page to be automatically included. Good Luck!