Winter Sweaters: Alpine Style

Welcome back, dolls, and a very happy new year to you!  2010 was a great year and we're excited to see what 2011 has in store for us. So far,  we were lucky enough to get over 2 feet of snow and can foresee some wonderful skiing and snowboarding fun in our near future.  Although we can hit those blue trails like champs, we agree that one of the best parts about a long day skiing or snowboarding is coming home, changing into something super warm and comfy, and drinking cocoa by the fireplace. While we personally wouldn't wear alpine sweaters every day, they are perfect for winter activities. If you plan on taking a ski-cation, we'd suggest packing a few of these babies, or else you'll end up getting ripped off at the gift shop after you see how cute everyone looks in their Fair Isle getup!

Whether you're skiing in the Alps of shoveling snow in the suburbs, cozy up in front of the fireplace in this thick, turtleneck sweater from Victoria's Secret. The red and white make it look especially Swiss, and we guarantee that you'll be craving some fondue in no time!

Another look straight off the ski slopes is this toggle sweater from American Eagle. We love that it's a cardigan, because you can always layer up and make it more casual by adding a graphic tee shirt underneath.  It comes in a number of different colors, so get your crew together and hit the slopes!

For all you snow bunnies out there, bundle up in this wrap snowflake sweater from Forever 21. If you're dreaming of powder fresh snow, we hear that wearing snowflakes the night before increases the chance of snowfall by 8.2%. It's all a numbers game, really. So we're thinking, if you wear this sweater, put on your pajamas inside out, and spin around three times, odds are that you'll have perfect ski conditions come morning.

 If you're a tree hugging snow bunny, then you'll love this wool cardigan from Free People. It has a large collar, big buttons, and a cute alpine pattern which is great for any après-ski party. We think this would look particularly cute with a vintage tee underneath (kelly green is always our favorite color choice), Utilitarian boots, and a Peruvian style beanie.

We'll admit, when we think snowfall and skiing, we don't think poncho.  But with a snowflake pattern and roomy hood, this poncho is perfect for the frigid winter cold. We love that you can layer up underneath and just drape it over whatever you're planning on wearing for the evening.

If you plan on attending a more sophisticated après-ski bash, you may want to go for this Fair Isle sweater dress available at Macy's. It's a little more posh than the big bulky sweaters shown above, but it'll still keep you cozy warm in the cold winter nights. You can dress it up with tights and flats, make it look funky with leggings and fringed boots, or go comfy with jeans and Uggs.



Let's hit the slopes, dolls!



XOXO,



Jen & Saira

Spring Style: Embellished Cardigans

Don't you just adore spring?!  We do! The warm air and sunshine...and the cool breezes that come with it! A typical spring day on the East Coast can range from frigid, to warm, to chilly, and then sweltering hot (like today, eek!)  Today it's 80 degrees, and you probably think we're crazy for posting sweaters, but tomorrow will be a brisk 60 degrees!  You just never know what to expect from good ol' mother nature, which is why layering is essential to the spring wardrobe! Also, it is important to note that here in NJ we go from one air conditioned building to another, so it's always handy to keep a sweater on the back of your desk chair even on the hottest of days. 





We think the most fun way to layer your clothes is to pair your t-shirt or tank with an updated version of your classic cardigan. Here are a few we think could certainly pull triple duty - great for the chilly office, the night out with friends, or the midnight stroll on the beach.

This cream colored, 3/4 sleeve sweater from Forever 21 is the perfect piece to compliment an old pair of jeans and white tank!  The style is very simple, but the beading on the shoulders gives a real rocker feel to it.  Add some metallic gladiator sandals to compliment the beading and you'll look effortlessly put together!

This fabulous sweater by Calvin Klein is a softer version for your spring wardrobe. The embroidery is a leaf pattern and is slighter more feminine and low key. You can show of your curves with this sweater as it has a longer, leaner cut and is meant to be pairs with your skinny jeans or leggings for a very sleek look.

Here we have cardigan that is even more romantic still! This dainty sweater from Top Shop is the perfect example of how anything can look sexy by just adding a little lace.  We love the contrast between the black sweater and white lace and of course the placement has a very military kind of feel that we also very much enjoy. Plus, this sweater just screams Audrey Hepburn and we can't help but adore that.

Look prim and proper this spring in this salmon colored cardigan, available at The Limited. This sweater is very versatile and professional!  It would be perfectly lovely paired with a nice pencil skirt and heels for work or dressed down with jeans and flip flops when just hanging out with friends. We also adore the pleats and the whole 1950's feel it gives it. Very charming!

And, finally, for the sailing (or Rugby!) enthusiast, we have this striped cardigan from Antropologie. We love the stripes and think the navy gives a fairly nautical and masculine looks...which is then completely offset by the giant lace appliques that we can't get enough of!

Happy Shopping!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira