True-blue essentials
 |
| J. Crew pea coat |
The item is not fashion-y; when you purchase it, you may not feel like it's "something new"– but you will reach for it again and again.
(Above, J. Crew Ever pea coat, $225)
Below, six more nominations, with an emphasis on cold weather items.
 |
| Pendleton cotton shirt |
Three-quarter sleeves to show off your bracelet. In sapphire or white, $78.
 |
| Bean velveteen jean |
Cashmere ribbed shawl bolero: indispensable is not always cheap, but why mess with low-end cashmere? Here's a worthy investment, graceful yet functional. Six-ply cashmere in Raven (shown), Charcoal or Cocoa. From Brora, £289.
 |
| Brora bolero |
 |
| Talbots down vest |
Version #2, a sportier snap-front, is $34.50 from Land's End; many colours. Both companies make the vest in regular, petite and womens sizes, and both are machine washable.
 |
| Land's End down vest |
 |
| Eric Bompard cashmere gloves |
Gold earrings make your essentials sing.
 |
| Halleh 18k studs |
Plate looks fine for awhile, but solid gold (or silver, if you prefer) lasts forever. Don't pass by the pair you can wear with anything.
Shown, Halleh 18k stud earrings, about 1cm/.5 inches wide, $595 from Net-a-porter.
Shown, Halleh 18k stud earrings, about 1cm/.5 inches wide, $595 from Net-a-porter.
What are yours?
Comments
I love your choices here...good solid workhorses but with a little gleam in their eye and an arch in the neck.
I like clothes that make me forget about them once I'm in them -- mostly the more understated, the happier they make me feel. That's probably why in the past I have bought, more or less, the same things over and over. I still regret my camel hair coat, but I did wear it to tatters.
I have a winter white down vest by Eddie Bauer that is a staple for our winter weather.
The Brora sweater looks sumptuous...I bought a cranberry cashmere sweater very similar to that several years ago at Talbots and it is still going strong.
Would you discuss Pendleton in general? Quality? Style?
Pseu: Even workhorses can be pretty!
And almost thru this "Express Checkout", washable pants have earned new respect.
Tish: We have very similar taste; "the more understated the happier I feel" says it all.
hostess: Brora's will be thicker, but thicker is not necessarily better, all depends on how warm one needs it to be.
Toby: Those are all worthy nominees, thanks! (I don'twalk where the flora snags my down vest, maybe a city park :))
LPC: Can definitely see you in them.
Susan: I have discussed Pendleton in this post:
http://passagedesperles.blogspot.com/2009/08/pendletons-enduring-wools.html
I do own a 49er jacket from about 8 or 9 years ago. If I recall correctly, it is also in a vintage plaid. I haven't ever belted it and probably won't. For me, their sizes on that jacket ran large. By measurements, I ordered a Large and then had to exhange it for a Medium as the Large swallowed me. How I love buying a clothing item that stands the test of time like that one has.
Sadly, a Pendleton blazer matching pants set was recently rejected by my upscale consignment shop here in Dallas---as not currently fashionable enough. I was surprised. I had just worn enough that I didn't want to continue. But, I didn't think it was unfashionable. Just a reminder that I can't always tell those things.
re specific pieces, much depends on the entire ensemble. For example a pair of their tapered wool slacks can look great or boring.
Demi-pointe: Cheers for your additions, and for the notion of individuality. These essentials are all enlivened by the personal touch.
I agree with the nomination of a black turtleneck sweater -- mine's a silk blend from Chico's, as I tend to boil in wool that far up the neck. If I had the dosh for a lightweight ribbed turtle in cashmere, I'd grab one... but haven't seen any, reasonably priced or otherwise, so will go on dreaming.
A couple of other ideas -- a pair of "Chelsea" boots goes with everything (even skirts if you've got the legs for them), in all but the most vile weather. And I adore a black quilted nylon jacket that I can wear to everything except for the dressiest affairs.
'
Rubi: Talbots and Garnet Hill's velveteen jeans are more expensive but fit counts too. With your boots and jacket, and others' ideas we are building quite a hall of fame.
My true blue essential is a long sweater coat by Michael Kors in navy. It is the perfect weight for keeping me warm when I don't want to wear a coat.