Let's take a dress that a few of you will remember:
This is the (gorgeous) dress that I wore for my husband's 40th birthday party in LA (almost three years ago, gasp!) and I always thought that it would make for a fabulous holiday party dress, especially in NYC because it's like wearing the Crysler Tower.
However that didn't happen so far, it always seemed a bit over the top for any party.
This year might be the year when I finally wear it, thanks to the new Gatsby movie and subsequent "all that glitter" frenzy. All of a sudden it seems perfectly appropriate. My best friend is throwing a birthday party in December in a fab NY venue and I have also been invited to a Gala at the Metropolitan Club the week after so I am decided to wear it to one or the other occasion (I don't know what the dress code for the gala is yet).
In any case I was looking for a way to winterize the dress (also because while it still fits, my boobs are a bit squeezed in it and threaten to fall off it so I would prefer to cover the strapless part) and dress it down and that's when I stumbled upon the Collection handknit cable sweater. This sweater came out officially in the last rollout but it was already on the website during the 25% off promo, so I ordered it to try on since the stores didn't have it yet. I was hoping to recreate this look from the Michael Kors runaway, a chunky sweater on top and a sparkly bottom:
So the sweater arrived and the good news is that this is finally something that seems worth the price: it is a wonderfully heavy 100% wool sweater, not itchy, very soft in fact, and just a pleasure to wear. The bad news is it adds a lot of weigth to the chest/shoulder area, which you can see a bit on the model already, and the neckline could be more flattering. I could pass up on the fact that it isn't the most flattering sweater ever on the account that it is so cozy and beautifully made but unfortunately it doesn't work with the dress, which was the main reason for me to buy it:
The sparkle comes from the long beads that are sewn all over the cable:
What do you think? I could try to size down to a XXS (which is actually soldout right now) but I am not sure it is going to change anything. I could just wear my non-sparkly cable sweater over it and call it a night.
Speaking of my cable sweater, I am wearing it today with my new Theory blazer that I bought at the sample sale. The blazer is just one of those perfectly tailored Theory pieces and it speaks for itself (I didn't know what the word "tailored" meant until I tried Theory). I went with the size 2 because I can wear it now with a chunky sweater and in the spring with a shirt or a tee. It is that perfect "wear it with everything" black blazer that everybody should have and I didn't have yet (I still looove the double breasted one that I recently bought in store but it is navy and more suited for spring). The best thing about this blazer is that it is one-button but it covers the jean zipper completely when closed, which is a pet peeve of mine (I hate when blazer leave the pant zipper or worst, the button, uncovered. I am talking to you schoolboy!). Also notice the striped lining of the rolled-up sleeves:
I love this look, it's classic but also looks very me.
What do you think of the Collection handknit cable sweater? Any suggestion to dress down my dress?
Hi Ema, that dress is stunning (I had not seen it before). It is very reminiscent of the Chrysler Tower. We must be on the same brainwave, because (1) I have been eyeballing the JC collection cable sweater but the price is too high for me, so thank you very much for the review, and (2) I love that outfit from the Michael Kors collection, I referenced it in my post here, as well as a less expensive cable sweater from Club Monaco (a very soft wool/viscose blend - still debating that one).
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a chunky knit sweater with a sparkling skirt. Last winter, I wore a silver sequined skirt and cashmere sweater to nearly all the dressy events I was invited to (Tabitha referred to it in her comment, and the original post is here).
Congrats on that Theory blazer! It is perfect on you!
The dress is stunning. If the color would work, I love this mohair sweater.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sweaters/crewnecks/PRDOVR~22386/22386.jsp
The collection sweater looks great under your Theory blazer, cozy and elegant.
Wow that blazer is awesome!
ReplyDeleteYour dress is gorgeous. I remember when you bought it! I love the concept with the sweater. I think you need a shrunken version of the sweater to better compliment your frame with the dress. I had my eye on the sweater btw, but didn't know if it would be "too much" for a non-holiday event-you know, just a regular day. Thank you for the review -it really helps!
ReplyDeleteYes, I remember the dress and it looks fabulous on you, almost hate to cover it up withastyle sweater. I love the idea of fishean cable but I think they are very hard to pull of irl and almost nobody looks good in them unless you have the model's body. I think you need a simple sweater to not compete with the dress. Probably short cardigan would work the best but I know this is not the look you were after. But I think MK look needs longer skirt.
ReplyDeleteI think the sweater looks fabulous on you & with the dress. I don't think it could be any more perfect
ReplyDeleteThat Michael Kors look is one of my favourites but i think the skirt needs to be full or much much longer before it really works.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is just so perfectly art deco and perfect for clinking in the New Year with cocktails.
The dress is a work of art, and you are amazing in it, I wouldn't glop it up with a heavy-looking sweater.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the sweater and dress combo doesn't work. I think the beading design on the dress doesn't lend itself to the knitted design of the sweater. Notice the MK skirt is just plain sequins. I think if you want to dress down the dress try it with opaque black hose and black shoes- just a thought. MAybe it would work, or maybe not...
ReplyDeleteI have also been looking for a sweater like this that doesn't cost a fortune and doesn't itch. I found one, quite accidentally, at Marshall's when I went in to return something. It is 100% merino and perfect. I was actually thinking of wearing it w/ a black sequin skirt for New Years at our ski place. No one gets dressed up but I always feel it is a good way to start the new year! Good luck- I think the dress is fabulous and you also look fabulous in it!
By the way, black stockings & shoes would look AWFUL with that dress. I think the sweater look fabulous & some boots would even look great.
ReplyDeleteDo you happen to know the style name of your blazer? It's lovely!
ReplyDeletedress is beautiful....how about a smooth (no texture) cashmere shawl? maybe a very plain cashmere funnel neck...in camel or silver or a pink that compliments your complexion.
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