Blog Post – Sweater Weather!

The time has come and I’ve put the heating on!! Here starts the “thermostat wars” of the Autumn/Winter – it’s a bit like chess where I make my move and turn the heating up …  then husband takes the next move and turns the heating down (or switches the heating off again hoping I won’t notice!!).

Its alright for him, having a very hairy chest (which I don’t) meaning he has an extra layer of inbuilt warmth and doesn’t feel the cold so much and I’m sure like many other partners out there his stock reply to my thermostat war complaints is that I should “put a jumper on!”.   Sound familiar??

Therefore, I now declare it is officially “Sweater Weather” and with that in mind, time to dig around to the back of the wardrobe and actually have a look at what is in there!   It’s a good time to do a mini wardrobe declutter (especially if your wardrobe/drawers are crammed and it all feels a bit overwhelming then just reviewing your knitwear is a good place to start).

It helps to start by pulling all the knitwear out to try it on to see what state it is all in.  Items that are misshapen, have holes/stains or just don’t fit properly anymore can be either confined to the “garden jobs/muddy dog walks” basket.  Damaged items that can’t be repaired need to go and anything that does not fit anymore (or that just doesn’t feel right when you wear it anymore) could be donated to your local charity shop or sold via a Dress Agency or online marketplace like Vinted so that you can reinvest your cash into something that feels right for you.

Before casting out anything that has gone ‘bobbly’ try brushing it with a cashmere comb first.  This should remove the bobbles on standard or chunky knitwear and give your knitwear a new lease of life although I wouldn’t try this on anything with a delicate knit as you don’t want to end up causing snagging.

I find it’s a good idea to wash knitwear at this point.  Always check the label inside the garment first.  Use a woollens laundry detergent for things that can be washed as this is specially designed to be kinder to the fibres in your knitwear than your standard laundry detergent. 

After washing, place your knitwear flat onto a towel then roll the towel up so that you now have a knitwear sausage roll!  This will remove excess water from the knitwear without stretching it out of shape so that if you can’t dry it flat indoors, you can hang it up to dry draped over the bar of a coathanger so that the sleeves of your jumper don’t stretch towards the floor with the weight of the water (you don’t want extra long sleeves if you have an orange jumper – unless you are wanting the extra long arms for an Orangutan look which could be handy if your child gets one of those random characters in the school Christmas play … remember the Lobster in the nativity in Love Actually??!).

Whilst we are talking washing – don’t over wash your knitwear!  Your knits don’t need to be washed every time you wear them.  Wear a layer beneath and this will mean that you don’t have to wash your knitwear as often and generally after approx.  5 wears … unless you spill something on it in which case, you will need to spot clean and then wash asap.

We have some fantastic pieces that work wonders beneath knitwear that help prolong the number of times that you wear inbetween washing.

Lou Invisible Vest Tops do what they say on the tin!  They are in a very thin flimsy fabric  that works great as an extra layer but without the bulk.  It’s a bit like a rash vest but much thinner fabric feeling like a second skin.   The really clever thing is that you can take a pair of scissors to it and adapt the neckline to how you wish without the need for any sewing – great if you have an upper layer with an unusual shape to the neckline and don’t want your under layer on show.  Available in sizes 6 to 24 and in Black, Ecru or Beige colourways.

Louise Invisible vest top with shirt collar takes the basis of the Lou top from the bust downwards but adds a cotton poplin yoke and shirt collar so that when you wear it beneath a jumper, it looks like you are wearing an actual shirt beneath!  The benefit of this is that you have the look of wearing a shirt, but without the bulk and without the extra heat – perfect for those who may be suffering from hot flushes as it helps you to regulate your temperature.   Currently sold out in the smaller sizes but still available online in sizes 16 to 24 in white.

NEW Monica long sleeved T Shirts have a V neck with a stunning lace neckline.  Slim fitting and 96% viscose for breathability, they also have 4% elastane for a really comfortable fit.  The pretty lace neckline looks great behind a V Neck knit to add a little interest – perfect for drawing attention away from problem areas elsewhere on your body  that you may want to disguise or just to add an extra layer of interest instead of wearing a necklace.   Available in sizes 6 to 24 and in Black, Grey or Greige colourways and part of our Planet Tortue eco range too!

Scented hanger bags or scented sachets/drawer liners are a must, especially if they contain essential oils like lavender as these help to deter moths from laying eggs or munching holes in your knitwear as well as making your wardrobe/drawers smell lovely when you open them so well worth checking out your local craft markets or upcoming Winter Fair events to stock up.  

Always store your knitwear folded rather than hanging to ensure that it keeps its shape.  If you prefer to hang your knitwear then fold it first and drape over the lower bar of your coathanger rather than your coathanger “wearing” the knit as this can create misshapes on the shoulders.

Finally – take a look at what knitwear you now have before you embark on stocking up on winter woollies! 

?      Does it actually go with other things in your wardrobe?

?      Can you wear it three ways to create different outfits?

?      Is there a particular type of knitwear (like a long cardigan) that you like to wear but is now missing from your wardrobe?

?     Does your knitwear match your lifestyle? (no point having lots of dressy knits if you never go anywhere to wear it!)

?     Does your knitwear match your own dress style?  (a handy question to ask if you have had a piece for a long time and your punky Vivienne Westwood phase has now evolved to be more “Val Doonican!”)

If you find you have “gaps” or just need something for a refresh/update then you are now ready to shop!

For some Coastal Chic opt for our NEW Striped Jumper in Ecru and Black.  It’s a twist on a classic “Mariniere” Breton stripe style revisited.    This long sleeved sailor sweater has fancy buttons on the shoulder and a mix of knit textures on show.  The slim fit will emphasise your silhouette while remaining comfortable.  It has a round neckline with 3 fancy buttons on one shoulder for added detail too!

Wear it 3 ways – with our fab faux suede skirt and opaque tights, with black jeans or our  asymmetric black trousers for a more dressy look.

For some Country Chic go for our Long cardigan in Hazelnut.  Ideal for wrapping up in cosy comfort with a nice mug of hot chocolate!  The cardigan comes in sizes Small Medium or Large and features a dropped shoulder with long sleeves, ribbed cuffs and hem with handy front pockets.  The cardigan finishes at knee length in a straight flattering cut and the colour goes with everything!

Wear it 3 ways –  over a simple plain T, our bronze Mila top with dark blue Kate Jeans which have a matching colour chain detail to the waistband and boots, or dress it up over our black Mila top and Printed Trousers in black from our ‘Orient Express’ inspired collection, or even with our Long Printed Dress in Charcoal for a co-ordinated smarter classic “Black and Tan” look before the weather gets too cold.  

For professional/office Chic opt for the Silver Trim V neck Jumper in Ecru or Sapphire Blue colourways.  Being a lighter weight of knit this looks fantastic beneath a smart blazer with the metallic chain detailing around the V neck reflecting light back to your face to brighten your complexion against the meanest of office striplighting!   The dropped shoulder and long sleeves are easy to wear in this classic reverse jersey knit style featuring a small side slit at the waist, plus it’s a piece from our Planet Tortue eco collection too!

Wear with new blazer (pattern inside) and Sporty Chic Pinstripe Black Trousers, Asymmetric Black Trousers or with our gorgeous Prince of Wales Check Blazer and trousers, or dress down with jeans for working from home (nobody will see your jeans when you are on your Zoom call!)

For walking the dog/school run/”mom” chic opt for our NEW buttoned cardigan in green.  It has gorgeouos mother of pearl buttons down the placket of the cardigan to combine simplicity and chic.  Ideal as a layering piece with its straight cut and dropped shoulders it has 17.7% mohair and 9.7% wool for super snuggle factor! Part of our Planet Tortue eco range and also available in a beautiful shade of duck blue which is due to arrive very soon!

Perfect worn over a plain T with jeans whether that’s black, ecru or navy – especially gorgeous with the Monica Tee with the lacy neckline.   Can be worn as a jumper either way around with buttons at front or rear as an option too so perfect for creating different looks to suit your mood.

For a night out with the girls chic look this beautiful fine knit Jumper Dress in Dark Slate has a subtle glittering lurex thread to this sweater style dress.  It is a loose cut at the top and fitted at the waist to flatter the figure while being ultra-comfortable to wear. The  short skirt to this dress goes perfectly with opaque tights and boots or dressed up with bare legs and a strappy heel!  Long sleeves keep the chill away with a dropped shoulder sleeve that gives plenty of wriggle room when you hit the dancefloor!  Another sustainable piece from our Planet Tortue eco range.

There are plenty more knitwear options available in our online shop from bright knits to classic colourways, heavier knits and lightweight knits with something for every style.  

I’m off to check the thermostat again …

Au revoir!

Angela

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