I was scrolling through my Pinterest feed this weekend and noticed a pin titled: Graphic cardigans: A lazy girl’s best friend.
And I thought: Yup. Basically.
Of course that was after my initial burst of outrage that Pinterest just called me lazy.
But sustaining outrage takes too much work.
So: Yup. Basically.
A graphic cardigan has to be one of the only articles of clothing that both increases your style points and increases your comfort.
And bonus: if it’s oversized it also hides a food baby.
I got this particular cardigan last year, so it’s been tricky to track it down again because it tends to go in and out of stock in a snap. But don’t you worry, this girl’s got your back: It’s available at Nordstrom + Here’s another one that’s super similar + super cool. (It’s almost gone too though, so snatch it while you can.)
Sweater: Zara (available at Nordstrom, similar from Urban Outfitters)
Top: American Eagle
Bottoms: Gap (similar)
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Bag: Marc Jacobs
Hex Necklace: Moulton (discounted for Unfancy readers!)
Long Necklace: Etsy
Love those booties!
I am having the hardest time building my winter wardrobe because I just don’t love very many warm clothes, and the sweaters I do like end up being the priciest options (aka the 100% merino wool ones from Aritzia…). It’s almost enough to make me miss living in the south where a lightweight cardigan counted as appropriate winter garb :(
You probably don’t have this store in Texas, but for us Mideesterners, Von Maur (a dept. store similar to Nordstrom) carries this Dex sweater! Only found in-store though.
Here’s the link to the Dex sweater on Von Maur’s website. Looks like they are only down to a size XS though.
http://www.vonmaur.com/Product.aspx?ID=229572&pg=1http://www.vonmaur.com/Product.aspx?ID=229572&pg=1
Hey Caroline! A few weeks ago I found this sweater from Forever 21 that reminded me of your sweater: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=sweater_cardigans&ProductID=2000102452&VariantID=
It’s a lot cheaper (<$30!) and the quality is actually great for F21 so I thought I would share! It's really cozy and easy to pair with leggings or skinny jeans since it's so long!
So cool! Thanks for sharing Gretchen! xo Caroline
Nordstrom has this sweater! And they ship for free!
Thanks for this awesome blog. You inspire me!
YAY! Thank you for sharing this Mary! You’re awesome. xo Caroline
After checking back for the sweater on the Nordstrom site, it looks like they are sold out of the black & white version. Sorry, girls.
I tried on a very similar version at Francesca’s a couple of weeks ago, for the record. It was a little shorter that the Dex brand sweater, and it did not fasten in the front like the Dex sweater, either.
Hi, Caroline! I’m totally going to buy this as piece 37 (I did it! Yay!), but no store carries it, so I can’t try it on… what size do you wear, may I ask? We’re about the same size, it looks like.
Hi Kaitlin! I got a Medium. :) xo Caroline
That is an important bonus. Looks so cozy!
I’d feel right at home in this cozy outfit. I love how the cognac booties warm everything up and how you paired your necklaces!
Wish I could find the cardigan in this color instead of the plum/black. It’s on my winter wish list. ;)
The sweater is great and all…BUT those boots! When I first saw the post I thought you were going to talk about the boots. Do you like them? I was looking at another pair from that same brand.
Hi Elizabeth! These boots are my favorite! The leather is incredibly soft and supple — they are the nicest boots I own. (And I’m still freaking out that I found them for such a steal at Nordstrom Rack!) They’ve made me a believer in Sam Edelman, so I’d recommend any of his boots. Top notch. :) xo Caroline
Hi Caroline, I know a few people are looking for this cardigan in the same color as yours- I found it in a couple places:
The cardigan is on Lord and Taylor for $40 http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/lord-and-taylor/patterned-cocoon-cardigan
And a couple places I haven’t heard of:
Parc Boutique http://www.parcboutique.com/products/jacquardcardigan
South Moon Under http://www.southmoonunder.com/Dex-USA-Jacquard-Oversized-Cardigan/16963903840008%2Cdefault%2Cpd.html?CAWELAID=120166000000033440&CAGPSPN=pla&catargetid=120166000000088783&cadevice=c&gclid=CIKGkdD85sECFdKGfgodngEApA
I actually got this exact same cardigan in my Stitch Fix box last month, listed as “Evelynn Graphic Knit Split Back Cardigan” with the brand as RD Style. Imagine my surprise when it popped up again in your fall capsule a few days later! It didn’t work so well for me bc I am quite tall ~ the pockets were in my armpits & it had the length of a crop top, so I sent it back. BUT. If there are any of you who have been frantically seeking this item, it’s out there somewhere…
side note: I have no idea why my phone wont post my comments…stupid smart phone!
Anyhow, I wanted to tell you that I also purchased this sweater and after wearing it once it was got all snagged, so I took it back and the guy working said that a lot of these sweaters had come back due to snagging. SO SAD! it really is a beautiful sweater!
I didn’t include a graphic cardigan in this capsule and now I’m thinking I’ll need to add that for my next one. Such a great piece to just throw on. Loving the delicate gold necklaces too!
Love those booties! I was trying to figure out if the back are studs or quilted styling. I am on high alert for quilted cognac knee high boots under 2 inches and made with real leather. Capsule Wardrobe-ing totally upped my standards when it comes to purchases because I think of them as Forever Purchases now. For now, I just make do without it :) Loving the layered necklackes! Can’t wait to see your finalists for guest bloggers!
Hi Caroline!
I think your blog is great! The one thing I am hoping you might take into consideration for your next capsule is adding a few sweatshop-free pieces. I love all your outfits, but some of the brands (Zara and J.Crew/Madewell especially) are pretty big fair labor offenders. Just a thought :)
Hi Marisa! Love this idea, and I’ve been thinking about it myself lately too. Do you have any suggestions of alternative brands? :) xo Caroline
Thanks for the reply! Here are some of the affordable options I shop (there are plenty of high-priced sweatshop-free options out there, but those aren’t for my budget). This is DEFINITELY not a complete list:
ASOS (The Green Room): http://us.asos.com/The-Green-Room-Glossary-ASOS/wf92d/?cid=13694
C&C California: http://www.candccalifornia.com/
H&M (The Conscious Collection is great, and the entire company is working very hard to be “good”): http://www.hm.com/us/subdepartment/LADIES?Nr=2000240
Imogene + Willie (I usually can only afford the sale section): http://www.imogeneandwillie.com/
American Apparel (basics!): http://store.americanapparel.net/
Pendleton (great coats, blouses and flannels): http://www.pendleton-usa.com/section/women/1815.uts
And anything vintage! :) I love old Levi’s.
And I just ordered a few things from People Tree!
Caroline I absolutely love this site! I heard your interview with Jess Lively last week and immediately ran home to check it out. As someone who just loves fashion but always gets the feeling that theres nothing to wear (don’t we all!) I think the concept of a capsule wardrobe it something I NEED to have a crack at. Love your style, your humour and your quirky uniqueness! Brightens my day xx
I just bought this exact sweater on Zulily for $32.99! They run out fast, so go look quick!
It is MINE. You are my hero, Traci!
I just discovered you through Pinterest and adore your style. I actually just ordered a very similar cardigan today. I love the graphic print and it totally is a lazy put together look, which is the best. I look forward to seeing more and checking out your archives.
Ginny
absolutely obsessed with your boots and your sweater. I have been on the hunt for one like that and I am determined to find the perfect one for me this winter. because, the thought alone is so appealing an comforting. it makes me want to go for a walk and drink a cup of hot chocolate :) Urban Outfitters has a few cute ones similar as well as H&M.
xo
Alexandria
http://www.lovealexandria.com
I just bought a new cardigan when I was at Taiwan. I love long cardigans. Especially not those solid plain coloured one but with striped/gradient yarn knit. Love how you matched your cardigan. Maybe I should buy a graphic one too.
“Snap it up while we can”?? Unless we’re NOT shopping during the season…you know…”more time more money more energy…on things that really matter.” This is a great looking cardigan though, and I like dropping in to check out your tips every couple weeks. I’m sure it’s hard to find the balance between sharing your capsule wardrobe message, highlighting outfits and style, and prepping for next season – but we still have two months of fall to savor. ☺️
Hi Allie! I wholeheartedly agree with you here — and thanks for the truth + understanding. :) I know a few people had saved a spot in their capsule wardrobe for this cardigan or one very similar, so I’ve been keeping an eye out for ’em. Back to enjoying fall! :) xo Caroline