What I Love This Week: Sweater Weather, Leopard Accessories & More

I cannot believe how quickly this month is flying by! I need to get cracking on my Halloween decorations this weekend, and pick up a couple more pumpkins. (I still carve my own with nothing but a sharp knife…very old-school 🎃 ) Today I’m sharing some of my favorite women’s cashmere sweaters, accessories in leopard print 🐆, and some fun new eyewear.

Sweater weather & shopping my (knitwear) closet

We’ve had an unusually cool October so far. Yesterday, I turned the heat on for the first time this fall, and have been diving back into my sweater stash with the same level of enthusiasm as those dogs on Instagram who love to jump into big piles of leaves.

Susan B. wears a navy cashmere sweater, gold chain necklace, brown belt, barrel leg jeans, beaded bracelets, leopard print loafers.
SWEATER | NECKLACE (SIMILAR) | BELT | JEANS | LOAFERS
My sizes: sweater – Medium, jeans – 6

I’ll confess that I’m a sweater junkie, and definitely over-buy knitwear. But among my favorite styles are these “shrunken” cashmere pullovers from J.Crew. (Crewneck | V-Neck) They pair well with high-waisted or fuller pants and skirts. And they’re available in a bunch of colors, sizes XX-Small to 3X.

I size up in these for a less “shrunken” look. If you’re Petite or wear full or high-waisted bottoms, they’re a great option. I wash mine in the delicates cycle in a lingerie bag, with The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo and dry flat. Any pills or bobbles are easily removed with a sweater comb like this one. (I recommend this over a “shaver,” which will cut the fibers, and can shorten the life of sweaters.)

If you prefer a standard length sweater, try the J.Crew Cashmere Classic Fit (runs true-to size), the Quince cashmere crewneck, or Lands’ End cashmere (very good quality, IME, and available in Misses, Petite, Plus, and Tall sizes.)

Sweaters are not only a great way to keep cozy and warm, but can add color and style to your outfits!

Fresh specs!

Susan B. wears Warby Parker glasses, a gold link necklace and brown sweater.
EYEWEAR | NECKLACE (SIMILAR) | SWEATER*

I had my annual eye exam a few weeks ago, and my prescription had changed, so I decided to treat myself to some new frames. On a whim, I popped into Warby Parker, and they’d just put out a bunch of new pieces, including these frames. I absolutely LOVE them and even with my progressive lenses, they came in just under $400. (Which, I’ll be honest, is less than I’ve paid for some of my frames alone.)

I have a small head and narrow-ish face, so one of the things I appreciate about Warby Parker is that they indicate the frame width on their display labels. So I don’t waste time trying on a lot of frames that won’t fit my face. These are actually a Medium width, but I think they fit well. (I love a big, bold frame.)

I think eyewear is so important in keeping our look up-to-date. If you are still wearing the same style of glasses you wore in your 20’s and 30’s, it’s probably time for a refresh. Try on several different shapes, styles and colors to see what looks and feels best.

*This sweater color is sold out, but plenty of other colors still available.

A favorite bag in new colors

A handbag that combines style and practicality is a must for me. Especially for travel, I prefer a hands-free style that’s not too heavy.

Susan B. wears a navy crewneck sweater and the Lo & Sons Aoyama bag in new Cognac color.

I’m a big fan of the Aoyama bag from Lo & Sons! The slouchy crescent shape is casual and contemporary, and it can be worn multiple ways by adjusting or removing the strap. It’s lightweight, but there’s loads of interior organization. Lo & Sons recently added new colors/hardware combinations: Cognac (shown above), Black with Gunmetal hardware, and Black with Silver hardware.

They’re also having a sale with 35% off many of their travel and day bags, HERE. (Aoyama bag isn’t included, but several shades of the Pearl are.)

Leopard accessories

Yes, leopard print is trending this season, but I’ve always considered it a timeless perennial (and love it!). Because it’s so on-trend and ubiquitous, I’m kind of leaning into a more subtle application with shoes, scarves, accessories.

I’ve been looking to replace an older pair of leopard loafers, and finally found the perfect pair! These are from Boden, and are really comfortable. They run true-to-size. I love the horsebit detail, too! (Use code T4J6 for 10% off.)

Susan B. wears a leopard print cashmere-silk wrap, brown jacket, and blue jeans.
SCARF | JACKET (SIMILAR)

This cashmere-silk blend scarf is one I never travel without! It’s lightweight but warm, adds interest to my travel outfits, and is currently 20% off! It’s also available in Navy, if you prefer a cool colorway.

Black UK Swarovski crystal embellished scarf in navy, and gossamer cashmere shawl.

Black Luxury Accessories has 20% off all scarves for a limited time. Here are a couple more of my favorites: a lightweight cashmere wrap embellished with Swarovski crystals, and a warm and cloud-soft gossamer shawl in gorgeous Buttermilk. I think either of these would make lovely gifts, or add some warmth and elegance to your travel or holiday outfits.

And keep your eyes peeled for an *exclusive* collection I’ve been working on with the folks at Black Luxury Accessories, coming next month! I think you’re really going to love this one!!! 😍

Fashion and French history

I read Liberty, Equality, Fashion on my flight home last month, and recently went back and re-read some sections. This book examines a brief and turbulent period of French history through the lens of fashion and three women who influenced it (Josephine Bonaparte, Térézia Tallien, and Juliette Récamier). During a time when “equality” was a rallying cry (and there was a push, though unsuccessful, for women’s suffrage and equal legal status), what we’ve come to know as “Empire” fashion for a time liberated women from restrictive corsetry.

While we may now associate this Empire style of dress with Jane Austen-era primness, at the time it was gaining popularity, it was considered quite scandalous. But like many “scandalous” fashion eras that followed, it allowed women greater comfort and freedom of movement. (Can you imagine one of Jane Austen’s characters walking miles through the countryside in corsets and hoop skirts?)

I screenshotted this passage, which I found quite thought-provoking. Have you read this book? What did you think?

I hope you’re having some nice fall weather, and can get out an enjoy it this weekend. What’s your favorite thing about fall?

Susan B. sits on a wooden bench wearing a brown knit jacket, blue jeans and colorful bracelets.

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26 Comments

  1. I love the top outfit the navy with navy and leopard. A while back when leopard was having a big moment I loved it, then didn’t. Leopard just didn’t seem fresh. I did save a leopard belt and mules and have been contemplating wearing them again, I just don’t know, but your look sure is tempting me.

    1. Thanks, Robyn! I think even favorite colors or prints can feel tired after a while. I also like to let some of my favorites “rest” and then bring them out when they’re feeling fresh again.

  2. I will create some outfits with my leopard boots. Thanks for the inspiration.
    Greetje
    PS I hate switching season clothes and shoes. As everything is stashed away in our small house with little cupboard space (well, for my elaborate wardrobe that is.), it is a lot of work.

    1. Love those leopard boots, and yes, after seeing your closet setup, I can understand why it’s quite a chore….

  3. I’m very interested that you wash your J Crew cashmere sweaters in the washing machine. I have two of the shrunken sweaters and would probably buy more if I could wash. Will try the Laundress shampoo. Do the sweaters turn out as nicely as dry cleaning?

    1. Hi Kathy, I haven’t dry cleaned any of my cashmere pieces in years, but I think washing makes them feel softer.

  4. “If it had not been perceived as an expression of women’s freedom, it would not have been so virulently opposed.”
    Ah, there you have it. The older I get, the more aware of misogyny I become.
    Still remember the sixties when there was such resistance here in the U.S. to women wearing trousers to work and school! Not a coincidence that we were starting to rebel against the “Father Knows Best” happy-homemaker-in-high-heels role that our culture had assigned us. Wearing pants was definitely a form of body politic for us.

    1. I remember this, too! I was in grade school when they announced that girls could wear pants, under certain circumstances usually including cold weather. Many people thought it was a terrible idea. Now that appears shockingly misogynistic to me.

    2. Hi Caroline, I was in Jr. High before girls were allowed to wear pants, and that ONLY happened because of organized action by students: one day 70% of the girls wore pants to school and were sent home to change. The next day, the school administration relented and we were allowed to wear “slacks” (not jeans) after that.

  5. Susan, just love your new glasses. You always choose the most flattering and edgy styles. A book I read twice is Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution by Caroline Weber. It covers the fashion side in amazing detail but the story really is about the personal and political turmoils experienced by Marie Antoinette. Written with incredible documentation, it balances fashion with academia.

  6. Love your new glasses. I, too, use Warby Parker, but after moving away from a retail location, currently use only their app and free try-on feature. It has worked surprisingly well for me.

  7. I love your new glasses! I’ve worn glasses since I was 10 years old. Your blog encourages me to be more bold in my frame choices. I don’t hate wearing glasses any more now that I look at them as an accessory. You also helped me discover the power of a great lipstick. At age 65, I don’t pile on the makeup. I keep it subtle. Lipstick brings the needed color and balance to my face. My favorite brand is Chantecaille. Thanks for all you do to help us feel good on the inside and out!

  8. Interesting to point out that the Empire style came out of the French Revolution! I did not know that, but it makes perfect sense. The Empire is fabulously free compared to previous styles that were about binding up the female form. I always have wondered about staying warm tromping through the countryside in a gown and light overcoat, as depicted in all the Jane Austen movies (but I feel that way about exposed ankles in Spring and Fall).

  9. Love the navy and the leopard, which I’d never thought to pair!

    I live in Northern CA and yesterday was our first heater day, too! I’m ready for some cool weather after that early October heatwave, for sure.

    Will pick up that book. Thank you!

  10. I love sweaters and denim! I am wearing a cashmere sweater and black jeans right now, in fact. I also have leopard loafers and leopard booties that I wear all fall and winter here in the Seattle area. A woman cannot have too many cashmere sweaters. I also knit, so enjoy making my own, too.

  11. I think your navy blue column outfit is one of my all time favorite looks on you. Love the sweater partially tucked too. Your glasses are also fabulous.

  12. As I mentioned, I ordered the Black & Co. leopard scarf in Navy and I love it. As a Summer, I don’t wear regular leopard or black leopard. But the navy version has brighter blue, grey and grey-white plus either black or navy. I think it would work with black pants – as a summer, I don’t wear black on my upper half but occasionally wear black pants. It works really well with my down jackets and raincoat that I travel with.