Nordic sweaters never go out of fashion.
the banana republic claudette silk midi dress
I originally bought this dress last year, in black, in my second trimester. Unfortunately this style was not in the cards for me back then, as the rigid silk did not accommodate my baby bump. Back to Banana Republic the dress went!
I ended up regretting not holding onto the silk style that was available in tall because of the later dearth of styles available a in the size range appropriate for my outer giraffe. When the style was later available in the oyster shade, I bought it. The downside is twofold in that the nature of the fabric makes underwear lines apparent and wrinkles are tough to get out of it. I didn’t have the foresight to hang this on a shower rod during morning routines and couldn’t find the time to steam it ahead of time. As for the other issue, skip underpants in this dress or, and hear me out, layer a chunky sweater over the dress!
Stock-wise, it is currently available in a medium tall, though sizes go in and out of availability. It was regularly priced at 250 dollars, but marked down to just over one hundred. I am wearing the Banana Republic Claudette Silk Midi Dress in a size large tall.
the polo ralph lauren nordic cardigan
I ordered this sweater at the tail end of our time in Kazakhstan, two years ago. The nordic print is so timeless that it does not look dated, just classic. In fact, several iterations have been released since then, linked. I love the holiday-forward colors of ecru, black, and red with blue and green accents, and yet, it is still appropriate to wear into the new year.
In certain weather conditions, this sweater can be worn in lieu of a coat. I rarely experience stateside weather that requires a coat in addition to this sweater.
I am wearing the Polo Ralph Lauren Nordic Cardigan in a size extra large.
more tartan shoes
These shoes, originally written about in a post that went live back in 2016, always yield compliments. I love the sturdy block heel, rhinestone detail, black ribbon bow, and tartan print. These shoes are long gone, having sold out before they ever went on promotion, but nearly a decade later and seemingly every retailer and consumer remains tartan-happy every November. And sometimes October.
I am wearing these shoes in a ten and a half. Giving birth to two children since ordering them, my feet are a bigger size than they were eight years ago, but hell if I don’t shove my feet in them!
dress: Banana Republic • cardigan sweater: Polo Ralph Lauren (similar here and here) • sunglasses: RayBan • shoes: J.Crew • earrings: J.Crew • watch: Cartier (also here)