Won't you be my Sweater Sweetheart Valentine? I know, it's not Valentine's Day anymore, but now that the flowers have wilted, the chocolate has been eaten (and regretted), where does that lovin' feeling go? How about something that's calorie-free and isn't shedding petals every ten seconds. I used to love patterned sweaters as a kid. Big shapes and patterns incorporated into the knitted weave -- loved 'em. And it wasn't even the Dr. Huxtable/insane pattern sweaters, I liked the simple, childish shapes of big hearts, stars and flowers, and I'm happy to say my childhood love has finally come 'round again! I've been admiring all the cute retro-styled sweaters, as well as ones with metallic threaded patterns. The look might be a little nerdy, but despite the Valentine sweetness, we're still in winter weather. Instead of being buried in drab, dark wool coats, put a little love in your heart... or just wear it on a sweater.

Here's some sweaters that are just a real sweetheart of a find: {1} Intarsia Dog Sweater by Boy. by Band of Outsiders, {2} White Label All Over Love Lennon Sweater by Wildfox Couture, {3} Sloane Dot Cashmere Sweater by Equipment, {4} Lurex Flame sweater by Lucca Couture, {5} Spray Paint Metallic Cable Knit by Christopher Fischer, {6} ASOS Cat Sweater, {7} Collection Handknit Fair Isle Sweater in navy hickory poppy by J. Crew



Jaunty Fine Print: Images from shops listed above

Jack Frost isn't just nipping at our noses -- he's taking a vicious chomp right out of our faces, it's so cold.  They say you shouldn't grocery shop while you're hungry, and I think something similar could be said when you're looking for blog inspiration -- don't write a post while you're freezing to death. That is, unless you're in the Mood for some warm, cozy winter wearables. Despite a rare day of sunny weather, it is positively Ice Age-cold out there, so I can't help but let my mind wander towards fur collars, coats with layers of quilted downy feathers or hearty wool and leather. I want to be swaddled in loops of infinity scarves made of soft cashmere. I picture my head fully nestled in a hat with ear flaps. Let me wear nothing but lazy, slouchy cowl-neck sweaters with my most comfortable jeans or yoga pants. Clearly, this Bird is in a chilly winter state of mind, so let's bundle up together, shall we? 

Here's what's on my mind to keep warm and cozy during these icy-cold days: {1} Tempest by Kelsi Dagger in taupe natural, {2} Cozy cowl poncho in ponderosa pine by Hive and Honey, {3} Dyed fox fur shawl collar in olive by Diane von Furstenberg, {4} Fur trim hooded duffle coat by Burberry, {5} Ingrid-B leather jacket with arctic raccoon fur collar by Mackage, {6} Hingham in brown/quilted houndstooth by Sperry Top-Sider, {7} Original Brit cuff Welly sock by Hunter, {8} Vicki colorblock trapper hat from Anthropologie, {9} HI 5 mittens by Kate Spade New York, {10} Frayed infinity scarf in cream by Paula Bianco, {11} Chunky turtleneck sweater by Nili Lotan


Jaunty Fine Print: Images from shops listed above

This Bird saw this simple look on actress Piper Perabo from a recent issue of InStyle Magazine and immediately thought, that is sparkle-comfort! I also thought, what a keen way to repurpose an old chunky sweater that had pretty much been relegated to comfy at-home wear or something I threw on when I wanted to curl up on the couch and do nothing.

The sweater was literally under $10, something I bought years ago in some clearance section of a tween clothing store, thinking it would never see the light of day beyond a very casual-shlumpy Friday. But trends change, belts come back into style, and the next thing I know I'm wearing it over a sequin-collar dress for a date night with Mr. Magpie. It was a nice reminder that even the simplest (or schlumpiest) of pieces from the Jaunty Wardrobe can be repurposed if paired with the proper pieces. And yes, I'm fairly certain I didn't look like a homeless bag lady at date night.   


Jaunty Fine Print:  wardrobe photos by Denise Sakaki, photo of Piper Perabo from InStyle magazine

 

This Bird is all for being comfortable in the workplace, as heaven knows we spend enough of our day working for The Man, being a cubicle jockey, but a tall glass of judgement must be served up for the fact that just because the weather has turned chilly, doesn't mean you go to the office one step away from wearing a Snuggie to work. You know who you are...

This certainly doesn't include everyone, and really, who hasn't just thrown on a wrinkled pile of whatever to get to work on a morning where you're running late? But on a normal, non-rush weekday, why not eschew the free company picnic or product launch t-shirts for something that's professional, visually interesting, and still cozy? The Magpie found inspiration in a wool blend vest from Rare Woman, featured in Lucky magazine's October issue, and Rick Owens' drapey, chic angora toga sweater.

Shopping the Jaunty Wardrobe, this Bird discovered her softer side with a layered striped gray turtleneck and chunky gray sweater (Macys), paired with the colorful pop of a magenta pencil skirt (JC Penneys). Interest pieces were a silver cuff (this was a gift) and a Magpie-made felt flower pin, plus a favorite giant black and white tote bag from Nordstrom that could probably swallow Nebraska if it wanted to. The patent leather and navy suede boots from Piperlime make for a kicky finish. I've worn this to the office and can honestly say it's a comfortable way to face the workday, as well as spend that extra-long lunch to avoid doing that pesky TPS report and enjoying a pumpkin spice latte.