11.10.2009

Tightwad Tuesday: J. Crew Marled Wool Cardigan on the Cheap

Say what you will about the matter, dolls; but I find it is nearly impossible to resist the lure of a neutral color. Something that is so pure and untouched; yet sophisticated and cosmopolitan at the very same time. A neutral tone is like a pet project, calling your name, requesting your assistance in helping it channel its inner diva; to help it finds its way from bland to brilliant. And I’m not just talking about sleek LBD’s or skintight winter white frocks. The very same can be said for cozy knits and grandpa cardigans. J. Crew’s Marled Wool Cardigan being an optimal example.

Your grandfather or other elders may have gone the route of Mister Rogers, wearing their chunky cardigans as is, without adding even the tiniest hint of color to provide that extra splash of oomph; but even a marled knit deserves to feel glamorous at times, and J. Crew’s offering is more deserving than others.

Quite mesmerizing on it’s own, the Marled Wool Cardigan stands out from other sweaters that we find ourselves turning to once the weather morphs from warm to nippy, for it is not black, nor is it white; rather, it’s black and white and fabulous all over courtesy of the various smoky tones mingling alongside one another to create one ambrosial addition to your outerwear collection.

But darlings, it’s not just the marled black hue which is so appealing. Non, the unusual, oversized black buttons add a blazer-inspired, business casual je ne sais quoi to the piece which easily take it from a stuffy office environment, to a playful evening full of party-hopping with the girls with just a few minor adjustments in terms of the accoutrement you deem worthy of being paired with such a heavenly covering. Take the presence of an oh-so flattering, yet extremely classic v-neck shawl collar into consideration, and it’s easy to see that the mere contemplation of surviving without such a dazzling disguise is completely out of the question – at least for me.

But I digress; even though I have been salivating over this pretty for months upon months, it seems impossible for me to drop $128.00 for a lone item that will most likely be in use for a mere handful of weeks before finding itself tucked away in the back of my burgeoning closet where it will sit in somber silence until next fall rolls around. A similar sweater priced at under twenty-five dollars would be much more welcome. Hence the reason why I have my eye on the Double Breasted Cardigan.

For $22.80, Forever 21’s Double Breasted Cardigan retains all of the polish, savoir faire, and cultivated beauty of J. Crew’s chunky charmer, at a price so much more friendly to one’s checking account.

Is today the day for you to please the big spender within; or will you play it cool and be thrifty?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to J. Crew and Forever 21 for the pictures.
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46 comments

FASHION SNAG said...

Big spender on this one! Marled things always have my number =)

www.FashionSnag.com

Leah said...

That Forever 21 cardigan is a beauty. I would choose that anytime. And of course, I love the color.

Keith said...

I would be buying the less expensive one. I only splurge on items that I know that I can pretty much wear all year long. They aren't just seasonal. I do love cardigans.

Closet Cravings said...

Love J. Crew’s Marled Wool Cardigan. I'm always a sucker for stylish sweaters that keep me feeling comfy.

Dina's Days said...

Just adore both of these. I love this style of cardigan and I am huge fan of chunky knits this fall.

www.janetteria.com said...

I really love the wool things! The cardi is look sofab and cozy!


X♥X♥

Daydream Believer said...

Hmmm...I think I would splurge and go with the J Crew sweater!

Taylor Sterling said...

So warm and cozy and at the same time stylish! I want one!

dot said...

okay, e, another coincidence: just went to leave a comment on my new blog-friend daisy-chain's blog, and there was your message right before mine!

i forgot how much i used to love j. crew, before we moved here. those early j. crew catalogues were like little lifestyle stories, & i still wear a lot of their old stuff. it used to be cheap as chips, but i guess in today's wacky inflated world, it's not all that much of a price hike.

kind of also like this cardigan, in nude:
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/sweaters/dream/PRDOVR~17857/17857.jsp

i know what you mean about neutrals: they're so.. compatible, and adaptable, and easy going. all the qualities we'd both like in our friends or for that matter, our men! ; )

thank you so much for your lovely message, sweet e. sorry to hear you've got it, too, even in sunny CA. posting & blogging has been the ONLY thing i've managed to do all week, too, and even then.. not easily. i don't know why it makes me feel better to know i'm not alone, but it does. get well soon!! xx

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Hmm. Both options look great, however, I think I'll have to please the big spender within. Haha! I love the length and the longer sleeves of the J. Crew cardigan. I'm sure both are equally as cozy though! :)

Chicago Chic said...

This cardigan is just beautiful! So simple yet classy. Wonderful post, Love!

I passed along an award to you on my recent blog post! xoxo
Rachel

Jennifer Fabulous said...

This cardigan looks so freaking comfy. I love it!

Princess Liberty said...

This cardigan looks very soft and comfortable

Diane said...

i think i love the jcrew version more. looks a lot more comfy and soft!

KP said...

that J.Crew is perfect. Yep that's me, you're so sweet! xo

The Pocket Stylist said...

Lovely cardigan it looks so plush and warm!!

ediot said...

hi dear. ah. look like the perfect cardi for autumn. comfy&cool.
take care
xx ediot

la petite fashionista said...

i've been saying for the last few weeks at work, "gray is the new black" it's such a great neutral. these cardigans look so cozy and cute!

Couture Carrie said...

Another fantastic find, darling!!

xoxox,
CC

P.S. Those Cynthia Rowleys are my fave too :)

Unknown said...

You can always count on Forever 21 for great finds! I love how you called it Tightwad Tuesday!! very clever!

Pretty in a Power Suit said...

Love how blazer meets sweater in this chic and cheap find.
-Tawney

Sam said...

We don't get J crew over here! :( This looks like a real find!! Great colour too - so versatile!

Sherin said...

Its so cold these days, that something like this is definitely a necessity. I'm going to have to be a tightwad and go for the forever 21 option.

Denisa L said...

today I'm a big spender!love the first one more:)

Style Search said...

like so much these types of cardigans! so warm for winter time!

Elizabeth Marie said...

I love cardigans...I think I would go for the J Crew one, I am obsessed with J Crew!

Style, via Tia said...

I would choose the cheaper version without a doubt but, I really really love to have the J Crew one!

All Women Stalker said...

I'll have to go wit the cheaper one because I love the blazer look. :D

-meream

chic femme said...

You know what doll I think the cheaper one is great if you break it down even if you wear it only 4 times it costs you a small price of about $5 per wear. So, it is definitely the best investment. :)

B a la Moda said...

I agree with your point. I get bored of clothes pretty easily so I rather not spend that much money on a basic piece.

xoxo
B* a la Moda

Mademoiselle ♥♥ said...

I adore cardigans that are large and cozy!! Beautiful :]
xxx

Angela said...

now a cute cardi. now i totally want that dvf i saw the other day. : )

Emily said...

I love these sweaters, but of course I would be the tightwad on this one :)

edef said...

I adore the Forever 21 one, but i've got a soft spot for J. Crew.

Anonymous said...

Both cardigans are lovely. I love neutrals for fall, and the mixture of colors on these are so pretty!

MizzJ said...

I hate to encourage spending, but I would go with the J. Crew on this one. The marled pattern on the J.Crew is much nicer with its brighter specks of white whereas the F21 looks a tad more drab. As well, F21 tends to look less nice in person when it comes to knits. Get the J. Crew! It's an investment piece you can certainly wear well into spring :)

Anonymous said...

Hmmm...I would go with Forever 21 merely because of the price. I agree about the use although winter in George lasts a bit longer than a few weeks. But both are pretty fabulous.

I adore your blog.

Hello Lindello said...

You can do no wrong with neutrals in my book!

Marian said...

i love marbled knits,it is so chic
xx
marian

Tights Lover said...

As much as I love J Crew...I think I'm liking the Forever 21 (and it's price tag) better!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I'm remaining a thrift lover for the time being!

T.A.E said...

Thrift shopper at heart right here! I would definitely spring for the Forever 21 version. The resemblance between the two items is uncanny. :D

T.A.E said...

Thrift shopper at heart right here! I would definitely spring for the Forever 21 version. The resemblance between the two items is uncanny. :D

T.A.E said...

Thrift shopper at heart right here! I would definitely spring for the Forever 21 version. The resemblance between the two items is uncanny. :D

Anonymous said...

I have one, but I think I could definitely go for another one of these wool cardigans! They look so cozy and scrumptious.

Unknown said...

I saw a few sweaters like these at old navy but didnt get them but wanted to...I need new clothes!!

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