CARDIGANS

...my second favorite C-word

…. we all know that my actual favorite C-word is cashmere!

Hello, everyone! How are you? I’ve missed you!

Today’s post is inspired by a cardigan I spotted on Sarah Andelman in L’Etiquette (a loving nod to the magazine — my unofficial French tutor — and to Emi, who first introduced me to its impeccable pages).

If you're already familiar with the iconic agnès b. cardigan, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Emilia Petrarca

wrote a great piece on it over at Shop Rat, so I won’t repeat her words — head over there and enjoy it firsthand.

Now, cardigans.

I love them. I own them. I wear them. They make me feel like I’m slipping into a uniform (and who doesn’t love the ease of a good uniform? I could share my uniform “philosophy” sometime — four solid reasons, at least). There's something very polished, a bit cerebral (intellectual?) even, about a cardigan. I love the way they give you options: buttoned, unbuttoned, zipped, unzipped. You can adjust, reveal, layer, or strip down as much as you like. The buttons, too, are a playful touch — mini stars of the show. Swap one or swap them all; they let you be creative in such an understated way.

My personal favorites

They’re all from resale — without exception. An agnès b., babaa, vintage Yohji Yamamoto, cashmere or wool from Italy, and other gems like vintage Barrie or miu miu. There’s also Sofie D'Hoore, Dries van Noten, Marni, and Comme des Garçons. Resale is key. For me!

Other brands on my radar

J.Crew, Alex Mill, Vince, Joseph, Arch4, Lauren Manoogian, &Daughter, Acne, Totême. And let’s not forget the magic of keywords like “vintage wool Italy/Scotland” or anything featuring Jil Sander or one of the many brands on this cashmere watchlist of mine — I simply add the word "cardigan" for search gold.

Lately, I’ve been adding “nonna” or “grandma” to my searches on Italian platforms. That’s how I recently found a €10 vintage black cashmere-wool crewneck from Blumarine that used to belong to the seller’s grandmother. It’s flawless — the cut is perfect, and the quality has held up beautifully. I wear it constantly now.

I’m not sure if I’m trying to show you the Blumarine crewneck or simply what I’ve been doing this week.

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Side note:

!I am currently trying to win my dream cardigan on eBay, the auction ends on Sunday, please please send thoughts and prayers my way!

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Now onto my favorite part titled “Send an offer/add to cart!”

Some wonderful cardis out there on the www:

1. &Daughter wool cardigan in black. I’d definitely get this one if I were in the US, the quality is great + a good deal. $108

2. Barrie in baby blue cashmere. €185

3. miu miu cropped cardi in red. I love the collar. €266

4. agnes b snap cardigan in black. I’d get it myself but…this one seems too small. €114 (There’s loads of agnes b. out there for someone who’d like to try but doesn’t want to pay the full price)

5. babaa cardigan — chunky wool in brown. $195 (babaa will keep you very warm, and the one above can also be a jacket in spring.

   Leandra Medine Cohen
   has a great post on winter sweaters, featuring babaa! My babaa cardigan is this one and I’d buy it again and again. Come to think of it, I think babaa is my favorite Spanish brand).

6. Lisa Yang cashmere cardigan w collar in grey. ca. $200

7. Prada wool cardigan in khaki. Never worn! €275

8. Prada V-neck wool cardigan in khaki and green. Never worn! €176

9. Prada cashmere kind-of-ombre beige cardigan. €132 (Dear H., I’m still looking for the ombre skirt for you, urgh where is it!!!)

10. Lauren Manoogian softest cosiest cardigan in beige-brown. $380 or best offer.

11. A cheerful Alex Mill cardigan for someone less boring than me. €206

12. J. Crew melange grey ribbed cardi w jeweled buttons! $29.50

13. Celine ribbed wool cardigan in navy. €198 (I think Joan Didion wore sth similar?)

14. Vintage Yohji Yamamoto w faux fur collar. $165

15. Vintage Yohji Yamamoto men’s cardi, resembling the agnes b. ones. $316

16. 90’s vintage Comme des Garcons cardigan in a magical purple!!! €89

17. Issey Miyake black cotton cardigan, because no list is ever complete without Issey — the hero of one of my future newsletters. €198

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And you, what about you? Where’s your favorite cardigan from?

Do you like any from the above? Are you looking for one? Shall I help you find it? Tell me talk to me!

Have a great weekend Xx

Anni