The Big Chill

Over the weekend, Mr. Mapgie and I somewhat haphazardly opted to watch “The Big Chill” via our Netflix instant queue.  The movie was something of a slow-moving ship, though it featured a remarkable cast (Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, Kevin Kline, William Hurt, Tom Berenger) and an even more remarkable soundtrack (love that soul music), and served as an interesting study of grief in its various forms and effects.

I was surprised, however, to see how much of the 1983 wardrobe featured in the film has made its way into our current season’s top looks: flannel shirts, fair isle sweaters, pops of corduroy, and suede boots were as trendy then as they are now.  The styling couldn’t have been more appropriate as the cold winter weather rolls into the District and I gear up for a camping trip this weekend in rural Virginia (more on that to come).  Without further adieu, then, I’d like to present some BIG CHILL looks:

It all begins with a heavy flannel shirt, and this rolled-sleeve tunic ($49, J. Crew) has already made its way into my closet!  It’s soft as can be and just about the coziest thing you want to be wearing as the mercury drops.  Pair with skinny jeans, a cozy vest (love this forest green shade for this season — on [modest] sale for $98, J. Crew), and some lived-in leather boots (Rachel Comey, $425, ShopBird), and you’re set:

I have my sights set on this classic — and surprisingly affordable, though rich-looking! — J.W. Hulme tote ($135, StevenAlan):

If the weather calls for something warmer than a vest, I am making a bee-line for this GapKids sherpa-lined jacket on my lunch break ($56, Gap):

Love the ruggedness of it in that washed, rich-acorn-hued fabric.  The epitome of utilitarian-chic, and instantly adaptable to any number of get-ups.  Perfect paired with this cozy hat ($135, Steven Alan) and a pair of fleece-lined mittens (Hat Attack, $44, Cusp — I tried these on in the store earlier this week and pretty much fell in love with them):

Because we’re really entering “sweater weather” territory, why not snuggle up in a kitschy fair isle sweater (first: Dolce and Gabbana, $440, Net-A-Porter; second: Rag&Bone, $355, Shopbop)?

D&G was all.over.this.joint on the Fall2010 runway.

Sure, it might be a tad costumey on the D&G runway, but when worn in proportion — blended with other wintry separates — it strikes just the right balance of “I have fun with my fashion” and “I’m updating a retro style.”  I think the easiest way to avoid looking…well, dowdy or just plain silly is by wearing the fair isle knit in a trendy cape / blanket sweater form.  This drape-front Warehouse cardigan-jacket is right on the money ($101, ASOS), and I could totally see myself wearing it with some leggings, black mini-wedge boots ($139, PiperLime), and an upscale-looking tote (Marc Jacobs, $458, PiperLime):

12th Street by Cynthia Vincent has some awesome options out there this season in the way of fair-isle blanket sweaters — I’d love to curl up in this yummy ivory print one ($398, PiperLime) or even this navajo-inspired variation ($495, Goldyn):

Get the look for less with this Kensie brand variation ($78, Nordstrom — Uniqlo has some affordable alternatives, but they don’t have the same hefty, thick knit that I’m so craving nowadays):

Perfect paired with the cognac-hued Steve Madden Intyce boot ($129, Jildor), even though everyone and her mother owns a pair:

But my lust-list favorite is this See By Chloe intarsia version ($795, Net-A-Porter):

It’d look awesome mixed in with some skinny jeans and boots (I was originally thinking of gray flat boots — the SM Intyce also comes in an appealing and less commonly worn smokey gray hue — but then I saw the bargain you could get with these Stella McCartney puppies and swooned — $398, TheOutnet):

And — to add to the chic factor — pair with some faux fur earmuffs (die over these — $145, Net-A-Porter) and this yummy Marc Jacobs tote ($727, MyTheresa):

Love that the look is entirely in the gray/taupe family.  It tones down the loudness/kitschiness of the sweater.  If you’re not so sure about the statement sweater, try it out in a small cold-weather accessory, like this cozy scarf (D&G, $275, Net-A-Porter):

It’d look nothing short of darling paired with this nubby fisherman’s sweater ($195, Urban Outfitters), but keep things from getting too school marmish by pairing with skinny jeans tucked into fierce over-the-knee boots ($825, Loeffler Randall) and a slouchy black leather tote ($128, Nordstrom):

Finish the look off by adding this gorgeous tailored blazer ($375, Steven Alan):

Love the two front pockets!  Get the look for less with this GapKids pom pom fair isle scarf and mitten set ($16.50 for scarf, $14.50 for mittens — GapKids):

(You may have noticed by now, but I’m not ashamed to dip into the Kids section for outerwear now and then — I snagged an awesome Stella McCartney for GapKids bomber jacket last season and I wear it proudly.)

As suggested above, I am so craving thick-knit sweaters this season — they’re the perfect antidote to the impending “BIG CHILL.”  I’m loving this “winter bomber” in yummy oatmeal (those darling leather buttons! — $270, AllSaints):

This gray Zara delight ($59, Zara) has my name all over it as well:

Love the idea of unexpectedly pairing the slouchy, oversized, boxy fit with a tailored skirt, like this felted wool number by J. Crew ($88, J. Crew):

Flat boots or some daring booties and a luxe-looking bag (l.o.v.e. the Brompton — $298, J. Crew) lend the look polish.

I’m also seriously loving the idea of pairing this micro-fair-isle-print sweater I snagged at Zara two weeks ago ($59, Zara — do you not live for the elbow patches?!  I saw this trend at Ralph Lauren when Mr. Magpie and I stocked up on his fall wardrobe, and was in.love) with an unexpected checked blazer ($325, J. Crew)

Love the contrast of textures and patterns, but the prints look so good against one another!  I’d flip up the collar of the blazer and wear it like outwear, pairing with either one of the felt wool skirts above or some jeans.  If you opt for the latter, make sure that your footwear doesn’t leave you looking too covered up — no boots, just brown mocs so that a peek of skin shows through!  Alternately, this similar fair-isle print dress could be an excellent addition to the fall wardrobe ($128, Tommy Hilfiger), especially when cinched at the waist (as seen below) with a skinny brown leather belt ($34, American Apparel) and paired with this delightfully affordable pair of cap-toe flats ($64, Marais USA) an

Eeee!  The suede cap toe!  Round out the look by slipping into a cozy camel jacket (this slouchy Lover-brand jacket is to die, $610, Net-A-Porter) and adding some chic leather gloves ($98, J. Crew):

This suede fold-top Prada tote ($1,995, Barney’s) is the end-all, be-all — it’d look just killer (and oh-so-chic) with this getup!

Ah!  I could go on and on forever in this vein of thought, but I’ll stop here and save some of the finds I’ve not yet featured for another post.  Loving the BIG CHILL!