Sweaters

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Picking up the last winter bargains

March 27, 2011

Looking round some of Tokyo’s shops last weekend I was surprised to find that there are still quite a few winter bargains to be had. It’s a great time for the savvy shopper to pick up items for next winter, but there’s no point buying them if they’re going to be hopelessly out of style. [...]

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The cardigan

February 24, 2011

  Spring is just around the corner (well, it is for me, at least: for many of you it might be more down the bottom of the road, past the Post Office and left at the traffic lights), and although the wool overcoat will soon be put away spring evenings can still be quite nippy. [...]

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The ultimate shawl-collar cardigan?

February 10, 2011

We’ve talked about how versatile shawl-collar cardigans can be, but this one from Drakes London is the daddy of them all. The price? An eye watering £695. (Image: Iconic four ply cashmere shawl collar cardigan by Drakes London)

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Does Fair Isle knitwear need legal protection?

November 29, 2010

Fair Isle, a tiny island sandwiched between Orkney and Shetland, is renowned for its colourful knitwear. But unlike Harris Tweed, authentic Fair Isle products have no legal protection. Instead, they have to compete against a mountian of foreign-made goods that bear the island’s name. And the future doesn’t look good: the island has just four [...]

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Shawl-collar cardigans: wear them to the office and on weekends

November 3, 2010

At this time of the year the weather often swings between mild and cool, making the task of choosing an outer layer a difficult one. For days when fine-gauge wool sweaters are too thin, and winter jackets too heavy, consider a shawl-collar cardigan. Unlike merino cardigans and sweaters, shawl-collar cardigans are usually knitted from fairly [...]

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Wearing Fair Isle tank tops with suits and jackets

October 12, 2010

The tank top – or sweater vest, as it is more commonly known in North America – is a practical way of keeping warm during the colder months of the year. Its sleeveless design covers the torso while leaving the arms free, making it the ideal companion for an odd jacket or worsted wool suit.

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Autumn and winter menswear: inspiration from Japan

September 17, 2010

One of the more delightful aspects of shopping in Japan is the variety of menswear shops. Admittedly Japan, like Europe, has Zara, H&M and Gap, but it also has a number of mid- and up-market chains that you won’t find anywhere else. Probably the most famous of these are United Arrows, Beams, Ships and Tomorrowland.

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Essential autumn clothing: tweed, Fair Isle knitwear and wax jackets

August 10, 2010

With summer fast drawing to a close it’s time to start thinking about autumn clothing. It’s nice to see that traditional British fabrics and clothing are continuing their recent upsurge in popularity, especially cold-weather wear. Here are a few essential items to see you through the coming months.

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John Smedley pullovers on sale at Beams

July 7, 2010

It’s not often that I see discounted John Smedley pullovers, but Beams currently has a whole raft of them in their summer sale. I picked up this “Bluebird” blue V-neck cotton jumper at 40% off the normal price. I only recently learned of the history of the John Smedley brand which, amazingly, stretches back some [...]

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