The search for sweaters...

[neotoma]

My favorite pullover sweater is probably on its last legs, given that it's over 5 years old. However, Talbots, the place where I get 95% of my clothes from because I am apparently constructed like their fit model, has wholy inadequate replacements available this year. I do not want crew necks, bateau necks, turtlenecks, over-priced cashmere, really ill-advised colorblocking or three-quarter sleeves on everything, damnit!

If you know of a place that carries nice pullover sweaters in women's plus sizes, made primarily of cotton or wool (not acrylic, which I would promptly sweat to death inside of), with full length sleeves, v or scoop necks (ETA: or shawl collars. I really want a sweater with a shawl collar!), and solid (not marled or colorblocked) colors, please let me know. Colors that could be described as 'vegetable' (like pumpkin, or eggplant) and attractive cabling would be a bonus.

Comments

[madripoor_rose]

Hm. LL Bean has this:

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/75737?feat=v neck sweaters-SR0&page=washable-merino-pullover

And I think their XL is closer to a 1x, or 18. But it's a little pricey.

[neotoma]

That's not bad -- it's a lot like the sweaters I have that I wear over button-down shirts. And the price is actually cheaper than Talbots -- how long do their garments last, because I've had that Talbots sweater for over 5 years, which is pretty good value for the price.

Maybe I should look at outdoors stores, like REI, for sweaters? At least they'd be made to be warm.

I'm really looking for a pullover that I can comfortably wear as is, without having to put a button-down under it. Basically, I hate most the currently popular necklines.

[fox]

In my experience LL Bean items last more or less forever.

[meri_oddities]

I'm going to agree with Fox. The only reason I end up getting rid of almost anything from LL Bean is because I stain it too bad to get out. Which unfortunately happens a lot.

I like that sweater, too.

[madripoor_rose]

http://www.coldwatercreek.com/product-detail/67526/74549/demi-cable-sweater.aspx?colorid=G63&refLink=womens-sweaters.aspx

And Coldwater Creek has a shawl collar. Wow, I did not realize how 'in' turtlenecks and three quarter sleeves were this year.

[neotoma]

Oh, that's near to perfect! Now I just have to find a Coldwater Creek store and try one for size. I can wear the red and the purple, and maybe even the 'pink' depending on whether it is actually the fuchsia it appears to be.

sanj once described as 'kind of an Indian Summer, or two weeks in late September' and suggested that the colors that flatter me are 'flowers and vegetables', which is pretty true. I've got skin that is probably best described as 'pale olive', and looks terrible in an neutral except chocolate brown.

I don't object to turtlenecks for winter clothes, though they're not flattering on me. I think 3/4-length sleeves on winter clothes is a stupid fashion trend, and extremely at odds with my lifestyle as a foot-and-public-transit traveler.

[madripoor_rose]

Nods, I have a bit of olive skin tone and tend to go with jewel-tone tops more often myself.

LL Bean wears forever, and I have one fleece top from Coldwater Creek that's about twelve years old and still in good shape. I do tend to go for fleece pullovers from LL Bean for winter wear...so I hadn't noticed this 3/4 sleeve sweater trend, and it is so ridiculous for winter clothes. You need something warmer than that.

[marinarusalka]

Land's End has a decent selection, and I've had good luck with them in the past in terms of fit and long wear.

http://www.landsend.com/shop/womens-sweaters-cardigans-plus/-/N-fy2ZfoqZgolZgq7ZgqeZfkq

[neotoma]

And they have a really useful search function! Thanks!

[peoriapeoriawhereart]

Just piping in that this 3/4 sleeve nonsense needs to stop. I've not seen it on winter clothes, but then I calibrate differently (winter means 'suited to sustained negative temps.') and might view 'winter' clothes as early spring or bitter fall.

[chomiji]

You could try Eddie Bauer too.

Orvis is a bit dowdy and older-lady, but the quality is pretty good.

(P.S. I like 3/4 sleeves. But then I'm not built like most women, and I'm also still dealing with hot flashes.)