I am possessed with the simple elegance of the classic Irish Fisherman's Sweater.  Originally called Aran named for the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland.  The sweater or jumper as they are known in Great Britain is a bulky garment with prominent cable patterns on the chest, usually cream-colored.   Their Cable Stitch is a depiction of the fisherman’s ropes, and represents a wish for a fruitful day at sea.
   

Prada's modern version in a beautiful blue.

 Originally the sweaters were knitted using unscoured wool that retained its natural oils (lanolin) which made the garments water-resistant and meant they remained wearable even when wet. It was primarily the wives of island fishermen who knitted them.

Buy them new or search out some of the best Thrift Shops to score a vintage one.  Like this one below.

Not up for Thrift Shop hunting but want a vintage Fisherman go directly to ebay where there is an abundance in all sizes and in excellent condition like the one Karla from www.karlasclosets.com scored. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=fisherman+sweater

Can't cross "The Pond"  but want to own a  classic Fisherman's sweater?  No worries.  Like the one's of old these on the couple below are made from 100%  natural wool yarns in the traditional Aran stitch patterns.http://www.lindaclifford.com/Sweaters.html
The legend goes each family’s sweater was knitted in a cable unique to them.  The unique pattern was to help identify fishermen lost at sea. Once drowned the sweaters would wash to shore.  Their women and children who longed for their return would roam the beaches in search of closure.   Still a great piece for every member of the family without the sad ending.

Gloria is one of my many style crushes.  She is the Fashion Director of Teen Vogue so I am guessing that many girls are style crushing on her.  Gloria is a wonderful mix of Italian passion and adventure.  Colorful in personality as well as dress.  Her special talent is in the mix.

Color blocking in neon.....

This look is less about color + more about delightful proportions with a
dash of eccentric thrown in (over sized fur hat, royal blue socks with lace-up chunky heels.

There is a very European, old world look to the color + the pattern.
Italian style in a not over done way.  Many American women would benefit from the casual yet delightful way Gloria puts it all together.  A true original.

Casual + youthful outfit for a day on the go.  She skips the sloppy sweats or tight blue jeans.  In fact she rarely ever wears jeans but opts for a delightful mix of plaid, floral and cool but comfortable sneakers.  With notebook in hand she is no doubt running around to many fashion appointments.  Love the athletic zip black + white jacket topping off the look. Gloria...you've got style for days!

 Fred's at Barneys on Madison Avenue is where the beautiful people lunch.   Named after Fred Pressman son of Barney Pressman the man who opened the original Barney's NY on 17th Street.  The shop then was known for its discount menswear, mostly suits.  Flash forward a hundred years...Barneys now is the mecca for up to the moment designer luxury goods.  Lunch at Fred's is a treat for the eyes + the mouth.  The cuisine + the people watching are equally delicious. 

I know I have been going on ad nauseum about stripes in this blog but I would be remiss if I did not share my love of the Hudson Bay Iconic Stripe not only on the blanket but on all things wearable + not. 

In the North American fur trade, point blankets were one of the main European items sought by native peoples in exchange for beaver pelts, buffalo robes, pemmican, moccasins, and other trade goods. They were desired because of wool's ability to hold heat even when wet, and because they were easier to sew than bison or deer skins. Read more about them on wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson%27s_Bay_point_blanket

A blanket as a coat.....

Blanket as BFF bag....I am unabashedly inspired by the Hudson Bay Stripes.

Blanket as upholstered chair....

That her dresses give one a simple but elegant line.  That they are made of the most delicious fabrics....to me they always looked like a sac with no style cache.  Alas I was so wrong.  I learned my lesson don't judge a dress by how it looks on a hanger.

 Belgian designer Sofie D’Hoore was originally trained as a dentist. However her long-lasting interest in fashion lead her to a career change. A graduate of the influential Antwerp Academy of Fine Arts she designed her first label, Fashion Ink with Chantal Spaas. In 1992 D'Hoore went out on her own.  Her modern designs are for the purist, understated, flattering and created for a woman who values style over trend.

Once again my dear friend Sarah dragged me to the very cool, foam at the mouth MAC Modern Appeal Clothing Store on Grove Street in SF.  Where so much wonderful Fall/Winter Sophie was on sale at what looked to be 50% off.  Along with Dries, Margiela, Commes Des Garcon's shirts for men.  The only thing that was not appealing or modern about the MAC shop was that it does not have an e-commerce store.  I only found that out later when I went to revisit some of the Sophie D'Hoore sale items I might have missed.  After all it was my first time.