NYC Street Fashions: The Stupendously Stylish Scarf

In a classic slip-knot, Stephanie wears a multi-colored/flower-pattern wool scarf.

Versatile as it is stylish, the scarf plays an essential role in applying the finishing touch to any well-rounded look. The scarf, with any given accessory, defines the style of the wearer. So, while retaining individuality, the way in which you decide to wrap this beautiful length of fabric can transform your ensemble with endless possibilities. Even more beneficial, considering the current global economic trend, investing in several scarves with variations in color, texture, and length has the power to keep your wardrobe both vibrant and current with minimal spending.

Earlier today, Stephanie, a lovely and professional New York City Ballet dancer, was kind enough to allow me to photograph her donning a beautiful knit scarf wrapped in several different variations.

The wrap-around. Easily displays the full knit pattern and draws the viewer to your face.

Wrap-around

This simple one-end-loop over the neck provides length the simplest effort.

Traditional ascot

Suited to brave the frigid New York temperatures, Stephanie selects the wrap-around technique for warmth and style while sipping on her decadent cappuccino.

Stephanie is wearing:

Vince wool-knit sweater

Helmut Lang jeans

Lucky Brand wool-knit scarf

Anthropologie cable-knit hat

Kindly thank you to Stephanie.

"In many cases, a scarf gives a final touch to a dress. But you have to experiment and try many different ways of wearing a scarf before you find the way that suits you best. The way you tie a scarf is part of your personality" - Christian Dior

Aran Knitwear is All The Rage for Winter

Zara Man, London

Brrrrrr!!! Frigid fronts with sparkling snow is what much of the United States and United Kingdom are forced to battle these past few weeks, so why not brave these unforgiving conditions in style? Purely and simply put, woolen clothing is a must for the cold seasons. Wool is perhaps my ultimate favorite fabric, not only for keeping warm, but because it's undeniably timeless, classic, and will never go out of style. Whether thick or thin, be sure to own several styles of woolen sweaters in your wardrobe.

Now, kind ladies and gentlemen, this prompts me to discuss one major trend this season called the Country Heritage theme. This beautiful look, which ultimately leads to the lovely and intricate Aran sweater knits, is currently exhibited by designers and retailers worldwide. Originating from the Aran Islands off the coast of Ireland, Aran sweaters are typically bulky garments with prominent knitting techniques, such as the renowned cable-knit stitch. Initially a fisherman's sweater, often knitted in cream color, the unmistakably textured garment is now worn worldwide by males and females alike.

A few short hours ago during my journey home, I managed to find two lovely classic Aran-knitted cream merino wool scarves (pictured below). The bulky one on the left will be given as a stylish Christmas gift with the one to its right finding its home around my neck. Both scarves, 100% merino wool, made in Ireland, featuring several types of Aran-knitting in each (Cable, Irish Moss, Honeycomb, and Diamond) retail for $150 each which I graciously found for a mere $29 at an off-price retailer (TJ Maxx). This short story of mine proves that you need not always spend a shiny penny on quality fashion pieces.

Two multi-style Aran-knitted cream merino wool scarves.

The following are Aran Knits offered by fashion retailers across the globe:

Topshop, London

Peek Cloppenburg, Berlin

Jean Paul Gaultier, Paris

Bel Air, Paris

Stefanel, Berlin

Forever 21, New York

Dior Homme, my personal wardrobe.

"Knitwear is still very elegant and it will last forever. It is always very satisfying to make something with one's hands and that is, I think, why knitting is so popular. There is a great art in knitting beautifully and a beautiful frock, knitted in fine wools in a delicate pattern, is as great a work of art as a painting, and more practical!" - Christian Dior, 1954