Of a Kind

Because apparently Rachel Comey is of the mind that you don’t need to choose between cozy and flashy. This is some sweater sweetness. —erica

And you thought cardigans were boring: Wear this Rodebjer one open and drapey or closed and tunic-like. Killa. —erica

Of a Kind

This might just be the least boring cardigan in the history of cardigans. And we have Creatures of the Wind (via J.Crew) to thank. —erica

Next Level: Winter Florals

Right about now, when the trees look straight-up sad and tan lines are officially gone, you really need some flowers in your life. And until we have the budget for an H.BLOOM subscription, some printed clothes will have to do the trick. Here, four options that don’t look too Pollyanna for the chilly months. —erica

LEVEL I: White after Labor Day, florals in November—in this Mink Pink shirt, you’re breaking all kinds of rules.

LEVEL II: Knotting on this rose-print scarf from The Hill-Side is the quickest way to make a khaki trench stand out.

LEVEL III: These Girl by Band of Outsiders pants could be described as brooding, especially when you go with black everything else.

LEVEL IV: Yes, this Winter Kate robe/cardigan/kimono is a lot, but look at it this way: It delivers a fresh way to make all those sleeveless maxi-dresses work for winter.

Right this way for past installments of “Next Level!”

In Character: Dorothy Boyd

In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re giving you five days of mom-related In Character posts. In return, we ask that you get the one who birthed you something real nice (major bonus points if it’s from Of a Kind—thaaaanks).

First up: the parent of the most adorable child to ever grace a major motion picture. Jerry Maguire’s other half dressed the single-mom role with just the right amount of sex appeal. There were weird, stretched-out sweaters that could have suited the nursing-home set—but with just a little midriff peeking out—and work bags that made her look her real age instead of the one she was pretending to be. Here’s a taste. —erica

A sweet little Crumpet cardigan that really sells the whole buttoned-up mommy thing (and sits in sharp contrast to those pouty lips).

A fitted black dress from Whistles with spaghetti straps thin enough to snap.

Light-wash, high-waisted, straight-leg jeans from Not Your Daughter’s Jeans—because it takes a lot to make a 27-year-old Renée Zellweger look even borderline matronly.

Oh, and: Until Tuesday, get free shipping on Of a Kind purchases with the coupon code YOURMOM.

Interior Inspiration: Thompson LES Hotel, NYC

We had our launch party on Wednesday! We were told it was fun, but we really couldn’t say—the whole night’s a blur, and not because of the free-flowing vodka. Here’s what we wore to our event at the very glossy Thompson LES…and what we might recommend to those heading to the hotel bar without hostessing duties. —erica

1) A painted leather cuff by Lauren Manoogian that would look especially nice on the heated patio.
2) The Katie Ermilio dress that I wore. Look too prim? Oh, it’s backless.
3) Claire’s leggy Michael Angel number. We don’t know what that print is exactly, but we heart it.
4) A Juma scarf printed with a moody, mysterious forest scene.
6) A cozy Vanishing Elephant cardigan that meshes with the mood lighting.

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As hard as it is to get worked up about lumberjack plaid, it’s just as tough not to love the way Wendi Reed mixes materials in this cardigan. Just the words boiled and cashmere together are exciting, if you ask me. —erica

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Of a Kind

Didn’t know I could get so excited about a cardigan, but this one is amazing. The photo doesn’t do it justice. There are two layers: a sailory stripey lining with a thin gray sweater on top. Thus, the effect is a winning combination of LOUD and quiet.

Rittenhouse

Of a Kind

I’m really drawn to everything by Folk, a U.K. star that will be getting big love in the U.S. any minute now. All of the designs could be soooo dorky…but they’re not at all.