wool in the spring...

as winter winds down...it's always good to get a few more wears out of all your heaviest woolens before packing them away for spring...or maybe...you are at the point that you've seen enough of them...and just want to pack them away...many wools (depending on where you live) can be worn year-round...so it's also time to start thinking about sprucing up your "lighter-weight" wools for warmer weather...

there are many different types of wool used by designers to make clothing...it's handy to know a few definitions about each along with how they will work for you from season to season...

crepe - this is a very lightweight wool with a slightly pebbled surface...commonly used in dresses, suits, and separates...crepe has day to dinner flexibility...many crepe separates can be worn ten months of the year...they do need to go away in really hot weather...

merino - this thin...woolen...twilled cloth was developed during the nineteenth century from the wool of the merino sheep...although it was intended primarily for outer garments...today...merino is most often used for sweaters...this wool tends to be very warm...and can cause itching for women with sensitive skin...merino is usually more affordable than many other wools...

lambswool - shorn from lambs up to eight months old...lambswool is a very soft fabric primarily used in sweaters...because it sheds a lot...i recommend keeping it away from black pants and skirts...

gabardine - commonly used in separates and trench coats...gabardine is a highly woven, smooth, and strong wool...also referred to as worsted...this is a great transitional fabric...

cashmere - cashmere is more expensive than both lambswool and merino but worth the cost...(in my humble opinion) =) classic style that will last a lifetime...click here...for cashmere care...

boucle - a soft and thickly textured wool that is knit or woven to produce a looped or knotted look...boucle is commonly found in tailored jackets and dressier suits...because the look is bulky...be aware that boucle can add pounds to your frame if it is not coordinated well...many boucle suits in soft pastel colors are available in the spring...

i thought i would share two of my favorite boucle jackets...

this first one...i have paired with cream slacks to jeans...i love the versatility of dressing up or dressing down this look...



and here is one of my favorite suits...i have had this for about 5 years now...and still wear it quite often...i opted in buying the three pieces that it came with...for fun & versatility...


this lovely suit has accompianed me to a spring wedding, a sunday brunch, an afternoon tea party, a spring fashion show...

and several outings with the pieces separated...
the jacket with jeans & a white tee...
the skirt with a blouse...
the bustier with white jeans...

now do you see why buying a complete suit gives you many options?



not to mention the fact that i love all the spring colors...here is a close-up...