Before it dropped down to the minuses this week, the last several weeks in Edmonton were unusually mild. It was +5°C last Tuesday (January 19), while this same day last year was -17°C, and in 1886 it hit a record low of -49°C. YIKES.
Because of this, along with lockdown orders in place, my knitwear purchases have been at an all time low. In fact, in 2020 I bought 0 knitwear. None! Then came the beginning of January 2021, where end-of-year sales were flashing back at my face. For the most part, I do my best to stay clear of these sales. But I was eyeing a knit cardigan from Paper Label since August. And when my size in this bare beige colour was finally back in stock and 30% off, I just couldn’t resist.
At first, I intended to make January a no-buy month since I bought quite a few wardrobe items near the end of 2020. But as this was a long-standing wishlist item, I was willing to break my no-buy for it. And I was not disappointed!
Opal Cardigan by Paper Label
I discovered Paper Label last summer, as a Canadian intentional loungewear brand who’s items can also be dressed up for work or play. It’s also women-owned! During these unprecedented times, these pieces are what I crave, and I was happy to support this brand.
The Opal cardigan is a substantial piece – it’s made of 100% cotton, has an oversized fit, and is one of the warmest pieces in my closet. Overall, it’s so beautifully made and is the perfect comfort piece.
When thinking of ways to wear, I like to consider the third piece rule, but perhaps in a backwards sense. The cardigan would be the third piece that tops off the look. The decision then, is choosing the two other items (top and bottom) depending on the type of look I’m going for.
Here are 3 ways I’d style this cozy cardigan:
Monochrome Black Base
Paper Label Opal cardigan, Encircled Breakaway Wrap top (gifted, no longer available, see blue version here), Agolde Roxanne jeans, L’intervalle Maralik Black Croco ankle boots
Starting it off with a monochrome black base, consisting of a faux wrap top and skinny jeans. The cardigan drapes nicely and has a slight exaggerated feel to it. It creates a good juxtaposition with the two fitted items, where the oversized cardigan doesn’t swallow up my 5’2″ frame.
Relaxed and Casual
Paper Label Opal cardigan, Encircled Fair V-Neck Tee (gifted), Denim Forum Arlo jeans, faux snakeskin ankle boots (old)
For a lighter, less restrictive option, my second look features a white tee and straight leg jeans, creating a more relaxed and casual outfit. The *almost* full length jean gives off the illusion of a longer leg, while these statement boots add 3 extra inches of height.
Dressed Up
Paper Label Opal cardigan, Kotn mock neck tank, cowl neck slip dress (old), Cuchara Dionne necklace, L’intervalle Maralik Black Croco ankle boots
I wanted to test the waters and see how this cardigan would look all dressed up. I’d say it still does a pretty good job! Of course I had to style it with my trusty black slip dress and a pair of sleek boots. For a fully winter appropriate look, I added a mockneck tank top + knee high socks for that extra bit of warmth.
Bonus look: Lounging at Home
Paper Label Opal cardigan, Frank and Oak Essential Tee, Harly Jae Aura pants
I couldn’t end this post without showcasing a loungewear outfit. Afterall, Paper Label is a loungwear brand! This is my version of a cozy stay-at-home look that I posted to Instagram last week.
Here’s a fun little video summarizing these looks – it was so much fun putting it together!
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