Oh hello 3rd wave. It’s crazy to think we’re more than a year into the pandemic and yet, we’re back at Step 1 of restrictions. Every step forward we take, it seems that eventually it leads to two steps back. Hoping for normalcy soon, but in the meantime I guess it’s back to playing dress up at home!
Here’s an outfit from more hopeful times that I wore this past April long weekend, and then again this past weekend (proud #outfitrepeater). And yes, another new cardigan added to my collection – this will definitely be the last for a little while. I consider my cardigans essential pieces in my wardrobe since they truly work for year-round wear. Spring weather in Canada tends to fluctuate drastically, so an extra layer is always necessary.
I’ll admit, this was kind of a spontaneous purchase – but for good reason!
Please note some links used in this post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase through them at no extra cost to you. My intention will always be to inspire you to get creative with what you already have and to create an intentional wardrobe with pieces you’ll love for years to come. Thank you for supporting Her Simple Sole blog!
Outfit Details:
- Marks and Spencer Textured Cardigan (linked to Canadian site here)
- Kotn Essential Tee
- Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans (almost gone – see a less distressed version here)
- Maguire Boutique Mules
- Harly Jae Tote
- Cuchara Dionne necklace (no longer available, but check out the current collection from this female + POC + Canadian-owned jeweler)
Shop the Look:
What is Marks and Spencer?
I first heard of Marks and Spencer (M&S) from Emma Hill’s Favourite Knitwear YouTube video this past winter. It’s a UK brand rated “Good” on the Good On You site. This immediately sparked my curiosity, though I initially didn’t have much hope, fearing that shipping to Canada would be an absolute pain. Little did I know, M&S offers free delivery to Canada for orders over $100 + duties and taxes are already included in their prices! As a conscious consumer, it’s so much more worthwhile to shop from this overseas brand since sustainability, conversion rates, and unexpected fees are all less of an issue.
So with a jolt of excitement I went to browse their knitwear collection and stumbled upon this textured cardigan. It had the look of my dream chunky cardigan – think Tradlands Shelter Cardigan or one from Babaa. And with it having an oversized fit, I felt a size XS would work best for me. But of course, it was sold out. So onto my wishlist it went. Then comes March, all sizes were restocked and I immediately purchased it. Hence being sort of a “spontaneous” purchase since I didn’t expect it to restock. It’s now one of my favourite items in my closet, which quite honestly is saying a lot, since I’m starting to absolutely love so many pieces in my closet.
Textured Cardigan + Distressed Jeans
The cardigan is currently low in stock again (no surprise) but if you’re lucky, you might be able to snag it in the blue before it’s gone. It’s truly so soft – like a warm hug + blanket wrapped into one. And It’s the perfect length – not long, but not cropped. The tortoise buttons actually make a nice subtle statement. One downside is it’s made from 44% polyester, 33% acrylic and 23% polyamide, so it has started to pill due to the synthetic materials. Nothing a fabric shaver can’t take care of, though. Some reviews mention it’s all recycled materials, though my tag doesn’t.
And the jeans? I’ve had these for a few years now and they’re almost on their last leg (pun intended – can you tell by how distressed the knees are?). These are the Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans in the colour Authentically Yours. I love this pair for spring, and for a touch of edginess. But admittedly, they fit tight. They’re made of 100% cotton, after all. After many wears they have yet to feel fully comfortable but I still love them. Eventually I’ll replace them with a pair with less distressing, but until then I will continue to wear the heck out of these.
