The Look for Less: JCrew Merino Cardigan vs. Halogen Merino Cardigan

Okay, up until last year I was obsessed with JCrew's Merino wool, I loved it so much I was even willing to pay (gasp) full price for a V-neck sweater.  I have VNecks and cardis from 5 years ago that still look awesome.....A merino wool vneck and cardi are an essential part of my "corporate America" wardrobe.....one of these with a pencil skirt or dress is basically my fall/winter work uniform.  So fast forward to fall 2009, I made my typical order of 5-6 merino wool vnecks and cardigans.....they looked great, colors were fab, and fit was awesome....However, some of the colors, specifically the brown, salmon, and grey, had horrible pilling and fuzziness after only 1 to 2 trips to the dry cleaners.  (And, no, it wasn't the dry cleaners, I've used the same one for 6 years and never had any problems).  So back to JCrew these sweaters went.  JCrew was very courteous, apologized and credited me back.  However, I was left with a rather sour taste in my mouth; and, consciously decided to look to other brands for alternatives to my JCrew merino vnecks and cardigans.

So....lately on this blog I've been blabbing on about my desire for fall clothes (just ignore the fact that the mercury rose to 100 degrees here today!!!).....yesterday I popped into Nordstrom rack and hit JCrew dup heaven.......Boyfriend Merino wool cardigans and vnecks.  They have last seasons Halogen cardigans and vnecks on sale marked down from $14 to 22 dollars!!!!!  And they are 100% Merino wool---no crappy blends.  I purchased the cardigan in black, grey, and rose pink; and the vneck in grey and navy.  AWESOME!!!  Here are links to the JCrew merino cardigan for this fall and the Halogen cardigan currently available on the Nordstrom website.  Normally the Halogen cardis are $69.00 (not much better priced than JCrew); like I stated, the ones at Nordstrom rack are last years.  

JCrew Long Merino Wool cardigan, fall 2010

Halogen Boyfriend Merino Wool Cardigan

I was so excited to find this deal...I was able to get all of the work sweaters I need for fall for under $100.  Great deal!! I'm also super excited because now I have clothing budget freed up so that I can pre-order that awesome jacket on page 8 of the fall JCrew look book.  If you live near a Nordstrom Rack and love Merino wool staples as much as me, I highly recommend checking this deal out...they had huge round racks of these sweaters at my Rack.

Just thought I would pass this along.....

xoxo,

J.

PS....If anybody is a fan of VINCE knitwear and tees.....(I Love, LOve, LOVe, LOVE these)....Nordstrom Rack has tons of their basic tees and sweaters marked down 60-70% off....They are still expensive (like 40-60 dollars) but well worth the price if you are a fan of the brand, as I am.  They also have a nice selection at your local TJMaxx if they have a Runway department.