11.19.2012

foundations: the oversized scarf


a luxuriously oversized scarf in a neutral color ranks near the top of my foundation pieces. it's a simple garment – just a large rectangle of fabric, technically – yet there are a number of small details that really distinguishes a fantastic scarf from a mediocre one.

the lambswool should be soft and substantial, but not itchy. the scarf should be windproof, cozy enough for running around the city, and wide enough to double as a shawl for cold offices and chilly inflight naps. there should be a sculptural quality in how it drapes: enough balance in loft and weight to hold its own structure.

Acne scarf // mini crossbody bag // club monaco tee // 
yaya leather jacket // james perse skirt // HOPE ankle boots 

i love mine in grey so much that i'm considering getting another one in camel. (one can never have too many scarves, i say!) some of Acne's designs can be rather difficult to wear, but in terms of style and function, this scarf is quite a universally gift-able option.

what do you think? what are you wearing today?

34 comments:

  1. I really love this scarf and have also been thinking about getting it. I get a lot of wear out of my Isabel Marant scarves, but would really like to throw a rectangular scarf into the mix.

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    1. me too! the acne one is definitely warmer and cozier though.

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  2. Oh - a fabulous scarf. In fabulous grey. I'm surprised to learn it's rectangular which I would imagine could be a little tricky to wrap around? I have a tartan one which is oversized but almost too thick to make it useful which is such a shame as it's such a lovely colour.

    I love the whole look and that there is a skirt involved instead of the usual jeans - it makes the outfit more dressed somehow. Lovely - especially with the Steven Alan bag.

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    1. thanks! this one wraps around quite nicely - thanks to how wide it is!

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  3. I have that exact same scarf in the same color and am wearing it as I type. It's my absolute favorite! I love it so much that I'm going to get it in wine red as well.

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  4. You look great - love the whole look!

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  5. I have a lovely rectangular wool scarf in an ombre blue--ranges from a mid-level blue to midnight blue color--bought on deep discount from the now-defunct Martin & Osa that fulfills the same niche for me. It works as a non-neutral neutral, and breaks up my usual monochrome outfits.

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    1. that sounds lovely - and blue is definitely a very special neutral.

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  6. Great scarf! I have a small collection of scarves in varying fabrics & weights.

    I see you also have the spotted cat dress from j crew!

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    1. ha! great eye - yes, i'm thinking of getting it shortened to a blouse by my tailor. will do a post on that if i go through with it!

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  7. I love love your foundations series -- I've already said this, but I wanted to say it again!

    I've been looking for the perfect scarf for a while, but with no serious intent. I too want a rectangular scarf, wide enough to cover the shoulders but also long enough to properly wrap around my neck. The skin on my neck area is rather sensitive so I really do have to test out materials before buying anything, so far no luck in finding something soft and comfortable locally. Zara currently has a scarf that fits that description but it isn't available in the perfect shade of heather grey.

    Loving that combination of black, grey and burgundy in your outfit!

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  8. So luxe! You may have just given me an idea for my Christmas wishlist. :) I love the whole outfit, actually—that skirt, especially!

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  9. Love the look, especially the skirt.
    I can't live without my scarves. Today I am wearing a huge Indian wool scarf. Ivory and grey with a little beading. Glamorous and warm!

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  10. I seem to be hearing a lot of good things about that acne scarf, and while going into warmer months, I can't help but feel inclined to pick one up. I'm currently using a "pashmina" as a scarf, but need to look into investing in a luxurious woolen one.

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  11. I already own this scarf and both gray and burgundy so I say go for the beige as well - you won't regret it! I wear them almost every day now, and I can definitely vouch for their office-shawl-appropriateness. Why conference rooms have to be so cold I will never know, but my lovely scarves make the experience quite comfortable :)

    I love your maxi skirt! H&M had a great one with their Grey Concept collection, but seeing as I'm well above average height I just couldn't buy it. They can't be that hard to sew though, right?

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  12. Love it! Beautiful colour and the material looks gorgeous.

    http://herribbonsandherbows.blogspot.co.uk/

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  13. I love the whole look, it's so stylish and somewhat casual at the same time! I totally depend on oversized scarves now that it's winter:)

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  14. I have this chunky ribbed cashmere scarf that I wear all the time, and I have it in black as well. I find that adding a scarf often solves the 'there's something missing in this outfit...' problem for me. This is probably why I prefer colder weather, because scarves and jackets make my outfits look better!

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  15. You look great, especially in that skirt.

    I have two large scarves. One hot pink cashmere from Loro Piana, one scenic cashmere voile from Eric Bompard. They are rather spectacular, if I say so myself:). I posted the Bompard on my blog just recently.

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  16. Yes!!! I searched for one for years and years and years and years and then I found my perfect one too, it was by an Australian accessories label called Benah, and it was so long you could wrap it around 3 times and it was cashmere!!! It's been a lifesaver in winters in australia and overseas, and when they reissued it this year in a travel wrap style - perfect as a little blanket shawl! I snapped one up too... When you find perfection you have to lock it down, you know (get the beige).

    xxx

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  17. Looks cozy! Acne surprises me with how many low-key simple things they make, in contrast to all the things they show on their runways.

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  18. I just love how you put the outfit together. Love black leather jackets! For a long while, I was obsessed with Hermes shawls. Shockingly expensive so I've been looking elsewhere since. I'll still keep mine because they're absolutely works of art but I wouldn't mind a simple plain version like the one you've got.

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    1. hermes shawls are gorge. i hope H gets to keep making their wondrous creations - one of the few great luxury houses that still lives up to its name!

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  19. love it!

    http://kribamil.blogspot.de/

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  20. You look so chic! I love your skir- it's so Rick Owens! Scarves make such lovely gifts. I've been wearing all types of scarves and shawls this autumn.

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    1. thanks Lindsay! the JP black maxi skirt is definitely an easy elegant piece.

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  21. this exact scarf is currently 50% off at net-a-porter.com! I was contemplating splurging the full $140 for it, but once this deal came I jumped on it. Looking forward to getting it delivered to my door step

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    1. oooh that's a great price for this beauty - i'd happily pay full price but am definitely tempted to get another one now... :D

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  22. Your scarf is somewhat similar to my Loro Piana Scarf. I am amazed how can our choices be so similar? Like minds think alike, I must say.

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  23. This look is absolutely amazing! Now I have to get a long, black skirt!
    Where did you buy that jacket?

    I had the same scarf in black and burgundy , but have lost both of them... Such a shame, I really miss them !!!
    It is truly the best scarf in the world. I'm planning on getting a new black one when the Acnestore get their fall collection (have to wait untill october or so)
    and after seeing you here, I kinda also need the grey one!!
    They are kinda pricey but they are also great quality (my black one lasted me for over 3,5 years)

    Thanks for great inspiration
    //carla


    Check out my blog:
    * www.arriere.net *

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  24. Such a great investment! Acne really nails those basic items and I've seen a similar one at COS too but I already have so much scarves. It's one of my many fashion weaknesses ;))

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