Last Winter I went nuts over NEVE, a company that has men’s and women’s clothing, mostly for Winter and outdoor activities. What I love about Neve is that the designs are beautiful, boutique-y, and expensive looking, but they’re actually modestly priced for the quality and fashionable quotient that they offer. These Winter-oriented items don’t just work well outdoors, you can wear them inside, and when a more upscale (but warm and comfy) look is a must.
The name “Neve” means “snow,” and sounds like it might be Scandinavian, but the company is actually in Boulder Colorado (where my husband is also from). They get plenty of snow there, and while Neve may originate in skii country, you can get Neve designs in dozens of states, and in Austria, Australia, Canada and Germany.
While Perusing the Fall/Winter Neve Designs catalogue, I found a number of stunning sweaters that work well now that the frost is on the Pumpkin, but also make a fashion statement. Carol Gantos, Neve’s designs director, really knows what she’s doing. The offerings transition so beautifully from casual to office, to dressy. How many sweaters do you have that can make that claim and do it well? While Neve sources high quality merino wool from New Zealand, Australia and Italy, they also use fine quality cotton. For example, the sweater I think is just perfect for early Fall, is the Carla Ikat Wrap Cardigan ($145.00). It is 100% combed cotton, available in XS to XL (NEVE runs reasonably true to size). This beautiful Carla sweater comes in five color combinations: black, white and red; lime green, white and turquoise, pink, red and white, black, beige and white, and lime green, white and pink.
What I love about the Carla sweater is that it’s beautiful and colorful, and long enough to cover everything from casual leggings and jeans. It’s the perfect “jacket” for the office, or to brighten up a little black dress and take the chill off. I like the details, such as the full body collar which helps the sweater drape nicely, with the same accent design at the cuffs. The hems are also finished and taped inside, so it won’t get stretched out of shape. The sweater is soft and silky, but it’s not so thin that it feels flimsy and not so thick that it adds bulk. The same swirling paisley design is available in a deep v-neck tunic called Carol, and a zippered moc turtle called Jodi, but I like this one the best because it’s really a sweater jacket. Wear this one on the airplane to keep warm and cozy, then throw it over your dress at dinner, or when you’re talking a walk. Whatever you’re doing and whatever you’re wearing under it, the Carla will give you a splash of color. It makes your outfit, trust me
Aside from versatile “city chic” designs, NEVE also has plenty of Winter weather outdoors-y clothing and accessories, as well. Hats, ski sweaters, scarves, shawls, jewelry, even colorful, layering underwear. The Carla Ikat Wrap Cardigan is part of the new, Boulevard collection, focusing on modern takes of Nordic themes and versatile, feminine shapes. There is also a new, Neve Sport, activewear inspired by Colorado and its outdoor, enthusiasts. Sport features bold color, bold patterns, plus body skimming shapes, Both collections feature high quality, great color, fabulous style. There are also men’s designs that follow the same philosophy of patterns, colors, style. From the skii slopes to the City, you can’t go wrong wearing something fabulous from NEVE, or giving a gift from NEVE.
I hope to bring you more suggestions for holiday gift giving, but right now, you need a NEVE Cotton sweater! Get yours at www.nevedesigns.com You can also find NEVE on Facebook and on Twitter at @nevedesigns.