This weekend, we’re back up at our Adirondack cabin, which has been our literal cocoon throughout the past 9 months…and counting. I know we are very lucky to have it and am very thankful for that. But we still have to venture back to “real life” every week (at least for now), as my husband has a law firm to run and I a semblance of a career as a freelance advertising writer. So sometimes, my cocoon has to shift into something else. Like this colorful, chunky knit Hope Macaulay sweater I treated myself to in a moment of feeling pretty down about the state of the world. And I’m so happy I did!

A Sweater Story

When it comes to fashion, and especially an investment piece like this statement sweater, I am really drawn to the story and message behind the product. Hope Macaulay is a bespoke fashion brand created by its eponymous and super-talented textile designer based in Northern Ireland.

Hope’s handmade-to-order knitwear (it really just takes a few weeks!) starts with large expressive collaged paintings that are then transformed into playful and wearable designs — which also include t-shirts and tops, dresses and skirts, bags and accessories. No detail is overlooked in the presentation either. My sweater came beautifully wrapped and beribboned with a customized thank you note and booklet.

Just saying…a Hope Macaulay could make an amazing gift…to yourself or someone else special. I plan to be cocooning in my dream-like design day and night, wherever life takes me.

The Total Look

Putting this post together was the best, most fun combination of shopping strategically and shopping my closet. The two new items are my blouse and sneakers. Everything else was already in wardrobe rotation — just not this way.

As someone who leans toward a more minimal, monotone daily look, it was an energizing experience to just dive into color. Dark washed straight leg jeans provided the perfect anchor, and everything else was just the cherry on top.

Final Thoughts

Now with Corona Virus surging throughout the USA, Europe going back on lockdown, political uncertainty, economic distress (and everything else to worry about that I am leaving out), our mountain retreat — where we do not have TV — often feels like the safest and coziest cocoon. That is, except for my new colorful, cozy sweater.

Shopping Details

Sweater: (Hope Macaulay). More affordable options here and here.

Jeans: (Mother, sold out but similar here.) More affordable alternatives here and here.

Blouse: (WhoWhatWear x Target does it again.) (Runs small but is on sale for under $24!)

Sneaker: (Nike, lots of other color options too.) Also love this and this.

Bag: (old, Madewell, but this year’s version here and on sale!) Or reinvent a bag or tote you already own with this tricolor strap — now 50% off — or this rainbow one.)

Bracelet (old) But fun alternatives here, here and here.

Photos by Kristin Moore-Gantz @artdirectthis.

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