The country-club look is making its stately way into urban closets this spring – shades of those cabled pastel sweaters you hoarded back in the Preppy Handbook days. But these aren’t your old school clothes: This year, the favored knit is thick and snug. We covet Michael Kors’s mint-green cashmere version (pictured, right; $895 at Henri Bendel), but if this particular treasure is beyond your budget, price tags do come in smaller sizes.
For the must-have slim fit in ultra-soft, cuddly cashmere, try Ralph Lauren Black Label’s crewneck in teal or sunny yellow ($345 at Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue). For a slightly more relaxed look, or if you actually want to layer something underneath, ring up Saks Fifth Avenue Folio, the store’s catalogue operation, and pick from several pastel-colored cashmere styles (our favorite is the baby blue, $248). If you aren’t set on cashmere, you can get your cables for a lot less in cotton or synthetics: At L.L. Bean, an acrylic crewneck in dusty blue or lavender is $74, and a light silk-knit shell is $49 (both are relatively roomy, so order at least a size smaller than usual). For a tighter fit, try Bloomingdale’s for Easel’s cropped pale-green pullover ($154) or a bubble-gum-pink V-neck from Parallel ($147).
Henri Bendel (212-247-1100); Bloomingdale’s (212-705-2000); Saks Fifth Avenue (212-753-4000); Saks Fifth Avenue Folio (800-345-3454); L.L. Bean (800-221-4221).
Picks of the Week
Fishs Eddy has hundreds of thousands of pieces of Denby China (chunky dinnerware made from mottled-looking English clay). They’re clearing all at truly ridiculous prices – nothing’s over $1. 889 Broadway, near 19th St. (212-420-9020) and 2176 Broadway, at 77th St. (212-873-8819); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Sat. 10-9, Sun. 11-8; 2/21-2/27.
Kalinka’s sparkly, girlish dresses and knits (sold at Bergdorf Goodman) are all half off at the sale: sequined dresses are $300, glitter skirts are $185, and cardigans are $120. 333 W. 39th St., fifteenth floor (212-564-7112); checks accepted; Mon.-Fri. 10-7:30, Sat. 10-5; 2/21-2/29.
Donghia Warehouse Sale offers up to 70 percent off the company’s furniture, fabrics, and home accessories: an upholstered dining chair is $400, a handblown glass lamp is $350, and fabrics start at $15 per yard. The Puck Building, 295 Lafayette St. (718-747-1656); A.E., M.C., V. Thurs.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-6; 2/24-2/26.
Utility Canvas’s sample-and-stock sale means half off the usual prices on selected totes and luggage, as well as rugged, country-style men’s clothes and canvas bedding. Bags are from $24-$54; clothes are $45-$125. 146 Sullivan St. (212-673-2203); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Fri. 11-7, Sat. till 8, Sun. noon-7; 2/25-3/10.
The Bridal Garden is taking up to 90 percent off a selection of gowns from Ulla-Maija, Amsale, One of a Kind Bride, and Vera Wang. Prices are $300-$1,295; all proceeds go to charity. Sizes 4-8. The Sheltering Arms Childrens Service, 122 E. 29th St. (212-252-0661); M.C., V.; Tues.- Sat., by appointment only; 2/22-3/18.