Three Archetypal Ski Sweaters. Even If You Don't Ski.

I had dinner with my mother at my aunt's house this weekend. Upon walking into my aunt's kitchen, I couldn't help but notice her sweater. Yes, since you ask, we do enter through the kitchen. She has a mudroom. I love that moment, coming in from the rain, stomping on the floor, shaking the umbrella outside before you close the door. Warmth. But I digress.

I should point out, my aunt is the archetypal Sturdy Gal. Raised three boys. Computer-literate from way back. Hung her own wallpaper. And, to this day, has resisted any culture pressures to conform to the Northern California artsy way of dressing. Turtlenecks without apology.

She was wearing a sweater like this. Hers was 3/4 zip, but very similar. Aha! I thought. Sturdy Gal style. We deserve our icons just as much as Grandes Dames and Artsy Cousins do. The Annabelle. $184.
Comes in black for the urban Sturdy Gal. They do exist. Mostly in hiding. Cities remind us Sturdy Gals that cool is not our forte.


I dug further into the website. What do you know. Neve is broad-minded. Ski sweaters for the Grande Dame. Technically a jacket, I suppose. (Although not as grand as this ruffled navy number at Couture Carrie...). The Sophia. $273.


And for the Artsy Cousin. Would of course require some serious accessorizing, but I think the potential is there. I will have to ask my sister. Or DocP. The Finley. $129.
Now go dig that long underwear out of the Rubbermaid tub in the garage, or basement, or attic, and head to the mountains. It's snowing in the Sierras.

*I had never heard of Neve. No money or product has been exchanged. Although my aunt made some delicious short ribs.

** A post describing the three High WASP women fashion archetypes.