Welcome to Fashion Finds! A monthly column where Vogue editors and contributors share their favorite under-$300 buys, from tried-and-true wardrobe essentials to the trending now. While high fashion is the name of the game here at Vogue HQ, we love what feels like a steal as much as we do what’s fresh off the runway. The beauty of personal style is found in the mix, and luxury can be found across price points. So the next time someone on the stops you to ask about where your handbag or coat comes from, you can say, “No, it’s not [insert luxury label], it’s actually [insert under-$300 brand]!”
Nothing thrills me more than asking a chic colleague for credits on their look and hearing “J.Crew, Banana Republic, COS, and Zara” as an answer (instead of say, The Row!) and knowing I too can look like that for under-$300, even under-$100, if the case may be!
It’s still February but when I’m online window shopping I’m starting to think about spring. I want crisp, primary-colored separates this season, from red Keds to sailor tops. Everything I’m eyeing and shopping for the new season, under $300, ahead.
Kule The Fisher Top
I never met a sailor shirt I didn’t like, this one from Kule is particularly seafaring!
Long the domain of skiers (see: Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn and Jackie O on the slopes), wool and cashmere balaclavas have popped up more and more on the streets over the past few years — and by now, it’s fair to say they’re having something of a moment. And not a minute too soon: As temperatures continue to drop, I’ll take all the extra face coverage I can get.Balaclavas are basically a scarf and hat in one and are all the warmer for it — plus, it’s one less thing to lose.
As a longtime Chicagoan turned New Yorker, I consider myself somewhat of an expert when it comes to staying warm without foregoing my sense of style. Balaclavas are essential to that formula, so I set out to find the best ones on the ever-expanding market — from bow-topped numbers from Sandy Liang to dickey-style hoods from Kule. Here, you’ll find balaclavas that add something to even the most dreary of winter puffers — so if you’re looking for something to simply stuff under your ski helmet, I’m afraid you’re out of luck.
Here’s a balaclava without even a whiff of itchiness to it, thanks to the cozy sweatshirt-like material that it’s made from. I recommended pairing it with your favorite crewneck — bonus points if it’s a different color.
If you are unsure what to gift (or ask for!) this season, consulting someone whose style you love for recommendations is always helpful. I did us all a favor and asked Nikki Kule—one of those go-to people—what she’d give the people in her life and what she’d love to receive herself. You can thank me later.
For a friend (who I have probably talked into adoring Italy): a subscription to Italy Segreta. It’s a monthly magazine with beautiful photography and excellent recommendations. She deserves la dolce vita!
For a sister:A Rummy Tile set. Nikki grew up playing this game with her family, and your sisterly competitiveness never leaves you.
For a colleague:Loewe “pot” candles will be pretty to light but will also be a great little vessel once the candle gets used up.
Frederic Malle perfumes. I love the packaging of these pretty perfumes and switching between the beautiful scents. They’re also perfect for travel.
Ted Muehling egg vase: I bought this for my best friends last year, but now I want one for myself. You know it’s a good gift when that happens! I would take any and all colors, but specifically the Robin’s Egg and the Celadon Glaze. So pretty.
I love collecting art and am often drawn to work done by female artists. Tappan is a wonderful place to purchase art, with a great selection of artists and artworks.
These Loeffler Randall red velvet Mary Janes. They are good for dressing up or down, even into the springtime. They’re currently on pre-order, so make a little IOU. I’ll wait [red heart].
I’m not a jewelry person, but this Elsa Peretti ring is wearable for any occasion. I hope my husband is reading this! The last time I recommended things for a gift guide, he referenced it! It was indeed a win for me .
The best sweatpants for women surpass comfort. These days, instead of being designated to inside-only loungewear, they’ve moved into the realm of casual, off-duty essentials that can be worn with blazers, oversized cashmere turtlenecks and leather jackets alike. Though the best sweatpants all share a few key characteristics (namely, an elasticized waistband) there’s a surprisingly diverse offering in the category thanks to brands like Sporty & Rich, Les Tien, and Wardrobe.NYC.
You can go classic with a cotton heather gray pair with a drawstring waist from Kule and Everlane, or, for an elevated look, reach for cashmere and wool styles from contemporary brands like Naadam and The Elder Statesmen—known for their softness and high-quality. Want to play around with winter white? Reformation has a wide-leg pair and Eterne’s straight-leg option looks so chic with a tonal sweater tucked in—functional and fashion-forward. However you put your spin on this sporty staple, the 26 sweatpants ahead will effortlessly carry you through the next few months.
The best cashmere sweaters are a winter essential (and a great gift for women)—whether you’re bundled up in Brooklyn or learning lessons of layering in San Francisco, it’s one seasonal staple that every city dweller can use. From classic crewnecks to cozy cardigans, the best cashmere sweaters can bring a soothing softness to the office commute, weekend adventures, and every activity in between. And despite their reputation for having a hefty price tag, direct-to-consumer brands are creating cashmere sweaters priced around the $200 mark (and don’t forget to keep an eye out on the Black Friday clothing deals as you might be able to find a similar luxe style on sale). In other words, there’s an iteration for every occasion and outfit.
Before we get to the styles, a little background on cashmere and how it’s made: Cashmere comes from the fluffy undercoat of cashmere and pashmina goats and has been used to make yarn, textiles, and, of course, clothing for centuries. Unlike sheep’s wool, cashmere is softer and more supple, cementing its place as a luxury staple in your wardrobe. When shopping for your choice of cashmere, there are a few helpful tips to consider: First off, determine what type of style, warmth, and weight you’re after—this will be a defining factor in your sweater’s durability over time. And finally, if possible, try and get a good look at your cashmere choice in person to check for any pills, test out its touch and feel, and inspect for any loose threads in the stitching. And when it comes to caring for your cashmere, avoid any unwanted visits from moths by always washing by hand. A cashmere comb is great to keep pilling at a minimum, too.
Now that you know what to look for, the fun part happens—choosing your silhouette. Whether you’re a minimalist, relying on mainstay favorites such as the fail-proof turtleneck or V-neck sweater, or you prefer something with a little more prep to get you through the colder days, like a collared, polo-style or knitted vest, we covered all the options to bring you the best in every cashmere category.
Keep reading to find everything from the now infamous, Katie Holmes-approved Khaite cardigan, to editor favorites from Suzie Kondi, Lisa Yang, and Toteme that are fashion-forward originals. Of course, every fashionista knows that stocking up on the best basics from J.Crew, Everlane, and Madewell is always a smart idea, and won’t break the bank either, and those who want to shop sustainably will find comfort in styles from Cuyana, Arch4, and Gobi Cashmere.
Go ahead—cozy up to these impeccably soft options with our edit below of the best cashmere sweaters to shop now. Boat Stripes
A statement striped sweater should be a staple in your winter wardrobe—or any wardrobe for that matter. Of course, cool-girl brand Kule’s striped cashmere classic is at the top of our list, though, the options from Everlane and Madewell are equally desirable. Think beyond nautical summer fashion and style yours for winter with suede boots and a chic camel coat for long walks in the park or fashionable work attire for those days in the office.
This Holiday Season, we brought on our friends at Underwater Weaving to transform our Rockefeller Center windows into a basket wonderland. Erin Pollard, the founder of Underwater Weaving, was the artist behind the beautiful cascade of one-of-a-kind hand-woven baskets adorned with ribbons, garland, and, of course, stripes. To celebrate the store’s holiday transformation, we hosted an Après Ski-themed party with friends, bites (including baskets of crudités for the reindeer), and bubbles. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Erin to hear from the magician behind the magic herself
Nikki Kule and Erin Pollard at KULE Rockefeller Center celebrating our new Underwater Weaving holiday windows
KULE: What made you start Underwater Weaving? How long has it now been around?
Erin Pollard of Underwater Weaving: Two years ago, after almost 20 years of working in fashion publishing (magazines), I began hosting workshops and beginner basket weaving circles, instructing a particular kind of stake and strand technique with rattan materials. In the basket style I teach, the weaver makes a vessel from scratch, building an entire artifact from start to finish. My urge to begin teaching after only making baskets for just over a year was admittedly premature (though my mother was a weaver 35 years ago– I self-taught much of what I knew when I started). But, I felt an unshakable desire to gather people around the craft, which felt novel in the capital of high-functioning productivity: New York. When my first gathering had over 80 weavers, my intuition was confirmed: Teaching basket weaving can offer me and others a tangible purpose. I officially started the company a year ago.
Erin at work (in the KULE Sam vest) weaving the baskets for the installation on the left, bringing the fixings for set up at KULE Rockefeller Center in the middle, and installing her creations on the right.
EP: The Underwater Weaving Club is a subscription to a basket weaving kit. Members receive bi-monthly original projects, access to video, and discounts, and they are the first to learn about our workshops and events, which are primarily hosted on the East Coast, but we are expanding. Many club members also join with friends so that they can host their gatherings and make baskets with their friends.
All in the details This installation is putting our neighbors, Saks and Bergdorfs, up for a challenge
KULE: You surround yourself with many amazing women (our party is proof of that!). I know you also work with one: your mother. How did your mom and your professional partnership begin?
EP: In the ’90s, my mother Peggy taught basket weaving workshops, sold her baskets at her craft store, and made a basket called “the New England woven tote” for L.L. Bean! Soon after launching Underwater Weaving, I presented some of my baskets at the Maria McManus Spring 2024 runway presentation. I had positioned the baskets as art until then, but The Runway called ;). When a large retailer showed interest in the work, I asked my mother if she would come out of her 35-year retirement to help me produce my ideas.
Underwater Weaving celebration and window unveiling at KULE Rockefeller Center. After an evening of mingling and enjoying Lillet cocktails as one should at an Après Ski party, they went home with an Underwater Weaving club kit (including that little UWW basket ornament Nikki’s wearing as a necklace and the custom KULE basket socks).
KULE: What’s next for Underwater Weaving? Perhaps expanding into window dressing since you’re so good at it?
EP: Ah! I do love dressing windows… but yes, we’re exploring and expanding in all areas. I envision more beautiful collaborations with fashion, bridal, and home categories. I’d like to develop the workshops into different verticals so that people can gather with their friends for a birthday party or a brand can engage their audience to slow down and gather meaningfully around the craft. I’d love to work with medical and rehabilitation centers so that basket weaving can be used to help people. There is endless potential in design as well. We will start selling our work on some preeminent platforms soon, and I’m excited to work more closely with many industries on custom pieces.
Okay, I have a lot of work to do. Thank you for featuring me in O BOY
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