By Victoria Gaither
Saturday, Oct. 14 at 3 p.m.—RUTLAND—The leaves are changing colors, pumpkin spice lattes have been on the menu at favorite coffee houses since August… now, finally, fall sweaters are ready for action.
“By August, I am ready for cooler weather to wear my fall outfits,” said Brittany Marie Loyzelle from Rutland County.
There is nothing more noticeable to usher in Fall than sweaters; whether chunky, Cashmere, cotton, cable knitting, merino, lambswool, or alpaca, sweaters reflect a change of season and feeling.
“My favorite fall clothing essential is a sweater because it feels like a big hug,” said Loyzelle as she sat on her chair with dog Fozzie.
“There’s this comforting feeling I get when the weather starts getting cooler, leaves change color, and the home and outfits are cozier.
In Downtown Rutland, at Camille’s Experienced Clothing, owner and sweater lover Jadziah DeRosia, said, “Everyone loves to feel the soft hug of a cozy sweater!”
At DeRosia’s vintage, thrift, and consignment shop at 44 Merchant Row in downtown Rutland customers are now buying sweaters.
“Our cashmere and wool sweater racks are our biggest sellers as well as our flannels, which I like to call the ‘Vermont Uniform’ in the colder months,” she said.
Whether buying from a consignment shop or retail, DeRosia discussed how to look for a good sweater: “While there are still a few folks (both small and large scale) producing high-quality sweaters, it’s true that most new sweaters are not made to the same standards as older garments.”
So, buying natural fibers like cotton, merino, alpaca, and Cashmere will be your best bet.
DeRosia added to check out Vermont brands like Think Tank in Waitesfield, Muriel’s of Vermont in Grand Isle, and Slow Process in Burlington.
Also, consider where you plan to wear the sweater; if you need ideas, the folks at Rutland’s Come Alive Outside, in partnership with the Real Rutland program and Downtown Partnership, are having a Sweater Weather Soiree on Oct. 14 from 3–8 p.m. at Center Street Market Place in Rutland.
“The event will include all the comforts of Fall, including live music, food, and craft vendors, pumpkin-themed games, The Butternut Goldens, and a sweater and flannel auction,” said Arwen Turner, executive director of Come Alive Outside.
Turner said this new Fall event aligns with the nonprofit’s mission is to get people outdoors and enjoy the benefits of nature.
Haley Rice, Sweater Enthusiast and Communications Manager for Come Alive Outside, is already getting into the fall mood, saying, “My favorite sweater is an alpaca sweater. Having a good sweater is a labor of love. You have to baby them, let them air dry on a special rack, and treat them with Woolite.”
That’s the thing about sweaters: owners usually pay special attention to them, and DeRosia says to keep them for a long time; reading the labels for care is a good idea.
“Just be sure to read the care tag before throwing them in the wash!”
Brittany Marie Loyzelle goes as far as looking for sweater ideas on Pinterest.
“I’ve always loved clothes and putting a look together. It’s satisfying when every piece looks effortless. I use The Like To Know It app and Pinterest for inspiration.”
Although, she admits you can’t go wrong with a slouchy or oversized sweater with a fitted bottom like jeans or a skirt.
Turner hopes to see everyone at her first Sweater Weather Soiree sporting the fall staple and taking plenty of selfies.
For more information about the soiree, visit Come Alive Outside’s Fall Events at .comealiveoutside.com.
