January 29, 2009

"Chunky" is not a very pleasant word -- it makes Babe think of an undesirable thigh circumference, or salmonella-tainted peanut butter. But when it comes to keeping warm in the frigid northeastern winters, chunky is the only way she wants her sweaters. In the past, it was a challenge to find stout (and stylish) non-wool options, but these days there is an abundance of organic cotton sweaters to choose from. Elwood's The Plan ($98) and Loomstate's Sundown ($155) have convenient hoods to protect your ears, should you misplace your winter hat. Indigenous Designs' cardigan ($140) evokes a cozy hand-me-down from your favorite grandpa. ID's cable sweater ($94) and Lucky Brand's double breasted sweater jacket ($129), at right, would be perfect with jeans now and white pants on a breezy summer day.