No-one's mentioned Starsky & Hutch

If we're talking 70s then how come no-one has mentioned the glory of knitwear?  Probably because it's not vaguely in vogue, but hell, if it's not, then why not?  It should be.

It's probably fair to say (if you haven't worked out by now...) that maybe half term has taken its toll more than I thought and I am starting, ever so slightly, to lose the plot. 

But no, I'm convinced that a heavy 70s style cardigan is something that we should all be embracing. 

Which is handy as I stumbled across one I LOVE in Zara.  I saw it a couple of weeks ago when I was on a Lowland boot mission and therefore not buying anything else at all ever.  Well, that didn't pan out, plus it's half term so surely a small treat wasn't out of the question. 

Zara multicoloured coat £69.99 

I fear that on me, there is a very fine line between urban chic and a bag lady who has lots of cats... the consensus on Instagram was divided (if you're not on Instagram you must must must - it's the most addictive thing I've come across in years.  That's perhaps not the best sales tactic ever on reflection, but do check it out.  I'm @doesmybumlook40 if you're looking for somewhere to start)


It got me to thinking that heavy cardigans make perfect sense for Spring.  Last year I bought the boiled wool emerald green Zara coatigan (yes it's a pants word but it does what it says on the tin) which I have worn so much.  They are the ideal transitional cover up when you want to ditch the winter coat but still need something with a bit of warmth in it.   Yes I love my thinner coat jackets that I have a fair few of (all mid thigh - I have a thing about mid thigh.....) but these are a must for the more casual days when you need something a bit more snuggly. 

I like the 3/4 length sleeves - I think it balances out the heaviness of the knit and makes the proportions work.  And I love love the different colours in it - a corally red, a tan, a yellow, a cream and a blue.... all rather random but somehow it works.  It works beautifully.   

Similar to the Zara one in navy shades is the Apsley cardigan from Fat Face.  Another one with shorter sleeves

Fat Face Apsley Edge to Edge Cardigan in navy £58



More indigo at East - this one is pure 70s, absolutely love it.  Gorgeous texture in the knit and I love the sightly petrol edge to the blue.  To me, this looks much more Toast than East...

East Blanket Coatigan £99





Speaking of Toast, they have a blue one as well.  Significantly more than the East one but still a lovely investment that you could wear all year round. 

Home Space Dye Knit Coat from Toast £245


Print now - Aztec.  Personally I think I prefer the detail to be in the colour hence I'm veering towards keeping the Zara reddish one but the 70s were all about way out prints.  The shape of this would work really well with kick flares.  I can almost smell Chips.....

Oasis Aztec Cardigan £42



They also do a black and white version. 




Moving onto a more classic shape - alas we're leaving the 70s behind but it's perhaps worth it for this investment piece in your wardrobe.  This would work for every occasion - from jeans and sneakers, to the office, to out to dinner.  

LK Bennett Eden Open Front Cardigan in dark navy £195  This reminds me (even though it's not remotely similar... duh) of my black Ronit Zilkha knit coat which I wear all the time and have had for years and years and years.  Definitely one for wardrobe longevity.




This is the shape of my favourite Spring coats - in a chunky knit, what's not to love?  So useful - casual yet smart at the same time.  Don't forget the 20% off code till Monday - FEB15EM

Open front textured long cardigan from M&S £45




A similar textured knit from Oasis but in a lovely light colour that would work well with Winter neutrals but seems somehow less heavy than a darker shade. 

Oasis Waffle Cardigan £40



Another classic drape front shape from River Island. I tried this on and can definitely recommend it.  (I did have an oversized square jumper on in this pic, so probably not the best garment to layer it with.) 

Beige Draped Front Jersey Jacket £45 Interestingly it doesn't feel like a jersey - it definitely is more of a waffle knit.  In fact, I had trouble locating is as I was looking under knitwear.







Monochrome now and reduced at John Lewis.  I would think this is reduced due to the horrific styling in the online pic, which is a surprise from them as they normally get it pretty much spot on.   I fear someone may be moonlighting from M&S.... 

This would be amazing with a white tea, boyfriend jeans and some white sneakers.  Or with a black polo neck, skinnies and some ankle boots.  Just not like they've got it (and what sort of posture has the model got?!)  Snap it up at this price though. 

John Lewis Capsule Collection Textured stripe long cardigan was £89 now £62




If you do prefer belted as some people do, this one is a great great bargain from M&S even before the 20% off. 

Open Waterfall Belted Cardigan £25 from M&S 





And finishing with a classic boyfriend style.  The sort that never goes out of fashion and when it does (which it never will..) it can become the ultimate, slob on the sofa over the jamas, item. 

ASOS Ultimate Chunky Cardigan £28



So there we have - my ideal cover ups for the next couple of months.  To me, they are very 70s, I shall be wearing mine with my kick flares and a polo neck and go on the hunt for Huggy Bear.  Has half term finally got the better of me?  Are you a cardigan fan?

Actually I have to say, as half term draws to an end, it really hasn't been that bad at all.  I did say I would report back on my Maths Factor experiment that we've been undertaking this week and I am totally sold.  There really isn't a downside to it as far as I can see. 

The boys have still been able allowed to play on computers which they see as the hugest treat ever but they've been doing something useful.  Both have really enjoyed Carol's videos - she really does have a knack of explaining Maths.  The 6 yr old will have finished half term knowing his 2, 5 and 10 times table.  Which personally I think is a much better achievement than having collected more coins than his brother in Crossy Road (which is surely just a reinvention of Frogger??)