for the love of cardigans, part I

Cardigans are one of my favorite clothing items ever. Soft and comfortable, versatile and classic...the "sexy cardi" never goes out of style...
I've heard people claim they hate cardigans, so I've put together a compilation of cardi's. There's sure to be one to please.

Simple and solid...JCrew's timeless style icon--the Jackie cardigan (after Jackie O). I have this exact one in three colors. The shell can be worn under the cardigan as a twinset, or over another shirt as a vest. Super comfortable stretchy cotton. Machine washable and comes in 10 gorgeous colors. Cardigan, $62. Shell, $42.Here's a similar lower cost version. Cherokee Crewneck Cardigan, Target, $18.

Too preppy for you? Try the revamped longer Grandpa cardigan...Splendid Long Supima and Modal Cardigan, Nordstrom, $72. Supima is super-soft American Pima cotton. Lux Basic Long Cardigan, Urban Outfitters, $48. Cotton and acrylic. Machine wash.Merino Cardigan, BodenUSA, $74. Merino wool is heavenly, the next best thing to cashmere. Handwash or dry clean.

Or, make it memorable with exquisite details.
Avery Ruffle Cardigan, JCrew, $85. Whisper-weight cotton and silk blend. Machine wash.
Cotton-cashmere Primrose Cardigan, JCrew, $98. Appliquéd cotton lawn flowers. Lightweight. Dry clean.Seedling Hoodie, Anthropologie, $88. "Moth's knit hoodie will keep you toasty while searching for new blossoms. Four bead-covered buttons, ensconced by silk flowers on the shawl collar, shield against the spring breeze. Two front pockets. Cotton. Hand wash."

Check back tomorrow for Cardigans, part II.

How do you feel about cardigans? (Please share!)

style profile: Mallory

Another friend who always dresses well is Mallory. She grew up in Bountiful, Utah, and now lives in Naperville, Illinois. She loves dancing and is majoring in Communications and Public Relations.
Here are the key elements to Mallory's style...

Three words to describe my taste...trendy, classic, simple.
My three favorite brands/stores are...Forever 21, H & M, Banana Republic.
The best season for clothing is summer...bright colors, flip flops, and you can carry a lightweight jacket to add to the outfit, especially in the evening.
I never leave home without...my purse and cute shoes.
I've got a great style secret: I've gotten some of my favorite items at Banana Republic on sale... on huge sale. They have great sales!
I get inspiration for my personal style from all over; I take a bit from everything to make my own style.
My worst fashion-victim moment: I don't think I really have one, but I probably would say peasant tops...I looked awful in them.

Thanks Mallory!

As most of you know, H&M is an amazing source for up-to-the-minute fashion trends that are affordable. The only downside is that they are unavailable online. Click here to find a store location near you. It's usually worth a trip!
Check out these stunning looks from their Spring 2008 collection...

High waisted, wide leg, denim trousers, H&M, $24.50.

Yellow colorblock top, H&M, $12.50.Pink blouse, H&M, $24.90.

prints charming

Feelin' foxy in flora and fauna...Tatami-Heli Belt by Mixko, greener grass design, $48. Made from off-cuts of Japanese tatami tape. Environmentally friendly. Relaxed Floral Pullover, Free People, $148. I love the relaxed silhouette. Very chill. Eleanor Horse Print Skimmer, Keds, $40. Because, why not?Big Floral Dress, Lucky Brand Jeans, $78. Machine washable cotton. (This one may need an undershirt.) I'd like to wear this everywhere, all summer long...

Peacock Tee, GoJane.com, $28. Don't you love peacocks?

Garnet Hill

Julie asked me to find a versatile denim skirt just a little past the knee in length. This was a surprisingly hard request! Luckily, clothing and home design company Garnet Hill has three great-looking options... Shaped Seamed Skirt, Garnet Hill, $78. Simple and flattering.
Pleated Denim Skirt, Garnet Hill, $78. The pleats dress this one up a bit.
Eileen Fisher Stretch-Denim Skirt, Garnet Hill, $108. Straightforward and comfortable.

Garnet Hill has a great collection of other clothing, jewelry, and shoes as well. Here are some of my favorites...Printed Smocked Skirt, Garnet Hill, $98. Pretty colors.Banded Collar Shirtdress, Garnet Hill, $118. Garnet Hill Wide Leather Belt, now $28. I love this look.Banded Tunic, Garnet Hill, $88. Sophisticated. Wear it with these cute slim jeans.Garnet Hill Five-Pocket Slim Jeans, $88.Bateau-Neck Tee by Velvet, Garnet Hill, $57. I adore shirts by Velvet. They always fit perfectly and are made of the softest cotton. This one comes in other bold colors, too.

Chan Luu Champagne Diamond Trellis Necklace, Garnet Hill, $198. Beautiful.Kevia Handmade Stacking Rings, Garnet Hill, $112. I love how simple and natural these look.Cocobelle Wedge Sandal, Garnet Hill, $98. Gorgeous.

sitting pretty

Feminine and flattering...
Peter Rabbit Blouse, Anthropologie, $88.Flower seller squareneck, Anthropologie, $68.
Lily pad tee, Anthropologie, $78.

Mariner top, GoJane.com, $30.Ruffled cotton tunic, Forever21.com, $25

pastels by pennyloveskenny

leather thongs, pennyloveskenny, at select Nordstrom locations, $55. I wanted to post these beauties, but when I tried finding them online, I was completely unsuccessful. So, I figured I'd add a couple pair that you can buy online.

Cagney, pennyloveskenny, zappos.com, $50.Pizazz, pennyloveskenny, zappos.com, $58.

style profile: Leila

This multi-talented (professional make up artist, photographer, filmmaker...) up-and-comer is currently in grad school to be a physician's assistant.

Leila, (pronounced Lee-la), you have fabulous style, and we want to know more...

Three words to describe my taste: Trendy, Sophisticated, Fun!
My three favorite clothing stores include: The Limited, Banana Republic, and Anthropologie.
The best season for clothing is Fall because I love wearing knee high boots and trench coats!
When traveling, I never leave home without... a simple black t-shirt. It is easy and is always slimming!
I've got a great style secret: Really know your body shape and flatter what you've got! For example, I have a really short torso and long legs, so to even things out I wear finished shirts that hit below my hips or just leave my shirts untucked.
I get inspiration for my personal style from: Reese Witherspoon and Cate Blanchett-these women know how to dress their type of body!
My worst fashion-victim moment: Be careful of being too trendy! I look back at my freshman year of high school and cringe when I remember body suits, rolled jeans, and the "waterfall" bangs!

Here's is an outfit from Banana Republic Leila can wear to class/work...Short sleeve empire waist top, Banana Republic, $20. Torso-lengthening top in a great color.Wear the top over these versatile glen plaid trousers...Martin glen plaid wide leg pant, Banana Republic, $70.
It probably gets chilly in the hospital! 3/4 sleeve crochet button cardigan, Banana Republic, $64.

Thanks, Leila!

black/white/house/market

(Does the name of that store drive anyone else crazy!?)
Anyway, here are a couple finds I've been holding onto...they all happen to be black and white so I thought I'd just go ahead and share...
Blackbirds attacking in the Dead O' Night, Design By Humans, $20. So cool.Emily, Mikarose, $60. I love this dress. (Is that Elizabeth Smart?!)Champion Metallic Stripe Slip On, Keds, $20. For your inner Avril...
Black Tuxedo tie dress, Jen clothing, $44. (this one, too)
Beauty Ombre Heel, okay, so this one is actually from White House/Black Market...$98. Very pretty.

easy glamour

As many of you know, I'm the busy mother of an active one-year-old boy...
In the last few months, I realized I wasn't wearing jewelry anymore. Ever. It made me kind of sad to think that I had just given up on that extra touch of style. So, I decided to keep things simple but also a little sexy. I found one pair of earrings in each of the following colors: brown, black, white, silver, gold, and turquoise. Now I throw on a pair with each outfit, and that's all I bother with. It actually makes me feel younger! And, I didn't spend much at all.
My three favorite places to find earrings are Etsy, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21.
Here are a few examples of earrings that go with everything...Teardrop Walnut earrings, orno, Etsy.com, $36.
Wooden Hand-carved Double Lace Earrings, Bellarina Studios, Etsy.com, $10.
Filigree Leaf Earrings, Urban Outfitters, $18.
Metallic Cut Out Earring, Forever 21, $4.80.

Lotus Cut-out earring, Forever 21, $3.80.Paisley Disc Earring, Forever 21, $4.80.