Tag Archives: cardigan

this just in: equinox steals at cardigan

I love a ~~parade~~ sale. Almost as much as I love the siren song that is the spring equinox! So when my lovelies at Cardigan by Lynne Hiriak emailed to let me know that all of their newest women’s sweaters are 50% off today in celebration of the advent of spring, how could I possibly keep it to myself?

Sorry, what were you saying? I was busy frantically hitting “add to cart” on that fantastic Blythe tunic. Is it too much to buy it in all 3 colors?

Use code CHIQUINOX through Sunday 3.24 to score this killer deal!

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all in the details: the nautical tote

Kate M.W. ~ Around this time of year, I start demanding something a little different from my handbags. Sure, my day-to-day work-appropriate classics still reign Monday to Friday, but I’m now looking for something that longs for casual kick-around weekends and that can stand up to the structured jackets and tendency towards layers that my wardrobe takes on. I look for duffel or hobo bags whose focus isn’t necessarily structure, and whose colour isn’t limited to black. When I came across the Sea Duffel from AANDD I immediately stopped: deep wine colour, playful rope accents, and just enough shape to keep from looking disheveled.

Sea Duffel, AANDD, $484

Inspired by the rope detailing, I immediately thought of stripes (blame the nautical connection) but opted for a sweater that could easily be a foundation for many an outfit. Though there’s a natural tendency to use dark wash denim, your favourite medium or light-wash jeans still work at this time of year and contrast nicely with the depth of the navy in the sweater and the colour of the bag. And of course, since I’m known for arguing that a good jacket is a fall fundamental, I’d look for an option that provides ample contrast: an olive green with a particularly structured nature. That, and this particular one from Emerson Fry was just too good to resist (apologies for retail indulgences!).

Etienne Bar Stripe Crew Sweater, Cardigan, $195 / Matchstick Jeans, J.Crew, $148 / Army Coat, Emerson Fry, $485

In an effort to make sure that the details of the outfit aren’t too distracting, I’d stick with one category and go from there. Since the sweater already has stripes, I’d skip a necklace and go straight for a wristful of bracelets and simple pearl studs in my ears. Mimic the olive tone of the coat with this woven chain option, a cool pearl-capped bangle, and an oversized tortoise shell link to bring in the colour of the handbag. Speaking of that colour, dare to let it nearly match when you’re choosing your footwear, in this case a pair of classic boots. Either let your jeans hang down over the tops, or unzip them slightly at the back and let your jeans rumple down into the top of the boot. On a brisk but bright day, bring in your favourite navy-based scarf and classic shades.

Monogram Plush Wrap, Banana Republic, $75 / North Country Boots, Anthropologie, $258 / Highstreet Sunglasses, Ray-Ban, $145 / Pearl-Cap Bangle, Majorica, $85 / Oversized Pearl Studs, Juliet & Company, $21 / Woven Charm Bracelet, Brooks Brothers, $68 / Tortoise Link Bracelet, Loren Hope, $40

Inspired by a bag like this, it’s easy to make sure that adjectives like playful and fun don’t get lost amongst the layers of autumn, since by now we all know that they’re easy to play up, if you keep it all in the details.

trend to try: pattern mixing

Friends, I’m so excited to introduce a new Shopping’s My Cardio columnist to you: the exceedingly fabulous Kimberly Brandt, of Billede Design. Kim is a stylist extraordinaire, responsible for designing everything from magazine shoots to fashion lookbooks from some of my favorite local designers. She just radiates style in her personal life to, and – unlike me – is never afraid to take a fashion risk. So, I’ve asked her to pop in here from time to time, to help us stretch our style boundaries just a smidge. You’ll see her new “Trends to Try” column every two weeks in the new year, but she’s come up with a couple of columns now to pique your interest. I can hardly wait to see what’s next!

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I’m so happy to be guest blogging today! So, I’m sure you have all spotted the ‘pattern mixing’ trend that’s absolutely everywhere right now. It’s fun and fashion-forward, but it can be a bit tricky to pull off, so I’m here today to share some of my favorite advice about how to make it work!

Pattern-mixing is a great way to update old pieces that are sitting in the back of your closet right now. Who doesn’t have stripes, plaids, and polka dots in their wardrobe? Give a good mix up, pair them together, and you have a whole new look! But how? How do you pair totally different patterns together, and how do you know what’s hot and what’s heinous? Well, you’re in luck! I have tips and examples to make it easy:

Stick with similar, or complementary colors.
Pair a soft pattern with a crisp pattern – ie, a floral with a stripe.
Match a round pattern with a sharp pattern – ie, dots with plaid.
Combine a loose pattern with a tight pattern – ie, a large-scale, graphic print with a micro print.
Remember that animal prints are a great first step. They work as a neutral and have endless pairing possibilities.
Don’t forget about silhouette and texture, which is often as powerful as pattern (think of chunky knits or bold tweeds)! Pair loose, flowing pieces with more tailored/structured choices for best results.
Above all, be bold! Confidence is the key to pulling off this look.

This look from Tucker is a great example of how complementary tones help pull together mixed patterns.

And these combinations from Karen Walker show how easy it is to pair a soft, loose pattern with a smaller, tighter pattern.

Images c/o Karen Walker, from Style.com

CARDIGAN New York always has the most beautiful lookbooks. This shot shows a loose, textural sweater paired with the tight, tonal pattern of the sequins to create a look that’s the perfect mix of cozy and sophisticated.

And last but not least, I went to the first of many Holiday Parties this last weekend and spotted both of these great real-life examples of pattern-mixing. The results were festive, fun and unexpected – just perfect!

Good luck applying this in your own wardrobe. Let us know how it goes!! –Kim Brandt

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get gifting: in style

A guide after my own heart – no wonder it’s the longest one. This is for the girl who waits by the mailbox when it’s time for Vogue to arrive, is a walking encyclopedia of what’s “in” this season, and is always on hand to lend style advice for your latest sartorial dilemma. No wonder you two have so much in common.

Infinitely more chic than the slippers she’s wearing now, but every bit as toasty warm. Bel Esprit velvet slippers, $98
From the bright red hue to that distinctive basketweave detail, this luxe wallet will make her heart sing (and never get lost in the bottom of her bag). Leela continental wallet, Botkier, $195
A practical coat that’s this chic? Impossible. Bonnie jacket, LK Bennett, approx. $245 (order online or call their Chicago store).
One of those things we never splurge on for ourselves: truly luxurious socks. These are thin but warm, silky soft, and actually stay up all day. Bouton mi-bas socks, Phillipe Matignon, $23
A cozy cardigan is a no-brainer, especially a bargain like this. I love the nod to tribal style, and the colors are so neutral, she’ll wear it nonstop. Wrap cardigan, Quiksilver, $108
Carine Roitfeld is a serious player in the world of style icons. This gorgeous tome will get her one step closer to the sartorial perfection she craves. Irreverent, by Carine Roitfeld, $62
Lingerie can be a tricky holiday gift, but this lighthearted polka-dot chemise strikes the perfect balance between sexy and sweet. Muse chemise, Blush Lingerie, $68
If you know a girl that would love this awesome tote, you’ll know it instantly. I can think of at least three (not including myself). “I Am The Shit” Tote, Maude & Tilda, $45
Call it a British invasion, but these mod green tweed driving gloves are my latest obsession. Tweed driving gloves, Shepherd England, approx. $118 (20% off sitewide through 12/14)
There is positively nothing better than a classic striped sweater, and there is positively no one who does them better than CARDIGAN. Marielle striped sweater, Cardigan by Lynne Hiriak, $80 (on sale!)
A gorgeous rendition of a classic Angela Adams print, this scarf will brighten the greyest days. Haven lambswool scarf, Angela Adams, $75
More gloves, I know. What can I say…I’m freezing! These fingerless gloves are so soft and light (not to mention iPhone-friendly), I almost never take them off. Cashmere fingerless gloves, vkoo by INHABIT, $168
I’ve wanted a minaudiere all season, and this one is my absolute favorite. Pop a pair of tickets to The Nutcracker inside, and your holiday work is done. Kingston minaudiere, J.McLaughlin, $175

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styled alternatives: cardigan fall 2011

Have you seen all of the goodness going on at CARDIGAN this fall?

Sigh…I’m pretty sure it’s love. But, truthfully, I’ve always been smitten. Designer Lynne Hiriak has a way with creating the most covetable, classic cardis and striped sweaters – her styles have become a staple in my closet. But this season seems especially wonderful – all of those cozy, chunky knits and bold colors have me ready to curl up by a fire with a hot cup of cider.

While I’d happily snatch up absolutely anything from this collection, a couple of favorites may have made their way to my closet recently. This pretty polka dot Stella crew ($198) is the perfect step forward now that I’m feeling a bit stripe-weary. Wearing it feels just like pulling on your favorite menswear sweater – thick, warm and comfy – but this packs an infinitely superior style punch. Wearing it with jeans and a tee (you’ll want to layer, since it’s wool) is a no-brainer, but I love the idea of taking this up a notch with some warm fall colors.

Paired with: Rachel Comey Mars boot, $385; Rag & Bone Malin pant, $290; Old Navy chambray shirt, $29;
Botkier Brinks shoulder bag (again, I know- it’s just so good!), $425

As is always the case with this brand, the cardigans steal the show. I’ve gotten a compliment (or three) literally every time I’ve left the house in this beautiful Daphne cardigan ($298) – the fair isle knit is so perfect for cold weather, and oh, is it warm! I’ve paired it with everything from summery silk dresses to an all-denim look (it works, I swear!) with my Frye Engineer boots. Since casual is a cinch with a piece this classic, I thought I’d show you how to dress it up a bit.

Paired with: Linea Pelle clutch, $195; Oasis leather skirt, $160 (loving the leather skirts this season!);
Proenza Schouler silk tee, $187; Scout & Catalogue scarf, $118; Frye Naiya platform moc, $173.

You’re feeling warmer already, right? One little tip: these are built for a very oversized look, so if (like me) that doesn’t work for you, you’ll want to size down. (Always a nice ego boost as well, right?)

Do yourself a favor and peruse CARDIGAN’s fall lookbook…if nothing else, the pictures are transportingly lovely, and it will give you oh-so-many styling ideas for the season.

Mostly, though, it’ll make you crave sweaters. Lots and lots of sweaters.

friday finds: my kind of easter egg hunt

What a fun, utterly exhausting week! I hope yours has been good as well, and that you’re ready for chocolate eggs, Easter brunch, and lots of leftover ham. Mostly, though, I hope you have today off from work.

I was going to take Good Friday off (because, you know, I’m so religious…), but couldn’t resist “hopping” in to tell you about a few steals that have hit my in-box.

First up, J.Crew is doing one of those things that never happens: free shipping at any price with code WARMUP (good through Sunday only). So, now’s the time to check out a few of my favorite new pieces for spring:

From top left: Tomboy tunic, $74; Pier stripe sweatshirt, $68; Silk layering tank, $75; Iris suede sandals, $118; Watson suede sandals, $198.

Another “thing that never happens” is going on at Steven Alan, where you can take 25% off any one item this weekend with code HIPHOP25. I was a little too excited about this one, until I saw it’s only good on Steven Alan merch (ie, those Rachel Comey boots are still full price). But, it’s still a deal, especially if you’re in the market for a breezy plaid shirt to throw on over your summer cutoffs. And really, who isn’t?

From top left (all prices before 25% discount): Tyler skirt, on sale for $115; Spring reverse-seam shirt, $158; Georgiana bag, $475; Carmen tank, on sale for $139.

And last, but most definitely not least, these cutie pie stripe-and-polka-dot sweaters from Cardigan NY (a personal favorite of mine) are a whopping 50% off, plus free shipping, through Sunday. The magic code for this one is dotdotdot. I’m sorely, sorely tempted to up the style quotient of my now-standard mariner with one of these cuties.

By the way, is anyone else way more smitten with cutoff denim shorts this year than they ever have been, or is it just me? Something about the styling this season is just…working.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone – and remember, once Lent and Passover end, it’s totally expected that you reward yourself with a little treat for all of your good works.

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designer 101: cardigan

designed by lynne hiriak, CARDIGAN has taken the fashion scene by storm this season. her signature, not surprisingly, is ultra-cozy knitwear, including super-thick wool sweaters, and gorgeous cardigans.

i’m determined to add at least one piece from her collection to my wardrobe this season, as i have no doubt her prices will double by this time next year. it’s a tough call…and i could use some input from my dear readers.

there’s this gorgeous 3/4 sleeve open cardigan ($195) that i positively adore for its draping. it also comes in a stunning royal blue and a classic black, but i think the heather grey really shows off the silhouette, which is special enough to deserve center stage.

i happened upon this striped boatneck sweater ($245) in a local boutique, and it was love at first sight. once again, it’s the detail of the silhouette that makes this special. i love the wide boatneck that drapes perfectly over your shoulders, making this actually quite sexy for a baggy wool sweater. it’s perfect to throw on over jeans for a dose of effortless style on even the most frigid day. you can also pick this up in white with royal blue stripes, or in a lovely sweater dress/tunic style.

for something a little more uptown, i almost can’t believe i’m so in love with this cardigan with the built-in scarf detail ($250). button up and tie it in a bow, or leave it open and drape the scarf casually around your neck – either way, you’re roasty toasty warm, and right on trend this fall.

hard call, don’t you agree? keep your eye out for more greats from this up-and-comer but, in the meantime, which of her current pieces is your fave?