Merry Christmas

Coco, Mister Bagley, and I are enjoying our first Christmas as a family. Posts shall resume January 1st! In the meantime, don't forget to enter the Shy Legs Giveaway.

Glad Tidings

Shy Legs: Vintage Hem Giveaway

There's a reason Lloyds of London insured Betty Grable's lady legs for a million. Paired pedials provide the functional support for the preponderance of our daily toils and they comprise nearly 50 percent of our structural aesthetic. Yet these graceful gams are delicate creatures, prone to spots, dimples, and spiders among other natural effects.

Whether your knees hang low or your lower inhibitions run high for some other reason, there are few things more devastating than the perfect skirt with a prematurely abrupt hemline.

My own shy legs have diligently and sorrowfully sought a solution to this tragedy for many, many seasons. When I came across Vintage Hem, I begged Mrs. Jennifer to share her solution with my readers. Her concurrence is followed by my gushing testimonial.

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1. Slim
Perhaps you have tried layering a longer skirt underneath a shorter dress. First this solution only works for a full skirt, second this adds quite a mess of volume to a lower figure's already sturdy thighs. Vintage Hem on the other leg is a clean fitted slip which adds no additional bulk and keeps your outer skirt from sticking to your legs.

2. Details
Each vintage hem is composed from display ready materials. Since I have also tried layering a traditional slip with a pretty hem underneath a mini dress, I can confidently report that there is nothing flattering about being told that your slip is showing, even if you are intentionally showing it.


3.Quality
The materials and construction of each of these slips is sugar fairy dusted. In other words, they are lovely, very well constructed and Cardigan Empire approved.

Should your underpinnings drawer need such a staple, you can enter up to two times for a chance to win your own Vintage Hem Slip.

Wishing Well 1: Visit Vintage Hem Store and leave a comment on this Cardigan Empire post detailing which slip you think would solve your short skirted snafu.

Wishing Well 2: Become a Cardigan Empire follower so you can continue to hear about more closet miracles.


The winner of Shy Legs Giveaway will be selected on Friday, January 1st. The winner will receive a $25 Vintage Hem Gift Certificate.

Shy Legs

The long awaited crowning triad of Shy Fashion debuts this week. Festivities will include a review, a giveaway, and tips to delight the most bashful of gams.

I'll see you and your leggys tomorrow.

Downeast Basics Winter Coat Giveaway Winner

On the fifth day of Christmas, Kristin Brewer Pelczynski, already had a golden ring, so we're offering her the Classic Cord Coat in Italian Plum from Downeast Basics instead.

Merry Christmas!


Stuff a chic stocking with a Fashion Package Gift Certificate, complete with a look book & virtual shopping session to compile a portfolio of uniquely customized ensembles for the new year.

How to Pick a Winter Coat by Body Type

While you're waiting to win the DownEast Basics Outerwear Giveaway, enjoy some tips on outerwear by body type.

Unceremonious Upper: a bomber style to show off your boss legs, spouting spontaneous never sloppy.


Statement Lower: Military styling flaring out to an A at the waist coats without clinging to your derriere.

Polished Hourglass: a fitted car coat slickly showcases both sets of your curves while highlighting your professional prowess.

Chilly Linear: a down filled puffer adds soft rounded bulk in all the right places while keeping you cozy.

Versatile Middle: The swing coat keeps your soft delicious center safe from overexposure in every possible way. The hip-hitting sailor-length pea coat is also perfect for a petite figure which could be overwhelmed by a thigh-skimming, officer-length bridge coat.

Don't forget to enter the DownEast Basics Outerwear Giveaway!

Stuff a chic stocking with a Fashion Package Gift Certificate, complete with a look book & virtual shopping session to compile a portfolio of uniquely customized ensembles for the new year.

How to Pick a Winter Coat, Downeast Basics Giveaway

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Your outerwear is the first impression you arrive with and the last impression you leave with. Tatty pickpocket, forlorn baglady, overstuffed Michelin man....there are many outerwear guises to evaluate, but below is a guide to picking a CE approved winter coat.


::phase first::set a budget
Illustration of this principle will be presented through a story problem:

If Calgary stationed Clementine procures a car coat post Christmas for $139.95 (retail $268) and wears it through the end of February as well as the two subsequent 4 month winters after that, what is her cost per fabulous wear?

Meanwhile, if San Diego Stella purchases a full priced bundler after Halloween for $69.95 and wears it through the end of March before discarding based on prevalent pilling? What is her cost per economical wear?

Answer: Stella and Clementine both average a $.47 cost per wear. The value is equivalent.

When determining a budget, factor your climate, replacement window, and cozy soled needs. If you live in a land of bitter frigidity and rarely make it out to the retail wonderland. It makes sense to invest more now to ensure your tail isn't rosy later. If however, your environment never falls below freezing and you prefer not to visit a dry cleaner, indulge in disposable clothing. Either way, fail not to purchase prudently.

::phase first::city chic or country casual
Coating distressed denim and trainers in calf-skimming cashmere is no less tacky than the shabby parka + pencil skirt combo. Examine your average uniform and find a topper to match. If your double life requires it, invest in both a posh and sporty option to avoid outerwear incongruity.


::phase third::solid vs. print
If your coat is chauffeured from home to abroad in a long, shiny black car, you can safely select a winter white wrap. For if your umbrella doesn't protect it your extensive dry cleaning bill will.

However, for the average plebeian, a darker hue is a less dangerous alternative. While black and gray are basics for good reason, feel free to experiment with patterns or statement hues which will hide imperfections without hiding your dynamism.


::phase third::size & fit
When coat shopping, wear or bring your heaviest imaginable layer. Then stretch your arms out to the side and evaluate whether the shoulder seam matches up with the underlying body part.

Next, stretch your arms out in front of you with your little hands clutched into fists. While you obviously don't want others to mock your fighting stance based on prematurely ending sleeve lengths, you also don't want jack frost nipping your wrists while you're sweeping slush from your windshield or removing roof lining Christmas lights.

In summary, fear not a fuller size to accommodate an extra layer or elegantly elongated arm length.



::phase fourth and final::accessories
Don't forget to add on your scarf, mittens, and hat. They're not only fashionable, they're also functional. Purple ears, fingers and clavicles are so last season.

You can win your own DownEast Basic Muffler too my dear, here's how:

Either: Go to DownEast Basics, inspect their outerwear selection, and leave a comment detailing the coat that cozies your soul.

And/Or: Become a DownEast Basics fan on facebook and leave a confirming comment on this Cardigan Empire post.

The winner of the Outerwear Giveaway will be selected on Friday, December 18th. The winner gets to select a DownEast Basic Coat in her style and size of choice, or she can opt for the outerwear accessories set, including the Rosette scarf, glove, and hat.

Mommy Uniform Giveaway Winner

Carly of Mike & Carly, can wrap a present for herself under her own sparkly tree. Perhaps the Shade Clothing Ruffle Top will find its way into her stocking now that she's won a $25 gift card from Shade Clothing.

Felicitous Holiday Wishes lucky girl!


Stuff a chic stocking with a Fashion Package Gift Certificate, complete with a look book & virtual shopping session to compile a portfolio of uniquely customized ensembles for the new year.

Mommy Uniform Giveaway

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Once upon a time, years before the establishment of Cardigan Empire, a dark epoch reigned. A work-from-home executive Cinder-Reachel hardly saw a soul that wasn't attached to an e-mail all day. Day after day, she was alone in her tower typing ever typing from from early dawn to latest dusk. Soon Cinder-Reachel began to turn down video conference calls knowing her hair looked afright and wearing dully colored knit sleeper pants all day. For while she had a closet full of lovely clothes, they all required ironing and/or dry cleaning.

Gladly Cinder-Reachel learned to live fashionably ever after, and was never again held captive by a lack of casual wear. Especially not when she became a mother. For this was her most glorious role ever.

As a mother, my pumps have shrunk to kittens and I've tissued my cashmere & silks to make room for more jersey & cotton. Nevertheless, casual wear is not a surrender of style, casual wear is an artful combination of form and function.

Take my Striped Boyfriend Cardigan bequeathed by Shade, casual quality experts, Shade Clothing. Let us examine this specimen by the exacting casual cardinals:

Fabric: 55% cotton + 45% acrylic foreshadows machine washable durability. This modal blend will protect against pilling and over stretching.

Figuration: As my sharp sighted photographer can confirm, there is frosting on my sleeve from making gingerbread houses. And a little strippedy pattern (or any pattern for that matter) makes these kind of embellishments less visible.

Form: Soft, cozy, and pocketed. Perfect for cuddling in the rocking chair while keeping dropped pacifiers, abandoned socks, and other necessaries within arm's reach.

Yesterday's Waffle Henley, also alms from Shade Clothing, passed the casual gauntlet exquisitely as well. The geo-floral print camouflaged Coco's post breakfast renderings. The sillouhette had nary an excessive fold of fabric to fussle bundle's bath or any other items on our agenda. And the cotton-polyester blend survived the washer-dryer combo beautifully.

Get your own Mommy Uniform by cyber-commuting over to Shade Clothing where you can get an additional 25% off all sale items + free shipping

Or you can enter up to two times for a chance to win a $25 Shade Clothing Gift Card.

Chance 1one1: Become a fan of Shade on Facebook and leave a confirming comment on this post.

Chance 2two2: Go to Shade Clothing, inspect their lovelies, return to this post, and submit a comment on your nomination for your own Mommy Uniform.

The winner of the Shade Mommy Shopping Spree will be selected at 8 am on Monday, December 14th. The winner gets a $25 Shade Clothing gift card to apply to her Mommy Uniform of choice.


1 hundred 98 cents = your own Casual Wear fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own casual wear recommendations and much more.

* Post Script 1: Yes, I am a lower figure wearing a long cardigan, but I bought a size larger than my top half requires and only buttoned the top button, to avoid inappropriate clutching of my triple threat.

* Post Script 2: An addendum to casual wear basics: add an accessory. A simple necklace, stud earrings, it says, I'm important enough for trivialities.

* Post Script 3: I heart the diaper bag, so many useful things. My favorite at-hand staple is wipes. Beyond their intended purpose, they make handy little spot removers.

Puj Tub Product Review

Remember that adorable guest Katie Richardson, recall how fashion can be found beyond the traditional borders of dresses and hats? Well today let us admire fashion in a tub, created by the pretty product designer Mrs. Richardson owner of Puj (pronounced like rolly, polly pudge).

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Watch below for a video demonstration of the Puj Tub:

Puj Tub Product Review on Howcast

Now on to what I fancy to be Puj Tub's most fashionable qualities:

1. The name/logo is almost an anagram (puj tub). Clever & chic.
   
2. The tub is modern white, bearing not a single cartoon character or cute saying.
   
3. As my washroom has no more storage than the 3 inch depth cloaked behind my mirror, I appreciate that the Puj Tub stores inconspicuously behind my bathroom door.
4. The magnets are enchanting. Using them makes me feel like a wise origami master.
5. Besides being antibacterial and antimicrobial, the soft foam holds up well. ( I know because my sister-in-law let me borrow her used edition until I was awarded my own by Puj.) There are few things less satisfying than purchasing a shiny, white gadget of any type only to have it streaked and soiled within a few uses.

Should you too wish for an elegant bath time, tip toe your clicker over to Puj Baby.

If the uncharacteristically casual (by Cardigan Empire standards) thermal henley I wore in the video caught your eye, check it out on sale at Shade Clothing.

We'll be talking about my transition into maternal fashion tomorrow and don't you think a giveaway is in order? Shade has philanthropically offered me some maternal samples, and I intend to talk.

Guest Brand: Puj & Katie Richardson

Might I introduce: Puj Baby

Name: Katie Richardson

Age: 29

City of Residence: Portland, Oregon (I love the NorthWest!)

Pithy Title for your hybrid of Signature Style:
Classic:Modern & Funky:Feminine
Brief Narrative on your Personal Brand of Sartorial Fashion:
I feel my best when I am looking my best. I am a stay at home, mother of 3 boys (5,3, & 1)and I get "dressed up" everyday. I find that it is just as easy to put on a cute dress and boots as it is to put on a frumpy sweat-shirt and baggy jeans. So don't be afraid to be bold and have some fun.

How old were you when you figured out your sense of style?
My style is constantly evolving and I am still trying to figure it all out. But I will say that I suppressed my natural curl until the age of 19. Then one day I decided to let it run wild and I unleashed my hair. I have never looked back and the curls are now a big part of who I am.

Who is your style icon?
Pamela (my mother). Frequently when I wanted to buy something my mom would say, "We don't need to buy that Katie, I can make it for you" And then she would. She even made my wedding dress and I could not have been more thrilled. She taught me to be fearless and just go for it! My favorite pieces are ones I made for myself. Celebrity Icons I like : Audrey Tatou, Rachel Weisz, Garance Dore and these girls

What's your best piece of fashion advice for women?
When I try something on I rank it from 1-10. If it's not a 10, I don't buy it. Even if it's a really good bargain. Save your money and spend it one something you REALLY like and that is flattering on you. And tailoring something to fit you right can take it from a 6 to a 10. Pay attention to the silhouette.

Where do you shop when you want a bargain?
Consignment stores (ie Buffalo Exchange or Good Will) If it's not a screaming deal I almost never get it. With a little creativity and the help of my trusty sewing machine I can alter, create or re-fashion anything to make it original and make it Katie. Most of these pictures are outfits that I have made for myself.

Where are your top 5 places to shop overall?
Second-hand (consignment, e-bay or Good Will), Target (what's not to love about a place where I can buy diapers, wipes, mascara and a feminine ruffly top) DSW (no outfit is complete without the right pair of shoes) Fabric Depot (best fabric store in Portland, OR) and One of a kind Boutiques (great inspiration!)

What body issue do you dress around, and how?
Well, if you must know, I have a soft (delicious) core. I do my best to accentuate my neck, legs and arms. I have always found an umpire waist-line to be the most flattering. Fitted in the bust with a gradual flair down and outward.

More on Katie's industrial design chic tomorrow.

How to Make a Yoga Tee

As the athletic landscape has been virtually barren of the romantic variety, I have determined to take matters into my own artless hands. Specifically, a semi-handmade project in the honor of quixotic physical exertion.

First, I took my complimentary Undertease Signature Cap Sleeve Tees. I accepted this brand based on the following criteria:

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1. Premium fabric blend: the beechwood modal stretches without loosing shape, wears without compromising sheen or pilling, and most importantly wicks moisture away from the body. While its traditionally worn as a base layer, I determined it to be the perfect yoga tee.
   
2. Polished Seams: When exercising, one needs to be particularly vigilant of underarm seams. Too unrefined and you'll be a victim raw meat pits. Undertease has a flat, single fold, polished stitch that not only looks lovely, but feels lovely.
   

Below are the handful of yoga tees I made with fabric scraps, mismatched buttons, and discarded lace. Tips: Order a size up as they run a touch small for my tastes. And keep the embellishment near the neckline where the fabric has less stretch and pull. And while they should be safe in the delicate cycle, save them from the ravages of the dryer.

Thanks to dear Beth for guiding me through this crafty project.

Stuff a chic stocking with a Fashion Package Gift Certificate, complete with a look book & virtual shopping session to compile a portfolio of uniquely customized ensembles for the new year.

Hunt: Feminine Athleticism

(Image courtesy of Domestic Bliss, Blissfest 2009)

Right side of photograph - Premium hug benefactor, Carrie. Carrie - Tranquil Proprietor of Inside the Bungalow
Inside the Bungalow - The most delightful little yoga spot you ever took a deep breath into.

When I complete a vinyasa with Carrie, I want to be sheathed in my soul's ensemble, my atman frock. I want feminine athleticism. Following extensive prospecting, I have uncovered the following thus far.

Extrinsic bling for the intrinsic Diva

Traditionally timeless attire for a present moment stretch

Modern typeset graphics to complement the angles of a warrior pose

Bohemian henna an ethnic, organic filigree connection the wearer to Brahman.

Ruffled pants for a romantic soul. And this I found after much, much searching. But alas, where is my lace inset yoga hoodie? Not to mention my floral sports bra.

Come back tomorrow for my solution. Namaste.

Stuff a chic stocking with a Fashion Package Gift Certificate, complete with a look book & virtual shopping session to compile a portfolio of uniquely customized ensembles for the new year.

How to Wear Stockings, Leggings, & Tights

"In [a bad economy], we always see a surge in hosiery," says Nicki Gondell, principal at Trend House, a fashion forecaster. "Maybe you can't afford the 'It' bag, but you can have beautiful hose, usually under $25." Below is the decorum for splurging on your gams.

one: stocking science, denier is the unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers. In lay terms, a higher denier means a more opaque, more cozy stocking sheath. And when one dons a higher denier, one should couple it with a chunkier shoe. Meaning, the woolliest of legwear requires boots.

two: the lighter the hue, the heavier the leg. White stockings post pubescence may seem innocent, but in truth they are Lucifer legs. Not only do they thicken your stems look, but they'll be irretrievably soiled after a single wear.

three: Wearing nude hosiery will associate you with two colonies: rest homes and umpa lumpas. Instead tint your legs with a fresh hue. To lengthen your legs, match your stockings to your shoes. But as long as you keep the ankle exposed feel free to mix rather than match

four: Not only will crocheted hosiery avoid runs above and beyond their sooth counterparts, but they will instantaneously elevate the most basic of ensembles. For a more sophisticated consequence twin this pair with a neutral or monochromatic frock.




Fashion Police: Wearing Leggings
I agree with all aspects of this short film, except that of matching heels with leggings. No one can tell me, "you can't wear pumps with that." no one.

1 hundred 98 cents = your own accessories fashion look book cheat sheet.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own guide to accessories and much more.