2010 Remembrances

As we chorus Auld Lange Syne to a rapidly dwindling MMX, let us tissue and treasure our best-loved ensemble moments, treasured trend applications, and of course our dearest fashion posts:

1. Host a Clothing Swap Party
2. Detestable Fashion: Shoes 
3. Fantasy Fashion: Budget Conscious Dress Alternatives
4. Entertainment Fashion: Emma Pillsbury (Glee)
5. Travel Wear: Austin Texas
6. Reality Revised: Comparisons
7. Pregnancy Inspiration: Boy Frocks
8. Maternity Body Types: Lofty Breeding
9. Creative Ensembles: Yin & Yang
10. Fall Makeovers II

And speaking of Fall Makeovers, Miss Megan the adorable winner of a styling session Crest White Strips combo had this to report on her teeth whitening experience:

"I noticed a change right from the first strip of my sample pack.  My teeth were visibly brighter after the first use.  The next four days weren't as dramatic of a change as the first (most likely because the first day was such an improvement).  They were easy to use.  I simply put them on while I got ready for the day so it didn't take any extra time.  They didn't taste bad either.  I'm planning on getting some more so I can do the full time recommended on them."

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• Crest 3D White MultiCare Whitening Rinse ($5.89 & $7.29)
• Oral-B Pulsar 3D White Advanced Vivid Toothbrush
• Oral-B Advantage 3D White Vivid Toothbrush ($3.49 & $6.99)

What were some of your favorites from 2010?

Strangers in the Night

On our second trip to the hospital Christmas night, I reported to my driver, birthing coach, and partner in gestation that I was slightly nervous about meeting my abdominal acquaintance. 

While we had spent nine mortal months within a singular torso, my bashful inclinations continued to tempt me towards categorizing the two of us as strangers. I didn't know his profile, the sound of his voice, or even his name.

Three days later, I am pleased to report complete and intimate familiarity.

Coco's Christmas Present

For Christmas Coco received her very own storybook. Written by her mommy with a lot of help from a very dear, and very talented illustrator, Lady Beth Allen.

View Full Screen

And I have another Christmas surprise to share...

But first, what did you give for Christmas?

Naughty List: Furry

While Santa can swing dressing in fur from his head to his foot, the pelted trend has released several impractical applications of fuzzy wuzzies.

Examples follow below:

For chilly ankles & heels

Or nippy knees

And of course, cold, hard cash

Acceptable Alternatives:

Moderately applied in areas of critical incandescence

An accessory with a credibly fleecy benefit

Let Cardigan Empire bedeck you for the holidays.  Gift yourself or a dear one a Fashion Package: combining a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Naughty List: Jumpsuits & Rompers

Christmas fashion improprieties continue with yet another fashion trend that should be left to persons without a full set of permanent teeth.  

Today we sentence the adult onesie with just two critical counts:

1. This fashion is entirely dysfunctional.  Without the convenience of a diaper, a onesie defeats expeditious elimination.
2. What is adorable on a cherubic, pre-pubescent body, becomes utterly deplorable once anatomical personals and eccentricities have grown in.

Below are a few examples:

One can applaud the functional addition of a front zipper, but must proceed to ask what will be kept in the pockets

The semi-sheer back view is even more unfortunate as it includes a hood and no trap door

Toddler couture in size 25T for just over $150

Acceptable (but not necessarily applaudable) Alternatives:

A more modest cut mimics a blouse and high-waisted trousers, however, I'm not sure you wouldn't appreciate the functionality and versatility of a separate blouse and trouser even more

A little short for my taste, but at least it doesn't cling to every imaginable feature

Let Cardigan Empire bedeck you for the holidays.  Gift yourself or a dear one a Fashion Package: combining a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Naughty List: Christmas Sweaters

Christmas: a holy baby birthday party that illicits childlike wonder.  But this winter festivus is no excuse for childish fashion. As adults, we must refuse to dress like toddlers.  

Today, we rule against the Christmas Sweater.  This fashion fails on several counts:

1. It has a very high cost per wear since it can only be donned a fortnight a year.
2. As an age inappropriate item, it aims for young and playful and succeeds in nursing home couture 
3. It almost always emblazons a lie on your person.  For if you can no longer "believe" in something, you can no longer wear it.  

Below are a few examples:

Not only do most experts argue against the existence of animate snowmen, they concur that they are even less probable in tropical climates wearing hula skirts and sunglasses.

Even Santa himself will add your name to the naughty list if you should don his copyrighted image.

While bears are real, they do not commonly wear clothes other than fur coats and they almost never go skiing. 

Acceptable Alternatives:

Opt for reality: flowers, stars, snowflakes, natural is far fashionably safer than the magical or mystical.

Opt for subtlety: you can wear the holidays without spelling it out literally. 

Let Cardigan Empire bedeck you for the holidays.  Gift yourself or a dear one a Fashion Package: combining a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Living Vicariously: Fancy Anniversary

Each year since my Mister and I locked lives seven years ago, I have purchased an anniversary frock to wear to a fancy dinner date. Andy wraps it up for Christmas and writes a thoughtfully clever note about what inspired him to pick it out.

A few highlights from December 27th's past

This year I might carefully select an anniversary nightgown.  One that I can nurse in or possibly give birth in.  Something soft and cozy but far from fancy.  And then we'll probably simmer some of the soup I made this week.

If my plans were not already confirmed, and my waist was not almost equivalent to my height, this is what I would wear:

7-year-itch by cardiganempire

be dazzled deanna dress
$395 - katespade.com
imagination knows no budget

Martinez Valero Women's Zoie Pump
$83 - endless.com
blue, like my wedding shoes

Evening Star Stretch Bracelet
$98 - anntaylor.com
A possible reality, I'm sure Andy will accompany it with a fine note

Double Drop Silver Earrings

$71 - pret-a-beaute.com

Like little snowflakes on my ears

Tell me your anniversary traditions.
Comments are open.

Let Cardigan Empire bedeck you for the holidays.  Gift yourself or a dear one a Fashion Package: combining a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Living Vicariously: White Christmas

The Christmas forecast in Arizona: 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A Christmas baby should be cuddled up against swirling sugar colored drifts in cable knit cashmere.  But as the sun pours in on Baby Bagley's newborn life, summer muslin would make a more appropriate swaddle cloth.

Alas, I will be living through my friends in frosted lands north, who can legitimately layer dainty diapers with the following ensemble.  

If I could I'd scrape your weathered windshields and warm up your carseat carrying cars.   

Baby Bunting by cardiganempire 

Cotton-Cashmere Sampler Hat - RalphLauren.com
$37.99 - ralphlauren.com

Sherpa cable knit one-piece | Gap

gap.com

One piece »

In the meantime, I've selected a tiny tote from a wide variety of luggage sets.  And my baby luggage is packed. 
An estimated 10 days to go.

What dreamies are in included in your ideal Christmas?  And what shouldn't I forget to include in my diaper bag?
Comments are open.

Let Cardigan Empire bedeck you for the holidays.  Gift yourself or a dear one a Fashion Package: combining a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Living Vicariously: Pixie Hair

 

Recall in "Roman Holiday" when Audrey (aka Ann) shears all her princess locks 

I've longed to do that for many celestial revolutions. (I wouldn't turn down a follow-up jaunt through Rome and the consumption of gelato a la cone either.) 

However, my current appetite for lock adventure is presently dormant.  But yesterday, I saw a set of dainty features framed by strong eyebrows that would stun with just such fringe.  Below are the "afters" of Coco's first haircut:

(click to enlarge)

And forget not my adult friendly friend, Lyndsay Mrs. Johnson, who knows how to cut, style, and strut a pixie coiffure.  Her story just may give you the gumption to follow your own hair ambitions.

What do you wish you had the courage to do with your hair?  Comments are open. 

Let Cardigan Empire bedeck you for the holidays.  Gift yourself or a dear one a Fashion Package: combining a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Wearing Christmas: Ribbon Candy

Serious deliberation has been given whether it is better to visually or orally consume these delicacies.  Perhaps neither, perhaps it is best to wear the inspiration.

Poppy Enamel Hinged Bow Bangle

Candy Stripe Tall Sock

Whippy Cake Noel Mini Hair Applique

KG by Kurt Geiger Dancer

Studio Mona Coat

Little Italy Dress

Let Cardigan Empire bedeck you for the holidays.  Gift yourself or a dear one a Fashion Package: combining a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Wearing Christmas: Sparkle Snow

I patiently anticipate the day my mother tires of her vintage paper town sprinkled with sparkle-rich snow.  Until then, I will attempt to add a touch of glitter to my own clothing village.

Sugar Kisses Dress

Sequin Front Tee

Sequin Beret

Kate Spade Charm Sandal

Haya Sequin Pullover

Dara Ettinger Discoball Alicia Posts

Let Cardigan Empire bedeck you for the holidays.  Gift yourself or a dear one a Fashion Package: combining a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session