Tuesday, December 15, 2009

How to Use What You've Got Part II.

Well, last week's How To was so popular, I thought I'd continue. Another obsession I have in my closet (I think there could be a few more of these posts...) is the cardi.

Cardigan (nickname cardi): a type of sweater (or jumper) that ties, buttons, or zips down the front, by contrast, a pullover does not open in the front, but forms a solid tube around the torso. The cardigan was named after James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, a British military commander, following his service in the Crimean War. It is usually machine- or hand-knitted wool or cotton although cheaper ones may be partially acrylic. Cardigans are available for both genders.


Plain cardigans are nowadays often worn over shirts and inside suit jackets as a kind of less formal waistcoat that keeps neckties out of the way when the jacket has been removed.

Now I think I have a decent amount of cardigans. I have put away my summer/spring cardis to make room for the winter/fall cardis. I wear them a few times a week a few different ways.

Some simple steps when I'm shopping for a cardi:



1. Inventory your closet and decide what colors of cardis are most useful for you. I usually stick with greys, warm colors like burgundy, or stripe.
2. Have an even ratio between patterned/jazzy cardis and plain cardis.
3. Try the cardi on. Button it up, unbutton it (to make sure the buttons aren't impossible to get done and undone!), twist and turn. Make sure the fit and the material is good (and lasting!)
4. Decide whether or not it is a deal breaker if the cardi is dry clean only.
5. You have to love it to own it.

When I'm wearing a cardi:
1. I usually start with one of my American Apparel v neck tees. I gravitate to v neck cardigans too, which pair nicely with them.
2. Pick the bottoms (skirt, shorts, pants - wide or skinny, dress).
3. Button the cardi, partially button, or leave it open.
4. Accessorize: add a belt around the waist, some long necklaces, big earrings, whatever you like!
5. If you want to pull off the sexy librarian look (hahaha) add glasses.
Sorry I forgot to snap a shot of my cardis....I'll post some of JCrew's fabulous collection instead for now :D

1 comment:

Related Posts with Thumbnails