The Cardigans

Man, do I hate cardigans. Well, "hate" is a strong word, so it's more reasonable to say I don't like them. It's not so much the item itself, just how I personally look in them, which is to sum up in one word; "ridiculous". I was made to wear them constantly in adolescence, which was worse when my boobs were three times bigger than they are now. They didn't jive with my shape or personality. But there's always an exception to the rule. Enter my black leather cardigan from J Crew, who must have been having an unusually edgy moment a few years ago. I refer to this piece as my Kanye cardigan. It reminds me of something he'd wear. Cardigans are preppy and collegiate. Academic. With album titles like "College Dropout", "Late Registration", and "Graduation", it's no surprise that there would be an association. Because I like it so much, I get a lot of use out of it. It's a cool, funky layering piece.  For this "assignment" (believe me, I know I'm not Anderson Cooper exploring hard hitting journalism), the goal was to show several different ways to use this one cardigan. A successful wardrobe is not built in how much clothing you have, rather it's how to maximize use of what you have. It's better to be very selective about your purchases, really understand what you bought and own, and find the most ways in which your pieces can serve you. People with true style are masters in recycling. They don't need a different outfit every day. And if they do, then we are not hanging out with them.

This first cardigan look is sexy, chill, casual, and overall comfortable. It's relaxed enough for the movies or a bar, because of the ripped, worn in denim, as well as the black leather sneakers. I like the contrast of the light denim wash, since all else here is black. It highlights everything that's going on. You could go bowling in this, that's how comfortable it is. Using the black lace high necked bra lette acts as some kind of hot turtleneck situation, a seeming paradox. I don't think the words "hot" and "turtleneck" are often partners in crime... But we are making our own rules here. Like Kanye. Just don't assume that since you look fly, that qualifies you to run for president.

One of my favorite aspects of this look is that each piece actually IS a favorite of mine. So I adore all factors in this equation. The Rag and Bone ripped up jeans always make me feel cool and sexy. I had a brief moment of "is this age appropriate?"in the store, which I was able to brush away. I'm not 20, but who cares??? Truly my favorite pair of jeans. I love the soft, light wash with the bold distress. It's a good balance (there's that word again). This gorgeous halter Agent Provacateur bra works as a perfect layering piece here. A halter highlights the sharp shape of the shoulder, and the delicate lace makes for a wild combination. I love wearing lingerie incorporated in outerwear. It's unexpected, resourceful, and always appreciated😻. It adds instant glamour, daring, and femininity to any ensemble. Worn under a cardigan it's like, um, hello; how did she come up with that??? Since the top of the outfit has so much statement, and we are going for a chill, down vibe, all I needed on my feet were these textured, black leather Margiela sneakers. There are some different textures all over here, but since they're all black on black it works. It's not too busy or trying too hard. Sometimes you won't know until you try and look in the mirror. Then you'll know. It will look and feel right or wrong. And if you don't know, that's ok! Take a quick selfie, send it to your fashionable friend who'd never lie to you to sabotage your hotness (axe her from your life if she would. Jeez),  and then decide.  Never leave your home in doubt and discomfort.  Because if you do, no matter what you wear, it will be a bomb. I often feel hotter in the right pair of sweats than stuffed into something that's too fussy or just not right in the moment. What's great about this particular combo is that you can easily and affordable recreate this look. Each of these pieces have been remade by very current, inexpensive chains, and each piece will serve many purposes in your wardrobe whether worn together or separately. This is the "I can't believe how hot this girl is and she's eating wings and drinking a beer" look. In otherwords, it's you! 🍖🍺 Have fun tonight!