Why we LOVE...

CARDIGANS!!!

In a fall post, an Ode to Cardigans, we talked about our love of cardigans, and the numerous styles and colors we admittedly own! Now that we are looking to warmer weather, that doesn't mean you have to put your cardis away for 6 months, or can't wear one until the season changes again.

Often SPRING is the time that you need something extra over that pocket tee or lace tank! Yet you don't want your bulky wool or knit cardigan that you wore with your leggings and boots last fall. You need a lighter-weight & versatile style that you can throw over anything!!

Here are a few of my favorites that I've seen so far this Spring:

I LOVE the Splendid cardi that is available @ Nordstrom. I own last year's style in black, with 3/4 sleeves that button, but am loving this long sleeve style just the same! It is such a comfortable cotton, doesn't wrinkle easy, and is great to bring anywhere. I've worn mine many times to travel, and it's been perfect: comfortable, stylish, and easy to pack in a small bag!! I just picked up this year's style in white, but I'm also loving this khaki color too! (pictured above)


Another great spring cardi is the Gap grandpa cardigan. (pictured left) It's available in several colors, is a light weight rayon/nylon mix, and of course, is machine washable--a must for spring/summer clothes! It's only $54.95 BUT with the GLAMOUR40 deal happening until the end of April, you could get this fabulous cardigan for only $32.97!! What a fantastic deal for a piece that you will wear constantly. It can be buttoned or left open, and it's longer, so you can wear it with a variety of shorts, capris, or even with a skirt or dress! Go get yourself one before the deal is over & the colors/sizes are gone!



One more FABULOUS spring cardi is the Ann Taylor LOFT open front cardigan. (pictured right) I am loving this "deep clay" color, but also liking the "wrought iron" -a more neutral choice. Again, this cardigan is light-weight and machine washable, but I love that it doesn't have buttons. It's meant to be worn open. The detailing along the seams is an added unique touch as well! Perfect for spring!! ...And at $49.50 you can't go wrong!!!


These three cardis are just a couple of the fabulous options out there...depending on your budget, you can find one that fits your needs. Here are just a few more possibilities, and all of them are under $125!

These are SO many options out there for spring/summer cardigans! Where will you find your "perfect cardigan"?? (...or for us, cardiganS!!! -as we both own many!!!) Enjoy the hunt!

Free Boots!!!

Ann Taylor LOFT is giving away 10 pairs of thier AMAZING Over-the-Knee Riding Boots this week!! These are so cute and definitely a MUST HAVE for your wardrobe.



Register between 9am EST-9pm EST each day from November 1 to November 5 on the day your size is up for grabs, see below:

• TODAY - Size 7
• Tuesday, Nov 2nd - Size 7.5
• Wednesday, Nov 3rd - Size 8
• Thursday, Nov 4th - Size 8.5
• Friday, Nov 5th - Size 9

Here is the website to register at: winatloft.com.

GOOD LUCK!!

Are you Afraid of the Big, Bad Blazer??

So, I have to admit, there was a time when I was a little intimidated by Blazers - thinking they were only to be worn with suits and seemed oh so stuffy! Alas, the fashion world has provided so many wonderful, wearable options that I am no longer afraid!! Plus, as the weather is turning colder, there is no better time to try them on for size.


As I see it, there are 3 Main Types* of Blazers:

1. Structured, Corporate Blazers



2. Drapey, Evening Blazers



3. Comfy, Casual Blazers

*Note: Even though a blazer could fall into the "Casual" category, I still think you could add a Pencil skirt & some heels and make it Corporate. This is true for all types of blazers ~ that's what makes them so great!!

Structured, Corporate Blazers

These blazers are often made up of suiting fabric, such as wool, tweed or houndstooth. You can buy them as a suit with matching pants, skirt, etc. OR they can also be great pieces to wear individually. You don't have to save them for just interviews!! The great thing about a structured blazer is that it will give you SHAPE.

Every woman wants that hour-glass figure, and blazers help to identify the waist and bring your eye in ~ which will in turn make you appear SLIMMER!! My Go-To store for suits in general is J.Crew - they have lots of options from heavy to lighter-weight wools, and even though the price is a little high, they will last forever.

This Super 120s Peplum Blazer (J.Crew) is great, because it shows that there are other styles besides the normal 2-3 button lapel blazer. It is made of a merino wool and is very lightweight. Even though it is a little bit flirty, it can still provide the professional look with matching pants & button up shirt. Although, I have to say, I LOVE the way it is styled here with a knit tee & slouchy, pleated pants ~ tres chic!

Drapey, Evening Blazers

These can be made up in quite a few different fabrics, most likely a heavy silk, satin or even lace as pictured here. These blazers can add that extra little sophistication to an evening out - whether over a cocktail dress, with a silk top & dress pants, or with a flirty skirt. These can also be used in the office or in addition to your casual look & will still be fantastic.

This Moonlight Blazer from Anthropologie can be yours for only $128 and is beautifully constructed with 3/4 sleeves and a slight gathering along the sleeves. I would recommend pairing this cute little blazer with a silk tank & satin pants ~ for a feminine version of the tuxedo. Be sure to add some jewels to bring a little sparkle to your night out!

Comfy, Casual Blazers

Often made up of sweaters, heavy knits, or other casual fabrics. These are best to be worn with denim and a casual top. I would recommend a V-Neck Pocket Tee, Skinny Jeans & Flat Boots - as that is normally my Go-To Outfit in life.

This Sweater Blazer by LOFT is TO DIE for - only $98 - the description on-line for this item was just too perfect to not include, so here it is: Part yacht club, part vintage varsity, this wool blazer is bound to make you feel like a scholar in style. As styled here, a silk top, jeans & minimal accessories helps to let the MA-JOR Blazer stand out.

Go out there and EXPERIMENT with Blazers ~ you won't regret it!!!

PAID to SHOP??!!

Believe it or not, this is true...well, ALMOST.

MANY stores have their own credit cards, which isn't something new, BUT the bonuses and rewards are. Often times people avoid these cards because of the high APR (annual percentage rates), but most of the cards can be paid off the day you use them. You can literally put a purchase on the card to earn your points, and then the next minute, pay it off. It really isn't that much more work and you EARN $$/points towards $$certificates to spend on your next purchases, how much better can that get??!!

I think it's SO worth it, and I have earned myself so much $$ using mine. We've highlighted a few of the cards that we have that are worth adding to your wallet!

NORDSTROM
Nordstrom offers 2 cards: a basic Nordstrom store card AND a Nordstrom VISA card.


Every Nordstrom cardholder earns TWO rewards points with every purchase on their Nordstrom card. Nordstrom Visa cardholders also earn ONE rewards point for purchases made outside of Nordstrom, anywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Accumulate 2,000 rewards points and receive a $20 Nordstrom Note, redeemable for any merchandise or services in Nordstrom stores and through catalogs.

So spending $1000 at Nordstrom earns you $20, BUT if you shop during sales and special days, you can earn those points faster as there are MANY periods of time when Nordstrom has double and even triple rewards points days....meaning you could earn 4 or 6 points per dollar spent!!

It may not seem like the best deal, but the APR is fairly low on the Visa card, and I couldn't be happier with the bonuses I've received with mine! SO worth it! Also, the more you put on your card per year, earns you more advantages such as free shipping and complimentary tailoring. Check out the website for more info!

*Upcoming SALE = half-yearly sale for Women & Kids = NOVEMBER 3-6 = DOUBLE rewards point days AND a FABULOUS time to find some of the BEST DEALS this store offers, but shop early before sizes are gone!!!

Ann Taylor LOFT
Ann Taylor LOFT also offers 2 cards: a LOFT card and a LOFT MasterCard.


You earn 5 style points for every dollar put on your card, and with the MasterCard, 1 style point for every dollar spent outside of the LOFT. And your card can be used not only at LOFT, but also at Ann Taylor, LOFT Outlets, and Ann Taylor Factory! Just like Nordstrom, once you reach 2,000 points, you receive a $20 rewards gift certificate to redeem in store or online! With the 5 points per dollar, this means you earn $20 for every $400 spent shopping! Fabulous!! *You also get a $15 bonus certificate for your BIRTHDAY!! LOVE those!! =)

Ann Taylor LOFT is a great place to find essentials and basics for your wardrobe, and they OFTEN have sales, and days where everything in the store is 25%, 30%, 40% etc. off, including the sale merchandise! Also, not only do you earn points on your card, but you also receive extra coupons towards purchases and exclusive "sneak peaks" of merchandise!

Click here to read more details about the card or to apply online!


J.Crew
J.Crew has only one card, and it's not a Visa or MasterCard, but it's got great perks!

For every $500 you spend on your card, you get a $25 rewards card. You also get invitations to private sales, early access to select items, complimentary alterations, and personal shopping. J.Crew is a FABULOUS place to shop, for both the basics necessary in your wardrobe and the fun night-on the town pieces.
Their jewelry is also AMAZING....and so unique! My recommendation is to wait for the pieces to go on sale and then fill up that shopping cart! Sign up for their emails, as there are often times when they send out codes for extra 20% or 30% off sale!! LOVE getting those!

Click here to read more about the J.Crew credit card and start shopping!

Banana Republic
Banana Republic is another store with 2 cards, an in-store only card and a Visa card. With the BR Visa card, you earn 5 points for every dollar spent NOT ONLY at Banana Republic, BUT ALSO at Gap, Athleta, Old Navy, AND Piperlime!! FABULOUS!!


With every 1,000 points you earn, you get $10 in rewards! So for spending $200 at any of these 5 places, you get $10. That couldn't be any easier!! WOW!!!
BR also has birthday offers, free shipping on orders of $100 or more, and deals EVERY TUESDAY!! Also, just for signing up, you get a bonus of 1,500 points--that's one $10 rewards card just to sign up AND you're already half-way to the next one!! I think I might have to go sign-up this weekend!! SO worth it, as I shop in BR for their amazing JEWELRY, love Gap for their jeans and great basics, and Piperlime is a fabulous online site for shoes and accessories! Also, if you're in need of some fabulous "work-out gear" check out Athleta, they have amazing stuff!!

Target
Target also has 2 cards, a Target Card and a Target Red Visa Card.

The Target Visa credit card allows you to earn one point for every dollar spent at Target stores. You earn one point for every two dollars you spend on other purchases. Once you have accumulated 1,000 points, you will be given a certificate that entitles you to a 10% savings for a day's shopping at Target. (certain items are excluded). You can only receive one certificate in a month. Unused points are rolled over.

Who doesn't spend a ton of money at Target?! Especially in the fall, buying new school supplies!! Why not earn a day with 10% off...it can really make a difference, as every bit saved truly counts these days. You can also choose to help out your local school: For every dollar that you spend at Target, 1% will be donated to your designed K-12 school. For every dollar that you spend on non-target purchases, 0.50% will be donated instead.

Click here for more info!

There are more store credit cards out there, for most department stores and even places like Best Buy and Home Depot. Just do a little research into the benefits of the card and decide if the store is a place you shop often enough to make it worthwhile!

Are you a TEACHER or Student??!!
Along with the credit cards, many stores offer DISCOUNTS for TEACHERS & Students!! Take advantage of this!! Even 15% off of your total can add up and make a huge difference in deciding to splurge on that new cardi or not, believe me, it's helped in making that tough decision....to spend or save (why not both)!! Here are some shops around the Twin Cities that offer discounts, all you need is your staff/student ID and you've got INSTANT SAVINGS!! FABULOUS!

J.Crew offers 15% off of ALL regular-priced merchandise ALL the time...just flash that ID when you check out! **You do NOT need to sign up for anything, all they need to see is proof that you are a teacher or a student. You can also get this discount online IF you register with your school email address!

Ann Taylor LOFT offers 15% off every time you shop (in stores only), BUT you do have to SIGN UP! But you also get 20% just for signing up!! =more saving!! You can sign up online or in any of the stores! Next time you're at the mall, get signed up, it's a quick form and worth the savings!!

New York & Company is just like LOFT, they also offer 15% off every time you shop, but again, you need to SIGN UP--and you also get 20% off just for signing up! FABULOUS!!!

Take advantage of these bonuses, rewards, and savings...and next time you're in your favorite store, just ask if they have any rewards programs or discounts for teachers--it NEVER hurts to ask...and you never know, it could mean $$ in your pocket!! Happy SAVING!!

Fall Fashion: Ode to Cardigans

Cardigans....often the first thought that comes to my mind is the blue (or red) zipper cardigan that Mr. Rogers would put on just before he changed his shoes, tossing each from one hand to the other, as he welcomed us to his neighborhood.


Because of this, I often categorize cardigans I see as "love it/have to have it" or a "Mr. Rogers' cardigan."

My love for these versatile sweaters has grown deep over the years, as has my collection; I can't seem to ever have too many of them! To me, it is no longer the strange (& perhaps unattractive) piece of clothing that you see draped over your Kindergarten teacher's shoulders or desk chair (the same one all year long), but now a consistent piece within my wardrobe! There are just too many out there, no matter what the season, not to love them!

cardigans by fireyfashionista


What more can a girl say about a versatile, functional, practical, and often stylish piece that belongs in every girl's wardrobe. It is one of those ESSENTIALS, and often necessary in multiples. As a couple basic neutral, solid colored cardis are necessary to be thrown on with just about anything, but also a couple fun, print, or even sequined versions to add that spunk to your typical jeans and t-shirt look can be a great addition to your closet. I'm loving this one, from J.Crew. It perhaps is nearing that Mr. Rogers look, but I love it. With the shawl collar and the marled cotton it is neutral enough, but yet still unique. A great piece for a fall shopping outing or Saturday lunch date. J.Crew is a great place to find solid, basics, as well as an occasional fun, sequined cardi that won't break the bank!



Anthropologie is another fantastic place to find unique and fabulous cardigans! Most of the cardigans here are in the $100-$200 price range, but are most often well worth the splurge. Check out these two looks from their fall catalog. I love the fun fur on the neutral colored cardi paired with the amazing plaid skirt (SO want to own). And the simple addition of a cardi with a dress is a perfect ensemble for a fall wedding!



The other fabulous part about cardigans is that they can be SO AFFORDABLE! You can easily find a fantastic cardi under $100, if not under $50! And stores always seem to have most styles in large quantities that many of the basics are often on sale at the end of the season or even at multiple times throughout each season. Urban Outfitters and Ann Taylor LOFT are two great places, both in stores and online, to find affordable cardis for fall.

LOFT cardigans by fireyfashionista

urban cardigans by fireyfashionista


Two final looks to leave you with...








I just couldn't not post them as they include a cardi and the next best thing to a fabulous cardi = a casual BLAZER paired with of course shorts for fall (with tights or boots). LOVE LOVE!