Cardigan Empire

Fashion 911: How to Hem Jeans in 3 Easy Steps

2013-05-13T19:41:00.002-07:00

There is no longer any excuse to tramp about with trains of stringy denim trailing behind you. The following short film trains you on how to hem your jeans, original hem in tact.

Watch on to perfectly pair your favorite jeans with your favorite flats:

Click here for the original text version of this tutorial, authored by Stephanie Court

Video Wardrobe:

More Anthropologie...

More Fashion 911 to come.

Enjoy the drama first by subscribing to my channel

Want DIY tips on how to clean, maintain, and service your household sewing machine?

Get the app for iPhone & iPad.

Ganem Jewelry Mother's Day Winner

2013-05-10T17:15:00.004-07:00

Generous gratitude to everyone who attended the Ganem Jewelers Spring Event last night!

Now for our virtual attendees, the winners of the Ganem Jewelers Mother's Day Giveaway

Comment #6: Melinda M

won the set of three Freshwater Cultured Pearl Stretch Bracelets.

$190

Comment #18: Aileen

won the Michele Tahitian Jellybean, Blue Glitter Watch

$375 Value

Lucky ladies, please contact me with your full name and mailing address and we will get your prize delivered.

Congratulations!

Fashion 911: How to Stretch a Shrunken Sweater

2013-05-05T21:29:00.001-07:00

This video features a really, real patient from my very own closet.

The sweater had indeed shrunk . . . and I had indeed grown since our last successful wearing. It survived the procedure and enjoyed a night on the town on my back this weekend.

Watch on to save your own sweaters:

Video Wardrobe:

More J.Crew...

More Fashion 911 to come.
Enjoy the drama first by subscribing to my channel

What to Wear: Spring/Summer 2013 Accessory Trends

2013-05-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

shop it all here:

More Topshop...

Don't miss the
Ganem Jewelers Accessory Styling Event
at 6:00 pm on Thursday, May 9th

Ganem Jewelers

18560 N. Scottsdale Rd #190 Phoenix, AZ 85054

Signature Style: How to Dress Dramatic

2013-04-25T14:51:00.001-07:00

The final jewel in the crown of Signature Style is set dramatically by Alex Hall.

Who is spicy, savory, and sweet in a single visual bite. Watch the video for ideas on how to pack dramatic flavor into your next look. Or just watch it to enjoy Alex's ridiculously pretty face. Either way, it's a good use of three minutes.

Next to premiere on the Cardigan Empire YouTube channel is the Fashion 911 series.
Step by step instructions on how to re-stretch a sweater, hem a pair of jeans, and more daring fashion rescues.
get it first by subscribing to my channel

Mother's Day Giveaway with Ganem Jewelers [CLOSED]

2013-04-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

Can gold jewelry be mixed with silver?

How many bracelets can one wear simultaneously?

What earrings are best for a heart shaped face?

How do I get these items wrapped and ribboned in my Mother's Day Gift Box?

Michele Tahitian Jellybean, Blue Glitter

$375 Value

Set of Three Freshwater Cultured Pearl Stretch Bracelet.

$190

1 entry: post a jewelry related question on this post

1 entry: like Ganem Jewelers on Facebook and confirm by comment on this post

2 entries: tweet, post, instagram, pin or otherwise share about this giveaway/event and post a link on this post
3 entries: show up at the Ganem Jewelers Spring event

Winner will be selected and announced at the Ganem Jewelers Event,
then posted on Cardigan Empire

So gather up all your jewelry related questions and a couple of girlfriends and meet me at

Ganem Jewelers

18560 N. Scottsdale Rd #190 Phoenix, AZ 85054 at 6:00 pm

on Thursday, May 9th

Signature Style: How to Dress Modern

2013-04-18T20:21:00.002-07:00

We've crossed over onto the Yang side of the styling continuum. The details are fewer but bolder. The colors are stronger. The architecture is firmer. And the model is my beautiful, smart, and all around fabulous assistant Randi (aka Miss Miranda) Kuhns.

Not only did Mi-Randi model in this video, but she also helped me accessorize the whole signature styling shoot and ensured we kept every look true to it's categorical core. Hearts, stars, and a sequined pegasus. She deserves it all, plus a really pretty purse to keep it all in.

And seriously silly, have you signed up yet?
subscribe to my channel

Signature Style: How to Dress Traditional

2013-04-18T19:41:00.003-07:00

Classy, elegant, timeless all synonyms for Jennifer Ennesser of I am Likehearted.

Find out how to execute the ultimate styling neutral. Perfect for blending age appropriate sophistication into another signature style, combining previously disparate styling categories, or just achieving effortless in pure traditional fashion.

Every and all of these goals are available by clicking the forward facing triangle on the embedded traditional signature style video. Enjoy, possibly repeat, then

subscribe to my channel

because Modern and Dramatic signature styles are still hiding behind the virtual velvet curtain.

Entertainment Fashion: Granite Flats

2013-04-05T16:55:00.002-07:00

Dresses shouldn't be relegated to special occasions

and button-ups deserve regular showings on park slides and grocery carts

everyday life deserves the polish of spray starch, because it's a page in our history.

When they make 2013 period pieces, I refuse to let them depict us in our pajamas

This fashion-based tirade may have been inspired by a sneak peek of

the 60's period series Granite Flats

1962 has earned it's place of honor

Crisp plaid poplins

floral house dresses with coordinating aprons

And I watched two consecutive episodes without once feeling the compulsion to simultaneously smoke a cigarette, wash the dishes, and confront my ad-man husband about his multiple affairs.

Seriously, it's a good clean show, that's not saccharine.

Speaking of sugar, I was compensated for this ad by BYUtv, it included adorable vintage candy which was almost too cute to eat... almost.

“Granite Flats,” premieres at 8 p.m. this Sunday, April 7th
with a two-hour episode that is available to subscribers of Dish Network, DirecTV, and online at www.byutv.org. You can also access it via Roku.

Signature Style: How to Dress Bohemian

2013-04-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

She's my nanny, my sister, and my co-star in the Bohemian Signature Style video. But mostly, isn't Ashley darling?

Find out if you're a hippie at heart like Ashley by watching said video, then subscribe to my channel and watch for a new Cardigan Empire video every week. Traditional, Modern, and Dramatic signature styles peeking around the virtual bend.

Signature Style: How to Dress Romantic

2013-03-28T07:35:00.001-07:00

If anyone wants to know why I cut my hair, feel free to watch this video where my hair sticks out in 8 random directions :)

But more importantly watch this video if you want to know if your style is romantic and how to execute it.

Video Wardrobe (Second Ensemble):

More Anthropologie...

Recreate the heart denim look at home using jeans in your closet, watch the Popcorn Served Daily channel to learn how.

Subscribe to my channel and watch for a new video every week.

Hair Courage: Pixie Reveal

2013-03-26T18:12:00.006-07:00

I'd like to thank my short hair sponsors, a stylist who snipped off my locks an inch at a time, and my husband who told me not to do it, thereby inspiring my stubborn rebellion.

I love it. Next time, I'm going even shorter.

I chose to accessorize my hair with the

eShakti Retro Style Poplin Dress

since you can add-on customization at a mere $7.50, I extended the length, because short-short isn't always a good thing.

get 20% OFF when they shop at eShakti, when you use this discount code

CRDGNEMPRE

Academy Awards: Best & Worst Dresses by Signature Style

2013-03-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

The academy music is playing, prompting us to conclude this series and announce the last collection of awards for Signature Style:

Best Dress for Signature Style Nominees

Embroidered from lover's sighs and starry eyed dreams, Alicia Vikander's Ellie Saab gown was a romantic sonnet. It was ornate without fussiness, and the ochre belt against misty aqua added a sprinkling of unexpected spice to the overall dessert of a dress.

Stacy Keibler donned drama via Naeem Khan's ode to art deco glamour. Sequined studs outlined a single cohesive narrative without falling into a flapper costume, while soft curls and natural makeup balanced the metallic moxie.

The easy-going, traditional, girl next door stepped off her front porch and onto the scarlet carpet in flame red. Aniston's Valentino was appropriately simple but unforeseen, especially considering her historical commitment to black.

Worst Dress for Signature Style Nominees

Nicole Kidman's dress was the sartorial equivalent of a rambling lush: soaked in statements yet disjointed of meaning. There were ombre sequins, a mermaid silhouette, a scrolled hem, and a mysterious batman insignia at the waist. One big statement is elegantly exciting, too many leads to a fussy and/or gaudy fashion debacle.

Sunrise Coigney was too much yang, not enough yin. The curves of her figure were violently attacked by a gang of severe angles: the pattern, the dropped waist, the handkerchief hem, the pin straight hair, even her shoes bound her victim to the severe architecture of the dress.

This look is stunning on Lady Adele. Unfortunately she's given it one too many encore performances . This award winner could benefit by singing a fresh fashion tune. Switch up the color, the silhouette, even the sleeve length. Ditch the choir uniform, and dress like a soloist.

Academy Awards: Best & Worst Dresses by Color & Complexion

2013-02-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

Open the contents of this digital envelope to reveal CE's picks for best and worst colors selections at the Academy's Gala.

Best Dress Color for Complexion Nominees

Bronze may rank third in certain hierarchies, but on Jessica Chastain's Warm Spring complexion it warranted an anthem and a flag. Her fair skin is clear and smooth, her strawberry locks are glossy and rich, and her green hazel eyes are strong and sparkling.

This Cool Summer blossomed in Mullberry. Even with Jennifer Garner's understated makeup, her features are vibrant and intense.

Warm complexions may believe gray a chromatic cruelty unequaled. But Light Summer Naomi Watts proves it can be a decadent reward when applied appropriately. She is luminous yet not overshown, a notable victory considering the amplitude of sequins she's bearing.

Worst Dress Color for Complexion Nominees

Soft Autumn Jane Fonda is 75 times stunning! And I applaud her for making a big and bold age-appropriate statement on the red carpet. However could the yellow have been ever so much softer and warmer. A gold or bronze would have been ideal, but I would have applauded a butter or daffodil. If you could caught a glimpse of the woman in spite of the dress, you noticed she was left ashy and over-shown

My eyes were misting at the site of this Academy Award darling. Unfortunately the tissue blotted sadness from my cheeks. Technically Deep Winter's can wear icy pinks, but that doesn't mean it's Anne's shining color, a shade equal to her crowning moment. The hue isn't a clashing contrast, but it isn't a glowing companion either. And those unfortunate bust darts . . . let's focus instead on her flawless makeup and darling pixie.

This was a truly Misérables. Soft Summer Amanda Seyfried disappeared on the red carpet. The pale lavender utterly depleted her color, transforming her into a dramatic ghost.

What colors do you think soared and sunk at the Oscars this year?

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book includes your own color rules of conduct and much more.

Academy Awards: Best & Worst Dresses by Body Type

2013-02-26T05:26:00.001-08:00

Sequins, Boning, and Brocade. . . Oh My. Below is a list of what oooh'd and what ewww'd on Sunday's red carpet:

Best Dress for Body Shape Nominees

Each bead of Octavia Spencer's cocoon-like bodice is dedicated to contouring and corseting her Middle Figure. Metamorphosis ensues as her soft, delicious center is further contracted by the contrasting width of shawl sleeve and a-line skirt. The resulting butterfly emerges as a curvy, proportionate silhouette.

Halle Berry's strategically lined gown dominated like chess against checkers. Her Hourglass silhouette was amplified as sequins cut into her already narrow waist then bowed over both upper and lower fronts. Angular shoulders and linear lines were also enlisted to stretch and stand in rigid contrast to the curves undulating across the frame.

Jennifer Lawrence's narrow waist and prominent Lower Figure are showcased in a trimly fitted bodice. While the unexpected bell at her thighs (as opposed to her much narrower knees) maintains relative proportion with her generous hip line.

Worst Dress for Body Shape Nominees

It was difficult to choose a category to nominate this frock for. It failed in color and signature style but possibly the worst effect was on her figure. Drawing parallel lines down Kristen Stewart's Linear shape mades her trim figure appear boxy and awkward.

If the hip centered gather of Melissa McCarthy's gown could have migrated 8-10 inches north directly below her bust, her Middle Figure might have been rescued. Unfortunately, folds united at one of her broadest points leaving her shape the primary casualty.

Reese Witherspoon's gown was beautifully fitted to her darling Lower Figure with middle considerations, but the black panels which visually erased inches from her waistline existed at the expense of her already larger, lower half.

Who do you think was the best or worst dressed at the Oscars this year?

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book includes your own figure rules of conduct and much more.

Unveiling the Oscars

2013-02-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

While you're waiting to see who walks away with the little gold trophy, I'd like to introduce you to my little hand-held man:

And with the other Oscars being presented anon, get yourself Red Carpet ready with this Good Morning America Deal:

50% off Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips

Good Morning America Promo Code: GMA50

Matters from my Alma Mater

2013-02-20T21:42:00.003-08:00

A Pet-Shop Owner Specializing in Interior Design, the answer I would have offered at age 5, had you queried what I'd be doing at age .... present.

An Astronomy Professing Psychiatrist, a strong career candidate during my undergraduate collegiate career.

A Brand Manager dabbling in Technology Management Consulting, the most likely focus of my 9 to 5ish life.

And in the reality of now, I am a happy full time mother offering classes in wardrobe strategy and fashion consulting for figures across the globe.

If you care to peek into the details of my path, feel free to link to my article in Marriott Magazine.

Best Diaper Bags, Reviewed and Rated

2013-01-31T22:36:00.000-08:00

anxious waiting in the emergency room between contractions

Baby O has arrived. And I promise to share him, after I selflessly hoard him a few more days. For now, all six pounds, twelve ounces of him are mine alone. (I may allow his father a few minutes with him).

While you are anxiously wait on an introduction, I've assembled a supremely selective Diaper Bag review. And yes I have actually handled, if not owned, each and every one of these pre-toilet totes.

Best Clean Up
Skip Hop Versa Diaper Bag in Cream Links, $70
Storage Capacity: 10, Organization: 9, Durability: 9, Prettiness: 8, Price: 6
Eleven well placed interior and exterior pockets keep beverages, wipes, and pacifiers safely segregated yet easily accessible. The center can be zipped or unzipped to expand it's carriage capacity. It's top strap can go over the shoulder or one may switch to additional side straps that shoulder the stroller. And my favorite feature, not only can the lightweight vinyl be wiped down, but you can safely toss the entire bag into the washer to remove any spills or accidental encounters with public restroom floors.

Most Durable
JJ Cole Satchel Diaper Bag, $70
Storage Capacity: 10, Organization: 10, Durability:10, Prettiness: 9, Price: 6
Seven small, medium, and largish pockets line the interior and perimeter, providing solace for the most OCD caretaker. Additional functional indulgences include: deluxe changing pad and stroller clips. But besides being easy to wipe clean it's best feature is the sturdy canvas construction. It holds up to heavy wear and toddler tugs without a complaint

Chief Man Bag
Fisher Price Fastfinder Messenger Diaper Bag, $45 (on sale for $32)
Storage Capacity: 9, Organization: 10, Durability: 5, Handsomeness: 6, Price: 9

Desperately seeking affordable and gender neutral? Ready your virtual red pen. The messenger styling and discreet color palette invite fraternity within the brotherhood of XY chromosomes. Be aware that durability is questionable. If your Mister is going to be using this on a daily basis, you may want to look elsewhere. The outer wipes container, while handy, can pop open leaving wipes vulnerable. (Swap it out for a travel refill pack by Pampers instead). And it doesn't have straps to secure it to the stroller. But for the price it offers a beefy orderly option.

Least Likely to be Assumed a Diaper Bag
Cocalo Mila Carry All Diaper Bag, $72

Storage Capacity: 10, Organization: 10, Durability: 10, Prettiness: 10, Price: 6

Prolific pockets and generous extras, including a reusable shopping bag, deluxe changing pad and pacifier holder, make this a functional contender. Yet it could also easily be mistaken for a traditional lady's satchel. Unlike your wee one, nothing on this bag is going to scream it's clandestine cause.

Most Economical
Ecosusi Diaper Tote Bag, $24
Storage Capacity: 7, Organization: 5, Durability: 5, Prettiness: 7, Price: 10

A void of exterior pockets and modestly capacity are overshadowed by the price of this thrifty option. It does include interior organization, straps for stroller use, and can easily accomodate your soon to be bulging pocketbook in addition to your infantile essentials.

And what do you use as a mobile changing table?

Procure your own post-partum makeover. Your personalized fashion look book includes your own middle figure rules of conduct and much more.

Maternity Countdown

2013-01-23T12:09:00.003-08:00

This is the imminent week of "other baby's" arrival. In honor...a maternity fashion focused countdown...

Dress - H&M (similar here), Belt - H&M (similar here), Shoes - Kate Spade (similar here), Necklace - J.Crew (similar here), Headband - Anthropologie, Earrings - Forever21

Dress - Anthropologie (similar here & here), Necklace - Baublebar, Earrings - The Limited, Shoes - daniblack

Top - Expected Maternity (similar here and here), Sweater - J.Crew (similar here), Denim - AG, Shoes- Poetic License, Necklace - Anthropologie

Dress - Asos Maternity, Sweater - J.Crew (similar here), Tights - Anthropologie (similar here), Boots- Frye, Necklace - Anthropologie

Dress - More of Me Maternity on Gilt, Necklace - Anthropologie, Shoes - Ivanka Trump, Watch - Anne Klein, Bracelet - J.Crew

My top maternity fashion tips:

Borrow, borrow, borrow, then share, share, share
When adapting non-maternity clothing, buy a size larger for width, and possibly a second size larger for length
Invest in flexible clothes your second trimester, then accessories your third trimester

Things I'm looking forward to post-partum:

Having a lap
Snipping a significant length of my hair (Ginnifer Goodwin pixie?)
Gentle baby lamb cries

What post-partum metamorphosis do you long for as you near 40 weeks of gestation?

So You Want to be a Fashion Stylist?

2013-01-08T21:41:00.003-08:00

Think you have an eye for fashion?

Top 5 Reasons to Register for Wardrobe Strategies at MCC taught by yours truly:

Upon completion, you can wage battle against Rachel Zoe and her nefarious battalion of size 0 Zoebots (all armored with darkly tanned skins and large sunglasses)
TEC 245 counts toward an Image Consulting or Fashion Stylist certificate. Said certificate would look very smart framed in a gilded gold frame in your personal styling office.
A Friday morning dedicated to dressing up makes a lovely elective, perfectly accenting classes like biochemistry.
I will teach you everything I know and a few things I don't. My goal is to glory in your future success.
You'll be prepared to make the world a prettier place

Spread the word to your collegiate fashion smarties. Registration closes, and classes start, Friday, January 18th.

Wardrobe Strategies, TEC 245
F 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 3 CR

Syllabus includes: body type dressing, color analysis, personal styles identification, closet cleaning, wardrobe maximization, shopping strategies, and much more.

How to Dress an Upper Figure

2013-01-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

Cardigan Empire the Movie, concludes with

The Upper Figure

Thanks to Float Away Films for filming, editing, and making these beautiful films

How to measure: bust/waist ratio greater than 1.25 and a
waist/hip quotient greater than .75

Grab your spectacles and click your mouse to read more here.

click to supersize

jessica, what i wore
audrina partidge
stephanie, nienie dialogues
jessica simpson

Nominate your best-loved busty babes in the comments.

Respect your crop:

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

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book includes your own upper figure rules of conduct and much more.

How to Dress a Linear Figure (Straight)

2013-01-04T21:05:00.001-08:00

Cardigan Empire the Movie, reverses completely with

The Linear Figure

Thanks to Float Away Films for filming, editing, and making these beautiful films
and generous gratitude to Kristine for modeling her darling linear figure

How to measure: waist/hip and waist/bust ratio greater than .75; your hips and bust are virtually the same

Grab your spectacles and click your mouse to read more here.

click to supersize

blair, atlantic-pacific
cameron diaz
elaine, clothed much
natalie portman

Nominate your favorite linear ladies in the comments.

Proclaim it with pride:

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

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book includes your own linear figure rules of conduct and much more.

How to Dress an Hourglass Body Type (Curvy)

2013-01-03T22:50:00.001-08:00

Cardigan Empire the Movie, climaxes with

The Hourglass

Thanks to Float Away Films for filming, editing, and making these beautiful films

How to measure: waist/hip and waist/bust ratio less than .75;

hip and bust measurements within 2 inches of each other;

Grab your spectacles and click your mouse to read more here.

click to supersize

kendi, kendi everyday
christina hendricks
naomi, love taza
sofia vergara

Nominate your favorite hourglass entities in the comments.

Make everyone jealous:

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

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book includes your own hourglass figure rules of conduct and much more.

How to Dress a Lower Figure Body Type (Pear)

2013-01-02T23:03:00.002-08:00

Cardigan Empire the Movie continues with

The Lower Figure

Thanks to Float Away Films for filming, editing, and making these beautiful films

How to measure: hip/waist is greater than 1.25 and your waist/bust greater than .75

Grab your spectacles and click your mouse to read more here.

click to supersize

tanesha, girl with curves
jennifer lopez
joanne, fabulously average
michelle obama

Nominate your favorite lower figured lovelies in the comments.

Bequeath your diversity some dignity with a button:

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

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book includes your own lower figure rules of conduct and much more.

How to Dress a Middle Figure Body Type (Apple)

2012-12-31T09:25:00.000-08:00

Introducing Cardigan Empire the Movie.

First Starring Role: The Middle Figure

Thanks to Float Away Films for filming, editing, and making these beautiful films

How to measure: waist/hip and waist/bust ratio is greater than .75

Grab your spectacles and click your mouse to read more here.

click to supersize the image

ashley, mischief my dear
kelly clarkson
nina, momma go round (read her story here)
melissa mccarthy

Nominate your favorite middle figured beauties in the comments.

Now, go declare your figure with pride with a button:

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

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book includes your own middle figure rules of conduct and much more.