A cardigan love affair

(Madewell shirt, Zara skirt, Vera Wang cardigan, J.Crew necklace, Madewell tights, Moschino belt, Prada studded boots, Marc by Marc Jacobs purse, Nadri hoops, Michele watch, vintage cuff)



















Photos by Catharine Acurso.

Starting at the age of 15, I've amassed a collection of cardigans in all fabrics and colors - bright red, yellow argyle, cashmere, chunky wool knit. So when I attended the Gilt sale in Los Angeles (thanks to my coworker Morgan's invite!) and spied this simple gray cardigan, I wasn't extremely impressed. Sure, it was Vera Wang. And sure, it was made of fine material, a lovely silky soft blend. Yet how could this piece compare with the beribboned, embellished cardigans in all colors of the rainbow that I already owned at home? But, surrounded by mountains of clothes and accessories, crazed with the excitement of the Gilt sale, I purchased it anyway.

Fast forward a few months later, this cardigan has become the most versatile piece in my closet. There's something elegant in its length, which hits right at the knee. Its thin fabric allows me to layer, while the charcoal gray shade matches every color. And the cardigan serves as my security blanket, particularly when I'm wearing a skirt a tad too short for comfort. It's safe to say that I'm now on the prowl for long cardigans in all colors and fabrics!

P.S. The Little Devil oven mitt guest stars in this post! The mitt, which inspires me to march into the kitchen and bake brownies just so I can use it, is the creation of my good friend, the owner of Collisionware. Check out her store and be thoroughly impressed by the cutest kitchenware and accessories ever!

America's Most Stylish Blogger Week #2: Studded ankle boots

When I tore open the box from Bluefly.com and uncovered a gorgeous pair of suede studded ankle boots as our second challenge item, I was breathless with excitement! After all, it’s not every day you receive gorgeous Prada boots in the mail! The shoes’ ash gray color, rounded toe and serious sparkle factor were just screaming for a good party outfit, and I wasn’t about to deny them some fun.

I threw on a slinky, one shoulder mini dress in rich eggplant purple, one of my favorite fall colors, then added a gray faux fur vest to complement the boots. Several chunky pieces of jewelry—a huge gator ring, spike bracelet, rhinestone earrings and necklace—offered just the right amount of dazzle to my I-just-partied-with-the-band look. I love the idea of combining studs, fur and rhinestones—a fusion of edgy yet luxe details, very appropriate for fall 2009!

Each piece in the outfit is sophisticated and mature, yet still manages to retain a fun, youthful edge, perfect for that on-the-go girl in her twenties living it up in the big city! The studded boots take her from the office to the concert to the afterparty and then…to wherever else the night will take her!

If you like my take on the boots, please make sure to visit StyleList.com and Bluefly.com to vote for this outfit on America’s Most Stylish Blogger! Remember: you can vote once a day and each time you do, you'll be entered to win a $1,000 shopping spree from Bluefly! A big thank you and hugs to all my readers for their kind words and support!