Real Life: Naming People is Difficult

First of all, I realize that naming children is one topic on which everyone and their cousin has an opinion.  You can't help what you like, and neither can I, so please know that it's not my intention to insult anyone with the following remarks.  If you tend to get worked up about such matters, you may want to come back tomorrow. 

 I just like this picture. (source unknown)

Ok, disclaimer aside, I want to talk names.  This is one of the biggest decisions that I will ever make on behalf of another person and it is weighing heavily on my mind.  I have an ever-evolving list on my phone, and I am married to someone with equally strong opinions, so this decision is probably going to be quite an ordeal.

While I've perused long lists of little boy names, I also love hearing suggestions from other people.  That's where you come in!  Below is a list of my boy name criteria, some serious and some silly, and I'd love to know your opinions. 

Official Naming Criteria and Preferences:

Fall Favorites: Cardigan + Leopard

If you haven't guessed from the name of this blog, I am a cardigan connoisseur.  I am also very aware of how best to dress different body shapes, and a not-too-long v-neck cardigan without much bulk is universally flattering.

If you agree, check out the LOFT boyfriend cardigan (currently only $25).  I have three, and they go with all of the things.

cardigan + cuff + leopard by cardiganjunkie featuring Sperry Top-Sider

You know what else goes with everything?  Leopard accessories.  If you're starting to assemble a wish list, I highly recommend adding a great scarf, pumps or flats, and a bag that you can wear year-round with all sorts of outfits.  They're the kind of item that people like to give, especially scarves and bags that can't be the wrong size!  (I'm hoping to receive this scarf from Banana Republic because the print is not hooker-ific and it's very soft)

P.S. You know what else also goes with everything?  The gold astrology cuff that I'm giving away courtesy of Uncommon Goods.  Leave a comment on the giveaway post by midnight on Friday to enter!

Giveaway: Gold Cuff from Uncommon Goods!

Happy Monday, internet!  I know it's been a while since I've hosted a giveaway, mostly because I am very selective about what I offer and have made it a rule to only give away something I'd want to win.  That's why I'm pretty excited about today's giveaway sponsor, Uncommon Goods!

Their website is a great source for finding unique pieces that you won't see at the mall, like this awesome gold-plated astrology cuff that's handmade by artist Julie Nolan.  You just pick your sign, and the constellations are hand stamped around the bracelet, which makes it a lot more personal than the candle you were considering for your sister-in-law. (Check out other personalized gifts here!)

The nice folks at Uncommon Goods have offered up one of these lovely bracelets to the winner of this giveaway, and if you win you will look like the most generous gift-giver, or one of the most stylish guests, at your holiday party!

Uncommon Goods Cuff GIveaway by cardiganjunkie featuring a fold over handbag

If you want more Christmas or Hanukkah shopping ideas, check out their suggestions here (or this page, specifically for the women on your list)!

 
The Rules:
Entering is easy, just leave a comment in the Disqus thread below.  You don't have to create any sort of account, but you'll need to supply an email address or Twitter handle so I can contact you if you win.  (If you don't, I will pick another entry) The cutoff for entries is midnight central time on Friday, 11/15 and the giveaway is open to US residents only.  I'll announce the winner on Monday!  Good luck!

Disclosure: The prize for this giveaway is being provided by Uncommon Goods, but I have received no financial compensation for hosting and selected the item myself.  All opinions are my own.

5 Things Friday

Happy Friday, internet!  I hope y'all had a great week full of lovely fall things like scarves and boots and lattes.  I feel like the month is flying by already, and that I need to be making holiday preparations or baking more stuff involving pumpkins. 

While I decide what bake, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:

1. I have such a love/hate relationship with Anthropologie.  Some of their merchandise really speaks to me, and some is so overpriced that it boggles my mind (like this $2500 rocking chair that would be perfect for Baby Cardigan's room).  Luckily, these shoes are well within a normal budget and would add some subtle sparkle to holiday ensembles.

2. Does anyone else watch Parenthood? (Mild spoiler ahead)  I have been a fan since the beginning, but this season is really making me nervous.  Doesn't it feel like they're setting everyone up to cheat?  If Julia and Joel break up, I will talk about not watching anymore.  

P.S. Are we just all going to pretend that Haddie doesn't exist anymore?  Even boring Drew gets the occasional storyline.

3. Having just visited my local LOFT store, I am obligated to let you know that this sweater is super chic in person and I am really sad that it doesn't come in a maternity version for all my Christmas gatherings.  The torso has a bit of sheen, but not in a "look at me!" way.  And since it's at LOFT, you can bet it's going to be 40% off at some point in the near future.

4. I know I'm a little late to the party, but I'm loving this idea (via Poppytalk) of framing abstract wrapping paper in an Ikea Ribba frame.  It would be perfect for a space where you don't want to invest a lot, but need to fill some wall space and add some style.

This scalamandre-esque zebra paper from Paper Source is also a good option, for just $2.50!

5. I just ripped Ina Garten's pumpkin spice cupcake recipe out of my latest issue of InStyle, and can't to try it out.  It involves maple flavored cream cheese frosting and chopped up Heath bars.  NOM!  

You can also check it out here.

Have a nice weekend!

Reader Request: Tights for Beginners

Today I'm excited to help Elizabeth, an Atlanta lady looking to incorporate tights into her fall and winter wardrobe.  I am hoping to do the same (maternity style) so this was a fun challenge, since the mild winters in Dallas and Atlanta give us lots of opportunities for outfits that wouldn't quite stand up to a snow day.

I think the key to styling tights is being open to layers, and keeping the tights a neutral color.  I know there are lots of people who can rock bright colors on their legs, but it's tough to keep the look from going juvenile and I lack that talent.  However, earlier this year I showed how some other ladies manage to do it and look great.

Now, here are my favorite options for beginners:

tights for beginners 1 by cardiganjunkie featuring a wedge bootie

tights for beginners 2 by cardiganjunkie featuring Sperry Top-Sider

So, are you a tights devotee? Or do you wear pants as much as possible from October to March?

Who knew? Affordable jewelry at Madewell

Happy Monday!  I hope you all had a great weekend, and enjoyed your extra hour of sleep (or not) now that we're back on standard time.  I personally don't like arriving home in the dark each evening, but it does make the holiday season feel even closer and I will choose to be happy about that.

Since I come from a family of early bird shoppers, I'm already adding some items to my list and making purchases when I find great deals.  In case you too are being asked to provide a list, I thought I'd share some of the pieces that made it onto my own over the weekend.  Who knew that Madewell, home of the $198 dress, is actually a great place to get jewelry under $50?

Here are my favorites (hint, hint family):

Two-Tone Frame Bangle - $34.50

 Minimalist Metal Cuff - $38

 Mixtape Stacking Rings - $28

Shimmerstone Studs - $20

Pavé Frame Earrings - $29.50

5 Things Friday

Happy Friday, internet!  I hope y'all have had a great week.  I'm looking forward to the end of our bathroom renovation (at long last!) and some quality time to set my house in order.  Could it be nesting already?

Before I bust out the mop and vacuum, here are five things worth sharing on the internet:

1. I cannot wait to see About Time, which is supposedly made in the vein of Love Actually (my personal holiday tradition).  I was thrilled to see that it's playing in Dallas this weekend, and that I can watch Rachel McAdams fall in love with a British guy a week before people in smaller cities.  And I'll probably indulge Baby D's demands for some popcorn and a root beer.

2. I have always loved the Coronata Star wallpaper pattern by Osborne & Little, since it's classic but still a bit modern.  Unfortunately, a roll runs about $150, making it out of my price range.  Luckily (for me, not them), there are copycats aplenty and I was delighted to discover that we can buy vinyl decals designed to mimic the pattern for $15 (per batch of 28) on Etsy.  I'm currently trying to convince N that they are awesome and not weird.

3. I find this to be wonderful advice, and it applies to both careers and the crazy world of blogging.  

4. I love pumpkin desserts (but not the lattes, surprisingly) and really want to try my hand at these baked pumpkin donut holes (technically muffins) via Seeded at the Table.  They don't call for any crazy ingredients, and will be quick to make in a mini muffin pan.

5. I am in love with these boots, but thanks to my Corso Como purchase in 2008 I do not need any.  Damn them and their quality products!  If you're in the market, you can get them from Anthropologie or Piperlime.

(Pro Tip: Wholesalers often sell to various retailers, and if you use a Google reverse image search you can sometimes find the same item for sale at multiple places, but under different names.  I found the rug I bought for $150 on Amazon on sale for over $300 at Lulu & Georgia, so shop around before you invest!)

Have a nice weekend, ladies!