Check it out: Lou & Grey at LOFT

Today's post is a quick one because I am tired and a small person is pushing his feet up around my ribs.  It does not feel good.

However, I did want to put together a quick round-up of some of the super cute casual pieces that I saw at LOFT late last week.  (This isn't a sponsored post - I just got excited)  Their lounge collection has been re-branded as Lou & Grey, and I think it's the perfect mix of pieces for someone who perhaps doesn't have to get dressed up very often, but still wants to look trendy and be comfortable in in something cute instead of a fleece jacket and yoga pants.  Maybe me on maternity leave?

They do casual jackets and tunics very well, and I am watching these pieces and waiting for a great sale (some are already half off!):

 

 

PSA: LOFT is killing it with the Spring dresses!

Y'all!  I was just browsing the new offerings from LOFT and was super excited to see more cute dresses from one store than they've ever had before. 

The fits can be hit or miss, but I don't generally have problems with quality or finding styles that flatter my shape.  Plus, most of the styles will allow for a normal bra.  (Hooray!) 

Here are my favorites (and no, I was not asked to share this with you.  I just got excited):

Win a LOFT Necklace & Tote - TWO Winners!

This giveaway is closed - congrats to Neeharika and Laura!  Thanks to everyone who entered - I wish I had dozens of necklaces for all of you!  Maybe next time!

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Remember a while back when I offered up a LOFT necklace for a giveaway last month?  Well, the amazing team at LOFT noticed all of your entries and awesome styling ideas and they thought that one winner just wasn't enough!

Today I'm excited to offer TWO readers the chance to win a LOFT flower necklace (worth $79.50!) and a cute tote bag designed just just for LOFT girls like us.

Here's how to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post and tell me where or how you'd wear the necklace.  [Pssst! Be sure to include your email address or a link to your blog so I can contact you if you win, and only post to the Disqus thread so I'm sure to see it!]

For extra entries: (tell me about them in your comment so I know you did it!)

2. Tell me your favorite item from the LOFT spring collection
 
3. Follow Cardigan Junkie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram (links are in the right sidebar)

4. Follow LOFT on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest

This giveaway closes at noon Central time on Sunday, March 17th.  I'll announce the winner on Monday the 18th!  This contest is open to US and Canadian readers only, please.

Disclosure:  I did not receive any sort of compensation from LOFT to host this giveaway, but the prizes were supplied free of charge and I will personally cover the mailing costs.

Giveaway: LOFT Collection Necklace!

Update:  This contest is closed - the winner was Angie!

It's been a long while since I've hosted a giveaway for you nice ladies, but I only like to offer things I'd want for myself and today's prize does not disappoint!

We all know that I love me some LOFT, and they are so sweet to count me among their LOFT Girl brand ambassadors.  I shop there often (with my own money!) and just this weekend I scored four perfectly-fitting sweaters for under $60!  Needless to say, I was thrilled to receive their Spring 2013 look book along with this amazing necklace from the new collection.

However, since all of you are so sweet to support my little blog, I thought it would only be appropriate for me to share the wealth and offer this gorgeous necklace to one of you!  Hot damn, y'all are lucky! (I kid... kinda)

Here's how to enter:

• Leave a comment on this post (Disqus thread only) telling me how you'd style this necklace Make sure you supply an email address or a link to your blog so I can contact you!
• You cannot say you'd wear it with a little black dress because that is too easy (my blog, my rules!)
• If you create a Polyvore set using the necklace, put the link in your comment and you'll get an extra entry

So simple!  I can't wait to see how all of you would wear the necklace.  Be sure to leave your comment by 9pm central time on Sunday, February 3rd.  I'll announce the winner on Monday!

Good luck!

5 Things Friday + LOFT discount cards!

Happy Friday!  I am so ready for a weekend at home that I'm tempted to get "sick" and start it a little early.  Too bad I'm honest, and will have to put in my 9 hours before starting my very ambitious to do list - there's going to be a lot of cleaning and painting to 90s music, followed by a bit of shopping!

Until then, here are 5 things worth sharing on the internet:

1. I bet Lamps Plus is really wishing they had a different name if they're going to try and sell a jillion other things.  However, I'm not complaining because they've got some cool stuff like this great ikat pillow:

2. This week I came across this amazing table via Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly, and I'm in love.  Love love love.  I want N to try and build me one so I don't have to wait and save up $1350.

Source: highfashionhome.com via Haley on Pinterest

3. Is this not the chicest, sickest photo of Dakota Fanning?  It's weird to look up to someone to much younger than me, but I do.  If I thought I could rock a leopard minidress I'd copy her in a minute!  But I won't. 

Source: mykitchenmylife.com via Haley on Pinterest

4. Last weekend I had an amazing trip to Indiana to see my friend, and as expected, we watched a lot of Sex and the City.  It's been a couple of years since I dusted off Season 6, and was instantly sucked back in.  Tonight I get to eat watermelon and watch Charlotte and Harry get married again - is it sad that I'm really excited about that kind of Friday night?

Source: zoolz.com via Sara on Pinterest

5. The amazing team at LOFT has always been really supportive of this blog (and my shopping) and I'm excited to have some great discounts to share!  [Update: all cards have been distributed as of 9/18, but keep checking back because I may get more later this year]

Source: Uploaded by user via LOFT on Pinterest

And with that, I bid you good weekend!

Reader Request: Styling Bold Wedges at Work

Good morning!  I hope you all had a great, relaxing weekend and are ready for another five days at the office (or the first week of school!) before a long Labor Day weekend.

Speaking of school, this week I am continuing the reader request series with a question from Alex, a college counselor and English teacher at an all girls school.  She recently bought an amazing pair of teal wedges from LOFT, and wants some ideas on how to wear them to work while still setting a good fashion example for the girls she teaches. 

I personally don't think there's anything unprofessional about bold shoes, so long as you know how to balance the edginess with the rest of your outfit.  Here's how I would do it: 

Teal Wedges at Work by cardiganjunkie featuring nicole miller dresses

Fall Favorites: LOFT

Even though it's a bajillion degrees here in Texas, by the retail calendar, fall has arrived.  In the coming weeks, we'll be flipping through the glorious Semptember issues of our favorite magazines and dreaming of jewel toned layers and rich leather boots.

I've already started dreaming, and have some LOFT gift cards burning a hole in my wallet.  I've looked through the first wave of the new Fall collection and there is so much I can't wait to try.  Here are my top eight favorites pieces - which one do you think I should get?

LOFT Fall 2012 by cardiganjunkie featuring set of bangles

Giveaway! 15 LOFT Discount Cards!

Today was a good day to be a LOFT girl!  I came home from a long day to find a surprise package on my front porch, which turned out to be good news for the rest of you, too!

I was super excited to get this amazing necklace from the Fall 2012 LOFT Collection, as well as a preview of the new line.  I can't share pics of the clothes, but I will say that there's some really classy animal print in the mix, as well as rich jewel tones and some gorgeous 3/4 sleeve printed dresses that are going to look great on everyone.  I can't wait!

Pssst.... you can follow me on Instagram now!

The awesome team at LOFT also sent along some pretty exciting stuff for me to share with all of you!  I have fifteen LOFT Girl discount cards that are good for 20% off every full-price purchase you make from now until December 31st!  If you shop at LOFT often (as I do), this is a pretty valuable little card!

If you want in on the action, here's what you need to do!

1. Go to LOFT.com and pick out your favorite item(s)

2. Send me an email by end of day on Friday, July 6th and tell me what item you're loving, and include your address so I can mail you the card (use subject line "I love LOFT!" so I don't miss it)

If I get more than 15 responses, I'll assign numbers to each email in the order I receive them and then pick 15 winners via random.org before mailing out all the cards this weekend.

Who's in?

I'm in love.

I don't have time for a proper post today since I just spent an hour and a half trying on outfits at LOFT for this Thursday's event!  I can't wait to show all of you what I got, but until then, I will pass along this AMAZING art deco-inspired bracelet and necklace since the online 50% off + Free shipping promotion has been extended through today.  You could get both of these babies for $44.50!

LOFT Collection Multi Strand Cabochon Bracelet

LOFT Collection Multi Strand Cabochon Necklace

I also want to remind everyone who is local to Dallas that you MUST rsvp online for the LOFT private shopping party by midnight on 11/30.  Replying to the Facebook invite or mentioning to me that you're attending isn't enough, and I'm worried that some people may be turned away.  I'll be stalking you all on Facebook shortly.  :)

Disclosure: LOFT has not paid me to feature this jewelry, nor have they supplied it to me for review.  I genuinely like it, and would feature it regardless of my relationship with the company.  I have, however, accepted a brand ambassador role that does lead to my receiving free clothing on occasion.

I Heart LOFT.

Today I went to LOFT to check out the 40% off sale and was not disappointed.  I'm still smiling about my fantastic new trouser jeans that make me look taller and skinner AND are comfortable.  I'm seriously debating buying another pair to have as backup when these die (because I plan to wear the crap out of them).

Double Waistband Trouser Jean (not on sale online, but in store it rang up 40% off)

I also tried on the Curvy Trouser Jean but they didn't have the size I needed - also very cute and super forgiving.  (Go down a size if you order these - they run big).

And if you're in the market for a suit, you need to place an order now because the Herald pinstripe jackets and pants are 40% off and you can get both pieces for $130.  I love how the jacket is cropped (great for us shorties) and the pants have a very slimming wide leg that looks modern.  I stood in the store trying to think of a reason why I need a suit, but my best excuse was "maybe I'll decide I don't like my job this year" and so I left without out.

Happy shopping!!

P.S. I got an email from the LOFT team a while back and the store is no longer known an Ann Taylor LOFT.  Let's be correct.