Cardigan Empire

Salt Lake City Fashion Stylist

Mommy Uniform Giveaway


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Once upon a time, years before the establishment of Cardigan Empire, a dark epoch reigned. A work-from-home executive Cinder-Reachel hardly saw a soul that wasn’t attached to an e-mail all day. Day after day, she was alone in her tower typing ever typing from from early dawn to latest dusk. Soon Cinder-Reachel began to turn down video conference calls knowing her hair looked afright and wearing dully colored knit sleeper pants all day. For while she had a closet full of lovely clothes, they all required ironing and/or dry cleaning.

Gladly Cinder-Reachel learned to live fashionably ever after, and was never again held captive by a lack of casual wear. Especially not when she became a mother. For this was her most glorious role ever.

As a mother, my pumps have shrunk to kittens and I’ve tissued my cashmere & silks to make room for more jersey & cotton. Nevertheless, casual wear is not a surrender of style, casual wear is an artful combination of form and function.

Take my Striped Boyfriend Cardigan bequeathed by Shade, casual quality experts, Shade Clothing. Let us examine this specimen by the exacting casual cardinals:

Fabric: 55% cotton + 45% acrylic foreshadows machine washable durability. This modal blend will protect against pilling and over stretching.

Figuration: As my sharp sighted photographer can confirm, there is frosting on my sleeve from making gingerbread houses. And a little strippedy pattern (or any pattern for that matter) makes these kind of embellishments less visible.

Form: Soft, cozy, and pocketed. Perfect for cuddling in the rocking chair while keeping dropped pacifiers, abandoned socks, and other necessaries within arm’s reach.

Yesterday’s Waffle Henley, also alms from Shade Clothing, passed the casual gauntlet exquisitely as well. The geo-floral print camouflaged Coco’s post breakfast renderings. The sillouhette had nary an excessive fold of fabric to fussle bundle’s bath or any other items on our agenda. And the cotton-polyester blend survived the washer-dryer combo beautifully.

Get your own Mommy Uniform by cyber-commuting over to Shade Clothing where you can get an additional 25% off all sale items + free shipping

Or you can enter up to two times for a chance to win a $25 Shade Clothing Gift Card.

Chance 1one1: Become a fan of Shade on Facebook and leave a confirming comment on this post.

Chance 2two2: Go to Shade Clothing, inspect their lovelies, return to this post, and submit a comment on your nomination for your own Mommy Uniform.

The winner of the Shade Mommy Shopping Spree will be selected at 8 am on Monday, December 14th. The winner gets a $25 Shade Clothing gift card to apply to her Mommy Uniform of choice.

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

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own casual wear recommendations and much more.

* Post Script 1: Yes, I am a lower figure wearing a long cardigan, but I bought a size larger than my top half requires and only buttoned the top button, to avoid inappropriate clutching of my triple threat.

* Post Script 2: An addendum to casual wear basics: add an accessory. A simple necklace, stud earrings, it says, I’m important enough for trivialities.

* Post Script 3: I heart the diaper bag, so many useful things. My favorite at-hand staple is wipes. Beyond their intended purpose, they make handy little spot removers.

Feed me fashionably fresh

Comments

  1. Shade is awesome! i love the boyfriend striped v neck in the color you have or the caramel beige colors too.

    I hope i win:-)

  2. Since I now own a most lovely look book of my own, I’ve been trying to amp up my mommy wear, recognizing that just because I love my 4-year-old son does not mean I must spend the rest of my days in old t-shirts for fear of something being ruined in play. I’d pick the perfect tee in black with the 3/4 sleeve v-neck cardigan in Harvest. It means my rear is covered, my chest is contained, and I don’t worry about things like washable markers 🙂

  3. The drape front cardigan would elevate my wardrobe considerably. I’m always freezing and throwing on some of my older, well loved sweaters and cardigans. Time for something a little less worn-in!

  4. I just love Shade (I also love that they are all about modesty!!). My mommy uniform would be the denim knee length skirt paired with simple long sleeve crew and scarf. Add a pair of knee boots and you have my perfect mom outfit!!
    Kirsten Hany

  5. I’m a fan on facebok!
    Tiffany Hillam

  6. I love Shade! I would love to add a ruffle top to my wardrobe!

  7. I am a Facebook fan of Shade!

  8. I’m due with my first in April and in need of some help with a mommy wardrobe! If Facebook wasn’t blocked at work, I would be a fan right this second. But that will quickly be remedied the moment I get home tonight.

  9. I’m in love with their Terry Peacoat

  10. I’d choose the polished 3/4 sleeve and the ruffled top–I like to be casual without feeling frumpy. I love Shade’s cap sleeves, too! And with regard to your post scripts, Ms. Bagley, you may find that once a little one gets big enough to grab and pull, the earrings must get smaller, and the necklaces may go by the wayside for awhile for their (and your) own safety.

  11. 3/4 sleeve v-neck cardigans are my bestest friends! They are true to me when all other cardigans fail to impress. Shade has one in “harvest” that would be a great addition to my scant wardrobe.

  12. Is it bad that “work from home casual” is my “work from office” uniform? Such is the life of workingin a casual atmosphere…

    I am a FAN of shade on Facebook.
    I am a HUGE fan of the Terry Peacoat as well as the two items you’ve worn so elegantly my darling Reachel.

  13. I love the ruffle top in both colors! I think they’d draw the eye up from my ample lower figure. 😉

  15. I like the wrap maternity top. It looks very flattering to a round belly. 🙂

  16. I’m a fan of shade on facebook now!

    Here’s to hoping! 🙂
    acegbert(at)gmail(dot)com

  17. Ooh, I really love the Pintuck Bow Top in concord. But for my mommy wear outfit I would go for the Drape Front Cardigan. It looks so comfy.

    acegbert(at)gmail(dot)com

  18. I think the pintuck bow top would look good on me since I am a middle figure.

    ~Paula

  19. I have been dying to own the boyfriend stripe cardigan in the brown/pink colors. I love it so much!

  22. The Terry peacoat is right up my ally, pieces of clothing that are warm and stylish are a must for this Minnesotan (transplant) mom! And I’m a fan on facebook!

  23. I was just looking yesterday for tees to fit my growing belly. The softest cap sleeve sounds wonderful with out seams. Seams drive me crazy during pregnancy.

  26. I would like a boyfriend cardigan as well 🙂 I eyed them yesterday.

  28. The ruffle top would look good on it’s one or under a cardi!

  29. The denim skirt looks like a perfect mom uniform, especially if I have to drop by the school for holiday centers.

  30. LOVE Shade! Would love to win this cardigan!

  31. oh how cute. I really like this-

    Cowl Neck Long Sleeve

    Lauren
    lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

  33. My mommy uniform would consist of a nice layering tee in any of the colors they offer except white, (I don’t dare white because just by looking at it, my kids somehow transfer their hand prints and snotty noses to it) and the boyfriend cardigan in pewter It’s slim fitting and long enough to cover my heiny and love handles to keep me feeling comfortable yet still fun and fashionable.

    autum22@gmail.com

  34. I love Shade. I am a fan on facebook

  35. I love the ruffle top in that oh so pretty peacock and am really loving the denim skirt.

  36. I would love the floral scarf with a cute cardi por favor!

  37. I’m a fan of Shade on FB
    Erica Wallace Zimmerman

  40. I am a mommy of three lovely children and am in desperate need of some fashion help since my clothes tend to be boring and practical. I usually opt for function over look and it would be extremely helpful to have some of the lovely items on this site, appropriate for my age and my role!

    P.S. And I did become a fan on facebook!

  41. I love the ruffle top. Comfy, yes dressy at the same time.

  42. Since becoming a mother, I’ve learned that it’s a true art to wear stylish clothing that is also easy to clean and doesn’t have crazy-low necklines that the baby will grip and pull down. Since it’s snowy and cold here in New England, I would choose the Green Sweater Vest w. Sash and the creme long-sleeved turtleneck. I would add the denim skirt for the bottom (with a thick pair of tights and some camel colored knee boots…flat heeled). This would be warm, stylish, comfortable, and easy to take care of a crawling 7 month-old in!

  43. I like to feel girly even though I need to be practical so I love skirts! My mommy uniform from Shade would be the Box Pleat Top, 3/4 Sleeve V-Neck Cardigan, and Denim Skirt. I would wear these with my super comfy brown boots and be ready for chores, errands, dinner, or shopping!

  45. The henley does look so nice…as well as the ruffle top!

  46. Shade clothing is great. I love the Dolman Tunic. I would get in red.

  47. I love Shade clothing! I’m loving the drape front cardigan 🙂

    Coco is so adorable! 🙂

  49. I love cardigans. The v-neck 3/4 sleeve cardigan in Harvest has been on my list of wants for a while, and of course a layer tee in rosemary or white…and my trusty dark, dark skinny jeans and little wedge knee high boots…that’s my uniform. I top that off with a headband, great necklace and big ‘ol cocktail ring.

  50. I had to go to the Shade style guide (I’m that clueless) for ideas on what to pull together and I like the sweater vest with sash over the waffle henley combination they put together.

  51. I love all the Shade clothing, but I would pick the ruffle top or a crew neck sweater with one of their scarves to go with it!

  52. i am a fan of shade on facebook, i follow you and their blogs too. congratulations by the way.

  53. my mommy casual from shade is a layering of a cami in nude under one of their long sleeve basics. i know, sounds boring, but i then pop on my comfy down vest to run errands and i love the laid back look!

    i am loving their ruffled top now though!

  54. I was also blessed with a daughter in July through LDSFS adoption and I’m nominating the TERRY PEACOAT in cream as a mommy uniform. Our LDS adoption temple sealing is in January and I’m despirately looking for the “perfect” outfit to wear for family pictures afterward. I thought it would go great with a beige skirt and colorful shade undershirt and some matching colorful tights.
    Congratulations on the adoption of Coco. She’s a doll!

  55. I am thrilled to see that cardigan modeled–it is perfect! I am a fan on facebook!

  56. My nomination would be for the terry peacoat. The fabric makes it mommy-friendly and casual, but looks stylish and put together.

  59. i love the new ruffle shirt-simple embellishments make accessorizing a no-brainer!

    and how cool is my word verification: mottest

  60. Do Grandma uniforms apply? I like the Dolman dress and the straight skirt. Of course I like the boydfriend v neck in the same color you had on and the waffle henley. Grandma is having a struggle today. I need to get more focused.

  62. Melissa Stringham: I like the ruffle top, waffle henly, and 3/4 v-neck cardigan!

  63. This Mommy would love that cardi!!

  64. I just became a fan, and it’s a toss up between the ruffle top and 3/4 sleeve cardigan, I can’t decide!

  65. I love your pom pom garland. Where did you find it? (Did you make it?)

  66. I just became a fan on facebook! The name is Katie Barnes Lorsch.

  67. If I were to pick something, I would probably go for the Dolman Tunic in gray or black. I would be able to easily pair it up with anything!

  68. I’m a Shade facebook fan!

    kristen(dot)mason(at)gmail(dot)com

  69. I nominate the drape front cardigan for my mommy wardrobe.

    kristen(dot)mason(at)gmail(dot)com

  70. I would wear the scoopneck 3/4-sleeve with cuff top in black. I’d probably pair with the 3/4-sleeve v-neck cardigan, probably the one in ‘harvest.” It’d go great with a pair of jeans, or a denim skirt, and boots. It’s absolutely the kind of outfit I’d throw on for a quick trip somewhere.
    (I’m also a fan of Shade on Facebook.)

  72. I would love another crew neck long sleeve top

  75. My outfit choice is really easy, because it’s one piece. I love the Dolman dress.. so cute!

  77. I’m definitely a fan on facebook! I love that Shade is always reinventing their looks and setting all the trends.

  78. I think the official mommy look is the maternity wrap shirt with a solid scarf. Pregnant = mommy and a scarf for hiding the pre-pregnancy bump definitely = mommy. Hence, the best mommy uniform.

  79. I love shade. I love how soft and modest and yet stylish everything is. I love the sweater vest with sash. Perfect mom wear.

  81. Im a fan of Shade on facebook, I have many of their cami’s. Love them!

  82. I’m a Facebook fan of Shade! And proud… 🙂
    ebickell at hotmail dot com

  83. My mommy uniform would include the polished 3/4 sleeve and… sorry but moms must be comfy… the lounge pant with band!
    ebickell at hotmail dot com

  84. I am a fan of Shade Clothing!

    npbradshaw at hotmail dot com

  85. I would wear one of their basic tops with the drape front cardigan, some jeans and some boots.

  87. shade IS my daily mom uniform. in the winter it’s a long sleeve tee, in the summer a layer tee. i’d love to add one of their skirts to my uniform.

  88. I very much adore the dark plaid shirtdress as my littlest is now 2 1/2 and I can start attempting to dress up again.

  90. I am a HUGE Shade fan- as well as a mommy- and I must say that I just had a baby in June and am FINALLY starting to be able to wear some of my pre-pregnancy clothes again. I’d love to look stylish in some newer Shade clothes. Maybe I’d realize being a mom in style is fun!

  91. I love Shade! I am a facebook fan!

  92. I love the rockstar jeans

  93. The Pintuck Bow shirt has got to be on of the cutest “Mommy” shirts Shade has- because it is way stylish but also flares out enough to cover the little flab mom’s tend to keep around the stomach.

  96. I am a Shade Facebook Fan! {Rob n’ Ki Smith}

    CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

  98. I love the scoop neck long sleeve shirts and the long sleeved turtleneck top. I have some breezy shirts that don’t cling to my soft delicious center but I need some shirts to go underneath them so I can be warm this winter.

  101. I’m a fan on FB- Marci Giles

  103. i love everything from Shade but my mommy uniform would be the plaid tunic.

    And I’m now a fan on facebook!

  104. I am so glad you introduced Shade to me – sooo affordable! I just became a fan on facebook!

  105. favorite outfit for lounging around the house = striped boyfriend cardigan + white cami with lace + lounge pant with band.

    don’t worry, i wouldn’t leave the house that way {usually}.

  108. I would love to get the ruffle top! I’m a big fan with anything with ruffles!

  109. I like the long sleeved- striped oxford w jeans and ballet flats or mocasins. The structure of the top helps hide my post-baby muffin top.

  110. i do love the sweater you posted! but i also love the dolman tunic too!

  111. Shade Clothing is amazing! I absolutely love their clothes!

  112. I love the ruffle top because it is my favorite color to wear. Plus it has longer sleeves to cover my my shy upper arms.

  114. i really like the new ruffle top. i think everyone needs ruffles. now i just need some ruffle flats.

  116. The denim skirt with the 3/4 cardigan, with a layering tee (just in case the kiddo spits up, I have an extra layer of protection).

  118. Part of my mommy uniform is usually a t-shirt type top with a little something extra. Shade’s ruffle top would work great for me.

    jvanchiere@yahoo.com

  120. ~~*Shade clothing is my new favorite clothing site. I would love to own a boyfriend sweater much like this one. I am already thinking of all of the places that I can wear it =) Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, the DAY AFTER Christmas SHOPPING, Vacation to New Mexico in a few weeks. I love it! I hope I’m the lucky one!!! =)*~~

  121. love to add the 3/4 cardigan to my mommy attire

    heatherdemke(at)gmail(dot)com

  123. I’ve been eying the Terry Peacoat for quite a while. I’d love to get it before they’re all gone!

  124. My Mommy Uniform would be so nice with the terry peacoat; I love it!

  127. Did I mention that I am a fan on facebook. One of the very few things I know how to do.

  128. I would love to add the drape front cardigan to my wardrobe. Would be perfect for a mommy like me!

  131. The cardigan is SO cute. I would defintiely have to fight my sister for it if I won.

  134. I am a fan on Facebook and I’ve been a fan of Shade since they started the company with only their cap sleeve tees.

  135. This “future” Mommy loves all of the maternity tees. They are so comfortable and I see myself wearing them even when I am not pregnant. They are that cute and comfortable!

  139. Lyndsay Johnson is now a fan of Shade on Facebook! 🙂

  140. I could really go for the Dolman tunic in heather gray, or the ruffle top in peacock.

  141. I follow shade on Facebook (Jessica Phillips)

  143. Well, I’m not a mommy, but if I had to choose an item I’m dying for, it would be the turtleneck dress. I love how versatile it looks!

    sreome@gmail.com

  145. My own mommy clothes.. the shade baby/layer tee with their cardigan! Love it.

  146. I love shades basic tees that I can layer with everything.

  147. I’m a Facebook Fan!

    clogzilla(at)yahoo(dot)com

  148. I love Shade, and I love that v-neck cardigan for a mommy uniform.

  151. Mommy outfit would be drape front cardigan, lounge pant w/ band, and printed tank. FB fan now, too! Hope I win 🙂 Please please please 🙂

  152. I am a FB fan and have loved Shade for a LONG time!

  153. that dolman tunic and drape front cardigan are both wants and they would be good mommy uniforms.

    And I’m already a fan on facebook.

  154. I like the cowl neck (in heather pewter/garnet) or the dolman tunic (in black or punch) and the striped boyfriend cardigan (in oatmeal combo).

  156. I like the ruffle top, and the 3/4 sleeve scoop neck. And the henley, actually. I like the idea of the comfort of a tee while being more interesting. I’m drawn to button ups, but alas, my “to be ironed” box is more full than my closet. I need to resist that urge.

  157. i’m a fan on Facebook of course!

  161. I think I would definitely have to go with a crew neck sweater paired with the straight skirt and a colorful solid scarf for a semi-dressed up look.
    That skirt is so cute.

  165. The polished 3/4 sleeved top is amazing! Still has the comfort of a simple tee yet looks very elegant and has nice touches! LOVE it.!

  166. I’m already a Shade fan! YIppee!

  167. ooh, i’d love a drape front cardigan, especially since my belly will be getting larger with #3 soon… 🙂

  169. I’m a fb fan! I just love them.

  170. I really love the drape front cardigan and been thinking about getting it all season. Now that it’s so cold I desperately want it!

  171. My fav outfit would be the waffle henley, with a scarf, and jeans.

  172. Morgan Bradshaw: I’m a FB Fan!!

  173. Morgan Bradshaw: I really love everything of shade’s!!! I really love the pin tuck bow top, any of the cardi’s!!

  174. I love the boyfriend striped cardigan and the scoop neck 3/4 sleeve w/cuff and the belted sweater vest and the polished 3/4 sleeve and…

  176. I would love their terry peacoat for my mommy uniform! 🙂

  178. I love the shirt dress. Would love to be a mommy in it. 🙂

  179. i LOVE THE BOYFRIEND CARDIGAN. IT’S GREAT FOR A MOM. i’M ALSO A FAN ON FACEBOOK. i LOVE SHADE.

  182. I would pair the boyfriend cardigan with the long sleeve turtle neck, to add more “up top” if you know what I mean.

    Thanks,
    Jamee
    xoxo

  183. I love the D-Ring Lounge Vest. What a great piece to make casual look cute! Thanks for the chance at winning!

  185. I love the long sleeved turtleneck. I’m a sucker for the rouching, and it would make a great layering piece here in Salt Lake. Currently it’s 6 degrees outside!

  187. I’d wear the long sleeve oxford shirt, with a scarf, a pair of jeans, and some cute flats!

  188. I am a facebook fan!

    and my mommy wardrode NEEDS a ruffle top! Needs I tell you.

  190. The Dolman Dress would be perfect. Quick and easy to look put together.

  191. I am a fan on facebook! 🙂

    Rachel Boldman

    racheeb at gmail dot com

  192. I would love the Dolman Dress or the sweater vest with sash. GREAT stylish mommy clothes!!! Lord knows, I need them!

  194. I am a fan of shade on facebook.

  195. I would love their terry peacoat!

  196. I am really loving the 3/4 SLEEVE V-NECK CARDIGAN in Orchid. It would definitely dress up a T-Shirt while still being part of a practical “Mommy Uniform.”

  198. Frumpy mommy seeks Shade gc to hide my muffin top….
    PLEASE OICK ME

  200. I’d choose the waffle henley with the denim skirt–cute and comfy!

    shellbelle1229 at yahoo dot com

  202. The Ruffle Top would be a great addition!

  203. I love the ruffle empire dress–comfortable and classy.