Anti-Cardigan Manifesto

First, let me say this:  I am aware that I live in the capital of what was once the Confederacy.  I am also aware that Virginia is a "commercial" market, which is just a nice way of labeling us "preppy."

I have nothing against preppy style or "Americana" as it is called in the industry; in fact, I am wearing a button-up oxford, jeans, and distressed brown boots at this very moment!

I do, however, take issue with the cardigan.  Last night I eagerly flipped through the Nordstrom spring catalogue.  The stylists' theme for the shoot was inspired by a vision of an art curator, and I was intrigued by their interpretations... that is, until I came to the page of cardigans.

I do realize that the stylists did not design the cardigans, and were just doing their jobs of showcasing upcoming styles for spring.  It would have been very difficult for me to get excited about more cardigans... I mean, really?  I didn't have time to write this post last night as I had an appointment with my hair stylist.  I expressed my concern to Meriel and she replied "Oh, I love cardigans!"

I sunk down in my chair.

But today I still abhor cardigans.

This is why:

Women in real life rarely look attractive in cardigans.  Sorry, Meriel.  In my experience, anyone who wears more than a B-cup is too big for a cardigan!  If you're like me, you're at risk of blinding a passerby with a projectile button...  and if not, these tiny little buttons are dangling from their threads after one or two wears because you are constantly tugging at them to remain closed - or pinning the gaps between - in hopes of concealing the huge spaces between the tiny little buttons.

And then there is always the idea of wearing it undone over a blouse, but that just brings back memories of The Limited era and matching sweater-sets.  NO!

I will try to remain open-minded and welcome the opinions of others on this matter.  Right now, however, my advice to Richmond women is:  "It may be pretty, it may have a fancy neckline, but it is still a cardigan and you can do better."

(I do have a cardigan from anthropologie in a post on this blog, but it has no buttons and is more like a shaw, so don't judge me!)  :-)