Cardigans aren’t just for Fall and Winter. They’re so popular right now, stores are carrying short sleeve varieties in a number of different styles and at every price point. The nice thing about cardigans is there are a number of really great, well-made options that are also inexpensive.

How to Wear Short Sleeved Cardigans

Short sleeved cardigans can be worn a number of ways. Since they’re used primarily for layering, you can wear them with pretty much anything.

With a Dress or Skirt

There are three different ways to wear a short sleeve cardigan with a dress.

• Wear unbuttoned and left open.
• Wear open and belted.
• Wear buttoned and belted.

Which style you choose depends on the dress and what look you’re going for. Try each style and decide which fits you best.

With Jeans or Shorts

Wearing a cardigan with jeans or shorts can be done a variety of ways.

• Wear the cardigan loose and open as a top layer.
• Wear open and belted.
• Wear buttoned and belted.
• Wear buttoned as a stand-alone top.

Types of Short Sleeved Cardigans

Like the long sleeved version, there are different types of short sleeved cardigans.

Cropped

Cropped cardigans are great feminine layer for dresses and skirts.

V-Neck

V-Neck cardigans are the basic cardigan you know so well. The buttons start at the bottom of the V, giving you a classic look. These can be trickier to belt.

3/4 sleeve

3/4 sleeve cardigans offer a little more coverage if you need something warmer or don’t want to bare as much of your arms.

Long

Long cardigans are quite elegant and an unexpected style for short sleeved cardigans. They’re perfect for dresses and skirts and can also be worn with jeans.

Draped

Draped cardigans usually don’t button and have a ballerina style to them. These are great for belting or wearing loose for a very layered look.

Inexpensive Short Sleeved Cardigans

They’re so cheap, I’ll buy more than one

Shown: Charlotte Russe Open Knit Cardigan ($15.99), Forever 21 Sweater Cardigan ($17.80), Forever 21 Open Cardigan ($10.50)

Average Priced Short Sleeved Cardigans

Looking for a couple of essential styles

Shown: Banana Republic One Button Cardigan ($39.99), Victoria’s Secret Pointelle Cardigan ($35.00), Maggy London Crop Cardigan ($48.00)

High Priced Short Sleeved Cardigans

Just one classic piece will do

Shown: Calvin Klein Cardigan ($69.50), Anthropologie Summerweight Cardigan ($88.00)


Will you be wearing a short sleeve cardigan as the weather warms? Share which cardigan is your favorite in the comments section.

White dresses were pretty much a staple for designers’s Spring 2009 collections. Almost every show featured one or more, mostly of the cocktail dress variety. They were so prevalent, some fashionistas have claimed the little white dress might replace the little black dress this Spring.
It’s hard to argue with how ideal they are for the season. They’re light, optimistic and look great against tanned skin! And, don’t be fooled into thinking white makes you look fat. It all depends on the cut of the dress. Even black dresses, which are supposed to be slimming, can make you look heavier than you are if the cut isn’t flattering.

Runway Inspiration

Like I said, white dresses were in nearly every Spring 2009 show. Here are a few of my favorites.

Shown: Chloe, Lanvin, Stella McCartney, Giorgio Armani (images from style.com)

Celebrity Inspiration

{More celebrities wearing white dresses.}

White Dresses for the Office

Wearing white to the office is totally okay. It’s true that white dresses can look a bit more summery and, incidentally, more casual. So, if you need to look more professional in your workplace, layer a blazer or belt a cardigan over the dress and opt for heels instead of flats. Read more about which shoes to wear below.
The dresses I’ve chosen to spotlight here are more conservative than those in other categories since you’ll want to look respectable at work. Make sure you wear the proper undergarments for all white dresses, but especially for those you wear to work!

Shown: Adrianna Papell Belted Dress, Lauren Shirtdress, Banana Republic Sheath Dress

White Dresses for Going Out

White dresses are fresh, flirty and convey a sense of romantic innocence. Therefore, if you’re wearing a white dress for a night on the town, choose one that shows a bit more skin and a grown-up style.

Shown: BCBG Laser Cut Dress, David Meister One Shoulder Dress, Forever 21 Luster Party Dress

White Dresses for the Weekend

For the weekend, go for a flowy white sundress. It’s perfect for backyard get togethers, Sunday brunches and spa dates with your girlfriends. Since these dresses are usually made of a thinner material, pay special attention to the undergarments you choose.

Shown: Lauren Sundress, Charlotte Russe Lace Dress, Old Navy Tube Dress

Versatile White Dresses

These white dresses can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. They’re everyday, everywhere dresses.

Shown: Banana Republic Sheath Dress, New York & Company Belted Dress, Forever 21 Floral Overlay Dress

How To Wear White Dresses

Like I mentioned before, it’s all about the cut when it comes to white dresses. Find a dress that fits you well and flatters your figure. To dress up or down, add a blazer, a belt at your natural waist or a cardigan. Since white is neutral, you can technically pair it with any other color and be okay. However, there are some colors that work better for this season. Choose bright, bold colors, light brown leathers, lavender and classic black for best results.

Undergarments

White dresses, unless made of a very thick material, are almost always see-through. To avoid distasteful showing of panties and bras, wear undergarments that match your skin tone. And, always wear a slip! Go for a light nude or white slip.

Shoes

Depending on the style, you can wear flats or heels with white dresses. For work wear, choose classic heels in black, light brown, nude or a bold color like navy, pink, red or green. For evening wear, go for a bright, fun or metallic pair of heels. For weekend attire, opt for flat sandals.

Accessorize

A white dress is a blank palette. You can keep the simple elegance of the dress by adding a thin strand of pearls. Or, you can go all out with statement jewelry. Choose monochromatic jewelry for the best pop and contrast. Bright pinks, turquoise, green, yellow and black are all great options. Or go for the metallic look with a gold statement necklace and wide cuff.
Wide belts work best with white dresses, adding another dimension to the dress.

White dresses are pretty much THE dress trend this season. Find one that works for your style and budget and accessorize it, making it appropriate for many different occasions and situations.


What do you think of the white dress trend? Do you agree that the myth about white dresses is incorrect? Let us know what you think!

Philip Lim’s Fall 2009 show was so much FUN! Inspired by 60’s rock, the designs were reminiscent of the Beatles, Mick Jagger and Jimi Hendrix. The models sported 60’s style bob haircuts while Lizzie Trullie played 60’s tribute music. A theme this specific could become more of a costume show than a fashion show, but Lim’s designs updated 60’s fashion to make it desirable for today’s woman. From more conservative suits to youthful minis, there’s really something for everyone with this line. A very on-trend one shoulder dress followed by a house dress and goat hair jacket show the extent of diversity in this line. And, the best thing about Philip Lim’s designs are their affordability. That, of course, is why he hasn’t been hit hard (if at all) by the recession. I’m glad economic stress didn’t interfere with the creativity of this line! Check it out!

Themes from the Philip Lim Fall 2009 Show:

Fur, Feathers and Animal Hair
Full Skirts
Cropped Flare Pants
Hot Pants
Retro/Mod-Style
Texture
Sequins

Your Thoughts?

What do you think? Love it or hate it? Is there something that you can see yourself in? Leave your critiques in the comments.

Victoria’s Secret: Get 7 panties for $24.50. Find bras marked down 25-40%.


Avon: Save up to 76%. Get Free Shipping when you spend $15. Use code AVON515.


Nordstrom: Free Estée Lauder gift with your $39.50 purchase. Shop NORDSTROM


Soma: 25% off New Summer Dresses. Sale ends Sunday.


Banana Republic: If you have an Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic card, save 25% off your total order of $100 or more. Use code SPRING25.


Bath & Body Works: Get wallflowers for $6. Buy 3 Signature Collection Body Care products, get 3 free. Get Free Shipping when you spend $65. Use code FREESHIP65.


JCrew: Check out JCrew’s Spring Sale. Many new items have been discounted.


New York & Company: Get Free Shipping when you spend $75 or more. Use code 3089.


Charlotte Russe: Saturday is the last day of the 75% off sale.


Check back later for updated Friday Finds.

Now that you know all about the different types of makeup brushes, it’s time to learn how to care for them. Storing your brushes properly and cleaning them routinely will make quality brushes last a lifetime. These practices will also keep your skin healthy and clean.

Storing Your Makeup Brushes

It’s best to store makeup brushes in a dark, cool area since sunlight and heat can break down natural and synthetic fibers. Storing your brushes in a makeup bag is fine, but separate your brushes from your other makeup. Also, keep brushes used for liquid away from brushes used for powder. You can do this by storing the brushes in a small bag of their own that fits inside your makeup bag.
In addition to storing your brushes in a makeup bag, you can also store brushes separately in a brush roll, a brush tube or a brush holder.

Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

It’s important to clean makeup brushes often to prevent caking, damage to bristles and bacteria growth. If you fail to clean your brushes, you continue to collect bacteria and dead skin cells in the brush. Then, you subject your face to that yuckiness each time you apply makeup!
The general rule is: clean liquid makeup everyday, clean powder makeup once a week.

How To Clean Your Makeup Brush

Apply cleaner to the brush and lightly swirl. Dab on a towel or tissue to remove excess product. Allow brush to dry.

DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner

There are a number of cleaners you can make with household products that work just as well as store bought cleaners.
Shampoo
Run the brush under warm water. Put a small amount of shampoo in your hand and swirl the brush to get all of the fibers clean. Run the brush under warm water until all product and suds are gone. Let brush dry flat.
Vinegar & Water
Mix a small amount of vinegar with about 1 cup of warm water. Swirl the brush in the mixture and then rinse until clean in warm water. Let brush dry flat.
Facial Cleanser
Put a small amount of facial cleanser in your hand and apply to a wet brush by swirling the brush into the cleanser. Run the brush under warm water until all suds and product are gone. Let brush dry flat.
Dry Clean
Use the corn starch method to dry clean your brush. The great thing about this is that you don’t have to wait for the brush to dry! Read more from BellaSugar.

Makeup Brush Cleaners

Sephora has the best line of brush cleaners for the price. All of them work just as well as anything you’ll buy from a professional makeup line and they cost so much less.