5 Ways with a Cream Cardigan for Little Girls

I’ve put together five fun and cute winter outfits from Gymboree for Madeline that all have the element of a cream sweater cardigan. Why a cream sweater cardigan? You’re probably thinking that it will just get dirty, but I have a few tricks for keeping my whites looking clean and bright.

I picked a cream sweater cardigan because I feel that it is a basic, versatile winter piece that every girl (young or old) should have in their closet. This particular cardigan is has a little bit of faux fur on it because I knew that Madeline would love that.

On a side note, you might be interested to know that after I found out we were having a girl with Madeline, shopping for baby girl clothes became a new hobby of mine. Walking into Gymboree was just adding fuel to the fire.

We wear a lot of layers in Colorado. The weather can change so much from the time I drop the kids off at school to the time I pick them up. Layers are necessary for cooler mornings as well as afternoons that have taken a windy turn for the cold.

But also this time of year heaters are on. We keep our house at 68 degrees F, but others (retailers, families, or other buildings) might keep their thermostats warmer…or colder. Layers are a great option for situations when you’d like to change your own personal thermostat.

It is easy to dress a cream cardigan up or dress it down so it works for casual outings like cutting down a Christmas tree or a trip to visit Santa or to Christmas just as well as it does for more dressy outings like Holiday parties and church services the week of Christmas.

Items Pictured:
Faux Fur Sweater Cardigan, Owl On Branch Tee,
Toggle Pleated Plaid Skort, Stripe Fair Isle Tight

 I am such a sucker for Red and Green Fair Isle patterns and plaid for Madeline this time of year. I always pick out a couple of Christmasy outfits that can easily be dressed up or down for school Holiday parties, family outings or to church.

But this outfit isn’t so obvious Christmas that she’ll only wear it in December. The skirt, tights and top all feature red prominently but pink is also an element and with no Christmas trees in the design it will work just as well for Valentines day.

Items Pictured:
Faux Fur Sweater Cardigan, Ballerina 3-D Tutu Tee,
Dot Ruffle Corduroy Skort, Stripe Tight

Here we’re using the very same cream sweater cardigan in an outfit with a completely different look. Pinks, white, and black are classic ballerina colors and Madeline loves to dance. We recently saw the Nutrcracker live in person for the very first time with the kids and she is all about ballet right now.

When I saw these items I knew just how I wanted to put it together for my sweet tiny dancer. This outfit will work well throughout the whole winter season as it doesn’t have any obvious holiday motif. She’ll be unwrapping this and the next one on Christmas morning.

Items Pictured:
Faux Fur Sweater Cardigan,Gem Button Tee,
Leopard Ruffle Corduroy Jumper, Black Tight

Madeline is obsessed with all animal, but especially cats (and horses too). I’m not normally one for animal prints, but I knew she would love having her own kitty dress since half of her play time is spent pretending to be a cat anyway. She will love opening this on Christmas morning.

Items Pictured:
Faux Fur Sweater Cardigan, Gem Button Ski Dog Tee,
Gem Snowflake Bootcut Jean, Bow Sparkle Sock

We live in Colorado now. Home to ski and snow. I had to give a little nod to that. Wintery, but not exclusively Christmas, this will do well from November straight through to spring.

Jeans are always good to have in the wardrobe and this particular pair, although it is embroidered with snowflakes, would pair just as well with the tops in most any of these outfits…with the exception of the cute pink belted plaid shirt that is coming up next.

Items Pictured:
Faux Fur Sweater Cardigan, Belted Plaid Top,
Sequin Flower Bootcut Corduroy Pant, Owl Flower Sock

Here is another outfit that will double well for the Christmas holidays and Valentine’s day, though I might save it for a Valentine’s day gift since she hasn’t seen it yet.

On warmer days the belted plaid top can easily be paired with some capris or leggings as we inch into spring (I can’t bear to think that far ahead yet!). And if the mornings are just a tad chilly, throw that cream sweater cardigan on top.

Giveaway Prize (1 winner):

1 winner will receive a $75 Gymboree gift card.

Thank you Gymboree for providing this giveaway!

Giveaway Requirements:

• Check out Gymboree’s Website. What basic piece would you add to your child’s wardrobe (boy or girl) that could pair with many different outfits all season long.
• Contest ends December 31, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
• Contest open to US States only. Winner must be at least 18 years of age.
• Winner will be chosen via random.org and will have 3 days to respond before disqualified and a new winner chosen.

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This post is sponsored by Gymboree. Bring a friend to a Gymboree store and sign up for Gymboree Rewards together and you’ll both SAVE 25% off an in-store purchase.

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