Chapter #38: An Ode to Cardigans

A reader's second best friend

Feeling My Shelf is a bi-weekly newsletter about books, life, and well, life with books. Grab your favorite caffeinated beverage and get comfy. First up, some recent reads.

Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola

A Black British college student dishes life and dating advice on her radio show à la Dear White People. After a series of interesting events, she finds herself in a fake relationship with the new flirty guy she warned everyone about on campus. It’s a slow (slow!) burn with more honey than spice, if you catch my drift. The college-aged drama had me rolling my eyes at times, but the witty writing and colorful characters kept me reading.

A Love Song For Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

Set against the backdrop of Harlem is this enchanting love story from the author of the equally fantastic Seven Days in June. It follows Ricki, a free-spirited florist, determined to forge her own path away from her family’s funeral business empire, who finds herself entangled with a mysterious stranger. Emphasis on mysterious. I couldn’t stop reading because I had to know what was going on with him, and once all was revealed, I was not disappointed. It’s a magical leap-year story full of humor, heart, floral puns, and nods to the Harlem Renaissance. I only hate that I can’t read it for the first time again.

I’ve been thinking a lot about cardigans lately.

o cardigan! my cardigan!

Maybe it’s the crummy, frigid weather that’s invaded Southern California or a hint of buyer’s remorse, courtesy of my recent trip to Madewell that resulted in a $98 sweater purchase. 

The latter, definitely the latter.

I had no intention of buying anything that Saturday afternoon when I wandered into the store. I just wanted to browse somewhere other than Target or a bookstore—especially since I’m on a book-buying ban. Not even five minutes after I walked in, I spotted the button-front cardigan and made a beeline towards it.

It was love at first sight. On my end, at least. I’m confident that the inanimate object has no feelings for me.

Like a mesmerized child, I immediately reached out and touched it. Its ribbed texture sent a tingling shock down my spine. Did I get turned on by a sweater? I had to have it. That is until I turned and read the price tag before quickly putting the knit back in its place. A scoff escaped my lips. No way in hell was I paying that much for a sweater—not even for one as perfect as it.

Backing up a bit, I should explain that cardigans are my weakness—men in cardigans even more so. I’ve Googled “Michael B. Jordan in a cardigan” more times than I’m willing to admit. And if you were to take a peek into my color-coordinated closet or drawers, you would find plenty—a few of the same exact styles in different colors.

Cardigans are a reader’s second best friend. The first is, of course, books. Ever since childhood, I’ve loved throwing them on over tees and dresses. Pairing them with quirky earrings or fun ballet flats (my other weakness!) They’re cozy. Comfortable. They keep my hands free to turn pages when I get cold. And they can jazz up even the most basic outfit.

Case in point: I work from home and often toss on a sweater while stumbling towards my computer for a Zoom meeting. Someone almost always compliments them—the colors, the patterns, or how cozy they look on me. If only they knew that the knits often covered up the shirt I slept in and subsequently spilled some of my matcha on.

After circling the store three times, images of that polo-style collar cardigan continuously swirling in my head, I plucked it off the rack and headed straight to the register. It’s now or never, I thought. I mean, I do deserve a treat every now and again. Even if that treat is a dropped shoulder, relaxed fit, natural-colored sweater.

A quick tap of my debit card, and it was all mine.

Despite their warm composition and the fact that they come in various cuts and colors—and even have pockets sometimes—the cardigan is still seen by some as frumpy. Sloppy. Unfeminine. Lies. All lies. To me, they symbolize everything from warmth and kindness, thanks to Mister Rogers and his extensive cardigan collection, to strength and confidence via the Fixer of Washington aka Scandal’s Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), whose stylish knitwear was often paired with a glass of wine.

Every year, I think more and more about my style, auditing my closet and tossing out the things that don’t feel like me. But my cardigans remain, unlike the peplum tops and high-low skirts I’ve donated without a second thought.

Simply put: Cardigans spark joy. Zany, unbridled joy.

Most importantly, they make choosing what to wear easier. That way, I can focus on more pressing matters. You know, like figuring out what to read next.

I’m working through a few ARCs (advance reader copies) on NetGalley. Next up: Sisters With A Side of Greens by Michelle Stimpson, a feel-good story that follows two Southern sisters who reunite after decades of not speaking. I’m expecting sisterhood and a whole lot of soul food.

17 books to read on your next long-haul flight. How Amanda Anderson created a safe space for romance book lovers. What’s behind the power of tiny eyeglasses? Readers can swap books for free at Brooklyn-based Blk Book Swap. Late book finally returned after 93 years to Ohio library. Can we please put an end to over-performed audiobooks?

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