Pencil Skirt POW: Casual, Chic, and Coxy Tuesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Mix easy basics and comfortable pieces with your chic pencil skirt for a nice twist on casual

No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, parenting (at home), and anything else where comfort is key and you are home. Although they will work for errands and anything else casual. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the pencil skirt in general, and the cabi Fall 2016 Sigourney skirt in particular. Pencil skirts may give off a certain va va voom, but with a cozy cardigan sweater or plain tee you can dress them down for a fun alternative to a tee shirt (or sweater) and jeans. You can opt for a plain pencil skirt or go fancy and have fun dressing down a lace one, as shown below. Focus on mixing the pencil skirt with comfortable pieces that are forgiving and even loose to balance the pencil skirt, and make sure your feet are comfortable.

I’m showing two outfits here, a cozy winter one for those of you in more northern climes (and may have just gotten snow), and a cooler spring version for those of us getting hotter temperatures. Both follow the same concept, and both can be a fun way of dressing down a pencil skirt.

 

Tips:

  • Choose comfortable tops with a forgiving and even loose cut to balance out the smooth, body hugging pencil skirt 
  • Opt for a fun, but more casual accessory, like an animal print belt or funky necklace 
  • If you have a solid pencil skirt (like the Sigourney skirt), you can mix print for a fun, more whimsical way to dress it down 
  • If you have a fancier pencil skirt, like the blue lace one, go for basics in solid colors to dress down
  • Go for comfortable, practical shoes, such as canvas sneaker or fuzzy boots
  • You can treat the long lean shape of a pencil skirt like leggings or skinny jeans and wear longer, even bulky layers over it, like with leggings and skinny jeans, you’ll end up with a longer, lean line
  • Don’t be afraid to dress the pencil skirt down and take her to the park or running errands—you’ll look great and feel just a bit more sophisticated

 

Outfits:

Sigourney Skirt outfit:

Lace skirt outfit:

 

 

 

 

Related Posts:

  1. Pleated Star POW: Pretty Terrific Geek Chic Thursday Posted September 29, 2016: Mix a pretty skirt with geek pieces for and edgy, feminine geek chic look!
  2. Run Around POW: Muted, Playful Contrasts at Home Tuesday Posted April 26, 2016: Dress down your black skirt in muted tones, with pops of fun and sunshine
  3. Margherita POW: Easy, Breezy Contrasts Tuesday Posted May 10, 2016: For coverage and/or added casualness, wear a contrasting tied tee shirt over your favorite sundres

Or browse the other casual “No Place like Tuesday” outfits and tips!

Beyond POW: Trendy Layers and a New Basic Tuesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Go beyond your tee and jeans with a unique tunic tee and trendy layers

No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, parenting (at home), and anything else where comfort is key and you are home. Although they will work for errands and anything else casual. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the Beyond Tee from cabi Fall 2016. In this outfit we see the Beyond Tee in its most basic form—with no extra styling of the panels. This is what it looks like—tunic length tee with two longer panels. It works perfectly in a casual, comfortable, yet stylish outfit. If you are a tee-and-leggings type of person, here is your stylish and funky version of it. You can add a warm layer, like the amazing Sweetheart Sweater, shown in some of the pictures. I love the mix of lengths with long sweater, long tee panels, and the tunic length tee underneath. Such fun! This is perfect for working from home, running errands, parenting, or just being chic and comfortable.

As a working mom, I often need to head out the door in a hurry while juggling kid, stuff for the day, and more. Adding a jacket and keeping track of it can be hard, especially when temperatures are variable. I find that a longer sweater can do double duty as an inside layer and a light jacket to run out the door with. Yes, you can throw the sweater on when heading out, or just have it as part of your outfit for when you will be doing a lot of in and out activities. It’s so much easier than stopping each time in and out to put something on/take it off. I know I am often juggling to much to do so. I love the Sweetheart Sweater for this. There are some other great choices from cabi this fall, including the Lara Sweater and Napa Vest.

 

Beyond Tee Styling Technique: Basic Beyond Tee

To work the “Basic Beyond Tee” technique:

  1. Put it on the frontwards way with the tag in back for a lower neckline
  2. Make sure the tunic and panels are not tucked in
  3. Go!

 

Tips:

  • Think outside the normal leggings or jeans with a tee and look for unique pieces that are just as comfortable, like this Beyond Tee
  • Wear a longer sweater as both an inside layer and a coat for a quick and easy day of going in and out
  • Keep your sweater lighter to not add bulk or a few pounds
  • Go for a longer sweater with shape, such as a defined waist, to give the outfit shape—this may help shorter people rock the longer sweater too!
  • Add a gray leggings to break up an all-black look, but still keep the feel; or add some fun bright leggings to liven this up
  • Keep your shoes practical and fun with some patterned sneakers
  • Thrown on an easy over-the-head long necklace to go with the flow of this easy look

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

 

Related Posts:

  1. Cozy Layers Four Ways and a Mom Bun Tuesday: Dress down your pretty skirt with casual, comfortable layers and a mom bun.
  2. Go-To POW: No Place Like Tuesday for Sky & Earth Explorers: Dress down those work-appropriate black pants with a boxy tee, explore vest, and handmade jewelry
  3. Destructed White POW: Take me out to the ballgame Tuesday: For a cool, casual, and stylish outfit for a ballgame (or any occasion where cool and comfortable is key), wear layers in the colors of your favorite team.

 

 

If you would like the Beyond Tee, contact your cabi stylist. If you do not have one, please contact me in the comments or via email, reach out to my stylist Joni Allen (via email or phone: 770 502-5243 [call or text]), Leigh Cheatwood-Harris (a friend’s stylist whom I have worked with also and can recommend: email and her site) or find a cabi stylist near you.

 

 

Pleated Star POW: Cozy Layers Four Ways and a Mom Bun Tuesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Dress down your pretty skirt with casual, comfortable layers and a mom bun

No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, parenting (at home), and anything else where comfort is key and you are home. Although they will work for errands and anything else casual. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End. Yes, even a pretty pleated skirt can work for a casual, easy outfit! Just add easy pieces in comfortable knits, practical shoes, and a mom bun and you have a twist on the jeans and tee you may often wear at home or running errands.

As the seasons change, it is especially important to think of layers and versatility in any of our outfits, but especially those for busy days. I love the Recess Tank and Recess Topper as an easy way to layer with style and flair. Both pieces are soft French Terry, making them perfect for casual wear. The Recess Tank is a longer, tunic-length, providing even more versatility (and you can wear it with leggings). You can easily wear them as a set—a modern take on the cami and cardigan combo—or separately. Here I illustrate several ways you can wear the two pieces with this skirt:

  1. Just the Recess Tank worn long
  2. Recess Tank only, tied at the waist to add flair and emphasize the waist (which is also good at hiding the belly)
  3. Recess Topper over the Recess Tank, with the Topper tied and hood down
  4. The Recess Topper with hood up over the Recess Tank
Just the Recess Tank worn long

Just the Recess Tank worn long

Recess Tank only, tied at the waist

Recess Tank only, tied at the waist

Recess Topper with hood up over the Recess Tank

Recess Topper with hood up over the Recess Tank

You can also play even more with the two together or separately, such as pairing the Recess Topper with another tank, tunic, or top under it. I adore the thumb holes, but you do not have to wear them; you can just push the sleeves back a bit for a more traditional sleeve look.

 

Tips:

  • Transform your pretty pleated skirt into a perfect casual outfit by mixing it with casual tops and accessories
  • Look for versatile tops combinations, such as the Recess Topper and Recess Tank, for an easy way to layer and be ready for changes temperatures
  • Rethink the classic cardigan and cami with a cropped pullover and a tunic-length top for a casual, cozy take on traditional layers
  • A heather gray knit adds a casual feel to any outfit
  • With a pretty skirt and fun topper(s), no one will notice the messy mom bun
  • A bra-friendly tunic length tank, give you extra ease and versatility—allowing you to wear your favorite comfy bra and decide if you want the tunic down or tied at your waist

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

Interested in purchasing? If my post inspired you to buy the lovely Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End or other items from Lands’ End, please consider using my referral link. I’ll get 25% off my next order and be very grateful! Let me know you used my referral link, and give you a shout out including links to your social media.

Related Posts:

  1. Margherita POW: Easy, Breezy Contrasts Tuesday Posted May 10, 2016: For coverage and/or added casualness, wear a contrasting tied tee shirt over your favorite sundress
  2. Run Around POW: Muted, Playful Contrasts at Home Tuesday Posted April 26, 2016: Dress down your black skirt in muted tones, with pops of fun and sunshine
  3. Go-To POW: No Place Like Tuesday for Sky & Earth Explorers Posted: March 29, 2016: Dress down those work-appropriate black pants with a boxy tee, explore vest, and handmade jewelry

 

And check out the other No Place like Home Tuesday POW posts!

Destructed White POW: Take me out to the ballgame Tuesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: For a cool, casual, and stylish outfit for a ballgame (or any occasion where cool and comfortable is key), wear layers in the colors of your favorite team

No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, parenting (at home), and anything else where comfort is key and you are home. Although they will work for errands and anything else casual. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Destructed Slim Boyfriend jeans.  While Tuesday are my comfortable, casual “outfits for home” outfits, this one is more of a comfortable, casual outfit for going out to the ballgame—whether it be pro or your daughter’s softball league. But, never fear, this outfit also works for home too! Just remember, you can be stylish and comfortable at home or the ballgame! And, of course, nothing says casual and comfortable like these jeans!

 

Tips:

  • When you will be outside for several hours and may face greatly changing temperatures, chose layers that look great together and on their own
    • Consider a slouchy short-sleeve or half-sleeve sweater for a comfortable top layer (this one has a touch of silk, for the home run of can be comfortable and luxurious at the same time)
    • Add a tank top that covers your bra strap for a cool bottom layer that you can wear alone when it is hot
  • For ballgame dressing, show your team spirit by rocking your team’s colors
  • If you are going to be doing a lot of sitting, feel free to wear some fun heeled sandals, like these platform wedges
  • To add visual interest, make one of your layers a pattern—this works especially well for the bottom layer that can peek below or under the top layer(s)
  • When wearing a mix of the same colors (beyond black or white), go for contrasts, such as a lighter shade and a darker one
  • To keep a casual air (and support small businesses if you buy it), wear handmade jewelry
  • For sun protection and team spirit, top the look off with a baseball hat (Yes, this is a Red Sox hat. I’m from New England and they are still my home team, even after more than ten years in Atlanta)
    • This also is a great way to hide hair that should have been washed
    • It’s also a fun way to wear a pony tail—through the hole in the back

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 
See? It works without the sweater too!

See? It works without the sweater too!

Perfect for play ball with your kid too! (Although maybe different shoes for running)

Perfect for play ball with your kid too! (Although maybe different shoes for running)

 

Related Posts:

 

  1. Plume POW: Staying or Leaving Home Tuesday posted April 12, 2016. Travel in versatile, comfortable neutrals and add pops of color for fun and adventure.
  2. Go-To POW: No Place Like Tuesday for Sky & Earth Explorers posted March 29, 2016. Dress down those work-appropriate black pants with a boxy tee, explore vest, and handmade jewelry
  3. Michelle POW: Flutter & Sea No Place Like Tuesday March 15, 2016. For a casual nautical look, limit the nautical, but add a flattering cardigan and white jeans for a comfortably on-trend and classic look.

And checkout the other No Place like Home Tuesday POW posts!

 

 

Bardot POW: Vibrant, Fun, Playing-in-the-Dirt Contrasts Tuesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Mix up the jean, tee, and shirt look by wearing bright colored jeans and a denim shirt for a fun, casual, vibrant look

No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, parenting (at home), and anything else where comfort is key and you are home. Although they will work for errands and anything else casual. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Bardot Shirt. What is more casual and comfortable than jeans, a tee, and a shirt thrown over? Not much. But, why be plain and boring and wear your blue denim on bottom? Why not wear it on top? And why make those jeans blue all the time? Change it up with some on-trend color. With a few simple touches you can take a super casual, go-to look and make it interesting and trendy. Mom bun is optional!

A denim shirt is inherently casual. As such, it is the perfect layer to a casual outfit. It is easy to throw on over almost any casual outfit. It is the perfect match for this bright, fun, and casual outfit.

 

Tips:

  • To change up your jeans and a tee look, go for some of the on-trend colored jeans, such as these bright citron ones
  • Play off the expected blue denim on bottom by wearing your blue denim on top, through a denim shirt
  • Wear contrasting colors to create a more vibrant and dynamic look that will stand out—this may cheer you up and put some vigor in your step
  • Up the playfulness of your look with fun jewelry, such as this gold measuring tape necklace and moon earrings
  • Pull out one of the secondary colors in your outfit with your shoes (ballet flats are great for casual days!)
  • For an added casual air, roll those jeans up, but don’t worry if it is a messier roll

 

Outfit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
So casual and comfortable, I can dig in the dirt with my toddler

So casual and comfortable, I can dig in the dirt with my toddler

Related Posts:

  1. Go-To POW: Denim on Top Saturday posted April 02, 2016. Wear your denim on top with classic black pants for a casual, fun, and modern outfit with a touch of class.
  2. Plume POW: Staying or Leaving Home Tuesday posted April 12, 2016. Travel in versatile, comfortable neutrals and add pops of color for fun and adventure.
  3. Run Around POW: Muted, Playful Contrasts at Home Tuesday posted April 26, 2016. Dress down your black skirt in muted tones, with pops of fun and sunshine.

Margherita POW: Easy, Breezy Contrasts Tuesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: For coverage and/or added casualness, wear a contrasting tied tee shirt over your favorite sundress

No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, parenting (at home), and anything else where comfort is key and you are home. Although they will work for errands and anything else casual. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Margherita Dress. This dress just moves! I included a few pictures to show that off. I cannot help but twirl and sway in this fun sundress. For a casual fun look, seek out a sundress that is this much fun to move in!

Many a sundress has a more casual air to it. They are easy on, read-to-go choices and a perfect choice for a Tuesday at home. However, you may find some sundresses are not casual enough. Or, you may find the straps are too thin for you to wear a comfortable (non-strapless) bra under. Or, you may want more coverage. Or, you may want to mix is up. An easy, casual solution? Tie your favorite tee shirt over it! This creates and easy, fun, and certainly casual outfit that covers more! It is also great if you have some kid stain you need to quickly cover on the top of you sundress.

Tips:

  • To dress down a sundress and/or add more coverage, tie your favorite tee shirt over the top
    • Consider a contrasting color tee shirt to make the colors pop
    • Tie the tee shirt it at your natural waste to create more of an hourglass silhouette
  • Pull out the color of your tee shirt in your accessories and shoes for a pop of fun
  • For a casual look, consider keeping your accessories smaller and more natural, such as semiprecious stones and vintage gold
  • Keep to shoes that are comfortable and easy to move in, just in case you need to walk on a wall (or really because you are being casual and dressing easy & breezy)
  • Casual doesn’t have to be boring—have fun with this by choosing bright colors and a flowy dress
  • Look for pocket for a practical, easy-to-parent-in or just live in choice

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

 

 
 

Run Around POW: Muted, Playful Contrasts at Home Tuesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Dress down your black skirt in muted tones, with pops of fun and sunshine

No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, parenting (at home), , and anything else where comfort is key and you are home. Although they will work for errands and anything else casual. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Run Around Skirt. This skirt is as easy to style down as it is to style up! There are many options to style it down. A tee shirt of any sort is instant casual and comfort! Or a cotton knit tank. Or a casual button down, like a denim shirt. Or, maybe those last two together? That’s what I went with here. A tee shirt is too easy. Plus, if you are like me, layers are great—something for cool mornings and hot afternoons.

If you really want to give this skirt (or other black skirts) a casual feel, follow my rule previously discussed in No Place Like Tuesday for Sky & Earth Explorers for dressing black bottoms: go for more muted colors not whites (or brights), such as heathered grey. I also suggest stripes, which works here too! This wonderful tank has a light heather gray stripped with yellow—a fun and casual combo (the grey acts to tone down the yellow). A denim shirt often adds a casual air, as does this faded one with amazing embroidery. Plus these four colors create some fabulous combinations—yellow and blue are a favorite combination of mine. Black and yellow always grab attention. Blue and Black are a trendy, yet classic, combination. Grey goes great with everything, but I especially love it with yellow (actually thinking of doing my kitchen in yellow and grey!). Together this make a fun, casual, interesting, and incredibly comfortable outfit for working from home or whatever casual environment you are in!

Tips:

  • Don’t be afraid of fun color combinations in casual wear, such as black and yellow or blue and yellow
  • Keep your colors more muted when going casual with black bottoms
  • But don’t be afraid of some bright elements, such as stripes, to add interest
  • Think of easy ways to incorporate layers into casual wear, especially in the spring, when temperatures vary over the day (or if you have hot flashes or other things that cause quick temperature changes)
  • Have fun with your casual jewelry, such as featuring pieces with favorite or apropos animals
  • When working with a few main colors pull each out in your jewelry
  • Look for comfortable but fun summer sandals for your casual days—ones that let you walk on walls (even if low ones)
  • Have fun with your casual outfits
  • For an added touch, find fun ways to tie your denim shirt (plus this keeps from getting in the way)

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

Photography by Bill Ruhsam of The Evil Eyebrow. Check out more of his photography.

Plume POW: Staying or Leaving Home Tuesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Travel in versatile, comfortable neutrals and add pops of color for fun and adventure

No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, stay at home parenting, and anything else where comfort is key and you are home or in this case leaving home. Although they will work for errands, travel, and anything else casual. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Plume Top. There are so many ways to style this easy and casual. Simply wear it with jeans, and you are good to go (see something similar in “No place like Tuesday in a Blouse”). Also, the Traveler Pant and top are a great casual combo. I took it one step further and played off the outfit I posted in “The Transitional cabi Jacket and Pants Pieces You Need Now: The Adventure Anorak and the Traveler Pant”. I took the Travel Pants and Plume Top, added the Adventure Anorak and topped it off with a belt! Now you have casual, comfortable, practical, and fun! This is great outfit when you are not sure of the weather or will have a lot of changes in temperatures! You can just take off layers.

I just traveled in the Traveler Pant and Adventure Anorak, and I am more in love with them than I was. The Traveler Pants handled a cross country flight with a toddler, followed by a gymnastics meet (watching), my first In-N-Out Burger stop, more time in the car, and a visit to in-laws (all in one day). I spilled coffee on them and it wasn’t even noticeable after it dried! The Adventure Anorak I wore multiple days—as a layer on the plane, as a coat with hood to keep California rain off, to hold my toddler’s juice and other various things, and a layer on the chilly beach (still have sand in the pockets). It is so practical and versatile! Just add the comfortable, casual, and pretty Plume Top; a belt; and some fun shoes and you have a perfect travel and exploring outfit!

Tips:

  • Look for versatile, comfortable clothes especially for travel
  • Make your coat look like part of your outfit (and not just something you threw on) by wearing a belt over it
  • Put together travel or regular outfits with multiple layers that can easily be worn alone and look great together
  • If you are wearing two neutrals (like the pants and jacket), pop color elsewhere in your shirt, shoes, accessories, and jewelry
  • When a coat may add bulk, consider belting it to show off an hour glass shape and not look bulky yourself

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

Go-To POW: No Place Like Tuesday for Sky & Earth Explorers

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Outfit Mission Statement: Dress down those work-appropriate black pants with a boxy tee, explore vest, and handmade jewelry

No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, stay at home parenting, and anything else where comfort is key and you are home. Although they will work for errands and anything else casual. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Go-To Trouser. Even business-appropriate pants can be part of your casual work-at-home or chasing-after-toddlers look. Just add casual pieces!  But don’t just go for your white tee shirt. First, white and toddlers mix really well—if you want to look like everything your toddler ate and did that day. Second, white and black are a more sophisticated combinations and may look less casual. Instead shoot for muted colors. Heather gray is about as casual as you can get. For some pop of interest, consider stripes with some other color like this lovely pop of sky blue. A military/safari inspired vest, such as this olive green one, adds casual, fun, and practical. Jewelry that is handmade, muted or antiqued, and of natural stones adds more casual, but also some earthiness. Strappy leather and canvas sandals play off the safari look, but should be traded out for something with more traction if toddler chasing.

 

Tips:

  • For a casual and practical look, add a an olive green military/safari inspired vest
  • Wear simpler, natural accessories, like handmade jewelry with semi-precious polished stones for a touch of casual and earthy
  • Look for tee shirts in casual (and stain hiding) colors like heather gray
  • A boxy tee shirt adds extra casual and comfort, while being on-trend
  • Remember, olive green is a “new neutral” and can be worn with anything, including three other neutrals
  • Do add a pop of color, such as the sky blue stripe, to make sure your casual outfit is not too dull

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

Michelle POW: Flutter & Sea No Place Like Tuesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: For a casual nautical look, limit the nautical, but add a flattering cardigan and white jeans for a comfortably on-trend and classic look

No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, stay at home parenting, and anything else where comfort is key and you are home. Although they will work for errands and anything else casual. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Michelle Cardigan. One trend that you can find everywhere this spring is the nautical trend. Navy and white strips (or white and red), anchors, boat shoes, fisherman sweaters, and military styling are showing up on runways everywhere. Of course, this is also a classic summer style (on-trend since the 1920s or earlier), so while on-trend this year, you know you will be next year too! The key to pulling off this trend (and maybe I need to do a post on just this trend?), is to keep it simple and limit the nautical to one main piece (and maybe some jewelry or accessories). But don’t go overboard (no pun intended). The Michelle Cardigan is a perfect cardigan to pair with nautical pieces. The navy goes beatifically, complimenting nautically-themed pieces but not taking the nautical too far.  One great things about the nautical trend is it is very versatile—it works for casual, dressy, resort, and even office. But today, we focus on casual. And what is more casual than a nautical stripped tee? This cute one from cabi is fun and flattering. Add the Michelle cardigan for warmth during cool spring days or summer nights. They go nicely with the also on-trend white jeans, for a cute, casual nautical-themed outfit.

Note: I am modeling a sample Michelle Cardigan (until I get mine!) and it is size bigger than I would purchase. So, know a proper fit would be tighter.

 

Tips:

  • Don’t go overboard with the nautical style—limit it to one pieces and maybe some accessories
  • Worried that you can’t do skinnies or maybe you don’t like them so tight? Consider cabi’s answer—the slimmie—slim jeans that are not as skinny as the skinny but can be worn similar and give you the same amazing legs and long, lean look
  • You can do horizontal stripe without looking fat: go with thinner horizontal stripes; stay away from stripes that cling; look for pieces that use color or width of stripe to create shape;  or create your own shape by using belts, cardigans buttoned in the middle, or other items that show off (or create) your hourglass figure
  • Don’t limit the colors in your nautical outfits to white, blue, and red—orange provide a nice pop of contrasting color with the blue and white and works well for shoes or accessories
  • Do collect nautical pieces that match your style, since they will be in for springs and summer to come!
  • Do you have white jean? If not get them—they go with everything and add a pop of style (and don't wait for Memorial day to wear them—rock them all year round)
  • There are a lot of jewelry choices when it comes to nautical, especially gold, coins, and nautical symbols; however, when going casual keep the jewelry minimal and let the nautical theme speak

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

Plaid POW: Twisting the Classics Tuesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Twist a classic outfit by switching out trendy and fun pieces for the norm

Look! Snow! Had do take a flannel POW shoot with this backdrop! 

Look! Snow! Had do take a flannel POW shoot with this backdrop! 

Let’s dive in to our first Plaid POW post, starting this Tuesday this week, instead of the normal Monday start. No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, stay at home parenting, and anything else where comfort is key and you are home. Although they will work for errands and anything were casual is key. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan. This outfit is a slight twist on a pretty normal casual flannel outfit. In fact, if you were to go to Maine (if not there already) and look around, you would see turtlenecks, jeans, and flannel shirts everywhere right now. So, this is not a surprising way to wear an L.L. Bean Flannel. But, I did say twist. Even a common outfit can be interpreted in unique ways if you think about how to apply the components. Instead of normal jeans, I added trendy destructed jeans, giving it an edgier look. I also traded out the typical turtleneck with a cowl neck shirt, which gives a very different neckline and overall feel to the outfit. The big earrings add a fun focal point and play off the casual and even rustic flannel. The side ponytail also add a twist to normal elements and makes this outfit even less common. Together we have a stylish twist on a classic casual and cozy look.

 

Tips:

  • Take a common outfit and update a few of the pieces different with trendy or fun variations for a stylish twist on a classic 
  • Choose big, bright earrings that play off your clothes for a bright, fun update to an old standby
  • Want some edge? Go with deconstructed jeans instead of regular jeans
  • Change out that turtleneck for a cowl neck shirt for a different neckline and a less uptight feel
  •  You can even add a “twist” to the common ponytail by making it a side ponytail or doing some other modern take on the classic.

 

Outfit Breakdown:

This snow stuff is chilly

This snow stuff is chilly

 

 

Want to twist a more spring look? Grab the boutique-styled denim Bardot Shirt, the Gathered Tee, and either of the destructed jeans in the cabi Spring 2016 collection—Destructed Slim Boyfriend  or the Destructed Skinny (in Curvy or Regular). Go with the white Slim Boyfriends if you are new to mixing denim or the darker wash if you are not shy about mixing. Add Shine Chaser’s White Sea Glass Wire Wrapped Earrings and the Bird Cage shooties for a fun twist on the classic denim shirt look.

tuestwist (1).jpg



Love POW Week 2: No place like Tuesday in a Blouse

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Outfit Mission Statement: Chose a trendy jean and a personality-reflecting blouse for a casual, up-to-date outfit that says a lot about you

 

Welcome to the second week of our love POW series. Remember, POW stands for Piece of the Week, where I show off a week’s worth of outfits focused around one piece, styled seven different ways. I break this “week” of outfits over two weeks, in part to prevent too crazy of a posting schedule! This week I will be posting Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Sunday I will then post the next POW. Check out last week’s post for Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, which focus on career clothes, date night clothes, and special occasion.

No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, stay at home parenting, and anything else where comfort is key and you are home. Although they will work for errands and anything where casual is key. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi fall 2015 Love Blouse. The Love Blouse is not inherently casual, but can be part of a casual outfit with the right touches. Combine a romantic blouse with ripped jeans and you have a pretty and edgy look that can be the basis for many an outfit. This is not only the base for this Tuesday casual outfit, but also for the Spicy Sweet Friday Night Drinks outfit! Thus, you could go from day to night with a few adjustments. For the casual look, I added a casual lace-up sneaker/tennis style shoe and some simple earrings. Nothing fancy. But this is a cute casual look that works well at home, running errands, playing with kids in the park, going to a practice, shopping, checking out a farmers market, and more. While casual, this outfit does more than the tee shirt and jeans that you might wear instead. This is more flattering and it tells us something about you without using a word. Depending on the blouse, it may say you had a soft side, a creative side, a fun side, or some other side they may want to know. It says you value yourself and possibly whatever you are doing enough to put something a bit nicer on. It also says you are stylish. The jeans add a bit of street to the outfit, creating something trendy, pretty, and lifestyle friendly!

 

Tips:

  • Think about how you can take a blouse and pair of jeans and dress it down for day and turn it up for nigh
  • Go beyond the mom jean and tee shirt by replacing the tee with a pretty shirt or blouse
  • Consider ripped jeans or some other fashionable jean trend instead of the classic blue jeans for a more up-to-date and memorable look
  • Choose a blouse that says something about who you are—romantic, creative, sporty…
  • If you are rocking one trendy item, like ripped jeans, make the other clothing items more classic pieces to give the outfit depth and personality
  • Look for comfortable, cute sneaker/tennis style shoes for added comfort and to work best in a busy lifestyle 
  • Do a messy jeans roll for the added touch of casual street
  • See the Spicy Sweet Friday Night Drinks post for more information on choosing and wearing ombré blouses

 

 

Outfit Breakdown:

The clothing items in this outfit are all cabi Fall 2015, and no longer available. Contact me if you must have something and I may be able to direct you to a stylist who has it. Look for substitutes from your own closet or check out the alternatives below. I normally will make the POW a currently available item, but my blog launched later than planned and I wanted to share these outfits. The next POW will be of an available item, I promise!

  •  Blouse: This is the cabi Fall 2015 Love Blouse. To find a substitute from your own closet, look for a feminine blouse with a special feature. If you don’t have quite the right blouse to substitute in your closet, consider these cabi Spring 2016 alternatives: 
    • Vita Blouse: This gorgeous draped blouse is also sleeveless, and has a sexy cutout in the back
    • Bella Top: This feminize, fluttery blouse has a similar feel to the love blouse
    • Plaza Top: This classic, flowing blue and white blouse has a cute Henley collar
    • Tivoli Top: This fierce black and taupe blouse has plenty of cool features
  • Jeans: These are the cabi Fall 2015 Dark Destruction Slim Boyfriend, and yup, no longer available. However, there are two great cabi Spring 2016 options: 
  • Shoes: These are an older leather version of the BeanSport Lace-up Shoes. I love the comfort and coolness of these shoes. L.L. Beans has a bunch of other shoes in this comfy chic sneaker/tennis shoe lite style.
  • Earrings: These are rose gold wire wrapped crystal earrings by Shine Chaser Jewelry. She does not currently have any available on her Etsy page, but you may be able to commission some. She does currently have these similar White Sea Glass Wire Wrapped Earrings and others that will nicely work in a casual outfit (or any type of outfit!).
 

Love the ideas for this casual Tuesday style? Want a similar outfit you can purchase now? Consider the Plaza Top, Destructed Slim Boyfriend, BeanSport Lace-up Shoes (in tan), and the White Sea Glass Wire Wrapped Earrings


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POW Tuesday Edition Week 1b: No place like Tuesday in a Jacket

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Outfit Mission Statement: Integrate dressy jackets into your casual style, by keeping the other elements casual

Welcome to the second week of our first POW series. Remember, POW stands for Piece of the Week, where I show off a week’s worth of outfits focused around one piece, styled seven different ways. I break this “week” of outfits over two weeks, in part to prevent too crazy of a posting schedule! This week I will be posting Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Sunday I will then post the next POW. Check out last week’s post for Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, which focus on career clothes, date night clothes, and special occasion.

No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, stay at home parenting, and anything else where comfort is key and you are home. Although they will work for errands and anything ere casual is key. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi fall 2015 Media Jacket. As this is a dressier item, there was some challenge in dressing it down, which was fun. I love this result! I added two very casual items: a causal tank and ripped boyfriend jeans. The two dress down the jacket for an overall fun and casual look. I added some booties for a few reasons—they look great with the rolled jeans and I don’t have great casual black shoes (something I will have to work on). These are comfy wedge booties, but you may want to go with something easier to chase toddlers in. One thing I like about this jacket is that I could see just wearing the jeans and racerback tank around the house and then throwing the jacket on to go get groceries or go pick up a kid at daycare or school (possibly hiding any bra straps that might be showing) and looking put-together, but still comfortable and casual. Also, the ripped jeans add a trendy edge, more so then regular jeans would. They also bring back some memories of how cool and “bad boy” (or “girl”) I thought ripped jeans were when they were in last time.

 

Tips:

  • Make a dressier jacket work for a casual outfit by combining it with very casual pieces
  • Grab a nice jacket and throw it on over a casual home outfit when you need to run errands, get kids from school or the playground, or decide to meet a friend last minute for lunch or coffee
  • Consider the very trendy ripped jeans to tone down the dressy pieces and add more edge than regular jeans
  • If you have a casual life, don’t rule out the dressier jackets that may scream “career” or “office job” to you, you can find ways to integrate them into a casual wardrobe

 

Outfit Breakdown:

The clothing items in this outfit are all cabi Fall 2015, and no longer available. Contact me if you must have it and I may be able to direct you to a stylist who has it. I offer ways to substitute from you own closet or alternatives below. I normally will make the POW a currently available item, but my blog launched later than planned.

  • Jacket: Shown is the Fall 2015 cabi Media Jacket, which is now unavailable. From your own closet, you can substitute a cropped jacket and/or a flashy jacket in a shorter style. Or, if you want to purchase, here are a few other cropped jackets to consider instead: 
  • Tank: The tanks shown is the Fall 2015 cabi Horizontal Tank, and no longer for sale. However, cabi has two great replacements in the Spring collection: 
    • Asymmetrical Tank: This tank comes in white or gray and has a great asymmetrical hem. Either color would work, but the grey might be more casual
    • Limoncello Tank: This sporty, yellow and gray tank, has wider stripes on back, for a different look coming and going and has a cool back with modest cutouts. This may be the best replacement for the horizontal tank shown.
  • Jeans: Shown are the very popular Dark Destruction Slim Boyfriend cabi Fall 2015 jeans. If you like this particular look, there are many boyfriend style jean out there right now. For a Spring variation, consider: 
    • Destructed Skinny: A soft skinny with rips like the jeans shown. It’s also available in Curvy. 
    • Destructed Slim Boyfriend: Or, if you like the shape of the jeans shown, try the ones from this Spring in white! 
    • Or, for a non-jean casual pants, the Traveler Pant could work: These are olive green with an elasticized ankle hem and flap pockets.
  • Booties: These are old Aerosole. Here are some current ones that could work: 
    • Sundae: The black wedge boots have an elastic cross strap
    • Duble Trouble: These low heeled (1”) ankle boots that look like you could keep up with twins wearing them 
    • Soterday Night: These Oxford-style ankle boots are also wedges
  • Earrings: I kept it simple with gunmetal gray hoops. I bet you can find something similar easily. These were from Charming Charlie a few years ago. A Spring cabi option are the understated but cute Dolce Charm Earrings--perfect for a casual outfit

Want an outfits that follows the same rules, but with spring pieces? Consider the cabi Spring 2016 Piazza Jacket, Asymmetrical Tank, Destructed Skinny, and the Dolce Charm Earrings, with Soterday Night boots from Aerosole.