Plaid POW: Sparkling & Flannel Sunday Best

Outfit Mission Statement: Turn flannel elegant by adding a dressy skirt and accessories

Sunday Best POW outfits are special occasion clothes for dinning, theater, opera, holiday parties, church, and other such occasions that need something special. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan. At first I thought dressing this up would be hard, but it really was not. I was lucky that I had the cabi Frolic skirt in this lovely dark pink lace that is the same color as one of the stripes in the blouse. However, I could have gone with a variety of colors and still had it work. Since the shirt is flannel, I really wanted to go dressy on the skirt to counteract the casualness of the flannel. Lace works perfectly. Other things could work too, like sequins, tulle (the adult tutus that are so popular), velvet, and more. Once you add a dressy skirt, the rest is adding the right dressier accessories. When dressing up flannel, denim, or other casual shirts, feel free to go extra dressy with the accessories—faux fur details, luxurious jewelry, fancy clutches, shimmering shoes.

Tips:

• Look to very dressy and feminine skirts in lace, velvet, tulle, sequins, and other special fabrics to balance out the casual flannel
• Use this as an excuse to bring out those extra special fancy accessories
• Roll the sleeves up to add a modern touch and a bit of class to the shirt
• Play off the colors in the shirt as much as possible with the skirt
• Feel free to be lavish with the dressy accessories—yes you can add a statement pearl necklace, faux fur trimmed scarf, vintage bead clutch, and sparkling heels
• Make sure your hair is also dressier than normal—consider some sort of an up do if you have long hair

Outfit Breakdown:

• Flannel Shirt: L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan
• Skirt: This is the Frolic Skirt from cabi Fall 2014 and not available. Consider instead:
  • Lido Skirt: Not as dressy, but consider it—from  cabi Spring 2016 collection
  • Floral Lace Pencil Skirt: This striking Ann Taylor pencil skirt may be even dressier than the Frolic Skirt 
  • Tulle Midi Skirt: This is a lovely tulle skirt (by Anthropologie), but on the pricier end of what I suggest ($168)
  • 6-layer Tutu: Not as gorgeous at the Anthropologie skirt, this is an inexpensive tulle skirt (414.98)—perfect for testing the trend out
• Shoes: Jennifer Lopez’s Women's Metallic High Heels—I’m surprised they are still available at Kohl’s! I got these last year and now they are only $34.99!
• Clutch: This is a vintage clutch (I’m guessing from the 1950s or 1960s) that my mom bought me for Christmas. I’ll put the shop name in where she got it when she gets back to me.
• Scarf: This is the cabi Fall 2015 Twist Scarf, which sold out in black and cream. You can go a few different ways to substitute. You can go with fur or a scarf, or, if you find it a combination. Here are some options: 
  • Marabou Bolero Shrug: By INC International Concepts and sold at Macy’s this is a faux fur shrug 
  • Persian Cartouche Burnout Shawl: By the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store, this shawl is a striking black scarf with bright colors and a rug design
  • Louis XIV Arabesque Burnout Shawl: Also from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store, this striking silver and black large shawl will allow you to bring your metal (silver in this case) into your shawl too 
  • Dunand Deco Floral Scarf: This stunning black, white, and gray has a leaf design based on a beautiful lacquered wood panel and is from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store
• Necklace: This is the Fall 2014 cabi Contessa Necklace and no longer available. Consider instead these Stella & Dot options: 
  • Starlet Pearl Necklace: This striking necklace will bring all the fancy to your outfit! 
  • France Pearl Statement Necklace: This beauty looks both modern and classic
• Earrings: These are cabi Fall 2014 Vintage Stud earrings and no longer available. But, consider these Stella & Dot options:
  • Vintage Crystal Studs: These are about the same size and I tend to wear these interchangeably
  • Maddie Pearl Earrings: Perfect with the Starlet Pearl necklace, these elegant earrings will fancy up your outfit
  • Déjà vu Studs: With a pearl on one side and s spike on the other, you can go classy or edgy

For a spring or summer variation on this look, start with the boutique-styled cabi Spring 2016 Bardot Shirt. Add the 6-layer Tutu, Jennifer Lopez’s Women's Metallic High Heels, 1930s beaded bag, along with the Stella & Dot Starlet Pearl Necklace and Maddie Pearl Earrings.

Plaid POW: Date Night Flannel Heat

Outfit Mission Statement: Don’t rule out a flannel shirt for a sexy date outfit—just add other pieces with plenty of sex appeal

Friday Night Drinks POW outfits are for going out on a date, getting drinks, seeing a band play, going to dinner and a movie—something where you want to look good and may wear some sexier clothes and statement pieces. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan. Yes, flannel can be sexy, see? My husband loved this outfit. The secret is to mix the flannel with other sexy pieces, for an overall sexy look. The faux leather pencil skirt adds both edge and sex appeal. I layered the flannel over a cami that has a mesh trim for more edge and sex appeal, while remaining fairly modest. Then, I added the ankle strap heels to continue the trend. The statement necklace draws attention to the open shirt and cami, attracting the eye to the skin. I added a shiny clutch and some sparkly earrings to polish it off. Overall, this is a sexy, edgy look that is still modest and even cozy.

Tips:

• Think outside the box for date night outfits, consider flannel shirts and other items that can be mixed into fabulous date outfits
• Mix pieces that may come across as plain and not remotely sexy with pieces with high sex appeal for an overall sexy look
• When working with thicker layers like flannel and faux leather, consider adding a belt to best emphasize (or create) an hourglass shape
• Sexy doesn’t have to reveal much—an unbuttoned shirt and an above-the-knee (but not really short) pencil skirt
• Add sex appeal through details like faux leather and mesh trim
• A sexy pair of heels will give any outfit a spicy kick
• Draw attention to key features by adding some sparkle—like wearing a statement necklace to attention to your décolletage

Outfit Breakdown:

SOme dates don't care if you are sexy!

• Flannel Shirt: L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan
• Mesh Cami: This cami is from many cabi seasons ago and is not available. Look for any flirty cami or blouse such as the Vita Blouse or the Sleeveless Double Drape Tee  
• Faux Leather Pencil Skirt: This is also from cabi seasons past, and is not available.  A few alternatives are the Leather Pencil Skirt by White House Black Market or the Calvin Klein Faux-Leather Panel Pencil Skirt available at Macy’s. If you want something that feels more spring-like, consider the Lido Skirt from cabi Spring 2016 collection.
• Shoes: These are from Target last year, I think. But, Target has some good substitutes: 
  • Orianna pumps: For the ankle strap look, from Sam & Libby, in faux lizard 
  • Ankle Strap Stiletto Pumps: For something on the sexy side, from the Journee Collection 
  • I also like the Interlux: Fun beaded fringe and straps make these sexy and enjoyable to wear
• Belt: This is also from an earlier cabi season. Consider the Beaded Inset Buckle Belt, the  Skinny Jeweled Pant Belt, or the Trio Interlock Stretch Belt all at Macy’s
• Necklace: Twilight Fringe Necklace by Stella & Dot
• Earrings: Vintage Crystal Studs by Stella & Dot

Are you thinking of spring clothes now and looking for a spring translation of this? Consider the boutique-style denim Bardot Shirt, Sleeveless Double Drape Tee, and the Lido Skirt from cabi Spring 2016 collection. Consider wearing the shirt open and tied at your waist. The Twilight Fringe Necklace and Vintage Crystal Studs by Stella & Dot work for spring too. Add the Interlux for fun shoes and you have a sexy spring version.

Extra cuteness for your viewing pleasure.

Plaid POW: Manic Flannel Monday

Outfit Mission Statement: For a cozy yet professional look, take one casual flannel and add lots of professional pieces

Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we focus on mixing casual flannel into a work appropriate outfit. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan. The secret to wearing plaid flannel to work is to treat it like a normal cotton button-down shirt. Depending on where you work, you may be able to just wear the flannel shirt. However, if your workplace is more formal than that, consider layering. Put a cardigan or V-neck sweater over the flannel for a cozy take on a classic business look. This will tone down a bright flannel, like I am wearing, and also add a layer (literally) of professionalism—the casual flannel becomes office ready! After that, keep the rest of your outfit professional to further balance the casualness of the flannel. You don’t have to go overboard with the professionalism of the other pieces—we’re not talking a black suit, bun, and pearls (save that for Working It Wednesday). But do make sure they are all work appropriate and not borderline professional. Here I selected a navy skirt, which added a neutral while tying in with the shirt, and a cardigan. My jewelry is on the simpler side but still has a bit of sparkle. I did go with a bun for that added touch of professionalism. Overall, this is a cozy, cute, and professional outfit, perfect for Manic Mondays! I love this look. It does have a feel of a Maine librarian or Kindergarten teacher to me; both cozy & practical.

Tips:

• Wear the flannel shirt like a normal cotton-button down 
• Add a layer of professionalism (and possibly tone done the flannel) over the flannel via a cardigan or V-neck sweater 
• When incorporating a casual piece, always make sure the other pieces are professional to balance
• Consider adding a belt if the cardigan or sweater gives you a boxier shape to turn it into something more hourglass (this may be more necessary with that thicker flannel shirt under the sweater/cardigan)
• Keep accessories on the neutral and simpler side, but you don’t need to go completely professional or safe
• Top the look off with a bun or other more formal hairstyle to ensure you project professionalism
• Show off peeks of the bright flannel by having the hem show beneath the cardigan and rolling the sleeves over the cardigan sleeves for a more modern take

Outfit Breakdown:

• Flannel Shirt: L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan          
• Cardigan: This is the cabi Fall 2104 Billi cardigan and no longer available. However, cabi Spring 2016 has several great cardigans:
  • Blanca Cardigan: A relaxed-fit patchwork of white sophisticated cardigan 
  • Cobblestone Cardigan: A heather gray cotton & silk blend with a fun zipper in the back
  • Michelle Cardigan: A navy with cobalt trim cardigan with a chiffon layer in back
• Skirt: This is the cabi Spring 2013 Bon Voyage skirt and only available via used or sample sales (like on ebay). For a brand available option, consider the Lido Skirt from cabi Spring 2016 collection—it’s navy also but a pencil skirt style. 
• Belt: I think I got this from Target a year or so ago. Al you need is a simple thin belt like these, these, or this.
• Shoes: I bought these several years ago from Mod Cloth. Here are some similar they have available now: 
  • Jaunts and Needs: With front laces, cutout, and hidden platforms, you can bee professional and cute 
  • Live in the Presents: A Navy heel with a strap and bow detail that is both sweet and professional (also in beige)
  • Take your Dances: A powder blue with a t-strap, peep toe, and cutout, this heel will give anything a vintage feel. 
• Earrings: These are cabi Fall 2014 Vintage Stud earrings in silver and black and not available. But, consider these Stella & Dot options:
  • Vintage Crystal Studs: These are about the same size and I tend to wear these interchangeably  
  • Déjà vu Studs: With a pearl on one side and s spike on the other, you can go classy or edgy
• Necklace: This gunmetal and silver bar necklaces is by Shine Chaser Jewelry. While she does not currently have a bar necklace available, you can probably custom order one or choose one of her many other lovely pieces, such as the Green & Black Paper Bead Pendant with Hematite Bead Accents  

If you love the idea, but want something more apropos of the warming temperatures, consider the embroidered denim Bardot Shirt, Michelle Cardigan, and the Lido Skirt from cabi Spring 2016 collection. Add the Green & Black Paper Bead Pendant with Hematite Bead Accents necklace, Vintage Crystal Studs, and Head Role heels.

Plaid POW: Twisting the Classics Tuesday

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! 

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

• Flannel Shirt: L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan
• Cowl Neck Shirt: The cowl neck shirt shown is the cabi fall 2015 Cozy cowl and no longer available. This cowl neck on Amazon is similar.  For a spring variation, consider: 
  • Gathered Tee: This is a twist on the regular tee with a longer length and asymmetrical shirring 
  • Asymmetrical Tank: This is a twist on a tank top, with a much longer asymmetrical hem
• 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:
  • Destructed Skinny in Curvy or Regular: This is a soft jean with a darker wash
  •    Destructed Slim Boyfriend: These are white with contrast stitching
• Earrings: These wire wrapped green sea glass earrings are one of a kind pieces by Shine Chaser Jewelry, but she has a few others you can checkout, including Rose Quartz and Sea Foam Green Sea Glass Wire Wrapped Earrings and White Sea Glass Wire Wrapped Earrings
• Shoes: These are older Aerosoles that are this hybrid boot-styled shoes—not really booties (shooties?). Some cute similar shoes include Commentary,  Cinternational,  Nostalgic,  and Bird Cage (has a more spring feel and open toes—I love these shoes!)

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.