New Year, Working the New You! My Personal Style Challenge for January

With the New Year, comes all of those New Year’s resolutions. We try to become better people with healthier habits and practices. But, we do not always work on our style. Here is an easy way to work on your style without the twelve month commitment of a New Year’s resolution!

Image is "Textura navideña 4: Bokeh brindis" by M & Pi  on Flickr, with modifcations by me.

Look at these shoes! And the cute dress! Sadly, I've only worn this outfit once, besides the photo shoot! I have only worn this dress for this photo shoot! Millie textured Knit Dress by Pixley with Hannley Mary Jane Strappy Pump by Nine West, both from Stitch Fix.

Take part in my Personal Style Challenge for January. Think about how you want to grow and evolve your style. Perhaps you default to a few key pieces. Perhaps you only wear black. Maybe you want to kick things up a notch for work. Maybe you never wear scarves. Maybe you want to try a new trend. Think about what you want to change and Work It! Choose to work on that one area for the month of January. They say it takes 21 days to make a habit. So, you can conquer one of your resolutions in just one month, and start the New Year with a success!

 

 

 

 

My challenge:

I have only worn this dress for this photo shoot! Jace Embroidered Lace Dress by 41Hawthorn and from Stitch Fix.

Often I choose multiple things to work on. This month I’m going to focus on one, but one this one has parts. My closet is a mess, with a bunch of new purchases that I don’t have room for and old stuff that no longer fits my body, lifestyle, or style—much of it from before having a kid. I need to do a closest clean out. Related to the mess that is my closet, I have been wearing a few easy-to-reach items and not enjoying the extent of what I have. This tends to mean I grab the newer stuff, as it is the easiest to get to. So, old favorites are missed. But, I am also not wearing all of the new stuff either. Putting this together, my style challenge is to curate my wardrobe, focusing on these areas:

• Finally get to the closet cleaned out, removing things that no longer fit fits my body, lifestyle, or style
• Evaluate the garments that are not worn much by wearing them and seeing how they work for me now or, if I do not wear them or can’t make them work, remove them
• Get rid of the stuff that is not working, selling my quality clothes (from cabi, Stitch Fix, and more) and donating the rest
• Working on better methods of outfit management, such as trying the Stylebook app
• Wearing the clothes that are not getting worn, either because they are new or because they are older and lost in the chaos that is my closet.

My plan:

This outfit is a good example of my new style. But, I have only worn the sweater once besides this photo shoot! Fierro Elbow Patch Crew Neck Sweater by Brixon Ivy from Stitch Fix. The Scout pant from cabi. Wellie Rain Boots from L.L. Bean.

1. Take a day, possibly off from work (because it is hard to do anything with a toddler around), and pull everything from my closet and evaluate it
2. Create a donate pile and a sell pile
3. Take pictures of the items to sell and post them on the groups and possible do a closet clean-out group
4. Somehow mark or note the items I am keeping but don’t wear much
5. Put everything back that I am keeping, using my new closet organization items
6. Mange my wardrobe and outfits through the Stylebook app
7. War the unworn/little worn items and post the outfits online

So, what about you? Do you have any personal style challenges you want to conquer? If so, join me! Select a challenge for you to work on, develop a plan, and let’s kick those style challenges to the curb! Use the tag #WorkingMyPersonalStyleChallenge to show us how you are doing on Instagram. Or, leave a note for me in the comments here. I'll choose one winner, who will get a $25 JamBerry gift certifcate from my friend Jenny!

What is holding you back from being the stylish fashionista you know you are? My Personal December Style Challenge

We all have things we could work on with our style. Maybe we have safe outfits we default to. Maybe we are a leggings and tees person. Maybe there are some colors we avoid. Maybe we don’t mix metals or mix patterns. Or we don’t know how to. We all have our own personal style challenges—things that we feel are limiting our ability to be the stylish fashionistas we really are. Whatever your challenge, and whatever your reason, here in as opportunity to grow.

background image credit: James Mann "Winter Fog From the River" on FLickr.

Take part in my Personal Style Challenge for December. Think about how you want to grow and evolve your style. Think about what is holding you back and Work It! Choose to work on that one area for the month of December. They say it takes 21 days to make a habit. So, you can change this style challenge into a style strength, in just one month. And even win some Jamberry!

I tried this idea before, in February, and have made it a monthly challenge starting in December. I have many personal style challenges to work on. This way I can master one, two, or more a month!

 My challenges:

Since December is the last month of the year, I’m going to try three challenges, one of which is an ongoing challenge that I have been working on this year (maybe I can kick it before 2017!), one of which is more fundamental, and the last is necessary:

• Fewer ponytails: I have done this one before, but I need to work on it some more. Ponytails are my default hairstyle, and more so as a toddler mom. So, I challenge myself to wear fewer ponytails in December!
• Expanding my style: I wouldn’t say I am stuck in a rut, because ruts are small and I have a fairly diverse style. But, I’d like to broaden my style in a few ways. I’d like more truly casual pieces and outfits. This includes wearing more leggings and tunic or long shirts. I’d like to have more cozy fun with my style. In many ways this works with my third challenge.
• Wardrobe revamp with closet clean out: I have a lot of clothes. Many of them are from before having a baby. My body has changed.  I’ve been waiting until I got back to my pre pregnancy weight, but that has been complicated by health issues that have prevented me from running and medicines that have put on weight. I’m actually now close to my pre pregnancy weight, but my shape is different. I need to go through all of my clothes and get rid of stuff that no longer fits my body, my lifestyle, or my evolving style.

My plan:

Fun and cozy, right? Wearing my newbeloved Wellie Rain Boots from LL Bean and their Signature Cotton Fisherman Sweater. Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands' End.

• Fewer ponytails: I’m saving some ideas for other ways to wear my hair on Pinterest. I also recently purchased some Lila Rose hair accessories from Abby Harding McEllroy for some hair clips that will increase the different ways I can wear my hair.
• Expanding my style: I am trying out some new brands (posts forthcoming) including Lula Roe, which focuses on cozy fun. I also recently ordered from this small little shop I discovered through mutual fashion interests on Facebook: Little Raven Clothing. She had a wonderful cyber Monday sale and I am getting some fun and cozy pieces from her.
• Wardrobe revamp with closet clean out: I am ready to go for this. I bought some hangers and organization stuff. I just need to find the time and be well enough to have the energy. I have a day off planned later this month which would be perfect for tackling this. I will do some sort of closet clean out sale, so stay tuned for that. Most of what I own is cabi and in the medium size range with some small. Plus, I recently bought some Jamberry, and funky nails will help!

I may report back and post pictures (probably less of wardrobe revamp). I’ll certainly be talking about this on Instagram, so follow me there for more!

So, what about you? Do you have any personal style challenges you want to conquer? If so, join me! Select a challenge for you to work on, develop a plan, and let’s kick those style challenges to the curb! Use the tag #WorkingMyPersonalStylechallenge to show us how you are doing on Instagram. Or, leave a note for me in the comments here.

This month, there will be a prize! I will randomly select one winner from the December Instagram and blog #WorkingMyPersonalStylechallenge posts for a $25 Jamberry gift certificate! One of my good friends, Jenny, just started selling. So we can help launch her business and work our own style challenges at the same time!

Beyond POW: Faux Fur and Real Curves Thursday

Outfit Mission Statement: To rock a faux fur, focus on neutral and natural pieces that emphasize your curves

TTT Thursday outfits are Trendy, Transitional, and/or Terrific—in other words my choice. It can be whatever other outfit ideas the garment gave me. It may be something very trendy, transitional, terrific, or something else. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the Beyond Tee from cabi Fall 2016. This POW we are going for Trendy and Terrific. The faux fur vest is a very on trend statement fur and such a cozy fun option for fall. The utility pant is also on tread, and, of course, cutie booties are!

One of the terrific things about this outfit is the mix of neutrals—cream, acorn, brown, and jade. This creates a calm feel, while popping the luxury of the faux fur vest. The draping adds a feminine feel without being overly girly.

Beyond Tee Styling Technique: Draped Curves

To rock the “Draped Curves” technique:

1. Put it on the normal way with the tag in back
2. Take each panel and wrap it around your side to the back, with right panel going to the right and left to the left
3. Cross the panels in back, pulling the right one to the left and left one to the right
4. Bring the panels around to the front
   1. Keep the panels at waist level
   2. Keep the panels smoother, not gathered
   3. Check your wrap—the left panels should now be coming around your right side and the right panel around your left side
5. Take the top corner of the bottom of each panel and tie in a knot at your natural waist 
6. Let the bottom corners hang down, creating a fun draped look that will emphasize curves while hiding the tummy

Draped Curves Front

Draped Curves Back

Tips:

• When rocking a flashy faux fur vest, mix is with calm neutrals to put the emphasis on the soft fur
• The faux fur vest doesn’t require longer sleeves, feel free to combine it with sleeveless or short sleeved tops before it get too chilly—this will also extend how long you can wear it
• Look for tops that emphasize your waist, especially when layered under a bulky open vest—this will show you have curves under the fur
• If your booties and the hem of your pants are not getting along, consider rolling the pants above the bootie: this will show off the botties and not lead to the awkward pants bunching above the bootie
• To keep the outfit more casual, go for simpler accessories with the faux fur vest—otherwise it can get loud quickly (which can be good too, but is less casual)
• If you do not already have them, consider adding a utility style pants to your wardrobe—they are versatile, on-trend, and practical
• Choose a stone or other natural element (such as wood or leather) to any accessories with the faux fur—this works with the faux fur to create a natural look

Outfit Breakdown:

• Top: Beyond Tee from cabi Fall 2016
• Pants: Scout Pant from cabi Fall 2016
• Vest: Aspen Vest from cabi Fall 2016
• Necklace: Crescent Necklace from cabi Fall 2016
• Booties: Older L. L. Bean Signature booties, which are no longer available. Consider the Signature Mid-Heel Ankle Booties, Signature Leather Ankle Boots, or the Maddelena Booties by Kork-Ease.
• Bracelet: Mindy Cuff from Cents of Style. Consider these options from Etsy: Wide Brown Leather Cuff Bracelet by aosLeather Amethyst Grey leather bracelet by Elwelry, or Leather Cuff Bracelet by TheLacesHandmade.

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 (Joni Allen via email or phone: 770 502-5243 [call or text]), or find a cabi stylist near you.

Related Posts:

Plaid POW: The Trendiest Thursday Posted March 03, 2016: Don’t be afraid to mix trends.

Plume POW: The Stylish Safari Princess Thursday posted April 14, 2016:  For a trendy outfit with masculine and feminist touches, mix tulle and military/safari style.

Plaid POW: Sparkling & Flannel Sunday Best posted February 28, 2016: Turn flannel elegant by adding a dressy skirt and accessories.

POW 12: Beyond Tee

Are you looking for versatile pieces? Perhaps you want to save money and purchase garments that can work in a variety of outfits. Or maybe you travel a lot and want pieces that can be worn many different ways to save suitcase space. Maybe you live in a tiny house and have only a tiny closet? Or maybe you are a creative type who likes to play with styling her clothes.

Beyond Tee and the Fiery Skirt from cabi Fall 2016. Older target shoes, vintage purse, older earrings, Midas Leaf Collar from Baublebar.

Beyond Tee, Scout Pants, Jasper Crescent Necklace,  and the Aspen Vest from cabi Fall 2016. Mindy Cuff from Cents of Style. Older L.L. Bean Signature Collection booties.

For whatever reasons you may want a versatile piece, I have the perfect versatile piece for you. This may be one of the most versatile garments ever. This garment is a real transformer. I will show you more than seven different ways to wear it, and you might not even be able to tell it is the same piece. Can you in the pictures here? This amazing, versatile piece is the Beyond Tee from cabi fall 2016. It certainly goes beyond!

This fun, transforming workhouse, starts as a spilt tunic design in a soft black knit and can be worn so many different ways! I even put together a video to show you a few! As the POW progresses, you will see many of these in action, and some I did not show because I ran out of days of the week! Join me as I show you how to transform this tunic into a sexy date night look, a playful Saturday ensemble, a boardroom-ready office style, and a terrific Thursday cozy outfit. If you buy one garment this fall, let it be the seasonless, workhorse, transforming Beyond Tee!

Beyond Tee and Zebra Belt from cabi Fall 2016. White Stone Sutton Necklace from Stella & Dot.  Acme Bootie by Crown Vintage sold at DSW.  Stitch Fix Leena Printed Skirt by Renee C.

Join us for out 12th POW, as I rock some curves, tie some knots, and give you more than seven awesome ways to wear the Beyond Tee.

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 (Joni Allen via email or phone: 770 502-5243 [call or text]), or find a cabi stylist near you.

Pleated Star POW: Cozy Cabled Rocky Coast Saturday

Outfit Mission Statement: For a cozy take on a pleated skirt, add comfy pieces like a big cowl-neck sweater and suede boots

Play Day Saturday are clothes for taking your kids to the park, running errands, talking your dog for a walk, shopping, picnicking, traveling, going to a museum or a zoo—out and about or home having fun clothes. These are the clothes you often live the best parts of your life in! The POW (Piece of the Week) is the Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End. This outfit, especially with the boots, makes me feel like I should be walking along the costs of Maine in the fall—warm cable sweater over a pretty skirt with some (more or less) practical boots. I can see it in my head. A gray day, with some fog, crashing surf, rocky shores, a crisp feel to the air, and some color in the trees. Why this picture? Partially because this sweater seems like an updated and stylish fisherman’s sweater. Partially because I’d often throw a cozy sweater on for warmth over a pretty outfit, when doing something like walking in cold weather; and often it didn’t matter if the sweater, flannel, or whatever went with what I was wearing. I just was adding warm. Of course, in this case, the sweater goes quite well, and the combined outfit is cozy, and pretty, and as good for walking a museum as walking a rocky coast.

I do show two versions of this—one with flats and one with boots. This is to show the transitional versatility of the skirt and sweater. You can wear flats if it is still warm or transition to boots if it is colder. And feel free to go more practically with the boot. I’d be wearing some wellies if I had them for this outfit, but I didn’t at the time (I do now, expect to see them soon1).

Tips:

• Don’t rule out some of your childhood clothing practices, like throwing a big sweater on over a pretty outfit for warmth, but do consider ways you can make this work into a cute outfit
• A big cozy sweater will add a casual, comfortable feel to a fancy pleated skirt
• Don’t be afraid to throw on casual boots, wellies, or rain boots with a pretty pleated skirt for a casual and practical look
• Have a favorite outfit? You can make it work in another season, or transitioning between seasons, by switching out the shoes (swap flats for boots and vice versa)
• For a more casual, walking-the-rugged-Maine-coast look, keep to a neutral color palette, such as white, navy, and gray
• If you live anywhere that has some cold winter days, make sure you have a wardrobe staple cozy cable sweater, such as the one here, in a neutral color—it will become a go-to piece and can easily be dressed up or down!
• With a mixed metal necklace, you can accessorizes in any of the metals in the necklace for a put-together look

Outfit Breakdown:

• Skirt: Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End
• Sweater: Cable Cowl from cabi Fall 2016
• Necklace: Chelsea Charm Necklace from cabi Fall 2016
• Earrings: Hammered Crescent Moon Gold earrings from Fab’rik, which are no longer available. Consider instead Crescent moon earrings by EmelyRoseBoutique, Gold Crescent Moon Earrings by TheSilverWhale, or Gothic crescent moon dangle earring by TheCryptOfCuriositie, all on Etsy.
• Flats: Older L.L. Bean blue suede ballet flats. Consider Mira Ballet Flats at Talbot’s, Cinch Ballet Flats from Gap, or either these great velvet shoes from lands’ end: Velvet Skimmer Shoes or Pointed Toe Mary Jane Shoes (see below for my referral link)
• Boots: Wonderful by Aerosoles (or, for wonderful wellies, consider these from L.L. Bean—I love the Hounds tooth ones)

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. Plume POW: The Stylish Safari Princess Thursday

2. Love POW: Sweater Saturdays are Pretty Cozy!

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

1. Plume POW: The Stylish Safari Princess Thursday Posted April 14, 2016: For a trendy outfit with masculine and feminist touches, mix tulle and military/safari style
2. Love POW: Sweater Saturdays are Pretty Cozy! Posted February 13, 2016: Start with a cozy sweater and add feminine and practical pieces for a casual, pretty, and lifestyle-friendly look
3. POW Tuesday Edition Week 1b: No place like Tuesday in a Jacket Posted January 26, 2016: Integrate dressy jackets into your casual style, by keeping the other elements casual

Plaid POW in Review

Our third POW (Piece of the Week)  is the L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan! This was a fun one. In three weeks, we took this comfortable plaid flannel and added faux fur, a geek tee, a lace skirt, pearls, a black jacket, ripped jeans, and a nice cardigan--going from career to casual to special occasion. I proved myself wrong by styling a flannel shirt into such a rage. Just goes to show how versatile any garment can be with the right styling!

So, let's see what I did!

Manic Flannel Monday: For a cozy yet professional look, take one casual flannel and add lots of professional pieces.

Outfit: L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan, cabi Fall 2104 Billi cardigan, cabi Spring 2013 Bon Voyage skirt, belt a few seasons old and from Target, shoes are also older and from Mod Cloth, cabi Fall 2014 Vintage Stud earrings, gunmetal and silver bar necklace by Shine Chaser Jewelry. To see a spring version of this out fit and get some tips for styling, check out the post.

February 22, 2016

Twisting the Classics Tuesday: Twist a classic outfit by switching out trendy and fun pieces for the norm.

Outfit: L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan, cabi Fall 2105 Cozy Cowl, cabi Fall 2015 Dark Destruction Slim Boyfriend jeans, wire wrapped sea glass earrings by Shine Chaser Jewelry. Visit the post for details, alternative clothing options, and a spring version of this look.

February 16, 2016

Working It Flannel Wednesday: Even flannel can work in a formal office when combined with very professional pieces.

Outfit: L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan, black ponte knit pencil skirt from a previous season of cabi (fall 2013 or earlier, I think), Turner Jacket from cabi Fall 2015,  Aurora Necklace, Aurora Stud Pack earrings, Ivie Bangle by Stella & Dot purchased in 2014, the shoes are older and from Target. To learn more about composing professional outfits with a casual shirt, along with a spring version of the outfit, read the post.

February 24, 2016

The Trendiest Thursday: Don’t be afraid to mix trends.

Outfit: LL. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan, Gathered Tee, Mesh M'Leggings, cabi 2014 Fall Infinite Vest, Twilight Fringe Necklaces, vintage bracelets, and old Aerosoles shoes. Go to the post for more information and inspirations.

March 03, 2016

Date Night Flannel Heat: Don’t rule out a flannel shirt for a sexy date outfit—just add other pieces with plenty of sex appeal.

Outfit: Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan, Target shoes from last year,Twilight Fringe Necklace, Vintage Crystal Studs earrings. The mesh-trimmed cami, faux leather pencil skirt, and belt are all seasons past cabi and not available (alternatives are listed in the post).

February 26, 2016

Flannel Geek Chic: Mix geek with trendy and a comfy flannel shirt, for a practical geek chic look.

Outfit: Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan, a previous season of cabi (current season: cabi Mesh M’Leggings), Tea Rex t-shirt, Silver "Ag" chemical symbol necklace, Ellie Ballet Flats, and dangle star earringand dangle star earrings from Hancock Fabrics. 

March 05, 2016

Sparkling & Flannel Sunday Best: Turn flannel elegant by adding a dressy skirt and accessories.

Outfit: Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan, Frolic Skirt from cabi Fall 2014, Jennifer Lopez’s Women's Metallic High Heels, vintage clutch (I’m guessing from the 1950s or 1960s), cabi Fall 2015 Twist Scarf, Fall 2014 cabi Contessa Necklace, cabi Fall 2014 Vintage Stud earrings. For more details and a denim and tulle outfit inspired by these tips, check out the full post.

February 28, 2016

And for fun, my favorite picture of the POW: