Plaid POW: Flannel Geek Chic

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Outfit Mission Statement: Mix geek with trendy and a comfy flannel shirt, for a practical geek chic look

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Play Day Saturday are clothes for taking your kids to the park, running errands, talking your dog for a walk, shopping, picnicking, travel, 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) the L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan. This outfit is the first of my chic geek outfits—waving your geek flag in chic ways. Expect more of these. They are so much fun. Not only does this outfit work for the above, but add to the list gaming, comic, and other geek conventions; going to the latest superhero movie; playing games in a coffee shop; a day or night of role playing with friends; drinks and video games at a geek bar.

Here I had taken the amazing cabi M’Leggings, which provide comfort and style and just a bit of sexy with the short skirt. I swear these are flattering on anyone. They cover the tush and front, so no need to wear a tunic over the leggings. Feel free to throw on even a geek t-shirt! The flannel adds comfort and can cover any tummy issues. Then add a geek necklace, some fun earrings, and animal print shoes. You are chic, geek, comfortable, and cute.

Tips:

  • Mix trendy with geeky for a geek chic look
  • Keep the geek aspects limited—go for one or two playful geek focus pieces (too many will be distracting and overwhelming)
  • Add fun on-trend pieces that are comfortable to compliment to geek and allow you to demonstrate that kick butt move your character just made
  • Flannel is a great layer and cover up and if you get warm at the con, you can always take it off and wrap it around your waist

Outfit Breakdown:

 

Want to try this with denim and dragons? Check out this Game-of-Thrones-ready geek chic outfit: cabi Spring 2016 Bardot Shirt and Mesh M’Leggings with the Dragons are a Girl’s Best Friend tee from Snorg Tees, Chemistry Periodic Table Necklace, Target’s Ellie Ballet Flats, and Sun Chaser’s Simple Hematite and Wire Dangle Earrings.

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Plaid POW: The Trendiest Thursday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Don’t be afraid to mix trends

 

TTT Thursday outfits are Trendy, Transitional, and/or Terrific—in other words my choice. Whatever other outfit ideas the garment gave me. It may be something very trendy, transitional, or something else. This week I went with all the trends! The POW (Piece of the Week) is the L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan. Honestly, flannel is so in right now that just wearing flannel makes it trendy. But, why stop there? Just add fur! Not enough? How about the short skirt over leggings look? And then a wrist party and statement necklace? BAM. You have trends! But the nice thing about this is while these are all trends, they also all have a touch of the classic and of the normal. Flannel may be trendy, but it’s also a favorite of those in cold climes. Plus, those of us who did the alternative thing in the 1990s remember this classic fondly (I hope) or at least with some amusement. I love that flannel is back. Cozy trends are my favorite! Fur is always a classic. Now this shaggy version may not be a classic sleek version, but it still speaks to something humans have been wearing for a very long time. The black color makes it more versatile and not as “in your face” as some of the fur in clearly faux colors. The skirt over leggings trend is interesting, because it really just looks like a skirt with very opaque tights. But it has the comfort of leggings (much better than tights in my book) and means you don’t have to worry about flashing the world when playing with your kid. Statement necklaces come and go, but certainly have a history (think Ancient Egyptians, for instance). Same with arm parties, although that name is new. So, the trick here is to mix trends but go for those with a rich history and grab versions that are not too over-the-top for a multi-trend look that works on all ages. This outfit is fun and trendy, but it doesn’t hit you over the head with it. You could wear it out to some hip hotspot or to run errands without getting odd looks in either place. Now how often can you say that about an outfit? Also, it’s wicked cozy. I was out in slightly above freezing temps to take these pictures (note how bundled up my kid is) and I was quite warm. And I don’t think that was all hot flashes.

 

Tips:

  • When mixing trends: 
    • Choose trends that are at least somewhat established and/or have a rich history
    • Select trendy items that are not too over-the-top or at the far reaches of the trend
  • Choose one garment that pops for color and keep the rest neutral (and ideally the same neutral
  • Work with trends you are comfortable in—if you are not sure about the trend or garment the mixing and wearing may be awkward
  • Start with a key trend and build from there with trends that “go” or can “go” with your clever styling (for me it is the POW flannel)
  • Don’t be afraid to mix casual and dressier trends, they can play off each other nicely and calm each other down just enough

 

Outfit Breakdown:

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Plaid POW: Date Night Flannel Heat

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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!

SOme dates don't care if you are sexy!

 

 

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

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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:
  • 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

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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.

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