Beyond POW: Versatile Layers for doing it all Saturday

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Outfit Mission Statement: On days where you have too much to do, choose versatile pieces that can adjust with you and add a bright pop for color

Play Day Saturday are clothes for taking your kids to the park, running errands, walking your dog , shopping, picnicking, traveling, going to a museum or a zoo, doing last minute holiday errands—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 Beyond Tee from cabi Fall 2016. This is a perfect day before Christmas outfit. Not only does it have a pop of red, but it is cute, cozy, and very practical. With the Spacedye M’leggings, you can assemble a bike, make cookies, wrap gifts, greet Santa, play the dreidel game, or make latkes. The leggings and skirt combo is practical, comfortable, and cute. The layers make it versatile, should your errands or bike building make you hot. The mix of dark neutrals makes the red pop without the harsher contrast of only black and red. All three garments in this outfit are adaptable, so you can make adjustments to change things up:

  • Cobblestone Cardigan: This fiery red color light and soft cardigan fully unzips in the back, so you can wear it zipped for a traditional cardigan look or unzip it for open back look and show off your cute top underneath, or in this case the knot and draping of the Beyond Tee. This is a great layer over any top that has a cool print, lace back, or other cool feature you want to show off. It adds an element of surprise and gives interest to your outfit coming and going.
  • Spacedye M’leggings: These skirted leggings are a great mix of leggings and a skirt. They have the style of a skirt with the ease of leggings. The skirt covers your butt and means you do not have to layer a tunic or longer to over the leggings, and it works whether you think leggings are pants or not pants! If you wear a tunic, the skirt tend to look like another layer, creating a long, multi-layered look, which you can see in some of these pictures. If you wear a shorter shirt, then it makes the skirt more obvious, giving you the skirt with matching tights look.
  • Beyond Tee: We all know how versatile this is, as it is the focus of POW 12, and I style it at least nine different ways. Check out the other posts, if you have missed the multiple ways you can wrap, drape, tie, and otherwise style this amazing ultra-versatile tee. In just this post, I show you three techniques for styling it!

 

Beyond Tee Styling Technique: Simple Back Tie

To enjoy the “Simple Back Tie” technique:

  1. Put it on the frontwards way with the tag in back for a lower neckline
  2. Take the two panels and wrap each back on its side—so wrap the right on around to your back on the right and left on the left
  3. Tie the two panels in back at about your natural waist
  4. Wear the tunic part of the tee as a tunic for an easy loose look

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond Tee Styling Technique: Double Tie

To flaunt the “Double Tie” technique:

  1. Put it on the frontwards way with the tag in back for a lower neckline
  2. Take the two panels and wrap each back on its side—wrap the right on around to your back on the right and left back on the left
  3. Tie the two panels in back at about your natural waist
  4. Make sure the tunic part of the tee is out (not tucked in) and pull it down over your leggings (or whatever) as a tunic
  5. Gather the tunic fabric on one side and knot it high on your hip for a sassier, slimming take on this tee

 

 

Beyond Tee Styling Technique: Hip Tie

To flaunt the “Hip Tie” technique:

  1. Put it on the frontwards way with the tag in back for a lower neckline
  2. Wear the tee with the tunic part of the tee down over your leggings (or whatever) as a tunic and the panels out and down in their natural state
  3. Gather the tunic fabric (not the panels) on one side and knot it high on your hip for a fun look with distinct layers
 

Tips:

  • On busy days, layer versatile, easy pieces that allow full ranges of motion and activities
  • Consider the legging and skirt look, whether a single garment or separate, for the style of a skirt and comfort of a leggings with no worries about your butt being covered!
  • If red and black are too stark a contrast for you, consider combining red with dark neutrals, such as dark grey, navy, along with black
  • If you are shy about bright colors, consider an otherwise neutral look with one bright pop in a blazer, cardigan, or accessory—that way you can always remove it if it feels like too much
  • If you have tops with cute backs, such as lace, prints, or a pretty fabric, consider one of the on-trend toppers that open in the lower back, such as this cardigan or a split back sweater
  • Layer two simpler necklaces for a polished, easy touch
  • Consider simple variations on your pieces to fit the day or to make adjustments based on what you are doing during the day, without needing to change your outfit
  • Do not be afraid of mixing dark naturals—but if you are not confident doing so, then mix a solid dark natural with subtle print/pattern dark neutral, such as a spacedye  

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

If you would like the Beyond Tee or other cabi, 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.

Related Posts:

 

  1. Pleated Star POW: Cozy Cabled Rocky Coast Saturday: For a cozy take on a pleated skirt, add comfy pieces like a big cowl-neck sweater and suede boots
  2. Bardot POW: Casual, Easy Boho Saturday: For a distinctive, comfy, boho chic outfit, think outside the jeans box—wear flowy pull-on pants and a denim shirt instead.
  3. Love POW: Sweater Saturdays are Pretty Cozy: Start with a cozy sweater and add feminine and practical pieces for a casual, pretty, and lifestyle-friendly look

 

 

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: Nautical On-trend Librarian Manic Monday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Mix a casual, graphic tank with a pretty skirt and classic cardigan for Manic Monday outfit

Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we focus on creating an easy, pretty and on-trend work outfit. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End. I think cardigans are perfect layers for easy Monday (or easy any day) career looks. They are likely more comfortable than a jacket and more forgiving of any weekend over indulgences. Anyone who has followed this blog may be surprised to learn that cardigans are a recent wardrobe addition for me. I did not used to wear them or even like them. They seemed too kindergarten teacher or librarian to me. Or at least for me. I respected a person who could rock a cardigan. Just on me they felt.. weird… stiff… something. No idea why. But then, I was convinced to buy a cabi cardigan, and I was sold. Now I have several, mostly cabi, but occasionally, I will add a pretty one of another brand, like this Target one. They are a perfect layering pieces and can work for anyone, not just kindergarten teachers or librarians (they just were smarter than me on wearing them).

This is another great transitional outfit. It would work wonderfully for summer, but also can rock for fall. The rope tank had a nautical feel, which is on trend for this fall (not just the Spring and Summer this year!). It gives it a fun, yet classic touch. The neutral color and textured pattern, gives it a refined feel, while toning down the tank and skirt.

I styled this with handmade jewelry for a more casual, natural feel, drawing on the beauty and uniqueness of the pieces. Feel free to dress this up more with statement pieces or even some pearls for a classier feel.

Tips:

  • Never rule out a category of clothing—try it on in several styles and brands and think about if it could work for you
  • Trade out your fitted jacket for a soft cardigan for a more casual and comfortable outfit
  • Add elements of a trend, like the rope graphic, to be on-trend but not overboard (no nautical pun intended), which may work better in a casual office environment
  • When wearing eye-catching prints (rope & stars for instance) in a more conservative office environment, keep your outfit colors to a more limited and neutral-heavy palette
  • For a more casual, natural style, wear handmade jewelry featuring beautiful natural stones and gems—this may remind you of the weekend and prompt conversations
  • A flat and bare legs works well for warmer temps, but consider tights and boots when the temps cool
  • Longer hair? Don’t feel like putting it up? Consider a headband to keep it out of your face
  • Take a casual, graphic tank and pair it with a pretty skirt and classic cardigan for business casual outfit with some fun

 

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. Plaid POW: Manic Flannel Monday Posted February 22, 2016: For a cozy yet professional look, take one casual flannel and add lots of professional pieces
  2. Run Around POW: Elegant Layers and Brights Manic Monday Posted April 18, 2016: Combine a unique skirt with office classics in bright colors for a different, upbeat career look.
  3. Michelle POW: Manic Peasant in Ponte Monday Posted March 07, 2016: For a casual, yet professional, office look, consider ponte and a peasant blouse with your cardigan

 

Want more? Check out the other Manic Monday posts!

Bardot POW: Pretty Pockets and Boho Layers Date Night

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Outfit Mission Statement: For an easy date night outfit for summer theater or other dates where temperature may change, choose a pretty sundress & a denim shirt as a fun, curve-enhancing layer

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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 cabi Spring 2016 Bardot Shirt. My Friday plans are theater in the park, and this is a great outfit for it. A nice pretty dress, with a fun boho denim top for warmth once the sun sets. The denim shirt also give a waist and curves to an otherwise straighter dress, adding sex appeal white covering up more! This is an easy date night outfit—take a sundress, add a denim shirt, and accessorize. Done! Just grab the tickets, the picnic basket (don’t forget that corkscrew), and go!

 

Tips:

  • Thinks easy layers when date night is outside in the evening (or in a cool restaurant)
  • Add curves to a sundress without them by tying a denim or other shirt around the waist—like this (wear the shirt and tie it) or not wearing it (except tied around your waist)
  • Pockets! Find dresses with pockets! They are the best (hint, cabi has this dress and another with pockets this season!)
  • For easy style, choose the “transformer” necklaces that can be multiple pieces of jewelry as you take parts of it off—then you don’t have to find separate pieces to go with your outfit (my bracelet and necklace are the same transformer necklace)
    • Don’t be afraid to find new ways to transform the necklace either—this asymmetrical style is not one of the advertised ways of wearing it, but it is my favorite
  • Got sundress that doesn’t work for you? Try wearing it different ways, such as with a denim shirt tied at the waist—I wasn’t a big fan of this dress on me until I wore it like this

 Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Posts:

  1. Margherita POW: Simple Sundress Date Night posted May 20, 2016. Go simple and easy and knock your date’s socks off!
  2. Run Around POW: Sexy & Comfortable Date Night posted April 29, 2016. Be the sexiest and most comfortable woman in the room by wearing a curve-hugging, flaw-hiding all-black outfit in a soft, comfortable fabric.
  3. Bardot POW: Ponte and Knotted Manic Monday posted June 06, 201. For a comfortable, professional Monday outfit, dress up your denim shirt with a navy ponte pencil skirt

Plus, check out the other Date Night Friday posts.

Bardot POW: Casual, Easy Boho Saturday

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Outfit Mission Statement: For a distinctive, comfy, boho chic outfit, think outside the jeans box—wear flowy pull-on pants and a denim shirt instead

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) the cabi Spring 2016 Bardot Shirt. Casual, easy, boho cute is the theme of this outfit. Know what is easier than jeans? Pull-on pants! No need to wiggle, zip, and button—you just pull them on! These flowy on-trend pull-on pants are perfect with the easy, versatile denim shirt, especially the Bardot. Together they create a flowy boho vibe. Add a pretty white blouse with hand crochet trim and handmade natural stone jewelry and you have a wonderful easy, earthy boho vibe with some Southwester flair! I see this as great for the park, a day of flea markets and antiquing, or anything where easy, flowly comfort and style is best.

 

Tips:

  • When going casual and comfortable think outside the jeans box and reach for the flowy pull-on pants that are trendy right now (if you don’t like this style, consider a more modern version with a tapered leg and graphic print, such as the Strand pant)
  • For a cooler, even more casual look, roll your sleeves above your elbows
  • Layer natural stone, handmade jewelry for an unique, earthy, boho touch
  • Wear your denim shirt unbuttoned as a fun layer that can work to add style and a touch of warmth
  • Find pieces with interesting details, like embroidery, natural stones, and hand crocheted lace, to make your casual outfit distinctive
  • Strappy booties can add a fun finishing touch
  • Layer your handmade necklaces by choosing a pieces with the same main color

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

 

Related Posts:

POW 9: The Southwestern, Boho, Boutique Staple Denim Shirt

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I’ve never been a fan of the denim shirt, at least not for me. They look great on other people. They are a wardrobe staple. They are incredibly versatile—easy to dress up and down, wear as layer or wear on its own. But just not my thing.

That is, until I met the Bardot Shirt. Yes, this is another cabi Spring 2016 piece. It is also not your typical denim shirt. It is a faded blue, which you can find many a denim shirt in. But, it also has a boho, Southwest feel with lovely navy embroidery. This shirt makes me think of New Mexico or maybe Arizona. Clear blue sky, turquoise jewelry, horseback riding, red dusty ground, and that desert vibe. It also has a casual, but tailored fit and distressed silver buttons. Plus, each one is unique with the fading of the denim. My cabi stylist, Joni Allen, says this is like a boutique version of a denim shirt, and I must say I agree.

Outfit: Bardot Shirt, Villa Pant, and the Marisa Top from cabi Spring 2016. Earrings and Necklaces by Shine Chaser Jewelry. Bracelets by Solid Treasures. Acme Bootie by Crown Vintage, sold at DSW.

Outfit: Bardot Shirt, Villa Pant, and the Marisa Top from cabi Spring 2016. Earrings and Necklaces by Shine Chaser Jewelry. Bracelets by Solid Treasures. Acme Bootie by Crown Vintage, sold at DSW.

Outfit: Bardot Shirt and Destructed Curvy Skinny jeans from cabi Spring 2016. Yet Another sandals from Aerosoles. English Arrow Wrap Bracelet by Sloan Ranger. Earrings by Solid Treasures. Necklace from Target.

Outfit: Bardot Shirt and Destructed Curvy Skinny jeans from cabi Spring 2016. Yet Another sandals from Aerosoles. English Arrow Wrap Bracelet by Sloan Ranger. Earrings by Solid Treasures. Necklace from Target.

Outfit: Bardot Shirt, Fresco Dress, Villa Necklace from cabi Spring 2016. Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW.

Outfit: Bardot Shirt, Fresco Dress, Villa Necklace from cabi Spring 2016. Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW.

I see this shirt being what a flannel shirt is to me in the winter and late fall—a cozy shirt, a layer, something I throw on when cold or needing the lightest of jackets, something easy, practical, and worn on its own and as a quick go-to addition to nearly any outfit.

Now I’m a big fan of this denim shirt. And I may find my way to loving the more typical denim shirts. Yes, the Southwestern, boho, boutique Bardot Shirt will be my ninth POW (Piece of the Week). If you do not have the Bardot Shirt and are not interested in buying it, feel free to use any denim shirt in the styles I will show you. It will work best if the denim shirt is a bit loose so you can tie it. Otherwise, pretty much any denim shirt will work. You can also replace your denim shirt with a flannel shirt for fall and winter and try similar styles. I did feature a flannel shirt for the third POW, so feel free to follow those styles replacing the flannel shirt with a denim one!

If you would like the Bardot Shirt, 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. If you want a more typical or different denim shirt, check out L.L. Bean’s Denim Work Shirt (in two colors) or the Signature Chambray Shirt (on a huge sale!) or the classic Levi's® Long-Sleeve Denim Western Shirt at Macy’s (on sale and in four colors).

Do join us for the ninth POW and discover seven ways, from the office, night on the town, playground, home, and more to style this casual, versatile, unique wardrobe staple the Bardot Shirt!

Margherita Week in Review

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Our eighth POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Margherita Dress. With this pocketed, flowy, fun, print sundress, we learned to dress like a button-downed boardroom style maven; an easy office worker, a trendy print mixer, a white-out craft fair attendee, and a vintage lace beauty.  We learned to play with contrasts, prints, color, the white-out trend, layers and more. The Margherita Dress adds an easy breezy style for any occasion all! 

For your viewing and styling pleasure, here are the seven looks!  Which is your favorite?

Easy Professionalism Manic Monday: For an easy-to-throw on Monday outfit, grab your favorite sundress and then add a jacket, simple matching jewelry, and comfy shoes

Outfit: Margherita Dress from cabi Spring 2016, Club Blazer from cabi Spring 2015,  Bandolino Galatee Slingback Wedge Mules from Macy’s, Studded Collar by Bauble Bar, Navy Enamel Knot Studs by Sloan Ranger, White Filigree Stretch Bracelet by M. Haskell for INC at Macy’s,  Lid Smoothie™ Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour in Pink Biloba by Clinique. Discover more in the post.

Posted: May 16, 2016

Easy, Breezy Contrasts Tuesday: For coverage and/or added casualness, wear a contrasting tied tee shirt over your favorite sundress

Outfit: Margherita Dress and U-Neck Tee from cabi Spring 2016. Wanderer Necklace from Stella & Dot. Orange Quartz Bracelet from Solid Treasures. Gold hammered rectangles from Fab’rik. Restricted Newport Flat from DSW. Learn more in the post!

 Posted: May 10, 2016

 

Working It Buttoned-Down Flowy Wednesday: Turn a sundress professional by wearing a white button-down shirt and a blazer over it

Outfit: Margherita Dress from cabi Spring 2016, Beachwalk Blazer from cabi Spring 2015, white button-down from a past season of cabi. INC International Concepts Gold-Tone Beaded Faux-Leather Bracelet at Macy’s. Necklace older & brand unknown. Curvaceous Ear Jackets by Bauble Bar. These are beige suede pumps from Target last year. See the post for available suggestions and inspiration.

Posted: May 18, 2016

Trendy Terrific Print Play Thursday: Mix prints in the same color family with a pop of a contrasting color/print for a lighthearted trendy outfit

Outfit: Margherita Dress from cabi Spring 2016, Coupe Boomer from cabi Fall 2014, Butterfly Print Scarf from In The Bag Design, Kate’s Garden from Sloan Ranger, Pink wire and bead ring by Shine Chaser Jewelry, off-white earrings I think I got from Charming Charlie three or more years ago, Bandolino Galatee Slingback Wedge Mules from Macy’s. Check out the post for alternatives, tips, and more.

Posted: May 12, 2016

 

Simple Sundress Date Night: Go simple and easy and knock your date’s socks off!

Outfit: Margherita Dress, Dolce Charm Earrings, and Villa Necklace from cabi Spring 2016. Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW. Want me? Read the full post!

Posted: May 20, 2016

White Out Over Navy Saturday: Be put together and carefree in your sundress by adding layers and accessories in a variety of whites

Outfit: Margherita Dress, Blanca Cardigan from cabi Spring 2016. Belt unsure.  BMC Womens PU Faux Leather Perforated Cutout Pattern Boston Top Handle Handbag at Amazon. Yet Plane by Aerosoles. Necklace: Citrine Chunk Bar Pendant by Shine Chaser Jewelry. Yellow Bead Earrings from Fab’rik. Love Bracelet by Shine Chaser Jewelry and Samantha Jewel & Bead Stretch Bracelet Set from Cents of Style. For some available alternatives to these no available item, along with styling tips, check out the post!

Posted: May 14, 2016

 

POW: Lace & Lockets Sunday Best: To dress your sundress up for a special occasion look, add pretty lace, a classy mixed media jacket, and vintage accessories

Outfit: Margherita Dress, Dolce Charm Earrings, and Locket Necklace from cabi Spring 2016. Needle Lace Shell and Occasion Jacket from cabi Spring 2014. White Filigree Stretch Bracelet by M. Haskell for INC at Macy’s and  Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW. See the post for available suggestions and inspiration.

Posted: May 22, 2016

Margherita POW: White Out Over Navy Saturday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Be put together and carefree in your sundress by adding layers and accessories in a variety of whites

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) the cabi Spring 2016 Margherita Dress. This look says outdoor craft fair, festival, farmer’s market, antiquing, or going to a museum to me. It’s cool, comfortable, and versatile.  It’s something you can easily dress up or down, and the addition of the cardigan makes it good for changing temperatures.

This outfit also has a put-together look, but one that is really easy to put together! The mixed whites cardigan, cream purse, taupe shoes, and white belt, give it a more polished and complete look because of all the white pieces. It creates a good consistency. The easy part is these various whites items do not need to be the same white. In fact, it is trendier right now to mix whites (check out Plume POW: Whites Out Saturday for more on this trend). By mixing multiple whites, it gives outfits a more carefree feel, which is a nice mixed with the polish and put togetherness it also creates. Why not be polished, put together, trendy, and carefree? Then just add a subtle touch of a contrasting color to the sundress, and you have a fun yet polished play day outfit!

 

Tips:

  • For a trendy styling of your sundress, add layers and accessories in line with either the summer black out or white out trends
  • When adding white to an outfit, remember they do not have to all be the same type of white, you can mix together a bunch of various whites for a more carefree and trendy approach
  • When your outfit is two main colors, consider adding a subtle contrasting color in your jewelry for a bit of sophisticated fun
  • To create a more hourglass figure (especially with a boxy cardigan or jacket), belt your sundress—this works especially well with a white belt on a darker dress (as here) or black on a lighter dress
  • Add some funny strappy gladiator style flat sandals for a casual, comfortable, and trendy touch
  • Feel free to mix a print dress with a print handbag, especially when either is a neutral print (and yes, the leather cutout pattern on the handbag counts as a print)

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 
 

Related Posts:

  1. Margherita POW: Trendy Terrific Print Play Thursday on May 12, 2016. Outfit Mission Statement: Mix prints in the same color family with a pop of a contrasting color/print for a lighthearted trendy outfit

  2. Plume POW: Whites Out Saturday on April 16, 2016. Outfit Mission Statement: Try out the whites trend by mixing various whites in one or more garments, your, shoes, and your accessories

  3. Run Around POW: Off to the Races Saturday on April 30, 2016. Outfit Mission Statement: For an effortless, preppy, horse-race-ready outfit choose modern takes on classic pieces, some mixing of prints, and the sophisticated combination of black and navy—plus a hat!

 

Margherita POW: Trendy Terrific Print Play Thursday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Mix prints in the same color family with a pop of a contrasting color/print for a lighthearted trendy outfit

 

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 cabi Spring 2016 Margherita Dress. This POW we are focusing on Trendy! Prints are classic, of course, but very in right now, and mixed prints are quite on-trend. Mixing prints can be scary, but it doesn’t need to be. It can also be very fun—it adds a fresh and exciting flair. This outfit is a mix of four different prints, and is a fun, lighthearted, and a pleasure to wear.

 

Tips:

When mixing prints:

  • Keep your colors in the same limited color family—here I focus on whites, navy, and black (but don’t be afraid to pop a small piece in another color)
  • Consider your stripes (or leopard print) to be a neutral, as I did here with the square dots stripe pattern
  • Work with similar types of prints: the dress and jacket both have geometric prints of lines and shapes that are square or square-like
  • Mix fabric textures and styling, such as a flowy dress and structured jacket
  • Choose a print of neutral for one of the main prints, as shown with the jacket
  • Play with size—the stripes on the skirt are large (with small elements) while the jacket has a small sprint and the scarf has a larger print with a lot of white space
  • Match one color—as I did with the navy in the dress, scarf, and clutch
  • Be adventurous and have fun with it, you may be surprised what actually works together (this outfit was exactly that—I tried the prints together and loved them)
  • When wearing an outfit of prints, consider popping one accessory in a bold color or bold and different print
  • Match your shoes to the dominate color to go easier on the eye or make this another area of print play!

 

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: Touch of 70s Date Night

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Outfit Mission Statement: Reference your favorite style decade to add fun, glamour, and sex appeal to your night out looks

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 cabi Spring 2016 Plume Top. My Working It Wednesday Outfit has a bit of a 60s vibe this week and I gave this one just a touch of a 70s disco vibe with the hair and long earrings and colors. This contrasts the femininity of the feather design and colors of the top and the lace of the skirt, creating a funky and feminine look. While this may not scream 70s disco style, even the contrasts, femininity, and funky aspects are all true to disco, making this a modern interpretation of disco style! Even if you choose to leave off the disco vibe, a pretty top and lovely lace pencil skirt always make for an easy and sexy date style. The Plume Top’s easy flow emphasize ease and comfort, while the skirt adds the sex appeal and emphasizes the feminine. Add some sexy d’Orsay styled shoes and some bling and you are ready for a great night out.

 

Tips:

  • Do not be afraid of mixing lace with prints
  • You can create a fairly modest, but still sexy, look by wearing a pencil skirt—it shows shape but not skin
  • Pencil skirts are great choices for all shapes, as they work with your natural curves and can make larger hips and thighs look more proportional
  • Looks for ways to style date night outfits with touches from your favorite style decade—they all can add fun, glamour, and sexy to your date night looks
  • Consider long earrings for a date night looks, as they draw attention to your neck and can show a playful and/or glamorous side
  • When going with bold colors for your clothing, you may want to keep your accessories more mild

 

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:

 

Go-To POW: Simple Affairs Date Night

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Outfit Mission Statement: For a simple date night look, take your wardrobe essential black pants, add a romantic & sexy blouse along with a few accessories and you are good to go!

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 cabi Spring 2016 Go-To Trouser. Sometimes the perfect look for a date night is simple. Take a pair of black pants, add a romantic & sexy blouse, then some jewelry, neutral shoes, a clutch, and you are done. This outfit is one example of why you need a pair of black pants—why these are wardrobe essentials. They work wonderfully for work, of course, but they can also be wonderful for a date. With the right blouse to balance out the practical, business feel of these pants, you can create a classic, simple, and sexy go-to date night outfit. Look for a blouse with feminine and sexy details to balance the pants and look great on your date or night out.

 

Tips:

  • Look good coming and going by finding a blouse with some detail on the back, such as this cutout
  • To keep it simple with unassuming and delicate jewelry and neutral sandals
  • To make it date-ready, look for a blouse with some color and avoid unadorned neutrals
  • Balance the business of the black pants with feminine and/or sexy details like a draped neck; feminine print; sheer, flowy fabric; pretty colors; and/or a striking cutout in the back
  • Remember, all you need for a stunning & simple date night look is a feminine blouse and your wardrobe essential black pants, and basic accessories—sometimes less and simple is more

 

Outfit Breakdown: