Pleated Star POW: Beachy Warrior Goddess Date Night

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Outfit Mission Statement: Mix tough with feminine and goddess accessories for a beachy warrior goddess date night look

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 Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End. This is a fun way to dress down the skirt, for a funky date night look. Instead of taking the pretty, feminine flow of the skirt, and adding to it with other pretty and feminine things, I add strong, dark pieces for a bold, edgier look.  While this is a more summery outfit, you can get the same tough feel by adding a moto jacket over the muscle tee, which will also show off some crazy curves, and maybe switching out the sandals for some boots. Like some other date night outfits, this one is a fun mix of contrasts, while maintaining a feminine feel. This one is great for a seaside date of casual fine dining and a walk or the beach. But could work for anything where you want to be comfortable, and don’t need t be too casual or too dressy. I love the added touch of feminine strength with the Athena necklace. Not only does it go nicely with the gladiator-style sandals, but it adds to the tough and feminine feel of the outfit—perhaps Athena would wear this for a date?

 

Tips:

  • Dress down a pretty, feminine skirt with strong, dark pieces like a muscle tee and gladiator sandal for a warrior goddess tough & feminine date night look
  • Black adds sex appeal generally (thus the LBD), and especially in this outfit
  • Add toughness to an outfit with a muscle tee or other edgy tee or tank and gladiator-style sandals for warm weather or a moto jacket and moto boots for cooler weather (or some mix for fall!)
  • Tie longer tees/tanks at the waist to create more of an hourglass shape by emphasize the waist; it can also add flair and hide the belly
  • Accessorize with handmade jewelry for a one-of-a-kind look that likely supports small business or individuals
  • Wear a striking ring on your index or middle finger for a more striking and eye-catching look with attitude

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.

Photos taken by Bill Ruhsam Jr. at the King and Prince Resort.

 

Related Posts:

  1. Destructed White POW: Bare Shoulders, Strong & Sexy Date Night posted August 12, 2016: For an ageless, sexy date night look, bare your shoulders (but feel free to keep everything else covered).
  2. Plaid POW: Date Night Flannel Heat posted February 26, 2016: Don’t rule out a flannel shirt for a sexy date outfit—just add other pieces with plenty of sex appeal.
  3. Love POW: Spicy Sweet Friday Night Drinks posted February 05, 2016: Mix romantic pretty items with ripped denim and black leather for a look that is both sugar and spice and certainly nice.

 

Pleated Star POW: Pretty Terrific Geek Chic Thursday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Mix a pretty skirt with geek pieces for and edgy, feminine geek chic look!

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 Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End. For this Thursday, we are going with Terrific, in the form of another Geek Chic outfit. Geek Chic is the perfect forum to dress down a pretty pleated skirt or other fancy skirt. Take the pretty skirt and add a fun geek tee or tank and geeky accessories. Then throw on some comfortable shoes. This look can be incredibly versatile—the skirt can be pleated, like this, or tulle, a fun pencil, or something else. I’ll illustrate this in a later post.

I especially love the mix of pretty skirts with geeky tops, when you take something with a bit of an edge, like this Holtzmann tank (Holtzmann is brilliant, strange, mad scientist engineer of the Ghostbusters in the Summer 2016 remake). The combination of edge, feminine, and geeky is interesting, unexpected, and so much fun! I think Holtzmann is the perfect choice for this outfit. While we do not see her in pleated skirts (or skirts) in the movie, she has a vintage, mad scientist style. I could see her rocking a vintage pleated skirt with work boots, a graphic tee, a leather jacket, funky socks, some cool glasses, and, of course, the Screw U necklace (which I am also wearing).

 

Tips:

  • Don’t be afraid to show your geek with a fun graphic tee or tank and some accessories
  • But think outside the normal jeans and a geek tee box—mix the geek with chic for an exciting twist on both
  • Mix pretty and soft with your edgy or geeky for a fun contrast and enjoyable way to wear both
  • When you have two louder accessories, like the Screw U necklace and Periodic Table cuff, keep other accessories simple
  • Rock a comfortable sneaker in a pretty color with your fancy skirts for comfort and some street style, plus this will allow you to wear the skirt in a wider variety of situations
  • A muted pastel shoe can work as a neutral, especially with a mix of printed pieces
  • Have fun—the pretty skirt doesn’t have to just be styled pretty and the geeky doesn’t have to only be geeky, but mixing works best if you have fun with it

Outfit Breakdown:

 

Holtzmann's take on a pleated skirt:

This is one way I imagine Holtzmann would style the Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End.

Links to the pieces: Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End, Sterling 23 Spectre glasses by O’Rigina; Trading Co., Argyle knee high socks from Sock Dreams, Four Seasons Square Scarf from The Met Store, Tweed-ing Lady Vest from Mod Cloth, Elma Deerskin Fingerless Half Finger Driving Gloves on Amazon, Do Not Read The Next Sentence tee from SnorgTees, Zipper Motorcycle Biker Faux Leather Jacket by LJYH on Amazon,  Double H 8" Opanka Packer boots on Shoe Buy.

 

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: Flannel Geek Chic Posted March 05, 2016: Mix geek with trendy and a comfy flannel shirt, for a practical geek chic look.
  2. Run Around POW: The Chic Geek Superhero Thursday Posted: April 28, 2016:  Defeat boring outfits by mixing the chic with subtle geek and save the day!

Or check out any of the other TTT Thursday looks or Geek Chic styles!

Destructed White POW: Pretty in Pink & Pearls Sunday Best

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Outfit Mission Statement: Dress your destructed denim up for a special occasion look with fancy, feminine pieces for a pretty, edgy, feminine, and comfortable outfit!

 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 cabi Spring 2016 Destructed Slim Boyfriend jeans. Ripped jeans are not what some of us would think of as an appropriate special occasion look. But, you can dress them up to make them work for at least some special occasions. The trick, as with any casual piece, is to combine it with dressier pieces, even over-the-top dressy pieces. Together the outfit averages dressier. Plus, it can be fun to mix pretty with edgy and dressy with casual! Still, these jeans may now work in some special occasion situations. If you cannot do destructed, consider replacing these with white jeans. If you cannot do jean, consider replacing these with white linen pants, such as the Piazza Pant.

But, if you can do destructed white jeans for your special occasion, this outfit can be a lot of fun to rock! You can be pretty, edgy, feminine, and comfortable all at the same time! This may be one of my favorite outfits I’ve done here (and it is one of my favorite sets of photos!).

 

Tips:

  • Dress up your destructed jeans with fancy, dressy pieces; you can even go over the top if you want!
  • Play off the edgy destructed look with feminine, pretty pieces—think pinks, pearls, and sparkles
  • Grab a pretty shawl to keep you warm in places with two much AC or cooler nights (plus it adds to the dressiness)
  • Add a designer clutch or wristlet in a pretty matching color to add style (and convenience)
  • Dress your feet up in those sparkly, special occasion shoes and roll up your jeans to show them off
  • Put your hair up in a pretty hair accessory for an added touch of class & sophistication (plus you can show off your shoulders)
  • Look for dressy accessories with special touches, like ribbon bows in the back, for added touches of fancy
  • Choose a peplum top with a gentle ruffle bottom to hide any tummy issues and add more femininity

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 
 

Related Posts:

  1. Bardot POW: Boho Southwestern Sparkly Princess Sunday Best posted May 29, 2016. To dress denim up for a special occasion look, throw on the fancy—think tulle, sparkly gems, embroidered velvet, statement pieces, and amazing shoes.
  2. Plaid POW: Sparkling & Flannel Sunday Best posted February 28, 2016. Turn flannel elegant by adding a dressy skirt and accessories.
  3. Margherita POW: Lace & Lockets Sunday Best posted on May 22, 2016. To dress your sundress up for a special occasion look, add pretty lace, a classy mixed media jacket, and vintage accessories.

 

 

 

 

Love POW: Sweater Saturdays are Pretty Cozy!

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Outfit Mission Statement: Start with a cozy sweater and add feminine and practical pieces for a casual, pretty, and lifestyle-friendly look

Play Day Saturdays are clothes for taking your kids to the park, running errands, taking 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 cabi fall 2015 Love Blouse. To me winter is all about the sweaters. I grew up in Maine and lived in as many sweaters as I could from November to March. Even here in Georgia, I wear them as much as a can. Sweaters automatically make things cozy! And you can do so much with them. Here, I took a longer, roomy open sweater with lovely stitches and a funky hem and added the sweet Love Blouse for a pop of femininity and some colors that suggest spring (which are often a nice promise on a cold day!). The skinnies carry the navy theme from the sweater and blouse, creating a longer line and a more put-together look. The brown buckle boots add practicality and contrast to the blouse. The rose-gold wire wrapped crystal earrings play off the blouse colors with adding a modern touch. Together, this look is cozy, feminine, and practical for whatever your errand or park game.

Tips:

  • Up the femininity of a roomy sweater by wearing a lovely blouse under it
  • Consider throwing on a cozy sweater instead of a coat when you need a warm layer but don’t want the bulk or coat look, or for when you will be going inside and outside often and don’t want the hassle of taking a coat on and off
  • Create longer leaner lines by having the sweater and jeans be the same dark color (or even the same color) 
  • Add a practical touch with sensible boots with strong details
  • Go for modern accessories that drawn on colors in the blouse to not go too feminine with the look and to keep a less fussy feel

 

Outfit Breakdown:

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

  •  Blouse: This is the cabi Fall 2015 Love Blouse. To find a substitute from your own closet, look for a feminine blouse with a special feature. If you don’t have quite the right blouse to substitute in your closet, consider these cabi Spring 2016 alternatives: 
    • Vita Blouse: This gorgeous draped blouse is also sleeveless, and has a sexy cutout in the back 
    • Bella Top: This feminize, fluttery blouse has a similar feel to the love blouse 
    • Positano Top: This flowy top reminds me of vintage fabric with very current colors 
    • Gemma Top: This bright green beauty, has eyelets and lace for a vintage and trendy feel
  • Jeans: Skinny jeans are everywhere. If you don’t already have some dark skinny jeans, I’m sure you can find some you will love. If you want something a bit less skinny (and white), consider the Slimmie. 
  •  Sweater: This cozy delight is the Countryside Sweater—cabi Fall 2015 and not available. But cabi has some great Spring 2016 cardigans to consider: 
    • Blanca Cardigan: This white, ivory, and cream relaxed cardigan is a perfect layering piece for the transition to spring 
    • Sorrento Cardigan: This roomy black cardigan has over-sized pockets and a relaxed modern feel
  •  Earrings: These are rose gold wire wrapped crystal earrings by Shine Chaser Jewelry. She does not currently have any available on her Etsy page, but you may be able to commission some. She does currently have these similar White Sea Glass Wire Wrapped Earrings and others that will nicely work in a casual outfit (or any type of outfit!).
  • Boots: These are old Target favorites. Some available ones include 

 

 

 

Spring into Spring with this white version of the look: Take the cabi Spring 2016 Bella Top, Blanca Cardigan and Slimmie, plus the Fringed Reza Ankle Boot and White Sea Glass Wire Wrapped Earrings. I love this look! I may have to buy it all!




Love POW: Just add Sparkles, Fur, and Beads to make it Sunday Best

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Outfit Mission Statement: Take a pretty blouse and a neutral pencil skirt and turn it into a sophisticated special occasion outfit with fur, sparkles, beads, and mixing a single metal

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 cabi fall 2015 Love Blouse. With the gathered ruffle-like collar and lovely colors, this blouse easily works for special occasions. It’s easy to dress it up with nice accessories and a skirt. I’m wearing a classic navy pencil skirt here, for slim lines and a neutral to play the other pieces off of. The skirt is also a ponte knit, so I am comfortable and can move easily, including squatting on the ground with my toddler. After the lovely blouse and the neutral skirt, it’s all about special accessories to bring up the glam. Most striking may be the faux fur-trimmed Twist scarf. This adds elegance and warmth (why are places always so cold?). Plus, as mentioned in Friday’s Spicy Sweet Friday Night Drinks, the scarf can add a bit of flirtation too! The long gold earrings add sophistication and fun. I don’t wear these enough, because they are “big” for my day-today look (I don’t tend to go big in the jewelry department. I’m working on it. It may become a Personal Style Challenge I try to conquer later this year.) But I do love occasions when I feel I can bring them out. It’s nice to have statement earrings! The length and style draw attention to my face, neck, and hair, adding a bit of sex appeal too. I continue the gold accents, with a gold belt (actually it’s a necklace, see Wednesday’s Working it Lady-Like for more on this and the belt/bracelet combo worn professionally). Then we get to my shoes. These lovely sparkly shoes are nice in that they are not over-the-board sparkles. It’s more subtle, if you can say that about stiletto sparkling heels! The clutch, which my son loved, is gold and silver beads, and add a fun vintage accent. Together, I have a look that is comfortable (except maybe the shoes), dressy, flattering, and fun.

 

Tips:

  • Start your special occasion outfits with a lovely blouse with feminine details
  • Have one main neutral garment that can act as a base for the rest of the outfit
  • While mixed metals are in, focusing on accenting with a single metal in various tones creates a more elegant look and one that may be easier for many (mixing metals can be hard for some)
  • When working with various tones of the same metal, do keep the metals separate so the differences don’t conflict
  • Look for ponte pencil skirts for elegance, clean lines, and comfort
  • Adding fur, sparkles, and beads can make anything fancier or cheaper—limit each by choosing items where it is more subtle or an accent, not the full thing (if one is the full thing, tone the others down even more)
  • Consider statement earrings—statement necklaces have been in for a while, but sometimes, especially when you have a striking collar, earrings are the better choice
  • Have at least one awesome pair of “wow” heels with some fun attribute like sparkles (or bows, or zippers, or whatever)
  • Realize you can do special occasions with separates and it may be both more fun and more striking

 

 Outfit Breakdown:

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

  • Blouse: This is the cabi Fall 2015 Love Blouse. To find a substitute from your own closet, look for a feminine blouse with a special feature. If you don’t have quite the right blouse to substitute in your closet, consider these cabi Spring 2016 alternatives: 
    • Vita Blouse: This gorgeous draped blouse is also sleeveless, and has a sexy cutout in the back
    • Bella Top: This feminize, fluttery blouse has a similar feel to the love blouse
    • Tivoli Top: This fierce black and taupe blouse has plenty of cool features
  • Skirt: This ponte knit is a vintage cabi skirt, and not available. However, the Lido Skirt from cabi Spring 2016 collection would be a perfect replacement. This classic pencil skirt is in navy and has a tiered hem for a feminine touch that still can work as a neutral in your special occasion outfit.
  • 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
  • Earrings: This are ones I’ve had for quite a while—they are Stella & Dot Devon chandelier earrings. They are not sowing on the site, but here are some great alternatives: 
  • Belt: I am wearing the cabi Fall 2015 Heirloom necklace as a belt—the necklace converts into several different pieces. The cabi Spring 2016 Locket Necklace is also a convertible piece and can be worn as a bracket and belt also, and has a similar feel to the Heirloom.         
  • Shoes: Jennifer Lopez’s Women's Metallic High Heels—I’m shocked they are still available at Kohl’s! I got these last year and now they are only $39.99!
  • 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.
  • Griffin’s necklace: Griffin loves my jewelry and hair stuff and always wants to wear my jewelry, have a ponytail, or have hair pins in. So, I commissioned this necklace from Shine Chaser Jewelry, based off her cute elephant earrings. Griffin adores it!
 

For a Spring cabi 2016 version of this, with mixed silver (instead of gold) try the: Vita Blouse, Lido Skirt, with the Louis XIV Arabesque Burnout Shawl, Casablanca Chandeliers, Metallic High Heels (in Pewter), and Vintage Silver Clutch Purse.