Pencil Skirt POW: Trendy, Elegant, and all Choked up Date Night

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Outfit Mission Statement: Look good coming and going in a classic, feminine pencil skirt and a trendy, elegant lace back blouse

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 pencil skirt in general, and the cabi Fall 2016 Sigourney skirt in particular. The pencil skirt is a perfect date night option. It’s sexy, chic, classic, and feminine all in one. Given the power of the pencil skirt, you have a lot of options to finish the date night look, from a tee shirt to an elegant silk blouse. In fact, you can even wear flannel and look hot! Here I went with a trendy, yet elegant option—lace back blouses. I love this look because it is clean and simple in front, but has the surprise of lace and a bit of skin in back. You look good coming and going! Since it is the transitional time of year where some still have winter and some spring, I am showing a colder weather version and a warmer weather one. They both are a similar look—turquoise or green pencil skirt and a lace back blouse. I went with black, boots, and a choker for the colder weather look and white with green heels for the spring look. Of course, with the right shoes/boots either can work for any time of the year.

for cooler temps

for cooler temps

for warmer temps

for warmer temps

Tips:

  • For a trendy and sexy, yet elegant date night look pair the on-trend lace back tops with a pencil skirt
  • If you want to show some skin, but don’t want to be too revealing, the lace back top is a fabulous choice
  • If you wear a lace back top, think of other ways to draw attention to your back—such as a lovely updo and a statement hair pin
  • Consider a neutral top color when rocking a bold pencil skirt and a lace back to draw attention to the lace and the skirt
  • If you tuck your top into your pencil skirt and blouse it, you’ll draw attention to your waist and create more of an hourglass look
  • If you leave your top untucked, you'll create a longer torso  and hide tummy issues
  • Chokers add a dash of Victorian and a pinch of sex appeal—don’t be afraid of this trend, anyone can rock it:
    • If you have looser neck skin or a larger neck:
      • Go for a wider choker in a lace or something with varying edges, which will hide issues and be more forgiving
      • Wear it looser and lower, almost at collar level for the same look without the feeling of having something tight around your neck or creating bulges; this also works better if you have sagging skin
    • If you have a double chin or a little extra right there, go lower rather than higher to not add to this—I tend to go just under halfway or lower
    • Think about what you want to emphasize—lower will draw eyes to your collar bone, shoulders, and chest, whereas higher will emphasize your face more
    • Layer! Chokers work wonderfully with almost any length necklace, other chokers, or even a scarf
    • For a more cohesive and possibly monochromatic look match the color and material with something in your outfit (like black lace)
    • Not sure? Go for a thin one and wear it at your collar like a very short necklace, then work your way up and bigger as you feel comfortable
    • The more bare skin around the choker the more it will stand out and draw attention to that bare skin, so for greater sex appeal consider deeper cut neck lines, cold shoulder, and off-the-shoulder tops, and even put your hair up (if it is longer). To tone down the sex appeal, have your choker peak out of a button down or other shirt that does not show much skin.
    • A longer neck can rock any width of choker
    • A shorter neck may want to go with narrower chokers worn lower, which will add length—a thicker choker at mid neck will likely make your neck look shorter

Outfits:

Sigourney Skirt Outfit:

  • Skirt: Sigourney Skirt from cabi Fall 2016, which is no longer readily available. See my introductory POW post for ways to get this skirt, turquoise alternatives, or other pencil skirts
  • Blouse: Tempest Blouse from cabi Fall 2016, which is no longer readily available. Check out the same cabi options in my introductory POW post)
  • Boots: Unnati boots from JustFab (use my referral code to save money) 
  • Clutch: Old clutch, unsure of brand
  • Choker: Lace choker from JustFab, that is no longer available—consider the Laser Cut N Strut instead (use my referral code to save money)
  • Hair pin: Starburst hair pin from Lilla Rose, which is not available now, but there are many other options (I worked with Abby McElroy and she was very helpful)
  • Earrings: older gifts
 

White Blouse Outfit:

 

 

 

Related Posts:

  1. 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
  2. Plume POW: Touch of 70s Date Night Posted April 08, 2016: Reference your favorite style decade to add fun, glamour, and sex appeal to your night out looks
  3. Love POW: Just add Sparkles, Fur, and Beads to make it Sunday Best Posted February 07, 2016: 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

Or check out the other date night POWs for more inspiration for a fabulous date (outfit).

POW 7: The Versatile, Go Everywhere Black Skirt

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We all need a skirt we can wear on the playground, a sexy date, and the boardroom, right? Or did such a thing never occur to you? It didn’t occur to me, until I was introduced the rather amazing, very comfortable cabi Spring 2016 Run Around Skirt. This skirt is a wardrobe miracle! It should be in every woman’s spring and summer suitcase, as you may wear it in so many different ways. To start with, this is clearly a flattering sexy skirt. No questions asked. You will look hot in this. But, you will also be incredibly comfortable in the Lenzing fabric. You will also be covered! This skirt has layers—a maxi layer in back, a scoop in the front, plus a drape in front, plus another layer that keep up covered underneath, should you need it.

You will LOVE this skirt!

You will LOVE this skirt!

This skirt is a unique piece and may be hard to find alternative of in your closet or elsewhere. In some ways, this skirt reminds me of the M’Legging cabi has had variations of over a few seasons (see the Mesh M’Legging this season). The leggings provide cover for the skirt and the skirt covers the butt, so you can wear the leggings without an extra layer. This skirt has those same layers of coverage. But, if you want a skirt without leggings that does this… I’m not sure what to tell you. I did a search and found little that had the layers, ease, sophistication, and sexiness. A few options that work more casually are the Seaside Fold Over Maxi Skirt which has the length and a fold over style, but not the extra layers or dressier styling, and the Ribbon Stripes Skirt which has the wrap styling, but only a single midi length and not the extra covering layers both by Athleta. If any of you know of anything else, let me know.

However, a black or dark knit (ponte, cotton, Lenzing, stretch jersey, and more) skirt knee-length or longer would work for a lot of what we will go over this week for styling—such as the cabi Spring 2016 Lido Skirt. You may need to choose a ponte pencil for some of the dressier outfits and perhaps a tee shirt material skirt for the more casual to really make it work. But, regardless, you can make these styles word for a variety of skirt. Work it!

Do join us for the seventh POW and discover seven ways, from the boardroom, to the special occasion, to the playground, to style this unique, go anywhere, practical, packing-friendly Run Around Skirt!

 

If you want to buy, please contact me in the comments or via email or my stylist (Joni Allen via email or phone: 770 502-5243 [call or text]) and we can get you set up.  It is possible any order you make will be included in a show total for me. If that is the case, for each $250 spent in my show, I get one half priced item. So, I’d be quite grateful of any orders! I promise to blog about what I buy!

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.

Love POW: Spicy Sweet Friday Night Drinks

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Outfit Mission Statement: Mix romantic pretty items with ripped denim and black leather for a look that is both sugar and spice and certainly nice

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 fall 2015 Love Blouse. In many ways, this blouse is ready for a romantic date without any work at all. But, sometimes we don’t want to look all sweet and romantic. Sometimes we want some spice with our sugar. For the spice I added ripped jeans. These give a real edge to the outfit, creating some flirty fun. The jeans balance the sweet of the Love Blouse and scarf combo. The black shoes also add a bit of spice with the cutout and black leather, even though the style is reminiscent of Victorian style. The amazing faux fur trimmed Twist Scarf adds to the romantic sweetness, and gives a bit of warmth and a bit more filtration. Together we have a spicy sweet Friday night look, perfect for a romantic night out with your sweetie, out partying with friends, or anything in-between.  

Tips:

  • Don’t be afraid of mixing romantic pieces with edgy pieces 
  • Find ways to balance out a romantic blouse to make your outfit multidimensional
  • Consider rolling your jeans to show off your shoes and look a bit more street and trendy (for tips and a tutorial from PopSugar) 
  • Add a scarf for added flirtation potential (and warmth)
  • Think details like ruffles, fur, tassels, and rips to make sure your outfit is not boring (we can’t make promises about that blind date) 
  • When choosing an ombré blouse, go with one that goes from light to dark as you go down. This will lighten your face while making your waist and hips look smaller 
  • When wearing an ombré blouse, choose pants that are similar in color to the colors at the bottom of the blouse to create a longer, leaner look

 

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
    • Plaza Top: This classic, flowing blue and white blouse has a cute Henley collar
    • Tivoli Top: This fierce black and taupe blouse has plenty of cool features
  • Jeans: These are the cabi Fall 2015 Dark Destruction Slim Boyfriend, and yup, no longer available. However, there are two great cabi Spring 2016 options:
  • Scarf: The Twist Scarf is cabi Fall 2015 also and it sold out during the regular season. Consider:
    • Flora Scarf: This is a colorful floral scarf from the cabi Spring 2016 collection
    • 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
    • Monet Water Lilies Scarf: This striking scarf is mostly blue with pops of a red color and is  also from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store 
  • Shoes: These are an old, beloved pair of A2s from Aerosoles. Here are some in stock options: 
    • Glamorous: Black leather with an open toe and side cutout-sleek and sexy!
    • Mirage: This buckled ankle bootie with an open toe are edgy and fun
  • Earrings: These are Rose Quartz Dangle Earrings by Shine Chaser Jewelry

 

 

 

Looking for a Spring version of this? Here is a version composed of the alternatives listed above and the available earrings: Vita Blouse, Destructed Skinny in Curvy, Dunand Deco Floral Scarf, Mirage bootie, and Rose Quartz Dangle Earrings.


POW week 1: Tonal Friday Night Drinks

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Outfit Mission Statement: Mix casual pants with dressier tops in the same tone for a put-together and fun date night outfit

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 fall 2015 Media Jacket. To make it date night ready, I added a special top, some fun pants, a delicate necklace, and slouch boots. While this outfit is not “sexy,” the lower neckline on the blouse shows a bit more skin, which I accent with a fine necklace, giving sex appeal while still being fairly modest. The celadon cargo pants (which are like jeans) add color and fun, while dressing down the fancier top and jacket. I love taking dressier jackets and blouses and dressing them down with jeans or similar pants. Colored jeans make the casual element pop. The tonal match of the pants and jacket together with the black make for a striking two-color ensemble that looks more polished and put-together.

Tips:

  • Dress down fancier jackets and tops with jeans or casual pants for a date-ready look
  • Play up a bit of skin with a delicate necklace
  • Consider wearing colored jeans or pants to pop color and emphasize the casual
  • Wear tonal colors with a neutral for a more polished and put-together look

Outfit Breakdown:

The clothing items in this outfit are all cabi Fall 2015 (or earlier), and no longer available. Contact me if you must have it and I may be able to direct you to a stylist who has it. I offer ways to substitute from you own closet or alternatives below. I normally will make the POW a currently available item, but my blog launched later than planned.

  • Jacket: Shown is the Fall 2015 cabi media jacket, which is now unavailable. From your own closet, you can substitute a cropped jacket and/or a flashy jacket in a shorter style. Or, if you want to purchase, here are a few other cropped jackets to consider instead: 
 Beaded Amazonite Necklace by Solid Treasures 

 Beaded Amazonite Necklace by Solid Treasures 

  • Pants: These are the Celadon Cargos, also from cabi Fall 2015, and not available (although if you must have them, contact me and I may be able to find a stylist with a sample). Here are some substitutes from cabi Spring 2016:
    •  Ditsy Skinny: Also a green skinny, but with a pattern.
    • Traveler Pant: Love the casual style of these—with the right blouse these would make awesome date pants.
  •   Boots: These are old slouch boots. I bet you can find some you love with a quick search, or have something else that works.
  • Jewelry: The necklace is the Beaded Amazonite Necklace by Solid Treasures and is no longer available. She may be able to make you one by special order, I’m not sure. A shop update is coming soon, so look for something similar on her site.