Pencil Skirt POW: Peek-a-Boo Turquoise Thursday

Outfit Mission Statement: Add interest to a monotone look by with a trendy peek-a-boo garment, like a cold-shoulder top or a split back sweater

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 pencil skirt in general, and the cabi Fall 2016 Sigourney skirt in particular. I’m going with trendy on this one. Two trends, in fact. First, the peek-a-boo trend, where a bit of skin in different places is showing; exemplified by the cold-shoulder tops, the split backs, the cutouts, the crochet back trend, and so on. One great thing about this trend is in many cases peek-a-booing is happening in universally flattering places. Shoulders look great on women of all ages and sizes. So does the the upper back and lower arms. We can all rock this skin!

The second trend is the monotone trend. We saw a lot of the white out trend last year (even posts here and here) and the blackout trend. Now, we are seeing it in a variety of colors. So, why not turquoise? They key to the monotone look is to mix similar colors that are enough different to not look like you are trying to wear the same shade. So, go with a lighter and darker piece. You can also play with patterns and throw on a neutral or two.

Tips:

• When doing the monotone trend:
  • Consider a neutral layer between the colors to provide separation and not look like you are trying too hard
  • Look for colors that are in the same family, but have obvious differences like shade, print, patterns, texture, and fabric
• Not sure about showing off the skin? Find ways to cover up while rocking the trends, such as a cami under a split back
• Think about what parts of your body you want to show off and look for pieces that reveal this area
• Remember, everyone has sexy shoulders
• Go with single metal jewelry in simpler designs to not detract from the monotone clothes
• Not sure about the peek-a-boo trend? Try it with a chic classic, like the pencil skirt to soften the trendy edges and add sophistication

Outfit Breakdown:

• 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
• Cami: Wear-with-All cami from cabi from many seasons ago; consider the Lace cami from Spring 2017
• Sweater: Julien sweater by prAna, available at REI
• Shoes: Blue Floral Issy Pump by Ruby Shoo via Zulily (let me know if you want an invitation, I can send you one)
• Necklace: Serendipity Solitaire Necklace via Suzanne on eSBe—you can win most of this necklace if you participate in our April Style Challenge*
• Bracelet: Paragon Straps Cuff via Suzanne on eSBe—you can win most of this cuff if you participate in our April Style Challenge
• Earrings: Vintage Crystal Studs from Stella & Dot

Related Posts:

1. Go-To POW: The Versatile Blackout Thursday

2. Destructed White POW: Shady Lace & Rips Saturday

3. Plume POW: Whites Out Saturday

1. Go-To POW: The Versatile Blackout Thursday:  For a trendy yet classic versatile look, choose black pieces with a twist
2. Destructed White POW: Shady Lace & Rips Saturday: For fun, cool, sophisticated take on the white-out trend, opt for mixing off whites
3. Plume POW: Whites Out Saturday: Try out the whites trend by mixing various whites in one or more garments, your, shoes, and your accessories

Destructed White POW: Shady Lace & Rips Saturday

Outfit Mission Statement: For fun, cool, sophisticated take on the white-out trend, opt for mixing off 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 2016 Destructed Slim Boyfriend jeans. This might be a little dressier than an outfit for taking your kid(s) to the park, but it is a fun, casual look complete with sun protection! This outfit could have also worked for Trendy, Transitional, and/or Terrific, because it is both trendy and rather terrific. The outfit is a great example of the “white out” trend of mixing different whites for a cool, put-together look. It is also terrific, if I say so myself. In fact, this outfit convinced me to purchase the Capri Top. In this shoot, I am wearing my stylist’s sample. I loved wearing it for the pictures, and then when I looked at the photos, I knew I had to have it. It is so terrific that I sold it to myself!

This outfit is a lot of fun. I love the mix of crochet lace, destructed white denim, shady hat, open-toed shoes, coin necklace, and woven bag. The mix of whites, mostly in the antique, ivory, and cream directions, looks and feels cool and comfortable. Can you tell it was 95 when I took these pictures? I was so hot, but do not look it! I love this outfit and I hope you do.

Tips:

• When mixing whites, remember you do not have to include a “true” white, you can mix all off whites for an even more sophisticated take on the trend
• Add a hat sun protection and a carefree, fun accessory
• Oversized tops work best with slim or skinny bottoms, to give you a longer look and to balance out the top (oversized+oversized=oversized you)
  • If you like the ease of boyfriend jeans, consider a slim boyfriend for a great mix of ease with a slim bottom
• Add a touch of color under the lace top to better pop the lace—here I went with blush that blends nicely with the off whites, looking like almost a darker white
• Show off the shoes and add more of the casual to the outfit by rolling the jeans (but I don’t need to say this again do I?)
• You can use the white as a platform to pop some bright jewelry or choose pieces that work with the theme, allowing the lace top to catch the eye (I prefer the later for this lovely top)
• Try things on, and better yet, make them into outfits you would wear before deciding if they work for you —as I did this this top. You may be surprised what works and what doesn’t.

Outfit Breakdown:

• Jeans: Destructed Slim Boyfriend jeans from cabi Spring 2016
• Top: Capri Top from cabi Spring 2016, for somewhat similar consider  The Morgan Top from Lila Rose or several options from Anthropologie: Filigree Lace Tank by Akemi + Kin, Trillia Crochet Top by Isy & Ki, Rosewood Lace Blouse by Tiny, or Scalloped Lace Tank by Deletta.
• Cami: Simple Cami in blush from cabi Spring 2016, try it in Nude from Fall 2016
• Shoes: Bird Cage from Aerosoles
• Earrings: Faux gold pearl earrings bough years ago
• Necklace: Tile Coin Necklace from cabi Fall 2014 (available at some cabi outlets—call to see. They ship!)
• Handbag: Diamond Woven Crossbody by Giani Bernini fromMacy's
• Hat: Shady Hat from cabi Spring 2014 (available at some cabi outlets—call to see. They ship!)

If you want of these cabi pieces, contact your cabi stylist ASAP! The season has closed, but she may still be able to help you with samples or access to the retired season pieces. If you do not have a stylist, please contact me in the comments or via email, reach out to my (Joni Allen via email or phone: 770 502-5243 [call or text]), or find a cabi stylist near you. 

 

Related Posts:

1. Plume POW: Whites Out Saturday

2. Go-To POW: Denim on Top Saturday

3. Bardot POW: Casual, Easy Boho Saturday

1. Plume POW: Whites Out Saturday posted April 16, 2016: Try out the whites trend by mixing various whites in one or more garments, your, shoes, and your accessories.
2. Go-To POW: Denim on Top Saturday posted April 02, 2016: Wear your denim on top with classic black pants for a casual, fun, and modern outfit with a touch of class
3. Bardot POW: Casual, Easy Boho Saturday posted June 04, 2016: For a distinctive, comfy, boho chic outfit, think outside the jeans box—wear flowy pull-on pants and a denim shirt instead.

Or, check out my other Play Day Saturday posts!