Pencil Skirt POW: Vintage Flair and Chic Classy Sunday Best

Outfit Mission Statement: Play off the classic pencil skirt with vintage-inspired pieces for a chic, sophisticated, and fun special occasion 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 pencil skirt in general, and the cabi Fall 2016 Sigourney skirt in particular. The pencil skirt easily dresses up for a special occasion. Since the pencil skirt comes with chic sophistication and elegance, it is easy to combine with other pieces for a special look. Look for other pieces with chic sophistication and elegance to mix with the pencil skirt for maximum impact in any a special occasion.  For this outfit, I played off the classic vibe of the pencil skirt with vintage-inspired bold pieces, for a fun, yet classy look.

Tips:

• To play up the classic style of the skirt, consider other pieces with classic inspirations, like Channel-inspired cardigan
• Feel free to mix vintage pieces (or vintage-inspired pieces) from different times, just choose a common theme like color or print to tie them together
• Dress up solid colors with bold accessories and prints to add a pop of interest
• Choose accessories, like your scarf, shoes, and clutch, that pull out one of your main outfit colors, like the turquoise of the skirt—even if the pieces don’t “match” you will have a sophisticated look
• Add a small “arm party” of a few pretty bracelets that play off the colors of your outfit for a special pop
• No room for a pearl necklace with your scarf? Add the classic touch of pearls in a pretty bracelet instead
• A classic French twist always adds a chic elegance and 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
• Cardigan: Fencing Cardigan from cabi Spring 2017 (note: I’m wearing the sample, which is too large—in the right size with would be tighter)
• Scarf: Patchwork Scarf  from cabi Spring 2017
• Earrings: Beaded Fringe Earrings by Jessica Simpson via Le Tote use my referral link for a free Tote!)
• Shoes: Blue Floral Issy Pump by Ruby Shoo via Zulily (let me know if you want an invitation, I can send you one)
• Clutch: This Peacock Feather Embroidered Velvet Clutch is based on a print in Combinaisons Ornementales—“the ‘bible’ of decorative Art Nouveau elements according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store. Sadly, this is no longer available, but consider the Peacock Feather Clutch from Its So Clutch, the Teal Feather Clutch from Red Ostrich (actual feathered clutch), or the Embroidered Peacock Feather Clutch from Paulownias all on Etsy.
• Pearl Bracelet: Baroque Multi-Color Bracelet by eSBe*
• Gray and Silver Bracelet: Eve Gray Agate Stretch Bracelet by eSBe*
• Black Bracelet:  Older one, no longer available, by eSBe—consider the Sable Stretch Bracelet* instead

*For all eSBe orders and questions, I recommend my eSBe Stylist, Suzanne Wall Joffrion—her ID is 246131. She will be featuring a $50 gift certificate drawing for all orders $50 or more using the new eSBe app made between April 1–5! What a great time to try out eSBe or add to your collection!

Related Posts:

1. Beyond POW: Chic Classy and Faux Fur Sunday Best

2. Michelle POW: Backwards Lace and Some Flutter Sunday Best

3. Plaid POW: Sparkling & Flannel Sunday Best

1. Beyond POW: Chic Classy and Faux Fur Sunday Best Posted October 15, 2016: Combine rich colors and textures with an elegant draped top for an elegant and sophisticated special occasion look that will make you feel like a million dollars
2. Michelle POW: Backwards Lace and Some Flutter Sunday Best Posted March 13, 2016: Don’t throw a cardigan on, choose a special cardigan and plan your special occasion outfit around it!
3. Plaid POW: Sparkling & Flannel Sunday Best Posted February 28, 2016: Turn flannel elegant by adding a dressy skirt and accessories

Or peruse the other Sunday Best special occasion outfits.

Margherita POW: Lace & Lockets Sunday Best

Outfit Mission Statement: To dress your sundress up for a special occasion look, add pretty lace, a classy mixed media jacket, and vintage accessories

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 Margherita Dress. This is our last of the Margherita Dress looks, and it follows some of the themes you have seen with the other styles: adding a neutrals from the dress (white in this case) and working with layers. Both allow us to add some elegance to this fun, boho dress. Some sundresses may be on the fancy side and not require much work to be special occasion ready. But if your sundress requires some work, look for fancier, pretty, and/or more elegant pieces in your wardrobe that match your dress and can be layered over or under it. You may be amazed by what you can do with that normally casual sundress.

Tips:

• Layer pretty, fancier, and/or elegant pieces over your more casual sundress for a special occasion look
  • For more formal situations, consider layering neutrals that match the dress, as this comes across as more sophisticated
• Wear vintage/vintage-inspired jewelry and accessories to give your special occasion outfit a classic touch, which may add to the sophistication and dressiness of the outfit
• Layer a lace top over your sundress for pretty way to dress it up
  • Add a jacket for warmth or just stick to this
  • A higher quality lace with texture come across classier and dressier—be care with cheap laces as they can make the look cheap
• Choose a jacket with rich textures, mixed media, and special touches to further make your look special for your special occasion
• Consider if under or over works best for some of your layers—for instance the lace may also work under the sundress

Outfit Breakdown:

the skirt is so flowy is blows in the breeze!

• Sundress: Margherita Dress from cabi Spring 2016
• Shell: Needle Lace Shell from cabi Spring 2014 2014 and it not available; try the Scalloped Lace Tank by Anthropologie, the Eyelet & Floral Lace Shell at Talbots, the Mixed Lace Shell by Ann Taylor, or the more casual Gemma Top from cabi Spring 2016
• Jacket: Occasion Jacket from cabi Spring 2014; consider instead the Delicate Diner Jacket in Eggshell from ModCloth, Navy lace Jacket by Vintage Cosmopolitan on Etsy, or Vintage Lace Jacket by Custard Heart Vintage on Etsy
• Earrings: Dolce Charm Earrings from cabi Spring 2016
• Necklace: Locket Necklace from cabi Spring 2016
• Bracelet: White Filigree Stretch Bracelet by M. Haskell for INC at Macy’s—I could not find this, consider instead the M. Haskell for INC Gold-Tone Beaded Stretch Bangle Bracelet or the M. Haskell for INC Gold-Tone White Beaded and Crystal Fireball Stretch Bracelet, both at Macy's
• Shoes: Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW

Related Posts:

1. Run Around POW: Simple Elegance Sunday Best

2. Margherita POW: White Out Over Navy Saturday

3. Margherita POW: Easy Professionalism Manic Monday

1. Run Around POW: Simple Elegance Sunday Best posted April 24, 2016. For an elegant, sophisticated outfit that is easy and comfortable, pair your black skirt with a neutral silk and similar accessories.
2. Margherita POW: White Out Over Navy Saturday Posted May 14, 2016. Be put together and carefree in your sundress by adding layers and accessories in a variety of whites.
3. Margherita POW: Easy Professionalism Manic Monday posted May 16, 2016. For an easy-to-throw on Monday outfit, grab your favorite sundress and then add a jacket, simple matching jewelry, and comfy shoes.

Love POW: A Chic & Vintage About Town Thursday

Outfit Mission Statement: Take romantic, vintage-inspired pieces and mix them with sleek, trendy pieces for a sweet, fresh and modern look

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 cute, classy, and trendy. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi fall 2015 Love Blouse. This outfit could easily work for a date night or a night out with the girls. I see a Valentine's day celebration, fancy drinks, gallery openings, dinner with friends, a weeknight celebrations, and theater in this outfit’s future (and it's great for standing in a driveway with the family’s chalk art!). This outfit is a fun mix of pretty and sweet with sleek and stylish. I love it! The trick is to not go too far with either the sleek & stylish or the pretty & sweet. The romantic Love Blouse, the pretty lace top, the vintage bead clutch, and the darling rose quartz earrings all add a pretty and even vintage feel. But add skinnies with rolled hems and sleek sexy shoes and you have a balanced fresh look. The neutral navy in the blouse, lace top, and jeans also pulls the look together with a more modern feel and tones down the sweet pieces so this is not sugary sweet. The mix of gold, a pewter, and silver in the earrings give it a chic touch that is not too matchy-matchy.

Tips:

• Pair romantic, vintage-inspired (or vintage) pieces with sleek modern pieces for a look stands out (and doesn’t go overboard in either direction) 

• Draw the outfit together with a darker neutral theme—this will tone down any sticky sweetness and provide a modern feel

• Roll those jean hems to show off sexy shoes

• Accessorizing with different metals adds a chic touch and compliments (and updates) the vintage pieces

• Consider a side ponytail when you want both sleek and free (this works especially well with waves and curls)

• When you have clothing that has its own “built in” accessories—like the ruffles collar on the Love Blouse or the lace of the lace top, you do not need to add a necklace, as it could distract. But have fun with things further away from these built in accessories, like a clutch or purse and shoes.

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 but 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. 
• Lace Top: The London Top is, yup, a cabi Fall 2015 item and no longer for sale. Here are some different directions you can go: 
  • Capri Top: With crochet ivory lace in a flowing oversized design, you get a vintage bohemian feel. Consider wearing a bright cami or tank underneath to pop color and add some pizazz, such as the Tiger Lily Layer Tank or either V-Neck Cami. 
  • Piccolo Shrug: This bright, cropped shrug has a 60s feel
  • Portico Shrug: Another bright shrug, this has more of a modern feel with dolman sleeve and an open design
• Earrings: These are Rose Quartz Dangle Earrings by Shine Chaser Jewelry
• 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.
• Shoes: These lovely gray and pewter pumps are the Audrey Brooke Glenda Pump, which I recently got for a steal (under$20) at DSW, but are showing as $39.94 online

For a spring version with currently available pieces, consider: cabi’s2016 Spring Bella Top, Slimmie jeans, and Piccolo Shrug, with the Audrey Brooke Glenda Pump, Rose Quartz Dangle Earrings, and a vintage clutch.

An added bonus. Y'all want to see pictures of my adorable kid, right?