POW 4: Business in Front, Flutter in the Back

Our fourth POW was inspired by one of the biggest fans, if you don’t mind me calling you that, of this blog—Wendy Wiech (IG @wwbsts). She asked for a POW on the cabi Fall 2015 Tearoom Cardigan (an amazing piece) and the discussion lead to her mentioning this cardigan. So, Wendy, instead of the Tearoom, I give you the Michelle Cardigan, currently available as part of the cabi Spring 2016 collection, for our fourth POW.

Outfit: Michelle Cardigan, Slimmie jeans, First Mate Tee, Dolce Charm Earrings from cabi Spring 2016.The cardigan and jeans are a size too big--expect a closer fit. Shoes are the Restricted Newport Flat from DSW.

This is a fabulous classic navy v-neck cardigan, made unique with the bolt of cobalt trim and the graceful flutter of chiffon in the back. I heard someone call it "business in front and a party in the back," but let’s not degrade such a striking cardigan with mullet references.  I’m thrilled by this cardigan, in part because I loved the Belle Cardigan from the fall, which has some lace were the chiffon is on the Michelle, but I could not wear the yellow. Plus, I just cannot get enough of navy! It’s such a practical, yet beautiful, color. This will be part of my first show order!

The Michelle Cardigan is a great piece for the office, especially cold offices come this spring or summer. It’s a fabulous transition piece—in fact it is one of my seven recommended transitional spring pieces. It’s great to buy now and wear the rest of the year. It can also be dressed up or down, as we will soon see. So, join us for the fourth POW and discover seven ways, from the boardroom, to the playground, to the fancy dinner, to style this classic, unique piece.

Once again, I am breaking this “week” of outfits over two weeks. I will start later today with the Manic Monday work outfit, and then post on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.  The next week, I will post Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday this week.  Then, that Sunday I will announce the next POW, which is also an item that is currently available cabi Spring 2016 garment.

If you want to buy, let me invite you to purchase it as part of my current cabi “party.” We should be placing the order soon. 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. Any order you make will count toward my show total. For each $250 spent in my show, I get one half priced item. So, I’m be quite grateful of any orders! I promise to blog about what I buy!

Outfit: MICHELLE CARDIGAN, MARTINI TOP,  CITRON CURVY SKINNY, DOLCE CHARM EARRINGS,  LAGOON NECKLACE, WORN BACKWARDS TO SHOW THE SILVER ON THE BACK OFF), AND THE UNISA EAVVI SANDAL from DSW.

POW 3: What’s plaid and cozy?

Even my son loves this shirt! And look! SNOW!

When I was working on the POW concept (Piece of the Week, yes, I am ignoring the “the”), I figured there were just some garments that I could not make into the full range from casual to work to special occasion. So, I started challenging myself. I quickly decided I could not do flannel. Casual would be easy, as would the Thursday look. But very professional or special occasion? No way! And then I got thinking. In abut ten minutes I had more than enough outfits ideas for even special occasion. The challenge was fun.  So, flannel it is! This flannel shirt I am featuring is, wait for it… currently available! Shocking, I know. In the future most POW will feature a currently available piece. The POW is the L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan. This particular shirt was a birthday \ gift from my brother. As a Maine native, L.L. Bean is my go-to place for all things flannel. I love the colors in this one. It’s got the dark blue and green I love in Black Watch plaid, but with white, orange, and pink. It’s lovely and cozy!

As with our last POW, I will show you how to work this shirt seven different outfits—a full week!  Again, I am breaking this “week” of outfits over two weeks. Unlike the last two weeks, I and starting Tuesday with the comfortable, “No place like home” Tuesday them, instead of Manic Monday. I will then post Thursday and Saturday this week. Next week I’ll post Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.  Then, that Sunday I will announce the next POW, which is an item that is currently available cabi Spring 2016 garment—and one that was request!

POW 2: You’re going to love the Piece of the Week, week two!

Are you excited? My second Piece of the Week (POW, yes, I am ignoring the “the”), is the cabi fall 2015 Love Blouse! So, I'm calling this the Love POW.

Sadly, this blouse is currently no longer available from cabi. You can replace it with a pretty blouse from your closet. This one is sleeveless with a gathered collar. But you can go for sleeves if you would like. I suggest choosing one with some special feature, like the gathered collar. If you must have this amazing blouse, let me know. I may be able to find a sample for you or something like that. 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 sleeves 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.

As with our last POW, I will show you how to work this jacket into seven different outfits—a full week!  Again, I am breaking this “week” of outfits over two weeks, starting tomorrow with the Manic Monday outfit, and posting the outfits for Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Then next week, I’ll post the Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday outfits. Then, that following Sunday I will announce the next POW, which is an item that is currently available!