Bardot POW: Pretty Pockets and Boho Layers Date Night

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Outfit Mission Statement: For an easy date night outfit for summer theater or other dates where temperature may change, choose a pretty sundress & a denim shirt as a fun, curve-enhancing layer

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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 Spring 2016 Bardot Shirt. My Friday plans are theater in the park, and this is a great outfit for it. A nice pretty dress, with a fun boho denim top for warmth once the sun sets. The denim shirt also give a waist and curves to an otherwise straighter dress, adding sex appeal white covering up more! This is an easy date night outfit—take a sundress, add a denim shirt, and accessorize. Done! Just grab the tickets, the picnic basket (don’t forget that corkscrew), and go!

 

Tips:

  • Thinks easy layers when date night is outside in the evening (or in a cool restaurant)
  • Add curves to a sundress without them by tying a denim or other shirt around the waist—like this (wear the shirt and tie it) or not wearing it (except tied around your waist)
  • Pockets! Find dresses with pockets! They are the best (hint, cabi has this dress and another with pockets this season!)
  • For easy style, choose the “transformer” necklaces that can be multiple pieces of jewelry as you take parts of it off—then you don’t have to find separate pieces to go with your outfit (my bracelet and necklace are the same transformer necklace)
    • Don’t be afraid to find new ways to transform the necklace either—this asymmetrical style is not one of the advertised ways of wearing it, but it is my favorite
  • Got sundress that doesn’t work for you? Try wearing it different ways, such as with a denim shirt tied at the waist—I wasn’t a big fan of this dress on me until I wore it like this

 Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Posts:

  1. Margherita POW: Simple Sundress Date Night posted May 20, 2016. Go simple and easy and knock your date’s socks off!
  2. Run Around POW: Sexy & Comfortable Date Night posted April 29, 2016. Be the sexiest and most comfortable woman in the room by wearing a curve-hugging, flaw-hiding all-black outfit in a soft, comfortable fabric.
  3. Bardot POW: Ponte and Knotted Manic Monday posted June 06, 201. For a comfortable, professional Monday outfit, dress up your denim shirt with a navy ponte pencil skirt

Plus, check out the other Date Night Friday posts.

Margherita POW: Simple Sundress Date Night

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Margherita POW: Simple Sundress Date Night

Outfit Mission Statement: Go simple and easy and knock your date’s socks off!

 

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 Spring 2016 Margherita Dress. I’m showing you seven ways to style a sundress. This naturally should include the styling the sundress itself. And as many a date will tell you, a sundress is perfect for date night (or date day—any date time). This is as simple at it gets for a date—sundress, shoes, jewelry, maybe some makeup, with your hair down and flowing if it is long. Running late? Trying to juggle getting ready, keeping the kids calm, and instructing the babysitter? This is perfect! Going from work to night out? Choose of on the work styles with this sundress (Working It Buttoned-Down Flowy Wednesday or Easy Professionalism Manic Monday) and you can make a quick transition from day to night!

Tips:

 

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Run Around POW: Sexy & Comfortable Date Night

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Outfit Mission Statement: Be the sexiest and most comfortable woman in the room by wearing a curve-hugging, flaw-hiding all-black outfit in a soft, comfortable fabric

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 Spring 2016 Run Around Skirt. I’ve mentioned before that this skirt is sexy, right? Well, this skirts is very sexy. It is perfect for a date night. You can make a sexy date night outfit by simply pairing it with a pretty blouse or top. The Tivoli Top and the Vita Blouse would work to make funky or pretty date night looks that are also very sexy. I’ll let you play around with the blouse and skirt combo. Instead, let me suggest something that is even more comfortable and even sexier. Try the skirt's sister garment—theblack Gathered Tee. An all-black outfit also exudes sex appeal. That’s why the little black dress exists. It’s striking, strong, and confident. Any cute or sexy black top could work with the Run Around Skirt for a hot all-black look. But, make the items body hugging (in all the right ways) with drapes, gathers, and layers, and you have quite the hot look. While you will be the sexiest woman in the room, you will probably also be the most comfortable. After all these is a tee shirt and skirt made of the wonderfully soft and stretchy Lenzing fabric. You think your tee shirt if comfortable? Comparatively, it is not. Trust me.

With these two pieces, you really don’t need to do much else. Sure add pair of sexy heals and some nice accessories, and maybe a striking red lip to the finish this look.  But you could wear some nice sandals and also call it done.

 

Tips:

  • You can create slender and long illusion by dressing in a single color—black, body hugging clothes make you look even more slender, while also emphasizing curves (curvy and slender? What more do you want?)
  • Keep in mind you can be sexy and comfortable, if you choose soft fabrics that move with you, such as Lenzing (if you are not comfortable, you are probably not sexy)
  • You do not have to show a lot of skin to be sexy—this outfit is rather modest, but the color and fit are what makes it look sexy and your attitude can help!
  • If youwear two similar items (fabric and color) you can create the illusion of a dress, which seems dressier
  • When wearing such a knockout outfit you can go subtle with the accessories or you can push it even more—such as wearing sexy shoes, a stunning necklace, and a red lip
  • Are you a mom who feels guilty going out and leaving her kid(s) behind? Bring a reminder of your dears with you, such as this amazing ring by Solid Treasures which I had stamped with my son’s name. It’s a nice reminder that always makes me smile, and somehow that helps any guilt (and a guilty mom is not very sexy, nor is she having a good time)
  • Worried about problem areas? Garments that have gathering, ruching, draping, or other features in the problem are should "hide" the problems in elegant ways

 

Outfit Breakdown:

I LOVE this shot!!! So, you get to see it big.

I LOVE this shot!!! So, you get to see it big.

Fall into Spring: Rocking Your Fall Moto in the Spring

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In any good wardrobe you can mix fall pieces into your spring looks. One of the many great things about the cabi collections is the pieces work across seasons. I’m going to highlight six great pieces from the fall collection that you may have in your wardrobe and show how you can wear them with the spring cabi collection. But if you don’t have these pieces or if you are not a cabi fan, I’ll discuss how you can take similar pieces and rock the more traditional fall pieces this spring and summer!

First off—the Twilight Jacket! This is a motorcycle-inspired jacket in a dark steel color. If you don’t have this piece, any dark neutral moto jacket can be styled similarly. I bought this jacket in the fall, but am finding that I am wearing it a lot more this spring. I tend to wear it in two ways—one as an inside layer jacket (think blazer) and the other is as an outside jacket/layer (think motorcycle jacket). In either case it provides a nice edge with the moto styling. I find the dark grey softens the edge somewhat, making it work even better for office wear. The asymmetrical zip and cropped style are slimming, creating a lovely waist right at where we may have a problem area (masking it wonderfully.

If you are looking for a moto jacket in dark colors, checkout:

For moto jackets in spring colors, try:

The moto styling is a fabulous contrast to the bright, feminine colors and lace of the spring, adding an edge to the sweet. You may find this is a nice balance for you if the more feminine styles this spring are not your cup of tea (or snifter of whiskey). I especially love how the grey of the moto goes with the bright colors of the Plume Top (styled in seven other ways here). Other cabi spring 2016 tops that work wonderfully with the Twilight jacket or other motos include the Bella Top (a lovely combo), Gelato Top,  Linea Cami, Luisa Tank, Positano Top, and the Vita Blouse. From your own spring wardrobe, look for pretty and ideally colorful short or sleeveless blouses.

Style Tips:

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  • Use your fall moto jacket to add some edge to your spring florals and laces
  • For a comfortable yet edgy business casual outfit for work, wear the moto as a jacket with your bring blouse and some comfortable ponte pants, such as the Capote Trouser (as shown)
  • For a fun date outfit, consider the same type of outfit, just replace the pants with skinny jeans, perhaps the Destructed Skinny (regular or curvy)
  • Roll the sleeves of the moto up for a fresh, on-trend look that may make you more comfortable on these warming days
 

Outfit Breakdown:

Michelle POW: Date Night Aflutter

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Outfit Mission Statement: Mix a cardigan with flirty and romantic pieces to set hearts aflutter

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 Spring 2016 Michelle Cardigan. There are many ways one could style this for a date. I went sweet and romantic. Skirts are always good for dates, as they give you a chance to show off your legs. Guys seem to like this. Gals seem to like it too. The flounces on this skirt are both fun and flirty. They also mimic the flouncy chiffon trim in the back of the cardigan, creating some nice continuity. The flounces and the chiffon add a romantic air to the outfit, which is supported with the locket necklace and charm jewelry, resulting in a romantic and flirty outfit for having a date or finding one.

 

Tips:

  • Cardigans make wonderful layers over cute date outfits, especially if you need a layer of warmth or have a cute cami or tank and you don’t want your bra straps to show
  • Look for skirts that have ruffles, flounces, or other romantic and flirty features for date night outfits
  • For some classic romance, add an antique style locket, like the one here—even better if it is a functioning locket with a picture of your love or a lock of hair (this locket is function. I will soon have pictures in it)
  • When wearing a navy (or other neutral) cardigan for a date night, pair it with a colorful skirt to keep a playful air

 

Outfit Breakdown:


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: A Chic & Vintage About Town Thursday

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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?

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