Pleated Star POW: Pretty Terrific Geek Chic Thursday

Outfit Mission Statement: Mix a pretty skirt with geek pieces for and edgy, feminine geek chic look!

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 Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End. For this Thursday, we are going with Terrific, in the form of another Geek Chic outfit. Geek Chic is the perfect forum to dress down a pretty pleated skirt or other fancy skirt. Take the pretty skirt and add a fun geek tee or tank and geeky accessories. Then throw on some comfortable shoes. This look can be incredibly versatile—the skirt can be pleated, like this, or tulle, a fun pencil, or something else. I’ll illustrate this in a later post.

I especially love the mix of pretty skirts with geeky tops, when you take something with a bit of an edge, like this Holtzmann tank (Holtzmann is brilliant, strange, mad scientist engineer of the Ghostbusters in the Summer 2016 remake). The combination of edge, feminine, and geeky is interesting, unexpected, and so much fun! I think Holtzmann is the perfect choice for this outfit. While we do not see her in pleated skirts (or skirts) in the movie, she has a vintage, mad scientist style. I could see her rocking a vintage pleated skirt with work boots, a graphic tee, a leather jacket, funky socks, some cool glasses, and, of course, the Screw U necklace (which I am also wearing).

 

Tips:

  • Don’t be afraid to show your geek with a fun graphic tee or tank and some accessories
  • But think outside the normal jeans and a geek tee box—mix the geek with chic for an exciting twist on both
  • Mix pretty and soft with your edgy or geeky for a fun contrast and enjoyable way to wear both
  • When you have two louder accessories, like the Screw U necklace and Periodic Table cuff, keep other accessories simple
  • Rock a comfortable sneaker in a pretty color with your fancy skirts for comfort and some street style, plus this will allow you to wear the skirt in a wider variety of situations
  • A muted pastel shoe can work as a neutral, especially with a mix of printed pieces
  • Have fun—the pretty skirt doesn’t have to just be styled pretty and the geeky doesn’t have to only be geeky, but mixing works best if you have fun with it

Outfit Breakdown:

 

Holtzmann's take on a pleated skirt:

This is one way I imagine Holtzmann would style the Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End.

Links to the pieces: Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End, Sterling 23 Spectre glasses by O’Rigina; Trading Co., Argyle knee high socks from Sock Dreams, Four Seasons Square Scarf from The Met Store, Tweed-ing Lady Vest from Mod Cloth, Elma Deerskin Fingerless Half Finger Driving Gloves on Amazon, Do Not Read The Next Sentence tee from SnorgTees, Zipper Motorcycle Biker Faux Leather Jacket by LJYH on Amazon,  Double H 8" Opanka Packer boots on Shoe Buy.

 

Interested in purchasing? If my post inspired you to buy the lovely Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End or other items from Lands’ End, please consider using my referral link. I’ll get 25% off my next order and be very grateful! Let me know you used my referral link, and give you a shout out including links to your social media.

 

Related Posts:

  1. Plaid POW: Flannel Geek Chic Posted March 05, 2016: Mix geek with trendy and a comfy flannel shirt, for a practical geek chic look.
  2. Run Around POW: The Chic Geek Superhero Thursday Posted: April 28, 2016:  Defeat boring outfits by mixing the chic with subtle geek and save the day!

Or check out any of the other TTT Thursday looks or Geek Chic styles!

Coming up and Working it

Wondering what is coming up and next for Working It? Wondering why the last POW took so long? Here are my great plans, some background, and a sneak peek or five.

First, what happened this summer?

Stitch Fix: Leena Printed Skirt by Renee C, Visperas Crochet Back Top by Skies are Blue, SeaVees sneakers.

Stitch Fix: Leena Printed Skirt by Renee C, Visperas Crochet Back Top by Skies are Blue, SeaVees sneakers.

Due to a combination of a busy summer and health issues, Working It took a back seat in my life. This blog is a labor of love for style, dressing well, building confidence, and helping people out—along with for my love of cabi and great clothes and outfits. I don’t get paid for it and take time away from other things to do it. In many ways, this is my “me time.” Sometimes we don’t have time or energy for “me time,” and I didn’t this summer. My focused moved to my family and my health. This may happen sometimes. Unless/until I get paid to do this full time, I may need to take breaks and focus elsewhere. Know I’m still here and probably thinking about things to do with the blog and my next post!

 

 

Second, what is next for Working It?

SeaVees sneakers via Stitch Fix, Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Land's End,Kate McKinnon Simple Portrait Sleeveless Tank Top by Kazarr from Amazon, Holtzmann's ScrewU Necklace by inspiredbyfandom on Etsy, and the ZADSilvertone Periodic Table Cuff…

SeaVees sneakers via Stitch Fix, Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Land's End,
Kate McKinnon Simple Portrait Sleeveless Tank Top by Kazarr from Amazon, Holtzmann's ScrewU Necklace by inspiredbyfandom on Etsy, and the ZAD
Silvertone Periodic Table Cuff from Zulily.

I took the summer to also think about what I wanted to do with Working It. I enjoy the POW posts, but they take a lot of time. I’ve found less time to do the other sorts of posts I want to do, such as tips for various things like travel, thighs, and hot flashes; more style posts; and a bunch go Geek Chic posts. So, I will be working to post a variety of those stuff and fewer POW posts. I will continue to do POW. I think it is important to see how versatile pieces can be and how to work with your own wardrobe to expand your style possibilities. I will just be posting them less frequently than my planned two weeks per POW. I am thinking of moving it to three weeks. I’ll keep you posted when I figure out the plan. The next POW will be posted more in line with the two weeks per POW.

Here are some of the other things I am working on posting:

  • Tips for dressing with menopause or other situations where there could be other quick changes of temperature
  • Focused posts on some designers or products I love (or group of products)
  • More Stitch Fix reviews, along with review of other things, including cabi (but not just)
  • Wardrobe Essentials
  • Mini POW-type posts where I style a garment multiple ways (but not seven)
  • Suggestions and reviews for style problems (such as thighs rubbing together in skirts—I have solutions!)
  • Maybe a mini-series on political style—since we have a woman of a major party running for president, we all might be thinking of political style or what we want to wear to run for a local or state office (perhaps with interviews of female politicians)
  • Reflective pieces on “mom style,”  feminist style, and more
  • Posts on what I am wearing
  • A series on Geek Chic dressing and style
  • Personal style challenge posts and challenges
  • Maybe even some tips for making costumes from your closet for Halloween
  • And more!

See, I have lots of plans and ideas. I just need more time to do them

 

Finally, what is coming up?

Fall 2016 cabi: Penny Blazer, Stevie Top, Dark Destructed Skinny Curvy (or regular), Cameo Earrings, Pyramid Necklace,  and the Bird Cage shoes by Aerosoles.

Fall 2016 cabi: Penny Blazer, Stevie Top, Dark Destructed Skinny Curvy (or regular), Cameo Earrings, Pyramid Necklace,  and the Bird Cage shoes by Aerosoles.

We have an awesome summer to fall POW next up, with some shots shot on location. I also have a Stitch Fix review waiting in the wings (and another one soon after), and a Geek Chic post (or two) in the works. Plus, I got my hands on the Fall 2016 cabi collection, and I have some suggestions on piece sot get now, while it is still hot (at least in Atlanta), but you want some fall style.

So, stay tuned. Watch the blog and Instagram for more. And keep on Working It!

Beyond Tee and Sleek Leggings (in grey) from cabi. The Athena Necklace by Kelly Annie and earrings by Shine Chaser Jewlery, Chelsea Charm Necklace. SeaVees sneakers from Stitch Fix.

Beyond Tee and Sleek Leggings (in grey) from cabi. The Athena Necklace by Kelly Annie and earrings by Shine Chaser Jewlery, Chelsea Charm Necklace. SeaVees sneakers from Stitch Fix.

Stitch Fix: Leena Printed Skirt by Renee C, Visperas Crochet Back Top by Skies are Blue, SeaVees sneakers.

Stitch Fix: Leena Printed Skirt by Renee C, Visperas Crochet Back Top by Skies are Blue, SeaVees sneakers.

Run Around POW: The Chic Geek Superhero Thursday

Outfit Mission Statement:  Defeat boring outfits by mixing the chic with subtle geek and save the day!

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 cabi Spring 2016 Run Around Skirt. I'm going for Trendy & Terrific today! With this I bring you our second installment of the Geek Chic series. This is such a fun outfit! Not only is it light-hearted and geeky, but it is on-trend and flattering. And, don’t forget comfortable! Plus, what is this skirt if not a skirt with a cape?!

The geek in this is subtle. You may not realize at first that the scarf is a Marvel comics Avengers scarf or that the earrings are bows & arrows. You may just see a cute outfit. In some ways, I think this makes the geek more fun. Not everyone will get it.

The chic part is easy to see and easy to put together. Take this trendy black skirt and mix it with a double trend top—cropped and stripes! Plus, some very fashionable strappy shoes and **POW**—a simple, chic, flattering look. You can just wear the skirt and top if you want. Or you can add the geek and have an adventure. This is the perfect look to go see one of those many upcoming Marvel movies and be able to go out for drinks later and look chic!

Tips:

  • Start with a simple chic outfit and add the geek through accessories
  • Don’t be afraid to mix prints—this is very in right now, so the scarf with stripes is both fun and in!
  • Wearing a striped shirt? See if you can repeat the pattern with shoes or accessories to look more together
  • Going to go save the day? In a skirt? Look for an action-friendly skirt that keeps you covered, like this multi layered one
  • A geeky scarf is a perfect way to add some geek in a more subtle way (Think Geek has plenty)
  • If you are a geek, don’t be afraid of trendy figure flattering (and hugging) mundane clothes—wave your style flag
  • If you are stylish, don’t be afraid of adding subtle geek elements—wave your geek flag (or wear it around your neck)

 

Outfit Breakdown:

I will take you down!

I will take you down!

 
Oh no! Will our hero save the day? Nail bitter!

Oh no! Will our hero save the day? Nail bitter!

Close up of my rings and earrings

Close up of my rings and earrings

Look I can even squat in this!

Look I can even squat in this!

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It's Ironman!

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It's Ironman!

Is that what you think?

Is that what you think?

Yes. I'm angry and you are going to pay! Is it just me or does this stance look Dark Phoenixy?

Yes. I'm angry and you are going to pay! Is it just me or does this stance look Dark Phoenixy?

Plaid POW: Flannel Geek Chic

Outfit Mission Statement: Mix geek with trendy and a comfy flannel shirt, for a practical geek chic look

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Play Day Saturday are clothes for taking your kids to the park, running errands, talking your dog for a walk, shopping, picnicking, travel, 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 L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan. This outfit is the first of my chic geek outfits—waving your geek flag in chic ways. Expect more of these. They are so much fun. Not only does this outfit work for the above, but add to the list gaming, comic, and other geek conventions; going to the latest superhero movie; playing games in a coffee shop; a day or night of role playing with friends; drinks and video games at a geek bar.

Here I had taken the amazing cabi M’Leggings, which provide comfort and style and just a bit of sexy with the short skirt. I swear these are flattering on anyone. They cover the tush and front, so no need to wear a tunic over the leggings. Feel free to throw on even a geek t-shirt! The flannel adds comfort and can cover any tummy issues. Then add a geek necklace, some fun earrings, and animal print shoes. You are chic, geek, comfortable, and cute.

Tips:

  • Mix trendy with geeky for a geek chic look
  • Keep the geek aspects limited—go for one or two playful geek focus pieces (too many will be distracting and overwhelming)
  • Add fun on-trend pieces that are comfortable to compliment to geek and allow you to demonstrate that kick butt move your character just made
  • Flannel is a great layer and cover up and if you get warm at the con, you can always take it off and wrap it around your waist

Outfit Breakdown:

 

Want to try this with denim and dragons? Check out this Game-of-Thrones-ready geek chic outfit: cabi Spring 2016 Bardot Shirt and Mesh M’Leggings with the Dragons are a Girl’s Best Friend tee from Snorg Tees, Chemistry Periodic Table Necklace, Target’s Ellie Ballet Flats, and Sun Chaser’s Simple Hematite and Wire Dangle Earrings.

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