My Favorite 10 (11? 13?) cabi Spring 2016 Pieces

Anyone who has spent any time on this blog or my Instagram feed or who has met me knows I am big cabi fan. In fact, it is due in part to my great experiences with cabi that I started this blog. Now the first season of cabi since the blog started, Spring 2016, is coming to a close. So, I thought I’d share my ten favorite (plus some extra) pieces from the collection, most of which you have seen here.

What are your favorites?

1.       Traveler Pants: While I did not feature these in a POW (Piece of the Week), I did feature them as one of the seven transitional pieces you need now and they were part of a POW outfit with the Plume Top. These pants are amazing! They are so soft and comfortable! I lived in them this spring (just check out my Instagram feed!). I love that they are very on-trend (Jennifer Aniston has a pair just like them) and have a rough, practical military feel. I knew they weather travel with a toddler quite well (which is as close as I ever hope to get to a war zone).  The have a slight crop and can easily be rolled up for more of a cropped look and/or to show off those cute heels or sandals. The elasticized ankle cuff, reminiscent of some track pants, gives them a sporty feel. The fit is slim, so they are a comfortable fit that is not skinny or baggy. They are made from a cotton spandex sateen that feels great on but has a certain ruggedness. I ended up buying second pair, because I was wearing them so much! Shopping tip: Size down one to two sizes below your normal cabi pants size. I normally wear an 8 (style dependent), but got these in both a six and four and the four is the better fit (and I need to unbutton them to get them off). I ADORE THESE PANTS!

2. Verde Jacket: I’ve also not focused on this jacket much here. I considered it for a POW, but ran out of time. However, I did style it with the Destructed Slim Boyfriend jeans (“Destructed White: It’s Terrific Being Green Thursday”). This bright “jelly bean green” color is striking and unexpected. I get compliments every time I wear it! The jacket had a vintage, feminine feel to it, with adorable box details on the pockets (which are not overly girly in implementation). It has a very flattering cut with a peplum waist—clearly highlighting/creating your hourglass shape, and hiding that extra you may have around your waist. This jacket can easily be dressed up or down. So far, I’ve mostly worn it for work, as it makes a light, professional layer. I must admit, part of my love of this jacket is how good the color looks on me. This is not a color that with work as well for everyone—but certainly is something many a redhead can rock (and many others too).

3. Margherita Dress: Yes, we have here a POW! This fun, easy, breezy sundress was my eight POW. As I show, it is very versatile and can work for office, play, dressing up, or whatever! You can buy it in two prints, this navy and white print version or a prism pattern. One of the best things about this sundress is the pockets! It is a longer length—not quite maxi—with an asymmetrical hem. It is a light and cool viscose fabric. It moves and blows easily in the breeze. Check out the POW for more!

 

 

 

 

4. Cruise Jacket: This classic, high-end styled jacket was featured in my “Go-To POW: Working It Classic Nautical Wednesday” and you will see it again soon! This is an amazing piece with great details, like the gold and email buttons. It is a “Love, Carol” piece, which is a special sub collection of higher-end pieces designed by Carol Anderson (the CA in cabi). It has a nautical feel to it with navy, cream, and red stripes. The fabric is a very soft woven fabric that is light and cool. It is a tailored jacket that creates fine lines. The jacket works well for work (I’ve worn it a few times), but can also be dressed down with some destructed jeans for a fun, casual look. This piece is really special.

 

5. Go-To Trouser: This is another POW and during that POW I really fell in love with them. At first glance, they may seem to just be black trousers. But looking closely, you will see they are a shorter style pants (“ankle skimming”). They are a light, but sturdy, blend of cotton, modal, and spandex, which means they move and stretch wonderfully. Which also means, they are very comfortable. The shorter length allows you to really show off some fun shoes. While perfect for work (especially on hot summer days), they can easily for nearly any occasion, as I show in the POW.  I highly recommend these wardrobe essentials! I could go on forever about them, but why don’t you check out the POW?

 

6. Bardot Shirt: Yes, we have another POW—the lovely, boho & boutique vibe Bardot Shirt. This shirt turned me from not liking denim shirts on me to loving them. I’ve even bough another since. The navy embroidery gives it a boutique and Southwestern feel, which is a fun combination! It works well as a cover up or layer, along with as a blouse. It can easily be dressed up for work, special occasions, and dates. The faded blue makes it an easy choice for the denim-on-denim trend, as it will likely be a different color then the other denim pieces you are wearing together.

 

 

 

 

7. Lido Skirt: You cannot go wrong with a navy ponte pencil skirt. I’ve talked about how ponte is the perfect work fabric. I’ve also suggested ponte knit pencil skirt is a must. Plus, navy is a fabulous new neutral and power color. Combined, you have the perfect skirt! I did not feature the Lido Skirt as a POW, but did post about is a transitional piece you need now and styled it in the Fall into Spring outfit. Pencil skirts are flattering and can work on many different body types. I love them for work. This one has a few cool features. First, it has pockets! And it also have a tiered hem for a subtle touch of style.

 

 

 

 

8. Sleeveless Double Drape Tee: This is an incredibly flattering top. The draping gives you curves if you don’t have them and it flatters what you do have (even hiding if you have a bit extra).  I styled this in the Michelle POW: Working It Navy Power Wednesday if you want to see how great it is for work. It also can be worn casually and really would help you rock a date. I know women from XS to XL who love this top! Plus, it is navy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.  Destructed Slim Boyfriend: These white jeans are my current POW. They are an amazingly soft denim in a vintage white. They have striking contrast trim, for a special touch. The slim boyfriend shape is flattering and comfortable. The destruction (rips) add an edge and can be a fun element, especially in otherwise fancy outfits. They roll up nicely, to show off fun heels or sandals. For an on-trend white jean, it doesn’t get my better!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.   Multiple sleeveless tops: I can’t decide. So, I’m cheating a bit here. There are several nice sleeveless tops in the collection this season, and I couldn’t just pick one. They all have very different features and style. So, among my favorites, you can pick yours:

a. Luisa Tank: This bright floral, racer-back style tank is cheerful and fun. I didn’t really like it until I tried it on and then it became a must have! It works great for work, play, dressy, or casual. See it styles for work in “Run Around POW: Elegant Layers and Brights Manic Monday.”

b. Bella Top: This graceful, feminine beauty looks great on. The flowing, ruffled layer under the straight layer, gives it a unique look. The soft floral has a mix of colors, so this top can go with a lot. The merrowed edges give it a modern touch. I did not style it on the blog yet. But, expect to see it on Instagram a lot this summer! It goes well with a lot, but I love it with denim cut-offs.

c. Tivoli Top: In contrast to bright or feminine, we have this fierce black, ivory, and taupe animal print top. It have wonderful touches like lacy mesh and a keyhole closure.  Its wonder for work (especially with the Go-To Trouser), but works for dates or anything. I’ve styled it for work and with one on-trend bright jeans and a fall black jacket.

11.   Martini Top: This is my “honorable mention” as it deserves to be on the list. This navy print blouse (with whiter and green “olives”), has a swingy relaxed fit in a button-down style. It has a bit of a 60s feel to it. It has ¾ length sleeves for a cool summer look. While it can be styled down, I find it perfect for work. I styled it on the blog in a few different ways, including Run Around POW: Off to the Races Saturday and Michelle POW: Analogous Color Fun Saturday.

 

 

 

I really did love this season of cabi, and it was hard to choose just ten, or eleven, or I guess 13 favorite pieces! Which are your favorites? 

If you would like any of these contact your cabi stylist ASAP! I believe the season ends June 30th. 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

Go-To Week in Review

Our fifth POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Go-To Trouser. With this practical, modern, and chic take on the classic black trouser, we learned about black and white style, preppy & professional nautical style, a simple date night look, classic and simple special occasion dressing, dressing down for casual fun, versatile blackout looks, and styling denim on top. While clearly professional, the  Go-To Trouser can be styled for a huge variety of events.

Without further ado, let’s review this classic week! Which is your favorite?

Manic Black & White Monday: Rock your black pants in a long, lean, chic, and cropped black & white outfit.

Outfit: Go-To Trouser, Crop Top, Piazza Jacket, Dolce Charm Earrings, all from cabi 2016 and the Acme Bootie by Crown Vintage sold at DSW.

March 21, 2016

No Place Like Tuesday for Sky & Earth Explorers: Dress down those work-appropriate black pants with a boxy tee, explore vest, and handmade jewelry.

Outfit: Go-To Trouser, Sky Stripe Tee, and Explorer Vest from cabi Spring 2016. Bronze & Gray Druzy Earrings by Live Love Boutique. Citrine Crystal Wire Wrapped Pendant on Vintage Brass Chain by Shine Chaser Jewelry. The bracelet is the cabi Fall 2015 Heirloom necklace. These are older shoes and I’m not sure of brand.

March 29, 2016

 

Working It Classic Nautical Wednesday: Combine the perfect black work trousers with a classic nautical jacket for chic, preppy, and professional look that implies success.

Outfit: Go-To Trouser, Marisa TopCruise Jacket, Dolce Charm Earrings, and the Locket Necklace from cabi Spring 2016. The shoes are beige suede pumps from Target last year.

March 23, 2016

The Versatile Blackout Thursday: For a trendy yet classic versatile look, choose black pieces with a twist.

Outfit: Go-To Trouser, Tivoli Top, and the Sorrento Cardigan from cabi Spring 2016. Acme Bootie by Crown Vintage sold at DSW. Brynn Lariat Necklace by Stella & Dot. Gilded Leather Cuff Bracelet by Bauble Bar. Old antique gold style hoops with hoops.

March 31, 2016

 

Simple Affairs Date Night: For a simple date night look, take your wardrobe essential black pants, add a romantic & sexy blouse along with a few accessories and you are good to go!

Outfit: Go-To Trouser and the Vita Blouse from cabi Spring 2016. Ice Infinity Pendant & Pisces Strands from Bauble Bar. Old clutch from Coldwater CreekCherry Quartz Gemstone Earrings from Shine Chaser Jewelry. Ivie Bangle by Stella & Dot purchased in 2014. I think the shoes are very old Aerosoles. 

March 25, 2016

Denim on Top Saturday: Wear your denim on top with classic black pants for a casual, fun, and modern outfit with a touch of class.

Outfit: Go-To Trouser, Bardot Shirt, Layer Tank in Tiger Lily, and the Flora Scarf from cabi Spring 2016. Long Multi Beaded Necklace with Suede Tassel from Target. The earrings are made for me by Solid Treasures. Restricted Newport Flat from DSW.

April 02, 2016

 

Classic Pearls and Lace Sunday Best: Sometimes simple is special—keep it simple with black pants, a lacy sweater, and classic accessories.

Outfit: Go-To Trouser and Sophia Sweater from cabi Spring 2016.  Simple Cami from a previous season of cabi. The pearls were a wedding gift from my husband and they are from Robert Lance Jewelers. The L&M convertible reversible black and gold handbag or clutch. Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW. This lipstick is Sizzling Red by Mary Kay.

March 27, 2016

 

 

 

Go-To POW: Denim on Top Saturday

Outfit Mission Statement: Wear your denim on top with classic black pants for a casual, fun, and modern outfit with a touch of class

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 cabi Spring 2016 Go-To Trouser. This outfit makes me want to go to a fair or antiquing. It’s fun, comfortable, and stylish. Plus the layers help for regulating your temperature in cool antique shops and warm fairs. The classic yet modern black pants work well with the cropped styling for more casual dressing, while maintaining just a bit of sophistication. The denim shirt adds to the casualness of the outfit, but the funky embroidery gives it a classier take on the typical denim shirt. The pops of color in the shoes, scarf, and tank top add a bit of fun and even whimsy to the outfit. Together you have an overall fun, casual, and modern outfit with a touch of class.

 

Tips:

  • Twist up the "denim as usual" casual look by wearing a denim shirt and not jeans—still casual, but with more stand-out style
  • When working the denim and a neutral add pops of color to liven up the outfit
  • The popular layering of necklaces works beautifully for a scarf and a necklace—just make sure one is longer and they are not competing for the same space
  • Denim shirts scan be worn in many ways, which is part of the beauty of them:
    • Tying your denim shirt, as shown, adds a bit of flirty fun and emphasizes your waist (works better with slightly oversized or oversized shirts)
    • Wearing it open creates a more casual take on this outfit (works best with slightly oversized or oversized shirts)
    • Tucking it and buttoning it is a slightly more polished look (works best with a true-to-size shirt)

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

 

 

Go-To POW: The Versatile Blackout Thursday

Outfit Mission Statement:  For a trendy yet classic versatile look, choose black pieces with a twist

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 Go-To Trouser. In many ways this POW outfit is all three Ts—Trendy, Transitional, and/or Terrific.

First, Trendy: Black is very on-trend for this spring and summer. In fact, cabi is calling the trend “summer blackout.” And you get “bonus points” for patterns and floral! The trend is black on black with those florals or patterns mixed in. In the dog-dog days of summer we may not follow this trend as much, when it feels too hot to wear black, but it is a great trend to follow in these cooler times. Plus, black is sophisticated, classic, slimming, and can seem a bit dressier than the same garment in another color. It’s a great trend to wear now, as shown!

Second, Transitional: This is also a good transitional outfit for two main reasons. Black tends to be more associated with the colder months, so it works well for that. But, with the summer blackout trend, it springs well into spring and summer. Plus the cardigan is a wonderful transitional layering pieces—light, but adds a layer of warmth. Perfect for those spring days that are not warm enough for short sleeves or that cool off at night.

Third, Terrific: This outfit is composed of some of my favorite cabi Spring 2016 pieces. The Go-To Trouser is amazing—comfortable, classic, and practical. The Tivoli Top is a best seller this season, and for good reasons. It is flattering, trendy, and unique. The taupe and ivory with black is a nice twist on the higher contrast white and black zebra print we often see. The flow of the top also masks any tummy issues. The relaxed Sorrento Cardigan is a wonderful layer. The knit is lovely and it has side slits for flow and movement. The oversized pockets provides a subtle mixed media look by being woven, not knit. I wasn’t sure about this cardigan, but once I tried it on, I was in love!

All three pieces are terrific—plus great accessories and shoes! So, this outfit is are Trendy, Transitional, and Terrific! Plus, it can work for a business casual work environment, a day at the playground, checking out a museum or the latest flick—this outfit is versatile!

 

Tips:

  • For a versatile outfit you can work or play in, look for classic pieces with a twist (such as shorter pants and a mixed media cardigans)
  • Do play with the “summer blackout” trend, but if black washes you out, put colors near your face, such as a scarf or shirt
  • When wearing various black garments, make sure they are of different types of fabric, this will give a more mixed media look, rather than the appearance that one of your black garments is faded
  • If you do the summer blackout look with a print or floral, pull out that color with your accessories for a more polished look
  • With shorter cropped pants you can still create a long, lean look by wearing heels in the same color as your pants (repeated from Go-To POW: Manic Black & White Monday)

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

Go-To POW: No Place Like Tuesday for Sky & Earth Explorers

Outfit Mission Statement: Dress down those work-appropriate black pants with a boxy tee, explore vest, and handmade jewelry

No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, stay at home parenting, and anything else where comfort is key and you are home. Although they will work for errands and anything else casual. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Go-To Trouser. Even business-appropriate pants can be part of your casual work-at-home or chasing-after-toddlers look. Just add casual pieces!  But don’t just go for your white tee shirt. First, white and toddlers mix really well—if you want to look like everything your toddler ate and did that day. Second, white and black are a more sophisticated combinations and may look less casual. Instead shoot for muted colors. Heather gray is about as casual as you can get. For some pop of interest, consider stripes with some other color like this lovely pop of sky blue. A military/safari inspired vest, such as this olive green one, adds casual, fun, and practical. Jewelry that is handmade, muted or antiqued, and of natural stones adds more casual, but also some earthiness. Strappy leather and canvas sandals play off the safari look, but should be traded out for something with more traction if toddler chasing.

 

Tips:

  • For a casual and practical look, add a an olive green military/safari inspired vest
  • Wear simpler, natural accessories, like handmade jewelry with semi-precious polished stones for a touch of casual and earthy
  • Look for tee shirts in casual (and stain hiding) colors like heather gray
  • A boxy tee shirt adds extra casual and comfort, while being on-trend
  • Remember, olive green is a “new neutral” and can be worn with anything, including three other neutrals
  • Do add a pop of color, such as the sky blue stripe, to make sure your casual outfit is not too dull

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

Go-To POW: Classic Pearls and Lace Sunday Best

Outfit Mission Statement: Sometimes simple is special—keep it simple with black pants, a lacy sweater, and classic 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 Go-To Trouser. The classic elegance with a modern silhouette of these trousers keeps suggesting to me simple styling, as I have for this Sunday Best and for Date Night Friday. The can also be dressed in less simple ways (check out the Black & White Manic Monday). But they do work well playing off the classic and simple styling of the trousers. To create a Sunday Best outfit, just add a lovely lace sweater, some pretty sandals, pearls, a purse, red lipstick, and a variation on a classic French twist. The looks is simple, elegant, and ready for many different special occasions.

 

Tips:

  • A classic pair of black pants and a lovely sweater with special lace details can make an elegant and simple special occasion outfit
  • Add classic details, like red lips, a French Twist, and pearls
  • Look good coming and going with details in the back of our top, like the lovely lace on the Sophia Sweater
  • Black and white outfits bring with them a certain classic sophistication that you can draw on with styling
  • Keep in mind that black and white outfits are hard to photograph, so look for something different if you know you will be photographed at your special occasion
  • Wearing classic, quality jewelry, such as pearls, increases the style and dressiness of any outfit
  • When layering with lace, wear a different color under the lace to accentuate the lace—this soft pink adds to the sophistication of the outfit but a bolder and brighter color can be fun in a more playful and/or sexy outfit

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 
An outtake for your pleasure. I think my kid may have been modeling too!

An outtake for your pleasure. I think my kid may have been modeling too!

Go-To POW: Simple Affairs Date Night

Outfit Mission Statement: For a simple date night look, take your wardrobe essential black pants, add a romantic & sexy blouse along with a few accessories and you are good to go!

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 Go-To Trouser. Sometimes the perfect look for a date night is simple. Take a pair of black pants, add a romantic & sexy blouse, then some jewelry, neutral shoes, a clutch, and you are done. This outfit is one example of why you need a pair of black pants—why these are wardrobe essentials. They work wonderfully for work, of course, but they can also be wonderful for a date. With the right blouse to balance out the practical, business feel of these pants, you can create a classic, simple, and sexy go-to date night outfit. Look for a blouse with feminine and sexy details to balance the pants and look great on your date or night out.

 

Tips:

  • Look good coming and going by finding a blouse with some detail on the back, such as this cutout
  • To keep it simple with unassuming and delicate jewelry and neutral sandals
  • To make it date-ready, look for a blouse with some color and avoid unadorned neutrals
  • Balance the business of the black pants with feminine and/or sexy details like a draped neck; feminine print; sheer, flowy fabric; pretty colors; and/or a striking cutout in the back
  • Remember, all you need for a stunning & simple date night look is a feminine blouse and your wardrobe essential black pants, and basic accessories—sometimes less and simple is more

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

Go-To POW: Working It Classic Nautical Wednesday

Outfit Mission Statement: Combine the perfect black work trousers with a classic nautical jacket for chic, preppy, and professional look that implies success

Working it Wednesday outfits are professional career clothes, often a step or two above Manic Monday outfits. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Go-To Trouser. These are the perfect professional pants—classic with an updated, chic silhouette. A good pair of black work pants are clearly a wardrobe staple and easy to style in a professional look. Anyone can throw on a jacket and blouse and have a more formal business outfit with these pants. But, you can also take the typical black pants outfit to new place—like say the sea?

The trendy, yet always chic, nautical style easily works in a formal office setting, especially with such a lovely, tailored jacket as the Cruise Jacket. The fine details, like the buttons and double-breasted styling, take it beyond your normal jacket or low-end nautical style. This preppy or even bon chic, bon genre jacket speaks of wealth and success. It also combines two power colors—navy and red! And yes, the navy striped blazer can and should be worn with black pants. Wearing navy and black together is not only very in, but is a classic and French look (adding even more sophistication to the outfit—see previous discussions about the combination here and here). In addition, it can be easier to combine black and navy than either color with itself. I’ve found it tricky to take two black separates and combine them. Often the blacks are close enough in color but do not fully match color exactly—so it looks a bit off or even like a mistake. The similarities and slight differences create a conflict the eye stumbles over—say with two separate navy pieces. However, you can take one black piece and one navy piece and easily combine them. The differences are enough that your eye recognizes them as intentionally not the same color and doesn’t stumble.

 

Tips

  • Do wear navy and black together for a sophisticate, smooth, and classic look
  • When wearing nautical pieces in a formal office setting, go for rich, preppy pieces that pull on the classic, tailored look
  • As discussed before, and especially in a more formal office setting, limit the nautical pieces to one  
  • Look for fine details like flattering seeming, special buttons, and delicate lace details to display professionalism, prep, and success (but not scream it)
  • A simple bun always works for more formal office dressing
  • To really play off the classical feel of the nautical style, choose vintage or vintage-feel accessories, like this classic locket
  • With such bold and strong colors, consider a neutral shoe to put focus on your outfit

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

For this photo shoot, I am modeling the sample cabi Spring 2016 Go-To Trouser, which are a size too big. My own pair did not arrive in time. Keep in mind these should be a bit tighter and smoother if they fit correctly.

 

Go-To POW: Manic Black & White Monday

Outfit Mission Statement: Rock your black pants in a long, lean, chic, and cropped black & white outfit

Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we focus on creating a chic work outfit. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Go-To Trouser. This pants are work-ready. Thrown them on with a nice blouse, sweater, and/or jacket and you are good to go! But, you can do much more with them for a chic, professional look. Black pants are the perfect bottoms for nearly any top. But, it can be especially fun to make them the base of a black & white outfit. With the right pieces, like a linen blazer and dressy tee shirt, you can be chic, contrasting, casual, and comfortable! The shirt is the same cropped top you saw in Michelle POW: The Cropped & Contrasted Thursday.  Check out the post for tips on choosing a cropped top for you. Yes, you can wear the right cropped top to work—see!

 

Tips:

  • Roll your jacket sleeves for a more modern look
  • Consider a linen jacket for a nice summer-weight fabric and a more casual career style (since it wrinkles so easily, it may not work in a very formal office)
  • No need to wait for Labor Day to wear white, especially a fun white jacket
  • Make sure your jacket works buttoned and unbuttoned so you can change up the look during the day
  • With a black and white outfit consider keeping your accessories light and mild to not conflict or distract (or go bold to add even more pop) 
  • Don’t rule out cropped tops for work—just be careful with your selection: go for a longer length and make sure your stomach is covered
  • With the right cropped clothing you can still create a long lean look:
    • Make a dark color your base (pants and top), with the contrasting color for the jacket
    • Wear heels in the same color as your pants
    • Don’t go too short on the cropped pants or shirt

 

Outfit Breakdown:

For this photo shoot, I am wearing the sample cabi Spring 2016 Go-To Trouser, which is a size too big. My own pair did not arrive in time. Keep in mind these should be a bit tighter and smoother if they fit correctly.