Bardot POW: Vibrant, Fun, Playing-in-the-Dirt Contrasts Tuesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Mix up the jean, tee, and shirt look by wearing bright colored jeans and a denim shirt for a fun, casual, vibrant look

No place like Tuesday outfits are casual, comfy clothes for working from home, working at home, parenting (at home), 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 Bardot Shirt. What is more casual and comfortable than jeans, a tee, and a shirt thrown over? Not much. But, why be plain and boring and wear your blue denim on bottom? Why not wear it on top? And why make those jeans blue all the time? Change it up with some on-trend color. With a few simple touches you can take a super casual, go-to look and make it interesting and trendy. Mom bun is optional!

A denim shirt is inherently casual. As such, it is the perfect layer to a casual outfit. It is easy to throw on over almost any casual outfit. It is the perfect match for this bright, fun, and casual outfit.

 

Tips:

  • To change up your jeans and a tee look, go for some of the on-trend colored jeans, such as these bright citron ones
  • Play off the expected blue denim on bottom by wearing your blue denim on top, through a denim shirt
  • Wear contrasting colors to create a more vibrant and dynamic look that will stand out—this may cheer you up and put some vigor in your step
  • Up the playfulness of your look with fun jewelry, such as this gold measuring tape necklace and moon earrings
  • Pull out one of the secondary colors in your outfit with your shoes (ballet flats are great for casual days!)
  • For an added casual air, roll those jeans up, but don’t worry if it is a messier roll

 

Outfit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
So casual and comfortable, I can dig in the dirt with my toddler

So casual and comfortable, I can dig in the dirt with my toddler

Related Posts:

  1. Go-To POW: Denim on Top Saturday posted April 02, 2016. Wear your denim on top with classic black pants for a casual, fun, and modern outfit with a touch of class.
  2. Plume POW: Staying or Leaving Home Tuesday posted April 12, 2016. Travel in versatile, comfortable neutrals and add pops of color for fun and adventure.
  3. Run Around POW: Muted, Playful Contrasts at Home Tuesday posted April 26, 2016. Dress down your black skirt in muted tones, with pops of fun and sunshine.

Plaid POW: Flannel Geek Chic

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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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Plaid POW: Sparkling & Flannel Sunday Best

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Outfit Mission Statement: Turn flannel elegant by adding a dressy skirt and 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 L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan. At first I thought dressing this up would be hard, but it really was not. I was lucky that I had the cabi Frolic skirt in this lovely dark pink lace that is the same color as one of the stripes in the blouse. However, I could have gone with a variety of colors and still had it work. Since the shirt is flannel, I really wanted to go dressy on the skirt to counteract the casualness of the flannel. Lace works perfectly. Other things could work too, like sequins, tulle (the adult tutus that are so popular), velvet, and more. Once you add a dressy skirt, the rest is adding the right dressier accessories. When dressing up flannel, denim, or other casual shirts, feel free to go extra dressy with the accessories—faux fur details, luxurious jewelry, fancy clutches, shimmering shoes.

 

Tips:

  • Look to very dressy and feminine skirts in lace, velvet, tulle, sequins, and other special fabrics to balance out the casual flannel
  • Use this as an excuse to bring out those extra special fancy accessories
  • Roll the sleeves up to add a modern touch and a bit of class to the shirt
  • Play off the colors in the shirt as much as possible with the skirt
  • Feel free to be lavish with the dressy accessories—yes you can add a statement pearl necklace, faux fur trimmed scarf, vintage bead clutch, and sparkling heels
  • Make sure your hair is also dressier than normal—consider some sort of an up do if you have long hair

 

Outfit Breakdown:

  • Flannel Shirt: L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan
  • Skirt: This is the Frolic Skirt from cabi Fall 2014 and not available. Consider instead:
    • Lido Skirt: Not as dressy, but consider it—from  cabi Spring 2016 collection
    • Floral Lace Pencil Skirt: This striking Ann Taylor pencil skirt may be even dressier than the Frolic Skirt 
    • Tulle Midi Skirt: This is a lovely tulle skirt (by Anthropologie), but on the pricier end of what I suggest ($168)
    • 6-layer Tutu: Not as gorgeous at the Anthropologie skirt, this is an inexpensive tulle skirt (414.98)—perfect for testing the trend out
  • Shoes: Jennifer Lopez’s Women's Metallic High Heels—I’m surprised they are still available at Kohl’s! I got these last year and now they are only $34.99!
  • 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.
  • Scarf: This is the cabi Fall 2015 Twist Scarf, which sold out in black and cream. You can go a few different ways to substitute. You can go with fur or a scarf, or, if you find it a combination. Here are some options: 
    • Marabou Bolero Shrug: By INC International Concepts and sold at Macy’s this is a faux fur shrug 
    • Persian Cartouche Burnout Shawl: By the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store, this shawl is a striking black scarf with bright colors and a rug design
    • Louis XIV Arabesque Burnout Shawl: Also from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store, this striking silver and black large shawl will allow you to bring your metal (silver in this case) into your shawl too 
    • Dunand Deco Floral Scarf: This stunning black, white, and gray has a leaf design based on a beautiful lacquered wood panel and is from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store
  • Necklace: This is the Fall 2014 cabi Contessa Necklace and no longer available. Consider instead these Stella & Dot options: 
  • Earrings: These are cabi Fall 2014 Vintage Stud earrings and no longer available. But, consider these Stella & Dot options:
    • Vintage Crystal Studs: These are about the same size and I tend to wear these interchangeably
    • Maddie Pearl Earrings: Perfect with the Starlet Pearl necklace, these elegant earrings will fancy up your outfit
    • Déjà vu Studs: With a pearl on one side and s spike on the other, you can go classy or edgy

 

For a spring or summer variation on this look, start with the boutique-styled cabi Spring 2016 Bardot Shirt. Add the 6-layer Tutu, Jennifer Lopez’s Women's Metallic High Heels, 1930s beaded bag, along with the Stella & Dot Starlet Pearl Necklace and Maddie Pearl Earrings.

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Plaid POW: Manic Flannel Monday

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Outfit Mission Statement: For a cozy yet professional look, take one casual flannel and add lots of professional pieces

Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we focus on mixing casual flannel into a work appropriate outfit. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan. The secret to wearing plaid flannel to work is to treat it like a normal cotton button-down shirt. Depending on where you work, you may be able to just wear the flannel shirt. However, if your workplace is more formal than that, consider layering. Put a cardigan or V-neck sweater over the flannel for a cozy take on a classic business look. This will tone down a bright flannel, like I am wearing, and also add a layer (literally) of professionalism—the casual flannel becomes office ready! After that, keep the rest of your outfit professional to further balance the casualness of the flannel. You don’t have to go overboard with the professionalism of the other pieces—we’re not talking a black suit, bun, and pearls (save that for Working It Wednesday). But do make sure they are all work appropriate and not borderline professional. Here I selected a navy skirt, which added a neutral while tying in with the shirt, and a cardigan. My jewelry is on the simpler side but still has a bit of sparkle. I did go with a bun for that added touch of professionalism. Overall, this is a cozy, cute, and professional outfit, perfect for Manic Mondays! I love this look. It does have a feel of a Maine librarian or Kindergarten teacher to me; both cozy & practical.

 

Tips:

  • Wear the flannel shirt like a normal cotton-button down 
  • Add a layer of professionalism (and possibly tone done the flannel) over the flannel via a cardigan or V-neck sweater 
  • When incorporating a casual piece, always make sure the other pieces are professional to balance
  • Consider adding a belt if the cardigan or sweater gives you a boxier shape to turn it into something more hourglass (this may be more necessary with that thicker flannel shirt under the sweater/cardigan)
  • Keep accessories on the neutral and simpler side, but you don’t need to go completely professional or safe
  • Top the look off with a bun or other more formal hairstyle to ensure you project professionalism
  • Show off peeks of the bright flannel by having the hem show beneath the cardigan and rolling the sleeves over the cardigan sleeves for a more modern take

 

Outfit Breakdown:

  • Flannel Shirt: L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan          
  • Cardigan: This is the cabi Fall 2104 Billi cardigan and no longer available. However, cabi Spring 2016 has several great cardigans:
  • Skirt: This is the cabi Spring 2013 Bon Voyage skirt and only available via used or sample sales (like on ebay). For a brand available option, consider the Lido Skirt from cabi Spring 2016 collection—it’s navy also but a pencil skirt style. 
  • Belt: I think I got this from Target a year or so ago. Al you need is a simple thin belt like these, these, or this.
  • Shoes: I bought these several years ago from Mod Cloth. Here are some similar they have available now: 
    • Jaunts and Needs: With front laces, cutout, and hidden platforms, you can bee professional and cute 
    • Live in the Presents: A Navy heel with a strap and bow detail that is both sweet and professional (also in beige)
    • Take your Dances: A powder blue with a t-strap, peep toe, and cutout, this heel will give anything a vintage feel. 
  • Earrings: These are cabi Fall 2014 Vintage Stud earrings in silver and black and not available. But, consider these Stella & Dot options:
    • Vintage Crystal Studs: These are about the same size and I tend to wear these interchangeably  
    • Déjà vu Studs: With a pearl on one side and s spike on the other, you can go classy or edgy
  • Necklace: This gunmetal and silver bar necklaces is by Shine Chaser Jewelry. While she does not currently have a bar necklace available, you can probably custom order one or choose one of her many other lovely pieces, such as the Green & Black Paper Bead Pendant with Hematite Bead Accents  

 

 

If you love the idea, but want something more apropos of the warming temperatures, consider the embroidered denim Bardot Shirt, Michelle Cardigan, and the Lido Skirt from cabi Spring 2016 collection. Add the Green & Black Paper Bead Pendant with Hematite Bead Accents necklace, Vintage Crystal Studs, and Head Role heels.




Plaid POW: Twisting the Classics Tuesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Twist a classic outfit by switching out trendy and fun pieces for the norm

Look! Snow! Had do take a flannel POW shoot with this backdrop! 

Look! Snow! Had do take a flannel POW shoot with this backdrop! 

Let’s dive in to our first Plaid POW post, starting this Tuesday this week, instead of the normal Monday start. 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 were casual is key. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan. This outfit is a slight twist on a pretty normal casual flannel outfit. In fact, if you were to go to Maine (if not there already) and look around, you would see turtlenecks, jeans, and flannel shirts everywhere right now. So, this is not a surprising way to wear an L.L. Bean Flannel. But, I did say twist. Even a common outfit can be interpreted in unique ways if you think about how to apply the components. Instead of normal jeans, I added trendy destructed jeans, giving it an edgier look. I also traded out the typical turtleneck with a cowl neck shirt, which gives a very different neckline and overall feel to the outfit. The big earrings add a fun focal point and play off the casual and even rustic flannel. The side ponytail also add a twist to normal elements and makes this outfit even less common. Together we have a stylish twist on a classic casual and cozy look.

 

Tips:

  • Take a common outfit and update a few of the pieces different with trendy or fun variations for a stylish twist on a classic 
  • Choose big, bright earrings that play off your clothes for a bright, fun update to an old standby
  • Want some edge? Go with deconstructed jeans instead of regular jeans
  • Change out that turtleneck for a cowl neck shirt for a different neckline and a less uptight feel
  •  You can even add a “twist” to the common ponytail by making it a side ponytail or doing some other modern take on the classic.

 

Outfit Breakdown:

This snow stuff is chilly

This snow stuff is chilly

 

 

Want to twist a more spring look? Grab the boutique-styled denim Bardot Shirt, the Gathered Tee, and either of the destructed jeans in the cabi Spring 2016 collection—Destructed Slim Boyfriend  or the Destructed Skinny (in Curvy or Regular). Go with the white Slim Boyfriends if you are new to mixing denim or the darker wash if you are not shy about mixing. Add Shine Chaser’s White Sea Glass Wire Wrapped Earrings and the Bird Cage shooties for a fun twist on the classic denim shirt look.

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