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

Run Around POW: Off to the Races Saturday

Outfit Mission Statement: For an effortless, preppy, horse-race-ready outfit choose modern takes on classic pieces, some mixing of prints, and the sophisticated combination of black and navy—plus a hat!

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 Run Around Skirt. This play day is more race day—at the horse races that is! Think preppy, classic, effortless style with a hat, of course (or not). The Run Around skirt is effortless and elegant. Add a nice blouse, in a classic navy; a hat; a nautically inspired clutch; and a black hat and you are ready to cheer on your favorite thoroughbred!  

 

Tips:

  • As discussed many times before, black and navy is a classic (and French) sophisticated color combination  (see here, here, and here)—do not be afraid to try it!
  • For effortless style, pull out the main colors in your outfit in your accessories—such as the navy from the blouse in the bracelet and clutch, but don’t be afraid to include other colors such as burgundy in the bracelet, as this can increase the effort and not look too matchy matchy
  • Yes, mix prints! The small (martini olive inspired) dot shapes go perfectly well with the broad nautical stripes
  • A big black hat with a floppy rim adds a bit of elegance (and fun) to anything
  • Tuck and blouse your top out for an easy flow and a bit of tummy masking
  • Strappy booties can be a trendy accent in a classic look
  • Not sure if an accessory, like a clutch or scarf, goes with an outfit? May sure the outfit and the accessory have something in common, such as a color, a pattern, or a style.

 

Outfit Breakdown:

My toddler was watching from the doorway

My toddler was watching from the doorway

Michelle POW: Analogous Color Fun Saturday

Outfit Mission Statement: Combine analogous colors to create a fun, easy, and harmonious outfit

 

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 Michelle Cardigan. This outfit may look familiar. I loved it so much for the “The Transitional cabi Cardigan You Need Now: The Michelle” that I had to repeat it here. This outfit is worth a second look. This outfit I created playing around with cabi Spring 2016 collection. I had the blouse and cardigan on and thought I’d try the denim. I loved the result. This outfit is a mix of colors that go beautifully, but, possibly surprisingly if you don't know your color theory. The combination of yellow, green, cobalt, and navy in an analogous color scheme. These are harmonious color scheme often found and nature and that is pleasing to the eye. When applied correctly, analogous colors can create a striking and harmonious outfit that is easy to put together.

 

When putting together an outfit with an analogous colors scheme:

  • Choose a dominate color, ideally the brightest of the colors you are using (here I choose the bright yellow denim).
  • Choose a secondary color to support this dominate—this will work best if it is a darker color or lighter color than the dominate color (here I choose the navy in the blouse and cardigan).
  • Choose a tertiary color as an accent color. If you have more than three colors in your color scheme, make the remaining colors tertiary (The green in the shirt and the cobalt trim on the cardigan are my tertiary colors).
  • Make any black or white colors used accent colors.

 

Tips:

  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, you may be surprised with what works.
  • Go to the color wheel for color inspiration when planning outs. Here are a few good visuals: about web design but can be applied to style too, basic color theory, and a style-based discussion.
  • When wearing a bright outfits with a lot of saturated color, keep accessories and jewelry more neutral, such as gold, silver, or cream
  • Consider leaving a flowy top untucked under a cardigan for an graceful layer over your bottoms
  • Do roll those jeans to show off funky shoes (repeated tip but a good one)

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

The Transitional cabi Cardigan You Need Now: The Michelle

The Michelle Cardigan is a striking and charming navy and cobalt cardigan with a twist. The twist is the lovely chiffon layer in the back. It is also one of the the Seven Transitional cabi Spring 2016 Pieces That You Need Now. This cardigan is so on trend—navy, bold coloring, feminine, and more. This is not your kindergarten teacher’s cardigan from many moons ago. I find late winter and early spring the perfect time for a cardigan. The day starts cold, becomes warm, and then cools down again. Layers are key, and this is a great layering piece. I highly recommend this cardigan (I’m getting it)! I’m showing it with the Martini Top and Citron Curvy Skinny. Honestly, all three of these pieces are great transitional pieces. So, I’m cheating a bit here!  Do note, all three pieces are a size too big—I’m wearing the samples—so the fit will be tighter if you get your size.

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

Michelle Cardigan, Martini TopCitron Curvy Skinny, Dolce Charm EarringsLagoon Necklace, worn backwards to show the silver on the back off), and the Unisa Eavvi Sandal

Tips for Styling:

  • Think career—this is a perfect professional piece, especially in chilly offices.
  • The cardigan will dress up casual clothes, perfect when you are not sure of the dress code!
  • This cardigan has a classic feel and contrasts nicely with the opposite—think destructed jeans for a fun look
  • Pair this with the navy Lido Skirt or Capote Trouser for a suiting look
  • Combine it with navy pieces to create a lean look and pop that cobalt for amazing look
  • Pair with orange for great contrast
  • Wear this as a light jacket for a twist
Michelle Cardigan, Layer Tank,  Dolce Charm Earrings,  Lagoon Necklace (worn backwards to show the silver on the back off), Destructed Skinny in Curvy or regular), White Sea Glass Wire Wrapped Earrings, and the Unisa Eavvi Sanda.

Michelle Cardigan, Layer TankDolce Charm EarringsLagoon Necklace (worn backwards to show the silver on the back off), Destructed Skinny in Curvy or regular), White Sea Glass Wire Wrapped Earrings, and the Unisa Eavvi Sanda.

Want to buy? My first cabi show is still open, and I’d welcome your order. 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!

For more outfits ideas, stay tuned. The Michelle Cardigan is the next Piece of the Week!

See the ruffle? 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

See the ruffle? Michelle Cardigan, Martini TopCitron Curvy Skinny, Dolce Charm EarringsLagoon Necklace, worn backwards to show the silver on the back off), and the Unisa Eavvi Sandal

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

Michelle Cardigan, Martini TopCitron Curvy Skinny, Dolce Charm EarringsLagoon Necklace, worn backwards to show the silver on the back off), and the Unisa Eavvi Sandal