Pencil Skirt POW: Classic with a Twist Manic Monday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Add a cardigan with a twist and fun shoes to your classic pencil skirt for an on-trend and chic manic Monday look!

Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we look at ways to take classic pieces with on-trend aspects for an easy, stylish office look. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the pencil skirt in general, and the cabi Fall 2016 Sigourney skirt in particular. Since pencil skirts start as chic, professional pieces, they are work-ready. Cardigans are a perfect match, also being classic and work–ready also. They make a really easy outfit to thrown on Mondays when you are not ready to start the week, but want to look like you are. This is such a classic combination that you can play with it and still have a professional work look. Here are a few variations on this with different cardigans and fun prints.

Tips:

  • When going with a classic outfit of a pencil skirt and cardigan, took for ways to shake it up with fun prints and modern twists
  • Mix a bold print pencil skirt with the new neutral navy cardigan for a fun, yet professional look
  • Look for cardigans with modern touches, like longer lengths and chiffon layers
  • Add distinctive shoes for a fun finishing touch
  • Add some feminine flair with ruffles, which complement the straight lines of the pencil skirt
  • A pencil skirt is a great layer under a longer cardigan, as it has the slim lines you get with skinny jeans or leggings

 

Outfit Breakdowns:

Sigourney Skirt Outfit:

  • Skirt: Sigourney Skirt from cabi Fall 2016, which is no longer readily available. See my introductory POW post for ways to get this skirt, turquoise alternatives, or other pencil skirts
  • Blouse: Medallion Reign Blouse from cabi Fall 2016, which is no longer readily available (check out the introductory POW post for ways to get this)
  • Sweater: Sweetheart Sweater, also from cabi Fall 2016, and is no longer readily available (check out the introductory POW post for ways to get this)
  • Shoes: Blue Floral Issy Pump by Ruby Shoo via Zulily (contact me to get an invitation to join!)
  • Earrings: Dolce Charm Earrings from cabi Spring 2016, which is no longer readily available (check out the introductory POW post for ways to get this (they are available via the same ways as the skirt, except they should already be in outlets—go to my introductory POW post for more)

Navy and Yellow Outfit:

 

Related Posts:

  1. Beyond POW: Black, White, and Comfy Manic Monday:  Take knit pieces in white and black for a strong, chic, and comfortable Manic Monday look.
  2. Ponte and Knotted Manic Monday: For a comfortable, professional Monday outfit, dress up your denim shirt with a navy ponte pencil skirt.
  3. Manic Flannel Monday: Outfit Mission Statement: For a cozy yet professional look, take one casual flannel and add lots of professional pieces.

Michelle POW in Review

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Our fourth POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Michelle Cardigan. With this classic and graceful cardigan, we learned about nautical style, new neutrals, analogous color schemes, trying on trends even if we doubt them, flipping how we wear some pieces, and power dressing! In two weeks, we styled this striking cardigan from career to casual to special occasion. While perfect for work, the Michelle Cardigan can easily work for nearly any style situation you have. 

Now, let’s review the week!

Manic Peasant in Ponte Monday: For a casual, yet professional, office look, consider ponte and a peasant blouse with your cardigan

Outfit: Michelle Cardigan, Capote Trouser, Siena Blouse, Dolce Charm Earrings, part of the versatile (and transformable) Villa Necklace, beige suede pumps from Target last year. Check out the post for more details and shoe alternatives.

Flutter & Sea No Place Like Tuesday: For a casual nautical look, limit the nautical, but add a flattering cardigan and white jeans for a comfortably on-trend and classic look.

Outfit: Michelle Cardigan, First Mate Tee, Slimmie,  Dolce Charm Earrings, and theRestricted Newport Flat from DSW. Learn more in the post!

 

Working It Navy Power Wednesday: For an easy, chic, classic, and powerful formal office look, dress in all navy.

Outfit: Michelle Cardigan, Lido Skirt , Sleeveless Double Drape Tee, Dolce Charm Earrings,  Lagoon Necklace (on backwards), and beige suede pumps from Target last year. For style details and tips, see the post.

The Cropped & Contrasted Thursday: Don’t rule out a trend before you try it on

Outfit: Michelle Cardigan, Crop Top, Mesh M’Leggings, Helios Necklaces (a pair sold together), and Helios Bracelet from cabi Spring 2016. Also, the Stone Twilight Earrings from cabi Spring 2015 (not available) and old Aerosoles booties. Check out the post for alternatives, tips, and more.

 

Date Night Aflutter: Mix a cardigan with flirty and romantic pieces to set hearts aflutter.

Outfit: Michelle Cardigan, Simple Cami, Isabel Skirt, Dolce Charm Earrings, Locket Necklace (part used for bracelet, rest for necklace) all cabi 2016 and the Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW. Discover more in the post.

Analogous Color Fun Saturday: Combine analogous colors to create a fun, easy, and harmonious outfit.

 Outfit: Michelle Cardigan, Martini Top, Citron jeans in Curvy or Regular (Curvy shown),  Lagoon Necklace (on backwards),  part of the versatile Villa Necklace, and the Dolce Charm Earrings all from cabi Spring 2016. Shoes are the Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW.

 

Backwards Lace and Some Flutter Sunday Best: Don’t throw a cardigan on, choose a special cardigan and plan your special occasion outfit around it!

Outfit: Michelle Cardigan, Simple Cami, Lido Skirt, Dolce Charm Earrings, Locket Necklace (part for a bracelet and part for a necklace), Sophia Sweater  backwards, Jennifer Lopez’s Women's Metallic High Heels, and a vintage clutch.

Michelle POW: Analogous Color Fun Saturday

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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:

 

Michelle POW: The Cropped & Contrasted Thursday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Don’t rule out a trend before you try it on

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. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Michelle Cardigan. I’m going more for trends this week. This outfit employs a few trends. First the crop top. Perhaps, like me, you shuttered when crop tops came back in, know that it was not a look for your body now. I was shocked when I tried this cabi Crop Top on. It’s longer than many, but still has the cropped silhouette and styling. It does not show off what I call my “mommy tummy,” as I feared. In fact, it’s rather flattering. I do plan to wear mine with higher waited items or perhaps a cami underneath so there are not occasional flashes of skin (or worse—the mommy tummy!). I’m shocked to say, I rather adore this cropped top! In fact, I think the length cuts right in the perfect spot to mask that tummy. Another trend in this outfit is mixing navy and black. This is such a fun, modern mix, which I have discussed previously. The navy and cobalt cardigan really add a pop of color to the outfit and cut the starkness of just black and white. It’s a pretty & fun layer over to other fun pieces. Stripes are also very in. These add a slight twist by being diagonal. And, yes, another m’legging sighting. These seem my go-to TTT Thursday pants! But that is because they are trendy, comfortable, and flattering. Really, if you don’t own a pair, go out and buy these. Trust me. You will wear them Thursday and the rest of the week!

 

Tips:

  • Don’t rule out a crop top, even if you are not skinny and don’t think you have the best tummy area! Just look for one in a flattering style for your body type. You may find the line of the top work perfectly to hide (not flaunt) your problem area
  • Wear navy and black together—this is a modern, trendy look, with a classic history (very French)
  • Add a navy cardigan to a black and white outfit to tone down the starkness of the black and white and add an unusual pop of color
  • Don’t be afraid for mixing different styles, like this bold and almost edgy crop top with the classic and elegant cardigan with chiffon. This mix is fun and more interesting that an outfit composed of the same style of piece.
  • Buy thee m’leggings and thank me later
  • With a neutrals only outfit, wear bright, fun jewelry that pops

 

Outfit Breakdown:

  • Cardigan: Michelle Cardigan from cabi Spring 2016 
  • Crop Top: Crop Top from cabi Spring 2016 
  • M’Leggings (the leggings with a skirt): Mesh M’Leggings  from cabi Spring 2016 
  • Necklaces: Helios Necklaces (a pair sold together) from cabi Spring 2016 
  • Bracelet: Helios Bracelet from cabi Spring 2016
  • Earrings: Stone Twilight Earrings from cabi Spring 2015, and no longer available. Consider these alternatives, which also work with a white, black, and navy outfit:
  • Booties: These are old Aerosoles. Here are some current ones that could work:
    • Sundae: The black wedge boots have an elastic cross strap
    • Soterday Night: These Oxford-style ankle boots are also wedges
    • Duble Trouble: These low heeled (1”) ankle boots that look like you could keep up with twins wearing them

 

 

Michelle POW: Flutter & Sea No Place Like Tuesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: For a casual nautical look, limit the nautical, but add a flattering cardigan and white jeans for a comfortably on-trend and classic look

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 Michelle Cardigan. One trend that you can find everywhere this spring is the nautical trend. Navy and white strips (or white and red), anchors, boat shoes, fisherman sweaters, and military styling are showing up on runways everywhere. Of course, this is also a classic summer style (on-trend since the 1920s or earlier), so while on-trend this year, you know you will be next year too! The key to pulling off this trend (and maybe I need to do a post on just this trend?), is to keep it simple and limit the nautical to one main piece (and maybe some jewelry or accessories). But don’t go overboard (no pun intended). The Michelle Cardigan is a perfect cardigan to pair with nautical pieces. The navy goes beatifically, complimenting nautically-themed pieces but not taking the nautical too far.  One great things about the nautical trend is it is very versatile—it works for casual, dressy, resort, and even office. But today, we focus on casual. And what is more casual than a nautical stripped tee? This cute one from cabi is fun and flattering. Add the Michelle cardigan for warmth during cool spring days or summer nights. They go nicely with the also on-trend white jeans, for a cute, casual nautical-themed outfit.

Note: I am modeling a sample Michelle Cardigan (until I get mine!) and it is size bigger than I would purchase. So, know a proper fit would be tighter.

 

Tips:

  • Don’t go overboard with the nautical style—limit it to one pieces and maybe some accessories
  • Worried that you can’t do skinnies or maybe you don’t like them so tight? Consider cabi’s answer—the slimmie—slim jeans that are not as skinny as the skinny but can be worn similar and give you the same amazing legs and long, lean look
  • You can do horizontal stripe without looking fat: go with thinner horizontal stripes; stay away from stripes that cling; look for pieces that use color or width of stripe to create shape;  or create your own shape by using belts, cardigans buttoned in the middle, or other items that show off (or create) your hourglass figure
  • Don’t limit the colors in your nautical outfits to white, blue, and red—orange provide a nice pop of contrasting color with the blue and white and works well for shoes or accessories
  • Do collect nautical pieces that match your style, since they will be in for springs and summer to come!
  • Do you have white jean? If not get them—they go with everything and add a pop of style (and don't wait for Memorial day to wear them—rock them all year round)
  • There are a lot of jewelry choices when it comes to nautical, especially gold, coins, and nautical symbols; however, when going casual keep the jewelry minimal and let the nautical theme speak

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

Michelle POW: Backwards Lace and Some Flutter Sunday Best

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Outfit Mission Statement: Don’t throw a cardigan on, choose a special cardigan and plan your special occasion outfit around it!

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 Michelle Cardigan. Often cardigans get thrown on over a dressy outfit to add a bit of warmth. However, the Michelle Cardigan, with the chiffon layer in back, is a perfect cardigan to make part of your dressy outfit. A navy pencil skirt keeps things simple and elegant. The navy in both create a lean line and a consistent look. Another color pencil skirt could work, but may not look as sophisticated. The, add some lace to really bring in the dressy. Any lace top could work. A black would be dressier and give a nod to French style.  A bone of off white cold be striking. Since navy is a neutral, any color could work, but be weary of bright colors, as they could bring down the level of dressiness (but, that may be perfect for you). A classic, romantic piece, like this locket, is the perfect accessory—dressy without being over the top. Then add nice shoes and fun, classy clutch and you are ready to shine!

 

Tips:

  • Don’t let your cardigan be a layer added just for warmth, choose a dressier one and plan your outfit around it
  • For a lean, elegant look choose a cardigan and pencil skirt in a dark neutral, such as navy 
  • Add a lace blouse as dressy layer for under the cardigan for an additional touch of “fancy” when done in white or black or fun if you choose a bright color
  • Classic, romantic accessories, like the locket and clutch, increase the dressiness of the outfit and add some good old-fashioned romance
  • Don’t limit your clothes or wardrobe by only wearing tops with the front in front—this lace top is actually worn backwards—the lace is the back of a lovely sweater. So, look for pieces that can be worn multiple ways, even backwards, and you can multiple its versatility (and pack much lighter)

 

Outfit Breakdown:

  • Cardigan: Michelle Cardigan from cabi Spring 2016
  • Cami: Simple Cami in nude from cabi Spring 2016
  • Skirt: Lido Skirt from cabi Spring 2016
  • Earrings: Dolce Charm Earrings from cabi Spring 2016
  • Necklace & Bracelet: Both part of the Locket Necklace from cabi Spring 2016
  • Lace Top: This is actually the Sophia Sweater from cabi Spring 2016, backwards
  • 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.

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:


Michelle POW: Working It Navy Power Wednesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: For an easy, chic, classic, and powerful formal office look, dress in all navy

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 Michelle Cardigan. One easy way to look professional is to choose professional pieces in the same neutral color. Monochrome dressing is chic and classic. This can get rather boring though, or it can get very formal if the neutral is black. The best way to prevent either is to choose a “new neutral” with some pop, like navy. Another way to prevent it is to choose different fabrics along with garments that have unique elements, such as bold trim, chiffon ruffles, tiered hems, pockets, and drapes. Then, add some bold accessories. Depending on the formality of the office go with neutral shoes (formal) or fun bold shoes too (more casual).

Let’s talk a bit about the choice of navy for a moment. Navy is a fabulous color. I saw navy called a “new neutral” in some places, because it is not the traditional black, white, or earth-toned neutrals, but it still goes with everything. Try it. See? It does! (Olive green is another new neutral.) Most women can find a flattering navy, and really many navy tones are flattering on everyone. For those who want a dark color, but get washed out with black, navy is a great choice. Navy reads as professional and business-like, so it is the perfect choice for a more formal business environment. It is also a timeless color, which gives it some sophistication. The darkness and strength of the color makes it a power color—perfect for your power suit (or running for president). Because it is a dark color, it tends to be more slimming. I also saw it suggested as a good color for petites. Thus, navy is the perfect neutral color for a formal business environment and really the perfect color for any environment. Why aren’t you wearing more navy?

 

Tips:

  • For an easy to put together, chic, and more formal office look combine three professional garments in the same neutral color, but consider navy or another “new neutral” to add visual interest
  • Choose pieces with other elements of visual interest, such as bold trim, chiffon ruffles, tiered hems, pockets, and drapes, to keep the single color look from being boring
  • Add bold accessories to also add visual interest and to make a statement—the monochrome dressing provides a perfect platform to display these pieces
  • For a more formal work environment, consider natural shoes—but in a more casual environment feel free to be bold there too
  • Turn your necklace over and see what the back looks like—some pieces have interesting backs that can also be worn and may work better for some outfits. Here I am wearing a lovely necklace with bottle green etched glass, but backward so you see the gold and silver backing, which is its own fabulous necklace too. I have a few other necklaces I can do this with, which extends my necklace wardrobe significantly
  • For important meetings, presentations, days with the client, or other days you want to look strong, powerful, and sophisticated, consider dressing in navy

 

Outfit Breakdown:

Note: The Michelle Cardigan I am modeling here is a sample and a size too big. Correct fit would be more fitted and flattering.

Images in this photo shoot were taken by Bill Ruhsam.

Michelle POW: Manic Peasant in Ponte Monday

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Outfit Mission Statement: For a casual, yet professional, office look, consider ponte and a peasant blouse with your cardigan

Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we focus on creating a comfortable and easy work outfit. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Michelle Cardigan. This is a work-ready cardigan. It’s perfect for the office and doesn’t need any help becoming work appropriate. For a more casual and comfortable office look, think ponte and peasant. I’ve mentioned before the value of ponte knit for work. Ponte is the perfect work fabric, as it is comfortable but still looks professional. I had two pairs of cabi ponte knit pants I worked in while pregnant until I had to get pants with a maternity band—they are that comfortable! Here we are going with ponte trousers that feel have the comfort of yoga pants. To keep things casual, think peasant blouse. These blouse keep coming back into style (or not going out?) because they are so easy to wear and versatile. Since they do have a more casual style, this blouse tones down the more serious navy trousers and cardigan—adding femininity too. The looks is easy, comfortable, and ready for a Monday of work.

 

Tips:

  • When you are trying to keep it casual, dress down navy trousers and a navy cardigan with a more casual blouse, such as a peasant blouse
  • For day-to-night wear the peasant blouse is perfect—it makes a good layer under a cardigan for work and then take off the cardigan at night and you have a casual and chic outfit
  • Seriously, get ponte for work and the rest of your life
  • For a super easy look, leave the peasant blouse tie out over your cardigan—this give your some visual interest around your neck without adding a scarf or necklace (you just saved yourself time!)
  • For a more casual look, keep accessories minimal (if you want dressier, add bigger/more attention grabbing accessories)
  • Navy clothing can be hard find the right color shoes to go with, even now that navy and black are fine to wear together; if this is an issue for you, look for neutral shoes in beige, gray, or navy
  • When wearing a lot of navy in a more casual setting, make sure one main garment is a lighter color to tone down the seriousness of the navy

 

Outfit Breakdown:

Interested in purchasing any of these cabi Spring 2016 pieces? Consider ordering through my current show. We should be placing the order soon. 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! I promise to blog about what I buy!

POW 4: Business in Front, Flutter in the Back

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Our fourth POW was inspired by one of the biggest fans, if you don’t mind me calling you that, of this blog—Wendy Wiech (IG @wwbsts). She asked for a POW on the cabi Fall 2015 Tearoom Cardigan (an amazing piece) and the discussion lead to her mentioning this cardigan. So, Wendy, instead of the Tearoom, I give you the Michelle Cardigan, currently available as part of the cabi Spring 2016 collection, for our fourth POW.

Outfit: Michelle Cardigan, Slimmie jeans, First Mate Tee, Dolce Charm Earrings from cabi Spring 2016.The cardigan and jeans are a size too big--expect a closer fit. Shoes are the Restricted Newport Flat from DSW.

Outfit: Michelle Cardigan, Slimmie jeans, First Mate Tee, Dolce Charm Earrings from cabi Spring 2016.The cardigan and jeans are a size too big--expect a closer fit. Shoes are the Restricted Newport Flat from DSW.

This is a fabulous classic navy v-neck cardigan, made unique with the bolt of cobalt trim and the graceful flutter of chiffon in the back. I heard someone call it "business in front and a party in the back," but let’s not degrade such a striking cardigan with mullet references.  I’m thrilled by this cardigan, in part because I loved the Belle Cardigan from the fall, which has some lace were the chiffon is on the Michelle, but I could not wear the yellow. Plus, I just cannot get enough of navy! It’s such a practical, yet beautiful, color. This will be part of my first show order!

The Michelle Cardigan is a great piece for the office, especially cold offices come this spring or summer. It’s a fabulous transition piece—in fact it is one of my seven recommended transitional spring pieces. It’s great to buy now and wear the rest of the year. It can also be dressed up or down, as we will soon see. So, join us for the fourth POW and discover seven ways, from the boardroom, to the playground, to the fancy dinner, to style this classic, unique piece.

Once again, I am breaking this “week” of outfits over two weeks. I will start later today with the Manic Monday work outfit, and then post on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.  The next week, I will post Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday this week.  Then, that Sunday I will announce the next POW, which is also an item that is currently available cabi Spring 2016 garment.

If you want to buy, let me invite you to purchase it as part of my current cabi “party.” We should be placing the order soon. 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! I promise to blog about what I buy!

 

Outfit: 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 from DSW.

Outfit: 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 from DSW.


The Transitional cabi Cardigan You Need Now: The Michelle

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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 Top,  Citron Curvy Skinny, Dolce Charm Earrings,  Lagoon 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 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.

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 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 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 Top,  Citron Curvy Skinny, Dolce Charm Earrings,  Lagoon Necklace, worn backwards to show the silver on the back off), and the Unisa Eavvi Sandal

Seven Transitional cabi Spring 2016 Pieces That You Need Now

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As winter turns to spring, figuring out what to wear that feels fresh but is still warm enough is always hard. I know I am itching to wear some new styles and clothes. Luckily, cabi has some great pieces in their spring 2016 collection that are perfect for the winter to spring transition. Here are seven pieces that I adore for these transitional times:

All from cabi Spring 2016: 1) Adventure Anorak 2) Neo Jacket 3) Michelle Cardigan 4) Lido Jacket 5) Lido Skirt 6) Traveler Pant 7) Destructed Skinny in Regular or Curvy.

All from cabi Spring 2016: 1) Adventure Anorak 2) Neo Jacket 3) Michelle Cardigan 4) Lido Jacket 5) Lido Skirt 6) Traveler Pant 7) Destructed Skinny in Regular or Curvy.

  1.  Adventure Anorak: This is the first piece I bought from the cabi Spring collection. It’s a versatile jacket in a fun textured indigo blue that can be worn nipped in or loose. This is a great lighter weight jacket that will work perfectly for when you put away that winter jacket but still need a coat. It also has big pockets, which are great if you have a kid (I am always using pockets now). The hood can protect you from spring showers or even a light snow. 
  2. Neo Jacket: This cozy jacket is in a soft French terry and is a perfect layer for work or play. It can easily be worn as an inside jacket or thrown on as a coat for going outside.  
  3. Michelle Cardigan: Cardigans are prefect for those in-between days (or most offices). This one in a great navy—a trending color for spring, but also a great color for winter. Plus, it has a lovely chiffon layer in the back for an elegant twist. This is great to wear to work or even thrown on as an extra layer when running errands. 
  4. Lido Jacket: This navy ponte jacket is prefect for work or anytime you need a nicer jacket. The seeming and length are flattering. The navy should work well with your winter and spring clothes. Feel free to through it on as a coat over a casual outfit for a sophisticated look. For a suiting look, add the Lido Skirt or Capote Trouser. 
  5. Lido Skirt: Nothing says year-round wear like a navy ponte pencil skirt. Not only will this work for winter and spring, but it’s perfect for summer and fall too. I wear a navy cabi ponte pencil skirt from a previous season all the time to work. For a suite look, add the Lido Jacket and you are ready for even a more formal office! This is also great for dates, special occasions,  or anytime you need to look good and be at least somewhat dressy. 
  6. Traveler Pant: These pants are amazing. I’m so excited to get them from my party order. Can’t wait! They remind me a bit of classic cargo pants, but without the cargo pockets or baggy styling. The fit is a “relaxed slim”, which gives you room to move and not look huge. I love the elastic cuffs—so cute and on trend. They work great rolled up to show off shoes or down regular to keep your shins warm.
  7. Destructed Skinny in Regular or Curvy: Destructed jeans are very in right now, as are skinny jeans. This is a perfect combo! The darker denim works well for winter, but will also go well with your spring blouses and tops.

Interested in more? I’ll be posting about each piece in an outfit from the spring collection over the new week or so. Stay tuned for more details and ideas for styling. Some of these may even be future POW pieces!

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!