Run Around Week in Review

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Our seventh POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Run Around Skirt. With this sexy, elegant, comfortable, flattering, versatile, go-anywhere skirt, we learned to dress like a boardroom goddess; a comfortable superhero; a bright, comfortable professional; a simply elegant patron of the arts; the sexiest woman in the room; and a lady off to the races! We also learned to play with muted contrasts, prints, color, all black, hats and more. The Run Around Skirt can do it all!  

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

Elegant Layers and Brights Manic Monday: Combine a unique skirt with office classics in bright colors for a different, upbeat career look.

Outfit: Run Around Skirt, Portico Shrug, and the Luisa Tank from cabi Spring 2016. White Stone Sutton Necklace and Demi Earrings from Stella & Dot (both not available). Graham Hammered Wire Wrapped Cuff from Cents of Style. Older shoes. Check out the post for more details and alternatives.

Posted: April 18, 2016

Muted, Playful Contrasts at Home Tuesday: Dress down your black skirt in muted tones, with pops of fun and sunshine.

Outfit: Run Around Skirt, Limoncello Tank, and the Bardot Shirt from cabi Spring 2016. Shoes are Yet Another by Aerosoles. All jewelry handmade! Citrine Chunk Bar Pendant on Silver Chain by Shine Chaser Jewelry. Lapis Owl Bracelet & Lapis Bracelet by Solid Treasures. Bronze & Gray Druzy Earrings by Live Love Boutique. For styling details and tips, see the post.

Posted: April 26, 2016

 

Working It Office Goddess Wednesday: Bring some Grecian Goddess-inspired style to your office with draping in all the right places.

Outfit: Run Around Skirt, Campo Top, and the Cliffside Jacket  from cabi Spring 2106. Older cabi earring that are not available. Older necklace and shoes. See the post for available suggestions and inspiration.

Posted: April 20, 2016

The Chic Geek Superhero Thursday: Defeat boring outfits by mixing the chic with subtle geek and save the day!

Outfit: Run Around Skirt and the Crop Top from cabi Spring 2106.  Marvel Comics Lightweight Infinity Scarf from ThinkGeek. Acme Bootie by Crown Vintage sold at DSW. Feather Ring by Solid Treasures. The Stone Ring & Cuff are custom made sandstone pieces by Solid Treasures. Earrings are older and brand unknown. Check out the post for alternatives, tips, and more.

Posted: April 28, 2016

 

Sexy & Comfortable Date Night: Be the sexiest and most comfortable woman in the room by wearing a curve-hugging, flaw-hiding all-black outfit in a soft, comfortable fabric.

Outfit: Run Around Skirt and Gathered Tee from cabi Spring 2106. Sold out Casablanca Necklace from Stella & Dot. Vintage Crystal Studs Earrings from Stella & Dot. Stamped Ring by Solid Treasures. Shoes from Target last year. Discover more in the post.

Posted: April 29, 2016

Off to the Races Saturday: 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!

Outfit: Run Around Skirt and the Martini Top from cabi Spring 2106. Acme Bootie by Crown Vintage sold at DSW. Classic navy stripe tassel clutch and the Burgundy/navy stripe bangle by Sloan Ranger. Studded Collar by Bauble Bar (no longer available). Gold dangle earrings from Fab’rik. Old big floppy hat I’ve had for years. For some available alternatives to these no available item, along with styling tips, check out the post!

Posted: April 30, 2016

 

Simple Elegance Sunday Best: For an elegant, sophisticated outfit that is easy and comfortable, pair your black skirt with a neutral silk and similar accessories.

Outfit: Run Around Skirt from cabi Spring 2016. Spirt Tunic from cabi Fall 2102 (no longer available). Audrey Brooke Glenda Pump from DSW. Vintage Crystal Studs Earrings from Stella & Dot. Old bracelet of unknown brand. An old clutch from Coldwater Creek (not available). Learn more in the post!

Posted: April 24, 2016

 

 

Run Around POW: Off to the Races Saturday

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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

Run Around POW: Sexy & Comfortable Date Night

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Outfit Mission Statement: Be the sexiest and most comfortable woman in the room by wearing a curve-hugging, flaw-hiding all-black outfit in a soft, comfortable fabric

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 Run Around Skirt. I’ve mentioned before that this skirt is sexy, right? Well, this skirts is very sexy. It is perfect for a date night. You can make a sexy date night outfit by simply pairing it with a pretty blouse or top. The Tivoli Top and the Vita Blouse would work to make funky or pretty date night looks that are also very sexy. I’ll let you play around with the blouse and skirt combo. Instead, let me suggest something that is even more comfortable and even sexier. Try the skirt's sister garment—theblack Gathered Tee. An all-black outfit also exudes sex appeal. That’s why the little black dress exists. It’s striking, strong, and confident. Any cute or sexy black top could work with the Run Around Skirt for a hot all-black look. But, make the items body hugging (in all the right ways) with drapes, gathers, and layers, and you have quite the hot look. While you will be the sexiest woman in the room, you will probably also be the most comfortable. After all these is a tee shirt and skirt made of the wonderfully soft and stretchy Lenzing fabric. You think your tee shirt if comfortable? Comparatively, it is not. Trust me.

With these two pieces, you really don’t need to do much else. Sure add pair of sexy heals and some nice accessories, and maybe a striking red lip to the finish this look.  But you could wear some nice sandals and also call it done.

 

Tips:

  • You can create slender and long illusion by dressing in a single color—black, body hugging clothes make you look even more slender, while also emphasizing curves (curvy and slender? What more do you want?)
  • Keep in mind you can be sexy and comfortable, if you choose soft fabrics that move with you, such as Lenzing (if you are not comfortable, you are probably not sexy)
  • You do not have to show a lot of skin to be sexy—this outfit is rather modest, but the color and fit are what makes it look sexy and your attitude can help!
  • If youwear two similar items (fabric and color) you can create the illusion of a dress, which seems dressier
  • When wearing such a knockout outfit you can go subtle with the accessories or you can push it even more—such as wearing sexy shoes, a stunning necklace, and a red lip
  • Are you a mom who feels guilty going out and leaving her kid(s) behind? Bring a reminder of your dears with you, such as this amazing ring by Solid Treasures which I had stamped with my son’s name. It’s a nice reminder that always makes me smile, and somehow that helps any guilt (and a guilty mom is not very sexy, nor is she having a good time)
  • Worried about problem areas? Garments that have gathering, ruching, draping, or other features in the problem are should "hide" the problems in elegant ways

 

Outfit Breakdown:

I LOVE this shot!!! So, you get to see it big.

I LOVE this shot!!! So, you get to see it big.

Run Around POW: The Chic Geek Superhero Thursday

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

TTT Thursday outfits are Trendy, Transitional, and/or Terrific—in other words my choice. It can be whatever other outfit ideas the garment gave me. It may be something very trendy, transitional, terrific, or something else. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Run Around Skirt. I'm going for Trendy & Terrific today! With this I bring you our second installment of the Geek Chic series. This is such a fun outfit! Not only is it light-hearted and geeky, but it is on-trend and flattering. And, don’t forget comfortable! Plus, what is this skirt if not a skirt with a cape?!

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

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

Tips:

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

 

Outfit Breakdown:

I will take you down!

I will take you down!

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

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

Close up of my rings and earrings

Close up of my rings and earrings

Look I can even squat in this!

Look I can even squat in this!

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

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

Is that what you think?

Is that what you think?

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

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

Run Around POW: Muted, Playful Contrasts at Home Tuesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Dress down your black skirt in muted tones, with pops of fun and sunshine

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 Run Around Skirt. This skirt is as easy to style down as it is to style up! There are many options to style it down. A tee shirt of any sort is instant casual and comfort! Or a cotton knit tank. Or a casual button down, like a denim shirt. Or, maybe those last two together? That’s what I went with here. A tee shirt is too easy. Plus, if you are like me, layers are great—something for cool mornings and hot afternoons.

If you really want to give this skirt (or other black skirts) a casual feel, follow my rule previously discussed in No Place Like Tuesday for Sky & Earth Explorers for dressing black bottoms: go for more muted colors not whites (or brights), such as heathered grey. I also suggest stripes, which works here too! This wonderful tank has a light heather gray stripped with yellow—a fun and casual combo (the grey acts to tone down the yellow). A denim shirt often adds a casual air, as does this faded one with amazing embroidery. Plus these four colors create some fabulous combinations—yellow and blue are a favorite combination of mine. Black and yellow always grab attention. Blue and Black are a trendy, yet classic, combination. Grey goes great with everything, but I especially love it with yellow (actually thinking of doing my kitchen in yellow and grey!). Together this make a fun, casual, interesting, and incredibly comfortable outfit for working from home or whatever casual environment you are in!

Tips:

  • Don’t be afraid of fun color combinations in casual wear, such as black and yellow or blue and yellow
  • Keep your colors more muted when going casual with black bottoms
  • But don’t be afraid of some bright elements, such as stripes, to add interest
  • Think of easy ways to incorporate layers into casual wear, especially in the spring, when temperatures vary over the day (or if you have hot flashes or other things that cause quick temperature changes)
  • Have fun with your casual jewelry, such as featuring pieces with favorite or apropos animals
  • When working with a few main colors pull each out in your jewelry
  • Look for comfortable but fun summer sandals for your casual days—ones that let you walk on walls (even if low ones)
  • Have fun with your casual outfits
  • For an added touch, find fun ways to tie your denim shirt (plus this keeps from getting in the way)

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

Photography by Bill Ruhsam of The Evil Eyebrow. Check out more of his photography.

Run Around POW: Simple Elegance Sunday Best

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Outfit Mission Statement: For an elegant, sophisticated outfit that is easy and comfortable, pair your black skirt with a neutral silk and similar 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 Run Around Skirt. Sometimes simple is best. Take a black skirt add a silk blouse and there you go. The ease and comfort of the Run Around Skirt suggests an easy comfortable dressy look, something of simple elegance. Don’t get me wrong. This skirt can be dressed up all sorts of ways—lace, sequins, chiffon, more drapes... the list goes on.  For instance, this skirt is a knockout with Tivoli Top and the Vita Blouse (see Simple Affairs Date Night for the Vita with black pants for an example outfit with the blouse and black on bottom). Or you can go for power and elegance of all black with a black top. Consider either the white or black Sophia Sweater (with sheer lace backs) for another dressy look. This skirt is versatile and easily dressed up.

But, you can also pair it with a simple silk blouse in a neutral color for a classic, but easy, look. This gives you a fun base to accessorize. You could go for bright colors to really pop them. Or go for a more sophisticated look by playing off the color of the blouse, such as I did here—gray blouse and silver accessories and shoes. With the draping and layered skirt, gray silk, and silver accessories you have a sophisticated, elegant look that is easy and comfortable.

 

Tips:

  • For a simply elegant look, pair the draped black skirt with a simple neutral silk blouse
  • With a gray silk blouse, you can play up the color with silver accessories (if going with a cream or brown, consider gold)
  • Keep things simple by keeping your hair down
  • With neutral garments, you can show off a statement necklace as the highlight of your outfit
  • For a layered, wrap skirt, consider D’Orsay heels to compliment the lines
  • Choose a neutral silk blouse with minor embellishments, which as the slightly draped neckline, to keep with the simple elegance of the outfit

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

Photography by Bill Ruhsam of The Evil Eyebrow. Check out more of his photography.

Run Around POW: Working It Office Goddess Wednesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Bring some Grecian Goddess-inspired style to your office with draping in all the right places

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 Run Around Skirt. There are a lot ways you can dress this elegant, comfortable, and easy skirt to make it work for a more formal work office. Wearing it with a black jacket will create a formal suit look with the added elegance of the skirt. I decided to mix it up some with bright colors and a fun jacket, while maintaining a professional look. The same discussion I had for Manic Monday’s outfit on wearing this skirt for work still applies—wear this in place of a more typical A-line or pencil skirt. The drape gives it a Grecian Goddess feel—a power piece in any office, right? For the added professionalism of a Wednesday outfit, make sure you added more professional pieces. Instead of a cardigan, wear a jacket. Instead of a tank, wear a blouse. Instead of strappy sandals, wear peep-toe heels. Add some professional jewelry, and you are ready to rock (or rule over from Mount Olympus) that boardroom presentation!

Tips:

  • Check out the tips for Manic Monday, as many fit here too
  • Mix classic work pieces, like a blouse and jacket, with a unique skirt for new take on boardroom goddess chic
  • When wearing neutral and smaller prints, consider popping a bright color in your blouse or accessories to add interest (and fun!)
  • As mentioned in the Plume Manic Monday, roll the jacket cuffs for a more modern take on the classic (and keep cooler during the summer heat or a hot flash)
  • When wearing a distinctive skirt and bright shirt, consider keeping your accessories and jewelry more neutral and basic, especially in more professional settings—but you do not need to be boring
  • Remember you can change the formality of the outfit by zipping up (or otherwise closing) the jacket some or all the way—the more closed the more formal
  • Power pieces for work can be ones that bring out the inner goddess in you, such as the draping on this skirt!

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

Run Around POW: Elegant Layers and Brights Manic Monday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Combine a unique skirt with office classics in bright colors for a different, upbeat career look

Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we focus on creating an easy elegant work outfit. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Run Around Skirt. With multiple layers and lengths, this is not your typical work skirt. But that doesn’t mean it can’t work for work! Since the various layers cover as well as a slightly above the knee skirt would (at least on my height of about 5’7), you could wear this in place of a more typical pencil or A-line skirt. Since it is incredibly comfortable, it is a perfect Manic Monday skirt. Its layers and lengths, along with the drape in front, give is a distinctive elegance that you may not normally do as you rush out the door on a Monday morning, but are as easy as pie with this skirt. The drape also helps hide any indulging sins of the weekend. If you want something comfortable, elegant, and unique to throw on come some Manic Monday, this skirt is a perfect choice. Plus, with the amazing Lenzing fabric you don’t have to worry about discovering the garment you planned to wear needs to be ironed. For a really easy, comfortable, and yet professional look, combine this with other wrinkle-free fabrics that are comfortable. I also suggest bright colors, to contrast the black and had some joy to your Monday. The cardigan and top I show here are great examples of both color and comfort. You can quickly throw the three on and run out the door, knowing you look great!

Tips:

  • Combine pieces that are wrinkle-free and comfortable, but still professional, for a quick rush-out-the-door career look
  • Consider adding a distinctive, unique skirt to your work wardrobe, as long as it covers as well as your typical work skirts—favor these in skirts blacks or dark neutrals for a more professional look
  • Trying to hide the overindulgence of the weekend or some bloating? Look for pieces that drape around the problem areas, such as this skirt, hiding the problems in some Grecian style
  • If the alarm came too early and you look tired, consider brighter colors near your face to brighten you up and add some joy to your day
  • When dressing in brights and bolds, consider accessories that are neutrals (including mental neutrals like gold and silver), especially in more professional setting
  • When going with longer layers on the bottom, try short layers on top, such as a tucked in shirt and a cropped cardigan
  • If you are wearing one garment you feel is outside of what you typically wear to work (maybe on the boarder of your professional wear comfort zone), combine it with pieces that clearly professional, such as a floral top and cardigan

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

POW 7: The Versatile, Go Everywhere Black Skirt

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We all need a skirt we can wear on the playground, a sexy date, and the boardroom, right? Or did such a thing never occur to you? It didn’t occur to me, until I was introduced the rather amazing, very comfortable cabi Spring 2016 Run Around Skirt. This skirt is a wardrobe miracle! It should be in every woman’s spring and summer suitcase, as you may wear it in so many different ways. To start with, this is clearly a flattering sexy skirt. No questions asked. You will look hot in this. But, you will also be incredibly comfortable in the Lenzing fabric. You will also be covered! This skirt has layers—a maxi layer in back, a scoop in the front, plus a drape in front, plus another layer that keep up covered underneath, should you need it.

You will LOVE this skirt!

You will LOVE this skirt!

This skirt is a unique piece and may be hard to find alternative of in your closet or elsewhere. In some ways, this skirt reminds me of the M’Legging cabi has had variations of over a few seasons (see the Mesh M’Legging this season). The leggings provide cover for the skirt and the skirt covers the butt, so you can wear the leggings without an extra layer. This skirt has those same layers of coverage. But, if you want a skirt without leggings that does this… I’m not sure what to tell you. I did a search and found little that had the layers, ease, sophistication, and sexiness. A few options that work more casually are the Seaside Fold Over Maxi Skirt which has the length and a fold over style, but not the extra layers or dressier styling, and the Ribbon Stripes Skirt which has the wrap styling, but only a single midi length and not the extra covering layers both by Athleta. If any of you know of anything else, let me know.

However, a black or dark knit (ponte, cotton, Lenzing, stretch jersey, and more) skirt knee-length or longer would work for a lot of what we will go over this week for styling—such as the cabi Spring 2016 Lido Skirt. You may need to choose a ponte pencil for some of the dressier outfits and perhaps a tee shirt material skirt for the more casual to really make it work. But, regardless, you can make these styles word for a variety of skirt. Work it!

Do join us for the seventh POW and discover seven ways, from the boardroom, to the special occasion, to the playground, to style this unique, go anywhere, practical, packing-friendly Run Around Skirt!

 

If you want to buy, 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.  It is possible any order you make will be included in a show total for me. If that is the case, for each $250 spent in my show, I get one half priced item. So, I’d be quite grateful of any orders! I promise to blog about what I buy!