Not just for fireworks: Nine Versatile Pieces for your Fourth of July and Patriotic Wardrobe

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The Fourth of July is quickly approaching and many of us may be thinking about what we are going to wear.  Here are nine pieces you can buy now for a great Fourth of July look that will also work in your general wardrobe. A few of these I regularly wear to work!

 

1.  Kris Top: This cabi spring 2016 on-trend cropped (but not too short) top, has a crossover asymmetrical hem. It is a light navy knit—perfect for hot summer celebrations. Consider rocking it with some red shorts (such as the Picnic Short) and patriotic accessories (such as this Star Print Scarf!).  Or pair it with a pretty skirt!

2. Star Print Scarf: This festive and fun scarf has blue stars with pops of red ones. It works wonderfully for the Fourth, but can add a fun touch to any outfit year round. It pairs wonderfully with the picnic shorts and either the Kris Top or Striped Favorite Tank. It would also be fabulous over a red dress, blue dress, or white dress for a pop of patriotic.

 

 

 

 

3. Picnic Short: These cute cabi spring 2016 shorts have red, purple, and pink in them. With some blue or white they are perfect for the Fourth or other patriotic holidays, but always work perfectly with summer tops and tees. The subtle print mixes easily with stripes and other patterns.

4.  Striped Favorite Tank: This easy, casual tank by Merona at Target, is a great piece for a casual Fourth of July look. I love it with the patterns for the Picnic Short and Star Print Scarf for fun,  patriotic pattern play. You could also wear with white, denim blue, or red shorts. Or dress it ups with a fun skirt for the Fourth.

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Pleated Star Skirt: I love this skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End! It is so pretty, fun, and feminine. I also love stars and am delighted to find them on a work-friendly skirt! This skirt is perfect for a dressier Fourth of July celebration. It works well with the Sleeveless Double Drape Tee for this. Or dress it down with a tee and some causal shoes.  This is even on sale right now. Stay tuned for more on this skirt.

6.  Sleeveless Double Drape Tee: This is another cabi spring 2016 garment. It is an incredibly flattering tee that will add some “va va voom” to your fireworks. It dress up nicely, as shown with the Pleated Star Skirt. But you can rock with jeans, shorts, or whatever. It’s cute with the Picnic Short too!

7. Bow Ballet Flats: These timeless flats can add a pop of red (or blue) to your patriotic outfit, and also work every day. They are cute and comfortable. They work well with shorts, jeans, or a skirt. I love them with a mostly blue and white outfit, for a burst of red. I do suggest sizing up a half a size.

 

8. Butterfly Print Scarf: This pretty summery scarf by ITB Design can add blue and flow to your Fourth of July outfit. It’s large and works well as a warp when the temperature drop as you wait for fireworks. It can also be worn around the neck during the day, as I have shown with the Star Print Scarf. The butterfly deign works wonderfully for spring and summer. Consider wearing it over a red dress for a fun and unexpected Fourth look.

 

 

 

 

 
Cruise Jacket with older cabi tee, Target short, and Aerosoles shoes. Boston Red Sox hat.

Cruise Jacket with older cabi tee, Target short, and Aerosoles shoes. Boston Red Sox hat.

9. Cruise Jacket: This classic, high-end styled jacket is also one of my favorite cabi pieces of the Spring 2016 season. It easily works for a dressy Fourth of July look, but can also be a fun addition to a casual outfit, as I style it here. Consider rocking it with ripped jeans; linen pants in your favorite patriotic color; a navy pencil skirt; a red dress; or with a casual tee shirt, cut-off shorts, and a ball cap! I love rocking it casually. This nautical piece works wonderfully for the office or special occasion too—not just for fireworks!

 

 

 

 

 

If you want of these cabi pieces, 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. If you miss out, try contacting your stylist to see if she has samples or access to the retired season pieces.

 

 

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

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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. 

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.