Bardot POW: Working It Wrapped, Classy Linen & Denim Wednesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Make your denim shirt work for work by pairing it with a classic neutral linen trouser and sophisticated accessories

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 Bardot Shirt. Of course, the easy way to dress up a denim shirt for the boardroom would be to add it to a two piece suit, or wear a blazer, or do any number of rather predictable, but interesting, things. However, for a lovely denim shirt with special details, like this one, you don’t need to go the easy way. Simply add professional, quality pieces that say class and sophistication, and you can make it work!

Tips:

  • Dress up your denim shirt for work by pairing it with a nice, professional pair of linen trousers in a neutral
  • Add classy accessories and shoes to add sophistication and professionalism
  • Consider mixing lighter neutrals for a cultured look, such as cream, beige, burnished gold, and leopard print
  • A fine quality leopard print belt can add class to a work look (but be careful of going overboard, leopard can get trashy is there is too much or the quality is poor)
  • Just because it is a button-down, it does not mean you need to button it all the way down!  Consider a diagonal wrap instead (see directions below)
  • Want more sophistication? Add a designer handbag
  • Consider a nice crisp cream linen, for a more refined look
  • Tuck in your shirt for a dressier look

 

Directions for Wrap Tuck:

  • Start with a denim shirt that is baggy on you (a size up)
  • Button the buttons down to your bust or a bit lower (more or less depending on the amount you want to wrap)
  • With your pants undone, take the shirttail of the piece that is on top (has the button holes), and wrap around you, creating a diagonal line
  • With a safety pin, pin the shirttail into this diagonal shape, making sure the pin stays below where the pants will tuck (if needed add more above the tuck line, just find ways to do it invisibly)
  • Tuck in your shirt, making sure to keep the diagonal
  • Add a belt for additional waist slimming attention

 

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

Related Posts:

  1. Bardot POW: Ponte and Knotted Manic Monday posted June 6, 2016. For a comfortable, professional Monday outfit, dress up your denim shirt with a navy ponte pencil skirt
  2. Plaid POW: Working It Flannel Wednesday posted February 24, 2016. Even flannel can work in a formal office when combined with very professional pieces
  3. Plaid POW: Manic Flannel Monday posted February 22, 2016. For a cozy yet professional look, take one casual flannel and add lots of professional pieces

Plus, check out the other Working It Wednesday posts.

 

Go-To POW: The Versatile Blackout Thursday

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Outfit Mission Statement:  For a trendy yet classic versatile look, choose black pieces with a twist

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 Go-To Trouser. In many ways this POW outfit is all three Ts—Trendy, Transitional, and/or Terrific.

First, Trendy: Black is very on-trend for this spring and summer. In fact, cabi is calling the trend “summer blackout.” And you get “bonus points” for patterns and floral! The trend is black on black with those florals or patterns mixed in. In the dog-dog days of summer we may not follow this trend as much, when it feels too hot to wear black, but it is a great trend to follow in these cooler times. Plus, black is sophisticated, classic, slimming, and can seem a bit dressier than the same garment in another color. It’s a great trend to wear now, as shown!

Second, Transitional: This is also a good transitional outfit for two main reasons. Black tends to be more associated with the colder months, so it works well for that. But, with the summer blackout trend, it springs well into spring and summer. Plus the cardigan is a wonderful transitional layering pieces—light, but adds a layer of warmth. Perfect for those spring days that are not warm enough for short sleeves or that cool off at night.

Third, Terrific: This outfit is composed of some of my favorite cabi Spring 2016 pieces. The Go-To Trouser is amazing—comfortable, classic, and practical. The Tivoli Top is a best seller this season, and for good reasons. It is flattering, trendy, and unique. The taupe and ivory with black is a nice twist on the higher contrast white and black zebra print we often see. The flow of the top also masks any tummy issues. The relaxed Sorrento Cardigan is a wonderful layer. The knit is lovely and it has side slits for flow and movement. The oversized pockets provides a subtle mixed media look by being woven, not knit. I wasn’t sure about this cardigan, but once I tried it on, I was in love!

All three pieces are terrific—plus great accessories and shoes! So, this outfit is are Trendy, Transitional, and Terrific! Plus, it can work for a business casual work environment, a day at the playground, checking out a museum or the latest flick—this outfit is versatile!

 

Tips:

  • For a versatile outfit you can work or play in, look for classic pieces with a twist (such as shorter pants and a mixed media cardigans)
  • Do play with the “summer blackout” trend, but if black washes you out, put colors near your face, such as a scarf or shirt
  • When wearing various black garments, make sure they are of different types of fabric, this will give a more mixed media look, rather than the appearance that one of your black garments is faded
  • If you do the summer blackout look with a print or floral, pull out that color with your accessories for a more polished look
  • With shorter cropped pants you can still create a long, lean look by wearing heels in the same color as your pants (repeated from Go-To POW: Manic Black & White Monday)

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

Go-To POW: Working It Classic Nautical Wednesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Combine the perfect black work trousers with a classic nautical jacket for chic, preppy, and professional look that implies success

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 Go-To Trouser. These are the perfect professional pants—classic with an updated, chic silhouette. A good pair of black work pants are clearly a wardrobe staple and easy to style in a professional look. Anyone can throw on a jacket and blouse and have a more formal business outfit with these pants. But, you can also take the typical black pants outfit to new place—like say the sea?

The trendy, yet always chic, nautical style easily works in a formal office setting, especially with such a lovely, tailored jacket as the Cruise Jacket. The fine details, like the buttons and double-breasted styling, take it beyond your normal jacket or low-end nautical style. This preppy or even bon chic, bon genre jacket speaks of wealth and success. It also combines two power colors—navy and red! And yes, the navy striped blazer can and should be worn with black pants. Wearing navy and black together is not only very in, but is a classic and French look (adding even more sophistication to the outfit—see previous discussions about the combination here and here). In addition, it can be easier to combine black and navy than either color with itself. I’ve found it tricky to take two black separates and combine them. Often the blacks are close enough in color but do not fully match color exactly—so it looks a bit off or even like a mistake. The similarities and slight differences create a conflict the eye stumbles over—say with two separate navy pieces. However, you can take one black piece and one navy piece and easily combine them. The differences are enough that your eye recognizes them as intentionally not the same color and doesn’t stumble.

 

Tips

  • Do wear navy and black together for a sophisticate, smooth, and classic look
  • When wearing nautical pieces in a formal office setting, go for rich, preppy pieces that pull on the classic, tailored look
  • As discussed before, and especially in a more formal office setting, limit the nautical pieces to one  
  • Look for fine details like flattering seeming, special buttons, and delicate lace details to display professionalism, prep, and success (but not scream it)
  • A simple bun always works for more formal office dressing
  • To really play off the classical feel of the nautical style, choose vintage or vintage-feel accessories, like this classic locket
  • With such bold and strong colors, consider a neutral shoe to put focus on your outfit

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

For this photo shoot, I am modeling the sample cabi Spring 2016 Go-To Trouser, which are a size too big. My own pair did not arrive in time. Keep in mind these should be a bit tighter and smoother if they fit correctly.

 

Plaid POW: Working It Flannel Wednesday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Even flannel can work in a formal office when combined with very professional pieces

 

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 L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan. This was a fun outfit to put together. I wasn’t sure if I could make flannel appropriate for a more formal office, and, look, I can and pretty easily. This outfits takes the tips from the Manic Flannel Monday post, where I discus show to do a more casual flannel work outfit, and applies them with even greater professionalism. So to incorporate professional clothing, make sure it is very professional. And nothing is more professional than a black or dark suit. Add a black suit jacket and black pencil skirt and you have an outfit that should work in the tenue de ville (or international business attire/informal [which is actually two steps up form business casusal]) office setting. Keep it going with a more formal hair style, such as a bun, and simple jewelry. Go with simple heels to look professional from head to toe. You can heighten the professionalism even further by wearing a long sleeves black jacket, which I discovered I no longer have. Now, don’t you want to rock some flannel in the workplace?

 

Tips:

  • Even the most casual of shirt (such as flannel) can work for more formal work environments if combined with a dark suit 
  • Keep accessories simple and fairly small
  • If you have longer hair, wear it up in a bun, French twist, or other more formal hair style
  • It is okay to go with trendier items as long as the pieces are not loud—like this three-quarter sleeve longer collarless jacket
  • Keep the shoes simple to and match them to the color for the suit for added professionalism

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

Want to work a Spring version of this outfit? Consider this outfit that applies the same rules from the cabi Spring 2016 collection, but uses a denim shirt instead of flannel: Lido Jacket, Bardot Shirt, and the Lido Skirt. Accessorize with the Aurora Necklace, Aurora Stud Pack  and the Artisan Marquis Cuff by Stella & Dot. Then, slip your feet into the Good Lux heels by Aerosoles for the finishing touch.


Love POW: Lovely Manic Monday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Integrate ponte knit into your career wardrobe and mix it with feminine blouses for strong, comfortable, and sweet office looks!

 

Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we focus on two things: comfort and feminine details. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi fall 2015 Love Blouse. Since the season is now over, this blouse can no longer be ordered. I have some substitutes below that are available. To substitute from your own closet, look for a feminine blouse with s special feature, like a riffled collar. If you must have this jacket, contact me and I may be able to put you in touch with a stylist who has a sample left.

For this outfit, I combined this lovely blouse with a career-ready jacket, for a professional look. But, then I toned it down and added comfort with skinny jeans and flats, for a comfortable, business casual look. One feature of the Love Blouse is the gathered collar, which looks great over jacket collars. With this collar or other blouses with special features near the neck, a necklace is not necessary. Another feature of the blouse is the ombré coloring that goes from light pink to a dark blue. Worn with dark blue jeans or pants, this creates a longer line, giving you additional height (even without heels!). But the jacket is a bit of a comfort secret weapon. It may look all professional, but it moves like a dream because it is a ponte knit—clean, career-minded lines with lots of give and take. If you don’t already have some ponte knit career clothes, get some! These pieces make it feel like you are working in yoga pants and a tee shirt.

Tips:

  • Get ponte knit career clothes, if you don’t already have them
  • Skinny jeans can work at the office, just stick to darker colors, make sure your butt is covered, and make sure the rest of the outfit is dressier (smart business or dressier)
  • If you have a conservative office, tone down bright pieces with neutrals
  • Add a feminine blouse to a jacket and jeans combo to show your soft side along with your strong side
  • Pop that awesome collar over your jacket for added interest
  • Look for flats with feature that look like nice, career heels, such as this buckle for added polish

 

Outfit Breakdown:

I have no idea what I am doing here, but I love the picture.

I have no idea what I am doing here, but I love the picture.

The clothing items in this outfit are all cabi Fall 2015, and no longer available. Contact me if you must have something and I may be able to direct you to a stylist who has it. Look for substitutes from your own closet or check out the alternatives below. I normally with make the POW a currently available item, but my blog launched later than planned and I wanted to share these outfits. The next POW will be of an available item, I promise!

Still learning how to take good pictures. 

Still learning how to take good pictures. 

  • Blouse: This is the cabi fall 2015 Love Blouse. To find a substitute from your own closet, look for a feminine blouse with a special feature. If you don’t have quite the right blouse to substitute in your closet, consider these cabi Spring 2016 alternatives: 
    • Vita Blouse: This gorgeous draped blouse is also sleeveless, and has a sexy cutout in the back
    • Bella Top: This feminize, fluttery blouse has a similar feel to the love blouse
    • Plaza Top: This classic, flowing blue and white blouse has a cute Henley collar
    •  Tivoli Top: This fierce black and taupe blouse has plenty of cool features
  • Jacket: I had a hard time finding good replacements for this cabi fall 2015 Crew Blazer. Your best bet may be to wait for the fall, when there should be at least one on the cabi Fall 2016 collection. 
    • Lido Jacket: A longer navy ponte jacket in the cabi Spring collection
    • Notched-Lapel Ponte-Knit Cropped Blazer: This black or light pink blazer is by Bar III and available at Macy’s
    • Playful Ponte Blazer: Another black option in a classic blazer style, by Chico’s
    • Modern Ponte Pieced Jacket: Available in a white and camel by Chico’s—the reviews are questionable, but it looks cute 
    • While not ponte, there are some other cute jackets in the cabi Spring Collection:
      • Neo Jacket: This is in a French Terry!
      • Verde Jacket: This cotton/spandex mix is soft and stretchy and this green color is amazing!
      • Cruise Jacket: Another soft jacket with give; this one with a nautical theme
  • Jeans: Skinny jeans are everywhere. If you don’t already have some dark skinny jeans, I’m sure you can find some you will love. If you want something a bit less skinny (and white), consider the Slimmie. Or for a similar look, but with pants, consider the navy Capote Trouser.
  • Jewelry: I kept my jewelry simple with gunmetal hoops (not the same ones I wore last week).--no idea where I got these, or when
  • Shoes: These are older Aerosoles flats. Consider the Megaphone by Aerosoles, which has a cute, tailored look and silver details

Interested in a Spring version of this outfit? Consider this outfit that applies the same rules from the cabi Spring 2016 collection: Vita Blouse, Lido Jacket, and Capote Trouser with the Megaphone shoes by Aerosoles and the Dolce Charm Earrings. 

Welcome to POW week 1: Manic Media Monday

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Welcome to POW week 1: Manic Media Monday

Outfit Mission Statement: Dress down pieces by combining them with casual pieces for an overall business casual look.

Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we focus on two things: comfort and color. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi fall 2015 Media Jacket. Since the season is now over, this particular jacket can no longer be ordered. I have some substitutes below that are available. From your own closet, you can substitute a cropped jacket and/or a flashy jacket in a shorter style. If you must have this jacket, contact me and I may be able to put you in touch with a stylish who has a sample left.

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