Pencil Skirt POW: Trendy, Elegant, and all Choked up Date Night

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Outfit Mission Statement: Look good coming and going in a classic, feminine pencil skirt and a trendy, elegant lace back blouse

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 pencil skirt in general, and the cabi Fall 2016 Sigourney skirt in particular. The pencil skirt is a perfect date night option. It’s sexy, chic, classic, and feminine all in one. Given the power of the pencil skirt, you have a lot of options to finish the date night look, from a tee shirt to an elegant silk blouse. In fact, you can even wear flannel and look hot! Here I went with a trendy, yet elegant option—lace back blouses. I love this look because it is clean and simple in front, but has the surprise of lace and a bit of skin in back. You look good coming and going! Since it is the transitional time of year where some still have winter and some spring, I am showing a colder weather version and a warmer weather one. They both are a similar look—turquoise or green pencil skirt and a lace back blouse. I went with black, boots, and a choker for the colder weather look and white with green heels for the spring look. Of course, with the right shoes/boots either can work for any time of the year.

for cooler temps

for cooler temps

for warmer temps

for warmer temps

Tips:

  • For a trendy and sexy, yet elegant date night look pair the on-trend lace back tops with a pencil skirt
  • If you want to show some skin, but don’t want to be too revealing, the lace back top is a fabulous choice
  • If you wear a lace back top, think of other ways to draw attention to your back—such as a lovely updo and a statement hair pin
  • Consider a neutral top color when rocking a bold pencil skirt and a lace back to draw attention to the lace and the skirt
  • If you tuck your top into your pencil skirt and blouse it, you’ll draw attention to your waist and create more of an hourglass look
  • If you leave your top untucked, you'll create a longer torso  and hide tummy issues
  • Chokers add a dash of Victorian and a pinch of sex appeal—don’t be afraid of this trend, anyone can rock it:
    • If you have looser neck skin or a larger neck:
      • Go for a wider choker in a lace or something with varying edges, which will hide issues and be more forgiving
      • Wear it looser and lower, almost at collar level for the same look without the feeling of having something tight around your neck or creating bulges; this also works better if you have sagging skin
    • If you have a double chin or a little extra right there, go lower rather than higher to not add to this—I tend to go just under halfway or lower
    • Think about what you want to emphasize—lower will draw eyes to your collar bone, shoulders, and chest, whereas higher will emphasize your face more
    • Layer! Chokers work wonderfully with almost any length necklace, other chokers, or even a scarf
    • For a more cohesive and possibly monochromatic look match the color and material with something in your outfit (like black lace)
    • Not sure? Go for a thin one and wear it at your collar like a very short necklace, then work your way up and bigger as you feel comfortable
    • The more bare skin around the choker the more it will stand out and draw attention to that bare skin, so for greater sex appeal consider deeper cut neck lines, cold shoulder, and off-the-shoulder tops, and even put your hair up (if it is longer). To tone down the sex appeal, have your choker peak out of a button down or other shirt that does not show much skin.
    • A longer neck can rock any width of choker
    • A shorter neck may want to go with narrower chokers worn lower, which will add length—a thicker choker at mid neck will likely make your neck look shorter

Outfits:

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: Tempest Blouse from cabi Fall 2016, which is no longer readily available. Check out the same cabi options in my introductory POW post)
  • Boots: Unnati boots from JustFab (use my referral code to save money) 
  • Clutch: Old clutch, unsure of brand
  • Choker: Lace choker from JustFab, that is no longer available—consider the Laser Cut N Strut instead (use my referral code to save money)
  • Hair pin: Starburst hair pin from Lilla Rose, which is not available now, but there are many other options (I worked with Abby McElroy and she was very helpful)
  • Earrings: older gifts
 

White Blouse Outfit:

 

 

 

Related Posts:

  1. Plaid POW: Date Night Flannel Heat Posted February 26, 2016: Don’t rule out a flannel shirt for a sexy date outfit—just add other pieces with plenty of sex appeal
  2. Plume POW: Touch of 70s Date Night Posted April 08, 2016: Reference your favorite style decade to add fun, glamour, and sex appeal to your night out looks
  3. Love POW: Just add Sparkles, Fur, and Beads to make it Sunday Best Posted February 07, 2016: Take a pretty blouse and a neutral pencil skirt and turn it into a sophisticated special occasion outfit with fur, sparkles, beads, and mixing a single metal

Or check out the other date night POWs for more inspiration for a fabulous date (outfit).

Beyond POW: Eleven Styling Techniques to Tie the Beyond Tee

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As we wrap up the twelfth POW, our versatile Beyond Tee, let’s start by reviewing the eleven different styling techniques I showed you to style this amazing top. Which is your favorite?

 

1) Basic Beyond Tee

  1. Put it on the frontwards way with the tag in back for a lower neckline
  2. Make sure the tunic and panels are not tucked in
  3. Go!

From Beyond POW: Trendy Layers and a New Basic Tuesday

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) Chic Cape

  1. Put it on backwards with the tag in front to for a more elegant back and to show off the back treatment
  2. Take each panel and put it over the shoulder of the side it is on (left panel over left should, right panel over right shoulder), and let them hang down your back and over your arms
  3. Now go some place chic!

From Beyond POW: Chic Classy and Faux Fur Sunday Best

 

3) Elegant Cape

  1. Put it on backwards with the tag in front to for a more elegant back and to show off the back treatment
  2. Take each panel and put it over the shoulder of the side it is on (left panel over left should, right panel over right shoulder), and let them hang down your back and over your arms
  3. Take the inside corners of each panel and tie them in a knot, then let this hang down your back
  4. Now, go be elegant!

From Beyond POW: Chic Classy and Faux Fur Sunday Best

 

4) Sexy Side Wrap

  1. Put it on the normal way, with the tag in back for a lower and more date-ready neckline
  2. Tuck the bottom of the tunic part of the tee shirt (not the panels) into your skirt
  3. Choose the side you want the tie and ends to be, it is best to do it on the side of the panel that overlaps on top of the two panels (left side)
  4. Take the panel on the opposite side (right side) and pull is diagonally across the front of your body to the opposite hip
  5. Take the panel on the knot side (right, and keeping it on top of the other panel), wrap it diagonally across your chest to the left hip
  6. Once it is at your hip, gather it into more of a tie shape than a flat panel
  7. Continue with the right panel, wrapping it around your hip and continuing to wrap it behind you, from your right hip to left hip
  8. Gather both panels at the left hip and tie them, letting the ends drape down your side

From Beyond Star POW: Fiery Femme Fatale Date Night

 

5) Draped Curves

  1. Put it on the normal way with the tag in back
  2. Take each panel and wrap it around your side to the back, with right panel going to the right and left to the left
  3. Cross the panels in back, pulling the right one to the left and left one to the right
  4. Bring the panels around to the front
    • Keep the panels at waist level 
    • Keep the panels smoother, not gathered 
    • Check your wrap—the left panels should now be coming around your right side and the right panel around your left side
  5. Take the top corner of the bottom of each panel and tie in a knot at your natural waist
  6. Let the bottom corners hang down, creating a fun draped look that will emphasize curves while hiding the tummy

From Beyond POW: Faux Fur and Real Curves Thursday

 

6) Long Vest

  1. Put it on backwards with the tag in front for a higher and more professional neckline
  2. Tuck the bottom of the tunic part of the tee shirt (not the panels) into your skirt
  3. Wear the panels down each side as they naturally fall
  4. Add a thin print belt at your natural waist for curves

From Beyond POW: Black, White, and Comfy Manic Monday

 

7) Long Professional Vest with two options

 Variations on the Long Vest

Open

Open

  1. Put it on the frontwards way with the tag in back for a lower neckline, to better display the shirt collar
  2. Tuck the bottom of the tunic part of the tee shirt (not the panels) into your skirt
  3. Wear the panel down each side in one of two ways: 
    • Closed: Pull the panels closed in front, leaving minimal gap, and creating an almost dress look
    • Open: Pull the panels more apart, creating an inverted V shape that show more of the bottom of the outfit under than the top

From Beyond POW: Working It Long, Lean, and Versatile Wednesday

 

8) Simple Back Tie

closeup.jpg
  1. Put it on the frontwards way with the tag in back for a lower neckline
  2. Take the two panels and wrap each back on its side—so wrap the right on around to your back on the right and left on the left
  3. Tie the two panels in back at about your natural waist

From Beyond POW: Versatile Layers for doing it all Saturday

 

 

 

 

9) Professional Back Tie Wednesday

A variation of the Simple Back Tie

  1. Put it on the frontwards way with the tag in back for a lower neckline, to better display the shirt collar
  2. Take the two panels and wrap each back on its side—so wrap the right on around to your back on the right and left on the left
  3. Tie the two panels in back at about your natural waist
  4. Tuck the tunic part of the tee into your skirt, creating a vest type of look

From Beyond POW: Working It Long, Lean, and Versatile Wednesday

 

 

 

 

10) Hip Tie

 

  1. Put it on the frontwards way with the tag in back for a lower neckline
  2. Wear the tee with the tunic part of the tee down over your leggings (or whatever) as a tunic and the panels out and down in their natural state
  3. Gather the tunic fabric (not the panels) on one side and knot it high on your hip for a fun look with distinct layers

From Beyond POW: Versatile Layers for doing it all Saturday

 

 

 

11) Double Tie

  1. Put it on the frontwards way with the tag in back for a lower neckline
  2. Take the two panels and wrap each back on its side—so wrap the right on around to your back on the right and left on the left
  3. Tie the two panels in back at about your natural waist
  4. Make sure the tunic part of the tee is out (not tucked in) and pull it down over your leggings or whatever as a tunic

  5. Gather the tunic fabric on one side and knot it high on your hip for a sassier, slimming take on this tee

    From Beyond POW: Versatile Layers for doing it all Saturday

 

 

There, eleven different ways! Did you find any others? If so, please share them below.

I’m amazed at how versatile the Beyond Tee is! It is probably the most versatile piece I own. So, it is perfect for travel; small closets; limited budgets; busy professionals; moms; and busy career moms; and stylish fashionistas of all types! I adore mine, in case you can’t tell.

Unfortunately, I wrote this after the cabi Fall 2016 season has closed, which means this amazing top is no longer available via the traditional means. It is also such a unique piece that I’ve been unable to find an alternative to suggest. However, if you must have this piece, here are some ways you may be able to get it:

  • First, always try your stylist. She may have a sample available, know of another stylist with a sample available, or have other ways to get it. If you do not have one you may reach out to my stylist Joni Allen (via email or phone: 770 502-5243 [call or text]), Leigh Cheatwood-Harris (a friend’s stylist whom I have worked with also and can recommend: email and her site), or find a cabi stylist near you.
  • Second, check out resale, such as the Facebook groups or apps that allow people to sell their cabi or ebay.
  • Third, wait until August, when the outlets will get the Fall 2016 line and to go or call an outlet to see if they have this. Many outlets will allow you to order over the phone and then ship it to you.

Beyond POW: Fiery Femme Fatale Date Night

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Outfit Mission Statement: For a bold, eye-catching femme Fatale look, combine red and with curve hugging black

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 Fall 2016 Beyond Tee.

Red and black are often the sexist colors. We have the LBD, the Jessica Rabbit red dress, and of course the long history or red or black lingerie. Combining them makes for one smoking hot date look, even when you are not showing a lot of skin.  It’s an easy, eye-catching combination that will make you feel sexy. This combination also works well for holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day! With such high-impact colors, you do not need to wear loud accessories or jewelry.  You are the statement piece!

 

Beyond Tee Styling Technique: Sexy Side Wrap

To rock the “Sexy Side Wrap” technique:

  1. Put it on the normal way, with the tag in back for a lower and more date-ready neckline
  2. Tuck the bottom of the tunic part of the tee shirt (not the panels) into your skirt
  3. Choose the side you want the tie and ends to be, it is best to do it on the side of the panel that overlaps on top of the two panels (left side)
  4. Take the panel on the opposite side (right side) and pull is diagonally across the front of your body to the opposite hip
  5. Take the panel on the knot side (right, and keeping it on top of the other panel), wrap it diagonally across your chest to the left hip
  6. Once it is at your hip, gather it into more of a tie shape than a flat panel.
  7. Continue with the right panel, wrapping it around your hip and continuing to wrap it behind you, from your right hip to left hip.
  8. Gather both panels at the left hip and tie them, letting the ends drape down your side
 

Tips:

  • For a sexy, attention-grabbing look combine a fiery red with black
  • When wearing knockout colors, you can keep the accessories simple in neutrals and a single metal
  • Add a wrap or moto jacket on chiller days to keep the sexy but add the warmth
  • Don’t be afraid of wearing red, even if you have red hair. If you are not sure of the color near your face and hair, wear it as a skirt, pants, or even shoes!
  • Sexy colors and curve hugging pieces, such as the Beyond Tee in this “Sexy Side Wrap” technique, can make you a femme fatale without showing a lot of skin
  • Tie the Beyond Tee at your natural waste to best emphasize your curves
  • When wearing such a bold, sexy outfit, make sure you also wear your confidence—the colors and knowing you look awesome will help

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

Related Posts:

For other sexy date night looks:

  1. Destructed White POW: Bare Shoulders, Strong & Sexy Date Night: For an ageless, sexy date night look, bare your shoulders (but feel free to keep everything else covered).
  2. Run Around POW: 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.
  3. Plaid POW: Date Night Flannel Heat: Don’t rule out a flannel shirt for a sexy date outfit—just add other pieces with plenty of sex appeal.

 

 

 

 

If you would like the Beyond Tee, contact your cabi stylist. If you do not have one, please contact me in the comments or via email, reach out to my stylist Joni Allen (via email or phone: 770 502-5243 [call or text]), Leigh Cheatwood-Harris (a friend’s stylist whom I have worked with also and can recommend: email and her site) or find a cabi stylist near you.

 

Pleated Star POW: Beach Easy Elegant Sunday Best

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Outfit Mission Statement:  Mix up your dress up by pairing a feminine, elegant skirt with a high end tee, easy beach hair, and pearls for the perfect look for a special occasion and a stroll on the beach after

 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 Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End. Since this skirt radiates elegance and femininity, it is easy (and rather predictable) to dress it up, perhaps with a lovely white wrap top, or a soft gray silk draped tank, maybe a light pink chiffon shell, or a navy lace top. With this skirt, dressy is easy. So, I went a more casual route—think beach easy elegance not ballroom polished elegance. In fact, I wore this, on a beach vacation, for my anniversary dinner with my husband. It doesn’t get much more special occasion than that! Instead of a dressy top, think laid back but still nice, such as this hi-low cross design cropped high-end tee. Add pearls, sandals, and a French braid with ponytail for and elegant beach ease.

This look works for summer, fall, and in-between with the mix of dark navy and white georgette. If it cools down, just throw on a wrap, cardigan, or tailored jacket. This is the perfect look for when you want something special, but not stuffy, and when the night might end with a walk on the beach.

 

Tips:

  • Look for unexpected twists on your special occasion outfits, such as a dressy tee with a fancy skirt
  • To maintain a certain level of dressy, keep the tee higher quality with special features (such as this hi-low cross design) in dark or bold colors
  • For easy beach elegance, add casual elements to your dressy pearls and skirt—such as the loose French braid with ponytail
  • Don’t be afraid of a top that is slightly cropped, they may be more flattering than you think. If your tummy is a problem area, look for:
    • A longer crop that covers more and shows little to no skin
    • Special details that will slim and distract, such as the cross design 
    • A looser top that does not cling to the belly
    • Quality fabric that drapes and hides
    • High-wasted bottoms to go underneath that over the problem area
  • Think pearls for ease and a touch of both class and grace (plus they nicely pop on darks or bold shirts)
  • If you might end up walking on the beach, make sure those sandals are easy to remove
  • Keep the look in a limited palette of two to three main colors, such as the white and navy here, if you need to be dressier—broaden the palette is more casual is fine

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

Interested in purchasing? If my post inspired you to buy the lovely Pleated Star Skirt from Canvas by Lands’ End or other items from Lands’ End, please consider using my referral link. I’ll get 25% off my next order and be very grateful! Let me know you used my referral link, and give you a shout out including links to your social media.

Photos for this photo shoot were taken by Bill Ruhsam at the King and Prince Resort.

Related Posts:

  1. Destructed White POW: Pretty in Pink & Pearls Sunday Best posted June 19, 2016: Dress your destructed denim up for a special occasion look with fancy, feminine pieces for a pretty, edgy, feminine, and comfortable outfit!
  2. Bardot POW: Boho Southwestern Sparkly Princess Sunday Best posted May 29, 2016: To dress denim up for a special occasion look, throw on the fancy—think tulle, sparkly gems, embroidered velvet, statement pieces, and amazing shoes

  3. Plaid POW: Sparkling & Flannel Sunday Best: posted February 28, 2016: Turn flannel elegant by adding a dressy skirt and accessories

 

 

 

Or, I cordially invite you to view the rest of the Sunday Best special occasion ensembles.

 

 

Destructed White POW: Bare Shoulders, Strong & Sexy Date Night

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Outfit Mission Statement: For an ageless, sexy date night look, bare your shoulders (but feel free to keep everything else covered)

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 Destructed Slim Boyfriend jeans. If you have been fallowing this blog, you know I like to mix opposites—pretty with tough, fancy with casual. This is a bit of both of those.  We have the casual destructed jean that have the tough edge, with the pretty sleeveless, floaty, and sparkly blouse. This mix is particularly fun for date nights, when you can play with opposites for a sexy, on-trend look.

One nice thing about current trends is the shoulder. The shoulder had been given its time to show off. Halter tops, off-shoulder, cold shoulder, “x-factor,” and more bare the shoulder. Luckily, the shoulder is a body part that tends to look good for a wide range of ages and sizes. We all have sexy shoulders. So, our sexy shoulders are perfect for an on-trend, sexy date night. If you don’t like your upper arms, go with an off-shoulder or cold shoulder top that covers your areas of concern. One nice thing about bare shoulders is you can be otherwise covered up and still be sexy.

Tips:

  • Mix the edgy destructed jeans with a pretty, flowy blouse for a strong & feminine look
  • For a sexy, on-trend date night look bare those shoulders
    • But if you need some arm coverage, go with an off-shoulder cold shoulder tops that have coverage where you want it
  • Add playful touches, like an unexpected higher ponytail
  • Dress up your destructed boyfriend jeans with sparkles, beads, and a shiny clutch
  • For an easy, put together look, limit your pallet to two neutrals, one metal, and bold color (although feel free to add a red lip for sass)
  • Yes, roll those jeans to show off your awesome, sexy, sparkly shoes
  • If your shoulders are bare, go for long, dangly earrings to further emphasize those shoulders

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

If you want the jeans, contact your cabi stylist ASAP! The season has closed, but she may still be able to help you with samples or access to the retired season pieces. 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. Or, consider these alternatives:

 

Related Posts:

  1. Love POW: Spicy Sweet Friday Night Drinks posted February 05, 2016: Outfit Mission Statement: Mix romantic pretty items with ripped denim and black leather for a look that is both sugar and spice and certainly nice.
  2. Run Around POW: Simple Elegance Sunday Best posted April 24, 2016: For an elegant, sophisticated outfit that is easy and comfortable, pair your black skirt with a neutral silk and similar accessories.
  3. Go-To POW: Simple Affairs Date Night posted March 25, 2016: For a simple date night look, take your wardrobe essential black pants, add a romantic & sexy blouse along with a few accessories and you are good to go!

Or, check out my other Date Night Friday posts!

 

Bardot POW: Pretty Pockets and Boho Layers Date Night

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Outfit Mission Statement: For an easy date night outfit for summer theater or other dates where temperature may change, choose a pretty sundress & a denim shirt as a fun, curve-enhancing layer

fullc.jpg

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 Bardot Shirt. My Friday plans are theater in the park, and this is a great outfit for it. A nice pretty dress, with a fun boho denim top for warmth once the sun sets. The denim shirt also give a waist and curves to an otherwise straighter dress, adding sex appeal white covering up more! This is an easy date night outfit—take a sundress, add a denim shirt, and accessorize. Done! Just grab the tickets, the picnic basket (don’t forget that corkscrew), and go!

 

Tips:

  • Thinks easy layers when date night is outside in the evening (or in a cool restaurant)
  • Add curves to a sundress without them by tying a denim or other shirt around the waist—like this (wear the shirt and tie it) or not wearing it (except tied around your waist)
  • Pockets! Find dresses with pockets! They are the best (hint, cabi has this dress and another with pockets this season!)
  • For easy style, choose the “transformer” necklaces that can be multiple pieces of jewelry as you take parts of it off—then you don’t have to find separate pieces to go with your outfit (my bracelet and necklace are the same transformer necklace)
    • Don’t be afraid to find new ways to transform the necklace either—this asymmetrical style is not one of the advertised ways of wearing it, but it is my favorite
  • Got sundress that doesn’t work for you? Try wearing it different ways, such as with a denim shirt tied at the waist—I wasn’t a big fan of this dress on me until I wore it like this

 Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Posts:

  1. Margherita POW: Simple Sundress Date Night posted May 20, 2016. Go simple and easy and knock your date’s socks off!
  2. Run Around POW: Sexy & Comfortable Date Night posted April 29, 2016. 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.
  3. Bardot POW: Ponte and Knotted Manic Monday posted June 06, 201. For a comfortable, professional Monday outfit, dress up your denim shirt with a navy ponte pencil skirt

Plus, check out the other Date Night Friday posts.

Love POW: A Chic & Vintage About Town Thursday

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Outfit Mission Statement: Take romantic, vintage-inspired pieces and mix them with sleek, trendy pieces for a sweet, fresh and modern look

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. This week I went with cute, classy, and trendy. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi fall 2015 Love Blouse. This outfit could easily work for a date night or a night out with the girls. I see a Valentine's day celebration, fancy drinks, gallery openings, dinner with friends, a weeknight celebrations, and theater in this outfit’s future (and it's great for standing in a driveway with the family’s chalk art!). This outfit is a fun mix of pretty and sweet with sleek and stylish. I love it! The trick is to not go too far with either the sleek & stylish or the pretty & sweet. The romantic Love Blouse, the pretty lace top, the vintage bead clutch, and the darling rose quartz earrings all add a pretty and even vintage feel. But add skinnies with rolled hems and sleek sexy shoes and you have a balanced fresh look. The neutral navy in the blouse, lace top, and jeans also pulls the look together with a more modern feel and tones down the sweet pieces so this is not sugary sweet. The mix of gold, a pewter, and silver in the earrings give it a chic touch that is not too matchy-matchy.

 

Tips:

  • Pair romantic, vintage-inspired (or vintage) pieces with sleek modern pieces for a look stands out (and doesn’t go overboard in either direction) 

  • Draw the outfit together with a darker neutral theme—this will tone down any sticky sweetness and provide a modern feel

  • Roll those jean hems to show off sexy shoes

  • Accessorizing with different metals adds a chic touch and compliments (and updates) the vintage pieces

  • Consider a side ponytail when you want both sleek and free (this works especially well with waves and curls)

  • When you have clothing that has its own “built in” accessories—like the ruffles collar on the Love Blouse or the lace of the lace top, you do not need to add a necklace, as it could distract. But have fun with things further away from these built in accessories, like a clutch or purse and shoes.

Outfit Breakdown:

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 will 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!

  • 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
    • Positano Top: This flowy top reminds me of vintage fabric but with very current colors
    • Gemma Top: This bright green beauty has eyelets and lace for a vintage and trendy feel
  • 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. 
  • Lace Top: The London Top is, yup, a cabi Fall 2015 item and no longer for sale. Here are some different directions you can go: 
    • Capri Top: With crochet ivory lace in a flowing oversized design, you get a vintage bohemian feel. Consider wearing a bright cami or tank underneath to pop color and add some pizazz, such as the Tiger Lily Layer Tank or either V-Neck Cami. 
    • Piccolo Shrug: This bright, cropped shrug has a 60s feel
    • Portico Shrug: Another bright shrug, this has more of a modern feel with dolman sleeve and an open design
  • Earrings: These are Rose Quartz Dangle Earrings by Shine Chaser Jewelry
  • 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.
  • Shoes: These lovely gray and pewter pumps are the Audrey Brooke Glenda Pump, which I recently got for a steal (under$20) at DSW, but are showing as $39.94 online
 

For a spring version with currently available pieces, consider: cabi’s2016 Spring Bella Top, Slimmie jeans, and Piccolo Shrug, with the Audrey Brooke Glenda Pump, Rose Quartz Dangle Earrings, and a vintage clutch.

An added bonus. Y'all want to see pictures of my adorable kid, right?

An added bonus. Y'all want to see pictures of my adorable kid, right?



Love POW: Spicy Sweet Friday Night Drinks

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Outfit Mission Statement: Mix romantic pretty items with ripped denim and black leather for a look that is both sugar and spice and certainly nice

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 fall 2015 Love Blouse. In many ways, this blouse is ready for a romantic date without any work at all. But, sometimes we don’t want to look all sweet and romantic. Sometimes we want some spice with our sugar. For the spice I added ripped jeans. These give a real edge to the outfit, creating some flirty fun. The jeans balance the sweet of the Love Blouse and scarf combo. The black shoes also add a bit of spice with the cutout and black leather, even though the style is reminiscent of Victorian style. The amazing faux fur trimmed Twist Scarf adds to the romantic sweetness, and gives a bit of warmth and a bit more filtration. Together we have a spicy sweet Friday night look, perfect for a romantic night out with your sweetie, out partying with friends, or anything in-between.  

Tips:

  • Don’t be afraid of mixing romantic pieces with edgy pieces 
  • Find ways to balance out a romantic blouse to make your outfit multidimensional
  • Consider rolling your jeans to show off your shoes and look a bit more street and trendy (for tips and a tutorial from PopSugar) 
  • Add a scarf for added flirtation potential (and warmth)
  • Think details like ruffles, fur, tassels, and rips to make sure your outfit is not boring (we can’t make promises about that blind date) 
  • When choosing an ombré blouse, go with one that goes from light to dark as you go down. This will lighten your face while making your waist and hips look smaller 
  • When wearing an ombré blouse, choose pants that are similar in color to the colors at the bottom of the blouse to create a longer, leaner look

 

Outfit Breakdown:

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 will 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!

  • 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
  • Jeans: These are the cabi Fall 2015 Dark Destruction Slim Boyfriend, and yup, no longer available. However, there are two great cabi Spring 2016 options:
  • Scarf: The Twist Scarf is cabi Fall 2015 also and it sold out during the regular season. Consider:
    • Flora Scarf: This is a colorful floral scarf from the cabi Spring 2016 collection
    • Dunand Deco Floral Scarf: This stunning black, white, and gray has a leaf design based on a beautiful lacquered wood panel and is from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store
    • Monet Water Lilies Scarf: This striking scarf is mostly blue with pops of a red color and is  also from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store 
  • Shoes: These are an old, beloved pair of A2s from Aerosoles. Here are some in stock options: 
    • Glamorous: Black leather with an open toe and side cutout-sleek and sexy!
    • Mirage: This buckled ankle bootie with an open toe are edgy and fun
  • Earrings: These are Rose Quartz Dangle Earrings by Shine Chaser Jewelry

 

 

 

Looking for a Spring version of this? Here is a version composed of the alternatives listed above and the available earrings: Vita Blouse, Destructed Skinny in Curvy, Dunand Deco Floral Scarf, Mirage bootie, and Rose Quartz Dangle Earrings.


POW week 1: Tonal Friday Night Drinks

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Outfit Mission Statement: Mix casual pants with dressier tops in the same tone for a put-together and fun date night outfit

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 fall 2015 Media Jacket. To make it date night ready, I added a special top, some fun pants, a delicate necklace, and slouch boots. While this outfit is not “sexy,” the lower neckline on the blouse shows a bit more skin, which I accent with a fine necklace, giving sex appeal while still being fairly modest. The celadon cargo pants (which are like jeans) add color and fun, while dressing down the fancier top and jacket. I love taking dressier jackets and blouses and dressing them down with jeans or similar pants. Colored jeans make the casual element pop. The tonal match of the pants and jacket together with the black make for a striking two-color ensemble that looks more polished and put-together.

Tips:

  • Dress down fancier jackets and tops with jeans or casual pants for a date-ready look
  • Play up a bit of skin with a delicate necklace
  • Consider wearing colored jeans or pants to pop color and emphasize the casual
  • Wear tonal colors with a neutral for a more polished and put-together look

Outfit Breakdown:

The clothing items in this outfit are all cabi Fall 2015 (or earlier), and no longer available. Contact me if you must have it and I may be able to direct you to a stylist who has it. I offer ways to substitute from you own closet or alternatives below. I normally will make the POW a currently available item, but my blog launched later than planned.

  • Jacket: Shown is the Fall 2015 cabi media jacket, which is now unavailable. From your own closet, you can substitute a cropped jacket and/or a flashy jacket in a shorter style. Or, if you want to purchase, here are a few other cropped jackets to consider instead: 
 Beaded Amazonite Necklace by Solid Treasures 

 Beaded Amazonite Necklace by Solid Treasures 

  • Pants: These are the Celadon Cargos, also from cabi Fall 2015, and not available (although if you must have them, contact me and I may be able to find a stylist with a sample). Here are some substitutes from cabi Spring 2016:
    •  Ditsy Skinny: Also a green skinny, but with a pattern.
    • Traveler Pant: Love the casual style of these—with the right blouse these would make awesome date pants.
  •   Boots: These are old slouch boots. I bet you can find some you love with a quick search, or have something else that works.
  • Jewelry: The necklace is the Beaded Amazonite Necklace by Solid Treasures and is no longer available. She may be able to make you one by special order, I’m not sure. A shop update is coming soon, so look for something similar on her site.