Fall into Spring (or Summer) 5 & 6: Bring Your Fall Blouses Forward into Spring and Summer!

This is part five and six of my Fall into Spring adventure (see below for a list of the previous four). I’m highlighting six great pieces from the cabi Fall collection that you may have in your wardrobe and showing how you can wear them with the spring cabi collection or your own spring pieces. If you don’t have these pieces or if you are not a cabi fan, I’ll discuss how you can take similar pieces and rock the more traditional fall pieces this spring and summer!

Outfit: Love Blouse from cabi Fall 2015. Capote Trouser, Portico Shrug, Dolce Charm Earrings, Locket Necklace (part of it as a bracelet),  and Dolce Charm Necklace
 from cabi Spring 2016. With the Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW.

Outfit: Stained Glass Blouse from cabi Fall 2015.
Citron Curvy Skinny jean (also available in regular), Michelle Cardigan, Dolce Charm Earrings, and Dolce Charm Necklace
 from cabi Spring 2016. With the Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW.

Since the fifth and sixth pieces have much and common, and because it is now summer, I am combining them into a single post. Most of the tips can be applied to either. The fifth piece may look familiar, as this lovely pieces was our second POW, the Love Blouse! This is a pretty, longer-length sleeveless blouse with a gathered collar. It’s a great year-round piece, as I will show. Another great year-round piece, is another sleeveless fall blouse—the Stained Glass Blouse. This blouse has over twenty different colors in it, and is a striking, artistic blouse that goes with anything. The bolder, darker colors may see more fall-like, but they can work perfectly for the spring and summer. If you do not own either of these cabi blouses from Fall 2015, look in your closet for other colorful, sleeveless fall blouses (or really any colorful sleeveless blouses). Or, you can consider spring blouses instead, such as the Bella Top, the Blossom Top (which will work well in the fall too—another year-round option!), the Gelato Top, or the Vita Blouse.

Tips:

• Make your fall blouses more spring or summery by mixing them with bright warm weather colors like citron and bougainvillea
• Add spring layers, such as shrugs and cardigans, over the fall blouse to help bring them forward
• Since they are sleeveless, consider wearing the blouses without layers and with shorts or skirts for a quick warm-weather look
• Wear the blouses with the classic summer neutral, navy, for instance summer appeal (consider the Mariner Trouser, Capote Trouser, Michelle Cardigan, Lido Jacket, and Lido Skirt)
• Add summer accessories and shoes, like off-white sandals, for a summer feel
• Combine the fall blouses with spring fabrics, like chiffon and linen, to aid a spring air
• Wear the blouses more casually, as summer and spring have a more casual feel
• Consider lighter layers, such as ones with three-quarter sleeves (or rolled up) or thinner fabrics to enhance the summer vibe
• Wear button-up fall blouses, such as the Love Blouse, unbuttoned over tanks, camis, sundresses, and even swimsuits for a fall twist on a summer layer
• Rock the blouses with some of the spring trends to give it a fresh feel—such as the Traveler Pant

There are many other ways to spring that fall blouse forward—mix with summer colors, styles, and weights and wear it in ways you wear your normal spring and summer sleeveless blouses. Let me know how you are rocking them!

Check out the other Fall into Spring Posts:

1.       Fall into Spring: Rocking Your Fall Moto in the Spring

2.       Fall into Spring 2: Mediating Your Fall Media Jacket in the Spring

3.       Fall into Spring 3: Back in Your Black Fall Jacket for Spring

4.       Fall into Spring 4: Bring Your Navy Lace Forward into Spring and Summertime!

POW 10: The White Destructed Slim Boyfriend Jean

Do you have white jeans? Do you have multiple pairs of white jeans? I must admit I was first very leery of white jeans. I am a bit of a klutz and am always getting things on me. So white jeans did not seem like a wise option. But I tried my first pair (will it shock you to learn they were cabi?) and loved them. I also didn’t spill anything on them! Now, I am a big fan. They add a fresh, summer look and work well with so many different styles of clothes. They have become a wardrobe staple for me. I’d not say they are a wardrobe essential, but certainly a staple. You don’t need them, but they will become a go-to piece perfect especially for spring and summer.

Outfit: Destructed Slim Boyfriend jeans from cabi Spring 2016. Lemon Zest Blazer from babi Spring 2015. Button Back Tank from cabi Spring 2012. Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW. Grey Shell Statement Necklace by Solid Treasures. Shimmer Hoop Earrngs by Vera Bradley. INC International Concepts Gold-Tone Beaded Faux-Leather Bracelet at Macy’s.

Outfit: Destructed Slim Boyfriend jeans, Capri Top, and Simple Cami from cabi Spring 2016. Shady Hat from cabi Spring 2014. Coin Necklace from cabi Fall 2014. Giani Bernini Diamond Woven Crossbody handbag from Macy's. Bird Cage shooties by Aerosoles.

I have three pairs of white jeans now: boot cut, skinnies, and these fabulous Destructed Slim Boyfriend jeans from cabi Spring 2016. I love the laid back ease with a bit of edge these have. They are slouchy loose without being baggy and are made of a very soft denim that is a pleasure to wear. The contrast stitching is a nice touch and adds to the style of the jeans. They are also an on-trend “vintage white,” which will mix beautifully with other whites. I didn’t plan to make them a POW (Piece of the Week), but Kendria Thompson of Solid Treasures Jewelry suggested them. I wasn’t sure about styling them a more formal office or special occasion. But I decided to take on the challenge. While I found ways to style them for formal offices and special occasions, they still make not be dressy enough (with the rips) to work for these two environments. However, you can easy substitute other white jeans or pants for a similar look without the destruction.

If you would like the Destructed Slim Boyfriend, contact your cabi stylist. If you do not have one, 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 want some white jeans, but do not like the style of these (perhaps you are not a fan of destruction in our jeans), you can find white jeans almost anywhere right now. Cabi has another pair these season, the Slimmie, which is a new silhouette that is looser than a skinny, but not a boyfriend. It’s great for those who want a slim leg but don’t like the skinny look or feel. Old Navy has many different styles of white jeans—such as the similar Boyfriend Straight Jeans, Mid-Rise Stay White Rockstar Skinny Jeans, and the Mid-Rise Curvy Straight White Jeans (plus they are having a great sale right now and an additional 30% off order over $75 online today only! Banana Republic also has some choices, including the Destructed White Boyfriend Jean and the White Flare Jean.

Do join us for the tenth POW and discover seven ways, from a night on the town, to the playground, office, home, and more to style this laid back, soft, and edgy wardrobe staple, the Destructed Slim Boyfriend, or any white jean!

Fall into Spring 4: Bring Your Navy Lace Forward into Spring and Summertime!

This is part three of my Fall into Spring adventure (see below for a list of the previous three) I’m highlighting six great pieces from the cabi Fall collection that you may have in your wardrobe and showing how you can wear them with the spring cabi collection or your own spring pieces. If you don’t have these pieces or if you are not a cabi fan, I’ll discuss how you can take similar pieces and rock the more traditional fall pieces this spring and summer!

Our fourth fall piece is the London Top in a lovely navy lace. One great thing about navy is that it is a year round piece—great for fall, spring, winter, and summer! You can check out another styling of this pieces that will also rock for spring in A Chic & Vintage About Town Thursday. This top is a fairly seasonless top, as it is a dark year-round color, lace, and short sleeved. In fact, it may seem more like a spring piece given the sleeves. As it happens, this is a very on-trend style for this spring too! The button-down style makes it versatile too—wear it as a shirt (buttoned) or a light jacket (unbuttoned). The color fits perfectly in to the cabi spring 2016 collection and the spring navy trend in general.

If you do not have this top, there are some other options available, including

• Cap Sleeve Lace Top by Eliza J on Gilt (not a button-down)
• Elvia Back Button Lace Top with buttons down the back on ekstock
• Lace Button-Front Blouse from Banana Republic (long-sleeved)

Tips:

• Layer over a pretty spring blouse, such as the Bella Top, Positano Top, or the Fall Love blouse (as shown in A Chic & Vintage About Town Thursday, which can work for spring too
• Mix it with the spring navys for a single color look, such as the Lido Skirt, Lido Jacket, and the Drape Double Drape Tee
• Wear it under the denim Bardot Shirt (or other denim shirts) for a fun peek of fancy under the boho casual shirt
• Make it part of a power suiting outfit, as shown here, by mixing it with a single bold color, such as this amazing jelly bean green you see in the Verde Jacket and V-Neck cami
• Or turn it into a sexy date look with a pop of color by taking off the Verde Jacket, and wearing the London Top with navy  Lido Skirt and the jelly bean green V-Neck cami
• Pop any bright cami under it for some fun (either V-Neck cami for example)
• For a cute date night look, wear it as a light jacket over your favorite sundress, such as the Fresco Dress
• Create a lacey nautical look by wearing it with navy stripes, such as over the Boat Stripe Dress or under the Cruise Jacket
• For a pretty safari look, were it under the Explorer Vest or some other olive military or safari style vest
• For a pretty date night look, find a fun flirty summer skirt, such as the Isabel Skirt, and wear it with a cami as a top

It goes well with a number of spring styles for pants and jeans:

• Wear it with a nautical style navy pants, such as the Marine Trouser, for a lean long lacy nautical look
• Go for a light hearted casual look by pairing it with the Strand Pant
• Combine new neutrals, while mixing opposites by pairing ti with the olive utility style pants that are all the rage, such as the amazing Traveler Pant
• Go for an easy, breezy look by pairing it with a casual white linen pant, such as the Piazza Pant
• Create fun contrasts in style by pairing the pretty lace with the destructed skinny jean (in curvy or regular)
• Create fun contrasts in color by pairing the navy with the bright citron (in curvy or regular)
• Go edgy, casual, and feminine by combining the London Top with the white Destructed Slim Boyfriend jeans

I could keep going because there are so many ways you can rock your all navy lace with your spring navy, nautical, destructed, feminine, and other pieces and fall into your spring and summer wardrobe!

Outfit Breakdown:

• Lace Top: The London Top from cabi Fall 2015. See above for available alternatives
• Skirt: Lido Skirt from cabi Spring 2016
• Jacket: Verde Jacket from cabi Spring 2016
• Cami: V-Neck cami from cabi Spring 2016
• Necklace: Lagoon Necklace from cabi Spring 2016
• Earrings: Lagoon Earrings from cabi Spring 2016
• Shoes: These are beige suede pumps from Target last year. Here are some available options:
  • Lainee Pumps at Target
  • Glamorous by Aerosoles
  • Doppler Radar by Aerosoles

The Fall into Spring Posts:

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

Fall into Spring 2: Mediating Your Fall Media Jacket in the Spring

This is part two of my Fall into Spring adventure (check out Rocking Your Fall Moto in the Spring, if you missed part one). I’m highlighting six great pieces from the fall collection that you may have in your wardrobe and showing how you can wear them with the spring cabi collection or your own spring pieces. If you don’t have these pieces or if you are not a cabi fan, I’ll discuss how you can take similar pieces and rock the more traditional fall pieces this spring and summer!

Our second fall piece is the Media Jacket! Mixed media was a popular fall & winter trend. In fact, I featured this very same Media Jacket as my first POW! But the media trend is not one you need to throw away come spring. Pull out that jacket of different mediums and rock it with a flowing spring blouse and white jeans! If you did not purchase the, no longer available, Media Jacket from cabi Fall 2105, look in your own closet for a cropped jacket with mixed materials. If you don’t have anything that works, consider:

• STATE Black Blocked Mixed Media Blazer from Saks Off Fifth on lyst (black)
• Tahari ASL Zipper-Pocket Jacket at Macy’s (black)
• Cropped Mix Media Jacket from Michael Kors (black)
• Cropped Jacket from White House Black Market (beige)
• Piazza Jacket from cabi Spring 2016 (white) 

This cropped Media Jacket has a few cool features that let it slide right into your frequently worn spring list! The cropped style allows those print spring blouses to flow right down under it, creating a pretty layered look. The cropped length also cuts at a problem spot for many, masking any issues. Plus the metallic green plays nicely with popular spring colors. I love it as shown here with the Gelato Top—the greens are perfect together!  This Media Jacket could work with several other cabi spring collection blouses such as the Bella Top,  Linea Cami, Luisa Tank, Plume Top, Positano Top, and the Tivoli Top. Or, those pretty blouses in your spring wardrobe!

Style Tips:

• Pair your media jacket with flowing longer blouses for a pretty, fluttery outfit
• Mix your media jacket with white jeans for a trendy jolt of spring
• Pull out soft colors in the jacket by matching them to colors in the rest of your outfit
• Lighten your dark fall media jacket with a light blouse and white or light jeans
• Create a long lean line by choosing one light color as the main color in your blouse, pants, and shoes
• Brighten the fall jacket further by adding light flowy jewelry
• Dress the jacket down with some destructed jeans

Outfit Breakdown:

• Media Jacket: Media Jacket from cabi Fall 2015. See above for alternatives that are available.
• Blouse: Gelato Top from cabi Spring 2016
• Jeans: Destructed Slim Boyfriend from cabi Spring 2016
• Necklace: Villa Necklace from cabi Spring 2016
• Earrings: Dolce Charm Earrings from cabi Spring 2016
• Shoes: Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW

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

Fall into Spring: Rocking Your Fall Moto in the Spring

In any good wardrobe you can mix fall pieces into your spring looks. One of the many great things about the cabi collections is the pieces work across seasons. I’m going to highlight six great pieces from the fall collection that you may have in your wardrobe and show how you can wear them with the spring cabi collection. But if you don’t have these pieces or if you are not a cabi fan, I’ll discuss how you can take similar pieces and rock the more traditional fall pieces this spring and summer!

First off—the Twilight Jacket! This is a motorcycle-inspired jacket in a dark steel color. If you don’t have this piece, any dark neutral moto jacket can be styled similarly. I bought this jacket in the fall, but am finding that I am wearing it a lot more this spring. I tend to wear it in two ways—one as an inside layer jacket (think blazer) and the other is as an outside jacket/layer (think motorcycle jacket). In either case it provides a nice edge with the moto styling. I find the dark grey softens the edge somewhat, making it work even better for office wear. The asymmetrical zip and cropped style are slimming, creating a lovely waist right at where we may have a problem area (masking it wonderfully.

If you are looking for a moto jacket in dark colors, checkout:

• Biker Jacket from H&M
• Cotton Moto Jacket from Levi's
• Bar III Quilted Moto Jacket at Macy's
• Calvin Klein Tweed Faux-Leather Moto Jacket at Macy’s
• Marled French Terry Moto Jacket at Express

For moto jackets in spring colors, try:

• NIC+ZOE Stretch-Linen Moto Jacket at Lord + Taylor, which is is a cream colored lined (called brown for some reason)
• Members Only High/Low Moto Jacket at Urban Outfittters in a lovely pink or grey

The moto styling is a fabulous contrast to the bright, feminine colors and lace of the spring, adding an edge to the sweet. You may find this is a nice balance for you if the more feminine styles this spring are not your cup of tea (or snifter of whiskey). I especially love how the grey of the moto goes with the bright colors of the Plume Top (styled in seven other ways here). Other cabi spring 2016 tops that work wonderfully with the Twilight jacket or other motos include the Bella Top (a lovely combo), Gelato Top,  Linea Cami, Luisa Tank, Positano Top, and the Vita Blouse. From your own spring wardrobe, look for pretty and ideally colorful short or sleeveless blouses.

Style Tips:

• Use your fall moto jacket to add some edge to your spring florals and laces
• For a comfortable yet edgy business casual outfit for work, wear the moto as a jacket with your bring blouse and some comfortable ponte pants, such as the Capote Trouser (as shown)
• For a fun date outfit, consider the same type of outfit, just replace the pants with skinny jeans, perhaps the Destructed Skinny (regular or curvy)
• Roll the sleeves of the moto up for a fresh, on-trend look that may make you more comfortable on these warming days

Outfit Breakdown:

• Moto Jacket: Twilight Jacket from cabi Fall 2015. See above for alternatives that are available.
• Blouse: Plume Top from cabi Spring 2016
• Pants: Capote Trouser from cabi Spring 2016
• Necklace: Villa Necklace from cabi Spring 2016
• Earrings: Dolce Charm Earrings from cabi Spring 2016
• Shoes: Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW

The Transitional cabi Jacket and Pants Pieces You Need Now: The Adventure Anorak and the Traveler Pant

These are the last two pieces of the Seven Transitional cabi Spring 2016 Pieces That You Need Now—the Adventure Anorak and the Traveler Pant. These are both great pieces that can clearly work together or separately! These are both pieces I own and adore.

Note: I am modeling sample Traveler pants,  and they are a size bigger than I would purchase. So, know a proper fit would be tighter.

Outfit: Adventure Anorak, Traveler Pant, Plume Top, Locket Necklace, and Dolce Charm Earrings from cabi Spring 2016, along with the Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW. 

Outfit: Adventure Anorak, Traveler Pant, Plume Top, Locket Necklace, and Dolce Charm Earrings from cabi Spring 2016, along with the Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW. 

The Adventure Anorak

This is a casual coat in a great blue. It has an internal adjustable draw-string, which allows you to make it as loose or nipped in as you want! The pockets are huge and great for any lifestyle where you are juggling a lot—such as parenting, traveling, photography, and more. The style is casual, with a touch of funky with the asymmetrical hem. It’s lighter weight jacket—perfect for spring days and cooler summer nights.

Styling Tips:

Outfit: Adventure Anorak, Traveler Pant, Plume Top, Locket Necklace, and Dolce Charm Earrings from cabi Spring 2016, along with the Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW. 

• It’s in the denim neutral color of indigo blue; so you can wear it with whatever you wear jeans with!
• Belt it for a more hourglass and put together look—consider the La Belt for a casual look
• Wear with the denim for a take on the denim-on-denim trend
• Or wear with brightly colored or white pants for a fun pop of color (the Traveler Pant, Citron jeans in Curvy or Regular, or the Destructed Slim Boyfriend all look great with it)
• With the asymmetrical zip you can zip it all the way up for warmth, or create a collar look by zipping it partially
• Play with contrasts—consider wearing it with very feminine pieces to counter the casual, comfortable, and rugged look of the jacket

Traveler Pants

As soon as I saw these pants, they were put at the top of my “must have” cabi list. These pants have so much going for them! They are incredibly soft and comfortable. They are slightly cropped and have an elastic hem with and zipper. This is very on-trend and always for easy rolling and style adjustments. The olive green is a fabulous “new neutral” and goes with everything.  If you buy one cabi item this spring, let me suggest these. I’d live in them if I could (and may have worn them three days in a row... maybe...)!

Styling Tips:

Outfit: Adventure Anorak, Traveler Pant, Plume Top, Locket Necklace, and Dolce Charm Earrings from cabi Spring 2016, along with the Unisa Eavvi Sandal sold at DSW. 

• Roll the cuffs up for a trendy & fresh look (and to show off rocking shoes)
• Treat this olive green as a neutral, just like your jeans, and don’t be afraid to style the pants with bright colors
• Balance the strong almost military look of the pants with softer, feminine pieces, such as the Plume Top (shown), the Siena Blouse, and the Vita Blouse
• Wear with bright colors for a fun pop, such as the Campo Top, U-Neck Tee, and the Lounge Sweater
• These pants can work well for casual, date, or even work (more casual workplaces), just be open to different ways of styling it—tee shirt, sexy blouse, or jacket!

Inspired Outfits

Outfit: Adventure Anorak anD The Sleeveless Double Drape tee from cabi 2016. Tulle Skirt from Amazon. Jennifer Lopez’s Women's Metallic High Heels with Vintage Crystal Studs and the  Twilight Fringe Necklace by Stella & Dot. 

Outfit: Traveler Pant and Vita Blouse from cabi Spring 2016. Eva Ear Jacket earrings, “Always” Inspiration Bangle, and Tiered Lariat Necklace by Stella & Dot. Wingback heels by Aerosoles.

Outfit: Adventure Anorak,  Flora Scarf,  Luisa Tank, Destructed Skinny in regular or Curvy, and Dolce Charm Earrings,  all from cabi Spring 2016, with Layette Sandals by AeroSoles.

Seven Transitional cabi Spring 2016 Pieces That You Need Now

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

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

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

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

Want to buy? My first cabi show is still open, and I’d welcome your order. Please contact me in the comments or via email or my stylist (Joni Allen via email or phone: 770 502-5243 [call or text]) and we can get you set up. Any order you make will count toward my show total. For each $250 spent in my show, I get one half priced item. So, I’m be quite grateful of any orders!