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

/

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.

 

Run Around POW: Elegant Layers and Brights Manic Monday

/

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

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

Tips:

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

 

Outfit Breakdown:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Plaid POW: Manic Flannel Monday

/

Outfit Mission Statement: For a cozy yet professional look, take one casual flannel and add lots of professional pieces

Manic Monday outfits are easy career clothes to throw on for manic Mondays. This Monday we focus on mixing casual flannel into a work appropriate outfit. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan. The secret to wearing plaid flannel to work is to treat it like a normal cotton button-down shirt. Depending on where you work, you may be able to just wear the flannel shirt. However, if your workplace is more formal than that, consider layering. Put a cardigan or V-neck sweater over the flannel for a cozy take on a classic business look. This will tone down a bright flannel, like I am wearing, and also add a layer (literally) of professionalism—the casual flannel becomes office ready! After that, keep the rest of your outfit professional to further balance the casualness of the flannel. You don’t have to go overboard with the professionalism of the other pieces—we’re not talking a black suit, bun, and pearls (save that for Working It Wednesday). But do make sure they are all work appropriate and not borderline professional. Here I selected a navy skirt, which added a neutral while tying in with the shirt, and a cardigan. My jewelry is on the simpler side but still has a bit of sparkle. I did go with a bun for that added touch of professionalism. Overall, this is a cozy, cute, and professional outfit, perfect for Manic Mondays! I love this look. It does have a feel of a Maine librarian or Kindergarten teacher to me; both cozy & practical.

 

Tips:

  • Wear the flannel shirt like a normal cotton-button down 
  • Add a layer of professionalism (and possibly tone done the flannel) over the flannel via a cardigan or V-neck sweater 
  • When incorporating a casual piece, always make sure the other pieces are professional to balance
  • Consider adding a belt if the cardigan or sweater gives you a boxier shape to turn it into something more hourglass (this may be more necessary with that thicker flannel shirt under the sweater/cardigan)
  • Keep accessories on the neutral and simpler side, but you don’t need to go completely professional or safe
  • Top the look off with a bun or other more formal hairstyle to ensure you project professionalism
  • Show off peeks of the bright flannel by having the hem show beneath the cardigan and rolling the sleeves over the cardigan sleeves for a more modern take

 

Outfit Breakdown:

  • Flannel Shirt: L.L. Bean Slightly Fitted Scotch Plaid Shirt in Deep Evergreen Tartan          
  • Cardigan: This is the cabi Fall 2104 Billi cardigan and no longer available. However, cabi Spring 2016 has several great cardigans:
  • Skirt: This is the cabi Spring 2013 Bon Voyage skirt and only available via used or sample sales (like on ebay). For a brand available option, consider the Lido Skirt from cabi Spring 2016 collection—it’s navy also but a pencil skirt style. 
  • Belt: I think I got this from Target a year or so ago. Al you need is a simple thin belt like these, these, or this.
  • Shoes: I bought these several years ago from Mod Cloth. Here are some similar they have available now: 
    • Jaunts and Needs: With front laces, cutout, and hidden platforms, you can bee professional and cute 
    • Live in the Presents: A Navy heel with a strap and bow detail that is both sweet and professional (also in beige)
    • Take your Dances: A powder blue with a t-strap, peep toe, and cutout, this heel will give anything a vintage feel. 
  • Earrings: These are cabi Fall 2014 Vintage Stud earrings in silver and black and not available. But, consider these Stella & Dot options:
    • Vintage Crystal Studs: These are about the same size and I tend to wear these interchangeably  
    • Déjà vu Studs: With a pearl on one side and s spike on the other, you can go classy or edgy
  • Necklace: This gunmetal and silver bar necklaces is by Shine Chaser Jewelry. While she does not currently have a bar necklace available, you can probably custom order one or choose one of her many other lovely pieces, such as the Green & Black Paper Bead Pendant with Hematite Bead Accents  

 

 

If you love the idea, but want something more apropos of the warming temperatures, consider the embroidered denim Bardot Shirt, Michelle Cardigan, and the Lido Skirt from cabi Spring 2016 collection. Add the Green & Black Paper Bead Pendant with Hematite Bead Accents necklace, Vintage Crystal Studs, and Head Role heels.




Love POW: Lovely Manic Monday

/

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.