Sugar Coated

Cabi Coat, True Royal Pants, Worth New York Tank and Belt, Jimmy Choo Pumps, Chanel Clutch, Christian Dior Shades, Cox and Power Ring, Robin Terman Choker and Earrings. 

  This coat by Cabi is a sweet deal. At $169.00, it is worth every penny. First off, is it easy to wear either dressed up with a pair of tailored pants, or casually with a pair of jeans. A dressy coat over a pair of pants does double duty as a pantsuit, but with even more versatility. In my opinion, it is a far better investment than a blazer.

In addition, you can wear it over a skirt or dress for a more polished look. Either way, you cannot lose. These days, when the temperatures have been mild on both coasts, it is a balmy 64 degrees in NYC today, you can wear this coat now and then again in the spring. Here in southern California, you can layer a sweater underneath for added warmth.

  I want to reiterate that navy and black pair beautifully. I have many friends who ask me what they can wear with navy, and when I tell them, “black,” they look at me quizzically. Black and navy go together like salt and pepper. They don’t appear to be likely partners, but they compliment each other in just the right way. This coat would look great over a pair of black pants, skirt or dress.

  A dressy coat over a pair of pants does double duty as a pantsuit, but with even more versatility. In my opinion, it is a far better investment than a blazer.

Hooray For The Red White and Blue!

CAbi Twirl Dress, Worth New York Belt, Myriam Schafer Handbag, Rupert Sanderson Sandals, on sale here, John Hardy Earrings and Bracelets, Cartier Watch, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Mac Ruby Woo Lip Color, Essie Really Red Nail Polish. 

Next week is Fourth of July weekend, and this Canadian/American girl LOVES this holiday! Whether I am attending or hosting a pool party, BBQ, or picnic, I always dress for the occasion.  Thematic dressing always narrows down the choices; and red, white and blue, allows for some creativity. This year, the winner is this navy and white “Twirl Dress” by CAbi. It is both lightweight and easy to wear. I added this amazing cotton and metal rope belt by Worth New York--a match made in heaven.

Adding red as an accessory is a good way to go so that you don’t overdo it. In the case of this outfit, I used my red handbag, bracelet, nail polish and lip color.

As with black and white, navy and white always lend themselves to a pop of red.

I think Uncle Sam just gave me the thumbs up!

Going Places

CAbi Dress, Barbara Bui Belt, also seen here, Bottega Veneta Shoes, Caroline De Marchi Handbag, also seen here, Chanel Shades, Sarah Pacini Necklace, John Hardy Bracelet, Spinellikilcollin Ring, available at Savannah Santa Monica, NARS Heat Wave Lipstick.

I have been looking for an all purpose dress that could take me from a school meeting to a board meeting and then to an evening event without having to change in the middle of the day. What I didn’t expect, is that it would cost $118.00!

This “Brushstroke Dress,” by CAbi achieves all of the above, and does so beautifully. It also got the thumbs up from my husband, Jeff….a huge plus!

I ditched the thin fabric belt that came with the dress and added this wide black Barbara Bui belt for a little drama. Not one to ever shy away from color, or anything else for that matter, I have been wearing these coral red Bottega Veneta shoes for over 5 years, and never grow tired of them. I was thrilled to see how perfectly they went with the dress. My new favorite bag from Caroline De Marchi, completes the outfit perfectly. One should always consider lip color as accessory, as I did here, with NARS, Heatwave.

Thank you CAbi, this dress is definitely going places, and I am coming along for the ride!​

Leafing Through CAbi

CAbi Leaf Print Dress, J Crew Belt, similar here, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Calypso Bracelets, Mulberry Clutch. 

A fan of CAbi for 7 years, I have never been as enthusiastic about a season’s collection as I am about Spring 2015. The CAbi design team has hit this one out of the park. Each season, friends new and old, gather in my home to see and shop the collection. It never ceases to amaze me how the clothes appeal to everyone; the low price point is an added appeal.

Case in point, is this “Leaf Print”dress for only $118.00

I chose to wear it short and sweet, adding this platinum belt by J Crew and these oldie but goodie sandals by Gianvito Rossi.

Several of my friends loved the leaf print but were skeptical about the short length. If you find the dress too short for you, just add skinny white jeans as I did, and it becomes an adorable tunic.

CAbi Leaf Print Dress, Worth New York Belt, J Brand Jeans, Robert Clergerie Sandals, similar here, Fendi Bag, similar for less here.

Julie Starr Dresner Ear Jacket,  Robin Terman Necklace, all available at BOCA. Zina Ring, Cartier Watch.

No matter how you choose to wear it, this dress is a winner.

CAbi…A Girl’s Best Friend

Zip Line Blazer, Tiffany Pant, Sleeveless Double Drape Tee, (all by CAbi). Caroline De Marchi Handbag, available at Savannah Santa Monica. Aquazzura Heels, similar for less here. Barry Brinker Bracelet, available at Saks Fifth Avenue. 

Back in the Spring of 2009, my friend, Sandi announced that she would be selling a line of clothing called CAbi, which stands for “Carol Anderson by invitation.” The concept behind this unique line is the way in which it is sold; friends, old and new, gather at someone’s home, view a presentation of the collection, and then proceed to try on the items. To me, it sounded like a Tupperware party, but when clothes are involved, count this girl in! I remember sitting with 10 of my closest friends along with 2 full racks of clothing, crammed into Sandi’s living room while Sandi proceeded to show us the line. The next thing I recall was clothes flying in and out of rooms as we tried on item after item. There was a lot of laughter, kinship and just plain fun.

I was instantly smitten with the entire idea and volunteered to host a party.

Fast forward 6 years and 12 seasons later, I am still hosting CAbi parties and we are still shopping, laughing, and styling each other. My friend, Sandi, switched careers, and I began hosting parties for my new friend, Lois Kolker. Lois is very adept at fashion, styling and selling and she creates a relaxed atmosphere in which the women feel comfortable and motivated to shop.

I must admit that I have been fascinated with Carol Anderson’s story ever since I googled her 6 years ago. She was a fashion designer whose label was being featured and sold in department stores. It was her business partner and husband, (yes, a man), who gave birth to the idea of women shopping together at someone’s home. And what an idea he had. The company is incredibly successful with hundreds of “consultants” across the nation; it has mushroomed into a competitive clothing line that is both reasonably priced and on trend.

Three years ago I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Carol’s niece and CAbi’s  style director, Becky Jantzen. She and I hit it off immediately, as we are both fluent in the language of fashion. Becky tells me that CAbi’s target audience is women 40-45, yet it appeals to my 18 year old daughter as well as my 75 year old mother. Their ability to keep the price point extremely low is difficult, but they manage to do so successfully, season after season. Becky brings her unique sense of style and design to the clothes as she has taken the look books and turned them into virtual magazines, always presenting the trends of the season and remaining au courant. The CAbi website contains so much content, that one could spend hours browsing and watching videos about how to create different looks from 3 items in the collection.

What I find remarkable is that season after season, my friends and I return for more of CAbi. We just can’t seem to get enough of it and with the price being right, it is easier on the bank account than some of its competitors.

In this photo I am wearing the extremely comfortable Tiffany Pant, in which I plan to travel,  since it is not binding and looks chic. The Sleeveless Double Drape black top will hug every body in all the right places. The criss cross fabric gives this basic black tee a twist and an edge. The Zip Line Blazer, which was designed by Carol, is a true gem, since the peplum is removable and the jacket converts to a fabulous bolero, a length that I am always in search of.

CAbi mixes beautifully with high end pieces such as this Caroline De Marchi bag, Aquazzura Heels and this Barry Brinker Bracelet. 

The company’s tag line says it all;  “CAbi…fashion, friends and fun.” I couldn’t agree more!