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!​

POP Goes the Color

Mason Sweater similar for less here, Rag and Bone Jeans, similar here, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Caroline De Marchi Handbag,  Spinelli-Kilcollin Ring, [all three also available at Savannah Santa Monica].  Cartier Watch, Vintage Necklace, NARS Heat Wave Lipstick. 

No matter what the weather is like in your part of the Northern Hemisphere right now, I promise you that Spring 2015 is right around the corner. Even though you are still looking at snow and “not feeling it,” it truly is the right time to think about adding a little color to your wardrobe so that it is ready to pull out when the temperatures rise. Here in Los Angeles, we are spoiled by the warmer temperatures. The disadvantage of that is that we do not have four definitive seasons. Sometimes I feel as if we get summer before we get spring, as the temperatures here are traditionally higher in March and April, than they are in May and June, so that sweaters and even booties do not get put away until the end of June.

The colors for spring this year, run the gamut from pale pastels to pops of color. Since I tend to look washed out in pastels, I always feel better in a little color. If you are not the type of person to wear bright colors, adding them as accessories is a great option. I like the look of a muted outfit with a pop of color, such as this one.

Don’t be afraid to wear a black dress with a colorful shoe, or to add a colorful handbag to a  white pantsuit. Traditionally, spring is associated with a time of rebirth, and what better time to give your wardrobe a new life than right now.

Another way of adding color is with a bright lipstick. If you are not bold enough to wear full on color on your lips, there are many new sheer options that look great, as I have featured in the article HERE.

No matter how you choose to use it, a pop of color goes a long way!  

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!