CAbi has created one of their best spring collections this year!

CAbi, Carol Anderson by Invitation, is a clothing line sold via consultants and in-home fashion shows in a similarly to Stella & Dot and Noonday Collection.  A friend of mine, Veronica Peckham, is a CAbi consultant and I have purchased many pieces throughout the years.  I continually receive compliments and love the trend right, yet classic quality pieces.

cabi 2013 spring collection

If you have tried to scope out pieces online before a home show or read the CAbi Canary, CAbi’s style blog, in previous years, take a second look.  Recent investments in the company are showing up in their online toolkits, marketing materials, and design collections.  Which brings me back to Spring 2013!

Looking back over the collection to grab these pictures, I was reminded of how many pieces I want for myself and for my clients!  However, for the sake of word count, I will just pick my top three favorite pieces from the new collection:

THIN MINT JEGGINGS

You’ve seen colored jeans, specifically skinnies, everywhere the last year and mint is taking retail by storm this spring.  What I especially love about these jeggings is the stretchy thickness.  If you have tried on a pair of light colored or white skinnies before you know what I’m talking about here.  No one needs to know the various lines in your knees or where your less-than-smooth bits show up.  These jeggings are not see-through and are quite flattering with the ankle cut.  

CAbi-Thin-Mint-Jeggings-2

*photos from CAbi online catalog

Style Tip: Though they can be cute and summery with wedges, skinnies may need some extra attention depending on your body style to keep you looking svelte.  Consider a nude point-toe pump, or thinner heel for an elongating, slimming line as shown here.

BOSSY BLAZER

This blazer fits beautifully and should be every Southern working girl’s staple. Though it’s lined for a polished fit, the three-quarter sleeves and fabric weight are perfect for sweltering temperatures that I fear are coming soon. The layered back is current with the peplum trend and yet not so exaggerated that you’ll have to toss this blazer when the trend ends. Bonus: The collection has matching pants and skirt for infinite mixing combinations.

CAbi-Bossy-Blazer-Set

*photos from CAbi online catalog

Style Tip: When buying jackets, focus on the fit through the shoulders.  The seam should fall right at or a breath past your shoulder line.  If this makes the waist too baggy, consider tailoring.  A waist fitting runs ~$30 and is worth the custom fit.

PRINTED SHIRT DRESS

Dresses are a closet must.  Everyone needs the one-and-done benefit of throwing on one item of clothing (that feels like pajamas!) and looking put together as you rush out the door.  This dress is a blend of so many current trends (prints, shirt dresses, royal blues, pinks) and yet is a classic addition to your wardrobe.  The belt is floating so you can move it based on your natural waist as well as remove and replace it with another belt for added contrast.

*photo from CAbi online catalog

Style Tip: Dresses are much more versatile than we sometimes give them credit.  Paired over tights, with a long cardigan, as a long cardigan, with a blazer, with a woven belt, with a patent belt, etc. Dresses can fit into a myriad of styles and mixing combinations in your closet!

I need to walk away from the computer now or I’m going to start buying en masse.  Which pieces in the Spring Collection catch your eye?

UPDATE: Pleased to announce this article has also been published on Woman’s Insite! For more on trends, inspirational content, and a reason to laugh, check out the website creation of Kathryn Wheat and Cindy Dennen: http://www.womansinsite.com.  Click around, stay awhile!