Attending a Cabi Fashion Experience

I learned about cabi in 2011 when my friend became a stylist. This year, I really got to know cabi and the people behind the brand. I was invited to attend cabi Conversations where I chatted all night with founders and staff of cabi. I was also invited to attend Scoop, cabi's twice-yearly conference that includes Stylist training and a fashion show of the upcoming clothing collection. However, I hadn't attended a cabi fashion experience since 2011... until this past weekend.

Sure, cabi makes high quality flattering clothing that somehow is timeless and completely on trend at the same time. But what sets cabi apart is the personal experience. In a time when stores are closing left and right, cabi continues to grow and succeed because they focus on the customer experience. At a cabi Fashion Experience, you learn about the clothing, you can see it, touch it, try it on, mix it and match it while having fun with friends and neighbors. A lot of you have asked why you can't just order the cabi outfits I wear on the blog. The reason is because while the clothes are lovely on their own, to really choose the right pieces, right fit, and have the full cabi experience you need to first experience it in person.

I hadn't experienced it at a cabi Fashion Experience since 2011. It was time to remedy that. This past Friday, I attended a cabi Fashion experience with my best friend. Cabi worked with a stylist I knew in my area to find a show we could attend, and provided each of us outfits from the latest cabi collection to wear to the event.

When you host a cabi Fashion Experience, you get 50% off clothing. The more that is sold at your event, the more clothes you can get at 50% off. Also depending on how much is sold, you will receive store credit towards any cabi clothing you purchase. On top of that, if any future cabi Fashion Experiences are booked at your event, you can get half off an item if you attend that party. As a Hostess, all you have to do is gather the emails for friends, have plenty of space to sit, and provide some munchies and drinks for your guests; your Stylist will do the rest.

When I arrived at the show, there was a rolling rack in the front of the living room, covered with a dropcloth emblazoned with the cabi logo. Folios with the catalog, an order form, and pen were at each seat. Set around the room were various accessories from cabi: jewelry in a velvet tray, shoes displayed on their boxes, and various other pieces like scarves were laid out on tables. The charming home was turned into a boutique! The Hostess greeted everyone, wine and La Croix was flowing and there was a table full of delicious snacks. The Stylist was also greeting everyone; the crowd was a mix of newbies to cabi and those who are already a fan of the line and have attended at least one other show. We mingled for about a half hour and then the Stylist got the party started.

For this show, the Stylist had a second Stylist with her as an assistant. The Stylist gave an introduction of who she was, a bit about what cabi is and what makes the brand special, and an overview of the agenda for the evening. We then were invited to open the cabi catalogs in our folios. The catalog is organized by collection; each season cabi's new line of clothing has several mini collections in it. Each collection has its own name and vibe, though pieces from all the lines mix and match beautifully with one another (and also mix and match well with previous seasons' lines). As we opened to a collection in the catalog, the Stylist pulled pieces from that collection out from the garment rack and placed them on display. She would go over most of the pieces, what made them great, which ones were popular, and her tips for styling them. I've become pretty familiar with this season's cabi collection but the only time I've seen the pieces in person were at Scoop and when they arrive in the mail. Seeing them in person, hearing another's suggestions for styling was eye-opening and several pieces I found meh online now looked really appealing.

Through the presentation, several people from the audience asked questions and shared their experiences with pieces they owned. Those of us wearing cabi (my friend and I were not the only ones) would show off our looks when that piece was highlighted in the presentation, often sharing what size we chose and how we've styled it and how it has worn over time. This was really helpful as there were women of almost every shape, size, age, and lifestyle at this show. It gave me fresh ideas on how to wear what I already own, and see the value of some other pieces in completing looks with my current closet.

After all the collections were presented, the Stylist removed the dropcloth on the rolling rack and wheeled in a second rolling rack that had more of the same pieces, just in a broader range of sizes. Working with cabi, I often have to guess on my size and do it based on what I already own, sizing up if unsure to be sure it will actually fit. There were pieces like the Flashdance Dress and Tailor Coat that I really have liked the look of but feared ordering because they would be too big on my short frame. It was nice to be able to not only try them on but be able to feel the fabric and see little details like the zippers on the cuffs and the tonal trim.

I think the most fun about the cabi Fashion Experience is how we women all were helping one another. I came in knowing no one except the Stylist, but by the end we were sharing personal stories, helping one another to style outfits, even changing in front of one another. We together would help a woman find a perfect outfit for an upcoming occasion, would vote on which size would be the best. Such a supportive group experience is rarely experienced when shopping at the mall!

There was no pressure to shop, and honestly the way the event took place I never noticed who was placing an order and who wasn't. The show isn't immediately "closed" that evening, so if you go home and a day or so later decide you want to purchase more, it's not too late. It was a very comfortable experience, one you could go to without any intentions to buy just to see the line in person. But honestly, once you see, touch, and try on the clothes you'll likely become a cabi convert like me.

To find a stylist in your area, visit the cabi website. I'd love to read your experiences attending a cabi Fashion Experience or hosting a cabi party in the comments!

While cabi did not pay me to write this post, they did provide me and my best friend with outfits and gift cards to make purchases at the cabi Fashion Experience. All wording and thoughts are my own. I was happy to provide this review since so many of you have had questions about cabi and how to buy their clothing.