Since closet purges have been a regular occurrence in my sartorial life even before my most recent wardrobe overhaul, there aren’t many pieces in my closet that are older than a few years and mostly unworn. Generally, things I don’t wear, I don’t keep. Some avoid their fate as consignment or donation fodder by being gifted to my mom; and some of those clothes eventually find their way back to me when my mom decides to embark on a closet purge of her own. So it was with this skirt.
By my best estimate, this skirt is about 8 years old. I’m pretty sure I bought it some time during my first year out of law school, either at Winners or at a consignment store. It’s so not what you’d expect from a Tommy Hilfiger skirt, no? Cool print, but boy, is it a problematic skirt, to say the least. The colours, while lovely, are challenging to match, especially in this brocade-like, semi-shiny fabric. The pleated A-line silhouette has never been particularly flattering on my figure, pre- or post-baby. The skirt is supposed to sit at the natural waist, but this size is slightly too big and as a result the skirt slides down closer to my love handle area (ugh, that term!). As a result, the length was on the stumpifying side, being an inch or two past the knee; this, at least, was easily rectifiable.
That’s a heck of a lot of problems for just one skirt!
I had pretty much decided to finally get rid of it for good, when my mom persuaded me to give it one last chance. (We do this a lot, hence the back-and-forth of items between our wardrobes.) I had the hemline taken up, and had a good look through my closet for matching pieces. As you might imagine, my wardrobe as evolved greatly since the last time I wore this skirt (probably 3 or 4 years ago). Does it help?
Yes.
Rather than wearing it with a black turtleneck, I now have a few other options.
Blazer & sweater, J. Crew Factory; shoes, Nine West
Necklace, J. Crew Factory
Tucked in might be better?
… hmm, or not
I think I like this better.
Cardigan & blouse, J. Crew Factory
Shoes, Lauren Ralph Lauren
Ooh, arty pose!
But.
It still doesn’t strike me as a very versatile piece, and I’m not sure that it fits in easily with the rest of my wardrobe. Also, I’m still not crazy about the fit.
Every year, on December 26, I trek to some place of commerce in search of promised bargains. Every year, a little later on December 26, I vow never to fall for the whole Boxing Day marketing hype. This is proof either that hope springs eternal, or that I suffer from recurring, eggnog-induced amnesia.
So, this year. Same deal. I vowed not to go anywhere near a mall, but I couldn’t just not go anywhere at all. Based on my experiences with Black Friday this year, I decided to only hit up the J. Crew Factory store. It’s a 5 minute drive from my house, and there were a few things I had been eyeing, waiting for a good sale. And if anyone is good for a decent sale, it’s J. Crew. I know. I’ve hit you over the head with my Crew love enough already. But their shopping math. It is amazing!
Take this jewel collar Oxford shell.
J. Crew Factory Jewel Collar Shirt
I bought the blue version during the Black Friday sale, and love it so much that I decided I needed the white one as well. They are fantastic for layering under cardigans and sweaters, with the bonuses of a) being sleeveless (less bulk in the arms); and b) not requiring any accessorizing. Regular price on these is $90. That’s … a lot. And I say that as someone who, well, loves these shirts so much she bought two. But! I only paid $36! Shopping math, you guys – amahzing!
Of course, I also spotted a couple of other wardrobe staples on clearance so I had to buy those as well. My fave Charley sweater in camel (regularly $80, paid $16) and the Jackie cardigan in orchid pink (regularly $60, paid $14).
J. Crew Factory Charley SweaterJ. Crew Clare Cardigan
Oh yeah, and then I saw these Anya flats.
J. Crew Anya Ballet Flats
Tried them on just on a whim. Couldn’t believe how incredibly comfortable they are. I need a new pair of shoes like a fish needs a bicycle, but I couldn’t pass these up for the comfort factor alone. I’m curious to see if they’re as amazing over the long haul. Pity they are suede, though. Again, the regular retail price is steep: $104. I paid $26, which makes these a great deal based on the quality. [The colour I bought is Chrome Green, not the pink pictured above]
Here’s 3 out of my 4 Boxing Day picks:
Skirt, Lands End; sweater, blouse, shoes, J. Crew Factory
How were your Boxing Day shopping adventures?
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2013 was a weird year, style-wise, for me. Trying to keep up with the changes in my body size and shape was … trying. Looking back through the archives, I cringe at 99% of the outfits. Okay, maybe 85%. I feel like things are getting better, finally. This last pregnancy ended up really affecting my sense of style; now, I hate strongly dislike a lot of what used to comprise my daily “uniform”. Also, my current body hates most of it too. I’m still working on my new style “me”, but needless to say, it’s making it hard to pick favourites from my past outfits. Wah wah! But, hey, let’s try anyway!
Fave Outfits – Remix Challenge
March 2013April 2013April 2013May 2013June 2013July 2013 (yep, same skirt)September 2013November 2013October 2013
Fave Inspired Outfits
Chanel MaliceChanel KaleidoscopeChanel Nouvelle Vague
Comfortable, well-fitting, good quality, great price ($20). What’s not to like? I guess pants may not be so terrible after all.
Runners-up: denim jacket (see above and here), J. Crew crew-neck merino wool sweaters (see here and here).
Fave Bargain: Kate Spade Gold Coast Elizabeth Bag
Kate Spade Gold Coast Elizabeth
I love the quilted style, the soft leather, the easy-to-organize inner compartments. The colour is close to Orchid Purple, Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2014 – how “on trend” of me! Most of all, a $400 bag for $80? Yes, please.
Runner up: J. Crew Everly pumps (see above, here and here); Tibi dress (see here).
Fave Statement Piece: Leopard Print Pumps
Anne Klein Pumps
Leopard print shoes go with everything. Like this, for example. I’m sure 2014 will provide many, many more examples.
Runner Up: Isaac Mizrahi for Target dress (see above, last photo).
Fave Consignment Find: Ferragamo Flavia Pumps
Ferragamo Flavia Pumps
I love Ferragamo shoes. I love red shoes. The intersection of the two is magical.
Runners Up: Diane Von Furstenberg dress (see here); Not Your Daughter’s Jeans pants (see here).
Fave Splurge: Jimmy Choo Alma Pumps
Jimmy Choo Alma Pumps
Green leopard print? I am so down for that! This pair of Choos cost slightly (ok, a lot) more than my thrifted pair ($135, to be exact), but they’re worth it. Green leopard print, y’all!
Runner Up: Tory Burch Norah satchel (see here and here).
Fave Maternity Wear: RACHEL Rachel Roy Floral Blouse
Rachel Roy blouse
I have worn this one too many times to count (see above, here and here), both while pregnant and since. After some recent alterations, it should transition nicely into my regular wardrobe.
Runner Up: Mexx black maxi dress (see here and here).
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (BCRLadinaj) to see more of my favourite things – every day!
