What I Wore: Sweater (via Stich Fix; Similar Here), Skirt (c/o Brag Vintage), Boots (Gift; Similar Here), Cheche Scarf (Paris; Similar Here), Necklace (Vintage; Similar Here)
If you've been around Never Fully Dressed for any amount of time, or read any sort of style blog at all really, you'll probably notice a lot of advice about to wear, and, sooner or later, also a lot about how people shop and how they dress themselves. Here's my own two cents: know what you want, and what your wardrobe needs for you to be able to function in your life (of course, what every woman finds is a necessity for clothing might vary, but if you're unsure, I've posted about 20 Items Every Woman Needs.) Then, keep an eye out; shop often, but buy rarely as a friend of a friend would say. Don't buy unless the stars align and everything- color, feel, style- are all truly what you want.
One such item I've been on the lookout for was a pencil skirt in red or houndstooth. Not as simple as it might sound, sadly. Every one I'd found was too stretchy (Was it Edith Head or Coco Chanel who first told us our dresses should be "tight enough to show you're a woman but loose enough to show you're a lady?") or too long, or both. Then Brag Vintage contacted me about working together.
Perusing their site, I found a great red pencil skirt, which they kindly gave me. You can bet you'll be seeing this baby over and over. Guys- this skirt fit perfectly, just skimming my form without, shall we say, allowing others to be too intimately acquainted with my curves. Admittedly, online shopping means fit can be a bit of a gamble, but unlike many online vintage sellers, this UK-based business does do returns! Plus, their prices were pretty incredible, even after factoring in the exchange rate from pounds to dollars. But what I liked most about this up and coming company was the selections themselves. They had a lot of other items I'd consider fall basics (including two
sweater very like the one I paired this skirt with, a blazer, a vest and a houndstooth skirt!) The thing about buying vintage is sometimes it can be a gamble, but you know the clothing is quality to have lasted as long as it has. Oh, yeah. You will be seeing this skirt again and again this winter.
What a lovely skirt! I've been loving red lately. Pencil skirts are always tricky for me, I can't stand when they are stretchy. I feel they just cling to my body awkwardly when they are. It's been years since I've had a pencil skirt in my wardrobe, actually. This red one looks great on you :)
Reply DeleteI really like having a pencil skirt because it affords a different shape than my usual skirt. But I've noticed people are very divided on their opinions on them. It can be hard since so many pencil skirts are so clingy.
DeleteThis is a beautiful cozy chic look! The bright red skirt is perfect!
Reply Delete- Anna
www.melodicthriftychic.com
I did love that vest on their site.
Reply DeleteI love your bold colour choices here.
I am terribly bad about waiting for the exact piece I want. Especially when thrift shopping. If I find one that is kind of close I'll buy it. Then 3 weeks later I'll find the "real" one I wanted and have to buy it too. It's frustrating. I need to be like you and hold out for the right one.
bisous
Suzanne
Ah- I've had that "almost right" thing happen to me too, and learned my lesson. My sister used to get annoyed at how exacting I could be, but I just don't have the money for that. Thrifting makes it easier to buy due to prices. Plus- one of a kind!
DeleteThanks too!
Love that red pencil skirt- too cute! Alex
Reply Deletetobebeautifulingodseyes.blogspot.com
That skirt is perfect!
Reply DeleteHi Kristian! Congratulations on your new skirt. I really enjoyed these tips, too.
Reply DeleteThis post made me smile. I agree with all that was said (although, I'll have to admit, I may wear things tighter than what a "lady" should wear, haha) I find fashion has a fine line between style and function - when you find both, it's a gem. This outfit is absolutely gorgeous and that red pencil skirt is definitely a classic!
Reply Deletelove this post! you look great darling hope you are well
Reply Deletexo Ilana
So lovely that you found the right skirt! Thank you for the tip - I have been looking for one of those as well. I am very much over "body con," as well!
Reply Delete-Annie
Great shopping advice, I am guilty of shopping just because I'm bored and buying new things just because I'm lazy. It's a bad habit!
Reply DeleteLove this red skirt, such a great addition to the wardrobe. And these shots are lovely!
Red, red, red! Red is the best.
Reply DeleteNice scenery too!
when i was younger i'd just buy anything that would strike my fancy, but now i'm a lot more selective and try to see if it would really be worn by me over and over and over again. And that red skirt is amazing on you! That red is really going to make your holiday outfits pop :) And I've been on the hunt for a houndstooth skirt too, just in a larger pattern. I can't wait to go hunting for it ;)
Reply Deletexo marlen
Messages on a Napkin
Ha, I think that is the same scarf that I own, or at least very very similar - isn't it fabulous?! That skirt does look great on you, and I love how you styled it. Great fall outfit!
Reply DeleteThis is such a great rule of thumb, especially good to remember when shopping. I've been guilty of buying so much because it was cheap or I may want to wear it sometime, but never really feeling satisfied with it. I've been trying to hold out for just the right pieces now. Love this skirt on you- you definitely found the right one!
Reply DeleteI love how you rock the red white and blue without looking super patriotic! Nothing like mixing together basic colors for a refreshing look. :)
Reply DeleteAnd you're completely right. Your wardrobe needs to fit your lifestyle, not someone else's.
Your red skirt is beautiful and oh-so versatile!
Reply DeleteXo, Hannah
sweetsweetnoir.net
Beautiful outfit! I love boots paired with very feminine clothing. And the scenery is amazing! xx
Reply DeleteWhat a lovely skirt!
Reply Delete