This skirt by Susan Bristol is a big departure from the skirts I've been sampling this past year. Over the summer, I've snagged two skirts from this brand and in this profile (one of which I'll wear with a red crinoline for K.'s wedding). I was pleased to see that it worked with this troublesome ruffled orange silk blouse by Daniel Caron. The entire month of April, when I was working with pastels in every color, I nearly returned it to the thrifts. I'm glad now I held onto it. Below, the pairing of the Croft & Barrow sleeveless blouse with the peach & yellow cardigan, 100% cotton, by Anne Klein, looks very school-teachery to my eye. Psychologically, I must be preparing for the semester's first day, next Tuesday.
This skirt by Work to Weekend, a polyester/cotton blend has an interesting pattern in it. My daughter K. was with me when I found it and I could tell that she wanted it. I'm thinking it is too short or too tight or something...I haven't yet pinpointed the problem. Below, left I'm wearing a long-sleeved mustard tee with an orange gingham blouse by Anne Taylor. Does it look better out or tucked in? And is it possible that the shoes are actually the problem here? Do I need a heavier shoe with a higher heel?
Above left, the problem with the orange ruffles reveals itself--it's too short to stay tucked in. And the orange shell on the right, a favorite of mine, is too body hugging to work with an equally tight skirt.
Help readers, what's wrong with this skirt? I had planned to use it with several September looks. Should I pass it along to K.? It is likely to get lost in the shuffle of her wedding planning. The wedding is Sept. 17...
AHHHHHH I love that skirt!!!!!!!!! ( The first one. I mean I like the khaki one, too, but I LOVE that first skirt!)
ReplyDeleteI love it love it love it.
I love both skirts...but I especially like the first one with the cardigan. It is a really classic look!!
ReplyDeleteI love the first skirt and top. The same skirt with the cardigan is a very classic look and very pretty.
ReplyDeleteI will have to think about the second one. I can't put my finger on what is just not perfect about it either.
The print on the first one is absolutely glorious, Terri and I love the blouse you've paired it with.
ReplyDeleteThe second skirt fits you a treat. I like the frilled blouse and the other shirt untucked and belted. Brown ankle boots would work briiliantly and "toughen it up", make it less dressy and more edgy. x
I really like how you wear that skirt with the pretty orange tops (I prefer them untucked, but it's just an option), it's a nice color combo. Perhaps, I would add some colorful not-matching sandals, as green or tomato red! (you can say I'm mad!)
ReplyDeletebesos
Lovely skirts, Terri! The first one is perfect as it is, and the second one looks great with the blouse untucjed and belted, but you're right about the shoes -a heavier option might have been better and besides, autumn is right around the corner so heavier shoes are in season soon! xxx
ReplyDeleteThe first outfit is gorgeous from head to toe...I love the pattern on the skirt and the cardigan is so pretty and feminine. As for the skirt tucked in or out..I'd say tucked in but maybe with the belt to break it up a bit.
ReplyDeleteOh! what a nice post, i love the biggger pictures! you should post bigger pictures more often, love the skirt!
ReplyDeleteIn picture 2 your outfit is balanced best. It is a timeless outfit. I like it.
ReplyDeleteIn my humble opinion, the skirt in the small pictures should have a bit more length, if you want to wear it with nude tights/bare legs. Heavier shoes might make it appear more in balance too :)!!
I love that first skirt and how you've styled it. Very nice! As for the second one, I think it fits you really well... I like it with the ruffle blouse. I could see wearing it in the fall with a loose and cozy sweater, tights and boots!
ReplyDeleteHells bells I love the printed skirt so much and you've nailed it with the silk blouse and I adore the cardi - cannot believe school restarts so soon. What happened to the time? The second skirt is great with the loose tops and I agree with Vix - try some ankle boots. xo
ReplyDeletethe first skirt was a great find. i like the print and i've been wanting to try this midi-length for some time now.
ReplyDeleteof all the looks, i like the first one (untucked/belted) best. did you try the skirt with the cardi from the first outfit? maybe a loose shell + cardi. or you could even roll up the sleeves of the first shirt (like a 3/4) to show some skin up top and leave it untucked (or tied). sometimes a long necklace does the trick for me. or maybe you can go totally casual with a loose tee and converse-type shoes?!
[oomph.]
I think I fell in love with your first skirt. I love the print, even the length looks great.
ReplyDeleteLOOOOVE the first skirt!
ReplyDeleteSarah xxx
I love the colors in all of these looks!
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else I love the first skirt.
ReplyDeleteYou didn't show us the rear view of the second skirt; looking it at from the front view it doesn't appear to pull or be too small so it seems like it is the right size.
I like it with the shirt overtop and the belt. I think it might be higher-waisted than what we're used to seeing. Waists have moved down in the past few years and band at the waist with that long zipper/front view look a bit foreign.
Personally I like the strappy shoes, I think they make your legs and feet look feminine and sexy.
That first skirt is awwwwesome! I want it, though I'm not sure I'm tall enough for that length. I love both ways you styled it.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'll probably be posting the last summer stories around labour day, so submissions are welcome up to a few days ahead of that..
I love, love, love the Susan Bristol skirt! It's just perfect and looks great with both outfits. And I'm so happy you kept the orange (coral?) ruffle blouse - it looks lovely on you.
ReplyDeletei don't think there's anything wrong with the khaki skirt. i think it might look better with a belt, especially when tucked in.
ReplyDeletei also am in love with that first skirt. it's so cool! there are so many fun ways to wear it!
spinning-threads.blogspot.com
The first skirt is GORGEOUS. One of the nicest ones I've seen in a while. I think ditch the second, it doesn't go with anything else you've got and the proportions just don't seem quite right for you. No point trying to force it xx
ReplyDeleteHi Terri - I love, love the print skirt and you look wonderful in it. The khaki skirt needs, IMHO, a statement top - maybe something voluminous? It's a "background" kind of piece. I think tights and boots with a cardi will also do the trick, in a month or two.
ReplyDeleteTerri~all these looks are great terri! I think this color is so becoming on you. The beige skirt is sexy with those shoes--which is a good look; but if you want to toughen it up or tone it down--a chunkier shoe would work or how about some dainty oxfords?
ReplyDeleteI love both ways you've styled that first skirt. A friend of mine, back when we were both young mums, used to wear Susan Bristol. She'd buy the co-ordinated pieces (somewhere, there'll be a matching sweater with embroidery or Fair Isle or whatever for that skirt), and I used to marvel that she could afford them as they were a bit pricey, particularly for that stage of our life. Clever you to have thrifted yours and I admit I find it much more stylish as a single piece than as part of a too-matchy ensemble.
ReplyDeleteSusan Bristol was required wearing 25 years ago in my Seattle neighborhood. I wonder if I could find any of her skirts these days. With the Summer heat in Tulsa, the only really cool, comfortable thing to wear is a full skirt and sandals. And I'm so glad your daughter wants that other skirt. (Just saying.)
ReplyDeleteGreat skirts. I also love those coral / red tops on you - wonderful color on you.
ReplyDeleteRe the 2nd skirt; I'm a big fan of skirts of that length and silhouette, so I would hang on to it! I think that it looks best though with something long and loose on the top, like with the long sleeve blouse belted over. The whole shape of this outfit is the most pleasing with this skirt.
ReplyDeleteAnd I adore the schoolteacher look! It would be fun to try it out on the students yes?, the irony cannot be missed since schoolteachers rarely actually dress like this any more.
That first skirt is so very very cool! I love it!
ReplyDeleteSecond skirt is too "blocky." It would need to taper some, and probably is too short to have the room to taper and still allow you to walk:).
ReplyDeleteYou know I would not have known how to wear skirt no. 1 with that whacky print but it looks really great with what you've combined with in both photos - fab styling!
ReplyDeleteWell, the first skirt is beautiful but the peach & yellow cardigan is to die for.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, if a skirt feels too tight there's no need to consider it further. It looks great on you, but you have to love it.
Oh I love that ruffled coral top! Its so pretty!
ReplyDeleteI think the coolest things to wear in sizzling summer temps are long skirts like your first one. Both tops look nice with it.
ReplyDeleteI love the shorter skirt but it looks a bit skimpy here and if it doesn't feel right, the old gut is usually right.
I'm glad you held on to that orange blouse--it's beautiful on you! And likewise, you should keep the skirt. I think it's a very flattering, versatile piece. I like the shirt both ways, but maybe if you tuck it in, throw a belt around it? (That's always my solution to everything.) And I think the shoes you're wearing with it look fine, but I think a colored pair would work too. I think it's a keeper!
ReplyDeleteThe khaki skirt looks best, to my eye, with the belted overblouse--but I think a soft, long, v-neck pullover sweater (cotton/linen blend) in natural would be ideal with it. Nothing tight. Nothing bright. The blouse tucked in doesn't look comfortable. I think the skirt is too close-fitting for that.
ReplyDeleteThe print skirt with the cardigan does give off a teacherly vibe. A denim jacket would give it a bit more edge.
Honestly? I'm not a fan of orange on you. It's a bit strident with your coloring--it wears you, so to speak. I have the same issue with orange. It just doesn't work with my coloring.
I really like that first skirt! Very pretty. As for the shorter skirt -- I like the long-sleeved shirt untucked, and the sleeveless shirt tucked. I don't know why that is ... but it's a definite preference on both.
ReplyDeletekateruby kateruby sdfsd fsdf kateruby
ReplyDeleteI love the printed skirt, its very sweet on you :)
ReplyDeletenatalie
http://lucyandtherunaways.blogspot.com
You can pull off so many colors! I could never do this large range of orange, which is a shame since I love the color (I can't get rid of my orange biker jacket from Berlin bought in 2001--I adore the color too much). To do all these color series, I'm thinking you must have a very extensive closet and wardrobe. The benefits of thrifting, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteI vote to tuck the button-down in!
I love that print skirt - it looks really rich even on the computer. And orange really does suit you. As to the second skirt, I'm thinking that it is both short and not tight, but fitting. I think you could get away with a fitted skirt in the longer length; or with that length in a fuller cut. I'd give it to - was it your daughter? - whomever it was who wanted it. But the print skirt is a major keeper!
ReplyDeleteI love both skirts! They look great on you. I think the pencil skirt fits well. It's a very versatile piece. My fave look is #1, with the belt.
ReplyDeleteMeg--thank you. I grabbed this when I saw it at Goodwill.
ReplyDeletePam--for a school teacher, I have hardly scratched the surface of cardigans.
Debbie--Yes, I was pleased to finally find something those orange ruffles would work with.
Vix--of course, brown ankle boots would be the answer. I have a pair...but since its summer, I didn't think of them.
Senora--I like your shoe idea.
Charlie--yes, I think it was the fact that it is summer and I am still in sandal mode that kept me from thinking of my ankle boots.
ReplyDeleteHeadless-that second skirt has no belt loops. I'm afraid I'd have trouble keeping a belt in place.
Ariane--thank you. I've been experimenting with larger pictures...
Mette--I agree that the first outfit was far better than the second. And there seems to be a consensus that the shoes were the problem.
Allison--I may try this with boots in September...
Desiree--it is crazy that I didn't think of the ankle boots. I even own a pair. I think summer has addled my brain.
ReplyDeleteOomph--Now you've really got me thinking. I'm going to hold on to the shorter skirt for another month and try the red sneaks...
Dani--Yes, I think this skirt could work well with shades of green or blue as well.
Sarah--thank you!
Meagan--thank you. I don't think I've fully explored the possibilities of the first skirt, colorwise.
RoseAG--a year ago I was a devoted clog wearer. I finally donated my Danskos in order to make myself experiment more with other styles of shoes. So, thanks for the comment on the sandals.
ReplyDeleteEmily--thank you for the response on the deadline for your summer stories. I want to do something on the joys of sharing a household with a 6 year old, but school begins tomorrow. We'll see if I get the material together. It's a great series.
Gracey--thank you.
Claire--the skirt has no belt loops, so I think I'd have trouble keeping a belt in place. I probably should have taken a close-up to reveal the pattern in the skirt.
Penny--your comment echoes precisely what I was feeling when I put the skirt on. It may fit, but it doesn't feel quite right for whatever reason.
Patti--thank for the suggestions. I'm going to hang onto the skirt for one more month and see if I can make it work...somehow. And, yes, a statement top may be in order
Paula--you don't know your power over me. I read your comment Saturday morning and spent all day Sunday, looking for the oxfords...
ReplyDeleteMater--thanks for the bit of history on Susan Bristol. I had tried to do a bit of research...and only learned that they are apparently no longer in business. The skirt I will wear to the upcoming wedding is also by Bristol.
Beryl--thanks for more history on Bristol. You and Mater have me wondering how old this skirt might be. And, yes, it is nice to be able to trade with the daughters now and then.
Alessandra--thank you. Red and orange have been very pleasant surprises for me this year. A big departure from all the neutrals (grey) I wore a year ago.
Carolyn--you are the second person to suggest that the second skirt needs a bigger/statement top. And I love the idea of an ironic school teacher. Probably shouldn't pull that until a week or two into the semester.
XStroutX--welcome to Rags and thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteLPC--maybe that is what bothers me and would also explain why it felt too short.
Veshoevius--yes, it is a wacky print. I think it might also work with a teal blue or a dark green.
Susan--well, with skirt #2, I'm going to give it one more chance, but you're right, I'm not loving it like I thought I would when I found it.
Meri--thank you!
Savvy--thank you. It felt too short and you and Susan and Lisa are helping me figure out why!
ReplyDeleteShea--I'm not very daring in the colored shoe department, though I found a pair of mustard suede wedges today. We'll see.
Charlotte--oh, I like the denim jacket idea, though I only own a denim vest. I may try that. Appreciate your honesty about the orange. I know when I wear it to campus that I feel self-conscious in it.
Kari--thanks for your feedback!
kateruby--thanks for stumbling by!
Natalie--thank you and welcome to Rags!
ReplyDeleteAesthetic--Have I ever seen your orange biker jacket? I started the color campaign in part because I loved neutrals too much and Have been pleased by some of my discoveries. My closet has a revolving door. If I can't make an item work within one wearing or two, it goes back to the thrift store.
Shelley--I suspect that this skirt will be given to K. by October, but I'm going to try it once more
Mel--thank you. I probably should have taken a photo of me in that skirt sitting down. That may make or break whether I am able to wear it to campus!
I like the body hugging shell and the skirt together; it looks like a dress because the shell and the skirt give you the same body contour!
ReplyDeleteI'm also liking the first look a lot. Great Job with both looks!
I love the interesting and unique print skirt!
ReplyDeleteI flippin love that skirt!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite outfit of yours and it pairs so great with the cardi, which i love almost as much as the skirt!
Great fall look!
(you may be in my fall inspiration post,if that's OK)
xXx
Reva
I think the skirt could work - i'm definitely a fan of pairing it with heels though.
ReplyDeleteChic on the Cheap
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh Terri I have just fallen in love with your mountains skirt, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard the word:cowlick.
Now, thanks to you, I do.
I have one, but is on the top of my head- left hand side.
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I really adore that first skirt with the sleeveless blouse. It's a really beautiful, classic look.
ReplyDelete-Meagan
http://spunkychateau.blogspot.com
I love the long skirt! but you can totally do the shorter one. I prefer it out with the belt. I love the rufffle top too...but not if it doesn't tuck into the skirt. You have great legs adn should keep the short skirt.
ReplyDeleteWOW, the wedding will be here in no time!!!
Orange looks good on you. Now all you need is a floofy underskirt like Sheila!
ReplyDeleteI love this post! I love that you're asking your readers "what's wrong with this?". I'm not sure I have the courage to do that!
ReplyDeletePersonally I find strait jean skirts (in any fabric, but the "jean" cut) really difficult to wear, especially if they're a couple inches above the knee. I have one that goes to the knee that looks great, but it's slightly pegged. I think if you do more layering with it it might be fine. I like the #4 look the best on you. You have great arms! You should show them off.
Terri, thank yo for your comment on my quilt! and you hit the nail on the head when you asked how long I could quilt at a stretch; the reason why it took me so long. My (amateurish) method involves pricking the tip of my index finger with each stitch to gauge when the needle is breaking through to the back. Could only stand so much of this before I had to take a break and let my finger heal again...
ReplyDeleteDitto what everyone else said about the first skirt: LOVE it!!
ReplyDeleteHappy first day!
I really like the coral top in the first picture. It is so flattering on you and it is a perfect match with the skirt. - Katy
ReplyDeleteI cannot begin to describe how much i adora the top skirt.
ReplyDeletewhith the bottom one i think the problem is that it sits very low on the hips to anything tucked in puts the waist in the 'wrong' place. I think it with the belted shirt though!
I really like the longer skirt. What a unique print. It's such a cool find, and not one easily replicated!
ReplyDeleteBelted looks best. Love the ruffled top.
ReplyDeleteLove that printed skirt!
ReplyDeleteA wedding? How exciting! I hope you will post about it. I love you in orange. Not sure what to do about the skirt. Hmm, if I come up with any good suggestions, I'll be back. I wonder if you will be blogging less the next month because of school starting, plus the wedding?
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful! You have KILLER legs! xx
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thelondoner.me/
I LOVE your skirt in the top photos. The color of your top works so well with it, and really looks great on you.
ReplyDeleteI love both skirts. The second one looks great from where I'm sitting, but my thing is if you don't love it, pass it on. No shame in that....
ReplyDeleteI love the coral ruffled top with that printed skirt... it's so unusual!
ReplyDeleteI see the problem with that khaki skirt. I'm thinking button-down, tucked in, with a great scarf to break up the solids.
The boat-neck shell looks a bit tight... probably best under something....
Terri, first off LOVE the first skirt! Secondly, the second set of photos, I like the shirt out and belted rather than in...and I think you nailed it..it's seems to be asking for a more substantial shoe. maybe even a wedge? With the third set, I have to tell you. That skirt is a PERFECT fit! If you don't LOVE it, pass it. Or could you dye it in a color that you're crazy about? By the way, the Doncaster outlet store is still in our area as is the home office. Many of my mom's Doncaster pieces were REALLY small on me and I passed on to others or donated. I didn't know this seamstress at the time, but I bet she WOULD have been able to save some things. Have a superb weekend Pretty! ~Serene
ReplyDeleteThe khaki skirt fits well, it just feels a little plain. Maybe it would play nicely with a printed or detailed top? Funky shoes or boots?
ReplyDeleteMaybe you can tinker with it for a month or two, then see if K wants it once she's recovered from the wedding.
I would say go wedges or ballet flats ,add a belt when tucked in and accessorize with a scarf or a couple of necklaces.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful print.. this skirt is gorgeous
ReplyDeletelee x
As for the second (which looks great on you), I guess I differ from everyone in that I think it looks best with the orange shell, though I also like it with the belt. To me it's a stream-lined "weekend" skirt that looks best with a top that is simple and unfettered. For Fall though, I'd pair it with a fitted (vs. chunky)v-neck pullover, great necklace, boots and equally great bag. You have a figure to rock it all off!
ReplyDeleteOh I love the length of the first skirt, really pretty!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a great neutral there's bound to be some way to wear it. The first skirt is great. I think personal style bloggers have the most unusual pieces, don't you? It makes getting dressed fun. Sounds like you are going to be busy. Debbie http://thriftygirlvintage.com
ReplyDeleteI think the first skirt is so pretty. THe outfit looks so relaxing. Love it. The khaki skirt fits you to a T. Is that a zipper in the front? It bunches out a bit but you don't see that with the orange shirt on the outside and the belt. You look great in both. The zipper does stick out in the khaki skirt and it would of been great if the skirt was smooth in the front and the zipper was on the side. Oh well there I go re-designing again. As far as you keeping the second skirt I would leave that decision to you. I probably would not because of the zipper. No matter what you look pretty in both.
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