Kristin Davis for Belk: A Pleasant Suprise
Lovers of Charlotte York rejoice! While I will always have a special place in my heart reserved for Carrie Bradshaw, Charlotte’s closet is the one I’ve long wanted to raid. When celebrities come out with their own clothing lines, the past has taught us to be skeptical at best. But I believe Mrs. York McDougal Goldenblatt would approve of Kristin Davis’ new line for Belk department stores.
I recently stopped by Belk on my lunch hour to check out the collection. I was quite impressed with the quality of everything in the line: tops, dresses, handbags and shoes. The piece I was immediately drawn to was this skirt:
This is the kind of skirt that can take you from day to night, depending on what you pair with it. I would couple this skirt with a black sweater, or as shown with a white button down.
This skirt retails for $68, and is available in sizes 2-14.
Think you can’t wear a mini skirt? Think again!
Mini skirts are only for girls with long skinny legs, right? Which means really that only kids and Gwyneth Paltrow can wear them. So disappointing.
Also so not true.
A mini skirt can be a nice addition to your fall wardrobe; wear it now with bare legs, if you are comfortable that way, or wear it later with tights and flats, or — my favorite look — tights and knee-high boots. Pair with a trench that is slightly longer than the hem of the skirt, or with a cropped jacket that hits at the waist. Think of it as an alternative to “city shorts” (because no matter what you call them, shorts are for play, not for dress up).
Old Navy printed mini skirt, $26.50. Available in three retro inspired patterns, in sizes 0 to 20.
Libby Dibby skirts are like getting two for one!
I’m obsessed with suitcases right now; I’m packing for back-to-back trips and it’s wearing me out. I’m struggling to pull together all the right things in as little space as possible.
What I need are a couple of Libby Dibby skirts.
The idea behind Libby Dibby is simple, yet brilliant: each skirt is reversible, which means that you can wear it multiple times in the same week or trip without looking like you’re repeating an outfit. The prints are fun and funky, and typically both prints share a common color scheme, which means that you can ALSO pack a limited number of tops, thus keeping your suitcase light.
Libby Dibby skirts wrap around, which means that they are ideal for postpartum moms who are still carrying a little extra; the wrap part falls in the back, though, which eliminates the chance of random flashing often associated with wrap skirts. And because they are a simple A line, they are flattering to every shape.
Libby Dibby skirts are available in sizes S to XXL, for about $70.00. But that’s TWO skirts, remember, so really they are a steal.
Not a shorts girl? Try this ruffly skirt from the Gap
I have tried and tried to buy some shorts this year, because it is already hot and humid at my house and summer hasn’t even started yet. But I just can’t do it; my 40-year-old thighs will not be seeing the sunshine this summer.
However, I don’t think capri pants are going to cut it in this heat, so I’m looking at skirts instead. I need easy wearing, machine washable pieces that ideally have pockets, for all those rocks and nuts my kids hand me when we’re out and about.
The Gap’s ruffle skirt is like an answer to my prayers. It is casual and feminine and just right length and shape. Available in seven colors, including basic black, white, and brown, in sizes XS to XXL, for $39.50.
Get two! Why not? I probably will.
Sundance skirt brings a little spring to your step (and your closet)
Is it spring yet? Because I am SO over winter. I’m all ready to toss on a tee and a great cotton skirt and drink my coffee outside in the shade.
Soon. I hope.
Sundance — Robert Redford’s baby — has beautiful casual summer pieces. This terrific cotton voile skirt has the perfect A-line shape, flat and fitted across the hips but flared at the hem for volume and swish.
Swish is an important component in a skirt, you know.
Sundance Fleur Nouveau skirt, $138.00.
Gap’s little navy blue skirt
I’m all about navy blue for spring; black is just seeming a little heavy and dark for me right now. And I know, you’re looking at the picture and thinking HAS SHE LOST HER MIND?!? But I just love this skirt.
Here’s the part that sounds crazy: it’s a PLEATED WRAP SKIRT. So all of you who won’t wear a pleated skirt think you’re out, and the rest of you, who won’t wear a wrap skirt, are ALSO out. But you know what? I won’t wear EITHER and I love this skirt.
The cotton is sheer and soft, and are a nice balance to the sharp pleats; the wrap gives the skirt movement and body. And the bow is a nice balance to the skirt’s traditional styling.
The Gap website touts this piece as “The perfect feminine complement to an of-the-moment menswear-inspired shirt.” I absolutely buy that. Try one on for yourself.
Gap pleated wrap skirt, $49.50.
Boden has my denim skirt
I’m currently in the throes of a 60-day shopping fast (no clothes, shoes, or handbags) but that hasn’t stopped me from looking, and from assessing what I will need once I start shopping again. Right now I need a good denim skirt, one that I can dress up or down. And fortunately, Boden has it.
This canvas and denim skirt is both the perfect length (just above the knee) and shape (a modified pencil skirt, but not one that tapers at the hem). It comes in the usual denim, white, and two prints.
Canvas and denim skirt, Boden USA, $58.00.