Well.....
... I got it!
That M&S skirt is mine. And I have to say, I absolutely love it. I'm infinitely gutted that I'm going to a fancy dress party tomorrow night as otherwise, I would have worn it in a heartbeat. (assuming I was going out that is.. wouldn't have just worn it round the house..)
Now I'm not going to lie - this isn't going to be for everyone. For me though, it's perfect. I struggle with skirts, I really do. As I bang on about all the time, I have no waist, and a high waist at that, so anything that isn't flat fronted results in me looking like Babapapa with an elastic band round his waist (please tell me I'm not the only one who remembers Babapapa??)
But this on me is ideal. Flat fronted and a-line and although it does have a waistband, miraculously it's not too tight on my column shape and doesn't sit too high on my waist. And... this is the best bit... it's not too short. Ok so of course I could do with it being a couple of inches longer. I do like a midi that's a proper midi which in my book is mid calf. However terminology these days seems to state that it's hovering just below the knee. Which would be the case here - even maybe a smidge more than hovering.... It has more than exceeded my expectations and is almost as good as a custom made skirt.
It ticks so so many boxes for me that it's a no brainer for my wardrobe. 70s tick, suede tick, midi skirt tick, all year round perfect - tick tick tick. I would prefer it wasn't £199, I'm not going to lie but I think it will have paid for itself by Christmas.
Here is the skirt
And this is the shirt they put with it, which I do think works but I'm not entirely sure about the shoes... (well I am actually, I think they are wrong diddly...) I am planning on wearing the skirt in the Summer with my leopard Aquazzura-alikes from Zara - the killer heels from last year.
But a shirt or cream blouse is definitely top of my list of outfit must haves and so today I'm looking at cream/natural/white options that would work for this purpose. Also though, an ideal addition to an early Summer outfit, perfect with jeans, over denim cut offs, throw on a navy or black blazer, sandals or ballet flats and you're off.
Pure Silk Twin Pockets Blouse £65
I also love love LOVE this in the pale blue - over black capri pants, I think this would look amazing...
Pure Silk Twin Pockets in pale blue £65
Other options in the sale at Matches in silk.
Point-collar silk shirt from Freda was £225 now £135
And a pocket version was £225 now £112 again from Freda
However I am rather liking the lack of collar on this one. Not silk this time but viscose but it is washable.
Jigsaw Pocket Detail Shirt £79
Another collarless version in white from Velvet by Graham and Spencer
Challis Shirt in white £95
Similar at Mango but I think this is probably cut on the shorter side. Still, for less than £20 it's a great entry level one to try if you're not sure if this style is for you.
Mango Flowy Shirt £19.99
Moving onto less silky but textured shirts now at Mint Velvet.
Stone Relaxed Shirt £69
French Connection Slub Cotton Shirt in summer white £45
More texture at Mango - LOVE this one.
Plumeti Silk-blend blouse £29.99
But my two favourites are ones that I have been lucky enough to have a feel of and a try on in the flesh at Me+Em. Full report with photos (they somewhat put my appalling Iphone to shame...) coming this weekend but in the meantime, a sneak preview of two shirts that everyone should own. The idea shirts to wear to work, over jeans, tucked into a skirt - the opportunities are endless.
Double Layer Shirt in crepe/jersey £88
Bib Front Pleat Shirt from Me+Em £98 - again, this is absolutely ideal to wear loose but also would be great to wear tucked into a skirt. And layer away over it.
So there we have a timeless addition to your wardrobe. For me that is both the suede skirt and a classic white blouse but I appreciate that many of you will be swerving the skirt (you will regret this come the A/W, I'm just telling you now....!)
Photo from today - very laid back outfit made up from old favourites in my wardrobe.
Navy print blouse - TKMaxx
Flared jeans - Zara
Boucle jacket - Zara
White cracked leather Stan Smiths - adidas
Camel bag - Prada
So tomorrow I've got a couple of ideas up my sleeve to slay you with and of course, the big fancy dress reveal.... (actually that will be Sunday as it's tomorrow night. And the jury is still out.......)
Kat, I got the leather skirt today you featured the other day that is in the sale at m&s. it's like a tent and will be going straight back. I fancy the suede skirt but am wondering if it will be the same shape! I got a denim coloured linen shirt from Zara that I think would be ideal with it. I have seen the Mngo silk blend shirt, it is really gorgeous I would recommend you give it a try. Enjoy the fancy dress. Hope it's a good laugh. Xx
ReplyDeleteI tried that leather skirt on last week and it was also like a tent, it was hideous on me! I'm hoping the suede skirt will not be the same shape
DeleteIt really was hideous on me too. There are loads of the suede skirt online. I've just ordered one to be delivered to my local store tomorrow. Fingers crossed!! I've been trying this length skirt without success for a while. Tried denim, leather, you name it, so don't hold out much hope for this! Good luck when you try.
DeleteIt's not the same shape at all - this is a much narrower A line if that makes sense?! I've tried so so many skirts on too but haven't managed to find that many that are flattering or are the right length. So for me - one skirt that will have so much longevity is definitely worth it!
DeleteMeant to say that skirt would look AMAZING with a denim shirt - I have a perfect very fitted one from Zara that I bought years ago and really struggle to wear so you absolute star, thank you! Fab inspiration x
DeleteI wore mine with a chambray shirt. Great minds!
DeleteGlad you got your skirt. You would have obsessing for days until you bought it! I think it's a bit too long for me (I'm a bit of a smurf) but it looks great on you. Lx
ReplyDeleteThat's the ironic thing - I would like it a couple of inches longer on me but that's because I'm tall. But I think the length that I would want it (proper mid calf) does only really work if you are tall... and the length it is now is going to be proper mid calf on lots of shorter people who don't really want it that length! Clear as mud???!
DeleteEh who the f@@k is Babapapa?!! He looks cute though. As I commented yesterday that skirt was just made for you, I couldn't find an M&S in Dublin that had it yesterday so I couldn't try on, I'm going to try our flagship store I Sprucefield when I'm there soon. I really had a good laugh at the mumsnet thread of skirt haters/M&S haters/haters of good style in general. It reaffirmed my position of staying off MN, life's too short! Have a fab time at the party tonight, looking forward to seeing the final outfit
ReplyDeleteOh lordy you're probably too young to remember Babapapa! We spent a lot of time in Spain when I was little so I'm wondering maybe if it was just a European thing? And it does take all sorts - I am just so pleased that so many people don't like it as it means not that many people will be wearing it! It's also identical to a Jaeger one that is double the cost so I hardly think it's that distinctive. I adore the colour most - the perfect 70s tan!
DeleteNo it not that I'm too young 😂😂, I'm 39 ffs! Unfortunately we holidayed in Co Clare as a child, not in Spain so no knowledge of Babapapa! Anyway just ordered the skirt for store collection, I'll try it on there in Monday, I really hope it suits me, it just looks so gorgeous. Btw lol at your comment somewhere on A57 about the faux suede version being like a skirt version of Woody's waistcoat- that's exactly what it looked like, I didn't even bother trying on when I saw it in store, it looked hideously cheap and nasty
DeleteThe skirt looks nice on you but I looked at it yesterday and thought the quality was not great for £199. They had loads in the M&S by Regent St.
ReplyDeleteAh that's interesting - I think the quality is really good for less than £200. Really gorgeous buttery soft suede, not skimpy with just the right drape. Perfect. So many suede skirts are that hard cheap stiff suede, this is up there with much more expensive versions that I've seen in my book.
Deleteyou can still wear it ! - gypsy blouse, big floppy hat and platforms - rock that 70's vibe
ReplyDeleteI think it looks GORGEOUS, and really perfect on you. You'll wear that zillions of times, I have no doubt. I love the Ali McGraw feel of it. Your chunky gold bracelets in the photo you posted work well with it too.
ReplyDeleteI just knew you'd look fab in it! I love it but it's waaaaay out of my budget, boooo!! I actually think I'd prefer it dressed for autumn/winter though, I can see it in my head! X
ReplyDeleteHaha, can't wait for the fancy dress reveal! :D Really wish you would post more photos of your outfits, because I like them so much, I need moar!
ReplyDeleteAs for the skirt I'd buy it in a heartbeat, I love this coffee color and the lenght is perfect! To be really honest though, 199 pounds is waaaay out of my comfort zone, but then again 50 pounds is out too, ah, who am I kidding I've been so used to second hand bargains even 10 pounds is a lot :D
I do remember Babapapa Kat! Marie
ReplyDeleteBarbapap is still alive and kicking here ( the Netherlands) I loooooove that skirt on you! I have a friend who is willowy and tall like you and I know how hard it is for her to find a good length skirt. I won't join the suède trend I think (think...) but I have seen a similar brown cord skirt at Topshop which I am going to buy now for Autumn ( I mean, who wear cold in summer?!!) Aren't you worried the suède is rather warm in summer? Grat for now and Autumn though!
ReplyDeleteLovely!! I love M&S x great figure too x
ReplyDeleteI remember Babapapa, he was quite big in the UK when I was little (over 40)! I'm sure you would never look like Babapapa!
ReplyDeleteGlad you got the skirt, it looks very versatile. I'm tempted by a linen shirt I saw in Zara, now.
Oh no. It is lovely. I have just guiltily purchased. I so WANTED to hate it. But it fits so well..... Still have the receipt so I can have a moral u-turn...
ReplyDelete