Oh, Boston. 35 degrees and rain/flurry mix while I’m just trying to snap some photos – why? To brighten up my outfit, I wore this striking cobalt skirt with the usual cold weather black/grays. I was instantly sold on bright blue from Ann Taylor’s Winter ads, and even ordered the fun modern shift dress (review coming soon). In person, this skirt is more of a deep cobalt blue, and less electric like on the AT website.
Fit: It looks like a snug miniskirt on the model, so I knew the fit would be “normal” on me. It sits low on my waist, and is a little roomy in the hips (if you look closely at the photo above, you can see a little pooch of fabric in the front, right at my lower tummy, where it should be lying flat). I wish the waist sat higher and the length was longer like a pencil skirt.
Measurements: 13″ across the waist, 16.5″ across the hips, 17″ length. Rayon/nylon/spandex blend.
Quality: Skirt is completely unlined (surprising! Even my stretchy knit skirt was lined, but I suppose that cost me $10 more), and the elastic waistband is visible from the inside. The ponte material is of medium thickness. Thick enough so that my tucked-in top didn’t show through, but not a sturdy, thick ponte.
Verdict: Keeping at the price I paid ($33 using this discount – 30% off code still works!). I decided to keep this skirt solely for the vibrant color, plus the fit was acceptable without alterations. It’s a welcome addition to my winter work wardrobe, and I can see the color being just as beautiful in softer Spring pairings and bold Summer outfits.
I got several compliments today while wearing this outfit at work, whereas had I chosen a black/gray skirt, this outfit would’ve been completely non-distinct.
great look for working
I did order two AT cobalt blue dresses since with 40% off, each dress is just about $76 – quite affordable. BTW, I have a question about true color of your BBR trench coat. The one on the site is more likely camel/beige to my eyes but yours in the pictures here looks like stone color. So what is the real-life color of this BBR? Thanks.
I am no way a petite woman, but I have to say that I get a lot of inspiration from your blog. I absolutely love your style!
I adore the look on your face in the first picture, Jean. Just precious. I can almost "hear" you say "Why do I have to take pictures when it's freezing out here!" Anyways love the pop of color on you. I haven't jumped on the AT cobalt blue bandwagon yet, but I am loving the rich color.
Glad to see you got yourself some cobalt blue. It's such a lovely hue! I was eyeing the jcrew super 120s pencil skirt in deep lagoon for a lighter, longer version. Also, I picked up the knit blazer from H&M; in black last weekend and it attracts fuzz/hair/frizzies like no other. How do you keep yours clean?
I think your 30% coupon may last until December 4th because I just got a mini catalog in the mail a few weeks ago with that and a 40% off one that are good through then!
I love your outfit and I noticed that your tights are very, very black instead of the usual sheer-looking black. It seems like it would keep one a lot warmer! Where can I find some like that?
I love the bright pop of colour!
By the way, do you have any suggestions for breaking into patent pumps? I find them a lot harder than normal leather pumps and they hurt my feet to squeeze into!
Nice pop of color on a grey day. Blue is my favorite!
http://www.jinsphotoblog.com
I love the skirt on you! The cobalt blue looks great 🙂 I have a ponte skirt from AT and it's also as you described – unlined and not very thick. I wish the ponte material was a bit heavier but considering I got it on sale, I can't really complain.
I have a question for you…how do your shoes stay on despite wearing tights? I am afraid to wear tights because I'm worried that I'll slip out of my pumps.
You look gorgeous in anything J! I love that cobalt color on you. Hope you have a great weekend.
Thu [justtututiny]
The fit looks amazing on you, Jean! I love the color as well.
I would do cobalt, but I am on a serious shopping ban after going all out for Halloween. I can really appreciate your infusion of color into your wintry wardrobe, too, because it gets super dreary out here in Michigan. I was down to 37 yesterday… it'll be down into the low 30s this coming week–a prospect that makes me very, very depressed.
Stay chic, darling! Happy weekend!
i also got the modern shift dress (but in black) during that 40% sale a few weeks ago. i was a bit put off by how bright the blue looked on the website. good to see that it's actually a darker hue!
i love the mix between black and blue!!
check out my blog, i mixed ivory with vibrant colors-
http://thehumblesybarite.wordpress.com/
The bright blue in their ads definitely got to me too!! I think your outfit looks so lovely for winter time. It's such a perfect color to brighten up the season!
Lovely color!
I really don't like how major retailers like AT and JCREW stopped linning their skirts and pants, and some blazers. Since when has that become acceptable? Can we say cheap? Esp. wool skirts and pants; it can get itchy without lining. and it doesn't drape on the body as well. Talk about a bad silhouette.
just tried to order online but no 00. Called customer service and i was told none in stores either–rather hard to believe. i guess i'll have to start calling stores myself!
on another note, LOVE your blog. i think we are almost exactly the same size. i have raved about your blog to all my petite (and non petite) friends!
Beautiful gorgeous color! I'm really loving cobalt this season as well – stay warm and dry! I remember what Boston was like this time of year 🙂
Love it! I got a skirt of this same color from Urban Outfitters. By the way, isn't the trench coat a bit light for this weather?? Stay warm!!
oooh…love your whole outfit….and the pop of color. *sigh* you always know how to put an outfit together. 🙂
that trench looks great on you! i'm still searching for the perfect burberry trench. if i'm going to spend that much, i don’t want to have to pay to alter it too…
Cobalt is my favorite for fall. Love the outfit, I kinda want the skirt now, hehe.
love the cobalt blue on you! i agree that it really does brighten up an outfit and it pops against the darker greys. great deal on it too!
I have a cobalt blue J.Crew coat that I love to break out when the weather is gloomy. Your trench is gorgeous! A Burberry trench is high on my wishlist. Btw I love your blog and styling ideas even though at 5'6", I'm not exactly petite 🙂
I would die to own a Burberry trench, but that $1000 price tag is just too scary to think about! You look great in it, though 🙂
Great outfit as always! Cobalt blue is one of my favorite shades of color. I as well ordered the AT modern shift dress but haven't received it yet. I can't wait to see your review.
Gorgeous 🙂 It's definitely bright colours and different things that make people stand out, and you do so in a good way! I get stares and compliments all the time because my hair is bright blue! Not quite that shade, though. Maybe like the right edge of your second photo. I would like to see how my hair matches with that skirt, but alas with being International, no skirt for me!
love your trench coat and blue skirt!
I love the colbalt blue! It definitely makes your whole outfit stand out
xx maggie
Love it. The bright blue is definitely a nice touch. . . makes such a difference for the outfit!
Great pop of color! Gorgeous!!!
That is a gorgeous color! I love your decision to use the gray background to show off the skirt!
I was really drawn to the blue from their ads, too. I might go shopping tomorrow. I have AT on my mind!
I've been loving bright cobalt blue at the moment–especially in accessories like belts, bracelets, and shoes. It looks great with one of my faaaavorite colors (dusty pink!) and definitely helps to pizazz up gloomy/dreary winter days. Glad to see I'm not the only one. 😉 So pretty, Jean!
Yes! Cobalt blue is one of my favorite colors for any season…and I've been on a hunt to find the perfect pieces to add to my wardrobe. I spotted a dress at Old Navy today that reminds me of the AT shift dress you mentioned in your post. I'll be purchasing it later today when I get off work. Will definitely share a review with you!
Love that skirt – it brightens up your outty!!
xo, tasha
twenty-something blog
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Cute! I love cobalt blue! Found a pretty blouse at HM in this color- u should check it out:-)
How did u score this for so cheap? My store never has new
stuff from ads- must be a west coast thing or something…
Love bright blue for winter!