Manolo Blahnik BB pumps
I got a little taste of Spring weather last week which had me craving vibrant colors! With bright hues, I usually like to either tone ’em down with neutrals, or go all out with complementary or analogous shades. I was feeling the latter on this occasion but did ground this outfit with a pair of nude pumps. For a more formal look, I love the idea of a white blazer over this!
I’m partnering again with J.Crew Factory, which continues to be one of my favorite places to shop for work-to-weekend pieces. The items I’ve bought from there are usually a great value, oftentimes under $50 while being well-made. I just found out they now have “Petite shops” within numerous brick & mortar stores across the US (store locator where you can filter for that) with a full range of petite sizing. The closest one to Boston with a Petite shop is in Wrentham, for those who like to do your shopping in-person!
This pencil skirt in double-serge cotton is one that I see pop back season after season in different colors. I’m wearing 00p which runs true to size for the brand, which means it sits a little lower on me. The 100% double-serge cotton is thick and sturdy, but does crease a little after sitting for long periods given the nature of cotton. Skirt is unlined with an invisible back zip and two front pockets. This plaid shirt is another item that comes back regularly in new prints. The cotton flannel material is soft, and I thought this particular one ran a little slimmer than usual.
Theis skirt is labeled dry clean but accidentally got run through our washer & dryer. The cotton texture changed a little even after ironing, which is probably why it’s dry clean only. On the plus side for me it did shrink about half a size, so now fits more snug than as shown in these pics. Measurements of my 00p after shrinkage are 12.5″ across the waist,” 16 across hips,” 18″ long. Unfortunately I didn’t get measurements before the wash, but I estimate it was about half an inch wider at the waist and hips. The machine dryer is usually the devil for clothes, not the washer, so I’m curious how this piece would withstand hand washing or the machine gentle cycle. If anyone has this same skirt and washed it at home, please share your experience!
J.Crew Factory is having a buy more, save more promo through the holiday weekend – here’s a few other suggested items that I’ve mentioned in prior posts:
– Winnie ankle pants have been re-stocked in both classic navy and black. These are in a stretch twill material and can easily become work-to-weekend staples. See my review of them.
– Gingham and chambray button-up shirts are both wardrobe staples and great for layering under sweaters and blazers. I wear mine more times than I can count. Both of these are cotton and machine-washable, with a petite-friendly fit.
– Double-serge wool pencil skirt left in a pretty burgundy in all sizes (final sale)
– My silver sequin skirt worn in this post has been re-stocked in almost all sizes (final sale)
Thank you J.Crew Factory for partnering on this post!
What other color tops can you wear that skirt with?
Hi Jean – question for you. I have the J. Crew No. 2 pencil skirt in double serge wool in a # of colors, including camel. My camel one is virtually unworn because I'm never sure what color stockings/shoes go with it. Advice please? Or better yet, a post with some pairings? 😉
This makes me REALLY want summer to be here! Love the backdrop of your photos and how bright your outfit is. Definitely gorgeous!
coffeeslag
COFFEESLAG Winter Coat OOTD
Pretty outfit!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
I love this outfit, you look gorgeous.
Regards from the Soanish blog http://inatrendytown.com
I love these bright colors–perfect for spring! Great look!
Lifestyle by Joules
I have this skirt in a sand color and black! I machine washed it and hung dry each time, it unfortunately wrinkled easy, so I felt I had to wash frequently. It held up well in the washer machine, except the black became so faded after probably 8-10 washes I had to donate it. I hate faded black! Love the teal blue you are wearing tho!!
I'm not one for flannel, but you've got me convinced to buy some! I really love this color combination, and I'm a sucker for bright colors. I love checking your blog for the best work fashion because our sizes are so similar.
How To Be More Like Lauren
What a pretty turquoise. J.Crew is one of my favorite places to shop also.
http://www.doreensstylediary.com
Love your blog! Thanks so much for letting me know that some stores are carrying petites. I'm super excited there's one in St. Louis now!
You look so beautiful & classy, love that bright colors on you!
xx,
Dolce Petite
Ah, I had meant the closets one with a petites shop : ) I love the Assembly Row one and hope they will get a petites shop as well!
Hi I got my usual size xxsp – it must've just sold out in petites. The shirt runs slim throughout so regular may work if you have longer arms
Oops forgot to mention – my usual size, xxsp
Hi Jennifer! Maybe you can look into sites like Poshmark or Twice – I know a lot of ladies who sell and buy items from there.
I had a black version of the pencil skirt that had a trip through the washer & dryer..it SUPER faded and definitely shrunk. For me, it ended up being just enough that it is too tight now. That's what I get for not checking tags more carefully!
The closest J. Crew Factory to Boston is actually in Somerville! At Assembly Row:)
The color of this is so pretty!
For the first time, you're wearing something I have in my closet! I love this skirt and this color, but have only dry cleaned.
Turquoise is such a pretty and refreshing color to wear! The sleek pencil shape of the skirt is such a classic too, beautiful piece on you!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
What size of the plaid shirt did you get? Was it the petite or regular? I would love to get the same design but it's only available in regular and am afraid that it would be too large.
Love this hue of turquoise! The back drop of the stairs matches your outfit 🙂
-Mei
Pieces of Mei
As a girl who is all about blue and green tones, I am totally digging this outfit!
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
I'm pretty sure I have that plaid top, in a different print. I am in love with the texture of that top, and it fits me like a glove. Love your vibrant outfit 🙂 I kind of wish that winter is here for just a little longer though! Haha.
http://www.deasynoel.com
Uh-oh, now you got me thinking about buying more clothes after I told myself I'd stop! If I were a working lady, I'd be wearing those pencil skirts everyday. But, since I am at home with three boys (and the messes they make), that is just not possible, lol!
Love all the shades of blue.
Liv
http://www.livforstyle.net
So spring fresh! Love the bright and vibrant colors in the subject and background =)
•.•°•.• savorytouch •.•°•.•
This is so pretty! Getting me excited for Spring!
Sincerely,
Staja
Www. SincerelyStaja.com
I have this same skirt in petite sizing, and I have one in regular sizing also. I've washed and hung mine, and I've dry cleaned it and honestly, the skirt looks the same after washing/hanging/ironing as it does when l've dry cleaned it. And mine didn't shrink in the wash. The creasing IS annoying though, which is why I haven't bought this skirt in any other colors. I've had the mint one for almost four years now, and it's starting to look "dirty" where it creases, even after dry cleaning AND washing it. :-/
Love the look and the colors! What size are you wearing for the plaid shirt? 🙂
I'm loving the colors!!
http://www.llindatt.blogspot.com
I LOVE this skirt!!
Blonde in Cashmere
Hi Jean. I've been a silent follower for a while, but I was wondering if you could give me any suggestions on reselling a few pairs of Tieks ballet flats. I bought two in size 5 before realizing they would not stretch out as much as I'd hoped. Thank you!
Love this!! Makes me crave spring!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Turquoise is one of my favorite colors so I definitely love this outfit! It looks great on you!
Polly
http://gemsandjoy.com
I love the colors . . . they are just amazing!
http://www.lifeisjustrosie.com
Love the bright blue colour! The plaid shirt is the perfect piece to add a casual weekend touch.
Avanti
xxx
Avantigarde.wordpress.com
Lovely! Such pretty and soft colors! =)
~Alyssa~
shesalyssarenee.com
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Ahh this shade is gorgeous! Absolutely love the plaid shirt and pencil skirt pairing 🙂
Enclothed Cognition/Bloglovin
Gorgeous color and perfect with that background too! 🙂
x Sarah
http://www.bohochiccafe.com
Love the choice of shoe with this outfit.
http://www.dressupchowdown.com
The colors here are incredible! Love my BB pumps too!
xo, Irina Bond | BondGirlGlam.com
Beautiful color<3
Shall We Sasa
Love this, super cute color pallet.
|| D I A N A ||
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
So cute! Love the plaid!
Abbie E.
http://abulouslife.blogspot.com/
You look like the spring in person with your turquoise look! Love how you mixed the shirt with the skirt <3
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
I love the color of the skirt!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com