One thing that's helped is taking a more strategic approach to my wardrobe additions, instead of just picking up everything and anything I like the look of. For AW19, mindful of my lighter hair, I decided to look for some soft warm pink tones that would work well with the burgundy, browns, blacks and greys that I like to wear in the autumn winter and that I already have quite a lot of. Pieces that would give me more options with my existing wardrobe and that really get me excited to wear them.
This skirt ticks all these boxes...
As is so often the case for me, it came to my attention when I saw another woman wearing it with a chunky black knit. Just one look and I knew it was exactly what I was looking for this AW19. It's midi/maxi-length with lovely pleated detail and black in the pattern - that last detail is so important for me as I know I get the most wear out of things that have a black base or black in the pattern.
They say you should only buy something if you can think of three things it can be worn with in your existing wardrobe. I knew this skirt would work with the pink trench coat I got recently in Stradivarius, a black leather biker, a stone coloured blazer, an oversized black knit, a deep red crew neck, a striped hobbs crew neck, several of my slogan t-shirts, black biker boots, trainers, long brown boots....need I go on?
I wore it twice last week alone and then took it to Donegal with me at the weekend, where my photographer friend Gillian Robb, took some pictures for me...oh the difference a good photographer makes. I always feel at ease with Gillian and she knows I like the pictures taken fast and with minimal fuss. It's what makes her such a great family and business photographer...you can see her work on her website here.
In these shots, I'm wearing it with a couple of my favourite burgundy pieces - suede ankle boots from Seven Boot Lane that I bought in one of their sales a few years ago (oh how I miss SBL - there are very few places that can make boots as nice as they did) and a faux leather burgundy biker jacket that I snapped up also in the sales, this time from Great Plains (I also have it in dark green....for another day)
Hoodie - Part Two from Seven Limavady (gift)
Bag - Gianni Conti from McKillens Ballymena
I'll be honest, I'm not that good with colour and I stood for ages looking in the mirror before we went out to do these shots, unsure if it was just a bit too matchy-matchy...but I embraced the colour and I love the result. I think I'd change the bag if I was wearing it again though. What to, I don't know...but that's the beauty of outfit shots.
Perhaps you're thinking that a skirt like that isn't going to be as practical in the colder winter months but with the addition of tights and boots, I think it will. I love a bit of floral in winter too - it really lifts the mood so with my 11 year old Hobbs long brown boots and a camel coat, I think it will be good to go on a colder day.
But for now, while the weather is in this lovely transitional state, I'm going to wear this skirt as much as possible with burgundy...these boots and the biker haven't been worn as much as I thought and I love that this skirt has given them a new lease of life!
On an aside, is that backdrop amazing? I've a blog post in the pipeline to tell you more about my Donegal trip to an amazing retreat space in Dunfanaghy run by an amazing friend. Just waiting on some of the images to come through first. I've not been in Donegal for a few years and I'd forgotten how breathtakingly beautiful it is. Well worth the drive - I wish I could have stayed longer.
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Disclaimer - all items purchased by me, apart from the hoodie. Some affiliate links used. Not a sponsored blog post.
Hi there
ReplyDeletewhat size did you go for?
Great question! I got the 12 because there wasn't a 10 left but I would have bought the 10 if it had been in stock. I'd say unlike some Topshop items, you could go with your usual size as it's got an elastic waistband and the pleating in the fabric gives some room too.
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