I found this old snap of my sis from the seventies. Cracking outfit. Guffaw guffaw. Titter titter.
Sister So So circa 1977
Just joking! Not really fooling anyone am I?
I'm just having a trying on session with my Massimo Dutti skirt which I managed to get in the sale. I'd seen it months back and ummed and ahhed and when I finally went in for the kill, lo and behold it disappeared off the site. Drat. I thought it was all sold out but no, on the first day of the Massimo Dutti sale - it turned up half price in all sizes. So where did it go for two months when I was looking for it? Why was it taken off the website? Did they do it intentionally to wind me up? Because they knew I would check every few days for two months to see if it would come back? Most entertaining answer will be announced some time soon.
Anyway, the above picture is how I am not going to wear a seventies styled skirt, styled à la seventies Pollyanna style ... just incase anyone genuinely thought I was going there with this one. Some people will look lovely styled slightly vintage and retro like this - I look a little bit weird and a whole lot of Stepford.
However, I might wear it as seen below as the change of blouse helps to alleviate the Pollyana look and keeps it a bit fresher.
Primark blouse (old), Massimo Dutti Skirt, Kurt Geiger Krimble Sandals (old)
Still has that whiff of the seventies about it but hopefully in a much better way. Oh no - I'm also getting a hint of safari (stop! stop! stop!). And I'm not going to pretend it's the easiest skirt to work with - it's not. It sits right on my waist which feels rather strange as I am used to everything sitting a little lower. This means you have to either (1) find a top which stops on the waistline allowing the skirt to flow out nicely or (2) find something which tucks in without bulking you out too much. Or go for option (3) which is to find a top which is short enough to allow the skirt to flow out nicely and which you don't have to tuck in so you can be mega comfy. It's all about proportions with this skirt. You definitely need to think about how to wear it. But all said, it's a lovely retro looking skirt in a nice heavy linen. And it has pockets. I LOVE pockets!!! Have you seen Eep Crood from the Croods when she discovers shoes for the first time. Same amount of heartfelt emotion here.
And here's with a little black fitted jumper to give you that slight fifties feel and more of a shape.
Muji Jumper (old), Massimo Dutti Skirt, Russell Bromley Pumps (Ebay)
Both different looks. Chalk and cheese. Black and white (literally). Which look do you prefer? And is this skirt a keeper? I keep thinking I need to branch out more. But are skirts the way to go for me? Or would a better investment be a pair of Gap skinny mini skimmer khakis in flint grey? Hmmm. Old habits die hard - I do like to keep the legs under wraps.
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Last Note :
- Why do Massimo Dutti take so long to get an order out to the customer. This skirt took nearly ten days from ordering at which point I was thinking of cancelling because I was bored waiting. I don't blame you Belinda (AllWornOut) for hitting the shops to get what you want instead of waiting for the snail mail delivery. I just wish I could do that but there are no shops north of London.
- You need to wear big knickers with this skirt as the likelihood of it blowing up is very likely.
- Eep Crood. Enjoy.
Gorgeous skirt. And very versatile too.
ReplyDeleteOh Kristina, I really like this skirt but I'm not sure it works for me on a day to day basis - it's not particularly great for hanging out with the kids. I have heart vs head syndrome working overtime on this skirt.
DeleteVery lovely skirt! I like the styling with the black jumper best. I think the skirt is a keeper due to its versatility and practicality (pockets!).
ReplyDeleteHi Christine - thanks for popping past. I have to say the pockets are a major selling point and they are designed very well so they don't add extra bulk to the hips ( a rare thing indeed). Sometimes I'm drawn to things just for the simple reason that I love them even if they don't work for my lifestyle so yes, I'm in a quandary over this skirt. I have too many things I love but don't wear in my wardrobe :o(
DeleteI like it most with the white shirt. Very fresh.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have a Massimo Dutti here in Oz :( but my mum is currently in Europe and I happen to know she has got a few odds and ends for me from there - COS too. We really do miss out on things on this side of the world...
Well we only have MD here in London - far too many miles for me to make it to a shop but I can at least order online (be it a very slow service). I'm itching to try something from COS too - maybe that will be my next port of call - hope their online delivery is quicker than MD's.
DeleteI prefer it with the white top, but both are very nice. Great find! There's no Massimo Dutti in my city, which is a shame. I know I found some really lovely things there when I stumbled across a shop in Paris. Oslo gets all the great store, humpf! Pout!
ReplyDeleteI take it Oslo is pretty far for you to get to then? I like the skirt worn both ways but yes the white shirt probably has the edge looking at the photos. But even though I sort of like what I see - I'm not sure it feels that great to wear. Something about me and skirts and dresses which don't marry too well.
DeleteI like it with the white blouse tucked in and the tan sandals. Love dutti was heartbroken when they closed down the 1 in Manchester... Always go for a look whilst on holiday in Spain and ending up buying something. Being a creature of habit I would personally go for the Gap khakis in flint ~ lovely colour was looking at them myself
ReplyDeleteI remember the MD in Manchester. Before that, I used to go to one in Palma in Spain.
DeleteAnd yes the Gap skimmer minis in flint grey are really shouting at me. I just know I will get a lot more wear out of them and they are super flattering. Oh crikey ... I can sort of feel which item I'm leaning towards - practical bunny that I am.
You know me Sue, I'm all for skirts and dresses and you look really lovely! The look with the black top and pointy shoes is SO CHIC! I think you should keep it for the versatility alone not just that it suits you - how do they look with your Converse or ballet flats? Surely that would be an easy casual outfit? I have to tell you that Fashion Forces work in their own mysterious ways - I have a flared light coloured skirt on my shopping list - not white as I already have and wear it to death - but it's the sort of classic thing not done by many places and I searched high and low. And then I read this post! I ordered it already and hope for the best. You're right it's kind of difficult because it's a proper skirt. We're not really used to this fit on the waist thing but I really hope it works for me too and will be really sad if it doesn't.
ReplyDeleteYes - you are definitely one for skirts and dresses - I have to say, you always get that little more excited when I don a dress or skirt - can definitely tell you like them the best. I did try the skirt with Converse but I felt a bit dumpy and that's owing to the skirt just hitting on the knee which is okay with girly shoes but a killer with anything else.
DeleteSo you have a skirt ordered too .... look forward to seeing it (providing you love it) when you get it. You can show me how it's done. And yes - the waistband thing is a bit of pain if I'm honest - it stops me eating.
I'm not sure I like and that's me being really honest because I know you can take it - I love all of what you wear, you have that style but this skirt doesn't work for me - is it the length? Is the shoes with the skirt? I just can't decide.
ReplyDeleteWhat's it like with flat ballet pumps or a good stiletto?
I love the shirt with the skirt, that looks cute
I can't wear skirts like this :-( so I stick to dresses instead.
Will you still like me even though I kind of said I didn't like it?!!!!
Fiona
x
Wahhhhh! Sobbbb. No just joking. I like the honesty - I can take it. It's a very distinct style - definitely seventies but I have to say, I love clothing with a seventies bent. That's my era. Couldn't do the eighties stuff at all.
DeleteI've tried it with a number of different type of shoes and I felt these worked the best. And it's funny you say, you can't do these type of skirts, I can't do your long and lean type of dresses - shows far too many lumpy bits on me and I refuse to spanx up.
P.S. Still your friend :o)
I love all the looks, actually, even the seventies flair! I wish I could wear high waisted skirts, but as I am shaped high waisted they just don't work. My hips look like buffalo! Anyway.... love the post. I hunt things down, too. A girl must these days if she wants to wear nicer things.
ReplyDeleteThank you Martha - you like a little of the seventies styling don't you? I remember your post about a stripy top, flared jeans and Hasbeens. My kind of thing as well.
DeleteAnd yes totally agree about hunting things down - besides I like the thrill of the chase too.
LOVE that skirt. Truly and dearly. Its ace. I like it in the first pic too (that's probably how I would wear it, tbh) and love it with the white top. You should add a little pleated belt too. It would look good with a denim shirt as well.
ReplyDeleteCan you tell I love it?
I think ... you love this skirt. I really think you do. I think you should get this skirt.
DeleteI think you are right.
DeleteI think ths is a perfect skirt for you - suits your style perfectly - kind of casual and cool and I love the whole seventies vibe. I love it with the white blouse
ReplyDeleteThank you - I'm breathing a sigh of relief here as I've read the comments below and there's a few not keeners for this one. But I do like this skirt - sometimes you just have to go with what you like. I think it's more me that most people imagine.
DeleteOh thank God that Fiona got there before me, cos I was nervously scrolling down through the comments and wondering was I going to be the only person to say errr.. no, not sure I like it really. It's a bit too 70s and (you're going to kill me now) just a bit on the mumsy side for me. Ok, I'm going ...
ReplyDeleteHelen ... it's okay - you don't have to like it. Still your friend too.
DeleteIt's the kind of skirt I love Sue but not on me, I think you can get away with it with the krimbles as they have a seventies vibe. Also really like it with the black too. It's totally different to anything I've seen you in and for that reason I say go for it. It's nice to mix it up every once in a while and wear something that shocks people a bit (in a good way). I have a similar skirt actually, it's a lot more of an a line with a front split and I got excited a few years ago when that style was seen on the catwalk, but it never made it to the night street so I think I always would look like I'm going to a fancy dress party! X
ReplyDeleteIt's not your kind of skirt Trea. Yours need to be shorter and more fitted to show off your great legs. You really suit minis. And yes - I do need to break out of my comfort zone every now and then - however uncomfortable (drat that fitted waistband) it may seem compared to my usual gear.
DeleteI did use to wear skirts and dresses ,,, a long long time ago. BC.
Hmmmm...I'm with Fiona and Helen (glad also not to be the first 'naysayer'!) Although it looks good how you've styled it...there seems to be a note of uncertainty coming through, and for me the gathers & buttoned front...I just dunno... I don't think it could work for me - but that's not very helpful is it?!
ReplyDeleteMy only reservations are really about how much wear I would get out of it but I also know this is the style of skirt I really like and I literally whooped when I saw it on the website. And then it went. And then it came back again. And it is lovely in real life.
DeleteI expect to see you in a similar skirt in another month's time when you've warmed to it ... like you did with boyfriend jeans :o)
Yes! I thought the exact same thing right after leaving my comment!! If you love it - that's a really good sign. :-)
Deleteit looks lovely on you Sue! I can't do button fronted skirts at all for some reason but I often wish I could.I really like the shape of this one, just enough flare and swing. I actually like the Stepford look haha, but I know what you mean, I don't do retro either :)
ReplyDeleteyou've got me looking in the Massimo Dutti sale now, and I've already spent too much money in the Uniqlo sale... dangerous! x
I can do retro up to a point but I can't do totally vintagey looking if you know what I mean? I think I was going for the APC/Aubin Wills vibe that you get when you browse through their lookbooks.
DeleteAnd remember to show your Uniqlo spoils on a post won't you? And I'll show you mine ;o)
you look very APC chic in all of these pics! my fave is the white cotton blouse with the skirt - perfect summer with a hint of boho. i also dig the black top/skirt/black pointy pumps. so Audrey :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, I love you. You get it. Both ways.
DeleteI'm surprising myself here, I actually like it on you! Especially the first 70's (!) pic! Not 100% on the shoes but think would look better in flesh.The more I look at it on you, the more I am warming to it! x
ReplyDeleteReally? The first 70's pic? I thought it would work when I tried it on and then looked in the mirror and thought it had all gone a bit rogue. I did the shoes especially as they are very seventies. But I do like a seventies sandal - I looked in the wardrobe and I seem to be over run with them actually. A lot haven't made it on the blog yet.
DeleteYep, just looked at it again and still like it the best!x
DeleteJust popping in to say YES to the GAP skinny minis! I have the gray one, and also the olive and beige ones, and I wear them all the time. Both comfortable and elegant, I can only suggest to go for it before it sells out :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kali. Do you know what - I don't actually need that much convincing. I have the olive coloured ones and I love them. The grey ones - I've already earmarked and the only reason I'm not going for the beige is that I have some Maison Scotch beige chinos which need more wearing but are actually cut very similar - slim but relaxed at the same time. Watch this space - flint grey skinny minis coming soon.
DeleteI'm not a true 'skirter' as you know Sue but I really like it with the white blouse tucked in. I like the whiff of the seventies - I think you should embrace the whiff - it's a good Ali McGraw vibe! x
ReplyDeleteWell Ali McGraw is a style icon to many so I'm going to take that as a positive then. Thanks Jenny!
DeleteI love that sweater and skirt combo! I have a huge arse so I'm all for full skirts and I think at the right length, they are so much more flattering than mini skirts.
ReplyDeleteI can not do mini skirts at all even though I'd love to. I think we all just have to work with what we've got and hide the bad bits as best we can. The skirt's very forgiving and they've added the pockets in such a way so they don't add bulk to the sides - so many skirts/dresses fail on that front. I know.
DeleteWhew! You scared me there with the frilly frou-ly printed top. My favorite has got to be the black sweater and pointy flats. THAT rocks my boat!
ReplyDeleteWhat - you don't like the first frilly frou frou outfit? Really? :o)
DeleteI like the simplicity of the black jumper and flats as well - very simple and quite flattering. I just need to borrow your Coach bag to finish the outfit off now.
I am obsessed with pointy pumps too! Found a lovely pair via asos for only £20 (textile but very nice, not pleather...). And I love this skirt length, it is the holy grail of lengths for me, so rare, so bloody difficult to locate these days. Works so perfectly with the plain tops, I agree, but I especially love the black jumper and pointy shoe combo. I want to copy this look!
ReplyDeleteHow are you getting on with the KG ankle strap ones? I love those but the strap is so high up my leg, I look like a gladiator.
DeleteAnd I think I'm getting a lot of thumbs up with the black jumper and pointy flats - quite a clean and simple look.
They had a lovely cream skirt on Massimo Dutti as well which would be perfect for you (I can't do the cream one - I'm too much of a mucky pup) - but it would have looked lovely with you and would suit your colouring with something like a pale pink fitted jumper (sim shape to my black one). Very very pretty and probably the right length for you as well. However ... all small sizes have gone now. Don't you have a very pretty simple cotton skirt from Uniqlo which works like this?
Sue, the shoes are really comfy and nice, i'm really glad i purchased them. I didn't expect them to be so soft and cushy underfoot! I wear them with cropped jeans or fuller knee length skirts, which seems to tame them I think.
DeleteI always miss the best skirts (I'm a fan!). Recently got a poofy voile skirt from Zara in sale, but haven't tried it out yet. It needs ironing every time you look at it, haha:)
Am having technological ishoos (my iPhone is on loan to my husband and, so, I lost all my bookmarks, including to your blog!), so am late to this post. How thoughtful of you to mention our blog! Typically kind of you.
ReplyDeleteNow, I actually really like the skirt with the white blouse tucked in, AND I also like the 50's look you styled, too. It might be because I quite like a feminine look like that, but regardless of why, I think the skirt looks lovely either way.
Oh and don't get me re-started on MD, I went to the local MD store to collect my internet order, and the store is being renovated! Thanks for that, MD. No email to notify where my order has now gone and you can just imagine the fun I will be having with their customer services call centre [bangs head on keyboard at the thought]. If only they didn't make such nice, affordable things in natural fibres...
Anyway, I do hope you wear your new MD skirt and enjoy it!
You do everything on your iPhone? Superwoman! I can barely type a text on my phone and would never dream of doing a blog post from a phone. I wouldn't know where to start.
ReplyDeleteI actually arranged for a returns today for the skirt (I ordered two for sizing) but I am having second thoughts even now. I do rather like it and I will probably kick myself for sending it back but I'm trying to level with how much I will wear it. But then again, how much I wear some of my other things which I have decided to keep is quite eye opening as well. I have some things which get worn once every two years but I could never cull. And I'm not sure I'm going to get on with the courier returns ... not heard anything back so far so I've no idea when they will turn up. However, the customer service lady who helped me out (couldn't get in to my account) was lovely and very helpful. I wished her a nice day at the end of it - I love friendly helpful customer service - you can't beat it.
oh i actually have a soft spot for skirts like this. something about the midi length i think, part demure and part sexy. love it with the primark shirt but i'm probably more for the second look
ReplyDeletesteph / absolutely-fuzzy.com
The second look is more you - it's got black in it :o)
DeleteSue, first of all I am your latest follower:) My eyes popped out when I saw the pictures - I love that skirt, the white blouse and the black pullover and the Geiger sandals! The funny thing is, I have 2 of those skirts (not by M.D. but bought in Germany 20 odd years ago!)and I absolutely love them - they will never ever go out of fashion, I am sure. The blouse from "Primmark?" - lucky you, it looks quite expensive and then this cute little jumper. I hate straps over the front of shoes - but your Geiger ones look lovely on you. All in all - picture perfect - but why hiding your face?? See you soon again, Carina :)
ReplyDeleteHi Carina and thanks for popping past. I ended up returning my skirt in the end because I was rationalising over how much wear I would actually get out of it and the reality is not that much - I'm a jeans/trouser girl through and through although the current weather is helping me enjoy shorts and dresses a little more, I'm happiest in a pair of pants. Glad to hear that your skirts are still going strong then - you bought well. I however am still looking for my perfect skirt. I'll know it when I see it!
Delete