Thursday, March 1, 2012

Can I pull off the schoolgirl chic?

I love plaid skirts, but they do have the Catholic schoolgirl vibe, so you have to be careful not to end up looking too juvenile. Wear some makeup and avoid pony tails and flat shoes, especially loafers and oxfords. And don't even think about braids or pigtails :)  I would not wear it with peter pan blouse and cardigan. In fact, no button downs. Instead, I would add some adult accessories and grown up shoes and I think you are safe.

Brora thermal t-neck and skirt, Boden shoes
My skirt and turtleneck are from British brand, Brora. If you haven't heard about Brora you can check them out HERE.  I was introduced to Brora by DaniBP, you can spot many Brora pieces on her wonderful blog. Brora is famous for their cashmere and rightly so. I have several sweaters from them and the quality is superb. I also own a few dresses, thermals and skirts. Their products are pricey, even on sale, but well worth it if you like the style. Almost everything is made in UK, from natural fabrics.

One warning, for the same reasons that make them unique, namely their slightly old-fashioned, romantic style,  if you overdose on Brora, (like I am prone to do), you have to watch out for the 'frump factor'. Modern shoes and accessories are the key, imo.


Add leopard clutch
This look was also inspired by this photo featured by the Fabulous Florida Mommy, but I wanted to winterize it a bit.  She always picks the best street styles in her 'Love this' series and her posts gave me plenty of ideas. Thank you FFM! If anyone knows where I can get that skirt, please let me know.

Add leopard shoes

Or black patent pumps

I think it works

On the side note, did you notice that I am matching my bedroom decor?  I told you so!

What do you think, did I pull it off? 
Do you like plaid skirts and schoolgirl chic? Please share!

12 comments:

  1. I adore the outfit with the leopard accessories, especially! :)

    And the boots.

    Brora is one company I haven't yet tried, but I do trust you and Dani, so I may just bite next year...

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    1. thanks Dina, I love Boden boots, I should do a review on Boden shoes one day. And be careful with Brora, it is bankrupting me :)

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  2. YES! This outfit is perfection. You look amazing!

    I am too cheap for Brora, but their clothes sure are lovely!

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    1. THanks J.CrewJD! I wish Brora was cheaper!

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  3. Yes, you look utterly adorable! That is a fab outfit, alas I'm getting jowls so I doubt I could pull it off.

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    1. Thanks Tabitha, I know you will look great in this skirt, what jowls?

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  4. I adore the teal-y blue tones here. And the version with the leopard print heels somehow speaks to me, I think even with the mixed prints, it is subtle enough and goes well together!

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    1. thanks Lisa, I love the teal/blue with black/brown, it is one of my fav combos. and those leopard shoes truly go with everything.

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  5. Thanks so much for the kind mention ajc! I love this outfit, and YES with the leopard, awesome. I have to say the Brora stuff is great, I'm not purchasing any more as I have a nice collection, all of my winter basic skirts and sweaters are Brora, so warm and toasty. It's nice to feel "done" with a clothing category, when items are not trendy and are so well made made they don't have to be purged out and re-purchased the next year.
    MrBP bought me a navy cashmere sweater dress and a gray long sleeve cashmere jumper for Christmas, my last two basics. I've been wearing the navy dress with my skinny jeans from JCrew, a very comfy outfit, hmm, I might wear that today!

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    1. Oh the gifts from MrBP sound wonderful, he sure know what you like! Why don't I ever feel done? I just ordered a scarlet jumper from their clearance, I was resisting it the whole winter...

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  6. Thank you for the mention, as well, ajc! :) I really like this look on you a lot, especially with the boots...I think you 'pull it off' extremely well.

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