Buying Pencils

Did you get all your back-to-school supplies shopping done? We just did. We are those last minute shoppers, frantically searching the half empty shelves at Staples and Office Depot, in a desperate attempt to find the perfect binder. But somehow it always works out in the end.

Of course,  in the fall clothing department, I am way ahead of schedule. With the recent 30% off, I have just ordered some wool pencil skirts, that I will not be able to wear for at least another month.  Now, pencil skirts were NOT on my list, as I feel I already have too many, but it was hard to resist the price and thinking that 'they are not going to be cheaper anytime soon', etc. I know this is the game the retailers play with us, but I still fell for it.

After deliberating a little, I have ordered not one, but three pencil skirts. After trying them on, I thought I will add in to the discussion about declining quality and different fit of this year's J.Crew pencil skirts. 

Size 4

First up is the No. 2 pencil skirt in herringbone in Watercolor Blue. I was looking for a light blue skirt and the color seemed pretty from the website pictures.

The fit is about the same as my other wool pencil skirts. The material is thinner than my double serge wool but I think it is a looser weave of the herrighbone. I have an older ('08) charcoal pencil skirt in herringhbone and I think it is very similar. My '08 one has a bit more defined waist (and truly fashioned waistband) but also tends to show more lumps and bumps because of the fabric weight. The shape is about the same, although the charcoal one seems shorter because it sits higher on the waist.

I felt rather dowdy in the Heather Acorn when I tried it (see HERE), but not in this one, I think it is the effect of the color. I never thought J.Crew pencil skirts were very body conscious anyway and it is mostly colors that make them stand out.

The Watercolor Blue is pretty and the name seems very appropriate. It is not a clear pastel shade and has a lot of gray in it. This makes it more sophisticated but also more difficult to match with other colors. I found it worked with my Liberty shirt and also with my gray cashmere sweaters both in brownish gray and silver gray, white and black of course, but not much more. I think it would be nice with a silk burgundy blouse but I don't have one to try.

Overall, I think it is a pretty skirt and worth the sale price, if you can work with the color and don't mind a little less structured fit.

***

Another wool pencil skirt I wanted to try was the No. 2 pencil skirt in double-serge wool in Festival Blue.  I was also curious about the Tall sizes.  Regular pencil skirt length does not bother me and I can wear it to the office without problems, but I wanted to have another option.

For comparison purposes, I am 5'6" with 33" inseam. I wear 4 in regular pencils and I ordered 4 in Tall.

Like I mentioned above, I have tried a regular length in this skirt in Heather Acorn and I did not like neither the fit nor the fabric.  I almost gave up on this year's skirts but I have heard reports from other JCAs (thank you kitsmommy!) that different colors may be better, so I ordered Festival Blue and Berry Pink, both in Tall.

Size Tall 4

I have to say, if the Festival Blue was the first No2 double serge wool skirt I tried this year I would not notice any decline in quality. It seems very nice, I like the wider gross grain waistband and the color is beautiful. It does not seem less structured or more prone to pilling. The fabric is thinner but that is not necessary bad

The fit is different, but I attribute it to being the Tall size. It seems more tapered towards the bottom, I guess because it is longer. I am not sure about the longer length overall but I do like the drape. The longer length has slightly different proportions and would definitely benefit from some heels. The espadrilles that I am wearing, which are almost flat, are not doing anything to elongate my calves but if you picture it with black Valentinas, it should look much better.

The color itself is TDF, but like most blues, I find it difficult to style. Besides black, it looks best with printed top that has some deep blue in it. The Liberty shirt worked, also my Silk Indigo cami and Paintbox floral cardigan turned out a perfect match. The shade of French Dove Graphic Tee is also very close match, so it may be an option paired with a black cardi. It may also work with certain shades of burgundy (again!) and brown.

Overall, a great skirt, if you have enough to wear it with.

***

I also tried Berry Pink but as soon as I opened the package, I knew it is not going to work for me. It is a pretty shade (watermelon with a drop of milk?), just not something I wanted to add to my wardrobe.

The fit is the same and the fabric seems same quality.

Size Medium

Another thing that I have thrown in with my order was the colorblock perfect tee. I have it in black/natural and I love it, so I thought navy and blue may be a good option too. It is, but I think I would have prefered a Small. It looks OK in the picture but it felt loose irl and I think Small would have more streamlined fit. It  looks nice with dark denim or navy skirt.

The last item that came with my order was the patent leather skinny belt. I love this belt and this is a third I ordered. One was 'borrowed' by my older daughter, never to be seen again, second one I recently left in the hotel room, so I needed a replacement. It runs large. I am wearing a Small and I use the second  hole when wearing it at my waist so be sure to size down.  On the other hand, it is great that I can also wear it with jeans!

***

That's all folks!

What is your experience with this year's double serge wool?

What do you think of the fit of tall size on me, is it nice or better in regular?

Which blue skirt would you pick?

What colors would you  pair with either blues?

Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!