Friday, October 5, 2012

Review of Sterling skirt in double-serge wool


Sterling skirt in double-serge wool

With the last STYLE25 promo, I decided to try on the Sterling skirt. I know many have lamented the change of the design from last years version, but for me it was a good change. I did order the skirt last year in two sizes and it was a disaster,  the hem was flaring too much and the skirt was huge in the hips while the waist was just right. I can totally understand the frustration when something that fitted you perfectly is suddenly changed, I would be so unhappy if J.Crew changed the cut of their pencil skirts to acommodate slender waists and fuller hips. I almost felt bad ordering the skirt.


Size 4
After chatting with CS to get the measurements I decided to order my regular pencil size. It was a right call and the skirt fits me very well in this size. I would say the waist is a little bit more defined than in double serge wool pencils. I am 5'6 and I am fine with the length. I think a flared skirt is tricky when it is any longer.


The fabric is very similar to the No2 pencil skirt but it feels more substantial that the Heather Acorn pencil skirt(which I did not like, see review here)  more like other colors I tried (see here). It flares just a little bit but enough to not need a slit in the back. I felt very lady-like in it and less trendy, in a good way. It is super comfortable for walking and the pockets add some interest.


I was curious if you could wear it with the top untucked but I think you can, if your top has a defined waist or it is cropped. Of course if you loose the pocket detail, the skirt becomes rather blah, but sometimes that's OK..

 

Overall, I really like the skirt. I wanted a neutral but I think it would be stunning in crimson maple as well.I am keeping it!

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That's all folks!

Do you own Sterling skirt from either last year?
Have you tried this year's version or are you planning to?

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

34 comments:

  1. Thanks for this helpful review, AJC. You look great in this. I don't have last years model and wished that I did. The cut of the skirt looks fuller than the pencil, which is the point; but I have a couple more inches and worry it will be too short. I love the length on you.

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    1. Hi Lane, there is about an Inchon the hem tone let down and maybe you can size up one size? I usually could do it in pencils but this one I am not sure.

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  2. Absolutely love it!

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    1. Thanks Tabitha, I was hoping to channel you, no pop of color or any other nonsense.

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  3. I had a lot of those same thoughts. I feel badly for the people who loved last year's version. The change worked in my favor for my body type and the new version fits me very well. I bought this same color and I really like it. I tried it first in the crimson maple and didn't care for it. I liked the heather acorn color without hosiery, it didn't break up the leg the way the crimson maple did on me. I could have made the crimson maple work, but I don't love the color.

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    1. There is always someone left out with any design, I wish they would do both, something like Gap's curve id. I know that pencils work for me but I was excited about a-line wool skirt. I am very happy with it, glad it worked for you too.

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  4. I love this one on you. I have the flair in acorn and I am only interested in that color so this is a pass for me. I am back to minis this year, I stocked up in pencils and more demeure skirts last year because of all the private school search thing but now that I am in I can wear what I really like. Yay!

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    1. Thanks Ema! I love minis on you, you should definitely wear what you like and what makes you happy.

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  5. Sometimes they muddy up the camel, but this looks really pretty. The skirt looks great on you, ajc. Thanks for the review :)

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    1. I agree, they did this color right, it is a great neutral that goes with everything.

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  6. I love the color and the style works well for you. I tried last year's version in two sizes and it was a disaster. I prefer pencils most of all but I have a couple of A-line skirts as well as fit-and-flare styles but they are all on the shorter side, which looks much better on me. I'm afraid I don't have the figure to conquer the frump factor on this one.

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    1. Maybe you should give it a try, you are taller so it will be a bit shorter on you, they also have petite version. I had to changes mindset looking at this skirt because I have the tendency to look for that pencil look but this has a little different vibe. Last years cut looked very different on me. And you have a Great figure!

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  7. I love this skirt and I'm looking forward to getting it in the crimson maple color. Thanks for the review, it looks fantastic on you.

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    1. Thank you Joelle, I almost regretted getting a pencil skirt in crimson maple because I think it would be stunning in sterling skirt.

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  8. Yeah I love this on you . I've being waiting for this review and as usual you delivered. This was on my wishlist and it fits you perfect so I just ordered it. Thanks for the time and effort.

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    1. I am so glad I could help. I wonder if this would work with the Brora jacket? I am thinking yes.

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  9. The skirt looks lovely on you, ajc. I do own the skirt from last year in both colors, and as you know, am extremely upset that they changed the silhouette this year. I have not yet tried the new version, and doubt I will since it is closer to that of the pencil skirts, which do not work for me.

    I like the skirt with a shirt tucked in, but it also looks really nice with a close fitting sweater (such as a long-sleeve cashmere tee) worn untucked, covering up the pockets.

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    1. I really wish they would do both cuts, actually in Sterling and in no2 pencil. I am not sure if it is feasible market wise, but why not? You can always get it taken in but you will not get the flare. At least you got both colors of the last year model :)

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  10. You should keep it. It fits you very nicely, and it is such a versatile color. Great buy!

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    1. Thanks KnitYarns! It is definitely a keeper!

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  11. This year's version of the Sterling skirt looks great on you - it looks really elegant and it's a nice change from the pencil skirt shape.

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    1. Hi Louise, I agree, it is nice to have other options, how many pencil skirts can one wear? OK, I know. A lot. Lol.

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  12. This is the one skirt I have been wanting to try and our Toronto store doesn't have . What size are you wearing?

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    1. I think this is online only, I always wonder how they decide which items are sold in stores and which are online only. I cannot find the rationale here, it is not like this is some uber expensive, rare shopper only item...

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    2. I forgot to answer that this is size 4, my regular skirt size.

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  13. I love how your style your skirt! :))

    I have emailed you seeking advice on Ann Taylor sizing. Need your help. Thank you in advance!

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    1. Thanks! I will go check my email and reply to you.

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  14. That skirt looks great on you.

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  15. The changed cut of the sterling skirt really suits you, it looks fabulous!

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  16. You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. men suiting fabrics

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