Pencil Skirts and Sequin Top

Pencil skirts are what J.Crew does the best. Or used to do the best :(

Last year I missed out on Heather Acorn wool double serge pencil and I was happy to see that they have brought it back, so I can finally get it. But as soon as the skirts appeared online, reports from the JCAs confirmed that the quality of this year's skirts was declining and that the fabric that was used was not the same as last year.

This really saddened me because that was a staple that I relied on. I already preferred the fit of the pre 2010 skirts, with fully fashioned waistband instead of gross grain ribbon, but I was willing to live with that. But if the fabric was not the same I will not be able to justify the price.

When I saw the skirts hanging in my store I decided to try them on myself. Here is my take:

Size 4

Unfortunately, I can only confirm what I have feared, the fabric quality is indeed worse. It is not very significant to my untrained eye, but it is a little bit less plush and smooth. I think because of it the fit is also a little bit off and the skirt just seemed very blah on me. It may be the color, that is not very exciting per se, but the skirt looked rather dowdy, imo.

It looks OK in the pictures and maybe I was just generally skeptical and prejudiced after reading other reviews. But nothing got me excited about this skirt. It was more like 'OK, it is a pencil skirt. Yawn.' Definitely, no 'feeling', like Gigi says.

But honestly, I might have been my attitude. The difference is subtle, at least in this color. I am not sure how I would feel if this was a first pencil skirt I tried from J.crew.

Or, looking at it the other way, maybe it was just a lack of crewlade? I was not conditioned to think this is a great skirt and I saw it for what it is. Maybe my other skirts are also blah sans colors? What do you think?

For now, this skirt is off my list.

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This sequin tank caught my attention immediately. Partly because it was hung by the entrance to the store, but I also think the colors are striking and unusual for a sequined garment.

I still love the colorblock and the colors of this tank are beautiful. It is deep brownish burgundy and black, very pretty combination. The sequins are not round but thinner and longer in length. It fits TTS, I tried on my regular size (it was either Medium or 6, not sure) and it was a good fit. It would be a great top to wear with black slacks or jeans to go out. As you can see from the pictures, it also works with tan/camel shades. It would work with a skirt, but somehow I think pants seem better with it. 

$148

If I needed a sequin top, I would consider it, but I already have more sequins that I'll ever need. The sequins always feel itchy on me and this was not exception but I admit I have a low tolerance level. It was not not as itchy as the Zigzag dress though.  

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This is the pencil skirt I saw the other day in the display window but did not get a chance to photograph. I thought it was wool/silk but it is in fact a cotton/silk brocade.

Size 4

It fits TTS, same fit like other pencil skirts. The colors are interesting and you can pair it with blues, greens, mustard, browns and pinks. There are a lot of possibilities here. It is a good winter color mix, rich and deep and opulent. If you don't mind a little over the top this is may be a skirt for you.

55% cotton, 31% silk, 14% metallic 

The fabric has not much give and it has some kind of coating that felt a little plastic-ey to me. I was not a fan. The print is pretty but somehow it did not speak to me, I felt like it was too dark.

Collection No. 2 pencil skirt in floral brocade

Another issue is a wearability of it. It is a fancy skirt and I don't think you can easily wear it in a casual way. I could not wear it to the office. It could go to a fancy dinner or a special occasion that does not call for a dress. For me, personally, the uses are very limited.

I am not considering it, especially that I already have a similar skirt from a couple of years ago, and while I think it is a beautiful skirt and I love the print and workmanship much more, I have only worn it twice. 

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That's all folks!

Do you like the brocade skirt or a sequined tank?

Are you upset about declining quality of wool double serge skirts or do you think we exaggerate?

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