James Perse fleece pencil skirt | several years’ old style, good current version on sale
Zady alpaca sweater
Veja sustainable sneakers | sold out, but I love this velcro version
I got this James Perse fleece skirt a couple years ago via eBay because I let it sell out and disappear from other outlets. I had the “previous” version and wore it until it was falling apart, and too big, so I knew/thought this one would also be a workhorse in my closet. Turns out I really haven’t worn it as often as I wore the other one, but I still love it, and consider it an essential piece.
This version is a heavier weight fleece than the one I had before, which is ridiculously comfortable, but keeps me from wearing it in the summer months. It’s perfect for 60’s-70 degree weather like we’ve been having the last few days though, so I’ve worn it a few days in a row (at home also…).
The “newer” version is their moleskin fabric, which is a very nice medium-weight brushed fabric with significant stretch, and has a slit in the back to make it easier to walk in. If you like straight maxi skirts, I highly recommend this one, and it’s on sale at Saks for $90 (final sale though). Just FYI, it’s the same material as my hoodie dress and although it says dry clean only, I washed it with a mild detergent and hung to dry with success.
Going back around again to what I’ve been saying repeatedly the last few weeks: much like life, your wardrobe is what happens in spite of your best laid plans. My exercise to be more deliberate and thoughtful about the things I add to my closet has made it abundantly clear to me, that I, personally, really have no idea. Things I thought I would live in, and wear forever, sit unworn and un-touched in my closet (ahem…jackets).
I’m sure it’s me. I’ve been told I’m rather fickle. And I care A LOT about getting my personal style just right. Now that I know this about myself, I’m not going to be any LESS deliberate, but I’m also not going to harbor continued delusions that whatever I buy I will absolutely love and wear forever, and often. I know better what I want and need, and what I like to wear, but I also value the mistakes I make, because I learn from them, sure, but sometimes, the “mistakes” end up being favorite pieces I wouldn’t have expected.
I love it: how naive I was in my 30’s thinking I’d have it all figured out by the time I was 40, and I’d stop making so many mistakes. As you know if you’ve read my Minimal Closet series, I struggled hard with that – that I DIDN’T have all the answers at 40. But now, thanks mostly to your comments, and a lot of introspection, I realize that the beauty of life is in the figuring out – the journey, if you will – not the destination. The joy is in the everyday, the little things, and the mistakes along the way, as much, or more as in reaching “the goal.”
Happy Wednesday!!
I was thinking about trying a similar outfit to this since I think I have the “old version” of the James Perse skirt ( I don’t even KNOW! Doesn’t that tell you that I don’t have things figured out at age 55?!?) I’d probably pair it with my grey White & Warren cashmere crewneck and maybe black booties, but I really like the way you’ve styled it with white sneakers. There’s still that nagging voice that says, “Val, you’re too old for this!” I should just tell it to shut-up. (Don’t worry…I’m not literally hearing voices! 😉 )
I like the look of this outfit a lot! You know what I think would be useful (for me, I don’t know if anyone else)? If you took some macro style photos of the clothes so we can see the textures better. Sometimes I find it hard to imagine. Like this skirt just doesn’t look like fleece to me. Maybe if I could see it from up close I’d have a better idea. But then I’m very particular about fabric textures.
I always try to find an occasion when sneakers would look good with my outfits and almost always chicken out. I like how this looks on Gretchen a lot. Maybe I’ll try again soon. Now that I think about it, I do have a maxi skirt that is more of a sweatshirt type of fabric and style (complete with ribbing at the bottom). Maybe that will do it.
Lori´s last blog post ..Walls, windows, wool (and snow)
i can wear sneakers with everything, literally. i prefer it lately! so funny, because i remember when sneakers weren’t chic, and i only wore them for exercise – well, except for in the 80’s, when i wore them all the time…
i agree – the texture, slight difference in color, etc., is what the professional photos capture that i can’t. i try to with my own photos, but i haven’t figured out how yet! here it is on ebay, shows the seaming, etc. a bit better…
ha. too old for white sneakers? that doesn’t make sense 😉
i love your outfit idea, but also try it with the sneakers, i think you’d feel modern and fresh, look it too. never too old for modern & fresh LOL
I think you could do it, Grechen. It’s probably difficult when you’re wearing the clothes, but maybe when the clothes are folded, if you tried to set the camera on macro and got really close. Not that I’m an expert photographer or anything.
I liked the details shown in the ebay photos. Details do make a difference, don’t they? Although sometimes it’s better to just think of the big picture and not let the details get in the way. What am I even talking about right now?
High-top with Velcro Reeboks, baby!!! 🙂
I know it doesn’t! I think it’s the idea of pairing them with a skirt. You know, the difference between wearing “White walking sneakers” with [unfashionable] Mom jeans Vs. “Intentional Chic casual.” (I think it’s my mom’s voice I’m hearing. “Why are you wearing those with THAT?”)