Basking in the sunshine of a French afternoon, about to indulge in a little light shopping. Yes, t’was a gloriously bright day, hence the oversized sunnies!
We visited family in France for Christmas and as soon as I got out my suitcase to pack for the trip, the skirt also packed its passport to come with me!
One of the loose (so loose that the elastic waistband has gone baggy) rules I have about my wardrobe is that where possible, pieces should work across at least 2, ideally 3 seasons. That way, I get maximum wear from them via multiple combinations.
Quite often a garment will be that ‘magic’ piece that works across all 4 seasons and my Laid Back Maxi Skirt is one of these. I first wore it on the blog back in September for a Weekend Lunch with friends. I knew then it would end up being a much loved and hugely versatile item.
I couldn’t wait to style it for Winter and choosing a gothic style, biker jacket, biker boots and a chunky knit, the skirt effortlessly transitions to a Winter outfit. Pop on my signature item – a wool beret – in silver to match the skirt, a light plum, leopard print scarf to tie in with the jumper and we’re ready to face the cold.
Although, to be honest, it wasn’t that cold where we were! The Côte d’Azur is hardly the Artic Circle.
But even with chillier temperatures, I’d swap the cotton scarf for a big blanket scarf, and add gloves and woolly tights.
One task blogging has prompted me to do, is to revamp certain areas of my wardrobe and one that desperately needed revamping was the knitwear department. Earlier in the season I stumbled across online this Ben de Lisi Petite Principles cable knit jumper and knew it had to be tried on. The colour has my name positively embossed on it.
Fortunately, the jumper comes in both regular and petite, meaning I could play Goldilocks and try both ranges to see which worked best. After trying on 5 – yes, 5 different sizes …
10 regular … NOPE 12 regular … NOPE 10 petite … NOPE 12 petite … NOPE
I tell you, Goldilocks had it easy peasy with only trying 3…
… I finally hit the jackpot with the 14 petite; proving that you have to go for what is the best fit on you and not go by what size is on the label!
I rather like all the numerous directional lines we’ve got going on here with the skirt, jacket and knit of the jumper.
Fortunately, no one entered or exited the door I’m posing in front of when we snapped these shots. It’s bad enough sometimes having to explain what you’re doing when you’re out and about on home soil but it’s a different kettle of fish when you’re in foreign lands.
However, adopting the motto of the Girl Scouts of, ‘Be Prepared‘, I was suitably armed but un-dangerous with;
‘Je suis un blogueur.’
just in case anyone did try to photo bomb me, on their way in or out of the building.
TKMaxx Graphite Grey Skirt
Wallis Black Gothic Biker Jacket. Currently on sale
Ben de Lisi Petite Principles Plum Cable Knit Jumper. Currently on sale
H&M Plum Leopard Print Scarf (old)
Green Bag from TKMaxx (old)
Marks & Spencer Leather Biker Boots. Ankle Biker Boots
And what of the little light shopping trip I mentioned at the start of the post??? Well, I treated myself to some glittery accessories from the French brand Camaieu; 3 belts and a glitter clutch with wristlet AND crossbody strap – hurrah!
The day before at a different branch, I’d bought a casual jacket I’d seen and liked on their website before we flew out. A little research goes a looooong way! When paying for it at the till, they gave me a seasonal gift card for 15 euros off my next purchase; the generous Frenchies.
This meant that my glittery hoard ended up being only about 10 euros – double hurrah!
I was tempted by these ever so adorable pug wallets and purses I spotted in a shop window. I think my fellow blogger, Suzanne of Suzanne Carillo would be tickled by these, being an owner of a cute pug.
Don’t you just love the one with the blue beret and the glasses? Totally inspired by me clearly!
I don’t know about you, but after a little light shopping I like to re-fuel with a mug of chocolate chaud!
And so I did.
Linking with / Passion4Fashion / Visible Monday / Style Nudge / Confident Twosday / Turning Heads Tuesday / #iwillwearwhatilike / Fresh Fashion Forum / Style Me Wednesday / Top of the World Style / JerseyGirlTexanHeart / Fun Fashion Friday / Fabulous Friday / Fashion Friday / My Refined Style / Style Stories /
It's a cute outfit, and it's interesting to see a maxi skirt worn this way, for colder weather. Happy New Year!
Thanks Tiina. I wouldn't have thought to wear a maxi skirt in Winter a year ago or so but it really does lend itself to this time of year plus I get to wear it more often!
Happy New Year to you too.
What a cute outfit. With those boots and jacket, you can jump on my bike for a ride! And you don't have to tell me about size-issues: I ignore labels and try clothes on to see if they fit. This hat (beret?) must have looked at home in France. 🙂
I thought you'd like the biker references, Ally! Do you know, I've never ridden a motorbike so I'd definitely take you up on that offer, although I'm sure I'd be terrified!
Yes, the beret was as happy as a pig rolling in mud. It was in its natural habitat in France!
Chunky knit, chunky boots – and you've completely transformed your skirt! Wonderful styling, you look so elegant and at the same time comfortable. Happy New Year!
It's a completely different vibe, isn't it? I'm really pleased how it came out as I love wearing the skirt. Thank you for your lovely compliment, Natalia.
Happy New Year to you too.
Love this maxi skirt in all its variations! You look lovely and happy, and in the last photo, nice and warm : >
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Aw, thanks Patti.
Petites can wear maxi skirts….I knew it! :oD
I would love to do the maxi and chunky boots but it is so wet here I would look like someone from les Miserables in 5 minutes. In soggy rags!
I will have to make do with admiring your re-style of this maxi.
XXX
Samantha
Fake Fabulous
Indeed they can! Ha, ha, yes dry ground is preferable! Or employ someone to strewn your path with mats!
You looked fabulous in that outfit. I,too, have recently rediscovered a love of maxi skirts and how appropriate they can be for colder months. I have a similar skirt with the same kind of directionality of lines but in slightly darker grays and black. I never thought to pair it up with a plum colored sweater (which I already have) and I can't wait to try it out. I will let you know when I post about the outfit and the source of my inspiration.
Thank you! Glad this has inspired you to try the combination with your skirt and I'd love to see how you style it when you do. I want to find a couple more maxi skirts as I think they're so versatile but strangely they're thin on the ground.
I love pieces that work in multiple seasons! Love how you have styled the skirt with the jacket and boots.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Makes the wardrobe stretch that little bit further. Thanks Amy, glad you like it.
You're absolutely right about size being just a number – and not even one worn on the outside!
Clever you for finding an anchor piece in that skirt 🙂
Alicia
spashionista.com
I love that expression, Alicia – 'anchor piece'. I'll have to nick that!
In my wardrobe I have clothes from size 6 and XS to 12 and XL, haha. So, you never know with sizes! This is an interesting combination of a maxi skirt with a biker jacket! Love your new jumper – nice colour, nice knit and looks so comfy! And that little bracelet you're wearing – so cute and pretty!
Sizing drives me mad, Olga. It's a nightmare when buying online, as I usually have to buy 2 sizes and then have the hassle of returning one of them. At least in the shops you can try them on there and then and only take the right one!
The bracelet even have a matching necklace but it would've been hidden under the scarf but it will come out to play soon.
Really like the glittery accessories you bought, I have some very similar belts! 🙂
I love your maxi skirt too! I try make everything in my wardrobe work year-round as well, and I've worn my maxi skirts and dresses with boots a few times. I do love my maxi lengths! 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
I'm getting more and more into maxis – and in my humble opinion, Mica – you are the Queen of Maxis! You have some stunning maxi dresses and skirts. I love seeing yours.
The glittery accessories are fun, aren't they?
You can't go wrong with a moto jacket! They are such great layering pieces! Love the belts and bag you got!
Thanks Laura. I couldn't resist a little sparkly purchase!
Like you my clothes have to earn their keep, your maxi is right at home in either Summer or Winter. The cable sweater is just right , worth all that trying on.(this is why I rarely buy online, I can't be bothered with the fiddle of returning. Happy New Year to you.
When you get multiple outfits from the same piece it always feels more enjoyable, somehow. Agree with you, it's the fiddle of returning the endless items that's aren't right, that I can't be doing with!
Lovely jacket! I'm in total agreement with you about getting the most our of articles of clothing by using them for 3 or maybe even all 4 seasons. It's easier to do that here in California because it's not all that cold out during the fall/winter months! I also love those adorable pug accessories! Very whimsical and cute!
I wasn't too sure about the jacket at first only because my other leather jackets are quite plain but I'm really glad I bought it now. Yes, it's definitely harder when you have more noticeable differences between the seasons but it's a fun style challenge though.
I'm a big fan of these jackets and paired with the biker boots you can do no wrong in my eyes. I love the unexpected addition of a maxi skirt (not something I would have considered), but it works! I also adore all that sparkly bling – can't wait to see these being showcased x
Anna
Anna's Island Style
I was quite surprised at how easy they did all work together. I instinctively knew they would in my head but sometimes the reality, as you know, doesn't always work out! But on this occasion, the pendulum definite swung in the other direction.
Ha ha! Je suis un blogueur! It is hard enough in English. Of course it would be an Anglicized version of blogger.
Everyone knows I'm a sucker for anything with a dog on it. Here there is a joke about just "put a bird on it" mine is just "put a pug on it". This is in fact a bulldog (only an obsessed dog Mom would know that!) but still darn cute.
I love the skirt and have a dress that is very similar. I find all the directional lines a great camouflage for my bits and bumps. I really like how you've paired it with the leather and beret. Have you been hanging out in my closet?
My husband just got back from Nice today. You might have bumped into him if you'd stayed a little longer.
bisous
Suzanne
You know the French, Suzanne, despite the ingrained resistance in the corridors of power to Anglicize anything in order to protect the French language!
Oops, I thought they were pugs! A canine faux pas on my part, but aren't they just still darn cute?
I'm with you on the camouflage! Indeed, I sleep in your closet at least 3 times a week. You know the funny thing is, when I looked at the photos, especially the first one with the oversized sunnies, my immediate reaction was, OMG, I look like an English, albeit pint sized version, of Suzanne! So that's quite funny you've picked up on that with the closet reference.
Oh drats! That would've been so cool if we had!
Shopping in France. I would love that, must do it someday. I love how you have styled the maxi skirt
Laurie x
You'd love it Laurie. Hop on a plane! Glad you like the styling. And thanks for commenting – glad the technical issue resolved itself!
FIVE sizes is ridiculous!!!! Ahrgh, I'd have given up! Well done for persevering!!!
I love the laid back maxi-it's stylish and looks v versatile!x
I know, it drives me mad! I never know what size to take to the changing room half the time so end up going backwards and forwards. But I'm tenacious!
This skirt has really become a firm favourite.
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.
Tres chic! What a wonderful way to style your fab maxi for winter. I always smile when I see you wearing a beret – they suit you so well. 🙂
Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday!
Jennie – A Pocketful of Polka Dots
They are my signature now I think. I just love wearing them. They are one of the few hat styles that actually work with my small head!