Banana Republic Cotton Eyelet Skirt

I don’t know why but I have a thing for above-knee white skirts for summer. They look so summery yet well matched with everything. White is one of the staple neutral colors in any wardrobe but really, summer is the only season when white can be worn as a bottom without incurring weird stares. So, I like to stock up. This Cotton Eyelet Skirt from Banana Republic has a 5 star rating on their site, along with its label as a “customer favorite.” At 18.5″, it seems like the perfect length for a casual white skirt.

Banana Republic Cotton Eyelet Skirt

It is definitely a cute, casual white summer skirt. The eyelet detailing makes it look more expensive than it is (especially if you get it during a BR promo), and it fits relatively comfortably. It’s a little shorter than I had hoped, but I don’t think it looks inappropriately short. A little more A-line shape would have been great as well. Is it my favorite skirt ever? No, but it will be a nice addition to the white skirt rotation.

Banana Republic Cotton Eyelet SkirtBanana Republic Cotton Eyelet Skirt

I’m wearing: J.Crew Vintage Cotton V-Neck Tee, J.Crew Studded Bar-Car Belt, Banana Republic Dahlia Wedges

I wish they had made this skirt with an elastic waist though rather than the zipper. The side zipper feels like this hard strip of metal against a relatively fluffy, soft eyelet material, so it kind of stuck out a bit on the side but not noticeably so. Sizing wise, I got my usual size, but I could have sized up a size just for some additional length. That’s all personal preference. I’d recommend this skirt, but probably only at 30% off (going on through end of today!).

Get it here from Banana Republic for $69.50 (plus 30% off today).

Apologies…Again.

Sorry I’ve been so MIA. I’ve been away on a business trip to Boston, which unfortunately did not include any shopping time! I’m back now and ready to catch up on shopping again….you know what that means! J.Crew fall collection, here I come!

Love Ady Ruffled Chambray Dress

I live in NYC, a city full of J.Crew stores and J.Crew lovers. It comes as no surprise then that I see J.Crew stuff everywhere. This may be just me but I’m not a huge fan of seeing someone with my exact pencil skirt or cardigan every other block. I love the prints at J.Crew because they’re so fresh and unique, but seeing them everywhere makes me feel like one of the masses. I don’t know, this could just be a phase. I still find J.Crew irresistible. Anyway, this is the long-winded way of saying, I’ve started to branch out a bit to find cute J.Crew-esque clothes that may not be as ubiquitous. This Ruffled Chambray Dress from Love Ady is the perfect example.

Love Ady Ruffled Chambray DressIt’s just adorable, isn’t it? It has an elastic waist so it should be comfortable, and I’m all about the ruffles this season. Especially with a comfy knit stretch top. It looks a bit short on this model but I think it’s do-able. I think.

Love Ady Ruffled Chambray DressLove Ady Ruffled Chambray Dress

I’m wearing: Love Ady Ruffled Chambray Dress, Matt Bernson Bo Peep Espadrilles

A few small negative things I will say about this dress is that 1) it may be a little too short to be work appropriate, 2) the material of the knit top is a thick, heavily spandexy type top, which feels like it’s flattening my chest. I wish it was thinner and had more give. The black elastic waist is also a very tightly bound elastic, and even though it’s elastic, it doesn’t give too much. Other than that, it feels high quality, I can see myself accessorizing this with cute necklaces and bold belts, and I think it will even work with tights and boots in the fall/winter. Plus, dresses are so low maintenance – no need to worry about matching tops/bottoms. Just throw it on and go! I got a Medium (usually a size 6) and it fits snugly, but it’s comfortable.

Get it here from Lord and Taylor for $78.