I had such high hopes for the Island Paisley Bubble Skirt from J.Crew. I usually am not a fan of the bubble hem, but on this skirt it didn’t look like the usual poofy skirt. Rather it looked like an uniquely draped mini skirt.

This skirt has two important things going for it – 1) It also has an elastic waist so you know it’s comfortable, and 2) the print is so sweet and whimsical, almost giving off a Parisian vibe to me. But alas, when I put it on, I realized I’ve fallen again for J.Crew’s marketing/styling. This skirt does not really look like the skirt pictured above; it does not have any of the A-line shape of this catalog picture. That A-line shape is what makes the skirt look so flattering because the flare of the hem really accentuates the waist. Without it, the body looks straight up and down.

I’m wearing: Ann Taylor Loft Smocked Waist Button Down, J.Crew Equestrian Leather Belt, Matt Bernson Bo Peep Espadrilles

I was a bit disappointed. If I wanted a straight up and down skirt, a pencil skirt would have been the more flattering choice. This bubble skirt is super short and totally inappropriate for work, and there was really no shape to it. It kind of just sat there and looked like a wrinkled up mini skirt. Then I went shopping yesterday and *happened* to drop by J.Crew and got a few ideas for styling it that could be cute.

I’m wearing: (L) Ann Taylor Loft Smocked Waist Button Down, J.Crew Equestrian Leather Belt, Matt Bernson Bo Peep Espadrilles, Gap Boyfriend Cardigan (similar here)

I’m wearing: (R) Gap Ribbed Tank, J.Crew Long Merino Cardigan, J.Crew Skinny Leather Belt, Matt Bernson Bo Peep Espadrilles

Yeah, it’s cuter when worn with a cardigan covering it up, but what does that say about this skirt? Anyway, sizing wise, I’m usually a size 6 in skirts at J.Crew and I got this in Medium hoping for some additional length. Even wearing it at the hip, it’s still too short for my taste. Overall, it’s simply way too short for me and not cute enough for me to keep.

If you find this totally adorable (I wouldn’t blame you), get it here from J.Crew for $79.50.