Gap has always been dependable for great basics. Now I realize that’s true not just for casual basics like tank tops and flip flops, but also for professional dress wear like classic pencil skirts! What’s amazing about this “New Pencil Skirt” is that even though it looks dressy, it has the feel of a casual, comfy item I have come to expect from Gap. Here’s the secret (I think) – 3% spandex. Usually when I wear pencil skirts, the material is pretty stiff and since it’s cut high, it feels awkward and somewhat binding whenever you move, bend over, sit down, etc. Not this skirt. It literally molds to your body and moves with you. I’m a bit sad that the length is so long; feels like the 24″ length J.Crew pencil skirts typically have. Hits me slightly below my knee. I got my usual J.Crew skirt size in this, but it feels a little large at the waist and I have a feeling it may stretch out a bit throughout the day, so I probably could have sized down.

I’m wearing: J.Crew Palmera Ruffle Cami, Gap New Pencil Skirt, Nine West Getby Wedges

Also pictured here is the J.Crew Palmera Ruffle Cami. J.Crew usually has many versions of this ruffle cami every season, and I’ve always been tempted to try it but just never pulled the trigger enough to get them at a good price in my size. I got this one size too big because that was the only one available for such a dirt cheap sale price. I thought a loose fit may look better with this kind of top anyway. I really love it! I feel so professional and dressed-up in this, whether in jeans, casual skirts, or pencil skirts. The silk material is so light and breezy, and the ruffles definitely do not look like shredded paper to me. I really want to pick up more of this cami in all the different ruffle versions J.Crew has produced. It’s out of stock now on the J.Crew site, probably due to the low sale price, but keep an eye out for pop backs!

Meanwhile, definitely get the Gap New Pencil Skirt now for only $44.50.

PS. Bear with me through all the background changes. I am trying to figure out the best place in my apartment to get some good lighting, and it apparently is not my kitchen!

I was pretty excited about the new Embroidered Zafrina Skirt from J.Crew. It has the smocked elastic waist that seems to be ubiquitous lately, which I usually love because it’s comfortable and gives me the choice of wearing skirts at the waist or at the hips. The color Bronzed Clay is so soft and feminine, and the embroidery detailing adds intricacies and elegance to an otherwise casual knit skirt.

However, the requirement for smocked waists is that the skirt itself must have some structure and hold some shape, preferably A-line, so that it doesn’t look like I just draped a piece of fabric over my body. I don’t want to wear a wrinkly, shapeless tube.

I’m wearing: J.Crew Sequin Stripe Henley, Banana Republic Dahlia Wedges

…and that’s exactly what this Zafrina skirt is. A rare miss for J.Crew, this skirt is wrinkly, completely shapeless, and poofy. I’ve rarely felt this unattractive and matronly in J.Crew clothing. When I look down at the skirt, it looks pretty, the fabric feels soft, and the embroidery detailing is really beautiful and well done. But then I look in the mirror and I feel like shuddering. I had to take photos for you all, but I honestly disliked it so much I didn’t even know what to pair with it…and really could not wait to take it off afterwards. So sad. I do not recommend. At all. Their pictures online show this skirt as an A-line skirt, but if that was their goal, they should have used a stiffer material to hold the shape better – maybe poplin?

But if you want to give it a shot, get it here from J.Crew for $74.50 (with 20% off promo through tomorrow!).

I don’t know why I have an affinity for plaid. I love the feminine twist on a traditionally boys-only shirt style and pattern, or as J.Crew loves to say – “borrowed from the boys.” This Giant Gingham shirt from J.Crew takes something that would look so country to me and expands the plaid size so that it actually looks very, very chic.

Absolutely love this shirt and skirt combination with the tan belt. Here’s my own version with a work-appropriate, super comfortable black Smocked Skirt from Banana Republic.

I’m wearing: Banana Republic Smocked Skirt, J.Crew Equestrian Belt, Banana Republic Dahlia Wedges

I got it in a size 8, and though it looks relatively fitted in these pictures, it actually feels quite loose in real life. J.Crew recommends sizing up for a “looser boyfriend fit,” and I agree that’s probably the way to go. I love this shirt, and before I saw the way J.Crew styled it, I would never think to pair a plaid shirt with a skirt, especially not tucked in. Get it here from J.Crew for $69.50 (perfect timing with the 20% off promo going on!).