If we simply never left our house I wouldn’t be tempted by stores that are having 50% off sales.
Simple.
My hand was forced people.
Forced I’m telling you!
We went out to see a movie (Terminator – husband’s choice – don’t see it! Really lame!) but stopped in Oakville for some people watching and some yummy pastries.
We were just walking down the street, minding our own business, no intention of shopping at all and then my husband spotted the 50% off signs and and asked me if I wanted to go in.
That is like asking a pug if they want a treat.
Oakville is a swanky neighbourhood on the lake and the shop was very upscale. The kind I avoid because their prices start around $250.
BUT…that damn 50% off lured me in.
When I spotted this gingham skirt on the racks it jumped into my hands.
This shop was so high end that all their sizes were Italian, who, if we go by their sizing, are about ten times smaller than all of us North Americans. I’m not a size 4 anymore, I’m a size 42!
I’m HUGE!!!
Vanity sizing works people.
I’ve been admiring gingham skirts ever since I saw this one…
Kristian has been flaunting her red gingham skirt non-stop making me all kinds of jealous.
They have that wonderful classic vintage vibe that I adore.
And yes, most of you know my vintage gingham dress that I so love, but the possibilities of a skirt are endless.
Right then and there I realized that there was a gaping hole in my wardrobe that needed to be filled with a gingham skirt.
I was defenceless against all the forces of the universe screaming I had to own this gingham skirt.
Do you think I’ve mentioned gingham skirt enough in this post?
Just Googling checking.
Top – H&M very old (sim), Skirt – (sim), Shoes – Fleuvlog (sim), Handbag – Anthropologie (sim), Brooch – Vintage (sim)
The skirt is made in Italy, 100% cotton but feels like linen. It is very well made, but isn’t perfection as it lacks pockets.
It makes me feel very 1950’s Italian.
When wearing it I spontaneously yell out, “Basta! Mangia! Ciao! Bella!”
And yeah…I yell because you can’t just “speak” Italian…you need to feel it emanate from your deep within your gut and let it explode out of your mouth with sentiment, enthusiasm and conviction! There is an urgency associated with it, like every time you speak you’re saving someone’s life. Every sentence requires an exclamation point! Or two!! or three!!!
That is what I learned about Italians and their language when I lived there. That and the fact that they eat pasta every day as a starter instead of a salad. I mean who can eat pasta as a starter and still fit into their freakin’ extra small clothes? Those magical Italian women have some fancy tricks, and they didn’t share them with me.
If you follow me on Instagram you will have also seen that I tried on a beautiful midi floral pencil skirt at the same shop.
It was stunning, but in the end the gingham won out.
I think I made the right choice.
Do you own any gingham? Which skirt would you have chosen? Do you speak Italian? Or just eat Italian? Do you know their secrets?
Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, My Girlish Whims, Throw Back Thursday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Get Your Pretty On Fun Fashion Friday Passion For Fashion
I love that you had a vision and found it! What a great style story! I think you will wear it tons! Super cute!
The skirt is a-ma-zing! I definitely would have picked it too and in fact I really, really want a gingham skirt right now so I’m going to have to pretend to myself I never read this post. Although I have to disagree on one thing before I flee the scene – if I left the house and got off the internet for five minutes I’d actually have some money because online sales are the END of me! Shop sales I don’t have the patience for, but scrolling through endless catalogue pages is somehow ok.
In Canada the shipping costs and duties are too high, (often higher than the price of the garment). It makes me avoid online shopping, which in reality, I’m quite grateful for.
#1. You have a fabulous husband. Keep him close at hand. #2. that skirt is irresistible and looks delicious on you. #3. Did you have time for any pastries b/c I am feeling like a vicarious eclair. xox
One thing you need to know about me is that there is ALWAYS time for pastries! ALWAYS.
I need that skirt in my closet ASAP!! Yes I have been on an obsession for gingham, and I love the retro look of this one. Beautiful!
Alice
http://www.happpinessatmidlife.com
Would love to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
I think you and I would be swapping clothes all the time if we lived next door to each other : )
Your posts always make me laugh…thank you for that! I agree, skirts have endless possibilities that’s why I prefer them over dresses. I would have purchased BOTH skirts…and Italian food is my favorite. 😉
Darlene
http://whosaprettygirl.com
Yeah…I’m trying to teach myself restraint. LOL Especially when I buy retail.
I’m not sure Suzanne…I might have chosen the floral skirt—only because you could wear that pink shirt over the gingham dress and it’d look like a skirt. Too late now, but just sayin’ 🙂
I feel like I’m repeating myself every comment…but girl…you crack me up (and I love to laugh)—so we’re a great pair!!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
ps…don’t show that purse to my mother…she’d want to buy it off you!!
If the neckline on the dress were lower and a v-neck I might agree with you, but this one is too high.
That handbag has a whole story behind it that I can’t seem to find anymore.
Oh my stars and garters- I love that blue check skirt. And paring it with that pink? Brilliant. (I mean, obviously I’d have also picked the checked one because- checked- but, I think it looks easier to move in and would remix better too, though the floral one has a gorgeous print.)
When you said you started shouting out “Bella!” Well- however tongue in cheek you were, when I stayed there my host mom, in entire seriousness, taught me how Italians window shop, complete with slow strolling and saying “bella” with long exaggerated sounds and deep appreciation for all you see in the shops.
Wish I understood how those Italians can eat so much pasta and stay slim too 😉
I never experienced this window shopping phenomenon. The family I worked for were crazy rich and would go into a store, chose about 50 items, not try on any of them, and have them all shipped to their home. No joke. It was insane.
They *do* have fancy tricks and magical powers!!! (You look beautiful in all of the choices!)
ps — It’s “Soldes” time here in France. Everything is 50%+ off. Very dangerous …
That only comes twice a year right? Go forth and spend!
C’est vrai! It is truly the best time to shop here, you’re right!
The gingham skirt looks great, it definitely does have that 1950s cool European vibe going on! I would have picked it over the floral skirt too, although that one is also rather gorgeous.
Those Italian ladies must eat their pasta starter and then forgo the rest of the meal… I’d rather eat the lot and go up a size!
Do you know, I don’t think I own a single gingham item, and I have no idea why. xxx
That is just weird you don’t own any gingham. I’m surprised since I often come across it vintage shopping.
I don’t eat Italians because I’m afraid the bones would get stuck in my throat.
Suzanne, you crack me up every time, with some serious styling thrown in the mix. I love your gingham skirt. Good choice – in a husband I mean. “Oh, honey, you want to go in there?” Really? Better take him past Tiffany. heh. Good choice – in the skirt too obviously. I like gingham too but only have gingham palazzo pants, but they’re so huge they count as two skirts.
Ooooh, have we seen the gingham palazzos? They sound fabulous!
I KNEW I was setting myself up for that one! LOL
I must see these magical two skirt palazzo pants of which you speak. Sounds like you might be able to flap your legs and fly away!
Oooo…both skirts are insanely gorgeous, but that floral one is screaming my name. Seriously, don’t you hear it? I have an interesting Terminator question for you which I actually asked my husband just last night. Isn’t the Terminator some sort of robot/machine thing? If so, why does he now look like Arnold from the retirement home as opposed to Arnold from the mid-1980’s? Just wondering…
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Ha ha! They actually address that “issue” in the movie. They say that his skin, hair etc is “real human”.
You would have looked AMAZING in that skirt!
A beautiful skirt, a spectacular look. The dress is also wonderful. But my favorite, no doubt, is the midi pencil skirt with flowers is a beautiful cute.
I’m not gonna lie…It did make my heart hurt a little bit leaving it behind.
Never mind not leaving the house. I’m sitting here at home and just learned that I NEED a gingham skirt….STAT! 50% or not, thank you so much!
But seriously, you look seriously gorgeous! I love this skirt, and want my own…with pockets! Fabric stores have been a bit fickle recently…there have been a few fabrics, perfection in my mind, that I just can’t seem to find. Hopefully blue and white gingham is available!
And with the pink shirt knotted at the waist? Heavenly!
Okay…but let me know if you find and make yourself that skirt…we don’t want to be showing up at the blogger meet-up all twinsies! LOL
And some details for you Sue… there is piping all along the bottom, and there is a split also in the skirt which is piped, with an exposed zipper which is supposed to be worn in the front. I don’t like it though. It just looked strange so I simply wore it to the back. Those weird Italians had their back and front all mixed up on this skirt.
Thanks for the deets Suzanne! I thought it was piping at the hem….what a lovely detail!
Now….dressing twinsies for the blog meet up sounds super cool sista….hahahaha. Don’t worry, I won’t be sewing this in the next two weeks, but I would love it if you decide to bring the skirt!
I can’t believe I haven’t purchased anything gingham yet. It has that sweet, retro feel I just adore. What a great find! Whenever we’re vacationing or exploring a new city, I have to stop into the local boutiques! I can’t blame you. The 50% off sign would have gotten me too! Love how you’ve styled the checkered blue with hot pink. Definitely a look I’d love to recreate!
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com
I think you and gingham go together like champagne and strawberries : )
Although the pencil skirt is beautiful too, I am glad you chose the gingham. It is so cheerful. And indeed, far more versatile than the pencil skirt. You have styled it well with that knotted shirt (I must remember that trick, it looks so good… Must remember that.. Must remember that.)
I would like to suggest a basket-like bag. Do you own one?
And your husband is just as mad as mine. Mine sends me links of dresses. As if we need encouragement.
Greetje
Ha ha! I JUST bought one that is small enough to carry for something like this from a consignment store. I have styled this with another outfit with the wicker bag. Smart woman you!
Girl, that was YOUR skirt and you HAD to buy it. It looks great on you!!! No, no gingham in my wardrobe at all (that I recall, unless some piece is buried somewhere and I’ve forgotten about it, a possibility) you’re definitely making me want one though. Yes, Italian sizing is depressing (French, too, for that matter). Smaller numbers do make one feel smaller, don’t they?! I comfort myself by saying that by golly I may wear a bigger dress size in Europe, but at least I weigh less in kilos than in pounds.
Men. Hubs dragged me to Terminator, too. But, I kinda liked it. Arnie didn’t take himself to seriously I thought.
Ciao, Bella!
Ha ha! Right you are…although I must admit I don’t know what I weigh in kilos.
The best parts of the movie were with Arnie’s jokes.
I would have picked that skirt too. I’ve been so many great gingham looks.
BELLISSIMA!!!
The floral skirt is, of course, gorgeous, as you have great taste. Reminds me of Dutch flower paintings! But the gingham on you wins hands down.
I shall ship a vespa over to you and then you can zip around on it, wearing your gingham skirt, pretending you are Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.
I SO want that little vespa so I can play Roman Holiday. And please send over a doppleganger for Gregory Peck to make my day complete : )
A glorious skirt! You made great purchase, please thank it for jumping into your arms! Loved the printed midi, too. you styled this wondrously !
xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Angel saw Terminator last night….I made the wise choice of hitching a ride with him to the mall and then wandering the stores to my heart’s content for 2+ hours while he was in the movie. 🙂 I am also a pretty big fan of gingham print–good choice with the skirt, I think this one was more life-changing than the floral skirt.
Ha! I wish I’d done the same as you!
What a beautiful skirt. I love how you paired it with a bold pink top. And your bag is so unique and interesting!
That bag is from Anthropologie. It is the first item I ever purchase from them.
Both skirts are very pretty, but I think you made the right choice. I can see you on the back of a vespa careening through the streets of Rome in that skirt and little ballet flats (with Robert driving, or Gregory Peck, your choice). Robert does know you well though, pointing out the sale signs – what an enabler!!
I don’t own anything in gingham – I have nothing against it, but I guess I’ve never found anything that I like in that particular pattern.
I’m surprised you don’t own any gingham since it suits some of your Rockabilly vibes.
My husband is a HUGE enabler. Both of us are bad really. I’m always sending him photos of shoes for him.
It’s too bad none of my neighbours own a vespa. I would have loved to have done a photoshoot.
I know! It’s not our fault, really. We’re powerless to resist. This skirt would have jumped into my arms, too. You look great in it.
This is a lovely post and your words are full of truth!! The skirt is so nice that you couldn’t avoid to buy it!!
As I am Italian, I perfectly know the habit of eating pasta as a starter…but I can assure you that it not necessarily makes you getting weight…odd, isn’t it?? 🙂
Suzanne
I love how the skirt just jumped into your hands!! My clothes when I shop have a habit of talking to me! Buy me, I m yours.. etc etc. I truly love the ginham skirt on you and with the bright pink, pretty! I also love the pencil skirt you tried on, you know I love florals right!?
Thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Omg that pencil skirt, though! It looks so good on you! 😛 That being said, I love the blue gingham skirt and the bright pop of color you added to it. I’m looking forward to seeing how else you wear it! 😀
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
Oh my goodness, I need that skirt! Love how you styled it with the pink, too. Gorgeous. 🙂 #passion4fashion
Soooo cute on you, Suzanne! What a great skirt. And yeah, husbands have to know what will happen if presented with a chance to shop. Duh! 😀
Thanks so much for being a part of Fun Fashion Friday. Hope you’re having a super weekend!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
You will have to start signing off with baci instead of bisous! You look fantastic in your gingham skirt. I basically did the retro fifties look in the eighties and it no longer feels like me but I still admire it on others and really like it on you. I believe I had a gingham and somewhat ruffly blouse in the eighties. Prior to that I recall a sweet little pale yellow and white gingham dress mum made for me when I was five. Large swaths of gingham don’t feel right on me but I am tempted by touches of it. A gingham ruffle or a gingham patch is something I would definitely wear. xoxo
Fringgin sweet gingham! I love gingham but I don’t think I’ve ever owned a sing gingham garment in my life. Dunno why.
oh boy.. ALL your outfits are so cute!! I love the white pants and the fitted patterned top especially.. you have such awesome clothes. I dont go out shopping, I stay in the forest running instead:)
cant wait to meet you 🙂
I love that skirt on you, it’s just fabulous. You make me want to dig out my gingham maxi and wear it right now. The other one is lovely but I think you made the best choice.
I studied Latin for 5 years, the language may be long dead but I’m a whizz at crossword puzzles. xxx
I want that skirt!!! It’s perfect! The length is so flattering, the color so vibrant. I love it! I’m picturing you twirling in sunflower fields somewhere in Tuscany while wearing it.