Yep…I know I’ve said before I never thought I could wear a midi skirt.
Then came this leather midi bought while thrifting…
And this vintage number for summer…
And now, what I am dubbing the perfect midi skirt for winter…
1970’s vintage wool chevron.
With pockets!
We all know pockets make everything better.
I bought this skirt in a very small vintage shop on Queen West. When I entered the store I stepped into the Twilight Zone. Racks of clothing were too jammed to easily access items. Vintage clothes were stacked in piles like old newspapers filling every corner. The room was poorly lit, and dirty. Most of the items looked like they had been in the cramped retail space for thirty years or more. I half expected to see an arm or a leg sticking out from one of the heaps.
The “fitting room” (if you can call it that) a sheet hung from string, had a mirror which reflected through a gaping hole back to the unsettlingly eccentric store owner, whom I will politely describe as one of the psycho characters from Twin Peaks on a good day.
Vintage shopping can be quite the adventure. You never know what you’ll discover or who you’ll be forced to interact with meet .
I bought the 1970’s sunglasses I’m wearing from the same shop, a last-second impulse buy. I’ve been watching Fargo season 2 and have become slightly obsessed with Kirsten Dunst’s costumes on the show.
Look how the pockets are perfectly aligned with the fabric. You can’t even tell they are there.
The handbag was another happy find on the same day from a much larger antique shop where I didn’t expect to find clothes.
When vintage or thrifting you always need to keep an open mind. Treasures can be hidden in the most unexpected places.
I will admit when I initially bought this skirt I had intentions of taking it up. My husband convinced me otherwise.
I’m happy I left it long. It feels very feminine and is wonderfully comfortable and warm.
For reference sake I’m 5’4″, or the top end of the petite scale.
Since I bought the skirt it has become my favourite. I am finding that it goes with everything I own.
One of the benefits of buying vintage or thrift is that you can experiment with items that you never would have considered in a retail store.
What item of clothing do you think you can’t wear? Have you ever considered challenging your belief?
Linking up with Hat Attack, What I Wore, I Will Wear What I Like Throw Back Thursdays
Wonderful skirt, S! I agree the length is perfect, and isn’t it amazing how a purple chevron skirt goes with everything. Your thrifting experience does have an “X Factor” vibe.
And thanks for the reminder – we haven’t started Fargo 2 yet, but will this weekend. Sesaon one was brilliant, eh?
xox
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Fargo season 2 the prequel is one of those very rare series where season 2 is as good as, if not better than the first season. Have you started watching it now?
Now don’t you look good, in each of these skirts! And I recognize that last bag! Stunning styling, as always. And I do agree with you. I’m more likely to take a chance on something inexpensive in a thrift store, than at full price.
ohhh, it’s a fabulous skirt, love its print and shape, and it really fits you so nicely!,
who care about style rules when you look so gorgeous!!!!???? And your jacket and boots are absolutely stunning and love that bag, such a pretty piece!
I was not a huge fan of midi skirts, as I never wear heels and they make me look ‘voluminous’, but I’m loving them these days!. And you’re inspiring!
besos
I agree they can make people look very voluminous. I’m careful to tuck my blouse or top in so my waist is visible.
Big shades and skirts with chevrons, what’s not to love here? Fabulous look. Really, your descriptions always make me laugh. You know how to create a scene (visually). The Twin Peaks manager sounds so interesting. You’re probably drumming up business for the guy. It’s tedious thrifting when things are not organized or clean, but the prospect of treasure is that much higher, like this skirt!
The guy truly was a character. It does make life more interesting : )
That is some amazing skirt! You CAN wear a midi- looks gorgeous as do the other two! Chevrons rock!!x
You look great in midis! I especially love the one from Elora, a fab 50s vibe!
♥ carmen
I never thought I could wear that yellow skirt but you never know till you give it a try.
Did you actually try on clothes in that store with the scary proprietor? You are a brave little 5’4″! What a find. You look terrific. And I know my 1970’s!
Ha! Yep…nothing keeps me away from finding a vintage bargain : P I once braved a kid throwing up in line on our Boxing Day which is kind of like your Black Friday but the day after Christmas. The kid was right in front of me too and normally I am the kind of person when someone throws up I always feel the need to join in (just to be polite) but thankfully I kept my cookies down and managed to get my sequinned skirt at 80% off. I’m a determined (crazy) shopper.
In love with your fitted jacket and the color of your midi. Great thrift finds.Love love Fargo , she is one of my fav characters.
Jessxx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
She is all kinds of crazy but hilarious.
The skirt looks great on you! I love how the fabric is aligned at the pockets; that’s so hard (impossible?) to find today. The bag is really fun, too. I had a bag in a similar style years ago; I loved it so much that I used it so much that it ended up coming apart…
Don’t you hate it when that happens. Sometimes I don’t want to use my favourite pieces for fear that I’ll wear them out.
As a fellow shortie, I think wearing midi works! I don’t have a problem wearing fuller skirts like the one you have on but when it’s fitted, it looks beyond awful even if I am wearing heels. It really accentuates my giant calves and I don’t need help highlighting them.
This looks like a very well made skirt and love how you style it!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
I find the same thing as I also have “cows” (huge calves). I often try to hide them in tight boots when wearing a pencil midi. I do find though that they are much more difficult to wear than the full skirts.
“Treasure” is the right word for this skirt! Love it! You’re always brave when it means finding awesome clothes in not-so-awesome shopping situations.
What a lovely outfit! The color of the skirt is beautiful, and the pockets are an extra bonus. There are so many things I don’t think I can wear – I wouldn’t know where to start.
Do you think you need to challenge your preconceived ideas about what you can’t wear?
Yes, 100%. Which is why you inspire me to think about trying something new!
Love the skirt. The print is great, but you had me at pockets. Just yesterday I had on a midi at work and my friend who is exactly the same size as me asked for advice on wearing midis because they make her feel frumpy. I gave her some tips, but I’m going to send her your way for some visual inspiration. 🙂
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Thanks hair twin : )
I love it and I’m glad you left it as it is. Worn like this, it’s super flattering. All you need is some good heeled knee boots and most midis look x a million better on us shorties…
Krista and I were chatting about how fabulous you look in that chevron midi last night and in my excitement I forgot to comment. It really is a gorgeous skirt, styled to 1970s perfection by you.
I haven’t seen Fargo & I’m desperate to, series one has vanished off freeview so we’re going to have to track it down soon. xxxx
Have you tried Series Cravings? We often watch there. The other one is Stream TV.
Stunning! Leather midi is not something we see every day and that makes this purchase of your unique. Vintage shopping is not for everybody. Patience is an added advantage and I don’t have a lot of it. So I do the easy way – Etsy 🙂
I buy stuff I know I won’t have issues with size on Etsy. Supplies, t-shirts etc. When it comes to clothes I’m too worried about the item not fitting or not looking like the photos. Needless to say I don’t buy on Ebay.
Pockets aligned to chevron – what’s not to love? Your husband was wise about not shortening the skirt. It’s just perfect.
As to what I wouldn’t wear? Jumpsuits and culottes!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Oh that is a shame about the jumpsuit. I think you’d look rather cute in one : )
That’s very kind of you to say, Suzanne but I fear I’d love like a sausage in clingfilm! But, I can’t be bothered with the faff you have when you go to the loo wearing a jumpsuit!
I have to say the vintage shop you describe here sounds fantastic – my sort of place! I like a rummage, I’m not too phased by a bit of chaos. The famous vintage shop in Vix’s hometown is small, absolutely packed, and a wee bit bonkers, but oh we do have fun there!
I love this skirt – great colour, great chevrons, and of course you can wear a midi – look, you’re doing it perfectly! xxx
I don’t mind an eccentric shop owner but I’m not too keen on trying to sort through piles of clothing thrown on the floor.
I agree! Welcome to the no rules zone. You can wear midis, because you are and rocking it! I think it’s all about how we feel and our attitude. You inspire others with your swishing!
Just adore all that pattern matching…drool 🙂 xo Jazzy Jack
Not much I haven’t tried. Strapless is not a good look on me and struggles to stay up…!
I’m with you on the strapless thing. I’m constantly pulling it up.
The midi skirt length looks great on you Suzanne! The vintage chevron is a beauty and I enjoyed your story of discovery. I have been known to go into some pretty outrageous places in search of a treasure. I consider it an adventure and find the characters that I encounter as interesting as the inventory.
The hats that you wear in this post are beautiful, as usual. Thank you for sharing with Hat Attack!
It is true that the story that comes with the treasure can make the discovery even more interesting.
Love the plum chevron and leather midi. I agree, thrifting makes it possible to experiment with new looks in the luxury of your own home! When I wear midi skirts, and I am shorter than you, I always wear heels,
it is the only way I can pull it off!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
Yes, heels help a tiny gal out. I wore mine too long this past week and am now ill. Thanks Fibromyalgia.
OOh OOh OOH, i forgot, i love that bag!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
I’m 5’4″ too and you’re right- midi skirts can be hit or miss but you really styled it well here and I think the boots actually make you look taller when paired with a skirt (and wow- what a skirt, even if you found it in a crazy place!)
I’m glad your hubby discouraged you from shortening the skirt – it’s a good length as it is and had a lovely shape. I think you do need to wear heels with that length of skirt, which is probably why I don’t wear it much. I’ve found good pieces of clothing in rather off-putting places; I just make sure to get them cleaned before I wear them 😉
I agree about the cleaning. Don’t need any bed bugs in my house.
This skirt is top quality. As a child my mother taught me that more expensive clothes have patterns aligned across. And as you say when positioning the pockets. What is this obsession with pockets by the way? I keep reading that on blogs “the skirt/dress comes with pockets, hurray”. WHY? Who cares? You are not going to put anything in there, are you? It would spoil the shape. So I don’t get this.
I think you can carry off this midi-skirt fashion very well. You choose good items. Nice and tight at your tiny waist and then flared.
Greetje
Oh no! I totally use the pockets. Doggie treats…ha ha! Keys…camera lens cover…even lipstick. The skirt flares out from the body so really one can hide quite a bit in these pockets. They don’t ruin the line at all.
I am a sucker for dresses or anything with pockets because I do use them. As you know with my Fibromyalgia I don’t do well with large handbags and often will use pockets instead when possible.
I understand now. As I always use a handbag, I didn’t get this fascination for pockets. Now I do.
Love the skirt. So classy and stylish at the same time. I love thrifted clothing. I love your outfits, they are refreshing. I’ve started reading fashion blogs again (after about a 2 year break) and find the same outfits/pieces on so many of the blogs. Love your style! 🙂
BTW, I meant the wool chevron skirt with pockets! ♥
I’m half way watching season 2 of Fargo; loving it!
Indeed, nothing wrong with you wearing midi-skirts!
And that handbag is amazing!