This outfit is almost an exact replica of the modern midi ensemble. I’ve worn it twice in the last few weeks: once on a mild Seattle Spring day while out shopping with a client, and once to host a dinner party in our home (leaving off the jacket). The happiness factor here is very high because I LOVE to wear midi skirts that move. There’s something about the way they swoosh from side to side as you stride that puts me in a jolly good mood. And they remind me of my late Mum. Comfortable, ladylike and graphic. 

I saw the black and cream Halogen striped skirt back in February and it was love at first sight. The stiff crisp fabric, dressy integrity, knee-covering length, stitched down pleats, and fun bold stripe instantly pulled at my heart strings. It is not a slimming silhouette at all. Bold horizontal stripes across your hips in a voluminous shape that covers half your body clearly has a widening visual affect. But I love it! If I wanted to wear a slimming silhouette, I’d wear a pencil skirt or sheath dress. But that’s not nearly as fun because straight skirts don’t swoosh when you walk, or pouf out when you sit down. With this skirt, it’s more about having fun with fashion than creating a slender silhouette. 

Tucking a tailored button-down shirt into a full skirt is a great way to slim down the silhouette. But that combination doesn’t feel quite as modern for 2014. That’s why I prefer to wear the skirt with an untucked welted fluid pullover — the same sparkly ink blue one that I recently paired with flared jeans. The refined gauge of the knit drapes back onto the body which creates some structure, as do the slim-fitting sleeves, tailored neckline and welt on the waist. I also like the softer effect of the dark blue against the harsh black and cream rugby stripe. I scrunch the sleeves for further structure. 

I like this outfit best sans topper, but it’s too cold to go without. I like my two-toned denim jacket with the combination because it’s boxy, which feels the most on trend. My two tailored denim jackets don’t feel as current right now, so they’re hibernating a little longer. This denim jacket, with its waxed black sleeves, provides a relaxed element to the dressy outfit, and a tiny touch of tomboy. 

This style of skirt screams to be paired with refined girly footwear, which amps up the ladylike and retro integrity of the outfit. I chose pointy toe ankle strap Okala pumps because ankle straps are trending and I love the style. I chose them in a cheetah print because I like cheetah matched with stripes. The black ankle strap, although horizontally cutting and leg shortening, somehow complements the black stripe in the skirt. 

I finished off the outfit with sporty neon clutch, apple green specs, a gold watch and my wedding ring. No additional jewellery required. I’m hooked on the watermelon lippie that brings out the colour of my bright specs, so I wear that shade of lipstick when sporting black and white, or ink and white outfits. Otherwise, I stick to nude lipstick. 

This outfit would have looked more conventionally flattering with a fitted and tucked shirt that showcases the waistline and lengthens the leg line. An untucked top tends to lengthen the torso thereby shortening the leg line. A fitted jacket would provide more structure. And ankle straps in a low-contrasting colour, or nude pumps sans ankle straps would have further elongated the leg line. But less conventionally flattering proportions feels fresher to me, and more 2014. Go Team Just Flattering Enough. 

These photos were taken by the water in Leschi where the cherry blossoms are extra gorgeous. On the way back home from the photo shoot, we saw our neighbour Danny enjoying the sunny weather with his two Schnauzers, Brady and Buster. Brady is seven years old, and Buster is seven weeks old. Both doggies are as enchanting and adorable as can be. Of course, we couldn’t go home before snuggling with them.