https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 23:54:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1324204 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 23:22:59 +0000 Aida 1324204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How fun, Vicki! All of your renditions look great. The black flats and the nude oxfords give quite different feels,&nbsp;isn't it interesting how much the vibe of the outfit changes just with the shoes? Totally love the second look with the yellow Cons, what a fabulous skirt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323928 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 18:48:24 +0000 Anonymous 1323928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vicki, you look fabulous! Both skirts are lovely and how you styled them is wonderful. Inspiration from the supermarket, who knew? Your coloured Cons are a great idea with the cream skirt. They look sassy and on trend, love it.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323918 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 18:35:36 +0000 Vicki 1323918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Crutcher, my “coffeepot twin,” thank you and you make me laugh!</div><div><br /></div><div>Claire, I appreciate your observations on the volume. &nbsp;It will be a great shirt when cooler weather comes. &nbsp;You know I have a “cat-like nature” so being a copycat comes easily. &nbsp;Yes, I should have complimented the shopper&nbsp;and then I could confirm your suspicions on her accent.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks, Caro, and I love your inspiration story.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kelly, I’m so happy you liked the way the Cons worked. &nbsp;I needed that casual edge.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anna, thank you; I appreciate this and do plan to wear both again, as I liked them equally.</div><div><br /></div><div>Diana, my “slip twin,” yes, juxtaposition is something I want to continue in my outfits.</div><div><br /></div><div>Karie, thanks, and I’ll really keep my eyes open when I shop. &nbsp;It’s funny, this TJ’s is near a university and one I don’t often visit.</div><div><br /></div><div>pil, the skirts did feel light and flowy, which was just right and I felt good about the&nbsp;shoe choices. &nbsp;Wearing flats seemed too dressy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Aubergine, love that idea of a retro tennis outfit, although I don’t know how to play tennis, but I do know how to eat cheese and I love it! &nbsp;☺</div><div><br /></div><div>Beth Ann, glad you liked my story. &nbsp;Sometimes, that’s the BEST PART, isn’t it?</div><div><br /></div><div>Gigi, thanks for your inspiration sources and the nude oxford love. &nbsp;I must remind myself to wear these shoes more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Deb, thank you and wearing this cream skirt reminds me that I can still push it into the autumn based on a photo I saw in the J. Crew catalogue I’ve attached here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Debbie, I’m happy you like the black and white outfit. &nbsp;That combination works most times.</div><div><br /></div><div>AJ, I’m delighted to dress French chic, since I don’t get to travel there much (must change that!). &nbsp;Yes, I am growing out my hair and to what, I’m not sure. &nbsp;I haven’t decided on a particular look yet, and perhaps I need to visit TJ’s for THAT, now, too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Deborah, thank you for your kind words. &nbsp;I generally feel most comfortable in outfits that are both chic and casual.</div><div><br /></div><div>Shevia, your comment made me smile, because while I have lots of&nbsp;fun creating my Forum titles and headlines, I now realize this may have seemed like clothing was being sold right along with the walnuts and dried fruit. &nbsp; Thank you for your kind observations on my outfits.</div><div><br /></div><div>Marley thank you! &nbsp;Yes, bring your skirt out to play. &nbsp;You’d look fabulous in it and do see the photo I posted here in my comments, because I thought of you with this “Distressed Quartz” skirt. &nbsp;Funny story on the semi-tuck. &nbsp;LOL!</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfrumped, whenever I can CC or SYC, I find great joy and excitement in it. &nbsp;Excellent observation on finding inspiration and how the IRL ones are so helpful.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nebraskim, thank you for that positive “gasp” on my outfit and the kitchen. &nbsp;I’m always trying to figure out where to best take photos. &nbsp;Sometimes, it’s too bright outside and other times it’s too dark in my bedroom, even though there are a lot of windows.</div><div><br /></div><div>Viva, you wisely explained how to combine sophisticated and playful items and I love that part of dressing. &nbsp;I appreciate what you said.</div><div><br /></div><div>Janet, LOL, no clothing aisle at TJ’s, yet. &nbsp;I am definitely going to repeat this and in the autumn and/or winter, I’d like to add an oversized sweater. &nbsp;There was something fun about wrestling the dressy part of the skirt to create a casual look.</div><div><br /></div><div>Angie, thank you for this great title, which I will happily wear inside and out! &nbsp;I was thrilled to see J. Crew’s version of this today, for the first time. &nbsp;I’ve had the catalogue&nbsp;for over a week now and must do better at looking through it immediately.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jackiec, thank you so much for liking these outfits! &nbsp;I’m blushing. &nbsp;I have attached the sweatshirt on my Finds page now, so hope you can see it. &nbsp;It comes in marine salt and navy.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323745 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 14:44:04 +0000 jackiec 1323745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You had me with your title! Love this!! So great to get inspiration from TJs I think it's great to keep your mind open wherever you go, and pick up useful tidbits like this anywhere. I LOVE that JCrew sweatshirt - it seems like the perfect length for skirts - very versatile. Love every single rendition, but wow those last shoes do look buttery soft. It almost gives the outfit a ballerina vibe, to my eye. Fantastic. </p> <p></p> <p>ETA - Vicki do you have a link to that JCrew sweatshirt, just out of curiosity?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323722 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 14:13:21 +0000 Angie 1323722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How adorable and cute are you, Vicki. You are Queen Insatiably Cuter than Cute.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's super fun to see you wear little knife pleated skirts with tees and sweatshirts. Rock on. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323693 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 13:19:53 +0000 Janet 1323693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL, I was half expecting to find out that your TJ had started selling clothing, too! But I love the inspiration, and I love your version. Even if the sweatshirt was too warm, I'd file that one away for a repeat on a cooler day because it looks totally fab. I love the stripey combo as well. And look at you with the Cons too! I'm so impressed that you can get such great casual looks out of a skirt that I would peg as "dressy." Great job! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323645 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 11:53:17 +0000 viva 1323645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love <b>all</b> the iterations of your copycat look, Vicki, but 7-10, with the two Cons, are especially wonderful. Sophisticated and playful at the same time, a mixture I adore. I have to be more observant when I am out and about; you've done a stellar job here of taking something in and then making it entirely your own. I love it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323629 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 11:14:36 +0000 Nebraskim 1323629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love both looks! The white skirt outfit with the mustard Cons caused me to gasp a little bit. And I need to say your kitchen makes me swoon with fabness. 11 out of 10 all the way around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323598 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 08:49:15 +0000 unfrumped 1323598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a great job of CC and SYC. I like the black &amp; white for classic combo and the eyelet, and the white skirt outfit for the sneaks and Breton look- very juxtaposed.<br /> I get most inspiration from online, and YLF looks like yours that are closer to IRL are very helpful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323573 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 06:48:12 +0000 Marley 1323573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - I love that first outfit Vicki! &nbsp;So - So French! &nbsp;Why oh Why did I get rid of my black pleated skirt??? &nbsp;(I do have a cream one however and am thinking now that I need to get it out to play!)</p> <p>The other day I was shopping at Trader Joes and had on a pair of BF shorts with a slouchy shirt semi-tucked - and a lady came up to me and very kindly said to me (in a hushed voice) that my shirt was untucked in the back.) &nbsp;Hahahaha! &nbsp;I just thanked her for letting me know - and didn't even try to explain to her&nbsp;&nbsp;that it was ON-PURPOSE!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323512 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 03:40:39 +0000 Jaime 1323512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I love Trader Joes' but I was a bit taken aback that they were selling pleated skirts! You are brilliant and finding inspiration and gorgeous at implementing it. I love both versions and the yellow Cons are fab with this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323507 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 03:28:09 +0000 Deborah 1323507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vicki, just stunning.&nbsp; I love both outfits here.&nbsp; They are very you, and how fab that you could shop your closet.&nbsp; They are both very chic looks.</p> <p>My inspiration comes from everywhere.&nbsp; Like Caro, I often pin something, forget and them find I have bought something very similar:)&nbsp; Otherwise I have a number of blogs that I read and receive a great deal of inspiration from.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I am very visual (Im a visual learner) so seeing how others put things together has a huge impact.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323498 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 02:58:22 +0000 AJ 1323498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vicki, you are lovely! Are you growing your hair out?</p> <p>The first one is my favorite. It looks so French chic! That eyelet sweatshirt was a FAB find!</p> <p>I draw my inspirations mostly from other outfits, but I also find it fun to be inspired by colorful/textured clutches/handbags and shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323485 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 02:46:16 +0000 Debbie 1323485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the both outfits but the black and white outfit is my favorite. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323473 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 02:29:32 +0000 deb 1323473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both outfits are so cute but The shite skirt is by far my favorite.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323469 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 02:23:31 +0000 Gigi 1323469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great outfits, fashion sleuth! I especially like the combo with the nude oxfords.</p> <p>I get my inspiration from YLF and from pix I see on the Internet. When I go to the mall or to the grocery store, I am usually in such a hurry that I have to keep my mind on task—so no looking around!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323461 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 02:08:07 +0000 Beth Ann 1323461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the story and the outfits!&nbsp; a swingy skirt is so perfect for summer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323460 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 02:07:05 +0000 Anonymous 1323460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooooh, nice! The pleated skirts with the sneakers kind of remind me of retro tennis outfits somehow.</p> <p>All I end up with when I go to Trader Joe's is more cheese than I can eat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323433 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 01:32:51 +0000 pil 1323433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both skirts are so light and dreamy with the knife pleats. Wonderful looks and the shoes really are the finishing touch. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323426 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 01:23:37 +0000 Karie 1323426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both skirts look fantastic! Inspiration is everywhere, isn't it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323417 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 01:15:00 +0000 Diana 1323417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! You really rock those pleated skirts! I especially love the juxtaposition with the Cons. Glad to hear the slip worked out too. </p> <p>And clearly I need to pay more attention at TJs! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323412 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 01:12:10 +0000 annagybe 1323412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both look good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323399 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 01:00:35 +0000 kellygirl 1323399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So fab! I LOVE both variations but especially the sailor top with the skirt and Cons.You look amazing and so chic in these. I'm afraid your TJ's is a little more on trend than mine. I get most of my inspiration around here </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323366 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 00:31:48 +0000 Caro in Oz 1323366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YLF Vicki.&nbsp;Love the fact that your inspiration led you to your closet I get mine from everywhere - it's mostly sub-conscious with me; like the time I pinned a brocade pants suit &amp; forgot about it. I&nbsp;ended up buying one months later but only "remembered" I'd pinned one when I was cleaning up my boards. My conscious inspiration comes from Angie's round ups&nbsp;at the time of the runway shows. I check out favourite designers to&nbsp;see what appeals to me especially the shoes :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323365 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 00:31:37 +0000 Anonymous 1323365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow Vicki! You're a great copy catter! I'm really digging the volume on volume in the black skirt/white sweatshirt photos. That top seems like it's the perfect length, and you look so youthful! It's such a perfect, non-boring way to wear black and white. Your Trader Joes's inspiration probably speaks English with a French accent. Good call to copycat! Also a very good call to hang onto those skirts. :D</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323360 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 00:20:43 +0000 crutcher 1323360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wait a minute...that is so unfair...When I go to TJ's, all I get is coffee to go in the pot like yours in picture 1, etc...You go and get a SYC and ideas for new styles...My TJ's was so cool until I saw this...not so any more..smile...<br />I do like your knife pleated skirts and sweatshirts..even if it is sweating weather...Very sassy...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-fashion-sleuth-hits-pay-dirt-at-trader-joes-with-knife-pleat-skirt-inspiration#post-1323357 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 00:16:22 +0000 Vicki 1323357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After leaving a matinee showing of the film, "Begin Again" and stopping in at Trader Joe's, I found inspiration for my next outfit in the checkout aisle&nbsp;and, wait for it, I was able to Shop My Closet.</p> <p>Our weather has been extremely hot, humid, sticky and muggy and when Angie posted the cooling benefits of wearing a dress in the summer, I decided to put my pleated&nbsp;skirts into the mix.</p> <p>My "inspiration" was getting her groceries bagged&nbsp;just before me and she wore a black knife-pleat skirt, white lace long-sleeved top and black flats. &nbsp;Check, check and check! &nbsp;Then, all of a sudden, up popped another black pleated skirt with a woman on a bike in sneakers on Pinterest! &nbsp;Time to make it happen.</p> <p>So, yesterday, I wore my old Liz Claiborne black knife-pleat&nbsp;skirt and my new J. Crew cream eyelet sweatshirt. &nbsp;Was the sweatshirt the best thing to wear on a sweltering day? &nbsp;Probably not! &nbsp;But, that's why they call it a sweatshirt!!!</p> <p>Then, today, when I returned a couple of things at Nordstrom and shopped at Zara and Sephora, I decided to do the same thing with my cream knife-pleat skirt. &nbsp;I want to thank Diana for her slip recommendation of the Vassarette, because it's a winner and a lightweight slip that felt like I had nothing on and yet gave me the opaque look I needed. &nbsp;Thank you, Diana!</p> <p>I also want to give props to Viva/Vivian who reminds me to "play with mixing mood and proportion" and I find this so helpful. &nbsp;Thank you, Vivian!</p> <p>1-3 J. Crew cream eyelet sweatshirt, black knife-pleat Liz Claiborne skirt, Ann Klein sport wedges</p> <p>4-6 Inspiration photos from Trader Joe's and Pinterest today.</p> <p>7-10 Zara cream and black striped Breton tee, cream Moda Int'l. skirt, Vassarette half slip (so comfortable), yellow Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers, sage green Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers. &nbsp;I wore the yellow ones.</p> <p>11-12 &nbsp;For fun,&nbsp;I wanted to try a different pair of shoes, and instead of going with my red J. Crew pointy ballet flats (no photo), I decided on my blush oh-so-comfy Mercanti Fiorentini oxfords. &nbsp;These shoes are like wearing butter, or nothing. &nbsp;:)</p> <p>Thanks for looking and I'd love to know where you draw your inspiration, because that intrigues me. &nbsp;Comments, welcome.&nbsp; ^_^ </p>