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Alternatives to the skirt of controversy

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So....I am going to return the skirt of controversy...not because it is controversial but because I fear it won't really earn its keep in my closet, alas.

I would dearly love an alternative, both for the coming trip and for afterwards. I love my tube skirts, but I think they would be too hot in China, and sometimes a girl feels like a change.

Here are a few options I'm considering. Please tell me what you think (esp. if you have seen in person) or if you have others in mind, let me know.

1. The skirt ElizabethP has. Problem -- it is probably going to be too big for me (no XS) and it looks very high contrast.

2. EF skirt Diana recommended. I like it and it is linen, and I have a Nordstrom's Reward to use up so the price would be less. BUT...it might not get to me in time using Border Free. ARGH.

3. Club Monaco Doanie -- silk and an unbelievable price. I am not usually a fan of handkerchief hems but it might be a fun summer addition.

4. Club Monaco silk shorts. Kind of an interesting alternative, maybe?

5. Zara culottes -- but they are viscose, which can be hot.

Jones New York SPORT Tie Dye Asymmetrical Skirt

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Eileen Fisher Open Weave Linen Flared Skirt

$238.00 $118.98

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Printed Wide-leg Trousers

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Shopping

55 replies

Latest reply was from lyn67

carter

Veteran

I like the Club Monaco skirt quite a bit. I think it can either be the star or the foundational piece, depending on how you style it. I'm also totally surprising myself and liking the culottes as well.

Anonymous

I like the Club Monaco, Suz. I'm also not normally a fan of handkerchiefs either, but there's something special about this one to me. I think the length will be good on you, too. Only downside I see is silk doesn't normally pack well, but the print will detract from any wrinkling. Another thought: Have you considered looking for a skirt in China? Silks are probably beautiful there.

Astrid

Veteran

I love that Eileen Fisher skirt in #2. Linen lined in silk? Sounds like heaven for high temperatures. Maybe there's a solution to the shipping problem? I also like the Club Monaco Doanie skirt, but I wonder if the lining is also silk. It says it's lined and that it's silk above, but I've often seen skirts where only the outer layer is silk and the lining polyester. I don't like the print of the Zara shorts and the elasticated waist of the Club Monaco shorts would be a dealbreaker for me. Same for the waist on the first skirt.

annabelle

Veteran

I've had the Zara culottes on and off my wish list since they first appeared, so I'm partial to them They look versatile, and if I can get a bit specific... sometimes when one is hot and sweaty, one doesn't want a skirt. I'm not sure the Zara is "your" color palette, Suz (or mine). The close up on the fabric promises that each color in the print is vibrant, while the overall look from farther away looks softer. I believe that with neutral tops (white or ivory or light blue or aqua, without a lot of doodads on them) would be a very cute look with any flat, walking sandal or shoe.

I think you'd wear the Club Monaco shorts on your home base, for years. They're a classic.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I like CM silk skirt a lot - handkerchief hem and all. Worth a try I think...although some silks can be hot in a humid weather. I think you need to see it in person while your size is still available.
I think skirt #1 has a potential. I don't think it is too high contrast for you - especially on the bottom. But if your size is not available then it is a moot point.
EF skirt looks and sounds nice - what about picking it at the border? It is pretty expensive too but EF quality is usually good - but don't you think XS is too big for you? I have heard EF runs big.
As for the culottes - they are nice but won't be they pretty close to your CM long shorts in color and style? If there is no danger there I would order them as well. After all the shipping is free!

Staysfit

Veteran

Handkerchief hems don't bother me. I think they're interesting, and I like both club Monaco items. I would like the EF skirt except it has an unfinished hem and I think that's asking for trouble with the loose weave linen. I think that skirt will be fragile and not very durable for the price (even if on sale).

Jeweled

Veteran

Would you be OK with the wrinkly-ness of the linen skirt while traveling?

Peri

Veteran

I can so see those blue shorts on you! But then again, as per my points on the other thread, maybe that is reason not to get them!!

Just for the record, the skirt of controversy has become almost as much fun as the demon spider shirt.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

The demon spider shirt and my butt-vest. Oh, the games we get up to here.

You are all raising excellent points here. I just did a quick round of our downtown to see if I could find anything bricks and mortar, but no such luck. I tried on a dress like Dee's GAP one except the lighter blue (only one they had) and it looked awful. Tried on another dress that looked even worse. And didn't see a single other thing that looked remotely tempting or useful.

Staysfit, I was also worried about that raw edge hem. What the heck? But EF tends to make durable things, so I wondered if she had a special method for that.

Interesting you like that CM skirt, too, Sveta. I might just give it a try. But I also know that you're right -- some silks are hot in the humidity.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I do like the skirt a lot but I would p[refer it a longer length than on the model - which it can be for you. Sometimes it is a bit of luck not to be tall!

Joy

Veteran

Suz, I like all your picks. For this trip, I would try the CM skirt and/or shorts or the Zara skirt. An unlined silk skirt with some movement should be cool and will pack like a scarf, wash in the sink and dry quickly. I have thrifted silk skirts in the past just for summer travel. However, if it is lined, it will probably have to be dry cleaned. Often the lining is acetate.

Anonymous

I'm getting confused about this skirt issue. If it's a trip piece, I don't understand silk and linen for that kind of a climate. But - for general use in your wardrobe sure, all of these pieces are nice. I thought you had a pair of cobalt shorts from CM though? For something different, the Zara culottes are really cool - but again, wouldn't viscose be a bear to travel in ?

Is the goal to find a dressy piece to take with you? Or can the skirt be more casual? I'm trying to imagine myself in that heat, humidity and smog, and thinking about what would be most comfortable for travel and walking, and had the ability to be dressed up or down.....and it would be a skirt like these two from Lululemon. Perfect travel fabric, good length, easy care, and you can wear whatever you want with it.Pockets, stretchy, yet polished looking. That's what I'd wear.

Ignore me if I've totally missed the mark here. I think I'm projecting my extreme discomfort in heat and humidity and general climate grossness

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Inner Essence Skirt

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Lisa, those are excellent ideas. Thank you! Do you think they'd be as short on me as on the models? And is that fabric truly sweat wicking? I wonder if they will not be too heavy. The heat will be killer.

But I like the colour options and the price is decent. I am going to check them out. Thanks!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Although, on second thought...the one skirt has a hideous waistband, and the other one gets bad reviews for the way it flips out in back...not a good look to me. But I could try on in store since we have a Lulu here. Will still check them out but with less hope. Hmmmm.

dakotacheryl

Veteran

Suz that Club Monaco skirt is dry clean only...would that be a deal breaker for a vacay in China?

My second preference is the Zara culottes / trousers. Really nifty pattern that would go with a lot of toppers.

Astrid

Veteran

Did you have a look at Ebay? Maybe you could find an inexpensive and practical skirt for your travels there. I had a look and you can filter so that you only get Canadian sellers (so you wouldn't have shipping problems).

ETA
Or what about Etsy? Lots of natural fibre clothing on there.

elpgal

Veteran

Suz, why not look for some skirts when you get here?

Anonymous

I've seen them both in person - and yes, that waistband is weird, but I didn't think of it when I posted the picture. It never registered because it would never show with the styling I'd give it. The straighter one will be long enough - you can wear them down on your hips too if you like. And it's long enough on me, so would be knee length on you easily. I didn't buy the straight one because it was a little too body con for me, but you're half the size I am so that wouldn't be an issue for you.

Anyways - check online to see what Lole has, and what other golf/athletic brands have for skirts. You might find something cool at Golf Town. They have a brand - Jamie Saddock - which has really cute golf skirts that are a good length. A bit pricey but really well made and with cool details. Here are a few.

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Cheryl, I rebelliously ignore all instructions to dry clean silk. It's nonsense. Silk loves to be washed in water. I have a lot of silk tops and all of them go in my washing machine on delicate (or I hand wash). Hang to dry and iron as needed.

Lisa, I am not sure...I'll try the Lulus, but women around my size said they were too body con. So I am doubtful. Will check the golf skirts -- never thought of that.

Astrid, that is a good point. I have not yet checked there.

Elpgal, I don't think I will have any time to shop -- I'll be taking a course and going on tours day and night.

Anonymous

I think the handkerchief hem looks the freshest for hot weather. The linen is pretty but might be heavy looking and the dark solid color might not wear very well. Also it will likely wrinkle very easily.

Astrid

Veteran

How about this one?
http://www.nicolebridger.com/c.....hten-skirt

It's silk and a classic. Pretty much timeless. Dark navy, one of your neutrals. And by a Canadian designer.

Anonymous

You're right. The reviews on that skirt are brutal. But I'm glad it wasn't just me feeling fat in it Yes , I know we're not supposed to say the "f" word, but it is what it is.....

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ha! Well, I looked at that back hem and thought of my bum...and I just knew it would be flipping up like crazy and looking weird. Still, I'll go into the store and check it out. You never know.

Astrid, that skirt is beautiful, though even pricier than my original...alas...

I did hop onto ebay and so far have not found anything, but I still have some looking to do. Haven't yet tried etsy.

ETA -- another issue -- modesty. People are not super hung up about this in China and it is fine to wear shorts. And I will wear them. But those, and the dress I'm bringing, are above the knee, and ideally it might be nice to have one below the knee or at least at the knee alternative, you know? Just in case. To be honest, my biggest body complaint is with my knees, which is where I seem to store most of my fat.

Astrid

Veteran

Oh, did you have a markdown? I thought it was 200 too. I guess this would definitely be an investment, but I think it's the kind of item where you get your money's worth back. It's ethically produced as well btw. I think it's rather long on the model, I guess it would be over the knees on you.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

We recently had a mini-heatwave with temperatures of 107F/42C. You don't want anything synthetic next to your skin in that weather. I like the EF skirt for you and the CM shorts, assuming they could be washed in the sink and you are the sort who would do that (I am not sure I am, but haven't been put to the test). I do like the Zara culottes for other purposes but am still holding a grudge against them for not getting you the striped ones.

Cococat

Veteran

I love the Zara divided skirt even though I don't usually like divided skirts. The print is amazing and looks like it shouldn't crush, so great for travel. Also great for breezy days! I hate that nervous feeling when I'm wearing a fuller skirt....

I liked your controversial skirt too though....so perhaps don't listen to me...lol

jackiec

Veteran

Posting and running here - but have you checked Simons (la maison Simon)? I've had success with some linen crops from there that I've been wearing like crazy this summer. Pull on elastic, elastic just below the knees, and super comfy and cool. In fact, I'm going to re-order them in grey tomorrow. But check out the skirts too. I like this grey linen one - pull on and go - seems nice and cool. Is it the best length? Who knows, but it seems cool and totally wearable. I'm going to order it in grey. I wear a small in the crops so I bet you're an XS. Free returns and I had no issues with the shipping.

http://www.simons.ca/simons/pr.....038;catId=...

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kkards

Veteran

as much as i like the skirts that you've offered, from what i've gathered from co-workers who travel to China, i think i'd so for something easier to care for, and lighter to wear. i'm thinking something more in line with what Lisa added. what about these llbean styles?

Fusion Flare Skirt

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Fusion Knit Skirt

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donnat

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I like those llbean ones, if you can get it in time.

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