WIW -- Pencil Me In - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW -- Pencil Me In

Beth Ann

Veteran

Ponte pencil skirts have been my go-to, particularly for work, this season. Unfortunately, I usually grow a little weary of my winter clothing, long before spring comes to the Great Lakes. Enter stage left: A brilliant (the photos don't do justice to its full blue-ness) pencil by Vince Camuto. This is my second full-price purchase. Shocking! The first was also blue! I have another longer, pegged Bobeau skirt that will make its debut on Thursday.

1/2. Vince Camuto skirt -- more electric than the photo, really. Madame Blue-Butt blue
Aerosoles booties and black tights
Long black jacket, Carson's
Heathered, drape necked shell, Loft outlet

This is a new proportion -- long over long. Is it working?

3. Sunday's look: Mixing up teal with red and adding stripes. Bold? A mess? I'm not entirely sure!

Red Ponte skirt -- Carson's
Teal wool jacket -- Loehmann's
Striped T ---- which is twisted here, sorry -- Ann Taylor loft
Black riding boots
Target scarf.

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24 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Oooh; I love your pencil skirt collection! That stunner in blue is totally worth full price!

I like the long look in #2 more than the shorter jacket in #3; it seems to elongate the figure somewhat to my eye.

Anonymous

That's a beautiful blue! I like #1/2 best, maybe because the skirt and jacket are lower contrast. Something in the proportions looks off in #3, but I'm not sure what it is. Sometimes camera angles or mirrors can do that.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

1/2 is fantastic! Do you realize you can wear a white top and you have Angie's formula from this a.m. inverted?

Joy I don't see it as the proportions being off, it's just the skirt that doesn't have the same perfect fit of the skirt in 1/2. Beth Ann I wonder if you can taper the red skirt so it fits more like #1? It just needs a little.

ETA -- Taking a second look I agree with lyn's comment -- if the jacket in #3 were longer it wouldn't have such an effect of cutting you in half. Rule of thirds and all that.

Sorry I hope that didn't sound harsh.

Asingh

(website)

Veteran

Beth Ann, you look great in pencil skirts! I especially like the bright blue skirt and the last outfit.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Lyn: Yes, I'm learning sometimes full-price is the right price -- particularly since the nearest Nordie's is a 45 minute drive! I'd eat up any savings in the gasoline of an extra trip!

Joy: I wonder what would happen to proportions if I tucked a lower contrast top.

Denise: Yes, I've got plans to taper this pencil and two others when I have time to get the sewing machine out. I'll post side-by-sides when I get them done. It wouldn't take much, and it's easy with unlined double knits. I've been told before NOT to taper, because it makes the hips look "big." I'm learning that it adds curve, but takes away the big-rectangle. Gently following the body is best, I think. I've got the same polka dot Bobeau pencil that Goldenpig has been wearing. It comes out on Thursday!

Adelfa

Veteran

Great new purchase! I have a cobalt pencil skirt too and I love it.

kellygirl

Veteran

Wow, you rock the pencil skirts! These are all gorgeous. The first two look very streamlined and chic. I love the stripes in the last one--so kicky and fun!

jayne

Veteran

you so rock the pencil and especially blue! It is hard to see the colors in 3, I felt a bit distracted from the red of th skirt by the stripes on the shirt. maybe too much going on with teal jacket? but photos are hard to judge

Anonymous

I really like both these outfits on you, especially 1.

rute

Veteran

Gorgeous!! Love to see also with the flat boots!

Anonymous

I love cobalt blue and black and wear it all the time and #2 is beautiful too. I have noticed that subtle A line on some skirts and it drives me bananas too, and I hear you on the getting the machine out comment. It is such a hassle.

I have the polka dot babeau skirt too yey!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

That blue skirt looks absolutely gorgeous on you!

Raisin

Veteran

You look stunning in pencil skirts! Love your outfits!

catherine

Veteran

Egad, you really know how to wear a pencil skirt. Really, really flattering. You look beautiful.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

KILLER looks.

You are an Elegant Romantic. WOW! (I see an increased Elegant-factor this year Beth. You look incredible! If it weren't unladylike - I would wolf whistle).

You wear a pencil skirt - love the longer length - and wide leg trousers with the best of them

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Fab new pencil skirt in such a delicious colour! I love it with the black jacket and find the proportions very flattering.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Does your skirt have a zipper down the left side? If so, I have the same one, and I'm wearing it today. What a coincidence...

Beth Ann

Veteran

Angie: I think I'm under the influence of old Hollywood --- the Hepburns, Grace Kelly, et al. I imagine how they'd dress on their own time --- hanging out with friends, resting in the trailer on set, etc. It'll be interesting to see where this goes as I move into warmer seasons. I work far less in the summer, and elegance at the park in 90 degree heat is tricky! I've got some ideas, though..............

Shannon: You're an inspiration, too, my dear. Particularly for midi length pencil skirts (another one coming later this week).

Elisabeth -- this skirt is a comfy pull on ponte knit --- although there are many brilliantly colored skirts out there now --- I'd love to see yours!

Vix

Veteran

Hi Beth Ann --

Thank you for brightening up the visual landscape for us sick-of-winter types! [Especially ones like me, who are retreating into neutrals now but love color on others. ]

Love the proportions and color combination in 1/2 and agree with thoughts/your plans about adding the slight taper to the red skirt.

In the meantime, maybe try raising the hemline of the striped shirt a bit, or trying a belt with it? Seems like that might help offset the "big rectangleness" you mention.

ps After seeing how amazing you looked in your belted black suit I'm probably just going to suggest you belt everything, ha. [Sorry not sorry!]

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oooh - are we skirt twins? I have an electric blue skirt from VC, too! Mine is the tube midi skirt (I had to have it shortened).

I LOVE this one on you - it's absolutely gorgeous with the jacket. Very elegant and fresh, and will transition beautifully to spring with white and different footwear.

I also agree with all the comments on the other outfit. Tapering that skirt just a touch will make it feel better.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Thanks, Vix! I have added to my belt collection recently and am liking the structure they give to knits, particularly. I spent many years bemoaning the fact that my waist is a little bigger that it was in my "youth." Ah, what a waste (excuse the pun). Look on the bright side ---- I used to worry about my hips!

Suz: This one is truly "electric," more so than in the pic. I think this is a slightly thicker ponte, though. It has two inset panels that run down each side. I bought it thinking of spring, but desired I needed a little winter pick me up!

Amy

(website)

Veteran

You look so elegant in the first outfit! I love that blue skirt. I agree with others' assessment of the 2nd. It's a nice outfit, but could be made even nicer with a couple of alterations.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Beth Anne, I just posted mine...http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-13-01-29. It's a Vince Camuto as well... I bet it's the same fabric. Mine looks a bit shorter.

And hey, my waist has gone to waste too

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Loving your Hepburn inspirations, Beth! I also have great confidence in your Summer renditions.