Fall Essentials: The Pencil Skirt

(via my vintage vogue)

Here is the thing, I think it is damn near impossible to buy a pencil skirt off the internet because it is incredibly difficult to assess the fit. A pencil skirt must be tight at the waist, gently skim the hips and behind, and then taper gently toward the knees. I believe it is also a difficult cut for most women to pull off. A straight skirt or A-line skirt is much easier because it doesn't make your hips look so big. BUT, if you have the figure for it, there isn't much sexier then a pencil skirt.

To that end, I had somewhat of a difficult time finding skirts for you. I started at Etsy, so I could find the 'real deal'- a perfect vintage pencil skirt. Here are the favorite items I discovered:

vintage pencil skirt
Yves Saint Lauren pencil skirt

That's it. One skirt. I was just concerned that the other skirts I found were too junky or tight, or too long, or too short. But this one was perfect.

So I thought I should try some regular stores- so I could go in and try the skirts on. Here is what I found:

vintage reproduction pencil skirt
Heartbreaker Pencil Skirt

This skirt is a vintage reproduction, and it is highwaisted, which is nice. I live close to their store, so maybe next week I will stop by and try it on. It also comes in a few colors, but I have found that they don't always keep all sizes in stock.

JCrew pencil skirt
Basic Pencil Skirt

This is from J.Crew. Look, I love the Crew. I have shopped there my entire life. I like their quality, their price, and I like that I know what size I am in their clothing, which makes it much easier to buy on line. I figure for a basic, this is a great place to go- even if it isn't strictly vintage.


High Waisted Pencil Skirt

If I am willing to buy from the Crew, I am also willing to check out Banana Republic. This is their version of the same skirt. I like this one better because of the higher waistband, which is more 'period'. Plus it looks better on me.


Saffron Sophisticate Skirt
I thought this was an interesting twist on the pencil skirt. I like that it flairs out slightly at the hem, which can help balance a pear shape (like my body). I also like the color.



Fifi Skirt

I was worried the modern skirts would end up looking too modern, so I found another reproduction skirt above. Again, I am concerned about not being able to try it on first.

As I was fretting about 'the perfect pencil skirt', I decided to relax by going through Solanah's blog and I found the most amazing post. It turns out she found a place that makes vintage reproduction pencil skirts to measure!. I about died.


Skirtomatic

At sophistikitten you can get lingerie and skirts made to order! I mean did you ever! I was so excited. I am going to order my skirt as soon as I run out and get a tape measure (my kids cut up my last one!). I am guessing this will be expensive, but for a handcrafted basic that will last years, I figure it is worth it. I will be sure to let you kittens know how it goes.

Be sure to stay tuned today to check out my fabulous give-away!