Tribal Pencil Skirt

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Most women have mood swings from time to time, often associated with their biological cycle. Recently I'm in the tribal mood, and my fashion mood seems more enigmatic and unpredictable. That may explain why my wardrobe is exploding even when I throw things out almost every month. :)

Anyway this is a pencil skirt I bought a couple of years ago from Anthropologie. High-waisted and neatly cut, it is a great piece to show off some curves. The only drawback is the fabric. The cotton fabric tends to bulge in the front and wrinkle after a day's wear. I've learned to ignore it, especially on days when I crave for some tribal touch in my business casual attire. Life is not perfect and we've got to deal with it...

The black silk blouse is from BCBGMAXAZRIA. Also an old piece. This is the first time I tucked it in. And I noticed that the hidden zipper on the side sticks out and refuses to stay under the skirt. New lesson learned today: don't tuck in a top if it has a zipper at the waist. Again, a black GapFit sportsbra is used here to cover the deep V cut. Camis will also work for this purpose, but sportsbras feel better in summer.

Complete the look with some tribal accessories: a knit necklace from Guatemala (used as bracelet) and a golden necklace I got from Anthropologie last weekend.

Click for large pictures.

Blouse: BCBGMAXAZRIA
Pencil skirt: Plenty by Tracy Reese from Anthropologie
Sportsbra: GapFit Racerback Pullover Bra
Necklace: Flecha necklace in gold from Anthropologie
Bracelet: handmade knit necklace from Guatemala
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Flats: Salvatore Ferragamo Varina flats (here on sale, here on sale, here, here, here) in lava, patent calf

Retro and Relaxed

Top a midi skirt with a relaxed tee, and you will get an ultra retro and relaxed outfit. Here I paired a gray pleated cotton midi skirt with a dotted black and white relaxed tee. I usually pair a fitted top with a flare skirt, or a loose top with a skinny bottom. But I found this combo both comfortable and confident, although slightly out of my comfort zone at the first thought. Well, we all need to step out and experiment new territory occasionally, right?

BTW I think I need a pair of Birkenstock to complete this retro casual look. What do you think?

Click for large pictures.

Top: t.la from Anthropologie
Skirt: JCrew
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Wedges: Salvatore Ferragamo

Anthropologie Ponte Bell Skirt

Ladies, if you really like the skirt I wore here and the dress I wore here, check out this Ponte Bell Skirt in Anthropologie. The material is stiff enough to maintain its cupcake shape, but its texture and exposed back zip give it an expensive designer skirt look. Pair it with a simple tee, and you get this retro chic hourglass shape instantly. It's full price. Given that people pay thousands of dollars to get structured hourglass-shaped premium designers pieces, I do believe this piece is a steal at $128. I've got so much compliments on this little gem. Just keep in mind that this skirt is short. I usually wear petite sizes, but this xx/s petite skirt is much shorter than I expected. Maybe a regular size will be even more versatile.

For those who prefers a more subtle version, try this Ballad Swing Skirt. The material is softer and less voluminous. It gives you a cute schoolgirl look. It's also a little longer than the ponte bell skirt I got, so more suitable for workplace.

Just noticed a message in my inbox: Anthropologie has free shipping today with code JUSTBECAUSE. Today only!

Stripped tee: JCrew
Green skirt: Ponte Bell Skirt by Girls from Savoy, from Anthropologie
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength in black
Coral necklace: Fenton, from Barney's
Flats: Salvatore Ferragamo Varina flats (here, here, here, here, here) in lava, patent calf
Lipstick: NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave