Careers in Fashion

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Hippie hippie shake

Confession: I've been one lazy girl. For months, I've been meaning to sort through my closet and redecorate my bedroom with some proper "spring" cleaning, but spring is long gone, summer is slipping away, and I've done close to nothing. My excuse? Starting a new full-time job in April. Truth: I just don't feel motivated. What's the point in keeping a tidy room when you only use it for sleep? Right? But I have been meaning to give my wardrobe a thorough evaluation and make room for my summer finds... out with the old, in with the new. As I fill up bags of garments to donate or consign, there are always those items that I'm on the fence about. This maxi skirt is one of them:

Ahhh. My hippie skirt. Supersoft cotton, crocheted detailing, a frou-frou tulle hem?!? This skirt has it all. It's the first thing I ever purchased from Urban Outfitters. It was priced something ridiculous, like in the $100 range, and I couldn't justify a three-digit price tag for such a whimsical piece. I mean, it's fun, but not exactly a long-term investment. Then I watched it drop to $75. Then $49.99. I think that's when I snapped it up, then cringed over the coming weeks as it went to $29.99, then $14.99... and, of course, my size was still in stock. I guess not everyone fell for it as hard as I did!

And five or six years later... we're still together. A summer fling that turned into lasting love, if you will. This skirt has been everywhere with me. It even served as a pretty awesome Halloween costume one year; I was "Halfway Cinderella," and my ballgown was on its way back to tatters. I thought this skirt, with its color, woho-chic style and, of course, tulle, had that very "riches to rags" peasant-princess look I was going for.

So the skirt might not have been the most pragmatic purchase ever, and it certainly doesn't go with everything in my wardrobe, but I just can't let go. In the summer, I live in maxi dresses and skirts. Not that trends matter so much, but I'm happy to see longer lengths come back into fashion. I heard a designer describe this fall's major look as "seventies-chic lady" (or, as Free People dubbed it, "seventies groupie") and I'd like to think that sums up my aesthetic. At least, for today. Or maybe it's just "Stevie Nicks decided to introduce pastels into her wardrobe for once." That could work, too.

And oh, yes, I wore this very outfit to the office (but added a cardigan for modesty and warmth!). Most people in my office wear jeans. I like to shake things up.

Behold, "Seventies Groupie"! I so can't wait to copy this Free People look in the fall:

How do you feel about the maxi-length's return? Was it long-awaited for you, or are you ready for it to just go away?

6 comments:

Emily, Resplendent Tranquility said...

The skirt in my latest post is actually one I've been on the fence about for years. It almost always gets considered to go when I do a closet haul. I love it to bits, but just don't wear it nearly enough. I think it's only come out 2 or 3 times this year, but I've decided to let it play a bit more come Fall. I think it will look nice with all colors Autumn.

I remember way back when you wanted this skirt. 2005, I think!
It's always heartbreaking to see something go for lower than what you paid. It has served you well through the years, so I'd say it's paid itself off. You look darling here and if all else fails, as you noted, it works well for costumes ;) Seriously, though, awesome office attire!

As for the "seventies ladylike" - I like it! I can work with that. Autumn is my favorite season to dress for already and as it so happens, unbeknownst to this new trend, I've picked up several '70s and '70s-inspired pieces for my Fall wardrobe on my thrifting jaunts.

Emily, Resplendent Tranquility said...

Oh, as for maxi-lengths: I like 'em. Sometimes being of short stature it's difficult to find one suitable/flattering/not dragging on the ground behind you... but, it can be done. I have a few skirts and a dress my mother handed down to me. I'm glad they're ''in'' so I can get some more style inspiration. I feel like I wear them the same way allll the time.

Lexie said...

i've never been a big fan of the boho style, but one of my very petite asian friends pulls it off so nicely! and it's always nice to save pieces you got at such a bargain!

Ariella said...

I think your maxi skirt looks cute - especially because of that sea foam color which is gorgeous!
I do like maxi dresses and skirts, but I'm undecided about how I feel about wearing them. I feel that they too often make me look really short, but maybe that's just about finding the right skirt or dress and pretty heels to go with it!

Emily said...

1. That skirt is actually the bomb.
2. I recently had the exact same thing happen to me at Urban-- I bought this gorgeous dress for $68, then it went on sale for $29.99 like... a month and a half later. So. Frustrating.

Raven said...

This is a beautiful skirt! It's cool how it has became such an important piece in your wardrobe. :)

I also love how cloths can have this great story and a long history. Some clothes of mine have been through a lot! hee hee