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Tuesday 11 April 2017

The Perfect Summer Skirt Hunt



I'm dreaming of a summer sk-irt
Just like the one I used to know



(Internet pic)


So I got myself a Utility Jacket.   I'm happy that I nabbed my little Primark number at £14.  Happy?  Nay, I am ecstatic!

So what's next on my SS16 shopping list?  The perfect spring/summer skirt.  But does it exist?

Yes, it does  did.  Some years ago I bought myself a little white A-line fine linen skirt, cut on the bias, lined, from H&M.  Bloomin' marvellous it was.  It was the perfect little skirt.  Perfect for all tops, for all footwear, perfect from Spring through to early autumn.  Yet somehow over the years we became estranged.  I hunted high and low for it.  During my seasonal switch I hoped I would stumble upon it in the archives.  Never did.  
Where had I put it?

Then a chance conversation with the other Granny last year  solved the mystery.  She reminded me that during our family holiday in Corfu about 15 years ago I'd had a mishap, a foundation spillage.  Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation takes no prisoners, I discovered.  It does not budge.  It's indelible. 
I had to face up to it.  All hope of being reunited with my fave skirt had disappeared in an instant, for she also reminded me that it had been consigned to our Corfu villa's bin.

 Since finally accepting the inconvenient truth that it was gone forever,  I've been on the hunt for a white linen replacement, but to no avail.  So a year on and  I am widening my horizons.  Patterns.  I'm thinking flowery.  Here's what I've found so far.



Dorothy Perkins do a range within the £16-32 price bracket.



 Bold print I am not.



This print wrap print is more my style ... though the exotic print on the right could tempt me if it tries just a little harder.



I moved on to River Island, around £30-35.



These cheeky checks and stripes are cute.







 Love these prints and colours but look at the gaps in these wraps.  Legs exposed at the knees.  Just my worst possible point for exposure; I have awful knees and have no desire to showcase them in that ta-dash stage curtain opening.  
So, sorry skirts, you're pretty but you are definite no-nos.




This one fits all the criteria.  Pretty print but not garish.  Covers knees.  No gaps.  Easy shape.
Am liking this skirt, though it's not as versatile as my old white linen affair.  So I'm not totally feeling the love, though I'm holding out for a perfection that probably doesn't exist.



What about you ladies?  Do you have a perfect little skirt for summer? White? Maybe patterned?  A pretty floral?
Can you help me?  Have you come across any skirts that are worthy of further investigation, whilst bearing in mind my constraints?  I'd love to hear.


A la perchoine.






14 comments:

  1. How about one in chino material or denim. Might work.

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    1. Thanks for your ideas, Anna. Got a denim one but will check out a chino.

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  2. I know exactly what you mean,it is difficult to find nice skirts (did get one quite nice in Edinburgh Wool, although they do call it the Granny shop) Also I would love a nice cotton summer dress without having to pay about £100.!!

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    1. Will check out that mill online, thanks. It will come as no surprise that I've been trawling summer dresses online too! Like you, I won't be paying anything near £100 for it!

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  3. I like the River Island blue job - give it a whirl!

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    1. Thanks for your choice, Niddykins, better get my skates on, things sell out quickly.

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  4. Summer skirts are a nightmare. As you say they have to be long enough to cover knees, but not so long they look frumpy. Many florals also frumpy. I like Seasalt, also got a nice blue plain cotton from Mantaray in Debenhams....

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    1. Hi Stephanie, yes, hitting the right spot on the leg is crucial as legs age. I'd love more pattern in my wardrobe but I like so few on sale. I'll check out your suggestions as I have to say I tend to have tunnel vision when shopping so ideas are welcomed.

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  5. I agree with Stephanie; florals can quickly become frumpy. Stripy denim (OshKosh B'Gosh used to use that material in children's rompers/overalls...remember?) which I still like to this day. Otherwise, buy a nice piece of linen and whip an A-line skirt up yourself. You'll find it's so easy!

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    1. Thanks for your ideas, Duchesse. Never heard of the brand but I do love a nice ticking stripe (but the Ian Mankin ticking is sooo expensive). I do have some of my fave LA curtain fabric from which I intend to make at least a skirt from, so thanks for spurring me on! Other than that, the island fabric selection is rather sparse so maybe I need to hit the charity shops to convert something to a skirt. Ahh, Girls' World, I can't get enough of it!

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  6. Don't you love it when we go shopping for one item and come home with another. I can't help you with your skirt woes I'm afraid. I don't like to wear pencil skirts because I find them so uncomfortable to walk in...I feel like a mermaid. I like them loose and flowing and slightly above the knee for summer.

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    1. Hi Amy, I find that pencil skirts discipline my walking somewhat! I would love to wear above knee floppy skirts but I don't have the legs for them, but you certainly do. I'll be envious come mid summer when you are looking so cool in your skirt style!

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  7. Love the Gingham! So on trend at the moment. The one's with the split? One gust of wind and your Bridget Jones's might get seen! Love the stripe one too xx
    www.vanityandmestyle.com

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    1. Don't want Hello Mummy moments at my age, so the splits are out of the running! Yes, the gingham and the stripe both have a cheeky French chic about them, maybe that's where I'm heading. Decision time soon!

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