15 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.Sources:
- Black Sweater- Banana Republic
- Orange Skirt – J Crew
- Brown Woven Belt – BR Outlet
- Grey Tights – BR Outlet (layered over purple to darken them)
- Brown Boots – Banana Republic, via ebay
- Black Beads – Hawaii
Endnotes:
Ever since seeing this look of Kendi’s over on Kendi Everyday, I have been wanting to try it with my very similar J Crew Skirt. A few obstacles delayed my own recreation: I was worried about how my orange skirt (as opposed to her yellow one) would work with black (thoughts of Halloween), I don’t own a black turtleneck (because they make me feel like I am chocking), and I wanted a different belt for this look. But, I’ve finally decided to give it a go and am overall pleased with the result.
15 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.I think the addition of brown and grey keeps the black and orange combination form reading as jack-o-lantern-esque. I really do like the way the turtleneck looks on Kendi and so tried to fill the gap in my v-neck and bring the black up to my face with the addition of these large black beads (I think a black scarf would have worked well, but alas I don’t own one of those either).
I envisioned this outfit with a particular belt from Banana Republic, which is no longer being sold, and while I think that was mostly a justification for buying a new brown belt, there was a legitimate concern in there. I am wearing my belt in a some what unusual spot for me – below the smallest point on my waist but above my hips, so I figured I would need a stretchy belt. As it turns out, I was wrong. My stretchy brown belt kept trying to creep up to the smallest point of my waist (the top of the skirt) so I switched it out for this old favorite. This belt works so well for so many ensembles because it looks like a sturdy woven leather belt but it is actually a rather thin, soft, flexible leather with a significant amount of stretch, without being a stretchy belt (it doesn’t shrink itself into place).
Belt, originally uploaded by academichic.Someone asked yesterday how to keep belt ends in place, other than tucking them back into the belt. I often opt for tucking the end back in or just letting it flap, but I do find that this can be a bit bulky or messy, respectively, something I did not want for this look. Today I pulled out one of my favorite tricks – I used a brown bobby pin to hold the loose end flat against my body. This only works for woven belts, and particularly lightweight woven belts (in other words, it wouldn’t work with S.’s white belt from yesterday). For these thicker belts, you could use either a clear rubber band or a rubber band in the same color as your belt, as suggested by one reader last year.
Any other ideas? How do you keep those flappy ends in place?
15 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.
I do the SAME THING! I thought I invented the bobby pin-woven belt trick. I also use fashion tape to tack down belt ends when I’m wearing something that’s NOT woven.
And this is a gorgeous ensemble, lady. Nothing Halloweeny about it, and the proportions are perfect on you.
I didn’t read Halloween at all, so the gray and brown worked perfectly.
I had never thought of using a bobby pin before, thanks for the tip! I’ve just let ends flap around. Might try the rubber band trick.
“I don’t own a black turtleneck (because they make me feel like I am chocking)” – this idea made my day. I have one black turtleneck that has been my saving grace this winter, but I can understand how it might make one feel overwhelmed. Now I have this wonderful image of a black turtleneck coming to life and taking over the wearer, like the bad spirits at the end of “Ghost.”
a) Love that skirt! I’ve been lusting after it for, literally, years. I bought my first orange skirt in November (the Thousand Days skirt from Anthropologie)
b) The bobby-pin trick just made my day. I have almost exactly the same woven brown belt and have never known what to do with the end of it, so I almost never wear it. Now I can wear it! Hurray!
I have a similar orange J. Crew skirt (a bit more a-line) that I’ve been struggling to find other options to pair with than a tan or cream…I will definitely be trying an outfit similar to yours very soon!! Thanks for the inspiration.
I use fashion tape to keep floppy ends down. Works great!
Love the skirt! The deep rich color looks lovely with the black and brown.
The bobby pin trick is a great idea! I usually use hair rubberbands that match the belt or Hollywood Tape.
I love that belt/skirt combo. It doesn’t look like Halloween at all. When I think of Halloween I think of super bright orange, and that’s a much more rich subdued orange.
Thanks for the tip! I LOVE this outfit!!
This is great – I liked it when Kendi did it but you’ve actually got me thinking of doing my own version. I too have a turtleneck aversion, so yours appeals to me more right away.
Very nice! with a high waist ed I like wearing a belt lower like that; I feel like it balances me out better.
I have woven belts like that in several colors and widths. They’re very forgiving as you don’t have pre-punched holes to dictate where it needs to be cinched.
I’m the queen of safety pins so I catch the end with a safety pin.
You look exceptionally nice today! I love how you used what you had on hand to recreate what the lovely lady at the other blog wore. Makes me want a coloured skirt now. All these style blogs I read are costing me a lot of money$$$$$$$$!
this is gorgeous! i too saw kendi’s version and then longed for a long pencil skirt so i could replicate it. i think orange actually might be more versatile than yellow in any case, and i love the way orange and brown look together.
delightful!
Wow this is fantastic! What a beautiful skirt — I love that color. Let me know if you ever want to swap ;)
That orange skirt is so amazing! It’s not Halloween-y at all. On the contrary, it’s totally chic and sleek.
The colours of this outfit work great! I also have the fear of orange and black looking too-costumey. You’ve done the complete opposite here!
The browns, blacks and pop of orange look great on you!
I use a clip on earring to keep my belt end from flopping. It works with some belts better than others.
i love this look! the skirt is absolutely to die for.
i picked up the clear elastic band trick last time you ladies discussed what to do with floppy ends. since then, i have shared it with several other stylish ladies.
I wasn’t thinking Halloween until I read it. Haha. So yeah, this look works :)
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