Why I'm Loving Skirts

The post-baby belly prompted my aversion to pants. No thanks, buttons-that-don't-button because you're on fabric that's two sizes too small. My children and I all love muffin tops, but not on Mama. Goodbye, pants. Hello skirts!

Skirts (particularly long skirts) are not only pretty and feminine; they're also incredibly comfortable, making them the perfect postpartum piece. No zippers (generally). They lay nicely, draping modestly from the hips, rather than following the outline of all the curves.  It may be my imagination, but I feel like men treat me more like a lady (opening doors and minding their manners) when I'm wearing a long skirt. It's as if femininity brings out gentlemanly behavior.

To find out what skirts are most fashionable for fall, I contacted Shari Braendel, considered America's leading Christian fashion expert and author of the new book, Good Girls Don't Have to Dress Bad: A Style Guide for Every Woman


Here's what she had to say:
 

"Hi Cheryl, the trendiest skirts for fall are longer in length and have some fullness to them...a little flair. Old Navy is showing them in their new arrivals for fall. Short and straight is not in...it's longer and full with some flair...most body types can wear them....wear with boots."

[and more info sent from Shari, found on MSN.com:]

Midi-Skirts


"Lazy Girl's easy approach to fashion requires lots of well-tailored pieces that are easy to mix and match. Thankfully, fall's new hemline, the "midi" length (which hits anywhere between the bottom of the knee and mid-shin) flatters most figures and makes finding work-appropriate outfits a no-brainer. When looking for these low-dipping hemlines, pick a darker hue, like [a] black Brioni pencil skirt, to help elongate legs, and always opt for a heel to enhance the appearance of toned calves."

*picture from Old Navy (Jersey maxi skirts)

I also like some of the women's skirts at modestmom.com, particularly the Nantucket Denim Long skirt. I contacted her to see if she would be willing to do a skirt giveaway or sale in exchange for featuring her products, but she declined.

To make fall fashion more frugal, I always love to shop nice-quality thrift-stores first (if you have a few minutes). I found a few great black knit skirts, very similar to the Old Navy Jersey maxi skirt, for a few dollars, rather than a few twenties. One of the best ways to increase your income is not necessarily to earn more, but to stretch what you do have further. 

Fashion meets faith, and frugality!

(linked to Frugal Friday)