THE MAXI SKIRT - A WARDROBE ESSENTIAL

Every season, I try to acquire a few pieces that will be part of my uniform, i.e. things about which people will say, “Didn’t she just wear that?” I like to dip my toes into the latest trend as much as the next gal, but it’s usually only one piece. And I typically won’t splurge on it because I’m unlikely to get my money’s worth if the trend fades too quickly. I prefer to spend on timeless classics. It’s always fun to do the “cost per wear” equation. Even my husband, who typically doesn’t like to spend money, gets on board with that justification for investment items.

The older I get, the less I like myself in shorts. But if you’ve ever spent a summer in New York City or Washington, DC, where I grew up, you have lived the “dog days of summer.” Hot and humid. Sometimes unbearable. So in many ways, a skirt covering the legs is preferable. Nothing sticking to your legs or rubbing your thighs (because my thighs seem to have a great affinity for one another).

For all of these reasons and then some, I love a good maxi skirt. The main reason is versatility. And I’ve featured only two of the many ways to style it here. 1) A simple tank bodysuit or tank top for warmer days. 2) To go easily from day to night and/or to wear in cooler weather, throw on a sweater. 3) Wear over a bathing suit to the beach. 4) Pair with cool sneakers and a t-shirt for a more casual look. 5) Dress up with a pair of high heels…wedges, stilettos, or a block heel. The possibilities are endless. Obviously a solid color maximizes versatility. But many patterns are perfect, as well, with a solid piece on top.

I’m sharing some of my favorite maxi skirts available this season, along with all of the items in this post if you want to snag my exact look. Simply click on the images below. The skirt runs TTS. I’m wearing this bodysuit, and it also runs TTS…I have a very small bust and a long torso and am wearing XS. For jewelry, I’m wearing the pieces that you see on me very frequently, my birthstone and letter necklaces from Haverhill Collection and my 4 mm Gold Cluster Bracelet from Adler Grier.

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CHEETAHS NEVER PROSPER...EXCEPT IN YOUR WARDROBE

One of my friends who I’ve never met has a pet peeve about people labeling cheetah as leopard and vice versa. There are a few funny things about that sentence. In my mind, she’s become a friend through Instagram, although we’ve yet to meet in person. We will someday. I follow her and she follows me, but I can’t just call her a follower because we message way too often for that. So I’m giving her a shout out here because honestly, I would have continued labeling everything leopard had she not enlightened me.

Cheetah and leopard have been “in” for a while. And I keep holding my breath for them to go out. But thankfully, they haven’t. So I just invested in this skirt, and I couldn't be happier about it. Because I’ll wear it as I am here, but I’ll also be happy to pair it with a white v-neck t-shirt knotted at the waist, with a denim jacket thrown over it and sneakers on my feet, for a completely different look. It would also be fabulous with a black tank top with sandals during summer months. Or perhaps even a white button down, tied at the waist, and open a little more than usual at the collar. So many possibilities! You know I love versatility.

This skirt and sweater are both from Zara and available at a very accessible price. The sweater is a wonderful quality with a smooth and silky feel. It doesn’t seem like the type that will pill, so I’m hopeful it was also a good investment. The gold buttons at the wrist make it special. I paired the sweater with dark denim and leopard flats over the weekend for a casual yet put together look. My handbag and bracelet are vintage. They belonged to my grandmother, so unfortunately the exact pieces are not available. I love wearing them and carrying a piece of her with me because I miss her so much every day.

You can shop this exact look, as well as other cheetah skirts by simply clicking on the images below. And if you are into my pumps that you’ve seen me wear too many times to count, use code BAJENNIFER50 at checkout for $50 off your first order of Sarah Flint shoes.

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SKIRTING THE ISSUE

It’s Monday. How many of you would like to skirt the work week altogether? Every Sunday night, my son tells me that it isn’t fair that we have five days of work and school and only two days off. Although he’s only seven, I’d say he’s wise beyond his years. This past weekend was gorgeous in New York City. We kept ourselves busy with little league baseball, Paw Patrol Live (the things we do for love!), New York Road Runners youth races, and playground time. Mom and Dad even got an adult night out to wine, dine, and chat with friends. It was really difficult to get back to reality today. But lucky for us, this week is only a four-day work week, so that sweet boy of mine will be doing a dance on Thursday.

But getting back to work doesn't mean you have to throw on a suit. This skirt I’m wearing in navy is a perfect versatile piece for Spring and Summer. Style it as I have here with espadrille wedges for a look that’s weekend and work week ready. Amp it up a bit if your office is more formal by pairing it with a crisp white button-down and a sleek pair of pumps. For a more casual look, pair it with a white t-shirt and flat sandals. It has a beautifully subtle sheen that gives it permission to be dressy, yet it doesn’t have to be. And the best part is its price tag. Coming in at just under $35, you can update your wardrobe without breaking the bank. I’m fairly certain it will never go out of style. It comes in a few different colors and runs true to size. I’m wearing a Size 0.

Truth be told, I like skirts for Spring and Summer because I don’t love my legs in shorts. I’d never say I’m a large person, but I’m not particularly toned. So showing a little leg is best if it’s just that for me—a little. Skirts are a perfect way to survive the heat brought on by the dog days of summer. It doesn’t get much hotter than summertime in New York City. But I know I’m not alone, as much of the country starts feelin’ hot hot hot in July and August. To help you survive while remaining stylish, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite skirts of the season. To shop, simply click on the images below, and most will be at your door within a few days.

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