One Week, One Skirt Plus Friday Shoe Haiku

Truth be told, this little series could go on for at least another week — that is how good this skirt is. A stylist told me recently that if she can think of three ways she can style something, then she'll immediately buy the item.

I've got quadruple that with this Preen Line "Serpent" skirt. So versatile.

This dressier approach uses a Forever XXI newsprint T-shirt with a Guess tuxedo blazer. Pumps keep the look work-appropriate. Speaking of pumps....

Candy-apple red
Almond toe and patent shine
Look pricey, but not.

Shoe n' Tell: These Me Too "Locket" pumps have shown up before and have probably even been the topic of a 'ku, but this is my way of keeping them in my consciousness because they're at the back of the closet, easily forgotten. They are near ringers for the shoes I really wanted — some wickedly lovely Stuart Weitzman pumps. These, however, were a fraction of the price.

One Week, One Skirt: Look 4

This look we will call cheap chic. Yes, it's a silk Theory top, but it only cost $14 at Buffalo Exchange. Don't ya love a great bargain?

Outfit: Theory sleeveless top; Preen Line "Serpent" skirt; Forever XXI necklace; Pour La Victoire "Rosyn" wedges.

One Week, One Skirt: Look 3

Hmmmm, what to call this look? Kinda sorta nautical? Stripey? I suppose either works.

I was actually surprised at how much I liked this simple, striped top with the fancy Preen Line "Serpent" skirt. It almost has a Parisian feel.

Outfit: Forever XXI shirt; Cara Croninger heart necklace; Free People bracelet; Isabel Toledo for Payless shoes.

One Week: One Skirt, Look 2

And, here is the Preen Line "Serpent" skirt done up casually. Didn't use the "foot hole." The hem is longer when it just hangs and definitely looks more asymmetrical.

Not that I needed to point it out, but I never attended modeling school, hence the sucky pose. But, it is striking that I appear to have cleavage in this photo. IRL, I do not.

Outfit: T by Alexander Wang t-shirt, random leather cuff, Jeffrey Campell sandals.

One Week, One Skirt

So, I did it.

I splurged and bought this Preen Line "Serpent" skirt that I had been crushing so hard on. It went on sale, there was a code, it was a must-buy situation.

When it arrived, I knew it was the right thing to do. The paperbag-waisted skirt is simple but has edge. The asymmetrical hem actually has a "foot hole" (I'm sure that's a term they use in fancy-pants design school), so you can get this harem pant vibe going or consider it a way to preserve your modesty, whichever is more important in your world. The other option is just to let that extra fabric drape, Grecian-like, and really exaggerate the uneven hem. Either way looks great.

Right off the rip, I thought about several very different tops that would all look smashing with the skirt.

Let's call this first look "The Bad Ass." That would be a plain ol' J Crew tank with a Current/Elliott denim biker vest, a Madewell necklace and Me Too leather sandals.

And let me just add that I am so happy I took all these photos pre-trip to Kansas City, MO. I came home with three extra pounds of baggage, all on my midsection, thanks to the good barbecue.

Fourth o' July — Time For More Poncho Love

Perhaps crack is woven directly into the fiber. I dunno — how else can I explain my odd fixation with ponchos?

I ordered this Ever hoodie last week (an impulse sale buy). Then I decided I didn't need it and would return it, only to open the box today, and, well, it's chinchilla soft.

It must stay.

The poncho also came with the weirdest "bonus" gift — a little fabric bag of ear plugs. I do not see the connection.

Anyhoo, I guarantee you I am not wearing it today as I sit, sweltering in Missouri. Or, as it's pronounced this time of year — Misery. Great googly-moogly I am not looking forward to that humidity.

I shall return in about a week. And when I do, oh boy, do I have something worthwhile to share — a clothing item so wonderful, so versatile, so amazingly beautiful and chic and cool that I am devoting an entire week to all the outfits that can be made from it.

Until then, toodles.

Friday Shoe Haiku: New Brown Lovelies

My Habit? Oh yeah!
Got these splendiferous kicks
For next to nothing.

Shoe n' Tell: Have you visited the Amazon sample sale site My Habit yet? More like Bad Habit. Prices are pretty reasonable on the variety of sales, and there's always free ship/free return. My fave!

Got these Faryl Robin Dalias for a fraction o' the price. The leather is buttery, the wedge is comfy and the perfect mid-heel height. I think I just might keep 'em.