A Rose Party With J.Crew's Silk Pleat Skirt

 Silk pleat skirt in crimson floral
I love pockets on a skirt! :)

I'm an easy mark for a good deal on a clever piece, which is exactly why I took a chance on this skirt. This one came out as a holiday item, but I plan to wear mine for Valentine's Day and beyond. If you bought one too, then you know how pretty it is in real life. If you don't have it and like the print and style, grab one before it sells out.

Fit runs small. Sizing up also adds a bit of extra length because the skirt sits lower on the waist. I'm 5'8" for reference. I sized up to a 6 (waist measures 14.5" laid flat). I usually take a 2 or 4 in J.Crew skirts. Here's the measurements I got from customer service on some sizes:
Size 2 waist 27.5 inches, hip 38 inches
Size 4 waist 28.5 inches, hip 39 inches
Size 6 waist 29.5 inches, hip 40 inches
Size 8 waist 30.5"
Size 10 waist 31.5" 
Size 12 waist 33"
Skirt alternates: an amazing markdown on Isaac Mizrahi rosy pretty here, and one by Milly here in blue tones, and here (on sale) in pinks. Also a few more of the gimlet styles from J.Crew here, here and here.
Top - similar here  (measurements from J.Crew for the Jaspe are: XS chest 32.5" waist 31.5" and S chest 34.5" waist 33.5").  I love the way this top gives almost any skirt a more casual look.
Watch - available here
Belt - similar here 
Boots - here
Tights - available here

Mixing up old with new. Top and bracelets from J.Crew. A similar top, the Painter zip tee in stripe is available  here.

OK, so now that some of us have this skirt, how the heck do we style it?  How about some of these options?

It's hard to see in the picture, but my tee has thin stripes that match the bronze-olive colors in the skirt. Perfect fit mixed tape cardigan here.

Does it work with rugby stripes?  I kind of like it. Maybe throw a Downtown field jacket over it? The Dream stripe tee sweater is similar and comes with short sleeves which is great for when the weather gets warmer. 

And of course I can't resist a tissue turtleneck and my Excursion quilted vest. Because I love this vest and don't need an excuse to wear it with everything. :) I think the skirt looks best with simple sweaters and shirts in shades of red, olive, white, and of course black.

Hmm, I'm not sure about a black denim jacket. Is that getting too casual for the skirt? 

Do you have this skirt? Are you planning to dress it up or try wearing it in more casual outfits?

Hope you're enjoying the weekend and as always, thanks so much for visiting my blog! I have some catching-up to do replying to comments on previous posts, emails and visiting blogs. It will happen. I know it.  :)