Top: Asos
Skirt: Lane Bryant
Shoes: Chie Mihara
I’ve been looking for the perfect pencil skirt for a long time now, and I think I finally found it at Lane Bryant a few months ago when I went shopping with my little sister in their Harlem store.
The Zipper Slit Skirt is made from a ponte jersey and has a good weight. It travels well (ideal, since I’ll be doing a lot more interstate travelling for work this year) and is comfortable to wear. There’s a bit of stretch in the fabric, but not so much that you feel like you’re wearing a compression bandage. The midi length is elegant, and just a little bit retro. My favourite thing – and what I’ve found lacking in the pencil skirts I’ve tried in the past – is the fact that the silhouette is tapered at the hem.
I’m quite full in the butt, so pencil skirts that fall straight from the hips to the knee tend to look quite boxy. I’ve tried stretch pencil skirts in the past, but for some reason even if it’s tight around the hips and thighs it seems to kick out at the hem again.
It could be the length of this one that gives it that va-va-voom bombshell shape, and I’d be lying if I tried to pretend that it was easy to stride in; having the hem so tight underneath the knees means that even with the generous stretch I still have to take little mincing steps.
Fortunately, if I really had to pick up my heels and run I could unzip the barely discernible slit to the thigh and just leg it across town.
(yes, that’s a peek of my Bandelettes BTW. I love them)
I’ve teamed it today with the aztec print top that I bought last year in the Asos sales. The boxy shape, and dense, tapestry-like fabric needs to be partnered with something that plays up my curvy lower half, and I think the Lane Bryant skirt fits the bill perfectly. 
va va voom all around baby … love it!
Hawt! The only pencil skirt I own is a $7 stretchy cotton cheapie mini from Kmart… waistbands aren’t really doing it for me atm >.<
Lovely!
Wow, this looks fantastic! At first I thought this was a dress, so I guess it does go together perfectly. Well done!
What a simple yet gorgeous outfit! I have a big belly so finding a pencil skirt that doesn’t cling horrifically to my VBO and then be tight on my legs has improved impossible … so far! This outfit gives me hope! And now I’m finally learning to use a sewing machine perhaps I’ll be able to alter one. Who knows!
That’s HOTT. I mean, seriously. All demure, then *BAM!* LEG!
GORGEOUS!! The print of the top is so perfect with the skirt, & the surprise zipper? Practical AND sexy! Totally love it!
Great outfit!
I’ve had less success with my bandalettes. They seem to always roll from the top down. In fact once, one fell right down, luckily I was at home when it happened. Kinda lost my confidence to wear them in public now. Maybe it’s the shape of my thighs or I ordered a size too big?
Looks great! I know you don’t usually like exposed zips, but I’m a big fan, and I think it really adds a bit of zing to that top 🙂
I love this outfit! That top is stunning. Would you consider hemming the skirt? Vince Camuto makes really cute pencil skirts as well. They are a thin stretchy fabric which he layers.
Very art deco.I just love it!
Love the boxy top with the pencil skirt. Reminded me of 50’s Dior. Do you have long black gloves? Ooh, and thanks for Bandalettes tip in an earlier post. I got some and loved them too, but think I got a size too big (they roll up, but then my legs are shaped like ice-cream cones, so won’t blame the garment for that!).
very nice outfit, you look so sophisticated and classy!
Love your top! 😀
xxx
S
http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it
Seriously sexy and stylish! That print top and that skirt- love the zip!
I really like the top, but I’m 18 and on Asos Italy there’s avaible only size 16…Do you think I can size down? Usually Asos’ tops, shirts, camisoles, are soooo big!
I really love that top. The print is wonderful!
So glad you got to the Harlem Lane Bryant store. It is just fantastic. Love the skirt on you – perfect fit and length. Did you also go to Ashley Stewart next door on 125th st?
The top was an unexpected print for you, but I love it, looks great! I am also on the hunt for a good “work” pencil skirt that tapers.
wow, that is a lovely top and I think you rock pencil skirts, but I do know what you mean about them looking boxy sometimes, I have a similar problem, I think it has to do with the length…
Wow, Lilli, you look like you just stepped off the set of Mad Men (I hope you’re OK with that, it’s meant to be a huge compliment!). That boxy top and boat neck is the PERFECT shape with your sexy skirt. You look amazing!