December 07, 2011

Kate Spade City Lights Lillith Skirt

Kate Spade City Lights Lillith skirt (on sale in another colorway here)

I fell in love with this skirt last summer when it was launched on the Kate Spade website. But like most Kate Spade garments, it was way too expensive. So I waited patiently and gave myself time to determine how badly I wanted it. Although the skirt is printed and unique (and I already have a few printed skirts), I figured it could be versatile due to an otherwise neutral color palette. And it could be dressed up for a party or down for work. Eventually I was able to make the markdowns suit my budget in conjunction with a coupon (signing up for emails generates a one-time-use, % off code).

The problem with shopping the sale section of the Kate Spade website is that items bought for more than half off become final sale. I hate final sale and usually wind up tracking down pieces from other retailers or via ebay. When you don't have the chance to try something on before buying it, final sale becomes especially dangerous. But I couldn't find this skirt anywhere else. So I did a bit of sizing research and decided to purchase it in an 8 (which is my typical dress size for this brand). It seemed to work out well. The cotton linen fabric is substantial and the skirt is lined. It comes with a matching black belt and has pockets along the side seams. The length goes to the knee on me which I appreciate. But it is very full. I think that the pleating on a fabric this heavy adds unwanted bulk to an already curvy lower half. I'm sure this would deter many from buying it. I wear full skirts often so I was not bothered by it. I snapped these photos when the skirt arrived. I considered wearing it to the academic conference where I was presenting that week. But ended up going with my suit separates instead. More on that tomorrow!

I know there will always be another skirt, another print, another garment. I already find myself admiring this printed tote and the umbrella that matches my skirt. But the good thing about sale stalking is that you give yourself the time and space to mull over purchases. Shopping sales this way rather than with impulses induced by sale goggles seems wiser on the whole. I hope to wear this skirt many times over the holidays. And I am pleased with the purchase.


11 comments:

Pamela said...

This skirt looks so great on you and accents your small waist! I recently bought a dress from the online KS sample sale and was nervous with final sale. Luckily, I was able to do some online sizing research, too and the Jillian dress fits perfect! KS pieces are so fun but so pricey.

thatdamngreendress said...

I love it!  So sleek and professional yet clever and fun- it fits you beautifully too!  Sigh.  Sometimes the sale stalking doesn't work.  Never found a Violetta dress for myself...the same 2 keep popping back on ebay not in my size and located in China, so that's a no go!  But sometimes the sighing and not finding is fun too, I suppose...

Jen @PhD Style said...

I meant to write Intellectual, not ointellectual. No coining of new terms today, just a sign of how I am often overcome by machines :-)

snowymt 55 said...

 love this skirt on you Jess!  the print is fabulous--it reminds me of that black/white city print We Love Vera dress from Anthro that I am always kicking myself for missing out on last year!

Jen @PhDstyle said...

Jess,
What a gorgeous skirt! Not to mention how cinematic it is! (Am I betraying myself as a film nerd already?)
Thank you for stopping by my blog, and I'm so glad for yours. You do justice to the reconciliation of our fashion oriented beings and our ointellectual ones. Not that those two things are mutually exclusive, but sometimes they seem like it.

Whatjesslikes said...

Fabulous skirt Jess, and I love the full shape of it. I am a sucker for full skirts, and I think you balance it out nicely on top with the tucked in blouse. The print on it is awesome as well.

JewishGirl said...

I like your analysis of sale stalking, and particularly its side effect of reducing the impact of sale goggles.  It definitely helps my decision-making to take some time to consider whether I truly want or need an item, or whether I am just pouncing on an appealing price.

GenkiOriana said...

That's an adorable skirt and it seems like it would be easy and fun to match with. I don't usually buy clothing online (I think I've purchased a total of five pieces of clothing online?) so I'd be so afraid of the size and fit of things. Good for you for the skirt fitting so well!!

mindofmr.blogspot.com said...

Very cute skirt!

mindofmr.blogspot.com

zyzzyva said...

You look so lovely in that skirt!  Sophisticated and flirty all at once. 
I love KS, but obviously can't have it all. ;)  I'm still attempting to hold off on black and skirts (since I mostly reach for dresses), so this was pretty much off limits for me.  If this skirt was instead a dress (perhaps a high-necked sleeves number or wide scoop with tight 3/4 sleeves) then I really would have been in trouble...   It brings me such vicarious joy to see others totally rocking the things I must miss out on, though.  

I ended up getting the small Walker Park Tate bag in charcoal on CyberMonday.  I realized I didn't have a single neutral handbag and figured that was a bit of an oversight.  Sure it has a giant bow on the front, but at least it's a serious color.  ;) 

M. said...

I love it and I think it looks really professional. Perfect for a teaching/meeting day.  Also perfect for a low-stakes conference-going.  Be sure to share with us when you add a cardi into that mix as well. 

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails