Skirt Talk

Pants devotee finds cute H&M skirt ($49.90, the black v-neck is $14.90):

She's got volume, but good volume, not bad, scary Nutcracker-Extra-volume. Although beware, you may don this skirt and start a jig or take it square dancing. It's a persuasive big/little piece of clothing.















H&M Herald Square, 34th @ 6th Avenue

Good Pics, Bad Pics

From H&M: I really like the printed maroon skirt (paired with a simple H&M black tank), it has a cute ribbon belt; the bow on the top is fabulous but the wrinkly material, not so much; the grey skirt is simple and versatile for work this summer.


















From Bebe: a fun, bright fuchsia romper, good for dark roads on late summer nights; I prefer the easier cut of the light gold romper, but hello, steamer; and for the big ending....the leaning tower of ruffles. Better on someone else, I'm sure, especially if you could lose those cap sleeves.











H&M, 47 W. 34th between 5th & 6th
Bebe, 1 W. 34th @ 5th Avenue

Egads!

I had to show you all this disco romper ($16.99) from Strawberry. The picture of me in it is burning in retro hell right now. Because nothing says roller rink more than this. And if you're young and built like Heather Graham in Boogie Nights and running around a beach town, than yes, have some bright blue fun. For those of you who live in Brooklyn, get prepared to see some version of this in McCarren Park this summer.

But don't let the romper scare you away. Here's some more palatable Strawberry:

like these jeans, very nice, pretty long & wide legged for $19.99;

and a couple skirts ($16.99), short prairie and above-the-knees print. Can someone please send me a bow-tying tutorial? Because I'm struggling here.





Strawberry, 14 W. 34th between 5th & 6th

Old Navy Combos

It's true, I have been remiss in shopping Old Navy. It's an old, hanger-on prejudice now wiped clean away. Well, almost. Here are the pros:

• No item limits in the dressing room. If I want I can take the whole damn store in to try on;
• The lovely dressing room attendant didn't bat an eye as I piled the whole store on her table upon leaving, saying "sorry!" and her saying "no, don't worry!" Yes, this was 34th Street, New York City, not 34th Street, Des Moines Iowa;
• Old Navy is visually well organized, and 34th Street has two floors for women and a maternity section. A maternity kimono on sale was so cute I almost bought it;
• Pricing is recession proof, especially the discounted T-shirts (2nd flr, $7.99) and a tube top (sale price $4.99) that I spotted later on a girl at a 'wichcraft kiosk in Bryant Park.

And what would pros be without cons:

• Questionable cheap material on some cute dresses (but they are under $40);
• Sizing isn't great for me, which means it must be better for those under 5'10;
• PLEASE, Old Navy, upgrade your skirt hangers. Currently one needs the jaws of life to open every other one;
  
• Their bikini bottoms don't like my rear end. Pretty much run-of-the-mill for me and bikini bottoms, but one always hopes, and tries...

Let's go to the pictures. I apologize for the many fuzzy photos, but I was very itchy, sensitive and swollen thanks to a certain culinary establishment's "calamari." Trying on clothes was almost painful, and wrestling those skirt hangers open made my fingers swell. So the photography was a little compromised.

The black skirt ($29.50) with plain tank (2 for $15), with dotted, puff-sleeve cardigan ($24.50), and with slouchy ruffles ($14.50):

Same style, different color skirt. The grey shows off the wrinkles nicely, yes?! The taupe jacket ($39.50) paired with the black skirt would probably be better, but I was experimenting. I would also go down one size in the jacket:

The polka dot skirt ($29.50) with a silky soft grey T, and a bright T. You might want to go with a purple hue, but I love this Old Navy tangerine. Click on the bird's eye view and see what a winner this skirt is:

The shorts ($24.50). Why not, as they look cute with every top here (black $19.50 on sale, flower $24.50 & green, $22.50):

Tomorrow, Old Navy dresses to thrown on for hot summer weekends.


Old Navy, 150 W. 34th between Broadway & 7th

Skirts Today, and Blouses Too

Impressed by these H&M skirts, black $34.90, yellow print $24.90:











Aren't these lightweight, flowery blouses charming (flowers $14.90, green $12.90, & front-tie $24.90)?











Annnd, is it a long tank, or is it a dress? Depends on your height. And although they're horizontal, those stripes are lovable ($19.90).




H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th Ave
or
H&M, 7th Ave @ 34th