A reader question:
Hi, Muffy,
Where can a woman find those wonderful classic skirts, i.e. box pleats, and just good quality wool skirts in general that are lined? Talbots seems to be one of the last ones standing, but even their skirts are getting shorter. Please advise.
Kinds regards,
I'm having to make them or have them made. I did find some khaki a-line sport skirts from St. John's Bay at JC Penney, but they are imported (of course). Vermont Country Store has corduroy a-line skirts, but they are also imported. Even the $1000+ Ralph Lauren wool skirt is imported! So for now, I'm investing in good fabric and making them -- shirtdresses too.
ReplyDeleteVery smart!
DeleteI don't really understand this prices policy in the US, especially nowadays.
Didn't buy from RL (I am based in the EU) anything for ages, quality went down dramatically, fabrics are being replaced by cheaper versions (usually blends, often with polyester of course, and if "lucky" with viscose), production plants as well and this results with poorer quality.
I am really wondering how on earth they are coming to the 1000USD+ price tag for a skirt?!...
I am very familiar with this business and even in Italy no manufacturer will charge for production so much, that the end consumer price will come to this level. It can't be only the brand, it also lost it luster over the last few years.
Natural wool, wool blended with cashmere or even silk are not that expensive per meter in wholesale, especially in these quantities.
Lining should be made out of silk Habutai or a very thin satin (in a more luxury edition), neither these are that pricey. Silk is mainly made in China and this one is so far the best but recently, due to political but also economical reasons, Chinese silk is being replaced by silk from India which is much poorer quality. And, don't let anyone fool you about some kind of "Como silk", fabric is woven in Como (Italy) but yarn is coming from...India mostly in recent times. And the yarn and its quality is fundamental when looking for long lasting products.
I made my skirts too, since we are trading with silk and wool fabrics even thought of offering this services but I thought it would be too difficult to appear on the market (even if niche), in this "jungle" of products.
Don't forget that wool fabrics can be washed in water, the best if they would be pre-washed than there is no risk that the garment will change its form and shrink (due to temperature differences for example).
Kind regards from Vienna, Isabel.
Try https://www.houseofbruar.com/
ReplyDeleteI love House of Bruar, but they don't have petite sizes.
DeleteSadly, you are right.
DeleteHow about Pendleton? The fabric is woven in USA although the skirt itself is imported.
ReplyDeleteRambler's Way has some nice wool skirts on sale...made in USA https://www.ramblersway.com/products/wool-pencil-skirt
ReplyDeleteCording's ladies skirts are fully lined but the choice is very limited.
ReplyDeleteCordings!
ReplyDeleteEbay
ReplyDeleteConsider an eBay search: "Geiger skirt."
ReplyDeleteIt may be worth looking into consignment or thrift stores. I am 5'3", and fit, and I find skirts too short as well, even when I shop regular sizes. I have an older wool plaid from Boden that I am keeping for the duration.
ReplyDeleteEtsy is also a good source.
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone, for weighing in. Lots of good suggestions!
ReplyDeleteI buy vintage Celine
ReplyDelete