Building A Wardrobe: Skirts

Today is the third day of my Building A Wardrobe series, I hope you're finding it useful!  On day one I shared Essential Blazers and Jackets, one day two I shared Essential Cardigans and today I'm going to share essential skirts with you. It's not secret that I love a good pencil skirt, and today I'm going to share with you some essential skirts, as well as some additional options for you to consider as part of my Building A Wardrobe series.  There are lots of different types of skirts out there, but I feel that a pencil skirt has the most classic and timeless feel, therefore it'll have more longevity in your wardrobe.  Here are more thoughts on what to consider when buying:

• The essential skirts I would consider buying are a gray, navy, black, and one additional color you love; I picked wine. Because of the classic nature of these pieces they don't often make it to the sale rack, however, you can find these at most every retailer.  I personally love Target's options.  The prices are fair and I've always been happy with the quality.
• These essential skirts will probably not be the highlight of any outfit, but they are great pieces to add to so many looks.
• Once you have a few of the essential skirts consider buying the additional options; these could be the "show piece" of you look for the day.  Picking a great bright color, or fun print that shows your personality is always worthwhile. As I said above  Target's options are great for this too.
• Most pencil skirts are safely washed in the washing machine, but always double check to see if it must be dry cleaned before buying.
• As for additional types of skirt, a-line and mini-skirts can be great too: I'm wearing a mini today, however I don't think they are the best place to start when building a wardrobe, but a great additions later on.

 Here's a visual on my thoughts for skirt essentials:

gray pencil skirt / navy pencil skirt / black pencil skirt / wine pencil skirt / cobalt pencil skirt / geometric pencil skirt / leopard pencil skirt 

Today I'm wearing a fun leopard skirt, which had been on my wish list for quite sometime. Pairing it with neutrals like tan and black make this work appropriate, but anything except boring. : )

Cobalt and Orange

Last year I was ecstatic when I found this Loft skirt at Goodwill and decided to pair it with my cobalt blazer and lace top today.  The first time I wore this skirt I wore it like this, and I was so pleased with myself.  Yipes, that was pretty bad. Today, on the other hand, I really like this. I really like the texture and color mix and definitely think it's an outfit I'll wear again, although I think I might wear it with my cobalt  Portfolio Shirt first.  What do you think, how would you style this skirt? 

Blazer: Loft $30 c/o Chippmuck from contest I won

Blouse: Loft $16 super pretty option

Skirt: Loft $5 pretty option

Necklace: Stella and Dot same

Bracelets: Stella and Dot  Chimera, Moxie , Renegade

Shoes: Fergalicous $30 similar

Leopard Two Ways

Today I'm excited to be collaborating with the sweet Lauren of Modern Modesty.  Lauren has fab style and although she's new to blogging, she's definitely finding her groove.  We decided to show you two ways to wear leopard today.  I love how Lauren used accessories like a belt and shoes to show off this trend; for those who aren't ready for a leopard dress like I am, this is a great way to try out a trend.  Make sure to stop by Modern Modesty to check out the details to Lauren's look and to say hi to her.  It'll definitely be worth your time.  

Now to my look: Recently I found a leopard print dress and Target and although I liked it, I didn't love it. It sat in my closet unworn for a few weeks, then one day after school I decided to stop by Goodwill for the first time in months, and what did I find? This dress.  For $5. I'm pretty much in love. The Target dress got returned and I now have an extra $25 bucks in my pocket.  

Now, I mentioned recently that I was going to be more purposeful with my purchases and not buy, just because something was cheap. (Hence returning the Target dress). Along with this dress there were two other dresses that were really cute, one of which was a Loft one (with tags). I year ago I would have snatched them up without a second thought. This time, I passed. Why you ask, I didn't love either one. Good deal on not, they wouldn't fill holes in my closet. I'll let someone else enjoy them instead. 

Have you entered my sponsor's giveaway for a J Crew inspired necklace yet here?

Dress: Emma and Michelle $5 (thrifted) similar

Cardigan: Banana Republic $7 (thrifted with tags!) similar / Banana Republic Coupons

Belt: Target $12 same /Target Coupons

Necklace: Target $8 love this sale option

Bracelets: Chimera, Moxie , Renegade /Stella and Dot Coupons

Shoes: Fergalicious $30 similar

Here are some great options for a leopard dress, I'm so loving the forth shirt dress one.  Do I need two leopard dresses? Maybe : )

                       The Limited Cocktail Dresses · Forever 21 Dresses · Rebecca Taylor Dresses

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Get Your Pretty On

Tre-Chic Fashion Thursdays

Summer Style Link-up