House of Fraser Eastex Mauve Skirt ($65.49)
Most of my favorite stores and brands are based in the UK. The Brits just understand sleek, professional fashion in a way that American retailers don’t usually grasp. The store has lovely pieces, but as with all overseas retailers, you need to carefully consider the size chart and read the delivery and returns section carefully.
This mauve skirt is a great way to wear a spring hue in a professional way. I also found this Topshop pencil skirt in pink tweed and this twill pencil from LOFT in pale blue (also in petites).
Want something bolder? This Ellen Tracy pencil skirt comes in fuchsia, purple and lime. The Sloan pencil skirt from Banana Republic comes in teal and cobalt.
Plus-size? Have a look at this Mossimo pencil skirt in teal. Petite? This Ann Taylor skirt comes in a gorgeous sapphire color.
15 comments
Joules says:
I have this very same problem. I love Dorothy Perkins–but returning to them can be a nightmare. I recently just had to keep a purchase and sell it on Ebay rather than returning it due to postage charges. Such a bummer.
Style by Joules
LS says:
Is it my screen or does the LOFT pale blue pencil skirt look ivory? Has anyone seen it in person?
Belle says:
It did look light, but the color says it’s blue, so I’m guessing (hoping) it’s just the photo.
Elizabeth says:
I actually own this exact skirt! The color is a very, very pale blue – no ivory, grey or yellow tone to it. It’s much prettier in person than online and works surprisingly well as a neutral.
LS says:
Cool, I’ll have to check it out in person then. Thanks!
Giggling Gourmand says:
Does anybody have experience with how VAT and US taxes work on this stuff? I used to live in the UK and always want to order stuff but I don’t know if I’m going to be charged customs so I usually just wait until I’m back there to buy.
Callie says:
Last time I ordered from a UK retailer, I got an email several days after I placed my order telling me that the items were in customs and I’d need to pay a $50 import charge (approx. 15% of my order total) to get it delivered. That, plus the $30 shipping, was just too much for me to take to get clothes that I wasn’t even sure would fit (I’d shopped at that store in person before and knew it was hit or miss), so I declined the import charge and had the clothes returned.
Giggling Gourmand says:
Interesting. Thanks! I kind of thought that it would be something like this. The problem is my favorite shop in London is pretty small and doesn’t participate in VAT back. Some places ship w/o VAT in which case I’d be ok paying US customs but I don’t want to double pay. I was also wondering if there was some minimum below which duties weren’t imposed the way there is when you come back in to the States from a trip. But based on your figures if there is one it’s lower than the entry customs minimum.
Leah says:
How are tweeds for summer? Is it an old school rule to use tweed only in the winter?
Giggling Gourmand says:
I tend to wear tweed (in light colors, through the spring) and put it away for the summer with the exception of a classic jacket in a fun color.
heather says:
I think it more depends on the tweed. Obviously don’t wear a heavy woolen tweed, but there are plenty of light linene/cotton/silk tweeds that are clearly light weight available.
Gabby says:
I totally agree about UK retailers. Closet is my favorite brand for gorgeous professional pieces, I just wish there was an easy way to get their entire line over here!
Belle says:
I feel like we should find a British reader who was willing to shop for us.
Helena says:
Belle, maybe now is not the time, but you must get to London for a real UK shopping experience. You will love it!
Belle says:
Some day, some day.