Splurge of the Month: the Tory Burch Marcela Skirt

If you are a longtime reader of this blog you know that Tory Burch is one of my favorite brands, along with JCrew and Theory (and as of late, Lilly Pulitzer and Milly). Unfortunately, I can only afford to buy Tory clothes on sale and I haven't actually bought any piece of clothing since my days of going to her sample sales when I was still working. The shoes (and even bags) are more affordable and even a better investment, if you look at the cost per wear so I usually look at the clothes only for eye-candy and buy shoes.

I recently broke this long strike and bought the Marcela skirt. This is something that I fell in love with as soon as I received the email advertising the resort Collection back in January and decided that I had to have. I actually went to the store a few days later to try it on (because of the floor-length I wanted to see IRL if it would be too long or overwhelming on me) and almost bought it full price. The only thing that prevented me from buying it at full price (besides the price, duh!) was that summer was six months away and I figured that I would really feel like a fool if a couple of months later the skirt went on sale, before I could even have the chance to wear it. I was afraid that it would sell out, because the print is so striking and it is such a special piece, but I decided to wait patiently and keep an eye on it and sure enough it did go on sale just before my trip to Punta Cana and I could buy it for almost 50% off of the original price. I am really trying to buy less basic clothes or duplicates of what I already have and add more original and unique pieces to my closet that I can possibly wear for years to come and this one falls perfectly in this category.
The skirt is (obviously) 100% silk and is a wrap style with a few snaps hidden on the side down to the knee to make sure that it doesn't open up when you walk. However, if you feel audacious you can leave one or two snaps unbuttoned and reveal a bit of leg. I can wear it with platforms or heels without hemming it, but I would need to have it hemmed if I want to wear it with flats. The size it's a 0 (fits perfectly):

Channelling Angelina at the Oscars:

What makes the skirt really special is not only the print (even if it is inspired by the American Southwest's wildflowers it reminds me of South of Italy for some reasons) but also the self-tie fringed belt that it's a piece on its own. The skirt has belt loops but the sash isn't sewn on the skirt, so you can take it out and wear it differently; for example you can tie it around the neck or let it hang on the back like an evening accessory:

It is actually nice to leave the top untucked and tie it over it:

Because the print is loud it is best to keep things simple on top and a tank, like above, works the best. It is definitivly a summer skirt and I don't want to try to winterize it but I tried a couple of other options with sleeves for the days when I need a bit more coverage than a tank can offer. The Sophie shirt from last year has always truck me as very Tory Burch-esque and the muslin color is perfect for the city:

The other shirt I thought of is the Lucinda blouse because the skirt has some mustardy yellow in it:

In case some of you are interested the skirt is still available in all the sizes (I am shocked!) and if you are looking for a gorgeous print, I really recommend it (it also comes in a full-floor dress, a shorter dress, a blouse and a tunic and they are all on sale!)

On other Tory Burch-related news, you have probably heard that the Bloomingdales F&F event has started (use code FRIENDS to get 20% off almost everything through Sunday) and it applies to Tory Burch, including Reva flats that never go on sale (I did a mock checkout and it worked). A reader (I apologize, I don't remember who it was) asked me if the Revas in tumbled leather that I have in the Royal Tan color wear well and I have to say that even if I use a bit of caution (like, not wear them when it rains!) and I don't wear them everyday they are still like new one year after. So this is the occasion to get them for a good price. Personally, I am contemplating buying a new pair of black Revas (mine have 6 or 7 years) but I can probably wait until the Fall, as I tend to wear them less in the Spring-Summer.

What do you think of the Marcela skirt? Do you like this print?