Wednesday, May 27, 2009

J.Crew: Esplanade Skirt Review

This is J.Crew's Esplanade Skirt (item #14133).  It is alpha-sized, and comes in black, navy, dark slate, and weathered stone.  It retails for $44.  J.Crew describes the skirt as such:
The perfect skirt for sunny stroll in a comfy cotton/Modal® rayon/spandex blend. We love it just as much with strappy sandals as we do with sneakers. Swing skirt. Elastic at waist. Welt pockets. Hits above knee. Import. Machine wash. Catalog/jcrew.com only. 
First off, I don't understand why things are labeled as "Catalog/jcrew.com only" when they are available in-store.  I tried this skirt on about 2 weeks ago, and there were plenty of them available in-store.  Anyway, I tried this skirt on in a size small, in the navy color.  I think the skirt fits fairly true to size, although I remember thinking it could have a been a little bit smaller, but I didn't try on an extra small, so I am unable to give you any comparison.  I would say overall it leans towards running a bit large, but I also think this might be because it is meant to be worn lower on the waist/hips.

The fabric is super soft and cool (not surprising, I guess, given the blend), and the skirt moves, flows, and drapes very nicely.  The skirt is a fairly straight silhouette, with a little bit of shirring in between the pockets.  I would have liked this skirt a tiny bit more flowy (and less straight up-and-down), and a smidge shorter.

I think the pockets are nice on this skirt - they are off-seam, and because the skirt hangs a little lower on the body, then they can be at an awkward angle, depending on your height/shape.  However, because they are vertical welt pockets, they sort of blend in with the front shirring, and I think they work well with the overall look of the skirt.

Overall, I think this is a really nice, casual spring/summer skirt.  I think you could style it to be ultra casual, and maybe a little more dressy (although I think the latter might take some more work).  I initially passed on this one because I already had a casual jersey skirt from Old Navy at home.  However, when I was cleaning out my closet and trying on old clothes, I discovered it was both too big and too short, so I ended up getting this skirt, but in black, not navy.

What do you think?  Do you like this skirt?  Have you seen it or tried it on in person?  Are there any other jersey skirts out there that you love?

5 comments:

HeidiG May 27, 2009 at 4:18 PM  

After seeing Summerilla pair her Jaspe sweatshirt with a black jersey skirt, I want one too - so I will definitely try this one out. I didn't even notice it online before, so I will scurry off to check it out. Thanks for posting!!

AppGal May 27, 2009 at 5:03 PM  

I have this skirt in the weathered stone color. Since I love knit skirts for the summertime and looooved the knit swing skirts from last summer, I pounced on this one. The fabric is really nice...you're absolutely right. Such a light, flowy feel to it. My only disappointment was the length. I guess since I'm taller than you, it felt a little short on me. It hits slightly above my knees and right at my knees if I pull it down on my hips a bit.

LRA May 27, 2009 at 6:15 PM  

i have been thinking and rethinking about this skirt! I have always wanted it---thank you for your review!! I think i need one!!

Julia May 28, 2009 at 1:07 PM  

This looks great on you!! I love it, and I need it in navy for sure! I have a black knit skirt similar to this from old navy that I wear ALL the time in summer. I do wish it were longer though, I feel so awkward with any skirts above the knee!

JTS May 30, 2009 at 10:23 PM  

@HeidiG - You definitely try it - it is such a cute skirt, and I know you would look great in it! :)

@AppGal - I LOVE knit skirts, and this one is a nice mix of straight and some movement! That stinks it's too short though; I cannot wear short skirts - I am too self conscious. At least it is stretchy, so you can pull it down, like you said! :)

@Mrs.Anketell - Hehe, I do that all the time (thinking and rethinking) - I hope you get it! :)

@Julia - Yay! Did you get it? It's so cute! I agree about skirt lengths - I prefer mine just above the knee, but not much shorter than that.