Sunday, May 24, 2009

J.Crew: Ochre Ikat Skirt Review

J.Crew's Ochre Ikat Skirt (item #16062) retails for $88.  It is numerically sized, and is only available in this warm maize pattern.  J.Crew describes the skirt as such:
A fresh take on a classic pencil-skirt shape, in soft linen and a dazzling reinterpretation of a traditional ikat print. Sits at waist. Curved pockets. Back zip. Back vent. 22 1/2" long. Import. Machine wash.
I tried this skirt on in a size 4, and I think it runs true-to-size.  I think if you wanted to wear this higher on the waist (and shorten it a bit), then you could get away with sizing down, but only if you are on the smaller end of your size.  I think the length is all right.  I would have preferred it a bit shorter, or even in petites, but again, sizing down may be an option if you find the skirt to be too long.

The skirt has off-seam ("curved") pockets.  These are a pretty cute detail, but I don't know how useful they would be - putting anything in these pockets that is thicker than say, a few sheets of paper, could potentially start adding some heft to the hip and thigh area.

The skirt is made out of linen, and is lined.  The outer fabric is fairly soft for a linen, but it is still prone to the same wrinkling issues that coarser linen is.  I believe the lining fabric is a cotton, but I'm not positive.  Either way, the skirt is light to medium weight all around.

As for the pattern, I'm not the biggest fan.  I know there will be plenty of you out there who really like this pattern, but I'm really not feeling it.  One thing that I don't like about this skirt is the way the pattern is placed - at least on the one that I tried on.  I don't know about you, but the way the pattern is laid out draws my eye immediately to the private area - and it doesn't help that there is a pseudo-V-shape in the pattern right in that area.  In the end, I just see a huge, private area bullseye, and that's not my thing.  The mustardy yellow color is not my thing, either.

I left this skirt behind, because of the pattern and the fabric.  I spend most of my day sitting, and I just don't want to deal with the wrinkles that come with linen.  I do think the skirt is a fairly cute summer skirt with a "fun" (?) print, depending on how you look at it.

What do you think?  Do you like this skirt?  Did you pick it up?  What are your thoughts on linen skirts?  And does anyone else see what I see in the pattern?

6 comments:

Unknown May 24, 2009 at 8:24 AM  

Ha, I see what you mean about the pattern!! (I didn't notice it til you mentioned it ... but true!) The linen factor would have kept me away anyway ... I stay away from it 'cause I'm not an ironer :)

jacquelyn May 24, 2009 at 9:58 AM  

I avoid linen because I really dislike to be wrinkled. It drives me crazy when so many cute things are linen. I guess I should be happy because it saves me money!

Jordyn May 24, 2009 at 10:36 AM  

I like this skirt on you...but would it wrinkle? That would make me insane...BTW I gave you an award on my blog...check it out!

Jemma May 24, 2009 at 12:50 PM  

That skirt looks great on you! I thnk linen is ok in one area- top or bottom as it is so dang wrinkly that you need something kind of smooth to blance it. I have to wear linen it is just to hot here and this really is such a cool fabric.

Anonymous May 24, 2009 at 1:30 PM  

I agree with you. I don't care for the pattern on this skirt. Maybe it is just the color affecting this pattern as well. Not feeling the JCrew love on this one.

JTS May 26, 2009 at 8:59 PM  

@Stylestance - Okay, phew, I'm glad I'm not the only one! And I hear you - ironing is probably my least favorite chore!!

@Jacquelyn - I agree - I only have one pair of linen pants, and I think I've only worn them once. I can't imagine how wrinkly a skirt would get, especially around the waist.

@Jordan - Thank you! I think it would wrinkle a LOT - especially if you sit for most of the day. THANK YOU for the award! And I love your blog, I have been following it from the start! :)

@Jemma Ruby - Thank you! I agree, allover linen would be too much for me (unless maybe a dress). Linen is definitely good for hotter climates though!

@Anon - Yeah, I could have dealt with a patterned linen skirt, but just not this pattern :(