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Perfectly Pleated

Happy Hump Day!!!

As you have probably noticed, I love skirts. I have almost every style except a pleated skirt. When I was 18 years old, short pleated skirts were all the rage and I wanted one. I asked my mom to buy me one and she said no. When I asked why she said my hips and butt were too big and the skirt would make me look bigger. I remember instantly feeling bad about my body and wishing I could be smaller so I could wear the hottest trend. Looking back I knew my mom was coming from a place of love and concern but that stayed with me up until this day. So when I saw this pleated midi Eloquii skirt on sale with an additional 30% off, I decided to put that memory aside and go for it!

In person the skirt is more a sand color and not too light. My concerns about the pleats adding volume to my lower half were erased after putting it on. I think the pleats flatter my curves and don’t cling to my hips. The only downside is that the skirt is about an inch or two larger in the waist (I ordered an 18). This is not a deal breaker for me because a trip to the tailor will fix this(remember the tailor is your BFF!). The skirt is lined so it’s not sheer. Since its a neutral color, you can play around with different tops and accessories to achieve the look you want. I wore a lightweight denim shirt from Old Navy and gold accessories to compliment the skirt.

Would you wear a pleated skirt? Have a great day!

Skirt & stud earrings: Eloquii

Shirt: Old Navy

Necklace & bracelet: Lord and Taylor

Shoes: Aldo

169 Comments

  1. June 28, 2012 / 12:15 am

    In my book you can do no wrong! This look is so classic and chic! I love how u paired the skirt with a denim button down! The interplay between the two is perfection!

    • June 28, 2012 / 4:58 pm

      Thank you so much girl! Your support is SO appreciated!!!

  2. Nadya
    June 28, 2012 / 1:23 am

    You look great in that skirt! How nice to finally have your wish come true. I love how you’ve paired it with tailored shirt.

    • June 28, 2012 / 4:57 pm

      Thank you! I love my new pleated skirt!!!

  3. June 28, 2012 / 2:50 am

    Gorgeous as always! You look lovely in your pleated skirt, and I LOVE how you paired it with a more casual shirt. I may or may not have hopped on to Eloquii and ordered one for myself… 😀

    http://www.diyfatshion.com

    • June 28, 2012 / 4:54 pm

      Thank you so much! I hope you get the skirt! Its a must have for your closet!

  4. June 28, 2012 / 5:33 am

    What a great outfit. I love the pleated skirt and the chambray top together. You have a wonderful sense of style.

    • June 28, 2012 / 4:54 pm

      Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!

  5. Kimberly
    June 28, 2012 / 7:58 am

    Girl great outfit. You are glowing love how you paired the skirt and shirt together. I am always scare of wearing skirts with pleats for the same reason. You look great as always.

    • June 28, 2012 / 4:54 pm

      Thanks girl! Come and join me in pleated skirt land! I promise youll look great!!!

  6. June 28, 2012 / 3:21 pm

    OMG I just found your blog while doing an image search for this skirt — I just bought it and wore it, and was wondering how other people wore it. I LOVE your blog, I love your personal style. We seem to share similar tastes in clothes. I am SO GLAD I found your blog, will definitely be following from now on.

    • June 28, 2012 / 4:56 pm

      THANK YOU!!!! Your comment has totally made my day!!!!

  7. June 28, 2012 / 4:58 pm

    Great outfit. Bright and summery!

  8. juliette
    June 28, 2012 / 5:51 pm

    This post brought back memories because I was told often that I was too big for pleats. My favorite skirt back in the late 80s/early 90s was a white pleated skirt and I wore it until it wore out – even though I often got the side eye – IT WAS WHITE! AND PLEATED! I sometimes felt fat but I thought it looked good even though it might have made me look bigger – if that makes any sense. Suffice to say you look wonderful and I think I might need to get this skirt!

    • June 28, 2012 / 7:17 pm

      Thank you! I wished back then I wouldve said to my mom “whatever!” & got the skirt anyway. Im glad decided to say “whatever!” and wore the skirt. I wasnt so brave back then!

  9. maria
    June 28, 2012 / 6:14 pm

    i love pleated skirts soo much – i took the plunge ages ago with a black skirt and i wore the pleats out! (how do you iron them?) you look beautiful, the skirt is divine and i love it paired with a denim shirt x

    • June 28, 2012 / 7:18 pm

      Thank you! You know that is a good question? Once I figure it out (since this is my first pleated skirt), Ill let you know! 🙂

  10. June 28, 2012 / 6:17 pm

    Gorgeous skirt. I am now on the lookout for one myself. I don’t have a denim or chambray shirt, but I’ve got some other things I may be able to pair with a skirt like this one.

    • June 28, 2012 / 7:18 pm

      Thank you! I think this skirt can go with alot of tops. Im looking forward to experimenting!

  11. June 28, 2012 / 8:32 pm

    Pleated skirts are so pretty! I want one now! I don’t know where I’d wear it…but I could find some excuse 🙂

    • June 29, 2012 / 1:01 am

      Yes they are! You dont need a reason to wear one, just do it! 😉

  12. June 30, 2012 / 2:34 am

    I’ve had my eye on this skirt for a long while. I might have to go ahead and make that leap. I love how you wore it!

    • July 1, 2012 / 6:09 pm

      Thank you! Definitely go & make that leap!!!

  13. July 12, 2012 / 8:18 am

    My mom’s figure is like your and she has always worn pleated skirts. You look great:-)

  14. Glynis
    July 12, 2012 / 8:19 am

    The skirt looks wonderful and the smile on your face tells it all – congratulations!!

  15. July 12, 2012 / 8:19 am

    My mom’s figure is like yours and she has always worn pleats. You look great:-)

  16. July 12, 2012 / 8:30 am

    Wow, looking great! I’d like to find out how I’d look like in pleated skirt. I’m a top-heavy person and I hope it’d work.

    • July 12, 2012 / 12:34 pm

      Try different pleated skirts on and see which one you like. You never knoW!

  17. July 12, 2012 / 8:31 am

    I would have never attempted this combo. But your pics have proved to me how wonderful this combo looks! Am definitely trying..

    • July 12, 2012 / 12:34 pm

      Yay!!! Would love to see the outfit when you do!

  18. July 12, 2012 / 9:05 am

    Oh wow!! You look absolutely gorgeous! Confident and feminine at the same time.

    • July 12, 2012 / 12:35 pm

      Thank you soooo much! I felt so feminine and girly wearing it!

  19. July 12, 2012 / 11:48 am

    you literally rock the skirt and very few times only mother’s go wrong and guess this is that one time..;):):)

  20. Sarah
    July 12, 2012 / 12:21 pm

    You look fantastic! Now I’m tempted to try on a pleated skirt the next time I’m looking for something for my also-curvy body.

    • July 12, 2012 / 12:30 pm

      Thank you! Please try one! You might end up liking what you see!

  21. July 12, 2012 / 12:27 pm

    So sassy you look 🙂

    I love that skirt and you look beautiful!!

    • July 12, 2012 / 12:31 pm

      Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate it!

  22. July 12, 2012 / 12:56 pm

    That looks wonderful! 🙂

  23. July 12, 2012 / 1:43 pm

    Get it, mama! you now have a new enthusiastic follower. Love the style.

    • July 12, 2012 / 1:44 pm

      Thank you SO much!!! I appreciate the follow!!!! 🙂

    • July 12, 2012 / 2:03 pm

      Thank you! Got them for 50% @ Aldo! The sale is still going on!

  24. July 12, 2012 / 2:19 pm

    Absolutely beautiful! So glad you decided to go for it.

  25. July 12, 2012 / 2:40 pm

    You look fantastic! The outfit is great. You have a great smile. I think the outfit complements who you are on the inside.

    • July 12, 2012 / 3:11 pm

      Thank you so much! Your comment is appreciated!

  26. July 12, 2012 / 3:03 pm

    Beautiful! I love the skirt.

  27. July 12, 2012 / 3:04 pm

    The skirt looks great on you. I love your smile and energy too. I know your blog is about celebrating plus size but hope you encourage health and fitness as well. Any size means little if one is not strong and fit.

    • July 12, 2012 / 3:12 pm

      Thank you! I agree celebrating your body also means taking care of it too.

  28. July 12, 2012 / 3:05 pm

    I can relate so much. I love the shirt and wish those same thoughts from childhood didn’t still resonate with me so that I could feel more comfortable in my clothes

    • July 12, 2012 / 3:13 pm

      I’m glad you liked the outfit. It’s funny how one comment can impact you even years later. It’s hard to break out of that but it can be done!

  29. July 12, 2012 / 3:20 pm

    Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed !!! I love pleated skirts and I have been wearing them for years. I think they are very classy. I love the color of your skirt. Your style rocks 🙂

    • July 12, 2012 / 6:46 pm

      Thank you SO much! Im glad I finally got invited to the pleated skirt party!!!

  30. July 12, 2012 / 4:11 pm

    I think your mother and my mother were cut from the same cloth. I remember to this moment being in the 8th grade and loving a dress with a drop waist with all my heart. She told me it exaggerated my hips, which were “wide enough as it was.” Ugh.

    Yes, she was coming from a place of love. But to this day I still have insecurities based on that dress. If I close my eyes, I can still see it — and that was almost 30 years ago!

    I love your skirt. Love love LOVE it. The pleats are perfect — as long as pleats aren’t wide and make your bottom half resemble a bell, I think you’re good to go. This is such a beautiful outfit!

    🙂

    • July 12, 2012 / 6:44 pm

      Thank you for sharing this with me! I completely know what youre talking about. Its hard to erase those memories from the past but when you finally do, you feel a sense of freedom youve never felt before!

  31. July 12, 2012 / 4:25 pm

    You should ignore your mom more often because you look awesome! I happen to be one of those annoyingly scrawny girls with a style blog BUT I wish there were more plus-size style inspiration like you out there! I have lots of friends tell me they like what I’m wearing but that they could never wear something like that because they’re not as skinny as I am. That B.S. I’ve recently worn a chambray shirt and a pleated skirt (in separate outfits)…if we can both pull off those looks, then there are options out there for anyone!

    Sarah’s Real Life

    • July 12, 2012 / 6:43 pm

      Yes!!! Love this comment because you hit the nail right on the head! Actually there is a whole plus size style blog community so ppl can find inspiration everywhere. Thank you so much for this!

  32. July 12, 2012 / 5:02 pm

    I think you look great! I found your blog on freshly pressed. I love your shoes too!

    • July 12, 2012 / 6:39 pm

      Thank you very much! I feel honored that I was selected for “Freshly Pressed”. Ive been exposed to more great bloggers!!!

  33. July 12, 2012 / 5:03 pm

    It’s funny what stays with you from when you’re young… Sometimes you never know until you try yourself. That skirt looks great on you.

    • July 12, 2012 / 6:38 pm

      I completely agree. Im glad I decided to go for it. Ive vowed not to let the past hold me back.

  34. July 12, 2012 / 5:11 pm

    I am so proud of you for wearing this skirt! I personally think you look great in it & quite stylish.

    • July 12, 2012 / 6:38 pm

      Thank your very much! That skirt has become one of my favorites!

  35. July 12, 2012 / 5:19 pm

    Yeap, lovin’ the shoes, the hair, the whole shebang.

    • July 12, 2012 / 6:37 pm

      Awww thank you!!! Im so pleased you like!

  36. July 12, 2012 / 5:44 pm

    You look really nice!!!……make sure and keep healthy too……all the best!

  37. July 12, 2012 / 6:15 pm

    That’s gorgeous and so are you!

  38. July 12, 2012 / 7:13 pm

    Honey, you are totally rocking your beautiful skirt, on your beautiful figure. Last time I checked, there was no bible telling a person what they feel good wearing. I have always believed, we should embrace our beautiful curves, it takes all shapes and sizes to make up this fragile universe, you go girl, cheers!

    • July 12, 2012 / 7:46 pm

      You said it all! If we all took your advice, there would be less self hatred. Thank you for sharing with me!

  39. July 12, 2012 / 7:14 pm

    The skirt looks great and you look super confident in it!

    • July 12, 2012 / 7:45 pm

      Thank you! I felt great when I wore that skirt!

  40. July 12, 2012 / 7:31 pm

    Hello lovely, I just came across your blog and goodness me – you have my exact figure! Busty with good legs. My best friend calls me an overblown hourglass (he means it nicely:)) Anyway, I love the fact that you are happy, proud and sexy. You go girl and the pleats are ace xx

    • July 12, 2012 / 7:43 pm

      Thank you so much!!! I am happy, proud and sexy!!!

  41. July 12, 2012 / 8:09 pm

    Really enjoyed your blog.I’m just starting mine and you are definitely inspiring me.I think it isn’t about a person’s size but how they accentuate the positives.

    • July 13, 2012 / 5:18 pm

      Yes! I know what my positives are and accuntuate them as much as possible!

  42. July 12, 2012 / 8:23 pm

    Your look great! the skirt suits you as it drapes your legs and it’s not too short. I like the fitted shirt too. Fabulous!

    • July 13, 2012 / 5:17 pm

      Thank you! I like midi length skirts. Im not a fan of short skirts! lol

  43. July 12, 2012 / 8:48 pm

    Sadly, my mother told me the same thing when I was younger and I’ve never owned a pleated skirts. But yours looks fantastic! Good for you for moving beyond that mis-directive and discovering that it is a fashion you can wear. Maybe I’ll try one, too.

  44. July 12, 2012 / 9:32 pm

    I wore a navy pleated skirt just like this yesterday! Cute, cute, cute!

    • July 13, 2012 / 5:17 pm

      Thank you! I actually want a navy pleated skirt. I would wear it everyday!

      • July 17, 2012 / 4:15 pm

        I love navy everything!!! Basic pieces in navy can really pull together an outfit.

  45. July 12, 2012 / 9:39 pm

    First Congrats on being freshly pressed, you just inspired a topic from me. thanks for writting thing you are beautiful with the curves God gave you

    • July 13, 2012 / 5:16 pm

      Thank you! Im happy that Ive inspired you!

      • July 13, 2012 / 5:34 pm

        you did, I just wrote mine “The way God made me”
        Hope you get a chance to read it, after all you are the inspiration behind it

      • July 13, 2012 / 7:30 pm

        I will now! Im glad I could help out!!!

  46. July 12, 2012 / 9:46 pm

    Great outfit. I love the combinations with your shoes.

  47. July 12, 2012 / 9:53 pm

    you look mahvelous!! 😀 i just might try a pleated skirt!

  48. July 12, 2012 / 10:00 pm

    I’m glad that you’ve overcome your worries about pleats and given them a try. You look lovely in that skirt! When it comes to fashion, people are always saying that certain people shouldn’t wear this or that, but that’s no reason not to at least try it on and see if the naysayers are actually right. My mother told me I couldn’t wear silver, but I proved her wrong.

    You have the sort of smile that inspires joy just by being; keep that confidence coming!

    • July 13, 2012 / 5:15 pm

      Thank you soooo much! I love disspelling those fashion “rules” that stifle women. You should be able to express yourself without being confined!

  49. July 12, 2012 / 10:16 pm

    I know nothing about fashion, am not grown (refused) – curvy – or woman.
    Inspiration is your friend. You are inspired, and inspiring to others.
    Congratulations on the Freshly Pressed, how I got here. Press On.

  50. July 12, 2012 / 11:37 pm

    Very chic. That skirt is the perfect colour to go with anything. You look fab!!!

    • July 13, 2012 / 5:14 pm

      Thank you! It is a great color. I cant wait to try different things with it!

  51. July 13, 2012 / 12:31 am

    You look gorgeous! And congrats on being Freshly Pressed, by the way 🙂

  52. July 13, 2012 / 1:40 am

    It’s so cute! And I love the shoes too, nicely put together!

  53. July 13, 2012 / 2:44 am

    Work girl. You look like a million bucks.

    • July 13, 2012 / 5:11 pm

      Thank you so much! I feel like a million bucks!!!

      • July 13, 2012 / 5:47 pm

        That’s the key. Looking good is wonderful, but nothing beats feeling good!

  54. July 13, 2012 / 3:04 am

    the pleated skirt looks perfect on you!! wearing clothes is more on how you carry it,, if you feel good about it, then, go girl!! i smile looking at your photos, i feel you feel great! i wore a pleated a-line dress in my younger years,, i loved it especially the flare!! Congrats on being FP’d..

    • July 13, 2012 / 5:10 pm

      Thank you so much! You are so right about how you wear clothes. If you feel good about yourself you can make anything look good!

  55. Joe Labriola
    July 13, 2012 / 3:36 am

    Wear it!

  56. July 13, 2012 / 3:53 am

    I’m loving the combo you put together…the soft feminine skirt with a structured shirt, and those super cute shoes. Rock it girl!!!

    My mom embedded a number of doozies in my brain that left me body conscious decades later too. And like you, I recognize it comes from a good place, but still!

    I’ve learned that as long as confidence is a part of my outfit, I can make heads turn, whether its jeans and a blouse, or a borderline clown suit 🙂

    I swear, it’s all about your swagger. THAT’S what makes the outfit!

    • July 13, 2012 / 5:08 pm

      Thank you so much! I cant agree more that confidence & swagger can make any outfit!

  57. July 13, 2012 / 3:57 am

    So glad you decided to forget those thoughts of old and jump right into pleats! You go girl. You look beautiful, and I love how your jewelry compliments the look.

      • July 14, 2012 / 8:25 am

        Forgot to mention the beauty that is your natural hair. How long for you?

  58. July 13, 2012 / 6:03 am

    It fits you like a glove! It’s perfect. 😀

  59. July 13, 2012 / 6:26 am

    I’m so glad you decided to put your memory aside, the skirt looks great on you. I believe that any style can work with any body, you just have to find the right one and way to wear it!

    • July 13, 2012 / 5:04 pm

      Thank you! You are absolutely right about style. Once you find the the right one, go for it!

  60. July 13, 2012 / 7:53 am

    I love the skirt and shirt combo! The skirt looks lovely on you 🙂

    • July 13, 2012 / 5:02 pm

      Thank you! This skirt has become my favorite! Im glad you liked it!

  61. July 13, 2012 / 11:36 am

    You really look great in this outfit, so put together and confident! Congratulations on being freshly pressed!

    • July 13, 2012 / 5:02 pm

      Thank you! I was so surprised when I saw I was freshly pressed!

  62. July 13, 2012 / 5:26 pm

    I love that skirt on you! Congrats for being Freshly Pressed 🙂

  63. July 13, 2012 / 6:34 pm

    Pleaded skirts are wonderfully classic. You look beautiful!

    • July 13, 2012 / 7:29 pm

      Thank you so much! They are a classic staple!

  64. July 14, 2012 / 7:00 am

    I love this look. I would never have put a denim shirt with a floaty skirt, but you do it well! Great shoes too.
    I’m a vintage shopper so floaty skirts are a go go around here …

    • July 15, 2012 / 1:57 pm

      Thank you! I love vintage but struggle with finding great places to shop here in Philadelphia.

  65. chandani
    July 14, 2012 / 8:20 am

    I love pleated skirts and remember having one many years ago.They are so hard to come by these days. Lovey post.

    • July 15, 2012 / 1:56 pm

      They seem to be popular again, so I think you might have luck getting one again.

  66. July 14, 2012 / 9:14 am

    I love pleated skirts and remember having one many years ago. Need to find a new one now. Its a lovely post.

    • July 15, 2012 / 1:55 pm

      Thank you! There are so many nice pleated skirts out. I try not to buy them all!!!

  67. July 14, 2012 / 1:40 pm

    You look fabulous!!! Keep wearing whatever you like..it suits you just fine! 🙂

  68. July 14, 2012 / 6:01 pm

    From one grown and curvy woman to another, I love that skirt. It’s soft, pretty, and playful. You look gorgeous in it! Get one in every color!

    • July 15, 2012 / 1:53 pm

      Thank you! I have it in orange & plan to wear it this week!

  69. July 15, 2012 / 1:33 am

    I remember begging my mother to buy me a denim skirt in the 7th grade and she said no because skirts were not flattering to chubby girls….I saved my own money and bought a too tight jean skirt and felt happy and guilty everytime I wore it…That stuff sticks forever…Loved the post, the skirt, and especially those great shoes!

    • July 15, 2012 / 1:51 pm

      Thank you for sharing that! I think its awesome that you decided to buy it anyway. Yes that stuff sticks, but Im finding that it is easy to let it go.

  70. July 15, 2012 / 6:14 pm

    It’s lovely! And I really like your shoes too 😉

  71. kanitap
    July 15, 2012 / 11:57 pm

    FAB!

  72. chloefward1991
    July 16, 2012 / 9:29 pm

    The skirt looks great! Has made me want to go and buy one! X

    • July 17, 2012 / 12:43 pm

      Yes get one! Trust me youll love it!!!

  73. July 17, 2012 / 12:33 am

    Pleats are fun! I would wear it!

  74. July 17, 2012 / 6:38 am

    Go on with your Baaad self! I love it! Check me out at answerswithin.wordpress.com.

  75. July 17, 2012 / 1:51 pm

    Yes! I was there too; wanting the short pleated skirt but when I tried them on it would look horribly lop-sided and hiked-up in the back. The look is gorg! 🙂

    • July 17, 2012 / 4:32 pm

      Thank you! Have you tried a midi length pleated skirt like the one Im wearing in the post? I think you might like it!

      • July 28, 2012 / 2:26 am

        I’ll give it a try and let you know what I think, perhaps share a photo.

  76. July 17, 2012 / 1:54 pm

    Great blog, I’m following you here and on Twitter. Please follow me back. I’d love to interact and receive feedback. Be blessed! @DivineMerritt

    • July 17, 2012 / 4:31 pm

      Thank you! Ive followed you on Twitter!

  77. July 20, 2012 / 5:37 pm

    That skirt is gorgeous! And you really wear it well! I wish I could confidently wear skirts like you do. I get too self-conscious!

    • July 20, 2012 / 6:14 pm

      Thank you! May I ask what about a skirt makes you self conscious?

      • July 20, 2012 / 6:32 pm

        Because people always point out that it’s too feminine/girly and that it is not my usual style. They would do or say things that make me uncomfortable. 🙁 But I really love dresses and skirts.

      • July 20, 2012 / 10:42 pm

        Im sorry to hear that! I hope you decide to ignore those ppl and rock a skirt and a dress.

      • July 21, 2012 / 9:22 am

        I’ve read your post “The Emancipation of Me”. I admire your strength and it inspires me 🙂 you are amazing! A real role model!

      • July 22, 2012 / 2:43 pm

        Thank you so much! Im so glad that I inspired you! I hope you step out in a dress or skirt soon 🙂

      • July 22, 2012 / 5:08 pm

        I’ll let you know when I do! 🙂 Thank you, really for your posts 🙂