The Petite Novellas | The Stories of One Skirt + Six Women

I hardly believe in love at first sight. Not that I’m a cynical pessimist, but the phrase is just so, well, shallow. But as there is for everything, there is one exception. This Alexander Wang skirt in black, exposed zipper and all. Simply gorgeous, fabulous, [insert positive adjective here]. And its versatility with any occasion and/or style is unbelievable.

And here are six different ensembles, all of which represent a different woman. Completely fictional women who lead fabulous lives, whose interpretation of the AW skirt tells a story.

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 The Practical

Margaret Fischer. Already successful in her early 20s, fresh out of Yale University majoring in political science, Miss Fischer was an assistant for the famous trial attorney of some large law firm. Every morning, promptly at six thirty, she would wake up to brew a cup of hot coffee—black, of course. Whilst waiting for her cup of coffee, she would get ready with her basic uniform: the AW skirt, a chiffon cream blouse tucked in, and a cardigan (in case it was cold in the office). Occasionally she would add on a few bangles or so. Being the most time-efficient girl, Margaret would finish putting her hair up in a low chignon by seven. All she needed to do was grab the coffee and stuff the pile of manila folders and her trusty Moleskin planner into a leather Birkin. Simple, practical, and all business was her motto. And a classic color palette helped that.

The Artist

Parson’s Design School student, Eloise, loved color—preferably large pops of bright hues, here and there. She was always a creative girl, who, as a child, spent hours pouring over her Crayola markers and coloring books and turning them into Picasso-worthy works of art. Years later, she became the person she always dreamed of being: a graphic designer studying modern art. Eloise would spend her weekends at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Sometimes she would spend hours in one gallery, sitting daintily at a bench sketching in her Moleskin with the rainbow array of mini Sharpies she always carried in her colorful Chanel 2.55 in satin (her most prized possession next to her Metropolitan’s guide to art). Museum curators and guards would compliment her outfit; a blue draped Balenciaga top with her much loved AW skirt, and Guess platform Mary-Janes. Eloise always answered with a confident smile, pushing up her Chanel glasses that slid down her nose occasionally. The guards loved her MAC-pink lips.

Purple is the Color of Royalty

Cécile loved wandering around the streets of Paris at night—especially after an entire day of endless commotion during Paris Fashion Week, where she sat alongside Carine Roitfeld in the front row jotting notes—as it was her job as the editor’s assistant to do so. It was a bit chilly sitting outside the petit cafe eating un crepe de chocolat; it was a good thing Cécile wore her wool, off the shoulder coat cinched with a skinny patent belt. Her legs were a bit cold; but it was Paris—all the French ladies wore skirts to flaunt their mile long legs. She sat there daydreaming; wishing for a French man to whisk her off her Louboutin-clad feet to the Eiffel Tower for a romantic date. But her Blackberry Curve vibrated, interrupting this little dream. It was a text from Pierre—the handsome photographer she had met the evening before when she assisted with the January issue photo-shoot. She was careful not to chip her newly applied OPI nail polish as she rummaged her patent 2.55 for her MAC shadow and liquid eyeliner. The girl smiled as she finished touching up her smoldering, smokey eye. She was to meet Pierre in half an hour at the carousel across le Tour d’Eiffel.

Erin Wasson Would be Proud

Abby loved being photographed by street-style photographers. Today, it was by the charming Kamel of of Style and the City who happened to be in LA. Before taking her photo by the boardwalk, Abby applied a quick coat of Burt’s Bees lip balm—that was all the makeup she needed. As Kamel asked for the usual “what are you wearing” questions, Abby answered confidently and precisely. Hanes v-neck tee. Vintage Ray-Ban aviators, Bebe zippered heels, AW zip-front skirt, DIY headband. And Balenciaga motorcycle bag. She took a few photos, posing as the warm wind lifted her hair off her shoulders. “Perfect,” said Kamel. And she smiled.

I Wish I Had Hair Like Tarina Tarantino…

Lola was excited for tonight; it was her first important gig at one of New York City’s hottest clubs deejaying, where many celebrities spent the weekends lounging about sipping cosmopolitans under the flashy strobe lights. She was ready to wear her favorite outfit—all in black & pink of course. After all, Gala Darling and Tarina Tarantino were her biggest idols (she had often dreamed of sporting the hot pink hair color). Lola zipped up the tiny skirt, loving how the bright pink pumps contrasted greatly with her mostly black outfit. The sequined hoodie was perfect for the bright lights—she was determined to shine in that club. And the accessories: her favorite part of an outfit. She never skimped on the chunky jewelry; tonight, she sported all Tarina Tarantino creations: the big ring, a skull necklace, and of course, the flower clip she would put in her super-straight hair to match the bits of pink scattered about the outfit. Lola grabbed her iPod & a bottle of water, stuffing it into her patent Chanel as she ran out of her loft for a taxi.

Corporate Chic

Claire de Lune. Named after her mother’s favorite Debussy piece, she had, no doubt, inherited her namesake’s classical and beautiful qualities. She was a dainty girl: perfect manners, perfect hair, always perfectly poised even in the stickiest of situations. Her friends and admirers always called her a Blair Waldorf, sans the mean qualities. She indeed, was much like the Gossip Girl character; always dressed in a ruffled blouse tucked into a fitted skirt, a pair of peep toe pumps, and finishing the ensemble with a headband and, of course, a great bag. Today’s outfit reflected her girlish personality; though a majority of her outfit was black, her chiffon blouse offset the sophisticated color with a bit of femininity. Claire smiled as she checked her hair quickly before putting away her mirror in her newly bought Anya Hindmarch bag. Legs crossed, sitting straight, Claire pulled out her notes and laptop, ready to write her first article for Harper’s Bazaar as their youngest fashion editor. 

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I do hope you enjoyed this article! Which girl would you be? And how would you wear the AW skirt?

xoxo,

La C.