Eleni Drinks Tea in a Maxi Skirt

Bloggers, I have bought a new and fashionable item of clothing!  You may have noticed that this is not a style/fashion blog, but forgive me a little indulgence in a conversation about skirts.

Now, I am not deliberately anti-fashion, but I rarely go shopping because a) who has the time?  b) I have better things to spend my money on, like food and beer and gig tickets, c) I have more than enough clothes already, and d) I tend to keep my clothes for years and years because, well, I like them.  So, for something new to make its way into my wardrobe - particularly something that is nothing like anything else I own - is quite the event round here.  I do hope that my small army of knee-length dresses and full skirts have made the new addition feel welcome, and that you, my good readers, will do the same.  Here she is, the maxi skirt!

It's been a long time since I wore a full-length skirt, because we all know that if you're short they make you look shorter, right?  Erm, totally wrong, actually: this little baby makes this little lady look positively willowy!  And it sits on the waist instead of the hips - again, something I've avoided for years because I thought it would make my tummy stick out.  It just goes to show, I suppose, that you never know until you try something.  It must be the pleats - this skirt hangs so beautifully.  It flows, it's graceful, it's elegant!  These are adjectives which are rarely, if ever, applied to me (I'm an incurable klutz, and scruffy by nature) but I tell you this skirt makes me feel like quite the lady.  Maxi skirts always make me think of Margo Leadbetter, and who wouldn't relish a little more Margot in their life?  All good manners and formal evening wear - yes please.

I'd seen (I'd like to say on The Sartorialist but probably more likely on Grazia's website) floaty maxi skirts paired with chunky boots and jumpers, and being the owner of several versions of both, this was how I'd planned to wear it, so here it is with one of my favourites - an ancient H&M number which is sparkly and has a most excellent cowl neck:

Oh yes, I should probably mention that the skirt itself is, sadly, by Primark - champions of suspiciously cheap and morally dubious fashion apparel - but I got it on Ebay, so I like to think it has been recycled somehow (although, given that it is a current season item, I have an awful feeling that I might, in fact, be supporting shoplifters rather than sweatshops - oh, the ethical minefield that is the High Street).  Naturally, I wasn't actively searching for "Primark" on Ebay, I just wanted a grey pleated maxi skirt, and this was the only one that I found in my budget.

I must also apologise for the slightly blurry mirrored outfit shots.  I was getting ready for work and in a bit of a rush, and I'd tried to line up a nice timed self-portrait by the window (as seen here and here) but I was more than a little put off by an unwanted observer:

A giant Bath gull came and perched on my windowsill, and man, those boys are huge up close!  Honestly, about a foot tall - since I'm only 5 foot 4 myself, this is significant.  So, what with this peeping Tom glaring at me, and trying not to be being late for work (again), I had to improvise.

So, my little fashionistas (for I am sure you are all an incredibly stylish bunch) - are you forging bravely into unknown fashion terrority this year?  Do tell!