K/R: Rachel Roy tree print skirt and blouse

Thanks to Mo who posted about this Angie-recommended NAS skirt going to Rack prices!

I really liked this skirt, but even the NAS prices seemed too high for me and I didn't think it was practical to buy a pencil skirt while pregnant. But at Rack prices, I thought it was worth potentially breaking SYC for. I haven't bought any clothes for the last month or two because I am not sure I want to spend a bunch of money on maternity clothes that I'll never wear again once I'm done with this pregnancy. And buying regular clothes is quite tricky because I don't know what's going to fit me in the future. So that's my dilemma. I nabbed this skirt because it's so unique, I know I won't be able to find something similar once I'm back to my normal pre-preg weight (assuming I do manage to lose it all, which took me about a year both times). But I'm not sure if I buy it now, whether it will be too big for me once I return to pre-preg size.

This is a size 8. My normal size is size 6. I also bought a size 6--not shown because it is too tight for me now. I would just have to keep it and hope I'll fit into it later. If I keep the 8, I could probably wear it for the next few weeks, then I'll still have to put it away. I could probably start wearing it earlier postpartum, but the risk is if I go back down to my regular size, the size 8 could end up being too loose on me. On the other hand, the reviews said the skirt runs small, so the 8 could actually be the right size for me. It's so hard for me to judge/predict future sizing--which is why I've avoiding shopping lately!

I really do like the unique print. But I see what others of you who tried this on mean about the skirt having a tendency to twist--I don't know if it's the way I'm standing, but the lines do seem to get a bit crooked. Not sure if that is a dealbreaker.

Oh, the yellow blouse was the matching Rachel Roy blouse, but I'm unsure about keeping it--seems kind of meh to me. K/R?

I haven't thought about how to style this skirt yet, but also tried it on with a black turtleneck. I think it looks better with the shirt untucked and covering the belly--what do you think? And yes, I know the pencil skirt looks kind of crazy over the huge bump, but I don't know how else to judge the fit.

Should I keep the size 8, the size 6, or return both? Thanks for any input!

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24 Comments

  • ramya replied 11 years ago

    I love it... love it... love it!!!!!
    I get about twisting...
    And please dont ask me about yellow tops... I am instantly in love with them...
    Oh how I wish I had some 1 in US for me to order all this fab stuff!!!!

  • Deborah replied 11 years ago

    Natalie I am besotted with this skirt and am hoping we see a version of it here:). While it looks ok on you at the moment, I don't think this is really cut for pregnancy. It is also not wearing smooth at the back. I would be inclined to put the one you think is going to be the best fit, after the baby, away and then you will have something lovely and new post partum. Of course you could always keep both, check the size after bubs is born and if the 8 is too big you can sell it to me*wink*

  • fashionista replied 11 years ago

    I think I like the skirt with the turtleneck as in last pic. I am so sorry I don't know about sizings and all those stuffs. So sorry can't be of any help, just chimed in to say you look gorgeous in that pencil skirt and I love that bump on you ........so cute.
    I will eagerly wait for other's response here.

  • cjh replied 11 years ago

    Natalie, I don't think I've ever mentioned how cute and healthy you look as an expectant mom. You've done a great job styling your regular clothes so far.

    However, due to your fit qualms and questions on this skirt, I think you should pass. Since it's not an ideal fit now, and you can't really tell if it will fit or not later and when that might be, send it back and then go for something really fab and new when the time comes 2-3 months after the baby is born and you find a new perfect option.

  • deb replied 11 years ago

    I like 10 and 11 best. You look great!

  • replied 11 years ago

    It is hard to say Natalie, because one can't predict your after bump size and shape. I would say, keep the larger of the two, if you are totally in love.

  • pastrygirl replied 11 years ago

    I LOVE it in 10-11. I feel like it chops you too much with a shirt tucked in. The yellow blouse looks meh to me, too.

  • modgrl replied 11 years ago

    I like this skirt but I just don't see how it's worth keeping now. It will only fit you for like the next 5 minutes. Then once you lose the baby weight it is going to be too big for you. It may not even be in style when you are back down to your normal weight again.
    Try the Target skirt. It is soft stretch fabric and it is only $20, same look.
    Who cares if it goes out of style for this price.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    It is a beautiful skirt Natalie but I'm not sure I'd buy it when you will only be able to wear it for a little while and then chances are, it won't fit later.

  • Mo replied 11 years ago

    I know zero about pregnancy and clothes fit, but I am surprised at the length of this on you. It hits up much higher than I thought it would (that's a good thing to me!). Are you on the taller side? I didn't bother with this because I knew it would be well below my knee caps.
    Not sure it's worth investing in if you aren't sure of post pregnancy fit. Again, I know zero about all of that so I'd follow the sage advice of those ladies here who do!

  • MNsara replied 11 years ago

    I think you look pretty adorable in #10-11 :-) I don't like the back fit of it in #5 as your bump is making it ride higher and it will only continue to grow.

    So, if it makes your heart sing, then put the ONE most likely size away and hope you'll enjoy it post partum. Otherwise it will be too late for returns at the Rack, right? If in doubt about size, wouldn't the larger one be able to be altered more easily?

    I think Rita's advice about getting a stretch one at Target is good, if you want one to wear during pregnancy.

  • shiny replied 11 years ago

    I love 10 and 11 the best. Accentuates the bump while covering up the fit issues.

  • Preppy Pear replied 11 years ago

    I'd probably pass for all the aforementioned reasons, but if you just love it, it does look pretty darn cute in #10 and #11.
    I like #10 and #11 best, not just because of the way it flatters your bump, but also because I feel like the print is a little overwhelming with the top tucked - not sure if I'm alone on this one, but that's my 2 cents.
    This also makes me think about how long "regular" clothes will work for pregnant ladies vs. maternity clothes. I've so enjoyed looking at your early and mid-pregnancy style. As someone who is ttc, I know I will be revisiting your posts for inspiration when the time comes, and as I've said before, your looks are inspiring for everyone, pregnant or not!

  • Parsley replied 11 years ago

    Natalie, I love that skirt (I have it, too, from NAS), and it looks great on you in 10 and 11.
    I don't like it at all with the tops tucked in. I originally had the same problem with twisting, which drove me crazy, so I exchanged mine for the next size up and the problem went away.

    The question I have about this for you is one of practicality. The 8 looks good on you right now, but for how long? 2 weeks? The chances are you will only get one or two wearings out of it before you outgrow it. Then who knows what size you'll be postpartum? I suppose the 8 might fit for a while until you get back to your regular weight, but who knows? And I would be hesitant to keep the 6 because you can't know how long it will take you to get back to that size.

    The whole issue of having your size and shape in a state of flux with pregnancy sure makes shopping difficult, doesn't it? Personally, I'm in the camp of buying only what fits you now, and not for the future. There will always be nice things out there when you need them. But if you're a gambler, then go for it.

  • lynne replied 11 years ago

    Like so many have said, the last pictures, with the top untucked are amazing. It should work post baby as well.

  • goldenpig replied 11 years ago

    Thanks all! Still mulling it over...I really like this pattern. I know it's not an ideal fit right now though.

    Deborah, good to know I have an option if it becomes too loose for me! :)

    Mo, I think the reason it looks shorter on me is because it's riding high because of the baby bump--I have to pull it up so the waistband sits higher. I think it would be lower once I don't have a bump.

    Rita, that's a good idea, I may look into the Target one. What size did you get and did it correspond to your regular size?

  • DeniseP replied 11 years ago

    Love the skirt, but not for your pregnant shape. Photo 5 rear view shows some pulling. I agree with the thought of not buying for your future size, But, if you LOVE the skirt, I am hopeful you will be back in your size 6 in no time and it looks like it will be cute as a button on you. Does Nordstrom Rack have generous return policy as Nordstrom?

  • shiny replied 11 years ago

    Okay you've got me debating about the RR skirt for myself; I loved it when it first appeared on the blog. 24 inches would be midi length on me, but I don't mind that; I measured my "Angie" skirt (Trina Turk) and it's the same length. There is a size 2 left. The question is the waist: it may be snug for me (issue I have with lots of skirts). The Trina Turk worked on me because the material is stretchy.

    Seeing this on you, I am now wondering if it's equally stretchy? I mean, it accommodated a baby bump, right? What about the waist? (Often skirts will be stretchy in the hips, but not in the waistband). If you say that it's got a fair amount of give in the waist, I'm clicking that order button.......... because this would be perfect skirt for me to wear to our numerous arty events!

  • Mo replied 11 years ago

    Shiny, Shannon mentioned to me that there is no stretch in this skirt when I was debating between it and the leather panel one. Just a heads up.

  • modgrl replied 11 years ago

    Natalie, I got the Size S because I didn't want it too tight on my apple belly and tush. I usually wear a 4P. It is a nice generous but still flattering fit. I guess if I was in your shoes I would get the M because it will stretch to accommodate your baby bump. I really like that it is a soft thick stretchy cotton material. It is soft and comfy unlike some of my other rigid structured pencil skirts.

  • MsMary replied 11 years ago

    It's a beautiful skirt and you are a beautiful expectant mommy, but I'm gonna say "no" to the combination of this skirt and the baby bump. It looks okay with the top untucked, but I think you have so many other lovely things in your wardrobe that it's not worth it to add this one.

  • catgirl replied 11 years ago

    I tried this skirt and it didn't work for me, but it looks fantastic on you. I'd just keep the 6 if I were you, rather than spend the money for both. But that's up to you.

    I'm a no on the blouse - I'm not loving the cut of it, and it's too hard to tell how it will look when you're not enceinte!

  • bj1111 replied 11 years ago

    like rita, i got the target skirt. i got a small for the same reason, tho i'm a pear with a belly and i wanted to tuck. i also got the roy skirt. between the two, i'm keeping the roy skirt because that's the one my husband liked. frankly, i think the fit of the target one was more forgiving and easier to wear with the waistband over baby bump.

    if you really like the roy skirt and can afford to float the cost, i would keep both for post-partum and return the one that does not fit in a few months since there is no penalty...oh, need to check this since it is from the rack.

  • Scarlet replied 11 years ago

    Normally I would say don't even bother with all the uncertainty in body changes involved, but this skirt is so special I would take a gamble on the one you think will fit post-partum. Given that you can still zip the 8, I would think you should keep the 6, but given Parsley's comment, it might be safer to keep the 8 and have it taken in at the waist if necessary. The skirt is an AMAZING piece, so If it ultimately doesn't work out, I am sure you can sell it.

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