Winter skirts from Betty Le Bonbon and a Don Loper vintage coat

It’s finally autumn here, so I’ve been busting out the cold weather fashions. Last August, when it was still millions of degrees outside, I ordered two of Betty Le Bonbon’s fabulous winter-weight midi length skirts. I’ve been eagerly waiting for the day I could wear them, and that day is finally here!

Jasmine, the owner of Betty Le Bonbon, offers two midi skirt styles:

• Option one is a near-circle skirt offered in various wool blends and suiting fabrics, made in Australia. Belt loops are optional. I chose a camel colored wool blend fabric for mine, without the belt loops.
• Option two is more of an A-line, offered in a variety of heavy cotton blends. You can add lining and/or pockets if you wish. This option is made by Betty Le Bonbon’s seamstress associate in Vietnam. I chose a gray fabric for mine, and opted to include the pockets and lining.

Both skirts are perfect for cooler weather. I love the weight, length, and drape. They work well under both 1950s stretch belts and patent buckle belts, the latter of which I’m wearing with the skirts in these photos. The lining in the A-line skirt (option 2) is perfect – I love that it negates the need to wear a slip. The circle skirt (option 1) is fine without a slip if you wear tights.

All Betty Le Bonbon skirts are custom – waist size, waistband width, and length are dictated by your needs. Some skirts – like the skirts I ordered – offer additional options, such as belt loops, pockets, and linings. Ask Jasmine about your options – she’s great!

I couldn’t be happier with my choices. The classic, neutral gray and camel colors I chose make the skirts super-versatile, not to mention very vintage-looking. When I look at them, I think of legendary costumer Edith Head’s advice to a fan about dressing on a budget:

“For anyone who is on a strict budget, I would advise separates,…and hold to one or two basic colors…[that way] it is less expensive to have matching bag and shoes.”

The coat is fabulously soft, cut in wide swing-style with a broad velvet collar and double-breasted styling. Really high quality – the kind of piece you’d expect Lucy and Ethel to go ga-ga over…