Vintage Carena Tartan Pleated Midi Wrap Skirt, Size 10 on tag.

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A beautiful piece of New Zealand fashion history, this vintage Carena skirt is made in a wonderfully rich wool or wool blend tartan that feels every bit as special as its color palette looks. Carena was a New Zealand label produced in Auckland and is now one of those lesser-known local vintage names that is becoming increasingly interesting to collectors of original NZ-made clothing. Rather than feeling costume-like or overly nostalgic, this skirt has a remarkably wearable silhouette that translates beautifully into a modern wardrobe. Cut in a classic midi length, the skirt is structured around a neat fitted waistband before falling into generous knife pleats that create movement. The pleating gives the fabric enough volume to swing naturally while still retaining a clean, elongated line. The tartan is the real feature. Instead of a conventional red-and-green check, it combines deep burgundy and berry tones with violet, purple, teal, muted blue and flashes of warm golden yellow. The result is wonderfully atmospheric: distinctly autumnal, but colorful enough to avoid feeling heavy or traditional. The wool has a softly brushed, slightly textural surface typical of vintage woven wool. It gives the skirt body and structure while allowing the pleats to hold their shape beautifully. The silhouette is classic, almost collegiate, while the jewel-toned palette makes it much more individual. It has elements of traditional Scottish-inspired dressing, 1970s heritage style and the slightly eccentric layered aesthetic that works so well with contemporary vintage styling. Wear it simply with a fitted black or cream merino, loafers and a long wool coat for an understated autumn look. For something more directional, pair it with an oversized charcoal knit, chunky boots and a leather jacket. It would also be beautiful with a soft ivory blouse and knee-high brown leather boots, allowing the rich tartan colors to do most of the work. Because of the number of colors woven through the check, it is easy to coordinate: burgundy, navy, forest green, teal, mustard, cream, grey and black all work naturally with it. This is the kind of vintage piece that does not need to be styled as “retro”. Mixed with simple modern basics, it simply reads as a beautifully made wool pleated skirt with considerably more personality than most contemporary equivalents. Please compare the measurements provided below with your own measurements, as sizing may vary between manufacturers. Tag size: 10 (since it is a vintage skirt, it may run small. It is best to check the measurements). Does not stretch. Actual flat measurements: Waist - 31 Hips - 44 Hem - 61 Total length – 68 where waistband is 3.5 General condition of the item: Very good. No stains, holes or moth damage. The pleats are well defined, the waistband retains its structure, the original buttons and labels are present. Imperfections: The fabric shows the light surface fuzz and softness expected from an older natural-fiber garment. The fabric composition is not specified on the label, but it is either pure wool or a wool blend. Overall condition (1–10): 8