Weekend Wear: DIY Scalloped skirt & Ferragamo Varina Flats

scallop skirt ferragamo vara flats2

Thrifted skirt w/ DIY scallop hem, BR Mad Men dress c/o (last worn here) and swing jacket (old)
Ferragamo Varina flats, Ann Taylor foldover clutch, Chanel tortoise wayfarer sunglasses

If you have any plain old skirts or dresses that need a touch of something, consider trying your hand at a DIY scalloped hem. This skirt was a happy find for me at a secondhand store – I started to do a basic hem on the matronly mid-calf length, however switched gears partway through to something a little more unique!
scallop skirt ferragamo vara flats4
I took photos for a scallop hem tutorial but made the mistake of “learning as I go.” My scallops initially came out very defined, almost jagged, and could’ve given Freddy Flinstone a run for his money. After making some modifications, the second attempt came out exactly like I had hoped. Unfortunately, precious fabric was lost due to errors from round 1, leaving me with a skirt short enough to inspire some thigh toning exercises.
scallop skirt ferragamo vara flats5

Knit jacket: H&M; (very old)

scallop skirt ferragamo vara flats3b
Hemming the scallops the second time around took under an hour, and is something beginner sewers can do. Since my initial photos have been rendered useless, I hope to re-create the steps and post a tutorial in a week or two.
scallop skirt ferragamo vara flats6
After falling in love with the Ferragamo Vara low-heel pump, the more modern flats were next on my list. I find that Ferragamo shoes in general run slim in the toes and heel, which is great for those with more narrow feet. I love the design of these, however the stiff patent leather required a break-in period like the infamous Tory Burch Reva flats. This pair is very comfortable now, but I’m disappointed that shoes at this price are not comfortable right off the rack.
scallop skirt ferragamo vara flats1

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79 Comments

  1. Steffi wrote:

    I have my eyes on the ferragamo flats in tan, but the navy looks very lovely too!

    Posted 5.7.13 Reply
  2. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi I always read your blog, it is wonderful. Would one day that you did a post about the basic for a petite girl to have in your wardrobe that can be purchased in fast fashion. For I am small and features of children and therefore do not take me seriously. I love the blog. Isabelle. kisses

    Posted 5.7.13 Reply
  3. Anonymous wrote:

    I love the idea of making your own scallop skirt. I'm definitely going to rummage my closet. Jean, from the angle of the photos the sunglasses do not complement your pretty face.

    Posted 5.7.13 Reply
  4. lisacng @ expandng.com wrote:

    Doesn't surprise me that the patent leather needs breaking-in. No matter the price point, patent leather is still patent leather. Glad they fit great now though!

    Posted 5.7.13 Reply
  5. ....... wrote:

    love that skirt so cool that its a diy and really lovely outfit too! xx. gigi. food and beauty blogger @ http://www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com

    Posted 5.7.13 Reply
  6. Alannah wrote:

    Totally unrelated to this post, but I gotta shout from the rooftops about Nordstrom's new BP Undercover juniors lingerie line. All bra styles come in a 30D and other 30 sizes, and the quality is FAB. They are so cute and the price point is around $35. Great departure from the super basic CK bras I'd been relegated to!!

    Posted 5.7.13 Reply
  7. Sugar Lane wrote:

    Hi gorgeous!

    I've just found your blog through art becomes you, followin u!

    Visit mine and let me know if you like it 😉

    kisses from Spain,

    S

    Posted 5.7.13 Reply
  8. aiyana jane wrote:

    love this scallopped hem, you did a great job – cant wait to see tutorial.
    xo, aiyanajane || http://www.citystylecountrysmile.com

    Posted 5.7.13 Reply
  9. Shirley wrote:

    Hi Jean! Would love to know how you broke in your shoes. I got the same Ferragamo flats in graphite last winter and they are so uncomfortable that I've barely worn them!

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  10. Jackie wrote:

    I love this color scheme!

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  11. An Nicole wrote:

    I love the skirt, can't wait to see the tutorial! Have you tried the Tieks flats or thinking about purchasing them? They're next on my list for comfy flats, but kind of pricey.

    An
    http://www.thestylerx.com

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  12. Kellyinthecity wrote:

    Love the scalloped skirt!

    xoxo

    Kelly
    http://www.kellyinthecity.com

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  13. newpetite wrote:

    Love the skirt! Would love to see the tutorial.

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  14. andrea wrote:

    Love the skirt and how the scallops turned out! Can't wait to see the tutorial!

    xoxo,
    Andrea

    http://www.andreaeveryday.com

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  15. Giovanna wrote:

    Such a cute look! Loving your coat and that scalloped skirt!

    xx
    Giovanna
    http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  16. Anonymous wrote:

    Which do you think is the more versatile style the vara or the Varina? Thanks!

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  17. Suzie Q wrote:

    I've been adoring the scalloped hems that I see pop up in some stores this spring, so that's so great that you did an amazing job on your (round 2) DIY project! I love this look and the flats are lovely.

    Suzie Q
    http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  18. Jessica wrote:

    The skirt was very nicely done!

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  19. Petite-ish wrote:

    Love the bold color palette of these outfits/photos. You look stunning, Jean! Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday!

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  20. Van Nguyen wrote:

    Can't wait to see how scallop hems are done. They look complicated. Great colors in your outfit.

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  21. Marloes wrote:

    Can't wait for the DIY! Looks really cute!

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  22. Jessy wrote:

    So cute! You're making me regret selling the navy scalloped skirt I have, Jean! Can't wait to see your tutorial. : )

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  23. Sweetie wrote:

    These photos are gorgeous! Can I know what camera/lens was used to take these photos? I really want to invest in a good camera. Thank you dear! (:

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  24. Green Pearl wrote:

    What is the color for your Varina flats? They look navy from the pics.

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  25. Petitetomatoes wrote:

    Nice outfit. I love your DIY skirt.

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  26. Janki wrote:

    I couldn't wait so I did a quick Googling of scalloped hem, so I think I'll try with some of my thrift skirts. What an absolutely adorable way to add some oomph! I have been thrift shopping consistently for over 5 years and hardly buy new. The quality isn't as good. And, now that I am sewing, I feel more aware of the conditions that must be occurring in order for me to get those "affordable" items at mass retailers.
    Great job that Savers has noticed you! You are one of the few bloggers I follow that showcase careful purchases (not hauls with duplicates of each item) and are unabashed about thrift purchases.

    Great job as always… I can't wait to try it out. I'm tackling my hemming job now.

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  27. Amber @ EasyPetiteLooks.com wrote:

    ferragamo shoes are so classic. i agree, they're better for a more narrow foot. my feet really swell up during a day full of standing, so i think i need flats with support, but a little more give. and that skirt is not too short! we could probably all use a little extra toning, lol. it looks lovely tho!

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  28. Anonymous wrote:

    Did you get the flats resoled? I've noticed that Boston's sidewalks tend to wear down leather soled flats as well.

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  29. Choochoo Li wrote:

    Adorable outfit! Love the colors!! So envious of your DIY skills! I think the skirt length is perfect for a fun and casual outfit like this one.

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  30. Anonymous wrote:

    Amazing! I initially started reading your blog for the awesome picks and reviews at various petite friendly stores and have stayed for your awesome DIY skills! Love that your blog is such a cultivated mix of high and low end clothes – you're an inspiration to all!!!

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  31. Anonymous wrote:

    I love them! Did you find them on sale somewhere or did you fork up full price for them?

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  32. Annick wrote:

    I found the cutest Banana Republic wool mini-skirt at Value Village the other day. And a gorgeous gold bangle! Love that place!

    Bold Subtlety

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  33. phiphis blog wrote:

    you're so right about the break in period. it is disappointing for that price point that they are so painful out of the box. my suede ones were not as bad but i'm scared to even try breaking in the patent pair.

    i love how your skirt turned out. inspiring!! xo

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  34. Petite Hues wrote:

    Wow, I love how you just revamped a thrifted skirt, how did you manage to do the scalloped edges though? Did you make your own pattern or use stencils?

    – Christine

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  35. Shira wrote:

    Love anything scalloped-cannot believe it's DIY!!!

    http://sequinsandpolkadots.blogspot.com/

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  36. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi there – these are navy.

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  37. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thanks! I took a 5 in these.

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  38. FashionEdible wrote:

    Nice job on that skirt! And that dress is beautiful; I almost like it more as a top!

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  39. ann wood wrote:

    What a great outfit, love the detail on the bottom of your skirt!

    blue hue wonderland

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  40. Anonymous wrote:

    Are those varinas black or navy?

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  41. Fiona Marley wrote:

    I love the skirt, am going to have to try this myself. 🙂 Looking forward to the tutorial. 🙂

    raindropsanddiamonds.blogspot.co.uk

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  42. farah wrote:

    What a gorgeous outfit! I particularly love the flats and the DIY skirt. Very creative and inspiring (:

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  43. Charlotte Moulet wrote:

    Very chic! I love your printed blouse!

    fashionfixeshearts.blogspot.com

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  44. Bára Rektorová wrote:

    Wow, love it! It is very chic and different look!

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  45. kcomekarolina wrote:

    great look!

    xoxo from rome
    K.
    kcomekarolina.com

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  46. Deepali Suryawanshi wrote:

    Great scallop skirt! Cool outfit!
    magnefiestaofmumbai.blogspot.in

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  47. Michelle wrote:

    The hem length came out nice. The red, white, and blue reminds me of Cee. 🙂

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  48. Peggy wrote:

    super cute! love those shoes!!

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  49. Brittney wrote:

    I've definitely had a DIY gone wrong (I was trying to turn a maxi skirt into a mini, but before I knew it, I had a belt!) I love scalloped details and just might end up doing this to one of my old skirts to give it a new look.

    Brittney

    anotherbeautifulthing.blogspot.com

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply
  50. Felicia Tan wrote:

    The Varina flats are gorgeous! What size do you wear?

    Posted 5.6.13 Reply

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