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!
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.
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.
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.
With patent shoes, try wearing a big thick pair of socks with the flats, and give a blow dry with a hair dryer for 5-10 minutes. It'll shape it yo your feet perfectly!
I love your red coat in one of the pictures, Jean. May I know where you got it from? Thanks 🙂
Love the design and it suits you. yeah I am so out of my patience now, waiting for your tutorial.
The scalloped hemline is darling. I'm eager for your tutorial as well. 🙂
So lovely ! The skirt and the shirt are very beautiful. It's perfect !
http://www.une-petite-femme-a-marseille.com/
Wish we had a good thrift store by me in Jersey. There is a Plato's Closet and a Good Will nearby, but all the good thrift/vintage stores are in the city which isn't a far trek being a hour away, but wish we had something closer to me.
Love the scallop hem and your shoes too! That's awesome that you're able to make time to do sewing on your own despite your busy professional life.
xo Annie
http://inspiredbythesethoughts.blogspot.com
Thank you!
Hi Shin – I wear a size 5 and I'm a little under 5 feet tall
I always wear heels on casual Friday despite what my predominantly male colleagues say – you just need to be confident in whatever you wear (as long as it's not 'inappropriate,' of course) and people won't be making the little comments. I usually just don a dark skinny jean plus blazer or cropped tweed jacket (like the uniqueen ones) over a tee shirt, plus some jewelry. Sweater jackets or blazers (there's a cute one at BR now in navy) are also good. I don't like flats either due to feeling like a student and looking stumpier.
Thanks so much for sharing! I went to check them out online immediately. Very strange that they don't go down to A cups for the smaller band sizes…
Hi Shirley – it was just with repeated wear outside and bending/flexing them at the stiff points. I hear some ladies like to wear thick socks to break them in at home.
Hi An – I have not…the bottoms of the soles look interesting!
Tough call, I love the little extra height of the Vara but I think overall the Varina flats are more contemporary and youthful. THey look better from all angles, whereas sometimes I feel the Vara's might look stumpy from the side with the short heel. And complete flats are easier to walk long distances in.
Hi there – I'm using a Canon 6D
Yep, they are navy!
I have not – I will if they get too worn down but the wear and tear isn't too bad if you stay away from gravely/small stone patches that will really rough up leather. For a vintage pair that I own I got the heels resoled but left the ball of foot part as-is.
Thanks so much!
Peanut butter jar lid as a stencil!
Thanks! I did get them on sale – usually Ferragamos are included in friends & family promos (20-25% off) and also in Bloomingadles' shoe promos (20% off) that happen every other month or so. I stacked one of those sales with a coupon that they emailed to cardholders.
I just love the scallop skirt and the fact that you made it on your own. You have such amazing DIY skills!
Love your blog.
xo,
Christie
LOVE this scalloped skirt! You look very chic in this outfit.
sincerelysammie.com
WOW look very amagazing!!! Love your blog!
You look ah-mah-zing! That scalloped shirt is perfect on you.
Hope you're having a great week, lady!
-Hallie
http://coralsandcognacs.com
The scalloped skirt is beautiful! I saw a beautiful one at J.Crew…thought about making a dress. Great job.
Corporate Catwalk
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LOVE the scalloped skirt!! so cute!! X
dipped in yellow
Love those flats! So adorable. Not sure if the scalloped hem is for me or not, but it certainly adds some flare to this outfit. And it doesn't seem too short to me, at least not in these pics.
I seriously love your blog. I'm very petite and always look to your blog for some fun inspiration! Love it all, keep up the amazing fashion for us little ladies. 😉
http://theyogalifechicago.blogspot.com/
hey, jean
those flats are lovely. what size do you wear?
and how much is your height?? i am an Asian and i am just 4'11
Hey Jean, any suggestions on outfits for casual Friday at the office? I work on a floor full of men, and when I wear heels, I look too dressed up for 'casual' friday. Also the guys seem to point it out too. I want to style some outfits with flats or jeans, but then, I end up looking stumpy or too casual (like a student). I want to retain a professional look while still looking relatively casual. Help!