I love browsing thrift stores for quality pieces from the past. I came across this skirt many months ago and had to wait patiently for Christmas season. It’s one of my most special finds – made by a Boston label circa 1950’s, beautiful craftsmanship and quality wool, plus fit perfectly without any alterations. And did I mention it was $2? You can sign up for emails from Savers / Value Village to know about 50% off clothing days, which may help offset the costs of dry cleaning and potential tailoring. It was also during one of these sales when I found this beloved Lauren by Ralph Lauren silk blouse for a steal (read about alterations here).
I’ve shown many holiday outfits suitable for cocktail attire, but this one is perfect for a more cozy gathering (photos were snapped while at our friends’ lovely home) or possibly the office. To keep the ensemble from being too old-fashioned, I added a pair of heels with a more modern silhouette. I used to own a vintage pair in this color, but to my dismay, the heels broke off and crumbled beyond repair – perhaps due to age?
In the realm of classic pumps, Manolo Blahnik hit the nail on the head with his BB design. They have a narrow fit with clean, sleek lines and show just a bit of toe cleavage. I’ve been eying the style for ages and finally ordered during Nordstrom’s first designer pump markdown – last year’s experience taught me sale BB’s go fast. The sales associate I spoke to was helpful in searching store inventory for sizes not available online.
A note on sizing – my only other pair of pumps by this brand are a 34.5 and not snug (I typically wear a 5 to 5.5), so I went with the same size for these. They run noticeably smaller than the Lisane bows, so a 35 would’ve probably been ideal for me. I would recommend going with your usual size to at most half a size down. As with the bow pumps, I noticed these are marked hand made in Italy with leather upper, soles and lining. Here’s a few other MB styles at Nordstrom that I love:
Wishing each of you happy holidays with your loved ones! Thank you, as always, for stopping by!
Hey Jean — Re: your Manolos, are those the 105mm or the 115mm? They look stunning on you and I'm trying to decide which heel to go with. Thank you!
How do you keep your shirts tucked in so neatly with no bulging?
The school teacher look is ok and I think men are attracted to the look. Be comfortable and enjoy the look. I love wearing my winter white legacy silk blouse from ann taylor with my grey skirt. I get so many compliments.
Obsessed with this skirt!
Beautiful blog!!!!! Would die for all your clothes!
Happy New Year!
Whitney
The Retail Therapist
Hi Nhi – thank you so much! Mine is a gift from a friend but you can search eBay for akoya rope pearls (I think mine are 10mm wide) for good prices, or you can find faux pearls in a similar style like here: http://www.amazon.com/Carolee-Pearl-Basics-Simulated-Necklace/dp/B003ZUZ24G
Hi Jean, I've been a longtime reader and I lover your style. I this post, I love your necklace verymuch, can you show me where I can buy the necklcae like yours? Tks you!
Thank you for your kind words! I applaud your approach to shopping wishlist items and will definitely be popping in to read about your progress. Fran's blog is one of my favorites as well and I especially loved all the budget posts!
Hi there – I did gradually work up to this heel height starting well over ten years ago…but I have to say that if it's not comfortable for you, then there's absolutely no need to be wearing sky high heels! I don't particularly think it's good for smaller feet to be propped up at such an angle for prolonged periods of time, so I switch up my heels every day by commuting in flats. A modest or chunky heeled pump can be very flattering and more practical for running around in comfortably. Good luck!
Thank you for stopping by and saying hello, Carmen! I checked out your lovely blog and hope you had a merry CHristmas as well.
Carla is right in that it's mostly button placement – this shirt gaps like crazy on me but it's nothing a little double-sided fashion tape can't fix! I use it every time for this blouse.
Hi Suzie, I dont think most heels that high are particularly "comfortable" but in the realm of pointy, 4 inch high pumps they are not bad. A thicker, chunkier heel would always add more balance and sturdiness, though.
Aw, thank you for your kind comment! Hope you had a wonderful holiday (if you celebrate!)
Hi Sara! I think it's easier to look like a schoolteacher with a long length skirt and button up blouse (although that's what I have done here), so I'd suggest pairing it with something more fitted and modern up top. If your grey skirt is solid, maybe try a fitted knit top in a more fun print or pattern, making sure to tuck it in to emphasize your waistline. The length is also important – if you feel at or below the knee overwhelms you and gives it the too mature look, maybe try hemming to just above the knee. Good luck experimenting!
I've been a long time reader and I love your style! I was inspired to finally build an adult wardrobe for myself that fits well and is versatile after seeing how possible it is. Keep up the amazing and inspiring work! I'm hoping to chronicle my progress to building a wardrobe of some strong well made basics that will last for years at http://www.shoppingthelist.blogspot.com
I love your outfit! It has a great Christmasy feel. You look so elegant! It gives me hope that I too as a 4'10 petite can look elegant too without looking young haha.
vessipetite.blogspot.com
What a beautiful post!!!!! I really love all the pictures!!!! Beautiful everywhere!!!! Congratulations Extra petite!!!! and Merry Christmas from Spain for you and all your readers!!!!
http://beatrizemoreno.blogspot.com.es
What a classy holiday look which can go anywhere!
NEW OUTFIT:: DOTS & STRIPES
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xoxo
Great pairing with that skirt and great find!!
I love good economical vintage finds. It's like finding a secret gem.
http://theinternetandtheunicorn.blogspot.com/
Lovely photos ! Great post <3 :)
ℓα ℒιcσrηe – ℒa vie est ℓa petite ℓicorne.
Jean, I love your blog. I have a question – I wear a 5.5-6, and I cannot walk in 4 inch heels. How do you do it? Did you gradually work up to that heel height? I've even looked at youtube for tutorials (lol) but I still can't get the hang of it. I sort of thought it would be impossible for women with small feet, until I saw your post here. Any tips? thanks!
Hello Jean,
I found your blog when browsing Bloglovin earlier today and I really love it! You appear to be a real sweetheart and I both like your style and the pictures over here. I love shootings next to the Christmas tree so I was really amazed by this post.
I´m really looking forward to reading more posts over here and I wish you and your family a very merry Chritsmas 🙂
xx
Wow what a great and festive christmas tree!
Love your outfit!!
Love reds for Christmas and this is just the perfect look! You look stunning as always!
For me it´s the same, I own a similar skirt and I feel exactly like a school teacher and not as elegant like you look! I would be also really thankful for style tips. Thanks a lot in advance.
Merry Christmas!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de
How absolutely elegant and in the mood for Christmas!
<3
http://zazzish.blogspot.pt/
It's button placement that's most important. If there's a button above and below your breasts and not in the middle, you'll get that cleavage gap.
Such a lovely outfit! Absolutely love that skirt! Looks amazing on you!
http://www.hiteastyle.com
Love so much your outfit and pics!!!! <3
The Christmas tree is beautiful!!!
Le monde des petites
http://www.lemondedespetites.com/
Wow, you always find great stuff at the thrift store! I saw a plaid wool skirt today but it was a pencil skirt and very dowdy, it had a pleat in the front so I let it go. I love it that you are adding more thrift items to your posts, I am all about recycling, saving more clothes from landfill. Merry Christmas to you!
Love the outfit. I find my silk shirt pulls along the chest line and leave the embarrassing gap. Should I get a larger size shirt? Will look for the skirt.
The last photo looks like the perfect christmas card 🙂 The skirt looks amazing on you!
xo
Maggie A
LOVEMAVIN.COM // HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY
I'm in love with your entire outfit from head to toe! Such an amazing find with the skirt and it's perfect for the holiday season. I absolutely adore the look of the BB's side profile, they're on my list 🙂 Are they comfortable? I find that my feet hurt after standing/walking for a while in shoes with thin heel width in particular.
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
The longer-length skirt is refreshing! It absolutely makes the perfect holiday outfit! Have a great Christmas! and may you continue to inspire many many more great outfits in the new year 🙂
Score! What a chic thrift find.
http://www.designers-artists.com
I love the tinsel on your friend's tree! Reminds me of how we used to decorate ours as kids. But that would never happen these days…our cats would go nuts!
That skirt also brings back memories…reminds me of an unfinished project that my mom had. Really pretty pairings…especially those gorgeous shoes!
Always so classy, Jean! I love your outfit from head to toe, and that last photo is perfection 🙂
Hi Jean. I just love your blog.
I have a question.
I have a look a like skirt in grey but everytime I try to wear it, it makes me feel like a school teacher. How would you style it for a nice outfit? Thanks