Back to classics: gingham + flared skirt

black gingham 1Painted Threads skirt sz XS, Crewcuts gingham shirt (similar in petites)
Burberry bucket bag (more colors), Kate Spade pumps (older color), H&M; girls jacket

We’re still full of smiles from your sweet comments and personal anecdotes – thanks so much to both frequent and rare commenters alike for the messages on my last post. I’m a little behind on blogging this month but have been eager to share about this skirt. I’ll note right off the bat that the material is not high-quality and the construction is simple, but I love the (alterations-free!) fit, comfort, and classic silhouette. The flare isn’t so full that it overwhelms petite figures, and the longer length is demure without being truncating. Please see the end of this post for measurements and other details.
black gingham 6
As part of a collaboration with Burberry at Nordstorm, I also wanted to share my pick from their spring line of handbags. They have a wide offering of colorful leather options in addition to signature nova check. I was drawn to this more casual Susanna bucket tote in an earthy canvas. The style has the classic color scheme of the brand (neutral, black, white + pop of red) in a more updated pattern, with a number of convertible features that I look for in handbags.
black gingham 3The top handle is made of thick leather and can either be hand-held, or fits on the crook of the arm or possibly (6.5″ drop) over the shoulder. There’s a detachable and adjustable longer leather strap, which can be slung on the shoulder or worn cross-body style for an even more casual look.
black gingham 4
A detachable (via snap buttons) zippered pouch with pockets keeps valuables secure, and makes transferring essential items easy when changing purses. I want to note that the bag material itself is a “rugged” canvas with no lining – which would’ve been nice to have as an extra layer for durability. The base of the bag is a thick leather with metal protective feet.
black gingham 5
Bag details: Leather base is 7 3/4″ wide x 10″ long. The opening of the bag is about 11″ across the top with a bridge clip closure, but slouches inward like a hobo when carried so the top becomes half as narrow across. Bag height is 12 3/4″ tall. Longer strap at first and last holes is 18″ to 20.” There actually is a smaller version available which I tried on in-person, but preferred the features of the medium. The long strap on the mini is harder to shorten, and the inner pouch didn’t seem to be removable.

Skirt details: Fully elastic waist (skirt seam down the back center) in XS measures 11″ across when lying flat and unstretched. Waist stretches to about 16.5” across max – please compare to your hip measurement, as there is no zipper so it is slip-on style. On me it was snug going over my hips, and sits comfortably at my natural waist. Length is 21″ which hits me as shown with no hemming needed. Material is 92% poly, 8% spandex with a slight sheen, made in the USA. I like this one so much I ordered the white to try, and am interested in seeing how the material looks in that color.  

This post was in collaboration with Burberry at Nordstrom.
When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

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63 Comments

  1. Jean wrote:

    THank you so much for your sweet message!

    Posted 5.13.14 Reply
  2. Jean wrote:

    Thank you Sandra! I appreciate your first time comment : )

    Posted 5.13.14 Reply
  3. Jean wrote:

    Thank you! I certainly will be checking back and will post an update if it's restocked.

    Posted 5.13.14 Reply
  4. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – it's a size 11-12 with the sleeves taken in slightly in width.

    Posted 5.13.14 Reply
  5. Jean wrote:

    Hi Lisa – yes I've tried both and would say they both run big and are built for taller figures.

    Posted 5.13.14 Reply
  6. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – I think the length and color are conservative, and I see plenty of women in the workplace wearing A-line dresses so personally don't see this to be a problem for business casual. I wear this to work, but wouldn't do so for business formal clients.

    Posted 5.13.14 Reply
  7. Jean wrote:

    Thank you, Graciela! Nick took these photos. I use a remote for indoor shots.

    Posted 5.13.14 Reply
  8. Jean wrote:

    Thank you! Before settling on bronze I also loved the look of a wine color, a bright red, caramel brown, or even a bright blue suede (b/c the black, white, and browns are all neutrals).

    Posted 5.13.14 Reply
  9. Jean wrote:

    Hi Sam – ah yes I did forget to update the info! We use a Canon 6D and 50mm 1.4 lens : )

    Posted 5.13.14 Reply
  10. Jean wrote:

    Joanne – I agree the darker bronze color is harder to find : / I will post if I ever come across a closer shade than the current gold that Banana Republic and Kate Spade (in the licorice too style) have out.

    Posted 5.13.14 Reply
  11. Anonymous wrote:

    hi Jean, you look lovely! you engagement/proposal is the sweetest I have ever seen! The skirt looks very elegant and proportional. I wanted to order XS too in both color but that size is gone!!! please alert when the size pop back since you are in collaboration with Nordstrom. thanks Jean

    Posted 5.12.14 Reply
  12. Anonymous wrote:

    Hey Jean, I was wondering, what size do you wear in the girls H&M; jean jacket?

    Posted 5.12.14 Reply
  13. Giovanna wrote:

    Cute look! Loving that skirt and your bag!

    xx
    Giovanna
    http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com

    Posted 5.12.14 Reply
  14. Philippa wrote:

    I really love this. I would never have thought of pairing those pumps with the black and white, but they make it perfect! Very inspiring.

    Posted 5.12.14 Reply
  15. Roberta Zollino wrote:

    lovely skirt 🙂
    visit my blog http://www.robyzlfashionblog.com

    Posted 5.12.14 Reply
  16. Sandra wrote:

    Really nice !
    I come here for a long time, but I never comment (shame shame..). Congratulations for your engagement and your new house. This is a beautiful story 🙂

    Posted 5.12.14 Reply
  17. Maya Schuller wrote:

    Gorgeous!! I love gingham. Congrats on the engagement!!

    http://thecoralcameo.blogspot.com/

    Posted 5.12.14 Reply
  18. Jessy T wrote:

    This is such a cute look for spring! I never thought I'd be into such an "in your face" plaid print as a handbag, but this isn't too bad. Perfect for casual outings.

    jessydust.com

    Posted 5.11.14 Reply
  19. Jenn @ hello, rigby! wrote:

    love the skirt! looks like the perfect length and i can't believe what a steal it is. definitely going to pick one up!

    Posted 5.11.14 Reply
  20. lisa wrote:

    Hi Jean,

    lovely combination! btw, I was wondering, have you heard of Zara or Mango? I am similar to your size and was wondering how their sizes run.

    Posted 5.11.14 Reply
  21. Orange You Classy wrote:

    love your gingham shirt! and congratulations!!

    xo, Liz
    http://oyouclassy.com
    http://oyouclassy.com

    Posted 5.10.14 Reply
  22. Anonymous wrote:

    Wishing you and Nick congratulations on your engagement! You deserve the many blessings in your life as you've always shown style and grace.

    Posted 5.10.14 Reply
  23. A Petite Treat wrote:

    love the gingham shirt, this is such an awesome look!

    Jenn
    A Petite Treat

    Posted 5.10.14 Reply
  24. YULISTARI and KUSTARI wrote:

    Love every post you wrote <3

    http://www.yulistariandkustari.blogspot.com

    Posted 5.10.14 Reply
  25. Dahlia wrote:

    Great outfit dear, you look so good on ti!

    Dahlia
    http://xlelamaa.blogspot.fi/

    Posted 5.10.14 Reply
  26. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean, is the skirt appropriate for business casual? I'm an auditor. Thanks!

    Posted 5.10.14 Reply
  27. Miss Hot Couture wrote:

    I love everything about this outfit. I even love the background! 🙂

    http://www.misshotcouture.blogspot.com

    Posted 5.10.14 Reply
  28. Graciela wrote:

    Jean I hope you get the time to answer my question, do you take your own pictures using a remote or do you have Nick take them? They are beautiful.
    Graciela
    http://www.graciellabredehoeft.etsy.com

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  29. Anonymous wrote:

    I love your outfit! What other shoes would you pair with this outfit?

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  30. koge wrote:

    I'm in love with the bag!!

    feliciasadeli.wordpress.com

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  31. Patrícia M. wrote:

    I'm so completely loving that gingham shirt, so much versatility and cuteness at one piece!

    <3
    http://zazzish.blogspot.pt/

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  32. rodelma lopez wrote:

    you always make them so good and beautiful, an inspiration

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  33. Sam Cole wrote:

    Such a pretty look and that bag is very nice. Nick is great with taking your pictures as well. Do you still used the same lens or have you guys updated since then? Care to share with us.

    xo
    Sam
    http://fabulouspetite.blospot.com

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  34. FW wrote:

    Congratulations on your engagement! I hope you'll share some wedding related posts with us. I loved planning my own wedding and hope you do too.

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  35. Berty Morales wrote:

    What a gorgeous look, also in love with those shoes!

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  36. Joanne Ko wrote:

    Hi Jean, I cannot for the life of me find a pair of bronze pumps similar to yours. Any tips / pointers to the right direction is appreciated. Thanks!

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  37. Kelly F wrote:

    Gorgeous! I love everything about this outfit as well as the fun addition of the gold metallic heels!

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  38. Courtney Dunsmore wrote:

    Gorgeous outfit! I love the denim jacket with this look(:
    aswestumblealong.com

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  39. AlexisB wrote:

    That skirt is perfect! I just ordered it. I hope it works for me.

    Nice choice on the bag. I like the subtlety of the print.

    I'm enjoying the new look of your blog.

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  40. amy wrote:

    I am a silent follower of your blog. I'm also a petite like you and also an Asian. Love the new look of your blog.
    <3 Amy

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  41. Chrissabella wrote:

    Such a cute look, love the midi skirt and gingham shirt!

    chrissabella.blogspot.com

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  42. Choochoo Li wrote:

    Love this look, so effortless and chic. I bought a similar midi skirt with pleats from forever 21 a few weeks ago and have been dying to wear it, (Canadian spring this year has been way too cold!) love the idea of pairing it w gingham!

    Choo Choo
    http://www.choochooli.blogspot.com

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  43. Mei Fleming wrote:

    Very ladylike look! Love the metallic shoes.

    http://www.eyelikefashion.com

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  44. Window On My Wardrobe wrote:

    Wat a great look! I absolutely love that shirt

    X Sara

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  45. Julie wrote:

    Very cute! I love that Burberry bucket bag, and the shape of the skirt!

    Style by Joules

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  46. Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/) wrote:

    This is such a cute outfit, I love it.

    xo
    PinkSole

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  47. Kelly wrote:

    You and a few other bloggers have made me fall in love with gingham! Curses…more things to buy, I guess.

    I also wanted to emerge from my lurk-dom to wish you and Nick a hearty congratulations! I have been following your work for a while, and I can genuinely say I'm excited for the two of you. I was just married last summer, so I can say with confidence that you're in for a wonderful ride. Congrats again!

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  48. Suzie Q wrote:

    Such a pretty look! I love the gingham shirt dressed up with the skirt and heels! Love the backdrop of these photos!

    Suzie Q
    http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  49. Dressed with soul wrote:

    You look simply wonderful! I wear also a midi skirt in my actual outfit but I have to admit you look much better <3

    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena

    http://www.dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply
  50. Colleen wrote:

    I love this look! The gold shoes are such a nice pop of color

    Posted 5.9.14 Reply

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