This is one of my absolute favorite times of the year, when the streets of Boston are decked out in holiday cheer (and unseasonably warm weather which I’m not complaining about!). I’m wearing this exact outfit later today to a friend’s quirky holiday party, for which I thought a retro-inspired pairing would be more apt than something glitzy. Both my top & skirt are from Modcloth and run narrow in my opinion; I’m wearing XS in each with no alterations. **I’ve seen them offer this skirt for several years now, so if your particular size is sold out, sign up for the waitlist and I’m sure there’s a good chance of a re-stock.
If you haven’t shopped Modcloth before, a few of my other petite-friendly favorites that I bring out season after season include the Stripe it Lucky skirt (see on me here or here) and the Dream of the Crop cardigan (see on me here or here). I take a size S in both of those. The cropped cardigan comes in lots of colors, and is the perfect basic for styling with dresses and higher-waisted skirts when you don’t want to lose your waistline.
These photos were snapped at charming Farm & Fable again, owned by one of my sweet neighbors (who is getting married today! Congrats, Abby!). I’ve been to many a festive gatherings there and Nick is eagerly awaiting their next cooking class. If you’re visiting this corner of the South End, be sure to also pop into Polka Dog bakery aka dog heaven for canine gifts, as well as Formaggio for some cheese to feast on back home.
“I clink, therefore I am” glasses
If you’re shopping for others on your list, I’ve pulled together a few of my favorite little gifts, each under $30! The jewelry stand looks very functional, and those peas in a pod shakers…I die. What I really wonder though when I’m browsing Modcloth is who their copywriter is, coming up with these catchy names for each item.
The design of this top takes a simple tee and elevates it with a demure off-shoulder neckline, while still providing arm coverage. It’s made of a very stretchy 95% cotton, 5% spandex. When un-stretched and lying flat, an XS tee measures “14 across the armpits and about 18.5″ in length. Skirt does not have stretch and is unlined with a concealed back zipper and side pockets. An XS measures 12″ across the waist and 27” long.
This didn’t translate in the photos, but the fan pattern on the skirt is a raised velvet which looks and feels luxe. I was thinking of getting the skirt hemmed, but Nick and friends voted to keep it at tea length for a look different from what I usually wear. I still might get it shortened closer to the knees though to be more flattering with lower shoes.
And in the holiday spirit, I’m giving away a $200 gift card towards anything at Modcloth! Simply enter via the Rafflecopter form below before Wednesday, December 16th 2015. Giveaway is open to those over 18 years of age and have a mailing address in a country that Modcloth ships to (see full list here). One entry per household, please!
Thank you to Modcloth for partnering on this post.
Thank You Jean! Your nails always looks fabulous! 🙂
I love the skirt!
http://www.annawangillustration.com/
Thanks! Yes I did one here https://www.extrapetite.com/2015/06/easy-formal-hairstyle-tutorials-from.html
Thanks! Nordstrom is the only place I know of currently which I trust, shopping experience-wise. I have heard Shoes of Prey as well as Pretty Small Shoes but those are international brands and I have heard about people having mixed experiences ordering from the US.
Hi Helen! I would suggest starting with the very basics and making sure you have ones that fit you perfectly. Get alterations if necessary since you can wear those over and over again for a long time. I'm not sure about your work environment, but for me my most worn pieces were a basic dark blazer (navy or gray), a pencil skirt in a coordinating color, slim ankle pants, a pair of dark skinny jeans for casual Fridays, and then a variety of drapey blouses. From there you can then build out slowly by adding dresses, sweaters, etc and more of the core basics just in varying colors, prints, and textures.
Hi D ~ thank you! Yes I usually do my own nails. My biggest tip is to buy a bottle of Seche Vite topcoat, available at Target or drugstores like CVS. I apply 2-3 coats of polish and then before the last coat dries, I add a coat of Seche Vite over it and it somehow smooths out any uneven streaks plus allows it to dry super fast and smudge-free.
Thanks! I'm wearing a regular strapless bra (mine is the little bra company Sascha)
I love the green skirt! You pull it off so well. 🙂
I have long coveted that exact skirt that you're wearing! I love it paired with that Bardot top. Lovely!
Lifestyle by Joules
Your green skirt is very eye-catching. I've always been a fan of retro/vintage styles and I would agree with others to keep it at tea length. It's also cool that it has pockets, so useful!
Hi Jean,
Thank you so much for posting your ModCloth X-mas picks! My friend will be really happy with the peas in a pod salt shaker =] I also found some periodic table salt and pepper shakers that my nerdier friends in medical school will love.
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/tabletop/elemental-my-dear-shaker-set
I also agree with others that you should keep it at tea length. It looks so classy! Especially with that top and side ponytail. What a great holiday look! I'm really tempted to buy that skirt since green is my favorite color. A few questions, what lipstick are you using? I've been trying to find a red that really pops with my asian skin tone. And does that shirt stay snug on your shoulders? I really hate off the shoulder looks that I have to consistently pull up throughout the day due to sliding.
Thanks!
-Serena
Love your hair, is there a tutorial?
Love this look. I also agree with others on keeping the tea length
Your blog is lovely–I look forward to your posts. I have a random question–do you know where to purchase shoes in size 4? Nordrom, Cinderella of Boston and Naturalizer are the only places I know of.
I really like this tunic http://www.modcloth.com/shop/basic-tops/browsing-for-a-bite-tunic
I am in love with this dress! http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/swift-sophisticate-dress
Thanks for pointing out some petite-friendly items on Modcloth. I've always thought their styles were a bit retro and sized more traditionally American, but you picked out some fantastic pieces. Definitely worth giving a look in the future!
I'd get the Rest Stop and Smell The Roses dress and a pair of Stride for Success booties 🙂
This green midi skirt is amazing. Love the outfit!
xx
How cute and elegant. Must try longer skirts, too. Hugs, –Anu
You look amazing! Wish those skirts looked amazing on me.
You look gorgeous as alway, Jean! Loooooove the green skirt! Thank you for all the work you do! You are such an inspiration to all of us! Love your pic but also I enjoy very much to read your posts! Thank you! Thank you! (Fernanda)
Love your skirt<3
Shall We Sasa
Love this look! Classy & retro. Plus it's a great length on you.
I think the length of the skirt is perfect the way it is! It looks very retro and elegant, I think if you shortened it, it would drastically change the feel of the skirt. I never would have thought to style that top that way. It looks a bit dated on ModCloth but on you, it looks so youthful!
How To Be More Like Lauren
I was wondering if you could talk a bit about how you grew your wardrobe, especially how you did it in the beginning as a young professional out of college.
-Helen
This midi skirt is perfect! Love this retro look on you, very classy and pretty!Have a lovely weekend, Jean!
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
Stunning outfit!
http://www.silkypearl.com/
I absolutely adore ModCloth! They have so many things that I would love to have in my life. I especially love this weekender bag – http://www.modcloth.com/shop/totes-backpacks/clever-endeavor-weekend-bag
For an A-line skirt with flare this size, I would keep it at this length though. It gives you a nice winter cozy look while elongates the lower body with your black sandals. And I agree with Nick and your friends – you have too many knee-high skirts, it doesn't hurt to have something different, right? 🙂
Julia || Closet de Jules || Recent Post – J.Crew Icon Trench Coat
What a beautiful holiday look! I've seen that skirt many times but it's looked so enticing.
That skirt is so pretty!
http://thegirlfromconnecticut.blogspot.com/
You look stunning.
Kisses from http://www.poshnessary.com ❤
I'd love to get the Toasty Transit Coat in Forest Green! 🙂
Beautiful green skirt perfect for Christmas http://www.kblossoms.etsy.com
Modcloth is one of my favorite places to shop! They have unique stuff that goes well with so much.
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Thank you for doing this giveaway! Love your blog.
Gorgeous! I think this look is so classic and elegant Jean. I usually end up getting skirts this length hemmed to just below the knee so I can wear it more casually but you really pull off this longer length well too!
XO
Joyce
http://www.teawithmd.com
A doctor's guide to health & beauty!
I like the length!
shorten!
That skirt is very pretty! I personally agree with Nick and your friends and think you should keep it at tea length. It looks very elegant that way!
-Helen
Sweet Helen Grace
Love the retro outfit Jean! (wish I can pull it off. :]) I like where the length of the dress falls now. I've always wanted to ask you…do you do your own nails? Do you have any tips on getting it done? My biggest downfall is smudging. 🙁
You are right, the weather has been incredible. 🙂 Merry Christmas!
D
I love this look on you! Out of curiosity, what type of bra are you wearing with this top?
I love ModCLoth — they have so many unique items. I'd probably get the Not a Hare Out of Place tights — I've been admiring them for a while but haven't yet ordered them since they're a bit of a splurge for something I wouldn't wear too often!