I love finding new ways to wear the same item – here’s my peplum top again (initially styled with pants in this post), worn here as a basic blouse. The peplum ruffle might be bulky under more fitted bottoms, but it tucks easily and comfortably into flared skirts. As mentioned before, this top is in regular sizing, so I shortened the shoulder straps a bit as shown here. This simple alteration effectively raises the waistline, shortens the length overall, closes the neckline gap, and makes the armholes fit better on a petite frame. 
Also you guys may remember this Dream of the Crop cardigan which I have in both navy and white. It’s a staple piece that you’ll want to reach for regularly – I throw them on over dresses or skirts, when I want a light layer that won’t make my waistline disappear. I am wearing size S but Modcloth recently restocked a host of new colors and added a new size XS!
There are several mixed reviews about this Living the Dream skirt, so I really wasn’t sure what to expect! I ended up loving it, but wanted to address some points raised by fellow shoppers. First of all, you do need to give it a good ironing out of the package. Use the steam function on your iron before each press to make this process quicker & easier. I saw some reviewers mention they don’t own an iron, and you definitely need one for this skirt (and in general, for life!). Afterwards I wore this for a full day and there was fairly minimal creasing – just a few on the lower back from prolonged sitting, which is not surprising for cotton.
Secondly, there are several comments about the lining causing the row of buttons to pucker up when you sit. I didn’t have this issue, but upon closer examination I can see how someone might. The lining is slightly narrower than the flared outer skirt, and it’s connected to the row of buttons on each side so that the skirt can fully un-button that way. So if the lining is a closer fit around your hips, it might tug upwards a bit when you sit down and cause the row of buttons to pull along with it. Based on the comments, it sounds like one solution is to partially detach the lining from the button area on each side.
Those concerns aside, I thought the skirt was adorable and very fair quality for the price point. It’s a versatile pleated style made of a bluish gray, cotton-blend fabric that feels like a cross between oxford and chambray. The fabric is of medium weight with a full lining, and the elasticized waist fit me well in size xs without any alterations. It also comes with a faux leather brown belt. Be sure to check out the item webpage, as there’s so many pictures of outfit ideas on there from other customers!
Nice 😉
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Beautiful skirt! I love how honest and comprehensive your reviews are!
Lifestyle by Joules
Such a gorgeous chambray skirt!
Diana | http://www.thechicdiary.com
This is such a pretty mix of colors and fabrics!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Such a gorgeous, feminine, and chic look!
http://asequinloveaffair.com
What a lovely outfit – so chic! x
http://theclassyworks.co.uk
Such a pretty girly look!
Wow such a demure and lady-like chic outfit, love it!
xx
Xin
http://xincerely.blogspot.com
I love this outfit! So gorgeous!
http://www.cutebrandik.com
That's such a cute skirt!
http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/
Super cute and simple. I love the whole look 🙂
I love the top!
The skirt too is so amazing.
You wear it perfectly with your amazing shapes!
Thanks for inspiring us.
http://www.elisanegro.com
cheers
Beautiful look! Very elegant.
http://www.faraloo.com
Simply a sweet and beautiful look. 🙂
La Bijoux Bella | by mia
That top is cute, too! Your cardigan seems like a solid staple.
Jen | affecionada
What a lovely and lady-like outfit! I'm in love♥
http://www.pamelayaquelin.com
This is such a cute outfit!
I adore this skirt!! How sophisticated and elegant you look! x
http://www.flareaforte.com
Beautiful look! Great location!
Jill
Jill D Blog
Your chambray skirt is extremely lovely and I love how you have styled the look!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Love this simple, elegant, and feminine look! Thanks for sharing!