Archive for 2009

Dec

EXCESSORIZING

It is important for petite women to choose accessories that flatter rather than overpower their petite frame. The wrong accessories can throw an entire look off balance. That said, two current fashion trends are driving me crazy. Everywhere I go, I see petite “fashion victims.”

“IS THAT A CHANDELIER HANGING FROM YOUR EARLOBE?”

Petite women simply must keep proportion and scale in mind at all times. Without exception, earrings that graze your shoulder overwhelm you. Go for the same look on a smaller scale.

“YOUR HANDBAG IS BIGGER THAN YOU ARE.”

scan

Avoid a handbag as big as your body. Nobody has that much to carry, unless you are going away. In that case, you will need a suitcase and not a giant handbag.

Posted by: Kim at 6:39 pm No Comments » | Topic: Fashion Tips

Dec

DRESSING UP ON A BUDGET

Tis the season for holiday parties and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to look fabulous. Want to know how to put together a dressy petite wardrobe that is stylish, versatile, and affordable? When the occasion calls for dressing up, stretch your clothing budget by using the same mix and match strategies that work so well for career and casual clothes.

The first step is to invest in quality basics. Topping that list should be the Little Black Dress, the best dressy basic you can possibly own. The Little Black Dress never goes out of style and looks great on all petite shapes and sizes. Go for a classic style that can serve as a canvas for self-expression. The same Little Black Dress that you wear to a cocktail party with pearls and pumps looks just as good with chunky metal chains and suede boots for an office dinner.

You also need to invest in a really great pair of black pants in a dressy fabric like silk, velvet, rayon faille, or lightweight wool crepe. Choose a cut that flatters your petite figure shape.

Next, start collecting blouses, tops, and sweaters that change the look of your holiday basics. Start with a glittering sequin tank or metallic cardigan this year, and add new pieces each holiday season. Endless possibilities include a feminine lace blouse, ruffled tuxedo shirt, colorful silk tunic, lingerie-inspired bustier, jewel-studded sweater, or beaded jacket.

“Must have” accessories for a dressy wardrobe include a basic black pump, strappy sandals, a glitzy clutch or handbag, and pearls, diamonds, or dazzling gemstones (real or faux).

The formula is simple. Invest in quality basics like a Little Black Dress and dressy black pants that you can wear for seasons to come. Each year, add new petite tops and well-chosen accessories to give those basics new life. You will never complain that you “don’t have a thing to wear” again because of all the dressy options hanging right there in your closet. Save time, money, and celebrate the holidays in perfect petite style!!!

Posted by: Kim at 9:59 pm No Comments » | Topic: General

Nov

PETITE FASHION DON’TS

My personal fashion philosophy is that there is very little a petite woman cannot wear as long as she follows a few simple rules for putting outfits together. Order a copy of The Petite Handbook for my Top 10 Petite Tips www.thepetitehandbook.com. The list is short, but the following looks pretty much NEVER, EVER work on shorter women.

Border Print Skirts

The border pattern edging the hemline paints a horizontal line on the petite figure that is guaranteed to make you look shorter. Check out the 50% off racks at your favorite petite store to see how many border prints skirts have been marked down. There is a reason they are still hanging there.

Color Blocking

This fashion trend is not petite friendly. Blocks of color on the body chop the petite torso into sections that put visual emphasis on width, not length.

Thigh-high Boots

Simply stated, you need to be tall and skinny to wear thigh-high boots. It takes a lot of leg to pull this look off.

Ankle Strap Shoes

A sure way to make short legs look even shorter is to cut them off at the ankle with a strap.

Posted by: Kim at 7:33 pm No Comments » | Topic: Fashion Tips

Nov

STRETCH SHORT LEGS

Opaque and patterned tights are hot fashion trends in legwear this season. This is GREAT news for all petite women because one of the best ways to stretch short legs is by matching your hemline, your hosiery, and your shoes. A black suit or dress worn with black opaques and black pumps creates a long unbroken line of color from head-to-toe on the petite figure. Ditto for a chocolate brown sweater dress with brown opaques and brown boots. Ribbed tights paint vertical lines that automatically lengthen short legs. My personal favorite for both fit and selection is Hue hosiery, available at most major department stores. You can visit their website http://www.hue.com for details and store locations.

Posted by: Kim at 4:50 pm No Comments » | Topic: Fashion Tips, General