Archive for August, 2009

Aug

PROJECT RUNWAY’S PETITE FRIENDLY JUDGE

I am a huge fan of Project Runway and thrilled to see it back. Who doesn’t love Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia certainly has lots of style, but my favorite judge is Michael Kors because he designs one of my favorite lines. I especially love him because he offers his line in petite sizes.

Since Michael Kors is actually a designer himself, he pays attention to details and can envision how real women can wear (or not wear) the runway looks. Last week when he told Ari her dress looked like a disco soccer ball, I thought to myself – what a perfect description!

You can find Michael Kors petite line at Macy’s in sizes 2-14P and PXS-PL. Favorite early fall styles include a black wide leg pant in poly/rayon and animal print tops with interesting sleeve treatments.

In fashion, one day you’re in and the next day you’re out. Let’s all hope that ”for petite sake,” Michael Kors stays in for a very long time.

Featured Top: Michael Kors snake print elbow sleeve top $69.50 paints strong vertical lines on the petite figure. Available at www.macys.com.

Posted by: Kim at 9:57 am No Comments » | Topic: Designers

Aug

THE TOP 5 PETITE FASHION MYTHS

1. PETITE MEANS TINY. Petite sizing is based on height, not weight. Actually, only 8% of all petite women weigh 100 pounds or less.

2. PETITE WOMEN CAN EASILY SHOP IN THE CHILDREN’S OR JUNIOR DEPARTMENT. Wrong. Children’s clothing and junior styles are not designed for most figure shapes. Real women have curves. There aren’t many pear or hourglass shaped kids out there.

3. HEMMING A GARMENT PURCHASED IN REGULAR SIZES WILL GIVE A PETITE WOMAN A GOOD FIT. Since the petite body frame is shorter, petite garments are cut in totally different proportions from regular sizes and are not just shortened versions.

4. PETITE WOMEN SHOULD WEAR HIGH HEELS AT ALL TIMES. It is true that heels add height and can make your legs look shapely. But… teetering on stilettos often throws petite proportion off and can also lead to serious injury.

5. PETITE WOMEN SHOULD ALWAYS TRY TO LOOK TALLER. Embrace your short stature. If you are 5’ tall, there is no way to look 5’8” tall. The key is dressing with confidence and style and avoiding looks that make you appear shorter than you really are.

Posted by: Kim at 3:25 pm No Comments » | Topic: Fashion Tips

Aug

IT’S A TWITTER WORLD

To tweet or not to tweet??? That is the question. After much hemming and hawing, I have decided to give tweeting a try. My friend Dwain, who is also a respected business coach, tells me you need to tweet if you’ve got a book to promote (www.thepetitehandbook.com). I’ve only been at it for three days, but it’s really kind of fun. I just need to get some followers. So follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/mypetitetweet and get a petite fashion tip or fact every single day.

Posted by: Kim at 1:25 pm No Comments » | Topic: General

Aug

THE PERFECT PETITE JEANS

If you have flipped through fashion magazines or been out shopping lately, you will find that denim is the hottest thing going for Fall. This is definitely a “sign of the times” because a denim jean is the most versatile item you can own. Dress it up. Dress it down. I’m especially thrilled to finally find a great selection of denim being offered in petite sizes. Last week, roughly half of the Petite Department at the local Nordstrom featured denim jeans and updated tops. Listed below are a few tips to help you shop for jeans that will flatter your petite proportions.

Jag jeans

For the Pear Shaped Petite:

Boot cut or flared leg jeans in a darker shade of denim will balance fuller hips with narrow shoulders. “Relaxed Fit” jeans offer a roomier cut in the hips and thighs.

For the Inverted Pear Shaped Petite:

Skinny or straight leg jeans often flatter petite women who are “busty” on top but slimmer in the hips and rear end.

For the Hourglass Shaped Petite:

Jeans that fit the hips are usually huge in the waist. Styles with a low rise or a curved waistband are more likely to fit both areas.

For the Circular Shaped Petite:

To flatten and control a fuller middle section, look for jeans that feature a hidden Lycra tummy panel.

Posted by: Kim at 2:29 pm No Comments » | Topic: Fashion Tips