Want to stretch your clothing budget and dress to impress for a job interview or important business meeting?  The “Interview Kit” from Rafaella, a leading sportswear company that offers petite sizes, was recently featured in O, The Oprah Magazine.  The kit features a blazer, pencil skirt, tailored trousers, and two long sleeved ruched blouses.  Priced at $220, these well-suited pieces make great additions to any wardrobe.  The “Interview Kit” is available in select Petite Departments at Macy’s and Belk. 

All of the fall fashion magazines say that “Black is Back.”  Did it ever really leave?  I don’t think so.  Black is timeless.  Black is classic.  If in doubt, wear black. 

I have been a big fan of black since my “New York Years” when this 20-something Southern girl moved to the big city and learned very quickly why New Yorkers wear all black.  Black doesn’t show dirt or grime.  Since then, I have infused lots of color into my wardrobe but am still a huge believer in black basics – a pant, a skirt, a suit, a little black dress. 

Why do I love black?  Let me count the ways.  Black always looks right whether it’s a black tie occasion, a business meeting, or girl’s night out.  Black is always slimming.  It knocks pounds off every petite shape and size.  A black suit paired with an animal print or patterned top paints unbroken lines of color on the petite figure for the illusion of height.  For those of you who travel a lot, pack black.  It won’t show wrinkles and works with neutrals, brights, or pastels.  And nothing beats the little black dress for class and sophistication.    

So petite women, invest your clothing dollars wisely this fall and let black work its magic.  

Are you watching America’s Next Top Model?  This season was billed as the search for America’s next top petite model with the competition open only to contestants 5’7” or shorter.  I give Tyra Banks lots of credit for what she is trying to do which is open the doors of modeling agencies to shorter women.  However, I think she and her show are falling short. 

When the new season premiered, I was very hopeful that America’s Next Top Model would project a more positive image for petite women.  All I feel after watching the first 4 episodes is a total disconnect.  The modeling world’s concept of short and the real world’s concept of short are not the same.  Not even close.  I think that I speak for a majority of my petite counterparts when I say that I consider someone who stands 5’6” or 5’7” to be tall.  It may not seem tall to 5’10” Tyra, but it does to me and most petite women I know.  The show is certainly stretching the concept of petite.  Of the 14 semi-finalists, only two were 5’4” or shorter which is the fashion industry standard for petite, and 5’4” Courtney has already been cut.  Sundai at 5’3” is the only TRUE petite left in the competition.  She represents the Petite Sisterhood well but…  

 Once again, my theory is confirmed that Reality TV is totally out of touch with reality.