I always hear women say "oh I can't wait that again, I wore it the first time". This is a trend, where that rule doesn't need to apply. I was too young to be wearing them in the 80's (although I borrowed my moms), but I am thrilled that the bodysuit is back. It actually should be a staple in your wardrobe to be worn under a wrap dress (the most flattering dress), with a high waisted skirt, with jeans, under business attire and with any other ensemble that you want to look seamless. The bodysuit is the ideal tool to smooth bulges and prevent your top from looking messy and to be able to bend over without the risk of showing your thong.

During the day pair it with a cardigan or a wrap top/dress.

At night wear it less covered with a full skirt and a waist cincher.

Classic, you'll feel like a dancer...


A bit of history: Designer Diane Von Furstenberg (wrap dress goddess) made this a part of her collection in the late 70's & 80's as part of her 7 piece professional wardrobe.

Full Bottom
DOS: darker A-line skirts that skim your curves; dark straight-leg & flat front pants
DON'TS: skinny or low-rise jeans; light coloured pants or faded jeans

No Bottom
DOS: pants with large back pockets; circle skirts and A-line to the knee
DON'TS: leggings; tapered pants; long, narrow skirts

Big Chest
DOS: V-necks; empire cut tops; wrap tops; and fitted dress shirts
DON'TS: turtlenecks; crewnecks; peasant blouses; tank tops; spaghetti straps

No Chest
DOS: deep V-necks; wide cowlnecks; necklines with ruching, pleats, beading, embroidery; brightly coloured tops
DON'TS: loose fitted tops; dark or black tops; crewnecks

Big Tummy
DOS: empire waist dresses; flat-front trousers; squared off jackets (think Chanel) that rest at the hips
DON'TS: low-rise jeans; stretchy fabrics; cropped jackets; pencil skirts; flared pants

From Victoria's Secret

Get out your razor and self tanner because, be they micro or mid length, shorts can be amazing on petites.


Cuffed short
Makes sexy style a cinch with side buckles. Front pleats. Back flap pockets. Imported cotton.
• Sits low on waist.
• Easy fit.
• Front zip with hook-and-eye closure.

3 1/2" inseam. Sizes 0-14. #209-172 $39.50.


Eyelet short
Keeps all eyes on you. Front zip with hook-and-eye closure. Tie belt. Cuffed. Imported cotton.

3 1/2" inseam. Sizes 0-16. #208-966 $39.50.

She looks radiant, it must be be excitement of the launch of her clothing line soon to come.


To get Sarah Jessica Parker's (5'4") look,
Alice + Olivia Sequin Short Sleeve Mini Dress, $440.

or

On Sale:
French Connection black tank sequin dress, now $160 from $190,
frenchconnection.com


or

Steal:
Short sleeve sequin dress in black or grey, $90,asos.com

Some are obvious and maybe you already do all these things, but just to remind you they all work REALLY well.

1. High Heels - Wearing at least a 2-inch heel will help to elongate your body (both torso and legs).

2. A Great Tailor - A great tailor is an importance asset for your wardrobe as he or she can alter garments to fit your shape.

3. Big Hair - Wearing your in a high bun or ponytail will increase height as well. "I love volume, not everyone does, but for me
the bigger the better, so GLAM"

4. Vertical Stripes - The stripes give the effect of looking taller. "The best pants in my wardrobe are a wide leg black dress
pant with tan stripes, I feel so amazing in them"

This button "Make a donation" is new to PF. It will be on the right hand column for avid readers (that's you) to leave a tip if and when you want to. Many blogs have this option for their readers to help them continue reporting and to do so more often. I hope you love Petite Fashionista, read us daily and support us as we fill the need for info on all things petite. Thank you so much for your interest so far and please comment or email so we can bring you more of what you want to read.

xoxo

A reader from Chicago wants to know how to define "Natural Waist" & "Low-Rise" when looking at a pants or jeans online.

It's quite easy, just look at the measurement of the "RISE" when ordering. Anything 7" and under is a "Low Rise", 8-9" is "Just below natural waist", around 9-10" is "Natural Waist" and anything above that is High Waisted.

Don't worry about what they call it, just look at the rise and get out your measureing tape. Measure from crotch towards the navel up to the amount of the rise.

Hope that helps!

PF Readers: please comment if you have more to add

Sneak Peek at SJP's New Line "Bitten"

Word on the street says that Sarah Jessica Parker's new line, "Bitten" will consist of 500 pieces including cashmere sweaters, dresses, active wear, jeans and accessories. The best part? Each piece will only cost $20 or less.

No word on the fit yet, if she's designing the line with her stature in mind, we'll be in luck!

This line debuts in June and I predict that at those prices, everything will be sold out in the first day.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Arthur and I after his amazing show at Rockwood Club in Toronto.

(Thanks fo the photo Ravi)

From pg. 6 of the New York Post

"We got the hush-hush details of Sarah Jessica Parker's new fashion line, Bitten, after a private lunch the star held for fashion editors at Indochine yesterday. Our source says Parker plans to sell the line to Steve & Barry's - a low-priced chain with a store in Manhattan Mall - for somewhere between $1 million and $5 million. The label will include jeans, lingerie, casual wear and accessories priced from $7.98 to $14.98. A rep for Bitten had no comment."

$7.98 to $14.98? This sounds too good to be true, can't wait for the details to follow!

I received this email today, and I came up with a few suggestions for her. Please comment if you have any other advice for this lovely PF mom.

"I am contacting you in reference to your website. I was surfing the net this evening....and googled something like "input for petite designers" and came up with your website. I am a 37 year old 4 '9" mother of 3 daughters. I am a size 2 or 4...depending on brand. I struggle with finding petite clothes that I like. I don't understand why some designers just make their clothes smaller....everything needs to be smaller....prints, buttons, waistbands, embellishments, fabric weight/thickness. AND no horizontal lines! Talbots is the worst with this.

My wardrobe mainly consist of a lot of solids that I add color with scarves, belts, and accessories. I do a lot of jcrew, anntaylor loft, eddie bauer...all pretty clean lines.

Any suggestions on other designers? Looking for a petite designer consultant?.....I have many suggestions!

I appreciate any advice!"


The petite dresses from the GAP have shorter darts, a narrower waist and is 3.5" shorter in length. They have so many great everyday dresses to choose from in Petite sizes but, only online (of course).


The jeans from the GAP have a shorter rise, narrower hips & a 29" inseam. These jeans should work well for going out with a heel, but they may need to be cuffed or shortened to wear with flats (I'm 5'2" and I wear 31" with a heel) It could be worth getting a few pairs of stylish petite jeans even if you need to have them hemmed because the other measurements will be better suited to your petite frame.
I thought this shirt would look amazing with the deep indigo jean, navy is such a sultry colour and it's really big this Spring. Why not add a splash of RED with a hot shoe?

***If you have small feet which you might, check out cinderellaofboston.com for small sizes starting at sz. 2


***For everyday running around gear check out Athleta.com. They carry ultra flattering yoga, lounge pants, even super soft
cords and jeans in a 28" inseam. Here are a few examples.

Leggings aren't going any where, Winter's leggings have shed a few centimetres, for a cropped look.

But before you step out feeling more fashion victim than trend setter, follow our dos and don'ts to the latest way to wear leggings:

1. Make sure your leggings reach to at least mid-calf.
2. Never, ever wear leggings with a short top, cover your butt!
3. Don't wear your leggings with a long dress, leggings should be worn under something short to show them off.
4. For shoes almost anything goes- tall boots, high heels or flats
5. Black is the best color for this look (although other dark colors, like brown, will work too).

Here's Mena Suvari 5'4" in her party attire:

Pink-streaked Rachel McAdams 5'4" is the cover girl for the April 2007 issue of Elle Magazine and gives quite the fascinating interview revealng which huge movie roles she's turned down including romantic leads in Mission Impossible 2 and Casino Royale. Anne Hathaway’s part in the Devil Wears Prada, and Agent 99 in the upcoming Get Smart, starring Steve Carell.)

Rachel is wearing the same Armani Prive dress as Beyonce from The Oscars. Also inside the mag, Rachel is wearing the same Chanel dress as Kirsten Dunst from the Oscars. Rachel looks radiant in the same dress that made the worst dressed list when Kirsten wore it. It's all about how you pull it together, or how the stylist does.

I am of course a huge fan of Rachel and I have a bit of a tie to her through my boyfriend, who was in her class at York's Drama program. Upon meeting her, I was a bit/really starstuck eventhough she just acted like a regular girl at the bar. She exudes a demure vibe, classic and cool. I love her feminine style in real life and I would die for any of the outfits from the Notebook.

Rachel is a Hollywood darling and a Petite Fashionista!

We love you Rachel!

For everyone in Toronto, don't miss this great event for an amazing cause!

Fashion and Music for life
THIS THURSDAY @ Revival (783 College St. W)

Heart Couture is a fundraiser for Dr. Roz's Healing Place, The Emily Stowe Womens Shelter.

Featuring:
A performance by Lori Nuic (who is the next hottest R&B/Soul singer) *check out her myspace to hear her new single.
Dj Josh Wonder
Liana K from Ed the Sock

Designers:
Billy Rose
Drift Design
Rococo
Jessie May

There will be a silent auction, raffles, gift bags, door prizes and lots of dancing!

$20 in advance (416.270.0996)
$25 at the door or $20 at the door with a gently worn womens garment.

Last night I went to Arthur Mendonca's after party with my lovely fashionable date Abby Zeifman of Miss & Miss jewelry (missandmiss.com). It was held at the Rockwood club downtown T.O. It was a sexy lounge with dramatic chandeliers, filled with lovely fashionable friends and media there to support Mendonca. I was able to get a little one on one time with the legendary Canadian designer. After introducing myself I asked, "What do you think would look best on petites from your line this season", he replies, "Everything". To which he adds, "this is the first time I felt tall all day", referring to being around the 5'11" glamazon models in his show. He exudes an aura of success while being gracious, humble and charming. Check out his site (click the title) to see his complete collection. His designs are bold and flirty while perfectly tailored to look absolutely polished to feminine perfection. Meeting him you are drawn to his energy and that translates in his designs. If you're looking to exude confidence with a soft side Arthur is your man.

So, will EVERYTHING from his line look good on petites? No, absolutely not. Especially the dropped waist numbers with the gigantic graphics on them. But, here is what caught my eye for the petite form:

WHAT YOU CAN WEAR THIS SPRING:

WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO THIS SPRING:

The opening party was a blast. The music was amazing, provided by "Don't tell my booker" (my new favourite dj). The who's who of the toronto fashion scene were there including all the MTV & Much Music VJs, models galore, semi famous actors, musicians and every other fashion plate all mixed together. I approached fashionable PF's to introduce them to the blog and most importantly I scored a killer loot bag, filled with everything from makeup, to chocolate, even a hair straightener. In the loot I discovered a few great beauty products including a felt tip eyeliner from l'oreal and a lifting eye cream. I will look bright eyed and cheery for tomorrow's shows!

For those of us still freezing in our parkas, we can plan for the sunny days ahead. Jennifer Lopez and that Miami sunshine have never looked so appealing, as I sip my hot green tea wrapped in a blanket. I love this look, from her cheerful yellow swiss mini-dress to her stacked bangles and blinged out hoops to her lighter straight hair, she is showing off all our favorite spring trends. So here's how to get her look for less:
Dress: Jennifer's $198 Juicy Couture (available to the rest of us in April), or a Carilyn Vaile Tunic Mini-dress, $124, at nordstrom.com or the super bargain Polka Dot Yoke Tunic at forever21.com, $18.
Earrings: Get almost exact copies of J. Lo's hoops with the Glamorous Hoops, $45, at fantasyjewelrybox.com or go bling-free with these funky plastic Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, $18 at maxandchloe.com.
Bracelets: We love the piles of pastel bracelets! Stack up sparkling bangles from alltherageonline, $7, or get a set of 6 bangles, $45, from shopintuition.com.

P.S I think Jennifer may be creeping on 5'5" but, this look will rock on petites much shorter too :)

Stay posted for coverage of the Toronto Fashion Week all this coming week. I'm headed to shows and parties dressed in hot Pink Petite Fashionista gear! Armed with my "press pass" that I will show to every security guard whether they ask to see it or not. It's true, some blogs qualify for passes and PF is one of them!

Here's my plan that starts tonight:
(I'll post the images this week of any garments that will work for petites from Spring '07 later this week)

Tuesday @ 10pm Official Opening night party with "Don't tell my booker"
Wednesday @ 7pm Andy The Anh
Thursday @ 7pm Izzy Camillieri
Friday @ 8pm JUMA

Check out Scarlett Johansson's new line for Reebok, a fashion-forward, athletic-inspired footwear and apparel signature collection, which is in high end department stores and boutiques around the world. The line features head-to-toe looks designed to take today's multi-dimensional woman from the studio to the street in style. It is loosely based on the Olivia Newton-John 'Let's Get Physical' genre of glamour aerobics; she calls the clothes "casual urban streetwear that's fitted to my body. So I know they'll fit a regular person."
Johansson is involved in every aspect of the line, from designing to the ad campaign. "I can draw, but I certainly can't do sketches that approximate the designs," she explained. What Johansson can do is rummage through Reebok's archives — she favors collections from the 1970s — and collaborate with Reebok's design team to put her ideas to work. "The great thing about working with Reebok is their resources are huge," she said. "If I find a retro fabric, they can help rework it into something technically right for today." "I am really wary of that whole persona-in-the-public-eye selling a product. I absolutely would never put out a piece of clothing that I wouldn't wear. It was important to me that I had complete control over the whole project, and Reebok was really open to that", Scarlett commented.

The advertising campaign breaks in spring 2007. It will include TV, print, online and OOH executions. Scarlett's initial contract is for three years, but is renewable.

Click the title to bring you to the Reebok store.

Scarlett Said:

• "Reebok has a rich heritage in developing and designing cutting-edge women's product which makes them an ideal company to partner with to launch 'Scarlett ♥ Reebok'. I am very enthusiastic about working with Reebok to design this line."
• "I like to do yoga and stretch out, so we will probably do a bunch of stuff for that. Things you can wear to the yoga studio and then to coffee with your friends. I like the idea of exercise and aerobics being glamorous: Olivia Newton John and women exercising in false eyelashes."

• "There is so much pressure to look a certain way and to be thin, and I think part of that comes from fitting into clothing or not fitting into clothing. I am basically designing clothing for my friends, and a lot of my friends are also regular girls with lovely curves and feminine figures."

Manon Kimpton and Stephanie Girard (Sales Director and Sales Coordinator for Vero Moda. One has a romantic, feminine look, and a weakness for great boots; the other is sporty-glam and loves jeans. Together, Manon & Stephanie are a dynamic duo on a mission: to promote Denmark's Vero Moda label in Canada. I want dresses & more dresses for Spring, here's what's on my wish list from Vero Moda:

* Both waistlines will look fab on petites
* This shade of purple is really flattering if you have blond hair, warm tones to your skin and/or hazel eyes.

For the best deals on Vero Moda go here, I'll be there:

I was wondering where one of my fav PF's were at the Oscars. Scarlett Johansson (5'4") was in great company in India and Sri Lanka. The beauty, 22, spent 10 days in the South Asia region as part of a trip organized by international aid agency Oxfam.

Scarlett, who has been a long-time supporter of Oxfam, was moved by the organisation's response to saving and rebuilding lives following the 2004 Tsunami. She travelled with the international development organisation to better understand the complex issues facing poor communities and how support and funding from the US and other rich nations can help end
poverty.

She began her trip spending a day with young girls at an Oxfam-funded school in rural Uttar Pradesh, India that has enabled over a thousand poor children from the lowest Dalit caste to gain a basic education. In Delhi she met with survivors of domestic violence who are part of Oxfam's "We Can" campaign. Over 800,00 people have joined the campaign to overcome domestic violence which affects millions of women across South Asia.

Scarlett said:

"Having visited Oxfam-funded school programs in rural communities has made me realise how vital education is to developing countries in bringing people out of poverty and giving them a sense of dignity, self-worth and confidence" Scarlett Johansson said.

"I met a young girl, Gudiya, at a school for Dalit children, a community considered to be the lowest class. She was an amazing, bright young girl, full of ambition and attending the fifth grade. When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she said 'a government official'. Every morning she rises at three a.m to study and
then complete the household chores before walking for half an hour to school. I asked her how she felt she would be able to raise her family and also hold a government position. She responded confidently, 'I can manage'. Her self-pride and drive to succeed was an obvious outcome from her schooling."

To read more click the title to bring you to Oxfam's site.

I was working at Muskat Brown (upscale petite shop in Toronto) today and a customer came in looking for a ruffled halter top to wear under her "Prince purple rain esque" blazer. Unfortunately, there were no ruffled tuxedo type shirts in the store, so I searched online and had the most luck on ebay. Under each image there is the item number, click on the title to bring you to the ebay search bar and enter the item number that you want to bid on. Hope this helps, you'll look so glam in this look!


290088370107


130084633143

Question from PF reader:

"Love your blog. I think you've got a great thing going here. I'm writing because I'd love to get your thoughts on petites in fur coats. What works or should they stay away from them? If there are any successful ways, can you post a photo or sketch? Also, what would you recommend (in general) for petite women on the busty side? "

Thanks and keep up the great work!!

Advice:

My ethical stand point on fur is to wear the heck out of vintage and re-worked designer vintage pieces or go for faux fur. In terms of wearing a fur coat on your petite busty frame here are a few tips:
1. Choose a length that stops above your knees.
2. High-belted and fitted styles are best on petites.
3. High necklines are also very flattering on petites.
4. Avoid styles that button across the bust line. Rather a cropped a-line style that has a higher button or deep shawl collar
fitted style (pictured below).

This style would work great on you:

Parminder Nagra 5'3", who scored with audiences and critics alike this year as a soccer-playing English teenager in the surprise hit film “Bend It Like Beckham,” joined the cast of “ER” as third-year medical student Neela Rasgotra in a decidedly less athletic role.
“She’s somebody who seems astute, very hardworking and keen to learn,“ says Nagra. “I’d also say that I am somebody who is hardworking and keen to learn -- although I do have my lazy days!”

Nagra was born and raised in Leicester, England but her family is originally from the state of Punjab in India. She admits that she had no formal acting training but that it was something she fell in to.

“I didn’t even know if I wanted to become so involved with the business,” says Nagra. “Because it was more of a gradual thing, my parents got used to it.”

“Bend It Like Beckham” was Nagra’s feature-film debut and breakthrough role as a teenage English girl whose unexpected talents on the soccer field – inspired by her idol, international soccer star David Beckham – do not endear her with her traditional Indian family.

Nagra’s other credits include the upcoming film “Ella Enchanted.” She recently completed “Twelfth Night” for UK Channel 4 and also stars in the leading role for the channel’s two-part drama, “Second Generation.” In the United Kingdom, she also appeared in “A&E,” “Donovan Quick” and “Turning World.”

Nagra can speak fluent Punjabi, a bit of Hindi and “various swear words in different languages,” she confesses. She also recently traveled to Calcutta, marking her first trip to India. Among her acting role models are Holly Hunter, Jodie Foster and Edward Norton. Her birthday is October 5

She's been seen wearing cute T-shirts by Desi Wear (pictured below) desiwear.com

Thanks to owner Robbie Brown and my subtle requests; they now carry Seven for all Mankind and Paige Premium Denim in 31" inseams. I'm so estatic, because it is not the same when you find your "great butt jeans" and wait a week to get them hemmed. I'm 5'2" and I slipped on the gorgeous buttery soft denim and THEY FIT! They are actually the ideal length for me with just a little length to wear a moderate heel. So, any petite in the Toronto area needs to rush on over to find jeans that were made for their bodies. Muskat Brown continues to provide premium denim for women of all shapes and sizes. These two lines offer perfect proportions for the petite. Rather than simply cropping the length, these styles have been rescaled and tailored to accommodate the woman who is 5’4” and under. Call the lovely ladies at the shop for more info (416) 489-4005.

Straight-leg jeans, Forever 21, $33; forever21.com
Peep-toe pumps with patent finish, Go Jane, $16; gojane.com
Double-breasted tweed coat, Target, $20; target.com
Double-strap satchel, Nine & Co. $30; kohls.com
Leopard-print headband, $2; gojane.com