Toronto Metro today, click here to read the article in the archives pg. 23

I have many people that I would like to thank who helped me with this article. Unfortunately, the credits and the images of the petite models that I included with for the interview were cut in Metro's editing process.

The biggest thanks to the following amazing people & businesses:
Model: Amabelle View her images at Toronto Model Bookings. Very professional and fun to style!
Tessa Jackson (aka Boom Boom) Thank you for your style and zest for life!
Makeup: Check out their online shop Delineation Located at 2409 Yonge St. Toronto, Ontario 416.484.6922
Photographer: Elle Vinluan. Thank you for the great shots and for making everyone feel comfortable.
Sun kissed glow: courtesy of Bell Air Tan
Accessories: Miss & Miss

1. If you add more volume to your hair (at the crown) it will add 1 to 2 inches to your overall look.

2. Adding accessories near the face, such as necklaces or earrings will attract attention upwards to the face, and make you
appear taller.

3. Wearing the same color scheme from head to toe will add height to your look (which you know). But, if you want to wear
contrasting colors, repeat the contrasting colors with at least two items.

4. Wear the same color top and bottom on the inside with an accent out piece (i.e. black turtleneck sweater, black pants
topped with a bright bright jacket) or wear the same colors on the outside with a contrasting color (i.e. white jacket, white
skirt with a pink top).

5. Avoid bold or large horizontal stripes and designs that can cut up your figure. Instead, chose narrow horizontal stripes
and if you wear them across the bust, they have an enhancing effect.

6. You can wear cuffs on dress panrs if you blend your hosiery and shoes to the color of the pants. This looks best on petites
who are long legged.

7. To elongate your figure, blend your hosiery and shoes to your hemline whenever possible. You can get the samme effect
with a nude or tan shoe (Eva Longoria's fav trick)

8. Do not limit yourself by just wearing tiny earrings; try on larger scale earrings, which help to bring the eyes up and frame
the face. Select earrings to balance the size of the face, the fullness of the hairstyle and the width of the shoulders.

9. When selecting a hat, make sure the brim is no wider than your shoulders and is proportional to the face and figure. That
dosen't mean you can't pull off the glam hat, just don't go overboard.

10. When selecting a large print, use the size of your hand as a guideline. Your hand is still pretty big.


Never say "I could never wear that" until you try in on!

and I didn't have to hem them!



Petite Provacateur by Joe's Jeans
Available at:

PF Gift Shop

Paige jeans available at "Muskat Brown" (while they last)
Currently in stock sizes 24-29

The style is called "Melrose" and they have a dark wash. The petite cut is a 31" inseam, which means they should generally fit someone between 5'1 (with heels) to 5'4 (with flats)

Last time I posted the arrival of "Seven" jeans at "Muskat Brown" they sold out really quick, so don't wait.

They are super hard to find in petite (even online)

Any q's or to place an order call 416.489.9609

Address 2528 Yonge St. Toronto, ON

Tell them Christa sent you!

Great earrings from "Miss & Miss". This length of earring is very flattering for your neckline. These earrings are professional enough for most work places, but even better for an after work rendezvous.
Two words to describe my fav new accessory: flirty, sophisticate

"Miss & Miss" now sold at "Just Cuz" 2624 Yonge St. Toronto, ON

JESSICA (5'3) & DAISY
Jessica Simpson may be harmonizing with John Mayer, but her maltipoo mix Daisy is still her first-class travel companion, joining the pop star on a sightseeing adventure in the Big Apple.

AMERICA (5'1) & BUDDY
Ugly Betty star America Ferrera and her golden retriever Buddy make a fetching pair while playing ball at a San Diego beach.

EVA (5'2) & JINXY
While filming her ABC series Desperate Housewives in Pasadena, Calif., Eva Longoria cuts to an adorable scene with her cutest costar, her Maltese Jinxy.

Cheryl Ladd, 55
Height: 5'4
Birthdate: July 12, 1951
Hometown: Huron, S.Dak.
Love Line: Married to Brian Russell; was married to David Ladd, with whom she has a daughter, Jordan, 32.
Milestones: She replaced Farrah Fawcett on Charlie's Angels; now stars on the hit Las Vegas.


MICHELLE YEOH, 44
Height: 5'4
Birthdate: August 6, 192
Hometown: Hong Kong
Love Line: Dating racer Jean Todt; was previously married to businessman Dickson Poon.
Milestones: Already a star in Hong Kong, Yeoh broke into Hollywood as a Bond girl in Tomorrow Never Dies. In 2005, she starred in the Oscar-winning film Memoirs of a Geisha.


JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS, 46
Height: 5'2
Birthdate: January 13, 1961
Hometown: New York City
Love Line: Married to actor-writer Brad Hall, with whom she has two sons.
Milestones: She won an Emmy, a Golden Globe and two SAG Awards for her role as Elaine on Seinfeld, and earned her second Emmy for The New Adventures of Old Christine. In 2006, she became the first former female cast member to return to Saturday Night Live as host.


Katie Couric, 50
Height: 5'1
Birthdate: January 7, 1957
Hometown: Arlington, Va.
Love Line: Currently single, but has been linked to athlete Brooks Perlin; widowed in 1998, when her husband of nine years, Jay Monahan, passed away after a battling colon cancer. They have two daughters, Elinor, 15, and Caroline, 11.
Milestones: After a 15-year run as co-anchor of NBC's Today, last year Couric became the first female anchor of a major daily newscast – the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.

Rachel Bilson
"I see myself as a short little person who looks very young," says the actress, 25. "I don't pay much attention to physical stuff; it's about the whole picture and just being comfortable with who you are."

Mena Suvari (5'4) shopping at Alice & Olivia, she wore a black beret and accessorized her outfit with a big white bag. Doesn't she look much taller then 5'4? She looks effortlessly sleek! Here's an example of horizontal stripes that work and it's a great way to enhance the bust line (exceptions to every rule)

Nicole Richie (5'2) leaving Dior on a daily shopping excursion. She was probably picking up some great outfits for her trip down under (she's hosting the Australian music awards). She is a petite style icon, despite all her bad press, just look at how she (or her stylist) puts herself together. The nude sandals make her legs go for days, the black one piece elongates her tiny frame and the belt accentuates her waist.

Reese Witherspoon (5'2) out and about sans her new man (Jake Gyllenhaal). Everyone's talking about how fab Reese has been looking recently and this pic is no exception. The empire waist dress is always flattering on petites, the open cardigan is elongating and the flats give it a very easy pretty look.

Here's the most versatile item in my wardrobe, the chanel-esque tweed skirt suit by Bebe.
I can wear it 6 ways and counting
1. The jacket with a white Tshirt paired with jeans and heels
2. The suit together with a variety of choices for the cami or blouse and a neutral pump
3. The skirt (minus the belt) with twin-set and a moderate heel
4. The jacket with a solid colored dress and coordinating heel
5. The skirts with chocolate tights and a cozy brown sweater or turtleneck
6. The skirt with a white Tshirt and a jean jacket with a metallic flat or low heel

Ebay always has a great selection of petite skirt suits, try a search for your size.

Along with high waists and wide legs the third big denim trend for 2007 is coloured jeans and the first three celebs to try them out are Ashley Simpson (aprox. 5'4"), Fergie (5'3") from The Black Eyed Peas and Rachel Bilson (5'3"). These jeans are not to be attempted if you are the shy but can definitely be worn on petites!

Can't make it to Paris? Try French budget site La Redoute
"Shop Paris, whenever, wherever. Wear what Parisians are wearing, shop from the same source. And shop alongside women all over the world who've also discovered la différence of La Redoute. Stylish, trend-conscious and modern. Classic, chic and sophisticated. We offer you a fresher way to dress, a simpler way to shop. Savoir-faire delivered to your door. Style that's a cut above, that gets noticed, that's an extension of you. A light-as-air chiffon skirt that also lightens your mood. Pumps that give you a lift while lifting your spirits. And as you walk through your day, there's a part of you who's also walking in Paris."


*Pant inseams available 31"

Click the title to bring you there!

If you are more concerned with quality and fit then you are cost; try designers like Kenzo, Karl Lagerfeld, TSE, Issey Miyake, Marini, or Louis Vuitton. You will most likely have luck with these designers who beacuse they are Japanese or Parisian they are very petite friendly.

Jelly Gold/Silver Low Heel Shoes
$26.00

Sizes start at sz. 5 U.S

Here's a fun site I just discovered! They carry apparel, intimates, shoes, swimwear and gifts. Their sizes are designed for a petite asian woman, fitting as small as a 32" bust and a 24" waist. Many items caught my eye and at their prices you may pick up a few items. A few fun items from Asia Jam would be nice worn with more sophisticated items from your wardrobe.

Let me know what you think!

Visit Lee Visia if you're looking to buy some unique dresses for the Summer. I say some because the prices are amazing. I probably should've kept this to myself, you'll be bidding against me. I can't keep this gem to myself, currently I'm bidding on 2 dresses (pictured).
The seller is in Shanghai, China, where they design and manufacture the latest trends in dresses.
It may take a little longer for items to arrive but, I think they'll be worth the wait.
Styles are fun, prices are great and the quality... well I'll find out soon enough.

I'll keep you posted.

Special Note: The extra small will fit a 30" to 32" Bust. Which I be extra thankful for!

We’ve all seen the new MAC Barbie collection. A lot of the colours are bright and neon and you probably don't know how to wear the colours.

Some easy tips on how to wear those fun new colours are here!

I recommend using their lip gloss/lip stick in a bright pink, and don't forget about the lip liner. When you use your lip liner your mouth will look more defined, and the lip colour will not bleed or feather.

Also for a more dramatic look that will last all day, line your lips with a lip liner (that matches your gloss) and fill in your lips using a lip brush.

For eyes, go for more of a neutral look i.e. browns or taupes. You can also do heavier eyeliner (on the top lid) for a more classic Audrey Hepburn look.

Also please do not match your hot pink tank top to your new hot pink lip-gloss you will be a walking, talking neon sign. The point of make up is to enhance your beauty, not to distract people from your beauty.

If you’re not a lip gloss kind of girl and prefer wearing brighter eye shadow colours remember to use softer colours for the lips and cheeks. Chose one feature that you want to emphasize and go for it!

Good luck experimenting with the new summer colours that are coming out!


Velangeline Ferrigno- Freelance Make-Up Artist & fellow Petite Fashionista

Rachel Bilson looking adorable as always. I’m loving her red shoes! She’s one of the few petite girls that I’ve seen looking effortless chic in the skinny jean trend.

I was working at Muskat Brown today and a lovely woman came in searching for the answer to her capri dilemma for her Spring/Summer wardrobe.

Q: "What length of capri should I wear for my height (aprox. 5'1")? I'm looking for something for everyday casual and I rarely
wear heels"

Advice: I often shy away from capri styles unless I'm wearing a nice heel (preferably in a nude or tan color). If you really want a casual summer capri opt for a length that shows no more then 4" of your ankle, steer clear of any style that hits mid-calf. Wear a shoe/sandal that shows your foot (an elegant ballet flat would work) no ankle straps, sneakers, socks or any footwear that's heavy looking.

I hope I see her in the warm weather sporting this advice.

Readers do you have anything to add?

Drew Barrymore (5'4) has been announced as the latest face of CoverGirl joining other pretty faces such as Tyra Banks, Queen Latifah and Christie Brinkley. Drew, who also has a new movie coming out with Eric Bana, had her first photo shoot in Los Angeles recently. She is also the co-creative director for her first commercial with CoverGirl, which won't debut until January 2008. It seems a good match. Drew, while absolutely gorgeous, seems more wholesome than high fashion most of the time even though she has modeled for high fashion such as Miu Miu.

I love having that sun-kissed look but, it's no fun when I'm worried about damaging my skin and getting premature wrinkles. I have often scoured the drug store aisles looking for that perfect tan in a bottle, only to be disappointed with uneven and orangey results. I'm relieved that I don't have to choose between pasty white skin or tanned with a cloudy conscience. My newest beauty ritual is the Auto-bronze spray tan by California Tan. I've now been three times (once per week) and by the third day I achieved an amazing tan that looked like I went for a weekend tropical getaway. Check out your local tanning salon to see if they offer this tanning alternative or another UV free solution. My advice, follow the instuctional video perfectly, do not skip a step.
If you're in Toronto or Burlington, try Bellair Tan (click the title to bring you to their site)

Click the title to watch Kylie Minogue's performance at the opening of a new H&M store in Shanghai this week. Miss Minogue serenaded guests with the help of a 300-strong female choir performing some of her hits - Come Into My World, Spinning Around and Can't Get You Out Of My Head.

At the event attendees were also treated to a sneak peek of the Spinning Around star's new beachwear designs, which include shimmering silver bikinis and water-inspired towels, as well as smock tops and billowy peasant skirts. Kylie was apparently inspired by her own beach wardrobe when it came to creating the line, which includes a much-loved vintage swimsuit dating from the Sixties.

The range goes on sale worldwide next month.

Kylie (5'1") is a fabulous petite fashionista inspiring the style of women of all statures for years.

We LOVE you Kylie!

Hilary Duff (5'1") has a new album, Dignity, which opened huge for the actress/pop star this week.

According to just released Soundscan album sales in the U.S., Her record sold a very impressive 140,441 copies

psst... that's more than double what ex-boyfriend Joel Madden's band did when their new record debuted last week

I'm loving Hilary's new look, she's all grown up and so is her new sound.

Madonna (5'4") is the latest superstar to join the bill for this summer's Live Earth extravaganza, a series of concerts worldwide - organized by Al Gore - with hopes of created greater awareness for global warming and environmental causes.

P.S Has anyone bought or tried on her line for H&M? How does it fit?

Visit Frugal-Fashionistato view where to buy these looks for a bargain. Also, check out what other petite celeb looks you can pull together on a budget.

This outfit on the super stylish SJP should be a petite's dream (monochramtic, great fit and vertical stripes). Does it work? Is it too much? Does it overwhelm her? Is it perfect? I want to now what you think of this outfit, hit or miss?

to name a few...

Paula Abdul (5'2")

Drew Barrymore (5'4")

Sheryl Crow (5'3")

Hillary Duff (5'1")

Carmen Electra (5'4")

Gloria Estefan (5'1")

Jodie Foster (5'3")

Salma Hayek (5'")

Norah Jones (5'1")

Julia Louis-Dreyfus (5'3")

Eva Longoria (5'2")

Susan Lucci (5'2")

Lucy Liu (5'2")

Brittany Murphy (5'3")

Ashley Olsen (5'3")

Mary Kate Olsen (5'3")

Sara Jessica Parker (5'4")

Jada Pinkett Smith (5'0")

Natlie Portman (5'3")

Nicole Richie (5'1")

Joan Rivers (5'1")

Jessica Simpson (5'3")

Britney Spears (5'4")

Reese Witherspoon (5'2")

Renee Zellweger (5'4")

*Can you add to this list? If so leave a comment.

All the major sources for plus size petite clothing in one place! Go straight to the plus size petite pages and check out the sales too!

Petites On-Line Stores Sizes Brands

Avenue
Sizes: 14WP-32WP

Big on Batik
Sizes: 1X-6X

Blair
Sizes 16WP-26WP
Enter your size in the drop-down menu
2 brands: Blair, Sag Harbor

Catherines
Sizes: 1X-3X, 16WP-26WP
Brands: Anna Maxwell, J.B.S. Ltd., Liz&Me, Nina Leonard, Phases, Studio 1

Ebay
Sizes & selection varies

J.C. Penny
Sizes: 14WP-26WP Briggs
Brands: East 5th, DonnKenny, Liz Baker, others

Just My Size
Sizes: N/A X-4X, 14WP-32WP
Brands: JMS and others

Lands' End
Sizes: 1x-3x, 16WP-26WP
Brands: Lands' End

Liz Claiborne
Sizes:14WP-24WP
Brands: Elizabeth, Liz Claiborne

Nordstrom
Sizes: 14WP-24WP
Brands: Caslon (limited selection)

Old Navy
Sizes: 16Plus-4X, pants and jeans come in short length

OneStopPlus.com
Sizes: 12WP-24WP
Brands: Jessica London, Lane Bryant, Roamans

Munkee Jewelry is the creation of petite fashionista Sarah Zahran (5'3"), a self-taught jewelry designer from Windsor, Ontario.

The look of her designs are wonderfully delicate, with striking designs and bright colours. Being a petite herself she designed bracelets that come in three different sizes to accommodate smaller to larger sized wrists. Be sure to check out her take on hoop earrings, the gorgeous woven wire gives you a softer look. Also, the prices are steal for such quality handcrafted pieces. And to make shopping with Munkee a little sweeter...

***PF readers will receive a free pair of our Venetian glass "Hailey" earring with any online purchase.

Sarah's advice for her fellow PF: "Don't wear anything that is too overwhelming. Remember: don't let the clothes wear you!"

Her fav stores: American Apparel and Club Monaco.


Visit Sarah's My Space