I was inspired for this post by my recent shoe search here are my tips...

ROOM TO BREATH.
Make sure there is a centimeter of space between your big toe and the end of the shoe. Never buy shoes that are too short, because the materials won't stretch lengthwise. It's never worth buying a shoe too small because your toenails will suffer some major damage, not to mention the rest of your feet.

SHOP LATER IN THE DAY.
The best time to shop is after you've been on your feet for a few hours and your feet are slightly expanded. Avoid waiting until the end of a long day on your feet to shop, they may be too swollen.

SPEAK UP.
Ask the salesperson to suggest which brands may work for your foot shape. They should know which brands are friendlier to your width and they may suggest something you totally missed.

HEEL POSITION.
When you're buying high heels, the heel should be in the centre of your heel not at the end of the shoe.
Examples
BAD:

BETTER:

Don't Hide
Trying to go unnoticed by discreetly browsing doesn't work. In fact salespeople are more likely to want to sell to you if they think that you're not sure what you're looking for.

instead...

Speak Up
Walk in, say hello and tell them that you're dropping in for a quick look but not buying today. This allows you to remain polite and pleasant while keeping your distance.

Build Rapport
Many sales people work on commission and if not they have targets to meet. So, if they know that you're not buying, they will concentrate on other customers. You can win points by asking the salesperson's name and when they work, and tell them that you'll come back when he/she is working to pick it up (if in fact this is true).

You're in Charge
But be nice, working in retail isn't easy, so don't make their job harder by pretending you're interested. Simply, be direct with what you want to do (i.e.; just take a quick look) and the staff will understand that you'll make your own decisions about what you're looking.

Happy Shopping

Actress Lucy Lui stand 5'3, but as a Goodwill Ambassador for Unicef she makes a big impact by visiting people in underpriviledged countries around the globe.

Best known for starring in movies such as Charlie's Angels and Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill films, actress Lucy Liu took on another important role in 2005 when she was appointed as a U.S. Fund for UNICEF Ambassador.

Lucy recently went on special assignment with UNICEF to bring back a special report from a farming community in Asia that was devastated by an earthquake.

Six weeks after Hurricane Katrina wiped out the Gulf Coast, there was another catastrophe that buried more than 70,000 people alive. On October 8, 2005, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the town of Balakot, Pakistan. In just 15 seconds, the once thriving farming town was reduced to rubble. Another 100,000 residents were injured and 4 million were left homeless.

A few months after the earthquake, Lucy traveled to Balakot to survey the destruction firsthand. "You can still sense how terrifying it must have been," she says. "There's the smell of smoke in the air as well as death. … It's hard to describe. It smells like ash and it doesn't smell quite right." When the earthquake hit Pakistan, many children had just started their school day. In all, 10,000 schools were destroyed in the quake and a staggering 35,000 children were killed—half of those children were caught under the rubble of schools that had collapsed.

Lucy visited what little remains of a school where tragically 200 students perished. Today, the surviving children study alongside a mass grave where many of their classmates are buried.

Despite these hardships, Lucy says that thanks to efforts by UNICEF and other organizations, the children are proving to be resilient. "The children just have a really great spirit about them," Lucy says. "I think when a disaster happens—whether it's Katrina or the tsunami or in Pakistan—what we try to do is … give the children a sense of normalcy right away. … [UNICEF] helps them get back to a place of what they do every day."

Oprah applauds Lucy for sharing her stories. "When you see those mothers sobbing with their children—their pain is exactly the same as yours," Oprah says. "They feel the same way about their babies, their families and their losses as you feel about yours. … Thank you for making that real for us."

Visit UNICEF for the whole story

The lovely Cynthia Cheng (5'2) been causing quite a stir in the petite world with her message boards and more recently her blog. I first discovered her message to the fashion industry on You Tube:"The Importance of Petite Sizes in Fashion". Cynthia is also a writer and has recently launched her first book Aspirations, which is a fun girly novel, but more interesting then your average "chick lit". In her book you'll go on the journey with Katie Hill and her friends, there's even a petite fashion designer who's journey you'll follow.

What she's wearing: Wrap dress from BCBG, shoes by Ferragamo that she bought on sale at Holt Renfrew, and around her neck was a collection of charms; a horse as her protector, jade charms, and a heart which was a birthday present from her boyfriend.

Her style is classic and feminine. Cynthia adds fun details like jewelry and mixes prints with her smart wardrobe to balance her professionalism with her youthfulness.

Most Memorable Fashion Moment
In grade 7 she found an outfit from Gap Kids that made her feel "grown up". She describes it as influenced by 90210, "very early 90's". It was a purple blazer matched with a checked purple and white skirt, she loved that it made her feel like a teenager.

What she'd wear to the Academy Awards
An LBD for sure, a longer style for extra glam.

Shopping
She shops shops at many petite shops in the city, frequenting Muskat Brown and Banana Republic Petites. She also shops at Pacific Mall and other asian malls in North Toronto where she can easily find her size.

Dream Purchase
With an unlimited wardrobe budget her first purchase would be the Kelly bag by Hermes. She chose the Kelly over the Berkin bag because it wouldn't overwhelm her small frame. For her shopping spree she would head to shop all over Europe and Asia.

The Accessory She Wouldn't Leave the House Without
I should have known she would say the watch because she wasn't late for our coffee date.

Her own style
She isn't one to be big on trends and prefers classics, often in black because they will go further in your wardrobe.

Work Style
Cynthia dresses casual and comfortable at while blogging and writing. When she's out promoting her book or researching for her blog she dresses "Smart Casual" which means she looks fashionable and put together but not like she's heading to the office.

Wardrobe Essentials
A black pencil skirt, black pants and cardigans. Also, great jeans. She just picked up a pair from Paige Premium Denim.

On Height
She considers her height to be a bit of a disadvantage professionally and has felt that she has been discriminated towards during interviews and not considered for jobs because she looks younger then she is. We all know that this will be a great thing later down the line :)

Fashion Gripes
She has always avoided calf length skirts, which is great because they are the least flattering length on most women not just petites. A "fashion no" for petites she says, is big fat belts. She also avoids anything "boxy" or "overwhelming".

Advice to Fellow PF's
"Always try things on and buy petites when you can" Cythina thinks it's most important to buy petite tops and blouses because they are not easily altered.

Hoop earrings are a classic way to add a touch a glam to your daily look. It's the "go to" earring that looks great for day or evening. While on my search for a great selection of hoop styles, I turned to none other then JLo for inspiration and it turns out that she has a great selection in her line. She has many styles to choose from, small and dainty to ghetto and fabulous. Whatever your style choose a pair that dosen't overwhelm your face.
Here are my favs:







Shop J Lo for hoop earrings, click here

I pulled some great buys from Ebay that are up for auction right now. Everything I chose is petite and brand new. Ebay is my favourite way to buy what's hot for the season at a reduced price, I'm such a bargan hunter. ready...set...bid!

Hey petite nurses!
Here are petite scrubs at a great price in "Malibu Blue".
sz. XS (check their other listings for more sizes)
Item # 330120965095
Currently: $9.99
or you can "Buy It Now" for $12.99


Juicy Couture Coral Eyelet Cami
Petite sz. XS
Item # 300113951922
Currently: $19.99


Karen Zambos Tie Tank Dress Navy/Ivory
Petite sz. XS
Item # 280117763599
Currently: $75 (retails for $198)


Ann Taylor Floral Print Skirt
Petite sz. S
Item # 220113637923
Currently: $12.74


Juicy Couture 7 pc Reversible Swim Suit! (this is really fun)
Petite sz. S
Item # 320116567858
Currently: $99.99


To look up any of these items click the ebay link: Then copy and paste the item # in the search bar.

If you're searching for something else, a great way to search is by starting with the words "petite" and your size.

Highlights from interview with SJP for her new line Bitten. Set to launch June 7th at various Steve & Barry's stores. If rumours are true her collection consists of over 400 items including wool and cashmere sweaters, dresses, handbags and...wait for it, shoes! Oh I can't wait! The teaser on the website washes away doubts that were lingering, check it out!

BM: What from Bitten would you wear today, a cool, rainy spring day in New York?
SJP: There’s a pair of jeans I’m in love with that has a zipper at the ankle. I mean, it’s not rethinking the jean at all, but we’re not doing any super-low-rises.
BM: A moral stance?
SJP: No, but there’s not going to be any inappropriate midriff showing, regardless of your age. I really don’t care for it. I feel like, as a culture, we have seen enough damage done by it. It’s provocative in a way that I just don’t feel comfortable with.
BM: Didn’t your husband once blame you for the whole thong thing?
SJP: Yeah, he did. He also saw a low-slung jean once and blamed it on me. And I said no, no, no, no, no. That you actually can’t blame on me.
BM: So is there anything dressy in your new line?
SJP: We have simple black dresses. We have pieces that can be worn in the evening or for work or for a college interview.
BM: All under $20?
SJP: That’s right. They’re not setting a trend. We’re not Balenciaga. They’re well-made clothes that feel of-the-moment.
BM: Your family was once on public assistance briefly. So you come to bargain clothes naturally.
SJP: My mother was very industrious about finding quality, affordable clothes for us. Outlets and tag sales.
BM: Eight children! Did you fight over clothes?
SJP: I was envious. I got all of my oldest sister’s hand-me-downs. And by the time I inherited them, they were really out of fashion.
BM: Kids can be very intense about trends.
SJP: I find it so ironic that all you do, for the earliest part of your life, is try to be like everybody else. And then you turn 30, and you realize all you want to do is distinguish yourself in some way.
BM: And do you feel that growing up in modest circumstances inspired you?
SJP: It informed my decision completely. It’s a way of giving women without financial means access to good, simple, well-made clothes to feel proud of.
BM: What about the name of your line?
SJP: Well, you know when you get bitten by the theater bug?
BM: Sure. But why didn’t you just call it Sarah Jessica?
SJP: I was embarrassed to. I don’t want the line to be about me. I’m not pretending that these are clothes from my closet. Or that this is Carrie Bradshaw.
BM: But haven’t trends always had their way with you?
SJP: I’ve been the victim of some.
BM: Lingerie as outerwear?
SJP: Uh, did it. [Laughs.]
BM: Have you spent many nights feeling guilty about shopping and then returning the next day?
SJP: I often return things because the spending gives me anxiety. But I’m not without my indulgences. And I don’t pretend I’m not enjoying the great fortune I’ve had.
BM: Like being able to get back into fighting shape after you had a baby?
SJP: Well, that’s about having a lot of help.
BM: So are people disappointed that you are not as dressy as you were as Carrie Bradshaw?
SJP: They are. Often I’ll go to the market, and women will say to me: “Let me see your shoes.” And then I show them I’m wearing flip-flops.
BM: Do you say you’re sorry?
SJP: Constantly. I say, “I’m old now. I can’t run around in heels when I go to the market for my son’s yogurt.”
BM: But while we’re veering off, let me ask you: Hillary or Obama?
SJP: I am really excited that there’s such diversity.
BM: Such a nice, politic answer.
SJP: But I really am. The more people we have with different backgrounds, the better.
BM: Right. Now back to more important matters: Do you ever have any red-carpet regrets?
SJP: I’ve seen photographs, and it has been pointed out that I should have been regretful.
BM: Didn’t you wear Jack Purcell tennis shoes to a movie premiere?
SJP: Yes, The Lion King.
BM: Is it fair of me to bring up your black wedding dress?
SJP: Absolutely.
BM: Is that a fashion regret?
SJP: Yeah. Our logic was we didn’t want to call attention to ourselves that day, because we’re actors and we get attention all day long. It was a party for everybody else. Matthew bought a suit off the rack and I bought the first dress I looked at. I wish I had worn white, or off-white, I should say.
BM: But no Björk swan dresses in your past, or Streisand see-through tushy pants? And always underwear?
SJP: Always.

Any reader in the U.S who is lucky enough to go to Steve & Barry's June 7th, please give us the scoop! I'll be shopping Ebay in the meantime.

Some may always see her as Amélie but soon, she will be Coco. The French actress, who is also known now for playing opposite Tom Hanks in The Da Vinci Code, has been cast as Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel in a film about the legendary fashion designer's life prior to her becoming famous. And because it only focuses on the first half of Chanel's life, producer Caroline Benjo describes it as not really a biopic. Although it will begin with Chanel's childhood, the plot will mainly follow her as a young woman, during the time she worked as a cabaret singer and became involved with the wealthy horse breeder Étienne Balsan and then the English polo player Arthur "Boy" Capel, both of whom were instrumental in leading her to a career in fashion.

Tautou (5'3) does seem to be perfect for the part, just look at the pictures alone and combine that with her amazing energy and charisma.
Stay tuned for the release date and more details.

The fabulous Jane Kim (5'2) has worked as an assistant in the film and television industry for several years and has worked for such stars as Vivica A. Fox and on such features as "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" and "Saint Ralph." She is currently assisting director Darren Bousman as he directs "Saw IV" in her hometown of Toronto. This is the third Saw sequel that she has worked on.

What Jane is wearing: tank from Urban Outfitters, skinny jeans by Taverniti that she bought while shopping in L.A, cashmere vest by Belair from Century 21 in New York, red wedge heels by Soda that her mom picked up for her, silver bracelet from Timbuktu in Toronto, bangles from Mexico... earrings, necklace and ring courtesy from Tiffany's.

Her style shows that she knows how to experiment with trends while looking laid back and cool.

Shopping
She shops wherever her work brings her. She enjoys discovering small boutiques in New York and she loves The Grove in L.A. At home in Toronto she shops H&M for basic clothes with style, Aritzia for classics and jeans, and Lemore for "going out" tops and dresses.

Dream Purchase
With an unlimited wardrobe budget her first purchase would be a great pair of Gucci 4" stilettos... that would make her 5'6!

Mix it Up
She likes to mix up her style: street-wear with glam and classic with trendy.

Styling Starlets
She admires the style of Nicole Richie; her minis, the head scarves and just the way she dresses for her petite frame. While many think the Olsen Twins dress a little crazy, Jane appreciates their fashion risks and how original they are.

Work Style
Jane dresses casual and comfortable at work. Her style is funky and urban and she wears bright colors to keep the mood sunny for those long days on set. At night, Jane loves to "glam it up."

Wardrobe Essentials
Classic jeans that last (her favs are Parasuco and Rock & Republic). Great flats & sneakers are a must when she's running around all day. She loves bangles in silver, gold or multi color. Lastly, she adds lip-gloss for that extra shine.

On Height
She considers her height to be irrelevant at work but adds "you can get away with things."

Fashion Gripes
She has avoided wearing shorts for the longest time but has recently purchased the longer fitted bermuda shorts and finds that length flattering. She prefers tank tops or 3/4 length sleeved to cap sleeves.

Advice to Fellow PF's
"Explore new stores, and try things on!" This is how Jane has discovered things that she normally would never wear. While most petites avoid wearing skinny jeans, look at how amazing she looks in them. You never know until you try them on.

Above-the-knee skirt to show your legs off


Fitted sweater for a slimline silhouette


Kitten-heel boots to wear with pants (you probably won't need these again until Fall) - great for visually lengthening legs

Tailored bootleg trousers


Knee-length coat for a neat, pulled-together look

Flapper dress to wear with strappy heels

Celeb style tip: For black-tie events Natalie Portman wears Zac Posen's '40s silhouettes with killer heels for an added 3in boost. Natalie favours dresses for their one-colour streamlining effect and casualwear has a preppie twist with slim-fit knits and bootcut jeans. Jewellery and handbags are kept discreet and minimal, as oversized pieces can be overpowering.

Q. How to pull off a trench if you are petite.

Ensure the length falls just above or below the knee for ideal proportions. SJP gets it right: Her belted style accentuates her waist and the length shows off her legs. You want it to be short enough to accentuate the length of your legs without creating a top-heavy feel. Pick a fitted version with armholes that are cut high to keep the look long and lean.

I posted this (below) last month and I just recieved the dresses. While they are accurate to the pictures and the quality is good they are much to big for me in the bust eventhough the xs was suppose to fit 32". I do love them and after a trip to the seamstress they will become great additions to my growing summer dress collection.



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!

Fashion TV celebrated their 10-year anniversary in LA with a fashion show featuring Bebe's Summer 2007 line at The Social in Hollywood.
The collection is sophisticated, fun and flirty, with lots of bright colors and short hemlines (pf'S fav).

A gorgeous emerald green dress with high neckline and rosettes at the collar would be great on petites.

There were shorts paired with loose, flirty tops, short suits and an amazing white pantsuit (which needs to be paired with pumps, not flats as shown)

I'll definitely be shopping Bebe for summer.

Take a look at Kylie (5'1) gliding through the streets of New York this past weekend.
Photo courtesy of perezhilton.com, hence his signature white comments.

I still don't know what her height is, I've searched high and low (maybe it's a secret)

PF Prize pack is still up for grabs

Sorry that I wasn't clearer earlier, but guessing dosen't count.

So if you know her, know someone who knows her, or can find it printed somewhere you win.

P.S Canada's Next Top Model starts next week and she'll be a judge.

The first reader to leave a comment with this fashion maven's height wins a PF prize pack.
Then look for a write up on her and her fab life as a world fashion icon later this week.

Come see Jodes latest jewellery samples, all pieces one of a kind, and with four lines ther is something for everyone.
working mainly in semi precious materials, Jode also works with fibres and yarn, crystal, and healing stones.

I wish I could make this Wine & Cheese Opening but, if you're in T.O it's worth checking out.

Thursday, May 31
7-10pm
181 Harbord St,
3rd floor
Toronto, ON

647.341.4321

How long should one mascara last, say, if you use it 5 days a week? I ask because I live in a dry climate (Arizona) and it seems like my mascaras dry up much too fast. I feel like there's still makeup in the tube but that it's too dry to use.Also, I always see Carmindy on "What Not to Wear" using the cheapy mascara in the pink/light green tube! I sure wasn't impressed with it, though.


Thank you for your comment. Since you do live in a dry climate your mascara will dry out faster. The average length that mascara should last is about six months.

However, I have noticed that some only last for three months, especially the ones that say they add volume and thickness (this includes the expensive department store brands).

Also if you pump your mascara wand in the tube, it will dry up faster because you are constantly adding air into the tube.

As per your other comment, the Maybelline (pink and green tube) mascara, I agree with you, I didn’t like it either. I’ve personally tried it and was not impressed. It did nothing for me and I was annoyed.

It is however, a favorite amoung many make-up artists. I think that it works best on people who have short lashes. It will give them the definition that they may want.

Thank you again for your comment! Feel free to ask me any questions that you have and I will try to answer them!

I've had a few q's from readers about what to wear to prom if you're petite.

Here's my advice:

1. Long dresses do have the potential to make you look short. An above the knee length (less then 4") will be youthful, classy and fun.

2. A high waistline, such as an empire waist will make your legs appear longer.

3. Vertical detailing–through buttons, seamlines, or trimmings–or even an off center slit.

4. Pick a a solid color preferbly an amazing vibrant color, whatever is most flattering with you skin tone. You could wear black but there will be a million other occasions to wear a LBD.

5. If you're busty show either leg or cleavage, not both. It will come across as too sexy.

Have an amazing prom!

These and more styles are available at: shopbop.com