Click the title to see how I described my perfect handbag for the new fashion site from the U.K, Style Quo.

Here's contributor Valery reporting on shopping online at PETITE AFFAIR!

Hey ladies! For you all you web based shop-aholics (such as myself), here is a website that I have recently discovered during my web-surfing expeditions – or searching for an excuse to shop as some would call it.

Petite Affair is a brand name from the U.K. founded in 2005 which means our plight is being heard! There seems to be more brand names available to petites out there. Although the selection isn’t as vast as other clothing sites (remember this brand is relatively new) they definitely offer unique pieces that not only would make the petite stand out fashionably but also offer that subtle coquette flare. They offer casual, business, evening, weekend, and even accessories.

Aside from catering to petites what I find appealing about their clothes is the details and unique colours and patterns available. A great example is the “Essential Jersey Cardigan” which has stripes, and is given a feminine touch by the bow used to tie the cardigan. Another great example is the “Lemon Silk Dress”. Trust me when I say that I have never been that interested in wearing yellow, but after seeing pictures of this dress I would be more than ready to throw that notion out the window, and add this dress to my closet. Or how about the “Diamante Clasp Cardigan”, I think you’ll get my point when you check the site out.

Lucky for us in Canada with the Canadian dollar doing so well (keeping fingers crossed that it stays that way for a while longer) as it has been, we can shop for brands available overseas. As previously mentioned, Petite Affair is in the U.K. so prices are in pounds. However, if you’re not ready to order you can request a catalogue for £2.00 , and what’s cool about this site is that it has information available for all your questions – you can even ask Debbie the owner questions.

As for me, I’m thinking about purchasing the “White Ruche Jersey Shirt” as a birthday gift for myself (or is it really my birthday?). Then again, do I really need to have a reason or excuse to buy beautiful clothes? Honestly – not really.


Surf away!

~Valery Santillana

Makeup artist to the stars and fellow PF Mally Roncal uses Color Contact Lenses like an accessory. She uses them on movie sets, for red carpet events and on photo shoots. She advises that for the most natural look compliment the current color of your eyes, by adding a subtle but pretty difference. For example is your eyes are brown, try hazel. This way people will say, "You have gorgeous eyes", not "Are you wearing contacts?".


My friends at Lens Shopper.com have shared their knowledge with me on this subject, Here's what they have to say:

Have you ever tried using Color Contact Lenses? Today you can find a variety of colored contact lenses on the market, especially if you order them online.

There is a fairly big variety of colors to choose from, from more natural looking colors like blue, grey, green and brown. But also some more sensational colors like Red, Purple and pink.

The most important thing to remember before buying Contacts is always to consult your optician and let them have an opinion if lenses would work for you. Even if you aren’t in need of any type of correction this is important since you will have to get the right size of the lenses. A lot of the online retailers also demand a prescription before ordering the lenses.

Another important thing to remember before buying your Color Contact Lenses is that the lenses are different depending if you have dark eyes or blue eyes. For instance a person who wants to enhance their natural color should use a tinted lens while a person who wants to change their looks drastically with a new color will have to get some opaque contact lenses. These lenses do not let anything of the natural color through.

Visit LensShopper.com for more information.

SPONSORED POST

Hello PF Readers!

Toronto Readers: I have time slots available to run around and complete your shopping list. I also, have a few Saturday consultations available before the holidays to get your look ready for the holidays and the new year.

Some of my services include:
Personal Style Reports.
Tailoring: I'll come to you.
Personal Shopping: for you or those on your list.
Wardrobe Freshen Up.
Wardrobe Overhaul.

Canadian & U.S Readers: I can also travel to you for a small travellng fee. Or if you need me to source specific items like certain brands or sizes of shoes and clothing I can ship to you as well.


Please send me an email to inquire about how I can make your life simpler and dress you in the most flattering way possible!


Personal styling services available. Bring back fun to fashion and shopping!
Have Christa revamp your wardrobe, find the perfect outfit or plan your shopping trip.

Hi, I would like to buy some knee high boots, but my sister told me that knee high boots would make me look shorter, or they would make me look like I'm wearing granny boots, so she advised me to buy ankle boots. But my cousin who is a bit taller than me (4' 11") wore knee-highs and they look good on her.
What is your opinion?

-~Julie

Hi Julie,

Yes you can! Tall boots can be very flattering on petites. My advice is to have them come taller the mid calf, the best height is at the knee. Pair your boots with matching opaque tights or jeans. If you liked the knee-highs on your cousin, you could wear those underneath with matching tights under the socks (for colder winters). I suggest that you only wear ankle boots with pants, because they will definitely make your legs look shorter. It sounds like your sister meant well, but she got the advise backwards, because I could never imagine tall boots looking granny like.



Hope this helps,
xx
CJ

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If you like my tips, please help keep this blog going by leaving a tip in the "Tipping Jar". Located on the right side bar. This blog is a daily job that I enjoy creating and I do it for you fab PF's!
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~TORONTO~

CRAVE Holiday Shopping Party, Sunday, December 2nd, 2007, 6:00pm-10:00pm.

I'll be there for the shopping and fun, but also to be their MC for the fashion show for dogs!

FOXY FAMILY & FRIENDS SALE

Foxy's Friends and Family Sale! One night only - great gifts from $10-$40, Wednesday, December 5, 2007, 6:30pm - 10:00pm, Hazelton Lanes Atrium - Manyata Courtyard Cafe, 55 Avenue Road


~SANTA MONICA~

Spork Fashion has a pair of tickets to give away for the Los Angeles Screening of Lagerfeld Confidential at the American Cinematechque. The screening will take place on December 5th at 7:30 pm at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. All you have to do is sign up for their newsletter and leave a comment on any article.

PF's on Eva The Shopping Diva, click the title to bring you there. Here's a sneak peek:

Are you 5'4 or smaller? Do you struggle to find sweaters that don't overwhelm your petite frame? Are you tired of taking up pants? Well the Petite Fashionista, Christa MacLellan, is here to help! Christa is a dynamo at determining the best ways to flatter your figure if you're not terribly tall. Everyday, her blog is full of wonderful advice and great insight on what to wear if you're on the tiny side. So visit the Petite Fashionista for some great shopping tips. I love her blog, so I decided to learn more about what makes this fashionista tick. I sent her some questions and here's what she had to say.

Taking the number 1 and 2 spots on In Style's most stylish celebrity list are two petite celebrities.....


In First Place:

Natalie Portman 5'3
Who's the world's most stylish celebrity? According to In Style magazine, Natalie Portman is the "it girl" for 2007. The petite star of "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" topped the magazine's just-released "Style 20" list of celebrities.




In Second Place:

Drew Barrymore 5'3
Her adorable baby debut in "E.T.: The Extraterrestrial" will never be forgotten, but Drew Barrymore has matured beautifully into grown-up roles and style. Here, the actress appears at a press conference announcing her as the new face of CoverGirl cosmetics on April 11, 2007, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

After interviewing Rona Maynard this week, she was inspired to write an article called Style Therapy. Check it out by clicking the title.

Here's a preview:

The other day it snowed while leaves still clung to the trees. Sadistic weather forecasters were crowing about the chill ahead—to be followed, so they claimed, by rivers of slush. It was time for a bracing course of style therapy.

I reached for my down coat, which unlike all the other no-nonsense down coats is a soft shade of lavender, and cut to skim my body. In the pocket I keep my pink leather gloves. The colours make me think of hyacinths and Easter baskets, of rushing the season in the faithless warmth of a March afternoon to sip cappuccino at a sidewalk café. On the half-frozen sidewalks, people in black and brown scurried by with disgruntled expressions, as if bracing themselves for root canals. I looked down at my coat, which I found on an 80-percent off rack, and smiled at my good fortune.

Hi PF's!

I'm taking a much needed rest this weekend. I'm also taking a few meetings about PF.com, we're growing in readership and contributors! I will make sure to take time for me this weekend. I vow to be manicured, blowdried, massaged and exercised. Not to mention a little shopping...

I'm on the hunt for; cozy sweaters, super soft leggings, slippers, and pajamas (can you tell it's cold here?).

On my outings I'll be on the lookout for some inspiring looks for. "Petite on the Street".


This weekend: Dare to be glam!

An extra inch on your heels, pearls for day, 90's super model hair, or just a clear coat of polish on your neglected nails. Life’s too short not to take fashion risks! Who need to fit in? Dare to be the most dressed up! Dare to wear something sparkly to a coffee date. Glam it up! A life of glamour and style makes everything that much more interesting, fresh and invigorating.

xx
CJ

Artist, designer and fellow PF Jodi Foreman 5'1



If you're looking for a great holiday shopping event, why not organize one yourself?

What about hosting your own jewellery home party?

The hostess receives 10% of sales in jewellery and another 5% will go to a charity dedicated to mental illness.

When local fashionistas need to stand out they rely on Jode’s striking natural jewellery. Jodi Foreman, owner and designer of Jode’s Jewels, creates one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry. She never duplicates her designs so when you wear a JODE you’re wearing an original piece of art. Jodi says, “In a world where so much is mass-produced and individuality is sometimes lost, I give each purchaser something unique of her very own. My constantly evolving mood and energy is reflected in the distinctiveness of each piece.”

Jode’s Jewels features a variety of collections: Funky Costume (made from bright glittery crystals and beads); Wire Art (artistic wire, combined with crystals and semi-precious stones, intertwined to create body art); semi-precious Healing Stones; not only beautiful but with healing properties. Also, just out, Yarn Art! Yarn art is made with many different types of fibers, yarns, and ribbons, with stones and beads added. This line includes headbands, scarves and necklaces. Plus, the pieces are interchangeable.

























Hosting a jewellery party:
Whether you want to make a home party or have an office soiree, all you need to do is invite some friends or co workers I will bring the jewels.
Also feel free to visit “ jodes” showroom for Christmas gifts.
For more info call Jodi Foreman 647 341 4321

Just Out: New collection for 2008, Yarn Art!

The accessory that you can wear as a belt, headband or necklace.

SPONSORED POST

Natalie Portman 5'3

In case you didn't already admire her style and grace, take a look at this month's issue of Teen Vogue. She's a breath of fresh air in a see of overtly sexy icons. Natalie has always seemed to be well grounded and humble and this article goes to prove it. In the interview she says,"Everyone could be an E! True Hollywood Story. Everyone. Everyone has their sadnesses and tragedies and difficult times and nights they're embarrassed about. Unless you're a saint."

In her latest movie Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, she's looking for her "sparkle". Which she can rest assure that she never lacks luster on screen, in print or in real life.

What can we learn from her style?
Natalie dresses in an appealing way for both men and women interested in her style. She always looks relaxed, elegant and confident. Most importantly she doesn't have to worry about how she's going to feel after lunch, because she dresses in a way that fits her body, not a second skin.

Sometimes when you're petite, you can gravitate to overly tight or too small clothes to overcompensate for the lack of petite fitting garments in the shops. This isn't attractive or flattering. You should wear properly fitted garments that that are tailored (if necessary) to fit your frame.

This works for every shape petite. Skin tight tight clothes do not create curves or do they make you look smaller. They just look too tight and make you feel uncomfortable.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my mom, Cheryl MacLellan. May you always be petite and fabulous! Thanks for being my #1 reader! That's me and mom here in the pic.



I was recently interviewed by two great blogs, Tops 2 Bottoms and Eva's Shopping Blog. They picked my brain for petite fashions tips and even "raided my closet". Both of the stories will be online within the next week. I'll keep you posted with the details. Also, I will be doing a teleseminar for the ladies at FabulousAfter40.com, soon you will be able to sign up.

Remember those Pin Up Balms I mentioned awhile back? Now you can buy them online: PinUpBalm.com. They're also coming out with a limited holiday release batch.*The first 2 readers to leave 5 comments on any of the November posts will receive a free sample of the balm mailed to their door, to save those lips from the cold air. "Release Your Inner Pin-Up!"

As a follow up to MyAStyles' post, go to edressme.com today and shop for your holiday party dresses and save some $. These selections are petite friendly and under $99. Plus, there are many more styles to choose from. Dresses for under $99

I had the amazing opportunity of reconnecting with a lovely woman who I've admired since the days I was still just dreaming of the big city. For 10 years, Rona was the editor of Chatelaine magazine where she gained many loyal readers and fans (myself being one of the biggest). Reading those issues, month after month, I always found Rona so chic, classy and sophisticated while still sounding like someone I could easily talk to. I was proven right when I met Rona rather unexpectedly.

I had just moved to "the big city" and I was working at The Foot Shoppe. I sold her a red pair of Mephisto sandals. I was so excited to meet her but, being an 18 year old small-town girl working her first job in Toronto, I tried my best to be as professional as could. There I was meeting someone who I felt that I knew so well from reading Chatelaine. I corresponded with her a bit after her purchase and she was always so kind and generous to answer all my questions about the industry. Unfortunately, life got busy and we lost touch but we recently reconnected just as I started reading her book, My Mother's Daughter. And here she is with Petite Fashionista and she has lots of great tips to share.

What's your height and shoe size?

"I'm 5'3 1/2" and wear a size 9 shoe."

Where do your shop and which labels or designers fit you well?

"I like to mix basics from Banana Republic and Gap with early Lida Baday, Misura and treasures from assorted 75% off sales. Because I'm small, I can often wear the wonderful pieces that have been hanging around for months, just waiting for someone who fits them (like a Sonia Rykiel velvet evening dress I bought around 1990, and an Italian down coat in a gorgeous and unusual shade of mauve). These days I don't buy a lot of clothes because I
work at home in LuluLemon and my going-out wardrobe is both classic and indestructible. I do have a weakness for cashmere sweaters from Heaven Cashmere, a cubbyhole of a shop here in Toronto. If it doesn't feel good on
my body, I won't wear it, and these sweaters are simply a joy to wear. All my shoes are Mephisto or Taryn Rose because I have complaining feet."

Being at Chatelaine for 10 years and seeing your share of fashions and trends. Is there a garment or an outfit that you picked up that you're still in love with today?

Oh, there are so many! A chunky Lida Baday cashmere sweater that I wear all winter. A Marisa Minicucci coat in a wool/cashmere blend that I bought in 1995 and still looks new (it never followed fashion, and now it transcends fashion). A velvet Ralph Lauren scarf that I bought for a pittance at a sample sale (I collect scarves). And my favourite hat--black, Eric Javits, with a wide brim--that I wear all year and in the rain because it's water-resistant.

I know that you dress in clothes that are "you", because you seem so comfortable in your own skin and your style exudes and relaxed sense of confidence. How did you find your own sense of style?

Through trial and error, I discovered the importance of wearing what feels good. I used to own chiseled little suits, but they were so tight I couldn't eat anything more substantial than an asparagus spear in them. Now I stick to soft fabrics that move with my body, and classic shapes that don't dominate me (an important principle when you're small). I avoid busy prints
and anything that screams a particular moment in fashion (like the baby-doll look).The beauty of timeless cuts and solid colours is that you can accessorize them for an endless array of looks.

Are there pieces in fashion that women should "invest" in?

Never cut corners on a coat, or it won't stand up to everyday wear and tear. Besides, a beautiful coat can be thrown over a pair of jeans--instant style. Another essential: black pants that really fit and have no belt loops or pockets to interfere with the line of your clothes. And a well cut jacket, preferably in a light or bright colour.

What's your idea of the most perfect day in Toronto?

A long walk, the weekend papers, a movie and a dinner at home with my husband and a good bottle of wine.

Have you ever had to overcome an obstacle because of your height or had someone in business who didn't take you
seriously at first?

It's hard to be taken seriously when you're young enough to be someone's daughter. Clothes with gravitas are a huge help when you're starting out. Now that I'm meeting with people who are young enough to be my son or daughter, I like my clothes to be playful. I'm wearing less and less black. I only wear pearls in unlikely ways (e.g., with jeans and a sweater).

After reading that one of your favorite foods is an avocado and tomato sandwich I can't get enough of them either.
What are some other simple indulgences we can enjoy in our day?

Good bread--there's such an abundance of choices in Toronto. Good olive oil. Fresh seasonal fruit--berries all summer, clementines right now. Wine with dinner always, and thoughtfully chosen to complement the meal.

Since your new book is a tribute to your relationship with your mother, are there any ways she influenced your style?

My mother was a large woman, so she avoided the body-conscious pieces I collect. But she had a distinctive look: bold colours, chunky Mexican silver jewelry and big hats. Clothes were a pleasure to her, and an expression of her inner self. I feel the same way. And after she died, I started a hat collection.

My Mothers Daughter is a must read for every mother, daughter and everyone who enjoyed reading Chatelaine. It's tells the engaging honest story about her story and her life with a demanding and loving mother. This a great gift idea for the holidays.

I said to my father, "You don’t live here any more. This is Mother’s house, not yours. It’s time for you to go."
My father cursed me. He shook his fist. Then he left and never came back.
—From My Mother’s Daughter

Stop by Rona's new interactive site Rona Maynard.com

It's almost a month away till Christmas, which means family get together’s and most importantly New Year's Eve! Some may have already been looking for that perfect outfit, and some, like me, have not even thought about it. Here are some ideas that are figure flattering for our petite frames!