This is Susanna of www.thisisu.com, and I am so proud to bring you another example of Petite on the Street.
The young woman in today's post is named Orlena and she has done an amazing job of making her 5'4 frame appear long and lean.
Her long, black summer top lengthens her waist but the belt helps create an hour-glass look. Her capri's, which fall well below her knee, also lengthen her legs.
When I asked Orlena how tall she is, I was surprised to find out she was 5'4
When I expressed my surprise she said "Posture, my dear...Posture is everything" very true.
To see more street fashion pics please visit www.thisisu.com ...Bye for now!
My interview with ET Canada aired this Wednesday. They got the scoop on PetiteFashionista.com, Panettiere Closet and my experience on the set of Heroes, take a look!
What's a PF to wear on her TV debut? Petite designers, of course! During the interview with ET I'm wearing a sexy back top by TLE and during my interview with Hayden I'm wearing the always popular LBD by Fernanda Carneiro.
Special thanks to Jodi, Daniel, Peter, Tamara, and PJ at ET Canada.
I had the chance to catch up with accessories designer Dara, after falling in love with her designs. Pictured here, I'm wearing 3 of her pieces at one time, and it works.
Dara is also very petite, so I had to get the scoop on her style and much more...
HEIGHT: 4’10”...and 3/4! Every bit counts!
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE IN A FEW WORDS: My style is ever evolving. I’m always experimenting with new and refreshing pieces.
WHAT YOU'D WEAR TO THE ACADEMY AWARDS: Something exciting and fresh from an up and comer! I would love to support someone trying to get their foot in the door.
WHERE DO YOU SHOP? I pick up trendy bits and staples from H&M and then mix them with more unique pieces from local designers in Toronto.
DREAM PURCHASE: A brownstone in Greenwich Village
YOU NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT: My sketchbook and daytimer. I’m constantly inspired by my surroundings.
WARDROBE ESSENTIALS: Paige jeans (perfect for petites), ballet flats (yes, flats are my friend), my “ripe.” scarf necklace, and a variety of jackets!
ON HEIGHT: Being petite used to bother me quite a bit, but I’ve become used to it and have grown comfortable in flat shoes (not that I don’t love heels!). It can be difficult running a business and being taken seriously when you look this young, but being knowledgable and confident in whatever you do always helps.
FASHION GRIPES: I’m not into obvious labels. I think the article of clothing or jewellery should represent itself in all its beauty; if it needs a logo to become an important piece, then it is probably lacking in design.
ADVICE: Be confident with who you are, and stand tall (as tall as you can)!
Are you lucky enough to live near an ocean, lake or river? Maybe you are planning a summer vacation to the waterside, perhaps you will take a ride on a sailboat or paddle a kayak? What to wear to keep looking great when you are enjoying an active day on the water? Your Cali Petite has some ideas!
Boating Babes Last weekend I was lucky enough to be invited to a cocktail party on a big sailboat! Fun! It was a casual event, but of course I couldn't look like a slob. There were several stylish ladies at the fiesta, and I was able to get some fashion ideas from them. Yes, I will share them with you!
Remember that when you are on a sailboat or a party boat, you might be climbing up and down ladders or hopping from dock to boat or into a dinghy. You might want to consider donning shorts or pants so as not to flash the other guests in a sudden breeze off the water! You can add glam accessories depending on how swank the soiree.
Sexy shorts are a fabulous option to show off your great gams and lengthen your legs. Try a nautical theme with blue and white and add an accent of yellow or red for a fun touch. These semi-dressy seersucker shorts in Petite sizes from Banana Republic would look great with a simple navy or white top (on sale now for $19.99!!). You’ll probably want to wear flat sandals or flip flops so as not to damage the boat, try some in metallic shades to keep your look stylish!
If you don’t feel comfortable showing your thighs, what about some knee-length shorts or capris? Make sure this look doesn’t make you seem stumpy by keeping them slim and form-fitted. These awesome zebra patterned capris from Trina Turk are so fun! Pair them with a sexy shoulder-baring top and feel the sun on your skin. Don’t forget to bring a wrap or light sweater to throw on when the wind picks up.
Canoeing Queen
What about a more casual day on the water, maybe paddling a canoe up the river or fishing on the lake? Let’s say you might get a little wet but you don’t want to wear just a bikini? Never fear, I have some ideas for you!
Surf style shorts are always an awesome option for those beachy, sunny, casual days on the water. There are so many cute options in both long and shorter styles! You can pair them with a bathing suit or cover up with a cute tank or tee. These Roxy boardshorts are a great option if you want to be comfy while being active on the water. If you get splashed, they dry quickly too! Pair with some cute flip flops in a bright color and you are set to get wet!
Ugly Betty star America Ferrera 5'1 goes bold in blue as she attends the world premiere of The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants 2 on Monday in New York City.
The 24-year-old actress was asked on the red carpet about Lindsay Lohan’s five-episode arc on Ugly Betty.
“It was great,” said America. “It was fun. They wrote a lot of really fun stuff for her character and we had a good time.”
High School Musical starlet Monique Coleman 5'2 strikes a pose at the premiere of MTV’s The American Mall held at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood on Monday.
The 27-year-old actress is getting involved with the LA Regional Food Bank to help fight childhood hunger. On August 5th, she will be joining kids and families to pack shopping bags of food to distribute to children at the Food Bank. The first 500 kids will even get an exclusive lunch bag designed by Monique herself!
As you can see from the first post, we have had an overwhelming response from petites who are not petite in the bust. I found a line that caters to petite women who had brest augmentation and I assume this would work for those who are all natural as well, check it out: lemystere.com. The readers have shared their experiences, so if you're looking for ideas on where to shop, read the comments.
Also, I contacted the two best petite lingerie experts and here's their advice:
Hi Christa,
I have some 32C's in my store, which you can order by phone at 1 800 798 8354.
The styles are below (I do not have the 32C's online but they are at the store).
All of these bras do have close set cups. The Wacoal Petite one is designed to have closer set cups. The L.Z. style is a push up and the cups are definitely set closer together.
Feel free to call me at the store and I'd be happy to help.
Ellen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Christa,
TLBC bra cups are placed closer together to create more cleavage, but they are padded.
There is a line out there from the UK called Panache. They specialize in larger cup sizes and offer them in smaller band. In the U.S., they are sold in boutiques and at department stores like Nordstroms.
I'm not sure if you have Ann Taylor LOFT in Canada, but I just wanted to give you (and the readers) a heads up about their sale. I'm not sure how long it'll last, but when you buy one sale item the second sale item is 50% off. I love Loft because their petite clothes actually fit me! I have a small waist and I'm short so finding dress pants/slacks has always been hard. I got two pairs yesterday for $30 total and a pair of jeans for $15.
I just recently discovered your website and I absolutely love it. I wanted to weep with joy when I found it! I always feel like I'm the shortest person in the world and it really helps to know there are other women my size and seeing the petite celebrities spotlighted is so refreshing. Keep up the GREAT work!
As a PF in the fashion biz, I often field questions about my style and the influence being petite has on my designs. So here, in no particular order, are the Top 5 questions I am asked the most...
What inspired you to design for petites ? I am petite and have lots of friends who are on the smaller side. All the petite clothing we would see in stores was geared toward an over-50 woman, not something we want to wear as 20-or 30-somethings. Petites want clothes that are not only designed to fit them, but are also designed to their liking and tastes. I wanted to create a more fashion-forward line that moved beyond simple basics.
What did you see missing from the market? A big piece missing in the market is clothes for women like me that have hips! The majority of clothing is made to fit women with very straight figures. I was never able to find clothing, especially dresses, that didn't tug and pull at the hips. It ends up being very unflattering... not to mention uncomfortable!
Do you think more brands are recognizing that women aren’t all tall and straight? I definitely think that more big brands are seeing that, but I'm not sure if high-end name designers are there yet. They know that not everyone is tall and skinny, but it’s hard to move away from that silhouette. I also think the term "petite" has yet to shed the image of being for women over 50! That is something that I struggle with as well. I consider my line to be high-end contemporary with an eye toward the petite customer. I think buyers are starting to become more aware of the variety of women’s shapes and hopefully soon a fit like mine will be considered more of a standard!
What is your biggest influence? It's hard to pinpoint my biggest influence. Inspiration is everywhere! There are times where I just get a "flash" of a design in my head and I have to run and jot it down! Designing to me is looking at things in a different way. I can flip through a magazine and see a detail on a shoe and the influence of that detail will lead to me designing a full-on dress!
What can we expect from your Fall 2008 collection and beyond? Fit, Color, Silhouette, Fabrics, and Details! My design is clean, but with interesting details that you have to look closely to see. I like to use luxurious fabrics with interesting textures and I’m big on color and mixing color—I think that comes from my Brazilian heritage! I also love designing my own prints and in doing so, being able to use something that’s not out in the market. I designed two prints for my Spring 2008 collection and hope to do more in 2009.
Fernanda Carneiro Designs can be found at boutiques across the US. For more information please visit fernandacarneiro.com.
If you're in Toronto and would like to see some of Fernanda's collection please call Christa at 647-833-3934
I was asked by a reader if there was a way to help her makeup (specifically her eye makeup) last through out the night, so I came up with this tutorial for her and I hope this helps some of you as well.
note: all products are M.A.C. unless stated otherwise.
1. You'll want to start with a clean and moisturized face. Depending on the moisturizer that you use, it should take between five to ten minutes or so for the moisturizer to absorb into your skin.
2. Once the moisturizer has fully absorbed, apply your foundation primer. The primer will help to fill in any pores, lines and wrinkles on the face and create a smooth and even surface for your foundation. I use Sephora's Smoothing Primer. One pump will be more than enough to cover your entire face.
3. Next, apply your concealer underneath your eyes and/or to the areas that need to be concealed. For underneath my eye, I use a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than my skin tone. Going a shade or two lighter with your concealer will help to highlight the under eye area, which will help you look more awake and refreshed. If you need to conceal any blemishes, use a concealer that is the same shade as your skin tone.
4. Next, apply your foundation or tinted moisturizer, for this you can use either a foundation brush, a sponge or your fingers. Apply your foundation or tinted moisturizer all over your face making sure to blend carefully. Don't forget to bring the foundation under your chin, as you'll want it to look seamless. Next apply a loose or pressed powder to set your foundation/tinted moisturizer. I recommend using Blot Powder.
5. Apply an eye-shadow primer to your eyelids; from the the lash line, all the way up to the brow bone. I use Urban Decay's Primer Potion. Using a primer will help to prolong the wear of your eye-shadow and prevent the eye-shadow from creasing.
6. I applied Canton Candy to the eye lid only -- using a clean finger. Next, I used a blending brush to apply a soft wash of Espresso eyeshadow to define my crease. Then I used a large, flat shader brush to apply Expensive Pink to my eye lids, after-which, I applied a mixture of All That Glitters and Wood-Winked eye-shadows to my brow bone as a highlight.
7. Liner & mascara; I used a black waterproof eyeliner by Lise Watier. Apply it as close to the lash line as possible -- to further define your eyes. By doing this you will make your lashes appear fuller. Next, I applied several coats of Lash Blast waterproof mascara by Cover Girl.
8. Next, smile and apply your blush to the apples of your cheeks. Gently pat on the colour with the side of your brush, then blend up and outwards -- toward the hairline.
9. Apply your favourite lip gloss or lipstick. I used Gosh Cosmetics On Stage Cool Lip Jam in # 105.
I've done some research, but since I've personally never needed a big bra, I thought I'd ask for advice from those of you who have. I'll compile your advice with my research, then I think we'll be experts in bras for every shape petite.
Here's her question:
Hi Christa!
I've been watching this blog for a while and I love it! Finally I feel like I don't have to wear 4 inch heels every day to look cute and sexy.
Your post on the Little Bra Company sparks a question. Although most of my body is petite (I'm 5'2, 119 pounds) my chest is absolutely not. I'm a 32DD and I can never find bras anywhere. I know you're a fan of the Little Bra, but do you have any advice for the little girl in need of a Big Bra? :)
We all know how important it is to not only look our best, but to feel our best.
If you're anything like me, when I'm wearing a cute workout or yoga outfit I already feel healthier. My favorite activewear line is Sweet Petites Apparel, which I'm pictured in here, it's affordable and made for us!
What do you like to wear when you work out? Where do you buy it?
Do you workout? What do you do?
Are you a health nut or a junk food junkie?
Share your experience and tips in the comment section for your chance to win a PF prize pack ( 3 t-shirts: Short & Sweet, Perfectly Petite and 5'5" with Heels)
I've always been health conscious, but it wasn't until I went to an event called Well Spot, that I started to make some serious changes. It was produced by my friend Leanne for her site Healthy Girl. If you're ready to make some small or big changes in your life style to feel better, here's a special offer:
Found Your WellSpot?
As a member of the PFP community, you are invited to join The fastest growing community for women and wellness. As a member, You will be a part of the wellness revolution for women. You will have exclusive access to the latest news, events, teleseminars, coaching, And special offers in the areas of wellness,fitness, nutrition, and wealth. The HealthyGirl community has been created especially for entrepreneurs and women in business. Join today for your chance to win your personal HealthyGirl Wellness Toolkit valued at over $300. Visit www.healthygirl.net Today to join.
I have another friend who encourages me to channel my inner goddess and who can argue with that? Jennifer is a walking business card, she exudes light and confidence, which is why we got chatting. She'll keep you fit, tanned, grounded and gorgeous. Here's a special offer from her and her team:
Sign up for a FREE Lifestyle newsletter at Fit Your Style, embracing body, beauty, mind and spirit.
Become a Guest and access our GUEST ONLY section (bottom of home page), filled with insider fitness, fashion and beauty tips!
Be the 50th new member and WIN our exclusive LIP TOX!
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Forgo the dermatologist! The shine of a gloss that plumps lips to create a sensuous pout. The unique Lip Plumping Peptide Complex works to stimulate collagen production, building incredible fullness and volume. The proof is in the pout. After 1 month, lips look up to 60% more hydrated, 40% fuller and 29% less lined.* *Results based on 3x/day usage over a 29-day period. .21 oz. Vial
It seems like everyone's becoming a designer. However, this celebrity has great style. Who is it you ask... Well it's non other then Rachel Bilson, 5'1. Rachel, has collaborated with DKNY and is launching her own line, EDIE ROSE.
Unlike the rest of the actors turned designers who have named their line after themselves, Rachel's line is named after 2 women who inspire her, Edie, her grandmother and Rose, a close family friend. The collection will reflect things that can be found in Rachel's closet.
"I love to mix things up. I love using basics as a canvas, combining them with vintage pieces or piling on accessories." as she told Instyle.
Rachel's Style Tips:
Make dressing fun every day. "Be creative by mixing vintage, luxe, and cheap-chic lines."
Seek out young designer lines, which offer individulality, to crreate a signature style.
Create a palette. Pick two colors as your base, then add a bright one.
Here are some pieces from Edie Rose, which will be available at Macy's in September.
Those of you who have worked in retail know that Air Conditioning can be your best friend or your worst enemy.
The 5'4 beauty in today's post has accessorized her summer outfit with a pretty jacket to keep warm in the chili mall.
Her low healed, open toed shoes give her a little bit of height but keep her comfortable and stylish.
This outfit can easily go from the air conditioned mall to a summer patio by simply removing the jacket. Her hat is also a great accessory that can be easily removed. For more street pics please visit www.thisisu.com.
Help Design Moi-Même’s New Tailored Shirts - for Petite Fashionistas Like You!
The classic button-down shirt is every woman’s wardrobe staple. But what’s a PF to do when she can’t find the proper fit? Custom-design her own!
Moi-Même is preparing to launch a line of custom-tailored shirts and would like your input for the design. What have you been looking for in a dress shirt, but just can’t find anywhere? What fabrics do you lust after? Insist upon a French cuff?
Make your opinion known! Complete a short survey and see your vision come alive in their Winter 2008 Collection!
Moi-Même Attire designs custom-tailored petite suits and chic career apparel. Each garment in the collection is made-to-measure to fit your body and personalized with your fabric selection and choice of lining color.
It seems like babies are everywhere from Hollywood, to your neighbourhood. Summer is budding with new additions to the world.
Petite Mom's are very stylish, not only are they glowing from their pregnancy but they are showing off their baby bumps.
My sister-in-law, Christina, 5'2, looks great after having 2 kids.
She's got great style, she knows how to show off her petite frame.
She welcomed her son Cruz Preston Reid-San Antonio 4 months ago.
The picture on the left is Christina at 5 months pregnant. On the right are her 2 kids and my brother. Her daughter Taylor, who will be 4 soon, has a style of her own, I'm sure she takes after her mom, and of course, me, her aunt!!
About 8 months ago Christina Aguilera welcomed her son, Max Liron Bratman. She now graces this months Glamour Magazine. She's put aside her "dirrty" wear, for more child friendly, yet sexy attire.
I have to admit that I used to shy away from bright colours when it came to cosmetics. The only bright thing that I would wear would be my signature bright pink nail polish on my toes. But lately, I find that I have been experimenting more with various looks and colours. The first look was inspired by a look done by a YouTube makeup Guru in one of his videos. So I decided that I would try to recreate the look using colours that were more suited for my skin tone. Keep in mind that this is probably not an every day look. In the second picture, I've toned it down quite a bit for a nice day look. In the and final picture, I used a bright lipstick to help make my lips the focus.
If you're in Canada stay tuned to Entertainment Tonight Canada on Monday July 28th @ 7pm. They came by yesterday to get the scoop on PF. The Lifestyle & Fashion producer, Jodi, who came to ask me questions for the segment was a true PF, 5' even to be exact. She rocked a gray wrap dress on the humid Toronto summer day and matched it with amazing silver pumps that I was drooling over the entire time. She chose silver to accessorize, which truly complimented her cool skin tone.
As for myself, I had about 10 minutes to get ready, which is why my hair is still wet. Luckily I had designs by TLE on hand to look great and stay cool and of course you know me and my love for gold sandals.
I just came back from LA with a suitcase full of souvenirs; a hat, a pink bag, an LA piggy bank, a Beverly Hills key chain, lots of clothes, and one thing that I wore home... CLEAVAGE!
Yes, cleavage, thanks to petite professional, Emily Lau, founder of The Little Bra Company I have proper fitting bras that are not only beautiful, but lift and push my ladies together as only masking tape has in the past.
I had a great time at her Hollywood Hills home and if it wasn't for meeting Hayden later that day, I would have stayed all day. We shot a fun and informativeinterview, which will air this weekend, where Emily helped me find my size and taught me the best way to wear my little bra. It's quite easy and very effective, just follow these steps:
HOW TO WEAR
the little bra
STEP ONE: Put the little bra on. Lean over to allow your breasts to fall naturally into the bra cups.
STEP TWO: While leaning over, take your left hand to hold the bra in place, where the back wings meet the wire. Now, use your right hand to scoop your "little goods" to the the center of the little bra. Repeat with the right cup.
STEP THREE: Adjust the shoulder straps-tight enough so they don't fall of your shoulders, but not so tight that they cut into your shoulders.
STEP FOUR: You've got cleavage! Wear your favorite fashions with the little bra, or just wear the little bra.
Take a look at The Little Bra Company fashion show and check back over the next few days as we put the final touches on the next episode of PF TV.
I am liking the current trend of long dresses this summer however, being a short - 5'3" - and "chesty" kind of gal, I'm not sure which ones would be appropriate for my height & figure.
Can you recommend some on your website ?
Much appreciated !!
- Marie
Hi Marie,
Take inspiration from this busty petite, or others like Selma Hayek and America Ferrera, both have been seen in casual and evening maxi styles.
When wearing as much fabric as a maxi requires you don't want the dress to overwhelm you. While I don't want to discourage you from wearing a fun print, just choose carefully. A maxi dress in a single color can still be gorgeous and dramatic if you choose the right fit, plus it's a fool proof way to add inches.
Your maxi dress should always go right to the floor, nothing in between the knee and ankle is flattering.
If you're busty choose a maxi with an empire waist line (right under the bust).
Since you're legs are completely covered there's nothing wrong with showing cleavage. Take it one step further and accentuate your neck and bust line with a long pendant.
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Those of you who have worked in retail know that Air Conditioning can be your best friend or your worst enemy. 
