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by Valery Santillana
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
 Greetings ghouls and goblins: I present to you the bride of Frankenstein! Buaaah!
Okay, I just needed to get that out of my system as it is my number one favourite time of the year: Halloween! But let’s get fashionably serious and celebrate with the following treat which I shall bring to you: Meet Messina Salter alias: Miss Franken-Stitch.
Messina Salter is a talented designer with a stylish avant-garde flare. One of her great accomplishments and highlights includes show casing her work at the L’Oréal Fashion Week Spring 2008 in Toronto in November 2007.
In the last few years experimenting a bit with the goth look, (not punk really, but there is a point to this) I’ve come to understand that any edgy or in particular a punk look, is by no means easy to pull off. Like any other trendsetters, you need to have the personality, confidence, and a keen eye for fashion and style that are required to make a unique look work to your advantage. When done right, these unconventional looks can be inspirational, and at times be an indicator as to where fashion will be heading in the next season. Look at Gwen Stefani, Joan Jett, and Avril Lavigne just to name a few.
Now, on with the interview.... How did you get to be involved in "L'Oréal Fashion Week"?I went to Fanshawe College in London , Ontario , for Fashion Design, where they offer a slot in L'Oreal Fashion Week to their top 10 designers. So, after 3 years of schooling, many, many hours of hard work and tonnes of caffeine 10 designers, including myself, were hand chosen by the President of the Fashion Design Council of Canada to participate. The line was designed for Spring/Summer 2008. How would you describe your look? How would you like people to define your work?My own personal look mostly comprises of tattered clothing that I can't seem to get rid of, but love greatly. A lot of very unique finds at discount stores as well. However, the clothing I construct/design for clients is anything from street wear to evening wear. It is all about what they want. I will be designing a line very shortly, which will consist streetwear with a punky edge. How did the name of Miss Franken-Stitch come about? Are you a fan of Mary Shelley?I'm not a huge fan of Mary Shelley, but like the story of Frankenstein. I came up with the name Miss Franken-Stitch due to the fact that I enjoy re-furbishing and recreating clothing. Using scrap fabric to create something new from something old is very interesting to me. Kind of a "Frankenstein" of a creation, with again, a punky edge. Who are your idols? Where is your inspiration derived from?My all time favourite designer would have to be John Galliano. His designs are just so amazing to me! My inspiration is derived from anything and everything, it can be a song, a quote, a color, texture, pattern or a building. For me it's just a matter of looking around and taking in the scenery and sounds. The human form is also a good source of inspiration as well. Any upcoming projects?At the moment I'm doing Halloween Costumes. After that, I will be designing and producing some corsets. I will be setting up a mini catalogue to show the different designs and cuts, as well as fabric. They will range from $100-$400, depending on fabric and design. I will also be offering a "build your own corset" option. Where you can choose all the elements about your corset (boning formation, notions, fabric, hem, bust details…etc) and then have it custom fitted to your own body measurements. For any petite reader who loves the punk look, what fashion tips would you give to them?I would say to always have fun with what you're wearing. Find a few items that you adore and fix up to have a bit more personality. Wear layers, have a bit of colour clash here and there. The way I see it, is that I'm small and I don't generally follow the "short" guide to dressing. I find it to be boring. Just note that fabric print should match your size, not too big, or too small. Go through your closet and make a few full outfits, put them on, take a picture and see what you look like. What makes you look taller? What makes you look larger? What looks just right?!
Corinne Phipps, petite fashionista, stylist and founder of Urban Darling dishes on a few fall trends at Ibiss Boutique in Santa Clara, CA.
 HerRoom brings us their Top Picks for Petites! Your fall lingerie wardrobe is simply not complete without these must-have styles tailored to your unique Petite body type.
Here's what they have for us...
Petite T-Shirt Bras - Sweater Ready! Designed with T's and knits in mind.
They offer both bras for the small chested with extra padding and the molded underwire bras with shorter underwires (that won't poke you) for the busty petite.
Petite Sports Bra - This season's family dinner gatherings may have you headed for the gym! Finally, a High Impact sports bra for petite women with petite to full figure breasts! A little padding for those of us who don't want to look like boys at the gym and lots of support for those you are more concerned with the bounce factor.
 Petite Strapless & Backless Bra - Fall calls for a revolutionary backless bra that will stay put under all of your cocktail party fashions. With enough support for DD cups and integrated padding in A and AA size cups. This is a backless bra for petites of all shapes. It fits all band sizes, with silicone adhesive inside the top and bottom of the cups and along the tabs for secure hold. The satiny fabric won't cling--giving you the support and look you need under the barest of fashions.
 The Perfect Petite Panty - Styles that guaranteed to work with all your Fall fashion finds. Seamless, comfy panties are what every woman needs!
 Petite Slips and Shapewear - This season introduces daring dresses and scandalous skirts. These lingerie must haves will have you runway ready! Build the perfect look by starting with the right foundation that will make everything look more flattering. Whether you want to prevent your skirt from clinging or smooth any bumps or bulges, they have a solution for every PF.
Petite Accessories - Cashmere has a new best friend!  These are perfect for under slinky camis, semi sheer sweaters, even under your bathing suit. Check the reviews for this product, then you'll get it!
 
Hello all of you San Diego readers! I am green with envy that I'm going to miss this event! So, you must go and report back for all the PF readers! I want to see pictures of what you've purchased and hear all about the amazing deals! Don't miss this sale and do a little Christmas shopping while you're at it, that's if you can stop shopping for your yourself for a minute - good luck on that one! Have fun and email me when you get back!  The HOTTEST shopping party debuts in San Diego this FALL on November 1rst
Event Details & MembershipsDate: Sat., Nov. 1st, 2008; 5pm-10pm Place: San Diego Air and Space Museum (2001 Pan American Plaza - Balboa Park) General Admission: Complimentary at the door with proof that you are a registered voter! ($10 without proof) Confirm and print out your voter registration statusDeluxe Goodie Bag Memberships*: TWO for $25 (includes admission) Girlfriend Group Memberships: Click here & save up to 20%
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"Know the rules before you break them. When you do, it should look "on purpose". If you're going to take fashion risks, do them on occasions where they are welcome and celebrated - like fashion week and fashion forward events."
~Christa Jean
Do you want to celebrate it?!
Each day you'll receive a "Sparkle of the Day" like this one that I received last week:
Making the Earl of Sandwich proudWhat does a single girl really want? A dinner-for-one recipe that is both delightful and delightfully easy to make!One of our current favourites takes its inspiration from the Smørrebrød (aka open-faced sandwiches) a friend talked about eating on a recent trip to Denmark. Starting with a thick slice of country bread, add your toppings (see recommendations below) and heat in the toaster oven. That’s it! Our recommended toppings: • goat cheese with fresh thyme leaves, blueberries and slivered almonds • hummus with sliced tomatoes and crumbled feta • thinly sliced pear, chopped walnuts and a slice of brie • salami, drained artichoke hearts, chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated mozzarella • prosciutto, sliced figs and crumbled blue cheese Whip up a simple side—like asparagus cooked tender-crisp, quickly tossed with a pat of butter and Dijon—and you’re done! A simple meal that’s tasty, pretty and ready in almost as little time as it takes to sort through your take-out menus. The Earl would be proud indeed!
 Is it getting cold where you live?
Or are you one of the many California readers? I miss Cali and this freezing weather will give me reason to be there soon!
Back to the cold....
What are you reading these days?
Petite Fashionista was at the Shop Crawl in Little Italy Toronto. If you're in Toronto be sure to check out this College St. Strip. For the scoop on all the stores that we visited during the Shop Crawl visit Chick Advisor's blog.
My fashionable and talented friend Shannae Ingleton put on an amazing event that brought together the most fabulous women for a great meal and to discuss the book "Something Borrowed" by Emily Giffin.
We all got to share our life experiences related to the book. There was lots of laughter and a few happy tears! Yes, it was truly a girlie event!
At Shannae's events she always encourages ladies to come showing off a great dress and this event was no different. Everyone was dressed to impress! I was wearing a petite dress by Fernanda Carneiro (of course!)
"Consider having Big Sexy Hair - It adds inches" ~ Christa Jean
 With Halloween approaching it reminds me of something that truly scares many of my clients - looking at their finances. Creating a spending and savings plan can seem so overwhelming that it can actually cause anxiety.
Well, ladies, just like good things come in small packages, so does taking care of your finances. Break this daunting task it into bite sized pieces by committing yourself to spending just 15 minutes a day working on this and it won’t seem so scary anymore.
Begin with listing your source (or hopefully, sources) of income. This is usually the easy part, but figuring out what’s really going out can be a little bit trickier.
Start with something as simple as collecting your receipts for every, and I do mean every, purchase, right on down to the coffee you start your day with. Do this for one month and then you will have an idea where your money really goes.
If you’ve got gaps between what’s coming in and what’s going out, this exercise will help you find places to tighten up that you might not have been aware of. Something as simple as packing your own coffee and lunch could potentially save you hundreds of dollars a month!
With that extra money, invest in yourself first, by setting up an emergency savings fund and then a long-term investment strategy when you are ready. Then go treat yourself to a special, little fashion item as a reward for a job well done!
Lisa C. Decker, CDFA
DivorceMoneyMatters.com
Coming soon…new site for all matters of money. Stay tuned….
 I know it's not always fun, but we can't spend all of our money on shoes!
And because of this I'm bringing on a financial contributor, Lisa Decker.
She is a petite fashionista who I recently met while networking online, she will be our financial advisor! Whew, now you can check that off your to-do list.
Lisa will be joining us soon, so stay tuned!
In the mean time, if you're a little strapped, it doesn't mean that you can't look fab! - Organize a clothing swap party with your petite friends.
- Add some personality to your wardrobe by shopping at thrift stores.
- Cash in a few designer pieces that you don't love in at a consignment shop.
- Have pieces that you love but don't fit altered to look like they were made for you, or better yet, so it yourself.
- Try some new combinations, by mixing your favorite pieces with those at the back of your wardrobe.
P.S be in the Know.... Free Credit Report
Get it Now at No Cost!
by Susanna Commisso
 Fashion Week Petite
L'Oreal Fashion was in full effect this past week and there were just as many fashionable beauties in the crowd as there are on the runway.
Nathan Philips Square is a buzz with media, designers, models and of course, fashionistas.
I noticed the young petite in today's post right away because of her fabulous shoes. She was waiting patiently for her guest, standing to the side of a huge lineup to get into the studio, so I could not resist approaching her.
She told me that the shoes are John Fluevogs that she got down the street from the square (love that store!) What I like best about her outfit is that she is breaking a cardinal rule of fashion but it looks so hot.
A less adventurous person would have paired this beautiful, tailored blue coat with a pair of black shoes but she took a chance and wore purple.
Nicely done! Truly a Petite Fashionista.
 
Betty Suarez gave some great advice to Lindsay Lohan's character, Kimmie Keegan that I'm working into my daily mantra.
This is her key to success for working at MODE:  "A.R.G Ambition, Research and Gumption"
Listen to it here, you can skip ahead to 4min 40sec
Did you know that America Ferrera is 5'1 and Lindsay Lohan is 5'5 (border line petite)
 Melanie Gardin! PF Member #229 in the Windsor GroupShe is a "tall" petite measuring in at 5'4!
I will be taking Miss Melanie shopping in the end of November (date will be determined).
She will leave with a complete look head to toe and oodles of knowledge on dressing her petite frame!
She will also be receiving a dress from Fernanda Carneiro. We will try on a few to find the one that best suits her figure.
The Windsor Star will caption this shopping adventure to share with all of you! Stay tuned for all the fun results of our shopping spree!
Do you live in Windsor and wish you won?! I will be available to book personal shopping trips for anyone interested in the last week of November. Email me for details christajean@petitefashionista.com.
Do you want to win a shopping spree with PF in your city? All you have to do is become a member of Petite Fashionista, upload a picture and I'll be choosing one member a month based on where I'll be traveling. So, join the group of the city that you live and if one doesn't exist form it yourself!
Chic Gems is offering readers 10% off
Use the Promo Code: "petite"
I love these pearls! Timeless!
Here is a roundup of some great pics of PF at Toronto Fashion Week.... Stay tuned for some great video clips from some of the best shows...
“To help discover your style, you need to know what inspires you – what colours you love, what images you are drawn to, which movies you watch over and over and love more each time”. ~ Isaac Mizrahi
If you have good hair it makes almost anything you wear look amazing! A smooth blowout paired with great shoes will make your whole outfit look luxe and glamourous.
 I had the privilege of trying out a new salon the other day - Mad Factory. When they asked if I'd come in to check them out it was perfect timing as I had major photo ops in the horizon for that evening.
When they asked me what I wanted to try, I said color and a sexy 90's supermodel blowout!
I arrived freezing cold I was welcomed by the warm and friendly staff. They asked me if I'd like a refreshment which went far beyond the normal coffee, tea or water - they had lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, cosmos and more!
They warmed me up with a yummy cappuccino and then I felt all warm on fuzzy again when I found out that they are doing their part to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer research.
With little direction they gave me amazing shiny color, toned down the brassiness and gave me sexy supermodel hair!
Give them a try and tell them you're a Petite Fashionista reader and save 10%
Located: 537 Mount Pleasant Road
Toronto, ON
416-461-8741
P.S They're open late on Thursdays and Fridays till 9pm - this is so amazing for working girls!
... and PF was there!
There were lots of petite fashionistas. Like these two whispering friends.
Betsey Johnson celebrated 30 years in the business with a party that brought together hundreds of devote fans - who all looked the part! Bright tights, mini skirt and big hair!
I was invited by my dear friend and fellow PF Erica who is the manager of Betsey's Toronto Yorkville location.
The highlight was a fashion show featuring the designer’s upcoming Spring/Summer 2009 collection.
The flirty, girly collection was everything that you expect from Betsey and yet still as much fun as the first time!
 p.s Betsey Johnson comes in petite, check it out betseyjohnson.comp.s.s For amazing coverage of the show check out one of our contributors sites thisisu.com
Here I am with the lovely, talented and petite Kreesha Turner last night at L'oreal Fashion week!
Check out her site out!
UPDATE Oct.22 thanks for voting! Here are the results:
Thank you to all the amazing and supportive women who support the growth of the petite fashionista community!
Here are a few ladies who have reached out to show their support for PetiteFashionista.com  
First it was my neighbour who told me about the line. Then, when I looked it up I realized that many petite celebrities are also fans, including: - Hilary Duff
- Eva Longoria
- Rachel Bilson
- Ashanti
I haven't tried it yet, have you? If so, what's the buzz about?
 
Rachel Bilson, 5'2, graces Instyle's November issue. She talks about her style and clothing line, Edie Rose. She also talks about her future plans; she wants to have kids before she gets married, possibly with her beau, her Jumper co-star, Hayden Christen. Wow, they would have such adorable kids. Looks like this petite actress turned designer looks for sales, " I don't usually wear expensive things...I wait for the sale." What a great advice. The saying, "patience is a virtue" also works in fashion.
to us - PetiteFashionista.com !
We were so busy with all the exciting events going on that we forgot our own birthday!
We turned 2 on October 3rd, 2008.
This is out 1138th post and we're just getting started!
Want to take a walk down memory lane?
The very first attention mention in the press Who's Hot
Thank you soooo much for reading PetiteFashionista.com!
xo
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