So with UBS recently publishing what they consider an appropriate work wardrobe being one of the most trending topics last week (and apparently, people are *STILL* talking about it), I've decided to post one of my own as well. To prevent readers from getting bored, I will try to keep it very brief, not 40-something pages like the Swiss-based bank (really? My high school handbook was able to say all they needed to say about appropriate dress within a page or so - on 8.5 x 5.5 paper).
As DelectablyChic! is an online media publication, the most ideal dress code leans towards the casual side. This means that standards are all the more important - different people have different views of what "on the casual side" means -especially in the fashion and style industry. For some, "casual" means relaxed - yoga pants, flip flops, sweat shirts and so forth. This is fine if you are working at a home office, of course, but not if you work in a "real" office. In fact, flip flops are NEVER fine, unless you're doing a spa day or meeting at the pool or beach. Below are a few ideal outfits for different situations:
A regular day at a casual office (with denim):
If you work in a very casual office which allows denim, be sure that the wash is darker. Whether you pick a flowy top or cardigan and shell, make sure the jeans are professional looking and not sloppy weekend wear.
To read the rest of the post, please visit DelectablyChic!.
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Missed Ann Lauren's Bella Petite interview with ANTM contestant, Sundai Love?
You can now listen to it online HERE!
Interviewed by Serafina, Online Shopping in Canada and upcoming Trunkspace Consignment Sale
My interview with Serafina is now up! According to the site, Serafina is:
a one-of-a-kind shopping reference blog dedicated to locating and compiling the designers and shops that cater to petite women.
In additional news, it looks like Forever 21 has a Canadian e-commerce site. Like Abercrombie's Canadian site, not only does Forever 21 deliver to Canada and take Canadian credit cards, but the items are listed in Canadian dollars! Now why won't GAP Inc. do that? I actually sent them an e-mail about it last night, and I am waiting for a response. My guess is that they'll give me some really generic answer that doesn't make much sense (especially since the new GAP Inc. CEO is Canadian), like they usually do.
Finally, the Trunk Space Consignment Sale is THIS SUNDAY in Toronto! Christa Jean of Petite Fashionista will be there to offer tips for petite women!
a one-of-a-kind shopping reference blog dedicated to locating and compiling the designers and shops that cater to petite women.
In additional news, it looks like Forever 21 has a Canadian e-commerce site. Like Abercrombie's Canadian site, not only does Forever 21 deliver to Canada and take Canadian credit cards, but the items are listed in Canadian dollars! Now why won't GAP Inc. do that? I actually sent them an e-mail about it last night, and I am waiting for a response. My guess is that they'll give me some really generic answer that doesn't make much sense (especially since the new GAP Inc. CEO is Canadian), like they usually do.
Finally, the Trunk Space Consignment Sale is THIS SUNDAY in Toronto! Christa Jean of Petite Fashionista will be there to offer tips for petite women!
Lula Lu: Sexy Lingerie for Smaller Women
Lula Lu, exteriorMany women, whether big, medium or small, have trouble finding the right bra size. Small women, in particular, don’t like having to go through piles and piles of bras that aren’t their size to find one that might not even fit properly. Ellen Shing of San Mateo, California had an idea. Why not open a shop that just sells smaller sized bras? Ellen’s store, Lula Lu, sells bras from 30AA to 38A. She also carries some smaller B and C cups. Bras are typically sized on a 34B fit model and altered up or down for various cup sizes, making it especially difficult for small busted women, especially those who wear small A or AA cups to find properly fitted bras. To combat that, Ellen used AA cupped customers to better determine the fit. Currently, the photos are shots from vendors, but Ellen plans to use models for her own brand soon. Also, Ellen’s definition of petite is not of height, but frame. She has small-chested customers who are 6’ tall.
On bra sizing and the difference between her bras and other major brands:
Bras are like jeans so no two styles fit the same, even if they are from the same manufacturer. And, every brand grades their sizing a bit differently, depending on their fit model, so it's hard to compare the fit of one brand to another for bras. The Lula Lu collection was designed with what we believe to be more accurate AA cups and by that I mean we do not use heavy padding in order to make the cup fit AA cups well. We use a more accurate sizing, developed by working with our customers.
On why women often wear the incorrect bra size
A lot of women who come into our store just never bothered to get measured so they don't know their correct size and other women have had body changes, such as weight gain, but they resist getting measured and being told their size has changed so they prefer just to keep wearing the same ill fitting bras.
Lula Lu, interior On the best type of bra for smaller-chested women:
Like with anything to do with women's fashion, everyone has different tastes and perceptions as to what looks best on their body type. I haven't found one best bra that works for everyone (or is liked by everyone) and I don't think one exists and that's why I'm always trying to find new styles so people have a choice.
Lula Lu is located at 212 E. 3rd Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401. Store hours are Monday-Thursday from 11am to 6pm, Friday from 11am to 7pm and Saturday from 11am to 5pm.
P: 650-348-8858. Most styles can be purchased online. Lula Lu ships to Canada.
New Petite Designer is Living the American Dream
Sunny Suppa, who immigrated to the United States from Thailand as a teenager, is truly living the American Dream. With a bit of help from a non-profit group called CEO Woman, she started 5ft2in™, new line of pants especially for women 5’2” or shorter. At 5’2 ½”, Sunny definitely relates to these women. While she never thought it was an issue while she was in school, after graduation, it became apparent that the fashion world isn’t very petite friendly. Like most petite women, she had difficulty finding appropriate clothes for work. While yes, some clothing lines do have petites, the pants are often still too long. Sometimes, it took her hours even to attempt finding pants that didn’t sag, drag or were too long. It wasn’t all that kind to her self-confidence. It made her feel horrible. Currently, Sunny’s line consists of work-related full length pants and capris, from size 0-12 and with inseams that range from 26” to 29”. She fits the pants on an actual petite model, and will eventually make 00s and plus petites up to size 28.
On the challenge of speaking with buyers
They need to understand that there is really a need for a petite market. Most of them do not think they have many petite customers, or they think carrying a petite line might change the image of their stores. And when they understood petite issues, their bosses did not.
On whether she thinks the fashion world would become more accepting of non-standard sized designers:
It will take some time, but eventually, yes. Fashion has always been about doing something new, and being the pioneer. Catering to a non-standard size is definitely new and pioneering. It will certainly take some time and effort, but it can happen and if we make enough noise it will.
On whether these designers can be successful:
Yes. Designers who are willing to see us for how we are different from the norm, yet realize that we are all so different at all, and cater their businesses to those markets will be very successful.
On the challenge of speaking with buyers
They need to understand that there is really a need for a petite market. Most of them do not think they have many petite customers, or they think carrying a petite line might change the image of their stores. And when they understood petite issues, their bosses did not.
On whether she thinks the fashion world would become more accepting of non-standard sized designers:
It will take some time, but eventually, yes. Fashion has always been about doing something new, and being the pioneer. Catering to a non-standard size is definitely new and pioneering. It will certainly take some time and effort, but it can happen and if we make enough noise it will.
On whether these designers can be successful:
Yes. Designers who are willing to see us for how we are different from the norm, yet realize that we are all so different at all, and cater their businesses to those markets will be very successful.
Sunny's first runway show, featuring petite models. All models were 5'3" or shorter. On whether she wants to change the world:
Changing the world is a big responsibility. What I want to do is add to it. I think people in the world deserve more options.
On where she would like to take 5ft2in™:
I’d love for the brand to become a household name. A trusted brand for all petite women where they know the clothes will always fit.
Sunny, working on her designsJennifer Graham Photography
Sunny lives in California and her line of clothes will soon be available online.
House of Hsueh....Clothing for the Everyday Woman
Cynthia C (l) and Benita Hsueh (r)I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and speak with Benita Hsueh (above, right) at the Holt’s Café recently. Benita, who is 5'0", recently came out with her own line, House of Hsueh, which is designed for women 5'4" or shorter, for the most part, but can also fit women who are on the taller side of average, up to 5'7" or so. Benita's clothes are funkier than the typical boxy shapes one finds most petite lines. Yet, it is still conservative enough for the office environment. Benita describes her line as "mod wearable" and she is very influenced by the styles of the 1950s and the Kennedy-era 1960s. She also loves sewing books from that period as they describe what looks best on what bodies, including a variety of petite shapes (opposed to current magazines, which only show one type of petite body---short and slim).
Benita on whether buyers take her line seriously:
It's very difficult. No one wants to talk to you if you don't have any connections. Your line won't sell if you don't know anyone and if you don't have a portfolio or have anything in stores, you just won't get attention. When they do show interest, they usually ask for pictures, often by e-mail. I've had good feedback so far.
On the fashion industry's reaction to House of Hsueh or how she'd think they'd react...
There has not been much reaction, mostly due to the newness of my label (I just started in January 2007), and the fact that I have not been too proactive with marketing. So far the general public is very receptive of my designs, and that is what counts to me, as I make fun yet professional clothes for today's women. As for how I think the fashion industry would view House of Hsueh, I am not too sure, and to be honest, I do not really care. House of Hsueh is a labour of love, and I am not out there to make the industry love me, I’m out there to have women love my clothing and designs.
Benita on whether buyers take her line seriously:
It's very difficult. No one wants to talk to you if you don't have any connections. Your line won't sell if you don't know anyone and if you don't have a portfolio or have anything in stores, you just won't get attention. When they do show interest, they usually ask for pictures, often by e-mail. I've had good feedback so far.
On the fashion industry's reaction to House of Hsueh or how she'd think they'd react...
There has not been much reaction, mostly due to the newness of my label (I just started in January 2007), and the fact that I have not been too proactive with marketing. So far the general public is very receptive of my designs, and that is what counts to me, as I make fun yet professional clothes for today's women. As for how I think the fashion industry would view House of Hsueh, I am not too sure, and to be honest, I do not really care. House of Hsueh is a labour of love, and I am not out there to make the industry love me, I’m out there to have women love my clothing and designs.
On why people usually say petite sizes aren't marketable, even though many women are under 5'4" and why...
Petite is often seen as "short and dumpy" and most petite clothes in stores are very grandmother-like as they tend to be cut for a more mature figure. Therefore, petite women who want youthful cuts (which are closer fit), won't buy petite because it isn't flattering which causes department stores and boutiques to stop selling petite items. If they do, it tends to be a boxier cut, made for a different demographic of women. In the end it all comes down to dollars and cents, if petite women are still willing to buy ill fitting but fashionable clothing, retailers do not need to stalk petite sizes and incur more costs.
Petite is often seen as "short and dumpy" and most petite clothes in stores are very grandmother-like as they tend to be cut for a more mature figure. Therefore, petite women who want youthful cuts (which are closer fit), won't buy petite because it isn't flattering which causes department stores and boutiques to stop selling petite items. If they do, it tends to be a boxier cut, made for a different demographic of women. In the end it all comes down to dollars and cents, if petite women are still willing to buy ill fitting but fashionable clothing, retailers do not need to stalk petite sizes and incur more costs.
On whether there is demand for petites...
Yes, but it is a matter of changing the perception of what petite means to retailers in terms of dollars and cents and us petite refusing to buy ill fitting clothing for the sole reason that it is fashionable. "It is not fashionable if it does not fit." I think if petite women were to speak up more and encourage designers like myself to consider them and with China opening up to the world, us petites will definitely find more youthfully cut fashionable clothing available to us.
On whether she thinks many petite women don't realize they're petite
Yes, lots of women don't know, especially those who are over a size 8 or so. Petite is about height. If you are under 5'4", you are petite.
On finding the perfect model and reaction from modeling agencies...
I actually did not bother with any agencies at all. I have been told that short models do not turn out great pictures due to their shorter legs, but I already pictured what kind of model I wanted my clothes to be portrayed by. I think as long as I can find willing models, I will probably stick to friends whom I think have the body type that I want my company to encourage...mainly healthy.
On how specialty-sized designers should market themselves:
First, we must shift the image. It must be marketed that it's okay to be this size and that it is for the everyday woman. The everyday woman isn't 6' tall and super-thin. My line promotes a healthy body. My model, Rachel (top image), for example, is 5’2” with an athletic build. I wanted to show that petite women can indeed look fashionable in print. As such, I am lucky to have good looking friends, and approached Rachel who is a good friend and in a band (We're for Barton) with my boyfriend.
On whether specialty-sized designers can be successful
Yes, but you have to work eight times as hard to get your foot in the door. The industry is hard as is already. Some markets are also difficult to get into if you aren't well-known.
First, we must shift the image. It must be marketed that it's okay to be this size and that it is for the everyday woman. The everyday woman isn't 6' tall and super-thin. My line promotes a healthy body. My model, Rachel (top image), for example, is 5’2” with an athletic build. I wanted to show that petite women can indeed look fashionable in print. As such, I am lucky to have good looking friends, and approached Rachel who is a good friend and in a band (We're for Barton) with my boyfriend.
On whether specialty-sized designers can be successful
Yes, but you have to work eight times as hard to get your foot in the door. The industry is hard as is already. Some markets are also difficult to get into if you aren't well-known.
On whether she wants to change the world…
I do not want to change the world, however, I do want the world to take notice of what I do and to realize that there is another body type out there other than the tall and slim we see in the fashion magazines, the 5'6" industry average we see in the malls, and the large and lovely we see in the news. I want petite figured women to know that it is ok as consumers to demand that products be made for the petite figure, we do not need to put up with boxy mature clothing, or ill fitting clothing. According to a 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey done by statistics Canada, the average Canadian female height is 5' 3.4" and 153 pounds, aka a 'petite' woman.
I do not want to change the world, however, I do want the world to take notice of what I do and to realize that there is another body type out there other than the tall and slim we see in the fashion magazines, the 5'6" industry average we see in the malls, and the large and lovely we see in the news. I want petite figured women to know that it is ok as consumers to demand that products be made for the petite figure, we do not need to put up with boxy mature clothing, or ill fitting clothing. According to a 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey done by statistics Canada, the average Canadian female height is 5' 3.4" and 153 pounds, aka a 'petite' woman.
On how she wants to take her line...
To own a store in Toronto and to make whatever I want whenever I want!
On whether she had a designer she admires…
To own a store in Toronto and to make whatever I want whenever I want!
On whether she had a designer she admires…
Oh definitely, Coco Chanel!
I wish Benita the the most success with her line. House of Hsueh can be purchased at:
Belinda's Boutique
2017 Avenue Road, Toronto
Nathalie-Roze + Co.
I wish Benita the the most success with her line. House of Hsueh can be purchased at:
Belinda's Boutique
2017 Avenue Road, Toronto
Nathalie-Roze + Co.
1015 Queen Street East, Toronto
and online at:
and online at:
This interview has also been posted at my main Shorty Stories site.
From the Edmonton Journal: How skinny and tall does a fashion model have to be?
Last week, I had the chance to speak with David Staples of the Edmonton Journal about height and modeling. He had found my blog and website through an online petition called "Short is Beautiful", which was created by someone who felt that the 5'7" height requirement for Canada's Next Top Model was discriminatory.
You can find the David's entire blog entry here.
You can find the David's entire blog entry here.
Interviewed by Petite Fashionista!
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet with Petite Fashionista, Christa Jean, where I was interviewed as one of her "petite professionals." The entire interview can be found on her blog. It's also a nice little plug for my novel, Aspirations! :)
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