Intermix coming to Toronto

This chic store featuring many designers will be opening up on Bloor Street in the fall.  See my longer piece about it over at DelectablyChic!.

Looks like there'll be some petite-friendly brands there.

Spring Comes Early at Lula Lu Lingerie

While spring clothing usually does come early in the fashion world - one often sees warm weather-ready clothing as early as late January or early February - Lula Lu Lingerie is launching spring just in time for the holiday season. The first piece from Lula Lu's Spring 2011 collection is being launched this month. Called the Lightly Padded Push-Up bra (aka LUL02) comes in Lula Lu's usual 32-36 AAA, AA and A cups. Not only will the bra give the wearer the oh-so-light push, but the lace trim adds to it, giving this very basic t-shirt bra a little bit of sexiness without going overboard. The bra will retail at approximately $54 US and will be available online or at the Lula Lu boutique in the San Mateo, California.

Lula Lu has garnered much media attention in the past few months, including from major publishers like the New York Times and women-focused social blog, Jezebel. This was especially so when they announced their AAA bra as many did not think that adult women could be that small or needed bras. More from Lula Lu's Spring 2011 collection will be launching early in the year. Stay tuned!

This was also posted in DelectablyChic!

July Poll Results

Last month, we asked whether you thought that many professional stylists had trouble understanding petite issues?. Out of all who replied, 42% believed that they did (and that they were only after your money...); 38% thought that they would if they were petite themselves; 9% thought that it was nonsense that they wouldn't "get it" (after all, they're professionals, right?) and another 9% chose other.

Readers, what do YOU think?  Do you agree with these results?

As a "petite specialist," Kim Dahlman, 5'3", has hosted a variety of fashion events for retail clients such as Macy's and Dillard's. Encouraged by the numerous comments from petite women all over the United States, she decided to publish The Petite Handbook, a style guide on dressing the petite women a couple of years ago. The small, purse-sized book goes beyond what many magazines suggest for petites - magazines, along with the general public, often believe that "petite" means short and tiny (i.e. size 0 or 2), when in reality, any woman under 5'4" is considered petite - and suggests styles for all body types as well as many other petite related tips.

One reason why Ms. Dahlman came out with the guide was because many petite women believe that they can get a good fit from "regular sized" clothing and do not bother looking for petite sizes. "Petite sized clothing is designed for a shorter body frame. Petite garments are cut smaller in key areas and the rest of the garment is proportioned to match." The very fact that petite sizes means better fit should make the clothing industry think about producing more petite sizes. Therefore, the industry really needs to pay more attention to the millions of petite women who spend millions on clothing each year. At the same time, petite women need to realize that they are petite!

Ms. Dahlman on height issues and the media's ignorance:

Unfortunately, the mainstream media still likes to perpetuate the myth that you must be tall and thin to be beautiful, sexy, or glamorous. This false information is fuelled by the fashion industry itself and the fashion designers who only allow tall, emaciated Amazonian models to wear their designs on the runway. The irony of it is that the media is ignoring a huge segment of the population with 70% of all adult women standing 5’5” or under.

On why petite Hollywood women never talk about their height issues:

Much like the fashion industry, Hollywood has thrived for years creating the perception that all celebrities are larger than life. The well guarded secret is that most of today’s biggest female stars are much shorter than you think. Agents, publicists, and stylists buy into the misguided notion that height equals power. You will notice that some of the most high profile petite actresses including Sarah Jessica Parker and Eva Longoria wear stiletto heels anytime they appear in public.


On why petite clothing is more common with mall brands and why it's usually office wear:

It really boils down to economics with the sagging economy taking a huge toll on the petite fashion industry. Petites have long been considered a “niche” market, usually the first area to be cut back during a financial crunch. Many clothing manufacturers have quit or drastically reduced their petite sized clothing lines in an effort to cut costs. Only the biggest and most powerful survive, namely the mall brands. National chains prefer to target career customers because price points are higher for these looks. More sales can be generated per square foot within the limited floor space allotted for petites.

On how to encourage more non-XXS petite women to blog about size issues and being petite (currently, the vast majority of petite blogs are owned by size 0 women):

I would encourage them to use blogging and social networking not only as a means of venting frustration, but also to create an online community for full-figured petite women. Blogging in numbers could force stores to carry a better selection of larger petite sizes. Just ask the size 0 or XXS fashion bloggers who have opened the eyes of retailers to their special needs.

Ms. Dahlman's take on clothing for short men and a (short) Canadian menswear designer's reaction to Prospere Magazine's question of designing clothing for short men:

Men are different and the menswear market is different. Men are accustomed to paying for alterations. It is not a big deal to most men, sort of a rite of shopping. Even a suit jacket that is available in a short, regular, and long length generally still needs some alterations to get the perfect fit.

The Petite Handbook can be ordered online.

This article was also posted in Prospere Magazine

Exactly why we are having issues...

I posted a message on the wall of someone related to the fashion industry about petites and body image. I've received a few replies including comments about how we aren't ostricized like women of size, etc and even going as far as saying that being short isn't a "body image" issue and that we don't "suffer" for being short. What do you think? Would you agree with that person? Do you think that's the reason why no one takes us seriously?

Petites from Anthropologie

Sure, Anthropologie doesn't have a big selection of petites - in fact many of their petite clothes aren't all that petite at all - the pants are generally 31" long, about an inch longer than pants at Banana Republic or Ann Taylor (though standard for denim). However, I've been around their website and have found a two interesting outfits.

The first is the Margery Meanwell Jumper. Normally, I'm not an advocate of schoolgirlesque outfits for petites - it makes us look even more child-like- but with the right shoes - knee-length boots in this case, and perhaps a long cardigan, you're on the go!

Another outfit I like is the Abbott Coat, great for the upcoming cooler season. The coat is also very versatile - can be worn for work with a suit or twinset and skirt/pants or with jeans on the weekend!