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 denim. Show all posts
Showing posts with label denim. Show all posts
Allison Izu Kolohe Capris (and 442 McAdam's Hobette Bag)
and from the other side...
Top: Elie Tahari (I think this was S/S 2009)
Capris: Allison Izu (size 24/00)
Bag: 442 McAdam (Hobette - F/W 2010)
My Allison Izu Kolohe Capris have arrived! They're lower rise pants (the "waist" is right at the hip bone) and fall a couple of inches below the knee. I think they're a great length, especially if worn with heels. Petites who want to wear capris should be very careful with length - this is probably as long as you should go, and even then, it's better to pair them with height. They're also so light-weight that they could be worn in the summer (I don't often wear denim in July and August because it's too hot). I've worn Allison's jeans before, but these are the first which fit well. In this purchase, I also got a denim skirt, which I will review at a later date. The capris are currently on sale for $49 US (down from $142).
As noted above, the bag featured above is called the Hobette, part of 442 McAdam's Fall/Winter 2010 collection. This bag is AMAZING for petite women, with the widest point at under 11" across. It is also fairly lightweight, even with the metal chain. This is a change from the company's previous collections which featured very large bags. You can read more about 442 McAdam's fall/winter collection in this post from Prospere Magazine.
Standing up...
Outfit same as above (minus purse)
Shoes: Chie Mihara, size 5
and how it fits on the "waist" (ok, hips)
In case you aren't familiar with Allison Izu Premium denim, this is a line based out of Hawaii which targets women 5'6" and below. Regular length denim come in 27" and 31" inseams. Yes, that's right, if you're petite or average height, you won't need to alter your jeans anymore!
Lovely, Lovely Allison Izu Denim
Petite Ultimate Dark Wash Skinny Jeans from Banana Republic
This skinny jean an amazing fit on people with smaller frames. The denim is very light weight, which means that it can be wear it in the summer. It's also a smaller fit than other Banana Republic jeans I've tried- a 24P actually fits like 24Ps in other brands - I have another pair of Banana skinnies which seem to slip down a lot - it was slightly big. Another good thing about these pants is that it's ankle length - great for those of us who are super-dooper petite or want to wear flats. It is $89.50 US or $110 in Canada.
Petite Jeans from Allison Izu
A while ago, Shorty Stories and Prospere Magazine co-posted a profile of Allison Izu and her line of petite denim. Recently I received a pair of her skinny jeans and the above is a picture of me in them. One thing to note is that the jeans are definitely NOT vanity sized!
For more information on Allison Izu's jeans, check out her website!
Petite Premium Denim Designer Allison Izu
Like many petite women, Allison Izu Song, 5'2" was frustrated at how clothes fit her. However, as a fashion designer, Allison was able to not only hem her clothes, but also alter it in a way that it would resemble her silhouette. She also realized that other petite women were having similar issues with fit as well as fashionable clothes. After all, selection for petites, especially stylish petites for those who are fashion-forward, is very minimal. This led to Allison's premium denim line, Allisonizu. Currently, Allisonizu is available in Hawaii only, but it will arrive in the US mainland for spring 2009. She also would love to go to Canada.
Allisonizu is different from other premium denim lines, even those with petites. First, the proportion fits a smaller frame - the knee break, distance from the waist to the hips, knee to ankle distance and so forth are made to fit a shorter height. In addition, she offers different fits, including a skinny (Kolohe), a dressy jean (Honolulu), a boot cut (Paniolo) and a relaxed fit (Luana). In addition, the fall line includes a denim pencil skirt. Finally, unlike other premium petite denim lines, Allisonizu comes in two different lengths, at 27" and the standard 31". These lengths, according to Allison, are "a common inseam length when researching petite women and asking how much people have to cut off of their jeans." The jeans retail at around $168.
Allison on marketing her line and whether it's easier in Hawaii:
I am still marketing my petite line. I think it is difficult to convince petite people (who have been "making do" with fashion) to try something new and to understand what clothing is supposed to look like for their petite frame.
For me, it is easier in Hawaii because I am from here and I understand the people here. But every city, state or country has petite women who are struggling with what fashion has to offer them.
Allison on why she thinks it's difficult to market petite clothing:
I think the difficulty is in the idea that companies are trying to "market" a product to a consumer. For me, it isn't about "marketing," it's about education, especially about one's body type. This is the best way to make women feel beautiful and empowered. People need to understand their shape and their bodies so that they can dress it well and flatter their assets.
On how she' like to change things about petites:
I try to educate myself and other people about different body types and proportion. Being petite isn't only about being shorter than 5'4"! I also want to help petite women to feel special and beautiful, it is as if we have given into the fashion industry and put up with the fact that they are not designing for us. We have to spend an extra $10 - $20 to alter or hem our clothing, but why? We deserve to buy a pair of jeans and wear it right away, without the hemming. I think once we realize that we deserve clothing that fits, we will embrace our petiteness and accept ourselves!
On her models:
Generally, my petite fit models range from 5'0 to 5'4". They all have different body issues - some have hips, some don't, some have long legs, some have short legs - so I am able to see what the style looks like on different bodies and I can understand what works and what doesn't.
On what celebrities she'd like to have a spokesmodels:
I would love any petite celebrity to wear my denim! All different people, from different age groups and body types - Hayden Panettiere, Lucy Liu, Salma Hayek, Eva Longoria, Mila Kunis, Chrstina Ricci, anyone really!
On whether she'll be selling online:
Yes, I am currently working to offer my denim online and working to make it an easy experience with great return policies so that people can try on several styles and sizes at home to find their perfect fit and then send the rest back! I know how hard the denim shopping process is and I want to offer the denim to petite women everywhere!
On her influences:
Personally, I am in love with Marc Jacobs (but who isn't) but I love so many designers for so many reasons, I admire Diane Von Furstenberg for her timeless beauty and style, also being a women figure head of a huge corporation!
Advice to other designers:
Understand who your customer is and be confident in what you are doing. I think sometimes we have too much information at our fingertips and too much "market research" is one and we begin to doubt ourselves and the existence of a niche market. But if you believe in what you are doing and do it with passion - all is well!
On where she sees herself in five-10 years:
In my business life, I see Allisonizu expanding to design a complete line of petite clothing. My concept is to begin with what I think are the "basic building blocks" for a petite wardrobe and then expanding to design complete collections for the petite woman.
I hope to be able to do this for as long as possible, five, ten, fifty more years!
Allisonizu is different from other premium denim lines, even those with petites. First, the proportion fits a smaller frame - the knee break, distance from the waist to the hips, knee to ankle distance and so forth are made to fit a shorter height. In addition, she offers different fits, including a skinny (Kolohe), a dressy jean (Honolulu), a boot cut (Paniolo) and a relaxed fit (Luana). In addition, the fall line includes a denim pencil skirt. Finally, unlike other premium petite denim lines, Allisonizu comes in two different lengths, at 27" and the standard 31". These lengths, according to Allison, are "a common inseam length when researching petite women and asking how much people have to cut off of their jeans." The jeans retail at around $168.
Allison on marketing her line and whether it's easier in Hawaii:
I am still marketing my petite line. I think it is difficult to convince petite people (who have been "making do" with fashion) to try something new and to understand what clothing is supposed to look like for their petite frame.
For me, it is easier in Hawaii because I am from here and I understand the people here. But every city, state or country has petite women who are struggling with what fashion has to offer them.
Allison on why she thinks it's difficult to market petite clothing:
I think the difficulty is in the idea that companies are trying to "market" a product to a consumer. For me, it isn't about "marketing," it's about education, especially about one's body type. This is the best way to make women feel beautiful and empowered. People need to understand their shape and their bodies so that they can dress it well and flatter their assets.
On how she' like to change things about petites:
I try to educate myself and other people about different body types and proportion. Being petite isn't only about being shorter than 5'4"! I also want to help petite women to feel special and beautiful, it is as if we have given into the fashion industry and put up with the fact that they are not designing for us. We have to spend an extra $10 - $20 to alter or hem our clothing, but why? We deserve to buy a pair of jeans and wear it right away, without the hemming. I think once we realize that we deserve clothing that fits, we will embrace our petiteness and accept ourselves!
On her models:
Generally, my petite fit models range from 5'0 to 5'4". They all have different body issues - some have hips, some don't, some have long legs, some have short legs - so I am able to see what the style looks like on different bodies and I can understand what works and what doesn't.
On what celebrities she'd like to have a spokesmodels:
I would love any petite celebrity to wear my denim! All different people, from different age groups and body types - Hayden Panettiere, Lucy Liu, Salma Hayek, Eva Longoria, Mila Kunis, Chrstina Ricci, anyone really!
On whether she'll be selling online:
Yes, I am currently working to offer my denim online and working to make it an easy experience with great return policies so that people can try on several styles and sizes at home to find their perfect fit and then send the rest back! I know how hard the denim shopping process is and I want to offer the denim to petite women everywhere!
On her influences:
Personally, I am in love with Marc Jacobs (but who isn't) but I love so many designers for so many reasons, I admire Diane Von Furstenberg for her timeless beauty and style, also being a women figure head of a huge corporation!
Advice to other designers:
Understand who your customer is and be confident in what you are doing. I think sometimes we have too much information at our fingertips and too much "market research" is one and we begin to doubt ourselves and the existence of a niche market. But if you believe in what you are doing and do it with passion - all is well!
On where she sees herself in five-10 years:
In my business life, I see Allisonizu expanding to design a complete line of petite clothing. My concept is to begin with what I think are the "basic building blocks" for a petite wardrobe and then expanding to design complete collections for the petite woman.
I hope to be able to do this for as long as possible, five, ten, fifty more years!
This article is cross-posted at Prospere Magazine
New Petite Denim Line - Allisonizu!
I found Allisonizu, a new denim line for petites by by 5'2" Allison Izu Song while I was searching for petite designers, clothing an issues. According to the info on her website, her jeans are sized proportionate for petite women, come in many different styles and in two different lengths, 27" and 31".
A longer profile with Allison will hopefully be coming shortly!
A longer profile with Allison will hopefully be coming shortly!
Rumour Has It...
According to post from Jenny Feldman of Glamour Magazine last week, Seven will be launching an official petite line of jeans this fall. When I first read it, I was a little surprised, because I own two pairs of Seven jeans that are of a shorter inseam (30" or so). However, Jenny said that these jeans are true petites. In other words, in addition to a shorter inseam, it will also have a shorter rise. If this is true, then GOOD FOR YOU, SEVEN!!! I'm so glad a big name brand is joining the petite world. We shouldn't be hiding the fact that petites exist.
I've emailed a few petite stores to clarify this. Stay tuned for more details.
Also, Shorty Stories now has a fan page on Facebook!
I've emailed a few petite stores to clarify this. Stay tuned for more details.
Also, Shorty Stories now has a fan page on Facebook!
REMINDER: Charity Denim Sale at U of T (and Waterloo too!)
University of Toronto:
Date: January 29, 2008
Location: Med Sci Student Commons (Room MS2171), 1 King's College Circle
Time: 11am to 6pm
Proceeds for the Toronto sale will support education for women. This event is being sponsored by the Toronto Area Alumnae Panhellenic and Sororities at UofT.
Waterloo area:
Date: Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Location: Wilfred Laurier University in the Board Room, the third floor of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre
Time: 11am to 6pm
Proceeds for the Waterloo sale will go to Anselma House for women and education for women. This event is being sponsored by the Toronto Area Alumnae Panhellenic and the National Panhellenic Conference sororities at Wilfrid Laurier University (ALPHA PHI and DELTA GAMMA) and the University of Waterloo (KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA and ALPHA OMICRON PI).
Designer jeans at 50% off retail prices at boutique stores! They are 100% guaranteed authentic, made in USA and will be delivered right on the campus of Wilfrid Laurier for the sale:SEVEN FOR ALL MANKIND, TRUE RELIGION, RED ENGINE, J BRAND, JOE'S, and many more!
Charity Denim Sale
Remember the post about the Charity Denim Sale at the University of Toronto back in the fall? Well, it's happening again, this time on January 29th.
Location: Med Sci Student Commons (Room MS2171), 1 King's College Circle
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Many different sizes (though shorter inseams aren't guaranteed) and brands (e.g. 7s, Joe's Jeans, J Brand, etc) will be available and at discounted prices too! Guys' stuff available too.
By the way, you can now favourite this blog using Technorati!
Technorati Profile
Location: Med Sci Student Commons (Room MS2171), 1 King's College Circle
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Many different sizes (though shorter inseams aren't guaranteed) and brands (e.g. 7s, Joe's Jeans, J Brand, etc) will be available and at discounted prices too! Guys' stuff available too.
By the way, you can now favourite this blog using Technorati!
Technorati Profile
REMINDER: Charity denim sale at the University of Toronto is TODAY (WEDNESDAY)!
A charity denim sale will be held at the University of Toronto (November 21, 2007) to raise money for a scholarship for women. Brands available include 7s, Citizen, Juicy, True Religion, and many, many more for 50% the retail price at boutiques. Many different sizes will be available (maybe even petite/shorter lengths!) These jeans are 100% authentic! Money from this event will go to a scholarship for female students.
Toronto Location: University of Toronto,
Med Sci Student Commons (Room MS2171)
1 King's College Circle
Time: 11 am to 6 pm (yes, this means you can go after work!)
Cash and credit will be accepted and there'll be change areas with mirrors for you to try the jeans on.
Campus Map (building code is MS)
The event is sponsored by the Toronto Area Alumnae Panhellenic and Sororities at U of T.
Reminder!! Charity Denim Sale in Toronto!
A charity denim sale will be held at the University of Waterloo (November 20, 2007) and the University of Toronto (November 21, 2007) to raise money for a scholarship for women. Brands available include 7s, Citizen, Juicy, True Religion, and many, many more for 50% the retail price at boutiques. Many different sizes will be available (maybe even petite/shorter lengths!) These jeans are 100% authentic! Money from this event will go to a scholarship for female students.
Waterloo Location: POSTPONED
Toronto Location: University of Toronto,
Med Sci Student Commons (Room MS2171)
1 King's College Circle
Time: 11 am to 6 pm (yes, this means you can go after work!)
Cash and credit will be accepted and there'll be change areas with mirrors for you to try the jeans on.
Designer Jean Sale for Charity in Toronto and Waterloo
A charity denim sale will be held at the University of Waterloo (November 20, 2007) and the University of Toronto (November 21, 2007) to raise money for a scholarship for women. Brands available include 7s, Citizen, Juicy, True Religion, and many, many more for 50% the retail price at boutiques. Many different sizes will be available (maybe even petite/shorter lengths!) These jeans are 100% authentic! Money from this event will go to a scholarship for female students.
Waterloo Location: November 20, 2007, Location TBD
Toronto Location: University of Toronto,
Med Sci Student Commons (Room MS2171)
1 King's College Circle
Time: 11 am to 6 pm (yes, this means you can go after work!)
Cash and credit will be accepted and there'll be change areas with mirrors for you to try the jeans on.
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