June Survey Results!

The results from last month's poll, which asked: Do you have plans to attend Petite Fashionista Presents? are now in:

12% of you said: Yes, of course! I'll be there at 2 pm sharp!

65% said: I'd come if it wasn't so far away.

8% said: No plans at all

15% said: What's Petite Fashionista Presents?

Well, as most of you know, Petite Fashionista Presents was a GRAND SUCCESS! Thanks once again, Christa for this excellent event!

This month, we're asking: Have you ever lied about your height?

Survey closes on July 31 at 11:59 pm.

Petite Fashionista Presents Wrap-Up

Petite Fashionista Presents, hosted by Christa Jean of Petite Fashionista, occurred on June 22, 2008. From the fashion show, to the vendors, to the speakers and the celebrity auction, everyone had a great time. The first hour was mostly shopping, and I bought a Fernanda Carneiro dress fairly quickly. This same dress was featured in the fashion show, which occurred later at the event. In addition to shopping, attendees had the opportunity to get massages, get their pants or skirts hemmed and manicures. Of course, there were speakers, a fashion show and celebrity clothing auction as well.

Beauty isn't only about fashion, it's also how you present yourself. Two of the speakers at Petite Fashionista Presents were Jennifer Ettinger from Fit Your Style, a company that offers women a variety of products and services to help her achieve the best health and beauty results, as well as a cardio salsa demonstration with Gorete Almeida.

Another guest speaker was Melissa Meveal from Help Dress Me, who shared her top tips on dressing for petites. Help Dress Me is a company that offers image consulting, styling and personal shopping that is customized to every individual. Melissa offered great advice and many of the clothes featured are available in Toronto area stores, including Aritzia and Petite Alternative.

This trench coat is available at Petite Alternative

The fashion show's venue had a last minute change due to the possibility of rain. Because it was held indoors, the set up of the show actually looked more like the fashion shows one would see in Fashion Week, with spectators on each side of the runway. Prior to the start of the fashion show, Christa Jean (the Petite Fashionista herself) and Tamara Glick from Trademark Image. This segment was similar to what one might find in a talk show such as Oprah or The View, where people first show up in something that is a little on the unflattering side for them, and then are transformed (even if it's just a little bit) to something that looks amazing.

TLE Designs

Fernanda Carneiro

Lovelina top/5ft 2in pants

Benedicto

Lovelina jacket and Joe's Provacateur Jeans

Kingston 20 top/Joe's Jeans

Sweet Petites

As for the fashion show, the clothes presented were absolutely gorgeous. TLE, Sweet Petites, 5ft 2in, Fernanda Carneiro, Benedicto, Kingston 20 and Joe's Jeans were all part of the show. The models, every one of them petite, did an amazing job. It definitely shows that the you don't have to be a six foot tall, 100 pound blonde to strut your stuff on the runway.

Celebrity Clothing Auction: Keshia Chante shirt

Alice + Oliva dress donated by Hayden Panettiere

Juicy Couture dress donated by Hayden

Hale Bob Vero Cuicio Black Silk Bow Tie heels

The last major segment of the show was the celebrity clothing auction. Up for auction were a t-shirt donated by Keshia Chante, a Canadian R&B singer and three items from Heroes star Hayden Panettiere. Hayden's black and white dress was by Alice + Olivia and her yellow dress was Juicy Couture. Also up for auction were the Hale Bob Vero Cuicio Black Silk Bow Tie heels. These shoes were worn with the Alice + Olivia dress at the premiere for It's a Mall World, starring Milo Ventimiglia. All proceeds from the celebrity clothing auction go directly to Hayden Panettiere's charity, Save the Whales Again!

This article is cross-posted in Prospere Magazine

Thank you, Christa!

Petite Fashionista Presents was such an amazing event! We all had a blast!!!

Petite Fashionista Presents Picutres!

Petite Fashionista Presents was held this afternoon (June 22, 2008) at the Proof Bar and Sky Lounge at the Intercontinental Hotel, Yorkville. Here are a few pictures that were taken today. Look for a full write-up and more pictures in Tuesday's issue!

TLE Designs display. Includes headbands, belts and dresses.

5ft2in capris (from fashion show)

Christa auctioning dresses donated by actress Hayden Panettiere. 100% proceeds go to Save the Whales Again!

Help Dress Me with Melissa Maveal. Suit is from Aritzia.

Loveina Dress from Fashion Show

Fernanda Carneiro dress (I bought this dress too!)

I also participated in the celebrity clothing auction and got a pair of shoes worn by Hayden Panettiere. Here is a picture of me in the shoes (and the Fernanda Carneiro dress):

Petite Fashionista Presents is TODAY!!!!

Reminder of location: Proof Bar and Sky Lounge, Intercontinental Hotel, Yorkville (220 Bloor St. W)



When: 2 pm to 5 pm





There'll be shopping, free manicures, pants hemming, and a CELEBRITY CLOTHING AUCTION featuring items donated by HAYDEN PANETIERRE and KESHIA CHANTE!

Tickets are available at the door for $25!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!!

look for pictures RIGHT HERE IN SHORTY STORIES TONIGHT!

Paige Premium Denim to be at PFP!

Paige Adams-Geller (r) and Cynthia C (l) at a Holt Renfrew Paige Premium Denim event

OMG...more petite jeans! :) Not only will attendees at Petite Fashionista Presents get to see Joe's Jeans in the fashion show, they'll also be able to purchase Paige Premium Denim in petite sizes! The petite sizes come with an inseam of 31" so it should be fine for most petites when they're waring a heel. Look for Paige's jeans plus lots of other lines (including accessories and shoes!) at this Sunday's event!

Advance tickets ($15) are available until Saturday, June 21 at 8 am. Tickets will also be sold at the door at $25.

Petite Fashionista Presents Interviews: Juliana Corona-Mclean and Benedicto

After studying fashion design at the International Academy of Design, Juliana Corona-Mclean spent some time working as a manager in an alterations shop. However, she wanted to venture out, to try new things. Eventually, she began to make her own clothes. This later expanded to what is now Benedicto. Named after her grandfather, Juliana felt that such a name would be "strong and significant." Benedicto launched a mini-line in 2007 and soon, Juliana applied and was accepted for a grant from the government. This year, Juliana held her first fashion show with her full line of men's, women's (plus, petite as well as misses) and girls'.



On why Benedicto covers all body types when it comes to women's fashion:

I don't know anyone who is six feet tall and a size zero. I wanted to create clothes for all body types. Clothing that I felt that my family and friends would wear.



On whether she uses fit models:

Clothes are made for the client and scaled according to their shape. However, for my May 24 show, the clothes designed well in advance, and then tweaked on the models.

On what she thinks looks best on ALL WOMEN:

Anything wrap - dresses or tops, would look amazing on just about anyone. Different sizes should look for different types of wrap dresses or tops. For example, if a woman is more on the plus side, she should look for something with a band so that her waist would be more defined.

On why is it so difficult for the mainstream fashion industry to understand the need for "non-standard" sizes, even when we make up the majority:

Simplicity. The industry wants manufacture many pieces very quickly, so the best way is to limit it to a range of sizes. In addition, it's cheaper to mass produce this way.

On designers she admires:

My two favourite designers are Valentino and Donna Karan. I like Valentino because he KNOWS how to make a woman look glamourous in any colour and I like Donna Karan because she didn't plan on taking the fashion world by storm. In fact, she's very down-to-earth. Like Valentino, Donna Karan knows how to make a woman look and feel fabulous. She also knows how to cater to different women. For example, her DKNY line is mainstream, has everything. Her Donna Karan line, on the other hand is sophisticated and high-end.

On where she'd like to see Benedicto in five years:

By then, my e-commerce site will be up in running. I'd also like to see my clothes in a few stores in the United States and Canada. Also, I would like to import my own special fabrics, from Europe, Asia and Africa.



If you are interested in purchasing Benedicto, please contact Juliana at benedicto (at) gmail (dot) com

This is cross-posted at Prospere Magazine

Petite Fashionista Presents Interview: Catherine Bui and Lovelina

Inspired by vintage looks, Catherine Bui launched Megumi Moon in 2006. The name was later changed to Lovelina, a made-up derivative of the word "lovely," as lovely is how a woman should feel when she wear's Catherine's clothes. Not only does Lovelina have a vintage look, but Catherine tends to use vintage fabrics or elements. Therefore, each piece is an exclusive, limited edition look, not found anywhere else. In addition, Catherine has started to go green, using eco-friendly products.

On the line itself:

I generally don't make pants. Since my entire theme leans towards vintage, feminine looks, I find that romantic blouses, skirts, and dresses suit my aesthetic better. I do love pants, however, and I may give them a try in the future. Creating a beautiful pant requires precise engineering and if ever I have the time to dedicate towards that, I'd make the move.



On how long it took to start Lovelina:

Well, after high school, I studied fashion and completed an Apparel Design and Merchandising program. I later interned for a high-end bridal gown designer for awhile; then traveled to Southeast Asia to research design there for a time. All in all, I'd say from the time I graduated from the design program it took about 4 years before I took the step to begin my own collection.

On the height of her models:

I hate to categorize my collection. Yes, I do design to flatter myself, but I want people of all shapes and sizes to be able to look good in my clothes as well. So while I design to compliment women of smaller stature, my designs are also created to look good on taller women as well. I've had models anywhere from 5'0" to 5'7" look spectacular in my designs!

On media reaction to Lovelina:

I was recently touted as being one of the few eco-friendly designers with beautiful, fashionable designs where many others just make t-shirts. Who says eco-friendly has to be mundane?

On a designer she admires:

I have immense admiration for independent designers with original ideas. My favorite indie designer of the moment is Leanimal. Her designs are edgy and high-fashion while being affordable and wearable.

Advice to would-be designers:

First, get a proper fashion education to learn the foundation of fashion and design. Second, work under at least a few designers/design companies to gain experience. This step is especially important because this is how you build contact and sourcing information which is critical when you get around to starting your own collection. Third, I would recommend taking courses on accounting, business, starting a business, etc. Having your own collection is only 10% design and the other 90% is business and administration. You can take the leap when you've got all that under your belt. I only wish I'd had someone to give me the same advice when I started out.

On where she sees Lovelina in five years:

I don't think I'd ever be happy seeing my collection as a common, mass-produced entity, therefore I'm not sure if I'd like to see it widely circulated in major department stores. I think that takes away from it's originality. I would love the idea of Lovelina being stocked in many specialty boutiques worldwide. When a woman purchases a Lovelina piece, I want it to be a timeless, treasured thing, not a disposable piece of clothing purchased on the whim of a fleeting trend. My goal has always been to share my art with the world and to have others love it as much as I do.

Lovelina is currently available for sale online and at specialty boutiques around California.

Petite Fashionista Presents Reminder

It's less than one week until Petite Fashionista Presents! Tickets are still available for purchase at the price of $15 online and at Sugar 'n' Spice on 54 Woseley Street.

Also, look for the Lovelina interview online TOMORROW!

Petite Fashionista Presents Interview: Elizabeth Dutra and Sweet Petites Apparel

Sweet Petites Apparel, a line of athetic clothing for petite women was founded by Elizabeth Dutra in 2006. Elizabeth does not come from a fashion background. Prior to starting Sweet Petites, Elizabeth taught foreign business professionals about the U.S. market economy and small business development. Elizabeth also worked as a holistic health professional, where she learned a great deal about different body shapes. As a petite woman herself (Elizabeth is around 5'1"), she knew that other petite women shared the same issue such as inseam and rise lengths. She also consulted with other petite women by hosting a Pattern Party and spent time measuring, tabulating and comparing statistics to make the perfect, ideal fit.

On why she decided to start a line of petite athletic wear:

I felt the current marketplace for petite active wear was severely lacking in fashionable and well-fitting styles. So I decided to give petite women what they have been looking for, stylish and functional active wear combined with a figure-flattering fit.

On whether there's a specific height her clothes are designed for:

My clothes are designed for women 5’4” and under. Our inseams vary from 27” to 29.5” so there is something perfect for just about every petite.

On the height of her models:

My models Gaby, Maria, and Lacy are between 5’2” and 5’4”. My niece Mallory is 4”11”.

On whether she feels that some women don't realize that they're petite:

Absolutely!! I speak with women everyday who think they are not petite because they are a size 10. I then ask how tall they are, they say 5’3” and I tell them they are certainly petite! I designed my clothing with a generational fit in mind. I wanted to create styles that flattered younger body types to older. Petites simply grow out, not up. I know this from not only my body as I’ve aged, but comparing my niece Mallory’s figure to mine and my mothers. We all started with a common physique and it changes as we get older. Sweet Petites Apparel is dedicated to bringing petites of all ages smart, well-fitting and stylish apparel.

On why she feels plus sizes get more attention than petites:

There may be more plus size stores out in the marketplace currently, but I truly feel the petite fashion world is getting ready to explode and I’m very excited to help bring petites to the fashion forefront.

On whether she has a designer she admires:

Diane von Furstenberg, She makes “dressing” a women an art form.

On the thing she can say to the fashion industry about petites:

WE HAVE ARRIVED!!!!!

On where she sees Sweet Petites five years from now:

As with many other petite designers, my goal is to continually bring beautiful and figure-flattering clothing to petites around the world.

Sweet Petites Apparel sells tops (both bra tops and tanks). bottoms and wraps. Sizes range from XS to L and are available for purchase online from the website.

This article is cross-posted at Prospere Magazine

EXTENSION for Prospere Magazine`s Petite Fashionista Presents Ticket GIVEAWAY!

Your chance to go to Petite Fashionista Presents for FREE has been extended. You now have until JUNE 12, 2008 at 7 pm EASTERN TIME to send an email with the answer to the following question:

Who is the featured celebrity at Petite Fashionista Presents clothing auction?

One name will be RANDOMLY PICKED at 8 pm EASTERN TIME. Looking forward to see the emails! This person will be sent A PAIR OF TICKETS!

Petite Fashionista Presents Interview: Teresa Le and TLE Designs

Like many petite women, Teresa Le often has have her clothing altered to fit her petite, 4'11" frame. Most petite lines were generally conservative-looking and the juniors' section was too young. Even when something did fit, hemming was necessary. Teresa wanted clothes that had a more "cosmopolitan, trendy vibe" that would make young petite women feel beautiful without the need of alterations. Thus, she started TLE (pronounced T-Lay) Designs, a line of boldly-printed tops and dresses that are cut for a shorter frame, as well as a line of accessories. It took Teresa around two months to start the company, using her signature. Teresa wanted to make a bold statement to the world that even though one is petite, one can make a bold presence.

Teresa's tops and dresses are cut perfectly for petite women 5'4" and under and come in small, medium and large.

Teresa on why plus sizes get more attention than petites:

Society puts a lot of attention on weight and how a person should look. Unfortunately, this added attention creates more pressure and makes it more difficult for people to lose weight effectively and to sustain it. Because of this, some people are back where they started or are heavier. I think the last statistic I heard was that 60% of the population is overweight, so clothes designers have to make clothes that are accommodating for this sector of society.



On the height of her models:

My models are between 5'0" and 5'4". My main model, Heather, is 5'2".

On whether she has plans to make pants:

Yes, eventually I will design pants since they are functional aren’t they. But I find them not as exciting as dresses and tops since dresses and tops are so versatile and fun. My love of dresses stems from the fact that it was always hard to find pants for my height. Plus, they’re so feminine and flirty.

On whether many women who are under 5'4" don't realize they're petite and why:

Yes. I think there is a misconception of what being petite means, even among women. People equate being petite to being skinny and small in stature, which is not always true. You can be petite and be any size. Just today I ran into a former neighbor of mine at the post office. I was telling her about my petite line and she commented that it would be too small for her to wear. Even though she is an older, heavier woman, she was only like 5’3”.

It’s funny that since I’ve started my clothing line, I’m more aware of people’s height when I’m talking to them or see them on the street.

On designers that she admires:

I like Betsey Johnson. She’s so cool and quirky and always seems to have a lot fun. Her clothes have a whimsy about them and they’re always so colorful in both design and color. I love the fact that she doesn’t feel she has to look or act her age, which is totally cool.

Others I also like are Trina Turk and Shoshanna. Trina Turk has a great sophisticated vibe to her clothes. I like the fact that Shoshanna also her found a niche in the industry by designing for women who are more ample in the bust.


On where she sees TLE Designs in five years:

I see TLE Designs making a huge impact in the world of petite fashion by paving a very wide, hip, and fashionable path for the young adults market that has, for the most part, been neglected. Yet my desire for TLE Designs goes beyond filling this void.

I want to change the way some petites view themselves. Even though you’re short, feel comfortable with yourself and like who you are. Height is not a measure of a person’s potential. When a woman buys clothes that fit her properly and compliment her personality, she has greater self-esteem and can take on the world!

My plan is to grow TLE Designs to an international clothing company. With the help of short women everywhere and their desire to have stylish clothes that fit, I would love to see the line in numerous boutiques and stores around the world! I want the name TLE Designs to be synonymous with hip, petite fashion.

Currently, one can find TLE in the following stores:

• Sophie's, 401 N Market Street, Chattanooga, TN


• Clothes Minded, 1101 Hixson Pike, Ste C, Chattanooga, TN


• Frankie and Julian's, 330 Frazier Avenue, Ste E, Chattanooga, TN


• Posh, 5510 Highway 153, Ste 7, Hixon, TN


• Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, 181 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA

This is cross-posted at Prospere Magazine

Prospere Magazine Draw for Petite Fashionista Presents!

Prospere Magazine (sister site of Shorty Stories) is giving away a pair of tickets to for Petite Fashionista Presents! Send Prospere Magazine an email with your answer to the following question:

Question: Who is the featured celebrity at Petite Fashionista Presents clothing auction?

ONE NAME WILL BE RANDOMLY PICKED FROM THE EMAILS. Please email us no later than JUNE 10, 2008!! THE NAME will be drawn on June 12, 2008 at 8 pm Eastern Time.

Petite Fashionista Presents Interview: Fernanda Carneiro

Fernanda Carneiro is a perfectionist. A petite woman of 5'4", she has always found it difficult to find clothes that fit her curvy, petite figure properly. Armed with a degree in marketing and production as well as design experience with fashion companies like BCBG and ABS, Fernanda decided that it was time to start a line of her own. A line that would fit women more like herself than six foot tall glamazons, giving her a chance to represent her and a way for her to express herself, and to give some fresh designs to those that seek something different from all of those labels out there that just follow trends.

On what makes Fernanda Carneiro Designs different from other brands:

There are three things that make my brand different. The first is design. My designs are unique and wearable. I do not follow trends too closely but I am always very focused on wearability and designing what I believe women want and cannot find. The second is quality. I use only high quality fabrics, such as 100% silks and uniquely textured fabrics, and high quality craftsmanship and tailoring. The third is fit. I have designed my clothes to fit petite women with hips. There are too many lines out there that do not take female curves into consideration and design strictly for women with very straight hips. All of us with some curves in the hip area get extremely frustrated when trying to buy clothing because nothing fits the way it should! That is the purpose of my fit, filling this void in the marketplace.

On how long it took her to start her company:

After graduating from a 4-year business school with a major in Marketing, I moved to Los Angeles to take the fashion design course that I had always wanted to take. After graduating from FIDM, I worked at BCBG Max Azria and A.B.S. in both the production and design sectors. Once I had gained the education and work experience that I thought was essential to my success, I began working on creating my label. It took about one year from the foundation of my company to seeing the dresses from my first collection in stores!

On whether there's a specific height Fernanda Carneiro Designs fits:

My fit is perfect for someone who is 5'4". I believe that this height is a good fit for both petite and "regular" women. It can fit shorter women and women that are a little bit taller. No body is the same. There are taller women that have shorter torsos and shorter women that have longer torsos. Proportion is what is important. Everyone needs to find a designer whose fit works for them. I believe that my fit works for a large part of the female population.

On the height of her models:

My fit model is 5'4". Print and runway models can be anywhere from 5'4" to 5'8", or maybe even taller if the proportions are right.

On what she thinks of the "sameness" of today's models (i.e. tall, blonde and very young):

The first print model I used has red hair and the second model is a brunette. Since I am of Brazilian origin and draw inspiration from my heritage, I decided to use these models that are not the standard blonde to represent my line. I think what I look for in models is something more unique or exotic. This does not exclude blondes, I just have not chosen one so far.

As for the "sameness" in mainstream fashion, I think that we are on our way to making that change. There are so many different and beautiful people of all races and backgrounds that I believe all should be represented in the fashion world. Each designer has to decide what they want their brand to represent and who they believe their line appeals to most. With so many designers out there, we should be able to get away from that idea that everyone has to look the same and dress the same.

On designers she admires:

I have many designers that I admire! There are so many designers out there with so much to offer. I admire design in general, not anyone in particular at all times. Every collection gives a designer the chance to express themselves at that particular moment in time. My personal aesthetic may or may not synch with that of a designer that I admire at any particular time. With this taken into consideration, a few of the designers that I am drawn to are: Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Alice Temperley, doo.ri, Marchesa, and the list goes on and on!

On plans to expand beyond dresses:

Yes, I do. I am thinking of already starting to expand to include sportswear beginning with my Spring 2009 collection.

On where she sees herself five/ten years from now:

Five years from now I hope that my line will have pleased the public enough to be something women seek out. I hope to be selling in boutiques all over the country and maybe in 1 or 2 major high-end department stores. In ten years I hope to be a lifestyle brand! I would like to be selling in various countries around the world and to have expanded my line to include shoes, handbags, and jewelry. Maybe at this point I could have other lines like swimwear, children's, and men's lines. I do want to continue my growth slowly, but there are endless possibilities!

Fernanda Carneiro Designs is currently available at the following stores:

House of Petro Zillia in Los Angeles; Lear's Closet in Marco Island, Florida; Rumeur Boutique in Miami Shores, Florida and Kacky & Carl in Dallas.

This article is also posted at Prospere Magazine

Petite Fashionista Presents Inverview: Sunny Suppa of 5ft 2in

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 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 lives in California. 5ft2in™ is available for purchase online. The pants come in four colours: black, grey, brown and khaki.

Petite Fashionista Presents Interview: Christa Jean

Christa Jean is the creator and brainchild of Petite Fashionista, a blog that offers tips for petite women all over the world since the fall of 2006. At 5'2", Christa started her site because she felt that there was a lack of ready-to-wear clothes made for petite women. Her site has had a strong following ever since, with readers from all over North America and the world.

On June 22, 2008, she will be hosting her very first event, Petite Fashionista Presents, at the Proof Bar/Sky Lounge at the Intercontinental Hotel, Yorkville in Toronto. This amazing show will feature North American designers who specialize in clothing for women 5'4" or shorter, including TLE Designs, Sweet Petites, Lovelina and Fernanda Carneiro. Many of these designers will be interviewed by Prospere Magazine in the coming weeks.

I had the opportunity to speak with Christa about Petite Fashionista and Petite Fashionista Presents last weekend and here's what she has to say:

On Petite Fashionista Presents:

This is the first-ever Petite Extravaganza. It's a launch of the brand (Petite Fashionista) and also a celebration of all things petite! This is something that I've always wanted to do. It was just a matter of timing. And the timing is right now.

On who is going to be at the event:

There'll be many designers, all of whom have a petite focus. They include TLE Designs, 5ft 2in, Sweet Petites, Lovelina, Benedicto and Fernanda Carneiro.* Joe's Jeans will also be in the fashion show with its Provocateur fit.

On how she got hold of the designers:

I did a lot of research and then contacted them on my own. I also sent out press releases.

On what people can expect at Petite Fashionista Presents:

There's the fashion show, of course, as well as shopping, including some of the designers from in the fashion show. There'll also be accessories on sale as well as a celebrity fashion auction, featuring clothes from Hayden Panettiere!

On whether people can purchase items by credit card:

Some vendors will take credit cards, but there's also a bank machine at the venue.

On whether she's going to take her show outside of Toronto:

Sure! I'd like to hit New York City, LA and Vancouver.

On what the fashion industry can get out of Petite Fashionista Presents:

This event will bring attention to the number of people who are enthusiastic about and willing to spend money on petite clothing, something that the fashion industry doesn't always realize.

On what's next for Petite Fashionista:

Petite Fashionista is expanding its website to include other features, including e-commerce!

* Cynthia's Note: These designers will all be interviewed for Prospere Magazine and Shorty Stories.

This post is cross-posted at Prospere Magazine

Petite Fashionista Presents Guide...COMING SOON!

As we all know, Petite Fashionista Presents will be happening in just a little less than a month. In the next few weeks, both Shorty Stories and Prospere Magazine will be listing interviews of several of the designers featured in the show, including TLE Designs, Lovelina, Sweet Petites, 5ft 2in, Fernanda Carneiro and Benedicto. Look for these designer interviews, as well as one of the Petite Fashionista herself, Christa Jean around the first week of June!

REMINDER: There's only one week left to participate in this month's Shorty Stories Survey! Look for it below the Petite Fashionista Presents event listing.

UPDATE: The first interview, featuring Christa Jean, will be up THIS FRIDAY!!!!!!

EVENT REMINDER: Benedicto is TONIGHT!

You've probably seen this over at Prospere Magazine, but just a friendly reminder that the Benedicto Fashion Show is TONIGHT (Saturday, May 24, 2008) at the Proof Bar and Sky Lounge at the Intercontinental Hotel, Yorkville (220 Bloor Street West).

Tickets are $20 at the Knowledege Bookstore in Brampton, at Big It Up (58 Spadina Ave, The Toronto Eaton Centre and Square One Mall) and online. They are $25 at the door.

Doors open at 6:30 pm and the fashion show starts at 7:30

Benedicto not only carries women's, but also men's, girls', plus and PETITES!

Benedicto will also be featured in Petite Fashionista Presents on June 22, 2008.

Benedicto Fashion Show - May 24, 2008

Benedicto, a clothing line by Juliana Corona, for women of all shapes and sizes ("regular," plus and YES, PETITES), plus guys and little girls, will be holding a fashion show at the Proof Bar and Sky Lounge (Intercontinental Hotel, 220 Bloor Street West, Toronto) on May 24, 2008. It's going to be a very exciting event, and if you are going to be attending Petite Fashionista Presents, you're in luck, as you'll be able to see Juliana's pieces ahead of time!

The doors at Proof open at 6:30 pm and the fashion show begins at 7:30. Appetizers will be available after the show. Tickets are $20 and available at the Knowledge Bookstore in Brampton and Big it Up (58 Spadina Avenue, Toronto Eaton Centre and Square One).

I am very excited for this event, and am very much looking forward to it. The hostess-emcee for the event is poet/journalist Karen L. Richardson, a.k.a. "Nurse Karen." Partial proceeds for this event will go to Voices Ghana, a youth-centred global human rights organization working to include the input of young people in policy discussions regarding public heath and well being.

Look for a wrap-up post both here in Shorty Stories and at Prospere Magazine.

For more information on this event, please visit the Benedicto Fashion Show Event Page on Facebook.

When will people TRULY understand petites?

I was at a meeting for an organization I belong to a few days ago. They're about to put together a major fundraising event (actually, it's not going to happen for about a year, but it's something so big that it has to be planned way in advance) and the topic of event planning (in general) came up. I brought up Christa Jean's Petite Fashionista Presents, and how the event is going to be GREAT for petite women. The person I was speaking with then brought up Hong Kong. Sure, Hong Kong is pretty much Heaven on Earth for us petite ladies, but not everything there, especially the really good stuff, is truly petite cut. They are just cut smaller and slightly shorter. It isn't truly petite length, unless you're on the taller side of petite or wear 2 or 3" heels. In any case, if you're over say, size 8, yet, say, 5'2", you're pretty much banished to the plus section. Yeah. Plus. At size 10.

But back to the meeting. The woman I spoke with kept on going on and on about how difficult it was to shop because the clothes were so small. She meant size, not length, as she wasn't super tall. I tried to nicely inform her that being petite has nothing to do with width and everything to do with height, but it didn't really work. Of course, this isn't the first time this has ever happened.

If I had the money, I'd put start a billboard and Internet campaign on petiteness, but sadly, I lack the funds. Maybe some day.