Saturday, January 19, 2008

Visions of fashion dancing in my head

Hey all. Sorry it has been a week since my last post — the work travel season is heating up, literally. I am heading down to Florida later on this week, and I'm excited about breaking into some spring clothes and open-toed shoes (I'd better schedule that pedicure.) The temperature is supposed to be around 70!

All the websites focus on springs colors such as navy, green, orange and tan — love it! I am heading out tomorrow to see what a few stores hold. There is a Banana Republic Factory Store about 40 minutes from my home and they just started carrying petites. For a casual business event on Saturday, I am envisioning a cream pair of khaki pants, with a navy blue three-quarter sleeve crewneck, a chunky orange necklace and these killer croc-embossed brown wedges from Ralph Lauren (I purchased them today — originally $145, marked down to $15! DSW is having a great sale if you have the patience to look through all the racks.) Hopefully, I can find all the pieces to "make it work" as the lovely Tim Gunn would say.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Being small has its advantages ... sometimes

I was out shopping at Banana Republic today and was bummed out because none of their sale clothes were petite or a regular x-small. But then I found a classic merino wool black turtleneck in XS and the best part was the price: $22.99 and then I had a 20 percent off coupon. Sweet ... It was originally $58.

Then later on in the day I headed over to the Banana Republic Factory Store in search of shoes. I came across a classic pair of black heels in my size (6) but no price on them. They were in the clearance section .... when I got to the register, the associate told me the good news. A $78 pair of heels for $5.19.

Now I think these bargains balance out the expensive jeans, but my friend wasn't buying it. Still this was another great shopping day.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Just as I am

This weekend I caught the first episode of Lifetime's How to Look Good Naked with Carson Kressley and I really liked it. Lifetime (which I normally never watch) says the show "teaches women of all shapes and sizes how to go from self loathing to self loving without resorting to interventions like extreme dieting or cosmetic surgery."

It's a refreshing change. That a show is focusing on making you feel your best as you are, not as fabulous as you possibly may be.

I've struggled with my weight for what feels like my whole life. When you are only five foot tall, five pounds looks like 20, so there really is no wiggle room.

Anyway this show was great it how it made the woman face here insecurities and also her misperceptions about her weight and her body. And Carson Kressley, who was a tad bit snarky on Queer Eye, is adorable here. He limits the sarcasm and seems to actually care about these women. He's great in this show.

So check it out if you find yourself home on a Friday night — the previews show that a petite woman will be featured in an upcoming episode.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

My fashion pet peeves

*Pants that are too short. There is no reason for the people around you to see what color socks you are wearing unless you are wearing peep toes pumps in the winter.

*Pants that are too long. Hey, I know as a petite you are supposed to have your pants reach the floor, but beyond that is just wrong. No dragging, please.

*Rolling pants up, either on the outside or the inside. Get a tailor — especially you, Dad.

*Jean suits. It's fine to wear a suit with the jacket and pants/skirts the same color. Classic! But in no case should these fabrics be denim. Anything acid washed is an extra 50 points off.

*Mom jeans, also known as extremely high-waisted jeans. An ice-cream cone shape pant does not flatter anyone.

This is only a very partial list, more to come later.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Duh ...

Happy New Year! And already only two days in to 2008, I've been fooled by an ad I got from J.Crew! I received the up to 50 percent off e-mail from the company today and mistakenly thought is was an extra 50 percent off the current prices, silly me. I was ready to break out the credit card.

Well, let's hope 2008 brings lots of fabulous petite clothes and many huge sales!