What's in a name?

Sorry I didn't post yesterday — I had the opportunity to run in a road race and spent most of the day traveling back and forth to that (running is my way to always fit into those new jeans!)

Anyway, I read this article the other day. A woman wrote to this columnist asking for help finding petite clothes in a size 8 or 10, and the writer responds with a column that focuses on finding small sizes that do not necessarily come in petite (She does mention in the first paragraph of her response that things need to be altered often if you are petite).

But the assumption that petite means slender is a common misperception. The official definition of petite (courtesy of Dictionary.com) is: a woman, short and having a small, trim figure; diminutive.

These days, with the growth of America's waists, I think petite lines should keep the larger, shorter woman in mind as well as the smaller girls and women out there.

What do you think? Should the definition of petite include larger-sized women?

A really good shopping day

I just got home from a great shopping trip with my new Paige Premium Denim jeans! I know I overspent, but it has been awhile since I purchased my AG jeans (one year to be exact!). Anyway, they are the Laurel Canyon Petite in the Lagoon wash. The tag says that "in the true spirit of Paige Denim, we continue to provide premium denim for women of all shapes and sizes. This collection offers perfect proportions for the petite. Rather than simply cropping the length, this garment has been rescaled and tailored to accommodate the woman who is 5'4" and under."

I do still need to get these hemmed, but the rest of the proportions are perfect for me. I owned a pair of Paige's before in a regular size and these fit much better. I was also just looking over the Paige Denim web site and they offer a lot of sizes, from tall and petite to sizes 33 and 34 and maternity jeans. That's pretty great that they are focusing their collection to reach women of all different body types and life stages, don't you agree?

Making it easy

I am constantly visiting numerous web sites to find designer jeans in petite sizes. Yesterday, I found a site that actually has a page dedicated to short inseams. I didn't even know that Chip & Pepper offered petite sizes. And it looks like I was wrong about AG — the short inseams are still available, at least through Designs by Stephene.

This site also offers free shipping, so what's not to love.

The search continues

I am continuing my search for petite exercise gear and found a new website,
Fit Couture, that sells pants with a 29-inch inseam. Also, if you sign up for the retailer's e-mail alerts they will send you a $5 off coupon to use on your first purchase. And it was sent super quick.

I also found a 30-inch inseam on a pair of pants from Nike. The "Perfect Fit Pant" seems just that.

Bodyline Activewear sells yoga pants with a 28-inch inseam. Focus on the black ones, NOT the floral — you couldn't pay me to wear those.

Of course, there's Lucy and VS as I mentioned before as well. A lot of these sites have some great sales going on and there's no better time to start exercising off the holiday dinners (I should know!) Happy shopping!

Post-holiday sales!

Here is the rundown on the holiday sales:

*Banana Republic is taking up to 40 percent off online and in-stores (if you are lucky enough to have a store that carries petites near you. I don't.)

*J.Crew is offering an additional 20 percent off its sale items. But act quick that offer ends Jan. 1, 2008.

*Victoria's Secret, which has some short-inseam pants, has launched its Semi-Annual Sale online. I picked up a cute string bikini in an espresso color for $10.

*Anthropologie has some super cute petite dresses on sale on its web site. I always forget that they carry petites. It is such cute clothing. Check out this picture postcard dress.

Oh, my favorite!

I guess I should tell you first that I love classics. I don't really wear anything that is too trendy — you have to throw it out in a season anyway. Because I am a professional I tend to stick with merino wool v-necks and turtlenecks, cashmere, cotton shirts. (I love any button down that has a sheen to it.) But I do love color. I was trapped in the "black is my best friend" mode for a bit too long but this year its about maroons, vibrant blues, purples and deep greens. I am so looking forward to spring because white pants look great with green (see photo.)
I also love dresses — I think they are so easy to wear if you can find the right length. I am on the search for the perfect spring dress — one that is age appropriate (I am 31, not 16 anymore. More on my pet peeves later.)

Anyway, I'm getting off base a bit. Here are my favorite retailers, but as always they are subject to change at a moment's notice.

*Banana Republic. I own almost every piece of Banana's petite line (it's a wonder my husband has stayed with me). The clothes are timeless and beautifully made.
I've noticed over the past year that BR has lengthened the inseam on its petite pants, but that's OK. As a petite you have to love your tailor. Anyway, BR is my mother ship, enough said.

*J.Crew. This is my fall back store. Their clothes tend to be a bit too preppy for my taste but their suits are beautiful. I have my eye on a slate grey one right now with a cute skirt. Two things I hate though: J.Crew's petite line is only available online and you have to order one size up for petites. I know it's only a number but ...

*Jeans. I love jeans. They are my weekend/night wardrobe. Right now I don't have a particular favorite. I have AG jeans in The Club in 3 am and Emerald in the short inseam and they fit great. But over the last year they stopped making the short inseam (a local store owner told me they didn't sell well.) But 7 for all mankind and Paige Premium Denim now have petites/short inseams. I love both of those lines and am desperate for a new pair of each.

*Shoes. Once again, Banana Republic. Love their shoes. I always wear heels because I do like feeling two inches taller, regardless of the fact that I am trying to trick myself. Anyway, their shoes are great and still relatively affordable. I just can't spend $300 of a pair of shoes, no matter how fabulous they are.

*Coach. I know it has become super mainstream (I see 10-year-old girls carrying Coach purses) but I love the look of them. Some are edgy but still classy and others are just classic. I got a few gift certificates for Christmas so I'll be out looking for my next acquisition soon.

All that's fit to mention

Ok, so why did I start this blog today. Well, I really want new workout pants because I am running in a race on Sunday (my new hobby is running, but more on that later.) and I eagerly went to The Sports Authority, Dick's Sporting Goods and Lady Foot Locker today in search of the short inseam exercise pants. Obviously, I have had little luck with my search and that is why I am here typing away my frustrations. I guess I'll have to wear shorts, like I always do, even if the temperature is 20 degrees out.
I know I could have purchased some petite exercise gear from Lucy, J.Crew or Victoria's Secret and have it shipped but I am a creature that seeks out instant gratification. (I know many of you agree with me!) The other thing is that I would have to have them hemmed anyway. I need a 29-inch inseam and you just can't find that in a short inseam. Those are normally around 31-inches. But that is my parent's fault. (Hi guys!)
Anyway, this is my first post and if you find your way to this blog, let me know what you think. Also, if you are also in the shorter range and you know of some great places (my fav is the petite line by Banana Republic) that sell clothes that will fit petites, let me know and I will link to those web sites.