Alterations Needed: Adventures in XS and 00 Petite Fashion

Petite Shopping Links: 3/19/10

2010-03-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Gap Give and Get Program, Friends & Family Event: 30% off at Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy through Sunday, March 20. Unfortunately no multiple use online codes that I can find, but I have a multiple use coupon that can be printed and used in store, linked below. 5% of the amount spent goes to charity, so I choose the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as my non-profit of choice. Since I work in cancer research, it is a charity that is near and dear to my heart. Printable Gap Give and Get Coupon

I have my eye on this fitted ruffle jacket in size P00. I'll have to pop into my local LOFT and see if they have it. Fitted, huh? I'll have to see about that. Pictured. (LOFT)

I love pearls, especially when they aren't perfectly round. I think baroque or irregular shaped pearls are a really fun and modern twist to a classic. That's why I really love this long freshwater pearl necklace that just looks perfectly dainty for a petite woman. Imagine how cool it would look doubled or tripled up. For some reason, fake pearls don't come in irregular shapes, but here is a similar look for less.

Nordstrom shoe clearance is still going on...shoe picks in size 4: Stuart Weizman "Ritzy" Pump (I love weird details...this borderlines on strange, but could be really cool), BCBGeneration "Tinas" Platform, and the Cole Haan "Carma Air" Pump (are you bored of me always posting about Cole Haan yet?).

I have a bunch of Ann Taylor coupon codes that I'm not going to use...so I'm giving them to you! These say "one time use", but may work for more than that. If you use a coupon code and it does not work, please leave a comment, or email me so I can make note of it. All expire March 23.

20% off entire purchase of $100 or more (25% off if you use your AT card)

Code: 108020369

Code: 108020397

30% off any single full-priced item (35% off if you use your AT card)

Code: 108020404

30% off full-priced covetables purchase (shoes, accessories, jewelry, etc.) with your AT card

Code: 108020376

Tips And Tricks: The Miracles of Fashion Tape

2010-03-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Fashion tape is basically double-sided tape that is safe for skin and fabrics, and is used to keep garments where you want them. An offshoot of toupee tape, it has been used by stylists on photo shoots and celebrity red carpets for years. I've seen fashion tape mentioned as a useful product several times, and picked up a box at a beauty supply store. It's been a staple in my handbag ever since.

I use it primarily to keep necklines in place, but I've also used it to keep cardigans perfectly draped, and it even kept a co-worker's over-the-knee boots up during a very crucial after-work happy hour. It won't work for everything, as it sticks better to some fabrics than others, but I've found it very useful in making garments more wearable.

There are lots of uses for petite women. Tack a neckline that comes down a little low so it doesn't slip and expose anything. If you wear a lot of wrap tops and dresses like I do, tape the neckline down so nothing opens accidentally. Tack up extra length on a pair of trousers or skirt (probably not strong enough to hold jeans folded under, but will work on thinner material well enough) that you haven't hemmed yet, or just don't want to spend the money on. Tape extra length of a belt down so it doesn't flap around. These are just some of the uses I've found for it, and I'm sure there are a ton more.

The brand I have is called Topstick, which you can find at Sally Beauty Supply. Other popular brands are Braza and Hollywood, which I've also seen at lingerie boutiques. They are especially handy if they come in a "purse pack", because then they're always on hand if something goes awry.

Anyone else use fashion tape? Any other uses I didn't mention?

From The Alterations Needed Forum:

2010-03-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Introduce Yourself thread is off to a smashing start.

Have you ever been "Simba'd"? Some of these women have...

Advice for curvy petite women.

Some great petite layering advice.

In other news:

Banana Republic has 25% off regular priced merchandise today and tomorrow with code BRSAVE25. My pick is the Shirred Tank that I'm wearing in this post. PXS is still available.

Ann Taylor still has 25% off two regular priced items, and 40% off three regular priced items with code ANNSTYLE. I just tried on this stretch silk top in size P0, and it runs pretty small. Too bad P00 is sold out online already! I wish they'd carry more small sizes!

Review: Ever Stillwater Silk Skirt in Size P

2010-03-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

While returning some ill-fitting suiting to H&M, I somehow found my way to the contemporary department at Bloomingdales. This sort of thing happens to me all the time...one second I'm diligently heading back to my car, thinking about what to do for diner...and the next second I've somehow found my way to the store I had no intention of going into in the first place.

Fortunately, my side-track led me to a new discovery. Walking around, checking out the new Spring merchandise, I saw a sad little silk skirt that was much too small to fit properly on its hanger. A mean sales associate had stretched its little elastic waist band and forced it to stay clipped in a manner that even made me say, "ouch!". I took the poor little skirt off its hanger, and my first thought was, "wow...this skirt is tiny!"

So off I went to the dressing room, and after a few twirls in the mirror...the little skirt came home with me.

Skirt: Ever, size P (Barneys) (Madison LA) (Shop.Ever)

Top: H&M T-shirt, size XS

Cardigan: Abercrombie & Fitch, size XS

Shoes: Cole Haan Carma Open Toe Pump, Wine Patent, size 5

By a brand called Ever, this skirt fits on the smallest part of my waist very snugly, so that I could even size up if I wanted to. The elastic waistband is cut really small, so this skirt will work nicely for ladies even smaller than myself!

Knowing how hard it is to find garments in nice fabrics, that actually fit the way they should (not hanging off the hips when it's supposed to be high-waisted...etc.), I was really excited about this silk skirt. The elastic waist band is completely wrapped in silk, so it's doesn't show or look ugly. I hate when a nice silk skirt is completely ruined by an ugly black elastic waist band! Bleh!

Besides that, the skirt is pleated so it flares out in a cute waist slimming silhouette, and has an exposed back zipper. And my favorite part about it...it has pockets!

What I'm not too excited about is the color. It's marketed as "slate", which to me should be a bluish grey right? This skirt looks anywhere from dark grey, to military green in certain light, which is hard to match. So if you were looking at my outfit and thinking, "has she gone color blind?"...no, I just don't know how to match this color from the limited palate of my wardrobe.

If it came in a different color, I would give it a perfect "10". Otherwise, I'd highly suggest it to anyone who knows how to incorporate this color into their wardrobe, because I just can't seem to do it.

Any color combination suggestions to keep me from having to return it to the store?

Petite Shopping Links: 3/12/10

2010-03-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is for all the ladies out there who are even smaller than I am! This is by far the smallest fitting silk skirt I have ever found. Better review on Monday. (Barney's) (Madison LA) (Shop.Ever)

The ribbon placket cardigan I'm wearing in this post has gone on sale, and size PXXS is still available in every color. (LOFT)

Nordstrom is having a shoe clearance sale, and there are quite a bit of small sizes online. Plus, use code SHOES to get free shipping on shoe orders. (Nordstrom)

"Guess?" makes petite outerwear now? When did this happen? (Nordstrom) (Nordstrom again)

Guest Post on The Demoiselles

2010-03-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

The bloggers at The Demoiselles invited me to write a guest post for their "Out of the Nest" series, in which they share different thoughts and experiences about body image from fellow bloggers. Here's a little post I put together for them, and check out the rest of their series. There's some great stories in there!

-----

Alterations Needed is a twenty-something city girl who dumped her college-age closet with a vow to build a respectable adult wardrobe. However, at a towering 4'11" tall, she found herself too small for conventional garment sizing, and constantly pointed towards the children's department by well meaning "average-sizers". Refusing such injustices, she started a blog documenting her adventures in xxs petite fashion and building a wardrobe, as well as a community for like-sized women to share their shopping experiences.

I am the human equivalent of a teacup chihuahua. I conveniently fit in most overhead storage compartments. I never complain about inadequate leg room. I have been lifted, without permission, off the ground by complete strangers, but I'm usually quite nice about it if you ask beforehand. At 4'11" tall, and 85 pounds, as a full grown adult I am the size most people were at age 12.

But that is not all I am. I am also a thoughtful dresser, lover of style, and appreciator of good fit. I believe in clothing's ability to completely transform a person and how we feel about ourselves. The day I began to think deeply about how I wanted to dress myself, and how I wanted to present myself to the world, was the day I began to truly feel self confident. I love a well dressed woman, but want even more to be one.

So, I'm on a quest to build a stylish, respectable wardrobe, free of children's clothing thank-you-very-much. Give me cashmere...give me tweed...give me silk...

But how do you do build a wardrobe when fashion is not made for someone of your...*ahem*...stature. Fashion is made for the tall and thin, not the short, and, well, I'm very short. I paw through racks of clothing, looking for something - anything - that runs small. I stand in dressing rooms, tugging and pulling on extra fabric, wondering if it can be taken in, up or chopped. I woefully return beautiful garments because my tailor tells me it can't be altered...proportions are all wrong...simply can't be fixed...

When you're this small, shopping becomes an interesting adventure. Necklines end rather immodestly below the bust. Shoulder seams hang down the arm. Waist details end up somewhere near the belly button. Arm holes droop down by the waist. Bust details are never in the right place. Pant rises hover dangerously near Steve Urkel heights. Fabrics can swamp me. Prints can swamp me. Length can swamp me. Basically, imagine a little girl playing dress-up in her mother's closet. That's me trying to dress myself in standard sized clothing. Cute when you're 7...not when you're 27.

But I press on. My perseverance is unyielding. I will find those elfin-sized designer shoes, because I will call the customer service to every retail store known to man, and have them shipped from across the globe if need be. I have become so aware of how poorly garments fit on me, it's exhausting, but oh so rewarding when I hear those magic words, "that fits you perfectly". You bet your average-sized ass it does...I spent months hunting it down, and a week getting it tailored.

Finding yourself on the extremes of what is considered "standard" is insanely difficult. After beginning my wardrobe building adventures, I've never felt more connected or sympathetic towards the styling plights of my plus-size and tall counterparts. I chat with tall women about the unreasonable limits of fabric hems, and lament with plus-size girls about the prevalence of polyester (what? no silk?) in anything larger than a size 14, or labeled with a giant "P". And don't get me started on the injustices of the "in store only" coupon (um...but you only carry special sizes online...how am I supposed to use this?).

So...to all the special sized ladies out there...press on! And to all the tall skinny girls out there...back away from that 00...you don't want to make me angry. I bite ankles.

-----

See my guest post on The Demoiselles

Review: H&M Suiting in Size 2

2010-03-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

There was talk of size 2 suiting popping up at H&M stores in the forum and Facebook, and luckily, there happens to be a H&M on my way home from work. Up until recently, H&M suiting only went down to a size 4, which is about 1-2 sizes too big for me depending on the style and cut. Yesterday I scoured the sales floor for this new size, and ended up finding only two suiting separates in the entire store! Amazingly, they matched! I also picked up a button down shirt from a few options that had the best fit.

What's great about H&M suiting is it's inexpensive, so women entering the workforce, switching careers, or just short on cash can get a matching suit for cheap. For example, all three pieces I bought came to $110 before taxes.

However I tend to avoid H&M for anything more than layering tops because I hate the way the items wear out, am easily put off by messy hems and puckered stitching, and end up dissatisfied with the fit.

Here is a quick tossing together of the pieces I picked up after a few adjustments to make the suit look a little better on me:

Jacket: $49.95

Button Down Shirt: $24.95

Pants: $34.95

In the picture above, I had to tuck in the button down shirt, roll the jacket sleeves, roll the button down sleeves, and fold up the pant hems to make the suit look semi-decent.

Lots more pictures and a breakdown of the different pieces after the jump!

Here's the suit it it's natural state, without any rolling or hem folding:

Pretty "eh" right?

First, let's take a closer look at the button down shirt in size 2:

The button down is not too bad. I had to try on a few different shirts to find this one, since most of them fit a little funny. The biggest problem I had with the button downs was the waists were too low, so they bunched up at my shoulder making the shirt poof in back. The waist on this shirt was higher, so it lays flatter across my shoulders. The sleeves are too long, but they are also cut slim, which is nice. The shoulders could also be narrower. Not a perfect fit, but it would do in a pinch, especially when worn under a jacket or sweater.

Next, let's look at the jacket in size 2:

The jacket is a little wide in the shoulder, but isn't entirely bad from the front. Where it becomes a big ol' mess is in the back. The extra width in the shoulder and across the back is very visible from behind. This jacket tricked me because in the store dressing room, I thought it was kinda cute. Then I got it home, took some pictures, and realized it was not very flattering at all. I would also like to see the sleeves slimmer.

What I did like was the inside details. The lining is really cute, and it even has an inside pocket! Nice detail H&M!

Now...let's take a look at the pants in size 2:

The pants were awful! First of all...holy Steve Urkel pant rise! If I were to sit down, These suckers would end up at my throat somewhere (only a slight exaggeration). Then, just take a look at the mess of pulling and folding in the crotch! That's a horrible fit!

Things are no better off from the back. Notice the puckering along the waistband and pockets, and how wide apart the buttons are. And see all that wrinkling around the back on my knees? That's from me crouching down for one whole minute to fold the pant hems under. If that bad of wrinkling occurred from crouching down for one minute, imagine sitting in an office chair all day. You'd look a wrinkly mess!

The one good thing about the pants were they actually fit in the waist, probably because the material is a bit stretchy.

Verdict: H&M suiting can do in a pinch, but buyer beware. The cheap fabrics will wrinkle like crazy, and the fit is definitely not the best. The best item was by far the button down shirt, which was by no means perfect.

However, just because this suit did not work for my body type, doesn't mean it won't work for someone else. I also wish I could have tried different styles, but since this was the only size 2 I could find, it's all I've got to go by. Maybe I just need a different cut. Regardless, it's still nice that H&M started carrying size 2 in the first place!

Anyone else have experience with H&M suiting? Is the fit any better for you than it was for me?

From The Alterations Needed Forum:

2010-03-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Introduce yourself in our new introduction thread.

Check out these, or post some new Petite eBay finds.

Have you shared your tailor yet?

In other news...Nordstrom is having a shoe clearance sale. Check it out here.
LOFT has new markdowns at up to 60%, like the petite ribbon placket trim cardigan.

Petite Outfit: Fun with the Ann Taylor Floral Front Top

2010-03-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Out of the five tops I ordered from Ann Taylor (which you can see in this post), only the floral front shell made the cut. I really like the color, and of course the fun flowery detail in front. I like the placement of the floral detail, because I tend to wear a lot of jackets or v-neck cardigans, so details that show in the front versus the side work really well underneath these items.

This is also an opportunity for me to show off my recent purchases from the Carlsbad outlets! Whoohoo! I love a good deal!

The Theory outlet had some great discounts, and while small sizes were hard to find, I did score this cute jacket in size 00. It has a nubby texture to it, which I find really cool! It' not the most fitted Theory jacket I've ever found, but it's pretty close and looks cute after I roll the sleeves up. For the price, I couldn't' pass it up. I forgot to cut the tag in the first photo...oops. Ignore that. =)

My shoes are another new score from the Cole Haan outlet. They're a really cool thatched design, with a few strips of interwoven patent leather among the regular leather. They give a little bit of shine in the right light. Way cooler than a regular pair of black pumps.

Jacket: Theory Shamara NP Jacket in Insight fabric and Black/Light Ivory color, size 00

Top: Ann Taylor Floral Front Shell, size PXXS

Jeans: Paige Laurel Canyon in McKinley, size 24 (waist taken in and length hemmed)

Shoes: Cole Haan Genevieve Open Toe Air Pump, size 5

Petite Shopping Links: 3/5/10

2010-03-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

20% off $100+ at Ann Taylor with code 108020369. Use it on this floral front shell that is still available in PXXS in "Dark Basalt". **Update**- Starting today (3/6/10), 25% off any two full-priced items, or 40% off any three or more full-priced items with code: ANNSTYLE.

Free shipping on $150+ at LOFT. I've had good luck with their sweaters lately, so I like this ribbon cardigan (that I'm wearing in this post), this smocked detail cardigan, and this ruffle cardigan (where's size PXXS Loft?).

Pint-Sized Musings is wearing these really cute oxford flats from Steve Madden. I wish they were still in my size, but a lucky size 6 girl can still snatch them up!

Review: Ann Taylor Spring Tops (Size PXXS)

2010-03-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

During the Ann Taylor "Buy One Top, Get One 50% Off" promotion, I went a little crazy online shopping. I used the SHOP30 code to get an extra 30% off, and free shipping on $150+. What a good deal!

I've got a taste for some silky tops right now, so I bought a bunch of silk offerings in size PXXS, in the hopes at least one of them would work. I also ordered one non-silk option that looked like it would be fun to wear under a cardigan or jacket. So, without further ado...here are the tops...

First up, the Petite Floral Front Shell in size PXXS:

Top: Ann Taylor Floral Front Shell, size PXXS

Jeans: Paige Laurel Canyon in McKinley, size 24 (waist taken in and length hemmed)

Shoes: Cole Haan Genevieve Open Toe Air Pump, size 5

The good: Nice drapey fabric that falls nicely and doesn't swamp my shape. Cute front ruffle that I loooove.

The bad: Armholes could be smaller, as they show a bit of my bra from the side. Armholes are also a little wide towards the bottom so they flare out a bit (but they also flare a little on the model, so I guess this is as expected) Fabric is probably prone to pilling.

What I really like about this top is how it looks under a cardigan!

Sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch Cashmere Cardigan, size XS

Top: Ann Taylor Floral Front Shell, size PXXS

Jeans: Paige Laurel Canyon in McKinley, size 24 (waist taken in and length hemmed)

Shoes: Cole Haan Genevieve Open Toe Air Pump, size 5

Verdict: I'm keeping this one. I need some springy colors in my wardrobe (I have a lot of dark, saturated colors), so this is a nice change for me. I also really like the front detail, and am willing to take the risk of pilling on the fabric. In fact, I might just dry clean this top to keep everything looking fresh and flowery.

More tops after the jump!

Next up, the Petite Silk Dahila Shell in size PXXS:

Top: Ann Taylor Silk Dahila Shell, size PXXS

The good: Cool concept, and has potential. As far as silk goes, this was one of the slimmest cut.

The bad: Ann Taylor went a little crazy with the length, so it either has to be hemmed or tucked in. I'm not a big fan of tucking, so this won't work for me. The straps on this were also a little long, as I had to be careful not to show my bra over the top of the neckline. The detail is also a little heavy, so it makes the top hang heavily on one side.

Verdict: Return. Pretty top, and cool detail concept, but the straps need to be shorter and I'd love a shorter length. I'd say a lady who wants to tuck it into a pencil skirt should give it a try, but if you need a higher neckline, beware of this one.

Next, the Petite Silk Perfect Shell in size PXXS:

Top: Ann Taylor Silk Perfect Shell, size PXXS

The good: Nice high neckline isn't showing any bra like the Dahila top was. Stretchy silk fabric means it cut slightly smaller.

The bad: Even though this top was a stretch silk, it wasn't cut small enough for me. The armholes were also a little big, and again with the crazy long length!

Verdict: Return. This top is too boring to justify keeping to just wear under things. I even tried putting a cardigan over it, and the top bunched up because there was too much fabric.

Next, the Petite Silk T-Shirt in size PXXS:

Top: Ann Taylor Silk T-Shirt, size PXXS

The good: Great concept, great fabric, great color. This shirt would probably drape better if it were shorter.

The bad: Again with the crazy length! I think the length on this ruined it, because the weight of all that fabric made it drape more like a tent than along my curves. I played with folding it up and it looked better. The thing I didn't like was the pocket. The pocket drapes, which is a great detail, but the drape is too dramatic for my frame. It's hard to tell from the photo, but the pocket actually falls really far forward, so that from the side, it looks like I have a weird growth drooping from my chest. This was weird because the top I'm wearing below also has a drapey pocket, but with less of a drape, and works just fine.

Verdict: Return. I might have considered altering this top, had the pocket not been so dramatically droopy. Altered, this would be a really cool summer top, but I just can't live with that pocket hanging off my chest the way it does.

Next, the Petite Silk Tank Top in size PXXS:

Top: Ann Taylor Silk Tank Top, size PXXS

The good: Like the silk T-shirt, great concept and fabric. The pocket on this one falls nicely, unlike on the T-shirt. which add a really nice detail.

The bad: There's that crazy length again! This top was the widest of all the silks, and the neckline was also dangerously low.

Verdict: Return. This was the one I liked the least out of the whole bunch.

Whew! All those tops and only one fit well enough to keep! Off I go to Ann Taylor to return the rest of the items. If anyone in the Los Angeles area is interested in trying these on, I'm returning these to the Ann Taylor at the Westside Pavillion mall.

From The Alterations Needed Forum:

2010-03-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Some goodies from the forum...

Good sales and small sizes at Banana Republic Factory Stores
I was just at the Carlsbad outlets over the weekend and can attest to this!

Tips on finding tiny sports bras

Ann Taylor Spring 2010 Fit Guide
See a sneak peak at my post for tomorrow, and share any fit advice/experiences you've had to help others shop online.

Lots of tiny waist belt advice

Thanks again to all the ladies sharing their tips and tricks on the forum!

Petite Outfit: Using a Wrap Top As a Belt

2010-03-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

I love hourglass silhouettes, so when I saw this photo in the March Lucky Magazine, it caught my attention right away.

The full skirt...the cozy sweater...the belted waist...I love it all. But I did a double take on the belt...is that the same fabric as the top? Why, yes, yes it is...how'd they do that?

So I read the caption and guess what! It's a wrap top! The stylists took the long ties of a wrap top and used them as a belt around the sweater! Genius!

For someone who has an awful time finding small waist belts, but a closet full of wrap tops and dresses, this discovery had me jumping for joy. So, of course I had to give it a try.

Sweater: LOFT Ribbon Trim Cardigan, size PXXS

Top: Diane von Furstenberg Anna Rose Wrap top, size XS (shoulder strap shortened)

Jeans: Paige Laurel Canyon, McKinley Wash, size 24 (hemmed & waist taken in)

Shoes: Cole Haan Suede Almond Toe Pump, size 5 (similar here) (and here)

Necklace: Long Pearl and Chain necklace wrapped twice

I think I need more practice at this to figure out how to wrap it better, but for now I was able to wrap the ties of the top around the sweater and tie them in the back in a little bow. I want to try and figure out how to wrap it so they tie in the front, like the Lucky Magazine photo when I have a little more time.

Either way, it's an interesting solution to trying to find tiny waist belts.

Forum Server Issues

2010-02-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

The server for the forum is having some hiccups. Some people are reporting loading issues, and other's are having no trouble at all. If you're having a problem with the forum, rest assured that we're working on it. Sorry for the inconvenience!

** Update: Looks like everything is back up and running!**

Petite Shopping Links: 2/26/10

2010-02-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

25% off all full price merchandise at LOFT this weekend with code: SPRING25 or print this coupon to use in store, and free shipping on $125+. Use it on this ribbon cardigan that I'm wearing in this post. I might need to pick up the navy too! (LOFT)

This ruffle trim cardigan is pretty cute too. (LOFT)

I have this floral front shell coming in the mail, and seeing it on Chloe from the(chloe)conspiracy has me so excited to get it! It looks so cute! (Ann Taylor)

Petite et Belle turned my eye to this Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. I've actually fit in a size 2 from DVF before! (Bloomingdales) and (DVF)

This is the last weekend to use The Little Bra Company coupon code ALTNEED15 for 15% off. (The Little Bra Company)

Happy shopping everyone!

Review: Maggy London Petites

2010-02-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

A question popped up over at the forum about the fit of Maggy London Petites, which is a line of petite dresses that unfortunately only go down to a size 2P. I've seen this petite dress line at my local Nordstrom department store, so while I was at the mall returning some BR merchandise, I took a detour into Nordstrom and grabbed all the Maggy London Petite size 2P's I could find.

First up, this knit dress in size 2P:

Close up of how much extra fabric there is:

Click "Continue Reading..." for more dresses and my verdict.

Next up, this stretch satin sheath dress in size 2P:

Extra fabric:

Maggy London Petites Stretch Satin Sheath Dress, size 2P

Last, this ruffle trim dress in size 2P:

Extra fabric, and wow, those ruffles are overwhelming:

Maggy London Petites Ruffle Dress, size 2P

Verdict: Based on fit, the knit dress was the best. It had a nice drape that actually followed my curves, and the linear lines were slimming. It needs some major hemming, which is made difficult by the knit fabric, and is still a little too big.

Based on style, I like the sheath dress best. It is definitely at least one size too big, but the style is modern and youthful. It needs some hemming, which is made difficult by the ruffle detail running down the side. If it is taken up too much, you're now eating into the ruffle detail. This dress also comes in black, brown, and navy.

The ruffle dress just makes me look like a child...which is not exactly a good look for a petite woman wanting to look sophisticated. Everything about this dress was bad, from the length, to the width, to the ruffles.

Maggy London Petites are still too big for me in their smallest size, so I won't be buying them any time soon. The length was also incredibly long for a petite dress...which makes me wonder what their fit model was for this line. Definitely not someone near 5'0".

Questions From The Alterations Needed Forum...

2010-02-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Any readers have advice for the following questions from the forum?

Anyone know a good tailor in Brooklyn, NY?
The Toronto/Markham, or Waterloo region?
How about West Toronto or Mississauga?
(Answer here...or add your favorite tailor to the list)

Help me find a small fitting boy short bathing suit here.

Anyone know where to find small fitting shapewear?
(Help us find some here)

Have a question? Tips or advice? Post it in the forum!
forum.altertionsneeded.com

Review: LOFT Dot Print Applique Dress (P00)

2010-02-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

When I saw this dress online, I thought it was really cute. It looked sophisticated and chic, and I really like the idea of the shoulder detail (I just can't get enough of this trend!) to add some extra interest to what is regularly just a belted cotton dress. Size Petite 00 wasn't available online, so I convinced my boyfriend to take a detour after lunch one day to LOFT (in the name of research, of course) to see if I could find the dress in my size.

LOFT Dot Print Dress with Applique, on sale for $69.99

I lucked out because there was one dress left in size Petite 00. I snagged it right away and ran off to the dressing room. It looked cute enough hanging on the hanger...but when I put it on...um...I wasn't totally pleased. I forgot my little red camera that I usually take shopping with me, so I had to test out the camera on my new phone.

LOFT Dot Print Dress with Applique, size P00

First of all...I could probably use one size smaller. Luckily the waist tie helps to cinch everything in, so I might be able to get away with it as-is. Also, the pleats at the waist were bigger than I thought they'd be, which made the skirt poof out a bit more than I'd like. My instinct was to keep trying to smooth it down, which was a little annoying. The shoulder detail was really cute, so it scored points for that.

What ultimately turned me off this dress was it is just too sweet looking. Up close, the polka dots are bigger than I expected, and it just felt very childish. I felt like I was wearing J.Crew Crew Cuts. Maybe it would have been better if it was just a solid color? Or a nice tweed fabric? Either way, the last thing this 4'11" woman wants is to look any more like a child than she already does, so back on the rack it went.

Verdict: Skip this dress if you're itty bitty. Leave it for the taller girls who aren't matched in height by 3rd graders, unless of course you like pats on the head and being offered the kid's menu.

Petite Shopping Links: 2/19/10

2010-02-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

This silk top would look great tucked into a pencil skirt, and it's on sale for $30! (pictured) (Ann Taylor)

How chic would it be to wear this silk t-shirt with jeans on the weekend? It would probably need to be taken in along the sides (silk always runs wide) but with code SHOP30, it's 30% off $100 and free shipping on $150+. (Ann Taylor)

Silence & Noise skirts are trendy, and run small (I own one from last season). I've seen these cute on-trend ones in my local Urban Outfitters. (Silence & Noise Skirt #1) (Silence & Noise Skirt #2)

Just one of several bras from Victoria's Secret that comes in size 30 band, as discovered in the forum! (Victoria's Secret)
Alterations Needed Forum: Size 30 Band Bras and Below

Review: Banana Republic Shirred Top (PXXS) and Textured Jacket (P00)

2010-02-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Some Banana Republic goodies arrived! I had my eye on these items, and finally snagged them with a coupon code and free shipping on my Banana Card.

First up, the shirred top in size Petite XXS:

Top: Banana Republic Shirred Top, size PXXS

This top is actually pretty cute, and I was surprised to find it has a small metal washer sewn into the fabric at the neckline to help it drape correctly. Nice attention to detail BR! The fabric is nice and soft, but from past experiences, I know it's also prone to pilling. I'm not too keen on the purple color, but the black might be pretty versatile. With some dangly earrings and bracelets, it could turn into a cute going out top. Or it could be layered under a jacket:

Next up...the Classic Textured Jacket in size P00:

Jacket: Banana Republic Classic Textured Jacket, size P00

The description on this jacket said it is "fitted", but on me it's a little boxy. I really liked the fabric and details, and was really hoping the cut would work for me, but I do not pull off boxy jackets well at all! Oh well. It's probably for the better because I really don't need another jacket.

Petite Outfit: LOFT Sweater, Vintage Belt, and Squeaky Shoes...

2010-02-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

When this sweater first popped up on the LOFT website, I didn't think much of it. But when I saw it in the wild over the weekend at my local LOFT store, it was actually really cute! It's not super fitted, and it's a little longer than I usually wear, but it's nice and cozy, and the ribbon detail along the button placket is a really great detail. I tend to gravitate towards dark, saturated colors, so this light blueish silver is a nice change from my usual palette.

Sweater: LOFT Ribbon Placket Trim Cardigan, Aluminum, size PXXS

Top: H&M, size XS

Jeans: Paige Premium Denim, Laurel Canyon McKinley, size 24 (hemmed & waist taken in)

Shoes: Cole Haan Carma Open Toe Pump, size 5

I first tried this sweater with a skirt, but the length was all wrong. It looks great with my dark wash bootcut jeans, so I think I'll be sticking to this combination for a while. The belt is a vintage snake skin belt that my mom found in a thrift store decades ago. She's also really petite, so she had to punch a few extra holes in it so it would fit her waist. She dug it out of a box recently and passed it on to me...and the waist holes she punched were perfect! I just tucked the extra length back under the belt so it wouldn't flap around. There is a conversation going on about petite fitting belts in the forum right now too...Alterations Needed Forum : Belts?

On a slightly sad note, my dark red Cole Haan shoes are dying a slow death. They have taken to producing a sticky/squeaky noise whenever I take a step, and have gotten to be rather embarrassing to wear in public. No one wants to be the girl that squeaks when she walks, so now I'm in the market for a new pair. Not sure if I'll just try and hunt down the same shoes, or go for something a little different. I just love them so much and am reluctant to think about replacing them.

Petite Shopping Links: 2/12/2010

2010-02-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

The best part about three day weekends? Shopping! The President's Day sales are in full swing! Here's just a snippet of what deals you can find this weekend...

LOFT - 50% off select new Spring merchandise, and free shipping on $125. Not too much in terms of small petite sizes left, but this striped corsage top that I got altered in this post here ($24.74 after discount, which means you can throw the money you saved into getting it perfectly tailored) is part of the deal.

None of the stuff I really like are included in the deal...like this applique dress (so cute! But where's size p00?), this blossom print dress, or this rosette cardigan.

Ann Taylor - 40% off one full-priced item with code SPRING40. My only pick is the ruffle front shell, modeled by Petite Asian Girl here. Just not much striking my fancy. But do check out their shoe selection...there are some very nice simple pumps. Why no free shipping Ann Taylor?

Banana Republic - Up to 40% off select merchandise, and free shipping on $150 with code BRSHIP150. My pick is this cute peep-toe shoe in cement ($75 after discount). (Pictured)

My pick that is not part of the deal, this shirred tank I ordered in washed purple and black (I get to rip the box open after work tonight...if they're horrible, I'll amend this). *Delivery got rescheduled to Monday/Tuesday! Bummer!*

Bloomingdales - Big Brown Bag Sale, 20-30% off select merchandise. I always have better luck pawing through the racks at a Bloomingdales store than I do online, but there are some petite jeans included in the sale like these Citizens Of Humanity Ditas, Paige Hidden Hills, and 7 For All Mankind Lexie that might be worth taking a look at.

Outlets - A reader alerted me to some great deals that can be had at outlet centers this weekend (thanks Hilda!). She picked up an Ann Taylor suit for $100, a Banana Republic dress, and saw other suits at BR for $75! Click here for Chelsea Premium Outlet locations.

Presenting The Alterations Needed Forum!

2010-02-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hands down, the best thing about writing this blog has been the community of readers that have grown around and supported it. When I first started this little blog, my only hope was that someone out there in internet-land would find it and get some ideas about where to shop. I had no idea it would be welcomed by so many people, nor did I expect the overwhelming response of readers with their own experiences and suggestions. You ladies have been great, and improving this little blog and the community around it has recently become my passion.

I try my best to answer all the questions from readers, but I am only one person, with a limited budget, and limited time allotment, so I don't have all the answers. However, I think we can build a community that does. All of us have an incredible collective of knowledge that needs to be utilized and shared. The blog format is not a very good way to share knowledge, as so many of you lovely readers leave advice and questions in comments that are hard to find, or go unread. Add to this the difficulty of predicting good fit when special sizes are offered only online, and the notorious inaccuracy of online sizing charts...it's easy to see we need a better resource.

So...with a little supportive coaxing (and IT support) from friends and family...I've put together a community for all of us to share our adventures in fashion, style, and fit.

I'm kicking it off with only one forum for now called "The Fitting Room"...and we will see how it will evolve from there. You're all invited to visit...register...and join the conversation. Help create a great resource for women to build their wardrobes and look fantastic!

I also encourage everyone who registers to add their stats (height - weight - shoe size - etc.) to their signature, so other women can get insight into what might work for them, by what works for you.

Visit the Alterations Needed Forum:

forum.alterationsneeded.com

Register here

Thank you everyone! And as always...please don't hesitate to contact me for any reason:

alterationsneeded@gmail.com

Petite Outfit: Inspired By Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2009

2010-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

I keep a file on my computer desktop called "Fashion Inspiration" where I keep photos I find that strike my fancy. Some of them are styles I'd like to try...some of them are styles I would never try, but like to look at anyways...and some of them are color combinations that I really love.

I went through my pictures the other day and came across a photo I saved from the Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2009 collection that I really liked.

I really gravitate toward certain color combinations, with red, navy and grey being one of my all time favorites!

Here's a simpler version of this runway look that I was able to put together from my closet...

Sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch Cashmere Sweater, size XS

Top: Diane von Furstenberg Tie-Neck top, size P (sides taken in and hemmed)

Skirt: Rag & Bone, size 24 (hemmed)

Shoes: Cole Haan Carma Open Toe Air Pump, size 5

Handbag: Chanel Medium Fall 2009 Red

The wool Rag & Bone skirt I found at the Barney's Warehouse sale about a year ago. It fit amazingly in the waist, but was pretty long and had to be hemmed. I loooove that is has pockets!

The DVF top I found at Nordstrom Rack a few years ago. I love tie-neck details, and this top was a way for me to pull it off without looking overwhelmed by a giant bow. It's silk/wool/viscose so it drapes really nice. I was not yet as experienced with tailoring as I am now, and mistakenly had my tailor shorten the shirt from the bottom hem. What I should have had them do was take the top up from the shoulder (it's a tank top). The neckline is a little low and I have to be careful not to flash people with my bra. If I had taken the top up from the shoulder instead of the bottom hem, it would be perfect. Oh well.

The dark red shoes are one of my favorites. You wouldn't think to call red a neutral color...but this really dark "wine" red surprisingly goes with everything! If you want to add a muted pop of color to your wardrobe, I highly suggest looking for an accessory in this color. It's amazing!

And the Chanel...*swoon*! She's my baby, and ever since getting her as a anniversary gift from the most awesome boyfriend in the world...I haven't so much as even looked at any other handbag. It's awesome to think about owning a handbag for the rest of my life that will never go out of style.

image: style.com

Repeat Offender: When Good Fit Is Hard To Find, Do You Buy In Multiples?

2010-02-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

I think most of us can agree that finding a good fit in an article of clothing is difficult. In a month full of shopping trips...I might come up with one great item of clothing that actually fits, or that is worth the cost of alterations.

So, when I find something that I like, that fits, that's affordable...I buy in bulk! I'll get the same sweater in each color...or the same top in a pattern and a solid. I'll get the exact same jeans in the same wash and size. I even get the same shoes in different colors.

I've even gone so far as to consider buying the exact same item, in the same color I already own...just to hide away somewhere in case something happens to the first item I bought. What if the little white cardigan I bought gets all icky from washing it so much, or I get a snag in it? What if I can't find an appropriate replacement? Wouldn't it be handy to have another one as a backup? I haven't done this quite yet...but I've gotten close.

It makes my wardrobe a little boring, as I have a rotation of the same items in different colors...but when you can't find things that fit, you've gotta build a wardrobe somehow, right?

Do you buy items in multiples? Do you hoard extras of your favorite items to replace if they get old or ruined?