There’s a new petite clothing subscription box in town, specially curated for petite women! If you’re petite and have ever tried a clothing subscription service, you may have run into the problem of a real lack of options in your size. A few years ago, I worked briefly as a stylist for one of the major subscription box companies where I saw firsthand how they lacked actual petite sizes for their clients, despite advertising them heavily. It was very frustrating as a stylist to see so many dissatisfied clients who specially asked for petite clothing and ended up receiving only one, or absolutely none, just due to a complete lack of inventory.

So when the petite subscription box, Short Story, reached out, I was excited to see someone stepping up to serve this market! Below is my experience using the service, and if you’re interested in trying them out yourself, this referral link will waive your first $25 styling fee.

Not sure if this service is for you? You may find this petite clothing visual helpful.

How Short Story Box Works:

• Sizes they carry: 00P – 18P
• Styling Fee: $25, which is credited toward any items you decide to keep
• Returns: 5 days to try on and decide. Prepaid return envelope included
• US only at this time

After signing up, you will be directed to take a Style Quiz which is where your budget, sizing, fit, and style preferences will be noted. Along with questions about your height and the usual sizes you wear, you can also further dial in on your personal style by noting typical fit issues, general style and color preferences, and even pieces you’d rather not receive. There’s also a note section where you can leave more detailed information. A petite stylist will use these answers to pick items specifically for you.

I admit I am a picky customer, so I was very curious about what my stylist would choose for me. I asked for clothes only (no shoes or accessories), and kept my color preferences very neutral.

The items arrived in a branded soft pink medium-sized box. Take note of this in case your living situation requires less enticing packaging (you may need to redirect packages to a work, paid mailbox, or friend/family address). Inside, the clothing items were nicely folded, stacked, and wrapped in tissue. An insert includes a note from your stylist, a list of the box contents, and an itemized price list. A large pre-paid envelope is included for any returns.

First, A Little About Me:

I am 4’11” tall, short-waisted (longer legs, short torso), narrow on top, and curvier on the bottom. I usually wear an xxs/00 on top, and am somewhere between a size 24/25/0 on bottom. Being so short and also having a short torso means petite sizes will ALWAYS fit better on me. I really need those shorter proportions when it comes to necklines, lengths, rises, armholes, sleeves, hems, etc. I often get away with regular clothing sizes through styling tricks or embracing oversized fits, but when it comes down to it, if I can find an item I love in a petite size, it’s what I’ll reach for and will ultimately look better on me.

Ok, let’s see what my petite stylist picked for me:

Items:

• 24/7 Knot Front Tee – petite size XS
• Kyle High Rise Slim Fit Ankle Skinny – petite size 0P

These first two items are both in petite sizes and definitely in my style wheelhouse. A high-rise grey wash distressed skinny is always welcome in my wardrobe, and a knotted drop shoulder stripe tee is fun mix of classic with an edge. Note the perfect petite proportions: the cropped tee ends right at the waist, the high-rise is proportioned to my frame, and look at that perfect ankle length on this petite jean.

Items:

• Blake Fitted Cardigan – petite size XSP (fits like XXSP)
• Kyle High Rise Slim Fit Ankle Skinny – petite size 0P

Same petite jean, but now let’s look at this cardigan. Also in a petite size, this fitted cardigan follows my figure and hits at the perfect spot on my wrist. After so many years of wearing loose and oversized top layers, it’s nice to have something a little more fitted and short to pair with this season’s wide and baggy bottoms. In fact, I already wore this cardigan on a trip to Vegas where it paired much better with a pair of wide-leg pants than the oversized fits currently in my closet.

Items:

• Colette Contour Bodysuit – petite size XXSP
• Kyle High Rise Slim Fit Ankle Skinny – petite size 0P

Ok, this bodysuit is something I was really interested in trying. In my “about me” above, I noted that not only am I pretty short, but I also have a short torso. This means that even petite proportions on tops can end up a little long on me, making things like one-piece bathing suits or bodysuits very difficult to find. Not only does this petite bodysuit fit, but it’s also a nice thick fabric that makes going braless a possibility. Very excited about this gem! I won’t show you the full bodysuit because I’m not about to put photos like that of me on the internet, but as you can see it’s a nice smooth fit (it would bunch if the bodysuit were too long for me).

Items:

• Colette Contour Bodysuit – petite size XXSP
• Porto Striped Ponte Pants – petite size 0P

Pants are always a tough thing for me to find so I wanted to have my stylist include a pair for me to try. This petite pair has a nice bit of stretch and good rise. I prefer my ankle lengths a tad shorter than this, so I’d end up getting these hemmed if I were to keep.

Items:

• Texture & Thread Front Knot Jacquard Top – non-petite size XXS
• Porto Striped Ponte Pants – petite size 0P

Here we have the single item sent to me not in a petite size. As soon as I tried on this top, I could immediately feel the difference in fit. The sleeve and length could both stand to be a tad shorter, but let’s be real…I wear way more oversized proportions than this on the regular so I definitely recognize the petite-friendly fit of this item.

My main curiosity when it came to the Short Story subscription box was just how many actual petite clothing items they’d be able to send me. Turned out, 5 of the 6 pieces sent to me were indeed an actual petite size, evident by the good fit and proportions. The one item that was not a petite size ultimately felt a little “off” especially after trying on so many properly proportioned items just before it, but still qualifies as quite petite-friendly in my book.

From my personal experience, Short Story gave a much better hit rate of actual petite-sized items than what I saw from similar services and is worth a try if you are a true petite and enjoy the idea of subscription box personal styling. You can give Short Story a try with the first styling fee waived through this link.

The post Review – Short Story Petite Clothing Subscription Box appeared first on Alterations Needed.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Robe – OAS Company // size l/xl
Tank – H&M // size xs
Shorts – American Eagle // size 0
Shoes – Amazon “The Drop” (gifted) // size 5
Sunglasses – Ahlem “Pont des Arts”
Jewelry – Vintage/No Brand

The dogs pee on the lemons near the ground. That’s why they’re still hanging there. No one wants to touch them

THE ROBE

Technically bought this robe for my husband but it looks like he’ll be fighting me for it. It is 100% cotton terry cloth making it perfect for cozy days at home, lounging by the pool, or taking to the beach. But what I love is that print. A gold and black large octopus print screams “ridiculous-opulence”, which is my favorite vibe at the moment. Despite the husband-sized sizing, if I give the sleeves a roll and wear with panache, it becomes a fun piece I can stroll around in too. This is NOT petite-friendly, but if purchasing for myself, I would choose the smaller unisex s/m size and still expect quite an oversized fit. Check out the other fun prints by this company as well! Would make a great gift!

THE TANK

These H&M tanks go fast! I’m wearing the the cropped version which already appears to have sold out. Wow! I don’t like to spend a lot of money on summer tank tops, and coupled with the tendency for H&M to run petite-friendly, these fit the bill. Depending on the style, these can run a little large in the arm hole on me but the price is right.

THE SHORTS

All my favorite denim shorts are from American Eagle. I like the fit, fabric, distressing, and price is great especially if you can catch a promo/sale. These 90’s boyfriend shorts are my current faves and come in 100% cotton denim. I like to size up in shorts for a slouchier fit, especially if they are rigid denim, so I ordered a few sizes and choose the one with the best combo of slouch and fit.

THE SANDALS

These were gifted to me by Amazon and left me pleasantly surprised. Normally I stay away from Amazon fashion (cheaply made, lacking in creativity/style, evil corporation, etc.) but I’ve been in need of a decent pair of slides to wear around the house or to the pool/beach for summer and priced in a way that I won’t care if I beat them up or get them wet. They are faux leather, come in as small as size 5 (a perfect fit for me), run a bit narrow, and are surprisingly comfy for such a cheap pair of sandals. The foot bed is nicely padded so you feel like you’re always stepping on a cushy yoga mat.

THE SUNGLASSES

These are my current favorite sunglasses. The narrow width and square retro frames are probably the best looking sunglasses I’ve ever owned. The black is hard to find unless you look secondhand, but Ray-Ban has a similar shape right now for WAY less.

The post Opulent Robe Summer appeared first on Alterations Needed.

Jacket – AllSaints // size 0
Tank – H&M // size xs
Jeans – Frame “Le Pixie” // size 25
Loafers – Gucci // size 35
Scarf – Banana Republic

A long, draped scarf can add color, print or drama to an outfit, but I often have a hard time keeping them from looking too poofy or swallowing me up. Here’s an easy styling tweak if a scarf ever feels too poofy on you…try layering it UNDER your jacket or blazer. It smooths the fabrics for a sleeker silhouette, and it just looks cool.

I liked this scarf because you don’t often see black tropical prints, and it’s a great natural fiber cotton/silk blend that’s soft and gauzy for spring/summer.

The post The Easy Tweak I Use To Style Poofy Scarves appeared first on Alterations Needed.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Robe Coat – Aritzia // size xxs // (short version)
Tee – Chateau Marmont // size m
Jeans – Frame “Le Pixie” // size 25
Shoes – Chuck Taylor “Shoreline” // size 5
Sunglasses – Ray-ban
Earrings – Dannijo // (vintage lovelies) (Drama!)

ALL HAIL THE DUSTER! Coat season might be ending but duster season is just beginning. Soft, drapey, and dramatic in length is the way you wanna go. The longer the better. If I could let mine sweep out along the floor behind me like royalty, I would.

The long version of this duster is currently sold out, but it comes in a shorter length in a few solid colors.

– The Dusters I’d Buy Now –

I actually DID buy this duster and it’s amazing! It’s currently sold out but check often because they restock items pretty regularly.

SHOP →

Before I bought the duster above, I was heavily considering this one. Solid velvet adds luxe texture without being too loud and it comes in a few other colors if gold/yellow isn’t your thing.

SHOP →

This one is more of a cardigan than a duster coat but I love the cable knit sleeve detail. It gives it a minimalist hygge vibe that feels different yet classic all at once.

SHOP →

The post Duster Robe Coats I’d Buy Now appeared first on Alterations Needed.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Blazer – Cinq à Sept // size 00 // ON SALE (also here & here)
Tee – Uniqlo // size xs
Jeans – Frame “Le Pixie” // size 25
Boots – Marc Fisher // size 5 // (super similar)
Earrings – Dannijo // (vintage lovelies) (Drama!)
Brooch – Dylanlex
Jewelry – Vintage/No Brand

⎯ Exact Pieces ⎯

⎯ Outfit Notes ⎯

Cinq à Sept Blazer – The shoulder runs wider than on other blazers I usually share on here. Normally that’s a deal breaker for me, but the look is pleasantly boyfriend-y and I like it. Also, the sleeves come pre-scrunched so you don’t have to fiddle with them for the perfect casual pushed-up look. This is definitely more of a “fashion” blazer than a classic, but if blazers make up a large portion of your personal style (as they do for me), then it may make a fun addition for something quirky and interesting.

There’s a matching pant but I don’t trust it to work on me (can’t shorten the hem without having to totally rework the bottom details), but if you’re taller than me, it would make a fun and stylish suit. Or add a graphic tee, leather jacket, and boots to them for another cool look.

Frame “Le Pixie” Jeans – Just a reminder that any Frame denim labeled “Le Pixie” denotes a petite fit. I’ve been loving these crop mini boots, but there are different fits too (here & here).

The post Cinq à Sept Fringe Herringbone appeared first on Alterations Needed.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Jacket – Rebecca Minkoff // size xxs
Tee – Amo Denim // size xs
Jeans – Madewell // size 24 petite // ON SALE!
Boots – Isabel Marant // size 36fr // (another color) ON SALE!
Earrings – Dannijo // (vintage lovelies) (Drama!)
Sunglasses – Ahlem “Pont Des Arts”

A very kind woman hung out her car door to yell she liked my outfit. That was nice.

Have you ever had a stranger on the street (with no other agenda *cough*flirting*cough*) gush over something you’re wearing? Have you ever been the gushing stranger? Those interactions have been some of the most wholesome of my life, and even at the risk of it turning awkward (which some do!), I try to compliment strangers when a compliment is due because I know how much it can brighten someone’s day.

Are there any street compliments that still make you feel good? I still think about the woman on the Paris train who gushed over my shoes. It was a dream trip to Paris (we had just gotten engaged) and it totally made my day that I earned a style stamp of approval from a chic Parisian.

⎯ Outfit Notes ⎯

Isabel Marant Shoe Sizing – I received a question about Isabel Marant boot sizing I thought may be helpful for more people, so here it goes. Isabel Marant sizes her shoes in French sizing, which is different from European sizing. I am size US5, which correlates to size EU35. However, in Isabel Marant, I am size FR36. The number size of your French shoe size will be about one size larger than your European shoe size. Be sure to look very carefully at how the ecommerce store you plan to purchase from indicates the shoe sizes.

The post Compliments appeared first on Alterations Needed.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Jacket – Vintage // size s
Tank – H&M // size xs
Jeans – Madewell // size 24 petite // ON SALE!
Boots – Isabel Marant // size 36fr // (another color) ON SALE!
Jewelry – Vintage/No Brand

I found ONE LAST PAIR of these boots on sale in a size US5/EU35 (36fr) in case you’re Cinderella and the shoe fits (and they tickle your fancy, of course). They are in French sizing (as are all Isabel Marant boots) so pay special attention. A FR36 is equal to a EU35 and US5.

– Exacts –

The post 80’s Bomber appeared first on Alterations Needed.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Jacket – AllSaints “Balfern” // size 0 // (sale colors)
Tee – Amo Denim // size xs
Pants – Banana Republic // size petite 0 // (in camel)
Boots – Marc Fisher // size 5 // (super similar)
Earrings – Dannijo // (vintage lovelies) (also love these)

A pairing of opposites: a leather jacket (casual, edgy) brings cool-factor to a pair of plaid trousers (formal, dressy). A distressed tee that could use an iron (casual, grungy) plays well with a sparkly pair of statement earrings (dressy, glam).

This petite-friendly leather jacket is 50% off (marked down to $250) in some colors including olive, grey, and burgundy suede. She’s been such a trusty wardrobe piece since I picked her up last year, so I wanted to make sure you guys knew in case you wanted to grab one too. The grey looks like a gorgeous neutral, but the olive has definitely caught my eye.

This pant is also on sale with an extra 60% off, bringing it down to $33.

– Shop The Pieces –

– Same Leather Jacket Fit in Sale Colors –

The post Leather & Plaid appeared first on Alterations Needed.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Jacket – Zara // size xs // (similar) (similar)
Tank – H&M // size s
Jeans – Frame “Le Pixie” // size 25
Jewelry – Vintage/No Brand

This + some Patti Smith

You guys KNOW I’m going to find you some good looking shirt jackets this season, like this tweedy one which is giving major Iro/Isabel Marant vibes. And this one in a similar fabric but a lighter colorway. This tweedy boucle fabric not only looks more luxe than a regular plaid, but is also easier to wear if you’re short thanks to it’s smaller pattern. And if you’d prefer a petite size, this one comes in a small check pattern on denim. They come purposely oversized (all have a drop shoulder) for a casual tomboyish vibe.

And if you like long shirt jackets, this one is on sale + an extra 40% off right now. Here’s me trying on the size xxs:

The post Tweed Shirt Jacket appeared first on Alterations Needed.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Coat – Ann Taylor // size xxs petite
Tank – H&M // size xs
Jeans – Madewell // size 24 petite
Boots – Isabel Marant (old) // size 35

Faux fur in 75 degree weather while my husband flings five dollar bills. I think we’ve been cooped up too long

Wow! This coat JUST went down to 70% off! Did anyone snag one? I posted a regular vs. petite size comparison of this coat to Instagram Stories yesterday so be sure to catch it before it expires. I’ll also add it to the IG highlight labeled “Reviews”.

– Shop The Pieces –

The post Faux Fur Coat appeared first on Alterations Needed.