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Petite Picks for Fashionistas

I am so very not petite, but I thought I would mix things up and choose some cute looks for spring. I have noticed that last fall weren't very friendly for petite women in the length department. "Tunic tops" turn into dresses, regular shirts turn into tunics, and knee-length skirts are decidedly. . . not.

Petite styles are perfect for more than those of us under 5'3" or so. Some people are a little shorter in the torso or in the legs, and instead of hunting down your local tailor, you can find proportional style that really works for you.

Button Front Ruched Shirt

I haven't been to Petite Sophisticate for a long time, and I was missing out! This top features a little bit of ruched detailing that can maximize your bust area if you need it. ;) While I liked the black top due to its potential multiple-time wearability, you can also find it in brighter colors to match with capri jeans and slip-on shoes for the weekend.

Fave Picks from Petite: Cool charmeuse draping, bold graphics, and modern shapes.

Short Sleeve Ponte Knit Jacket

This was my top pick for today! The Ponte Knit Jacket is gorgeously raspberry colored coat that's outstandingly haute couture-y looking. This shape is especially well-suited for plus women because it is almost cropped and still retains a fresh shape. Those pockets are just right for tucking your hands into in the spring breeze. I'd love to add a funky brooch to this one-- I love the ones from ShopBop.com.

Fave Picks from Ann Taylor Loft: More sophisticated items with elegant elements

Petite Polka Dot Dress

Wearing a polka dot dress might not be in every petite woman's wardrobe, but it can be when you buy the right one. A shapely item with plenty of spunk comes straight from Banana Republic, and would look just amazing with the right delicate accessories and simple shoes. I think I would hunt down a pair of satin espadrilles to wear with them, but alas... I haven't seen a pair yet on any of my hunts. Any suggestions?

Fave Picks from Banana: Anything with their ultra-classic style!

Petite Yarn-Dyed Gingham Dress

Liz Claiborne is a good bet for solid dresses that make sense. Instead of wearing a wrap dress that hits at your mid-calf level, consider a petite dress that hits in all the right places. This dress is cool because it dispenses with that traditional wrap style and instead looks very casual. Love it, just adore it, need it!

Fave Picks from Liz Claiborne: Rainbow colors in slim shapes & easy separates

Perfect Polo Layered-Look Floral

I hit up Liz Claiborne twice in my petite search. They certainly have a great range of petite styles that can extend beyond your usual collection. They have a fantastic group of casual items for the weekend, but there's lots more. You must visit this site when you've got extra browsing time.

More Fave Picks from Liz Claiborne: Cool weekend prints, vacation items.

Have a great time shopping!

Exploring Home Shopping: QVC

I've been exploring the world of home shopping-- it's something that I've never fully taken advantage of. But my newest inspiration, Miss Meghan, has been drawing me into the world of quality items, fantastic payment plans, and easy to navigate websites. If you take advantage of home shopping madness, then you'll end up with fantastic deals and pretty impressive savings. Needless to say, I was awfully impressed while perusing a concentrated list of brands and such.

Reasons Why QVC Is For You

1. The "Pajama Factor": Nothing beats relaxing in your pjs and shopping online. If you live in a rural area without access to major brand shops and amazing outlet shops. I found an amazing pocket of them in Pennsylvania on my way back from New York City two days ago, but since I didn't get to camp out in the Ralph Lauren spring goodies or with the Coach totes, I like being able to hang out over at QVC for easy picks.

My top selections of major brands include:

JOCKEY

Jockey Separates Interlock Tank: Jockey's undeniably strong construction will stick around for a long time, making these items a smart purchase.

CARSON KRESSLEY

Perfect by Carson Kressley Stretch Coat: This coat is a spring must have, especially is you are located on the North-East coast. It can get chilly at night, but the bright color makes wearing separates looking fresh and new.

SPANX

SPANX Seamless Body Shaping Camisole: SPANX are light and airy supportwear with plenty of hidden stretch for comfort. I personally like the waist cinchers, but a Camisole is great, too.

2. Millions of Tested Products
There's nothing worse than reading about a totally amazing product and then realizing that you have no idea who makes your dream item. Whether it's a sparkling bangle or a pair of support hose, you'll find that trusted brands equal a more confident purchase and often a generally smarter buy. A reliable shopping network like QVC weeds out poor quality and still leaves you with fantastic new pieces.

3. The Website Adds to the Experience
QVC has an easy-to-navigate website that collects all the very best brands and styles and organizes them. If you are looking to put an outfit together, instead of flitting from site to site, you can just mix-and-match from a lot of feature items.

My cocktail-inspired ensemble includes the Simply Chloe Dao Print Dress, the Turquoise Hinged Bracelet, and the Aerosoles Knew Wave sandals.

Tip: QVC lets you shop for complete looks if you really don't have the time to shop for a new, put-together outfit. Complete looks can be found here.

4. You Can "Meet" Experts and Personalities
Looking for advice and sick of hunting it out in the same places? That's why I adore QVC. They pool the talent and skills of professionals in the fashion industry to give you hints on styling yourself properly-- Carson Kressley is a size and style expert, Sara Blake is a lingerie mastermind, and Iris Simms offers her plus-size expertise for those of us size 14+.

5. Affordability Points Go Far
QVC offers payment plans that make purchases much easier. If you've got budgetary constraints, home shopping has some impressive deals. You can grab a significantly discounted item at the "Introductory Price," which is lower than the usual QVC price, as in this featured Barbara Bixby Carnelian Heart Enhancer, shown below.

6. Consumer Reviews Protect Your Purchase
There's really nothing nicer than knowing people have put the time into reviewing pieces that you're going to buy, all laid out and ready for your perusal. If you love a certain pieces but you want to see how it holds up in the wash, how it wears for certain activities, or whether or not it runs true to size, this is the place to find it out. be sure to look through a few random pages rather than just the first to get a better idea!

Reviews for the Chloe Dao Mandarin Jacket below. Definitely a piece I'll need to check out.

Peruvian Connection Helps You Beat Fashion Blunders and Fears

Luxury items, soft and comfy-- how can you work them into your regular wardrobe? No matter how much you love being properly pampered, you probably have trouble mixing your very nicest pieces in with the casual stuff. Cashmere, fine fabrics, and the like can be very difficult to mix together with other items, but we'll show you how to do it right here.

The Challenge: Advanced Color Coordination
A place like Peruvian Connection has a lot of color options, and when you're purchasing a true statement piece, you'll be surprised at the colors to which you are attracted. Instead of forcing yourself to go for a simple black or navy because you just can't wear green, branch out a little and then compensate in other areas.

This green wrap is a great jumping-off point.

Your Color Matching Cheat Sheet
Add White: If you add white to your outfit in the form of trousers, a scarf, or a hat, for example, you'll make your clothes "pop" less, and you'll look super bright and cheery as well.

Avoid Primary Colors in Triadic Combos: Your colors can match well if they are red, blue, and yellow, but that can look juvenile at its worst. If you are aiming to combine interesting items, try for the more "upscale" versions like green, orange, and purple. This can also be helpful if you are a color newbie and intimdated by reds and other similar colors-- it's a good way to branch out without stressing out.

(Clockwise from upper left: Multicolor Helix Scarf, Neroli Silk Scarf, Hand-Dyed Silk Scarf, Bronze Silk Metallic Crinkle Scarf)

The Challenge: Texturized Items
Texture can be tricky, especially if it is unfamiliar. If texture makes you nervous, give it a try in short bursts like in scarves or in other similar accessories like shawls. If you're really new to the color world and you aren't in the mood to highlight a piece with an all-black ensemble, you can instead try out a piece that's slightly more daring but definitely not too challenging.

Look for items like these to show off statement pieces a little more quietly: a cobalt strapless dress, a wrap trench coat in a soft color, a monochromatic outfit in mauve or seafoam green, or, of course, a pair of jeans!

The Challenge: Unusual Silhouettes
This can be the toughest of all-- how do you know what looks good if you've never worn that similar shape? Experiment with easy shapes first that are a little unfamiliar, and then try more exaggerated pieces as time goes on. For example, you might want to try a swingier, patterned dress like this ultra casual Paisley Jacquard Dress, and then you could transition to a brighter dress in a slinkier shape like the Isola Tank Dress.

As you wear your tank dress around, you'll find that it becomes more and more comfortable, and given the great quality of Peruvian Connection, you'll want to wear it every day. Now this is the opportunity for your last step: the ultimate boheme-cool piece like this Chinaberry Tank Dress. Think baby steps, and you will go far.

Step 1: Your Simple Dress with a Touch of Color

Step 2: A More Daring Silhouette with the Same Color Theme

Step 3: Ultra Relaxation