Cropped Length Big On Style, Perfect For Petites!

Don't drown your frame in oversized pieces--go for cropped tops and jackets that are the right length for you!
Many stores currently offer a variety of styles of shorter pieces, from tanks to jackets. The shorter length will actually make you look taller, and will show off your cute proportions.
Hollister's Cabrillo Beach tank ($24.50) is a brightly-colored embroided top that will look great under a hoodie or cardigan. Also try the Moonlight Beach sweater ($44.50) for a very girly look.
At American Eagle, be sure to check out the AE Embellished Drop Shoulder Sweatshirt ($39.50). Its shoulder embellishments will help fill out your small frame. And the AE Denim Jacket ($49.50) is a great versatile piece for all seasons.
Finally, at A&F, try the Alicia sweatshirt ($60). It's hoodless style is a fresh update on the typical sweatshirt. The Fallon shirt ($68) is shorter than typical button-downs and won't make you look shorter than you actually are.
This fall, look your best (and tallest) by getting in on the cropped trend!

7 Fall Trends to Try

Thanks to the August issue of People StyleWatch, you can find out what some of the latest trends in fashion are.

Military-inspired messenger bag




A camel-colored mini is so versatile!




This pearl-and-chain necklace adds some edge




A chunky knit sweater like this works in the summer and fall

1. Military--It's not just camo anymore! Try out a great olive green cargo skirt or simple khaki shorts. The AE Military Skirt ($34.50) from American Eagle is the perfect mid-length for fall and looks great with Hollister's Swami's Beach jacket ($69.50) and a solid slouchy tee.
2. Camel--Basic beige is anything but this fall! This color is available on everything from skirts to crops to mocs and is super-versatile. Hollister's First Point jacket ($79.50) is a great layering piece for cooler days.
3. Edgy Jewelry--Inspired by the rock 'n roll culture, the must-have accessories this season include pearls and chains for a rocker-glam appeal. Try all the pieces from AE's "Heavy Metal Band" jewelry collection.
4. Chunky Knits--These are always in style and look amazing over jeans, leggings, shorts or minis. Abercrombie's Jorie sweater ($24.90) is light enough for summer, while HCo's Ormond Beach sweater ($49.50) will look amazing this fall.
5. Full Minis--It's all about the details! Anything goes, especially small floral prints, plaids and lace. The AE Ditsy Floral Skirt ($24.95) is very girly, Hollister's Avalon skirt ($29.89) is preppy and A&F's Charissa skirt ($50) is airy and cute.A camel-colored mini is so versatile!
6. Gray--This is the new neutral, so try it in place of basic black. It's much more fashion-forward, and looks best in matte tones. The AE Sweatshirt Dress ($39.50) is a simple pick, while Hollister's Santa Monica sweater ($44.50) has more of a nautical vibe.
7. Messenger Bags--You've gotta own at least one of this year's it-bag. AE's Campus Messenger Bag ($39.50) is only one great style.

The next time you're shopping, don't forget these tips that will help you transition fashionably into fall.

Rock a New Look!

Tired of the style you've worn for years? Or just want to mix up your wardrobe? Then why not try a new look!
If you've always wanted to be a super-athlete (or maybe just look like one), check out Hollister for the San Clemente athletic shorts ($19.50). Their soft, comfortable feel looks great with a basic v-neck tank (Hollister's El Pescador, $15.50, is one good option that comes in 9 colors to mix and match) and the Vintage Beach Flip Flops are cute and sturdy enough for a run on the beach.
Going for a girlier vibe? Abercrombie & Fitch is the place for you! The Charissa skirt ($50) is a great pairing for a sheer embroidered top (try A&F's Leigh shirt in white) and leather sandals, such as the Heritage Leather Flip Flops ($58) with chain and jewel embellishments. Don't forget the tote--a great one is the Vintage Tote ($48) in navy floral.
If you envy the edgy-glam look, but don't know how to pull it off, then hit up your local American Eagle store for the best pieces. Get the AE Studded Dress ($29.95) in black. It's dark color and simple style are edgy, but the studding adds to its prettiness. Try it with the AE Denim Jacket for more wear-time and finish it off with the Studded Snakeskin Flat ($19.95), the Chunky Silver Watch ($29.50) and the Chain Fringe Necklace ($19.50) for a gorgeous, punched up look.
Don't be content with your old style...just try something you never thought you'd look good in and you might be surprised by how many compliments you get!

Surprising Piece That Works For Petites: Denim Shirtdress

This is a new type of post that will appear occasionally to fill you in on new trends and such that are suprisingly appropriate for petites.
This time, it's about the denim shirtdress. At first glance, it just looks like a basic guy's denim shirt. But with the right accesories, it can make you look chic-casual.
Just as Vanessa Hudgens (only 5'1!) did, don't forget to belt the shirt, especially if it actually is a guy's shirt. Nothing wrong with borrowing your BF's clothes, but make sure they actually make you look like a female. One way to do this is by carving out a waist with a belt. Some petites are not very curvy, and a belt really helps create curves.
As far as shoes go, either go for simple leather sandals for a boho look or try peep-toe booties for a more edgy style.
And of course, don't neglect the jewelry--make sure it goes with the whole vibe you're trying to exude.

Check out Vanessa's pics for inspiration!

Wear it Now & Later!

With tons of cute fall apparel in stores now, it can be hard to put some of it aside to buy later when the weather cools. However, you don't have to do that. Here are some key pieces that work now and also a few months from now, with some tweaks.
Abercrombie & Fitch's Kristen sweater ($68) is such a loose, lightweight knit that you can pair it with a denim mini (AE's Destroyed Denim Mini, $34.50) and a lacy tank (A&F's April tank, $17.89). In the fall, you can wear the sweater with a khaki cargo jacket (Hollister's First Point jacket, $79.50, Epic Only) and a great pair of skinnies (Hollister's Oceanside Super Skinny Destroyed, $59.50).
Like Hollister's Fallbrook twill pants ($29.89), but don't know how to wear them when it's warm? Try rolling them up for a cute "boyfriend" look and wear them with a bright graphic tee (Hollister's Surfer's Knoll in yellow, $15.50) and simple leather flip-flops (AE's Medallion Flip Flop, $29.50). Later on, you can uncuff them and pair 'em with a nice button-down (AE's Striped Boyfriend Shirt, $39.50) and polished flats (AE's Ballet Flat, $29.50).
Leggings are a great transition piece. Wear them (AE's Solid Leggings, $15.50) in July and August scrunched up with a flowy boyfriend shirt (A&F's Neve shirt, $58) and a lacy layering bandeau (A&F's Carley bandeau, $4.95). In September and October, move on to warmer pieces, such as boyfriend cardigans (A&F's Harley sweater, $48) and a striped strapless babydoll (Hollister's Harbor Cove tank, $15.89).
So don't pass up those fall-like pieces--you can get plenty of wear out of them now...and later!

Petite Pick of July

July is always a scorching-hot month, and what better way to embrace it than with a lightweight top, colorful bandeau and adorable shorts?
Start off with Abercrombie & Fitch's Neve white shirt ($58). Its light knit and simple-but-cute eyelet details are great for summertime.
Pair it with Hollister's Boomer Beach bandeau ($3.45) in pink. The floral design will help fill you out a little.
On bottom, try Hollister's Bay Shore shorts ($19.89) in navy. They're short enough to make your legs look miles long, but are polished and elegant.
Finish the outfit off with a pair of Vintage Leather Flip Flops from A&F ($58). My personal favorite is the pair with beading around the ankle and a silky ribbon to tie them up. They will really call attention to your small feet!
For a great, polished summer look, try this outfit...I guarantee you'll get plenty of compliments!

Look Hot, Keep Cool on the Beach!

Hollister Co. is one of the best places to get adorable, authentic-looking beachwear. And with their new fall collection, there are even more pieces to fall in love with.
For a first date, pair the Avalon skirt ($39.50) in turquoise with the Fallbrook tank ($11.89) in red and the Mission Beach denim jacket ($59.50). Its girly vibe will help you look and feel your best.
Headed to a party? Why not try the adorable Santa Margarita dress ($39.50) in blue floral, topped with the Pierview Beach cardigan ($39.50) in dark pink and accessorized with the woved Vintage Beach Belt ($29.50) and the Embellished Flip Flops ($34.50) decorated with blue polka-dotted ribbon.
To look cute while running errands or just hanging with friends, pick up the Oceanside hoodie ($39.50) in orange, the Stone Steps Beach shorts ($24.89) in dark rinse and the Vintage Beach Tote ($29.50) in burgundy.
With Hollister's great new pieces, you'll never have to worry about what to wear again!

Flattering Shorts For Petites: American Eagle Boy Fits

Do you have bazillions of pairs of short shorts in your closet? Or just feel very uncomfortable in them? Then check out American Eagle Outfitters' Boy Fit shorts!
They strike the perfect balance between shorties and bermudas, providing enough coverage to be modest, but not too long so you can keep cool on hot summer days. And for petites, they're great because they show off enough leg so you look taller.
AE's Boy Fit shorts currently are available in four styles: Rip & Repair in Authentic Medium Wash, Dark Destroy, White and Light Vintage Destroyed Wash. All feature a relaxed, slouchy fit and can be rolled up or down, depending on your mood. I personally own the Dark Destroyed and I love how the dark wash looks nice, but the rips make them a little casual. I would suggest going down a size, or buying the smaller size in your usual range of sizes, since these are definitely loose in the waist especially.
These can be worn with flowy tanks and tees (since they are longer than typical shorts), cute patterned camis, cropped cardigans or jackets. Anything goes, from a totally casual graphic tee to an elegant tank top, so try different pieces to see what works best for you.

Show Your School Pride!

Think having school pride is all about cheering your team on at football games? Think again.
Victoria's Secret PINK offers a Collegiate Collection, where you can find tons of tees, sweats, hats and jerseys to show your affiliation with your school of choice. Currently, 59 schools from 32 states are featured, including Army and Navy. And unlike most college wear you can buy at most university bookstores, VS Pink's collection is cuter, with tons of bling to make you stand out.
So check out the Collegiate Collection...oh, yeah, and don't forget to vote for your favorite school if VS PINK doesn't currently offer it!

Celebrities Are Petite, Too! (Part Three)

Okay, this is my third and final installment (for now) of Celebrities Are Petite, Too!. Here are some more celebrities under 5'4 who know how to embrace their frame and look great:

1. Kristen Bell (5'1)--This sweet actress loves to make a statement with bold dresses that highlight her size.

2. Eva Longoria (5'2)--Posh's pal is no stranger to fashion, either!

3. Vanessa Hudgens (5'1)--Think Zac is jealous over all the attention Vanessa's getting for her adorable boho style?

4. Jessica Simpson (5'3)--This star has her own fashion line which now includes jeans.

So what do you think? Which petite star is the most fashionable? Leave your comments below!

Cute Pick of the Month: July

Sorry for those fans of "Cute Pick" who missed out on their monthly dosage of "cuteness" last month. Instead of letting myself get too busy, I decided to get a head-start on this month's "Cute Pick" by starting early. So here it is!

This is a great outfit just in time for the Fourth of July. It's also good for summertime picnics or shopping sprees.

I'm wearing the Santa Margarita dress from Hollister, in red plaid ($29.89). I kept the focus on the dress and kept the rest of the outfit simple, with a bunch of random bracelets from American Eagle and Aeropostale, and some silvery wedge heels I got for Easter.

For an outfit that just screams "Summer!", why not try a bright patterned dress paired with simple heels and accessories.