Hate Heels? Here's How to Achieve a Taller Look Without 'Em!

If you're someone who's always on her feet, whether at work, school or just like to roam the streets, you know what a big pain in the...erm...foot it is to wear heels all day long. However, most petite females want to look at least a little bit taller, and here are some tips you can use to leave the stilettos at home and still stand tall!

1. Wear pants that don't drag on the ground. Obviously, this is a rule for all, whether you're barely 5 foot or taller than most guys. Check out some styles, such as the boyfriend jean, where you can roll up the legs and still look polished, without tripping over your pant legs. Consider getting your longer pants tailored to fit you.
2. Buy some heel cushions. You can even wear these in flats and sneakers and add an extra inch or two of height, with the added bonus of ankle support.
3. If you're not totally opposed to the idea of high heels, try some lower-heeled wedges. They look just as cute and are way more comfy!

Instead of struggling with uncomfortable heels,

try shorter-inseam jeans or heel cushions!

Sweaters for Winter

With winter already upon us (well, not according to clothing stores...but that's another story--see our sister blog's post about spring apparel already in stores), it's time to start thinking about what staples look best on a petite frame.
One really good universally-flattering piece is the sweater. With a variety of styles, textures, cuts and colors to choose from, everyone can find the sweater of their dreams.
For petites, stick with the cardigan and long styles. The cardigan cut highlights a small bust and wasitline without making them stand out in an unflattering way. Longer sweaters help elongate your body, especially if they're worn with tights or legging jeans.
Most stores carry both of these types in a wide range of prices to fit every budget and lifestyle, so indulge in a great cold-weather trend!

Spring Stuff In Stores?!

Just a week ago, I went shopping up in Denver to spend my Christmas gift cards. I was psyched to have gotten $75 towards any purchase at Abercrombie & Fitch! Since there are no stores in Colorado Springs, I can only shop at A & F once or twice a year. Considering the expensive merchandise, I was lucky to have gotten more than $50, which could have maybe bought one full priced cami. Or two clearanced tees. But I had my sights set on the Marissa sweater--originally $60 but now a great deal at only $39.89! With a variety of colors (I chose dark pink) and its versatility (it can be paired with anything from a basic tank to a ruffly cami), the Marissa sweater is something you shouldn't pass up if you're scouring the racks for some last-minute deals. And by last-minute, I mean before the stores start moving in all their spring apparel. Some stores, such as Hollister, have already introduced some springtime staples online and it's only a matter of time before floral mini skirts and pastel flip-flops start encroaching on the knit sweaters and puffy vests. So stock up on some great winter gear now before it disappears...

Finally...Someone is Recognizing Petites!

For years, petite women have complained that their voices aren't being heard when it comes to fashion. Teens are being forced to shop at children's stores for some items, while older women struggle to find something in the petites section that doesn't look frumpy.
Now, many magazines are reaching out to smaller women, especially Seventeen. While primarily for older teens and young adults (ages 14-21, approximately), this lifestyle publication often focuses on ways to flatter a specific body type through clothing.
The November 2009 issue, known as "The Body Issue", has many great style tips and more for petites. In one section, it shows girls of different shapes and how to dress for specific shapes, ranging from pear to cone, to, yep, you guessed it, petite. Another page has basics for hourglass, tall and petite body types. A special quinceanera insert has perfect dresses for every body (including petites) and in the "my Body Peace breakthrough" article, a few petite celebs and regular girls alike share their struggles with their bodies and how they finally made peace with their shape.
So, all you smaller ladies out there...take heart! Most fashion magazines today not only feature the supermodel-like women, but also petite ones. Check out Seventeen magazine each month for more tricks and tips for your body.

50% Off At Hollister!

Times are tough, but what better way to embrace economic hardships than with shopping? I know, it seems wasteful to blow your hard-earned salary on a brand-new wardrobe, but you can take advantage of Hollister's current sale on sweaters. Normally, they cost anywhere between $39.50 to $140, but with 50% taken off many of their more-popular sweaters, you can stock up on a winter essential for half the price! The cheapest (County Line) at $15.90 is a steal, while the higher-priced Ormond Beach ($89.90) is still much cheaper than its original price of $120.
As winter blows in, bringing snow and the common cold with it, you can get a couple of sweaters for the price of one, that will keep warm and comfortable throughout the season. And that's nothing to sneeze at.

Shop 'Til You Drop...Part 2

School breaks are always long-awaited and well-needed. Today, I started my second of two three-day-weekends in one month. As promised, my mom chauffeured my sister and I to the Park Meadows mall for a day of shopping.
After a nice lunch, we hit the stores. We stopped first at Abercrombie, then perused Abercrombie & Fitch for about ten minutes, buying nothing. My mom, having driven us there, dragged us to Pottery Barn, Eddie Bauer, Williams Sonoma and Crate & Barrel (some of her favorite stores there).
Of course, no shopping trip would be complete without at least a browse through Hollister. I tried on a few things, finally settling on a dark brown zip-up hoodie (Harbor Beach, $24.90). I was glad for the price, too, because a similar hoodie at A&F was over $10 more!
On a whim, we decided to check out American Eagle. I haven't gotten anything from there in at least a year, and haven't been in there in almost as long, so I was hoping to find something that really caught my eye (and didn't cost over $25!). I found a cute pair of medium brown mocs that were, unfortunately, over my budget, but then, I spotted the cutest skirt. It was the AE Corduroy Mini (now $14.95) in khaki. The versatile color, and adorable details such as its slightly destructed design, made me decide to buy it.
And so, with my two purchases in hand (or should I say, in bag) I left the mall contentedly, knowing that even though I wouldn't be back for two months or so, I had had a successful shopping trip.

Top Ten Style Tips for Petites

If you've ever embarked on a shopping spree, only to find yourself overwhelmed with all the cuts, colors and patterns on the racks, you need this handy list of style tips to help you find the best clothes for your petite frame.

1. Dress head-to-toe in one color. While monochromatic may seem boring, mix it up with patterns and shades. If you're going for a slimming effect, try dark colors such as navy, plum, burgundy or emerald.
2. Wear fitted clothing. The tailor is your best friend. Also, look for garments that are semi-fitted rather than tight-fitting to achieve the best possible look!
3. Pick vertical stripes. No, they won't make you look like a referee, unless they are thick and black. You don't even need actual stripes to elongate you--seams will do the trick.
4. Choose V-neck tops over boatneck or crewneck. The latter make you look shorter.
5. Wear high heels. This is a no-brainer, obviously. Make sure to avoid strapped pairs, however.
6. Texture isn't your friend. Unless you want to appear wider, choose thinner knits.
7. Skip the huge bags. Bigger isn't always better, as gigantic handbags can overwhelm you visually.
8. Minis = no-no. If you have short legs, miniskirts don't do any favors for your figure.
9. Narrow belts are your best option to create a waist. If you already have a well-defined one, then avoid the belt completely. Otherwise, make sure they match your outfit.
10. Follow the straight and narrow...when it comes to pants. And bypass cuffs and pleats.