Are there any cool stores that carry Petite clothes in Seattle? I can get stuff at Nordstrom's, but the petite section is so small <sigh> and I would like to diversify a bit. I'm in my mid-30's, not looking for anything in particular at the moment (e.g. dressy or casual), just trying to find more options in general. Any suggestions? Thanks! Love the blog.

I shop often at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft. They don't always have stuff I like, but they are always bringing something new out so if you don't like what you see, wait a month. The problem I have with AT and the Loft is that EVERYONE I know shops there (they are close to my office) so I might run into someone with my outfit on. They also seem to have the best sales. Today, they had several pant options marked down to $19.99 - $49.99. A good time to stock up on your basics.

Banana Republic and Macys petites are also worthwhile. Belle Square has a BR petites store and the Nordstrom’s petites area there has a larger assortment.

Also Robyn, are you truly only a petite? Sometimes regular clothing with the right fit will work for a petite frame.

Thanks for the great suggestions, I'll look into them. I forgot about BR - I've gotten a few petite things there recently too, very nice. Those are all fairly big brands (Ann Taylor, BR, Macys) - any quirky boutique brands I should know about?

I think I am truly only petite, at least it seems so. I'm 5'3" so on the taller range of Petite, right? But pretty much every item of regular non-petite clothing: pants, blouses, t-shirts, dresses, you name it, looks wrongly proportioned on me. In high school my mom complained that I looked "dressed like an orphan" whatever that might mean. It sounds kind of offensive, frankly, but her words not mine.

I'm a fellow petite and understand your dilemma. I too shop at the petite sections of Nordie's, Ann Taylor and BR. One other big brand store is J.Crew who sells petite sized clothing but only through their catalogue and online. Also, another place that sells clothes that seem to fit short people is Anthropologie. In terms of boutique shops, I've found some stuff at Alhambra which is downtown and Les Amie in Fremont. Also, Barneys has some stuff that seems to fit me well. Happy shopping!

If you guys have a Marshalls in your area, they might have a petite section. I know the one in my area has a pretty sizeable petite section.