Dynamite comes in small packages! If you are 5 feet 3 inches or below, you’ll want to wear clothing that elongates your frame. Certain ways of dressing are definitely more flattering for you then others.

Consider the following:

• Clothing that drapes well – garments made of stiff fabric will make you look boxy and therefore shorter.
• Jackets at hipbone-length – This is the most flattering length for your short frame. Anything longer will make your legs look shorter and your hips wider.
• Prints with smaller scale graphics – look for smaller scale graphic designs when choosing patterns. The scale of the design needs to be in keeping the scale of your frame.
• Monochromatic combinations – it’s not that you can’t wear a contrasting top or bottom; it’s just that a tonal combinations will give you a stronger unbroken vertical line.
• Shorter skirts – knee length skirts are most flattering for everyone and for you too. If you have the legs, by all means wear your skirt shorter. Avoid ankle length skirts – this will make you appear shorter.
• Scaled down accessories – this does not mean that you can’t wear chunky jewelry (plus size petites should only wear chunky jewelry). It means that you need to watch the size of your beads and the size of your bag – you don’t want to look like you are going to topple over.
• Vertical lines – princess seaming detail; zip fronts and vertical stripes are good examples.
• Pointy toed shoes – they will always make you look taller. Round toes and square toes will have the opposite effect. Keep your heel height at 2-3 inches – anything higher will be out of proportion.

If you happen to have a very small foot that is part and parcel of your petite frame, have a  look at Zappos – they offer women’s styles that start at a size 3!

Jacket at hipbone-length, pointy toed shoes to elongate a petite frame and two flattering knee length dresses (the one the left with a smaller scale graphic design print) – all from Nordstrom.

Despite having traveled for years both for business and pleasure, I still manage to occasionally pack the wrong things. With the odd hard lesson learned, my packing skills have improved greatly over time – here are a few things that work for me:  

• Layer for the plane trip – it might be hot at home and even hotter at your destination; but it’s always cold on that aeroplane. Smaller planes rarely carry blankets, so be sure take a piece of knitwear or jacket when you board.
• Condense your toiletries – glass is heavy, which makes popping your cosmetics into smaller plastic containers a super idea (you can get these at any travel shop). It’s also practical to have a filled toiletry bag on standby ready to pack at anytime. Keeping two of every cosmetic might be costly at the beginning, but extremely useful when you travel frequently and pack last minute. Consider doing the same for a first aid kit.
• Bring two pairs of shoes – you’ll need to pack a pair you can walk well in (see blog entry comfortable holiday feet) and a dressier pair for other occasions. Travel in your walking shoes.
• Plan your outfits – there is no way of getting around the “planning part” of what you need to pack. You need to prepare an outfit for every day and mix and match the pieces that you have selected accordingly. If your agenda is different at night, you’ll need to plan for that as well.
• Come up with a uniform – walk shorts, longer length tee’s and sandals is one example. Skirts, knit tops and thongs is another. You might want to combine the two and add a few layering garments to change your look.
• Remember your accessories – accessories articulate your sense of style and personality. Remember to pack the correct items for your clothing selection.
• Bring two bags – traveling with a large tote that zips up is best (pick pockets are always a concern). You’ll be able to keep so much in it. Bring a smaller bag along as well and make sure that that’s the one you pack.
• Take the kitchen sink if you travel by car – there is no need to pack lightly if you are traveling on the road. Pack 5 pairs of shoes and 3 extra outfits if you feel the need – it can all stay in the car anyway!

Lightweight crease resistant fabrics are key. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and hat – you are a tourist so it won’t matter if you look like one. Feel free to share any other traveling tips for warm weather holidays – I’m always keen to improve my packing skills.

What would we do without our jeans? Denim must be one of the best things that happened to textiles and fashion (the fact that Coco Chanel made it acceptable for women to wear slacks comes a close second). Denim dates back to 16th century Europe when Genovese sailors wore the fabric as everyday work wear trousers. The fabric now fuels the multi billion dollar fashion industry and there isn’t a catwalk designer that excludes this incredibly versatile fabric from their collections. It’s possibly the only item of clothing that defies age and lifestyle.

If you are a woman – it’s probably also one of the most impossible things to shop for! Jeans and Accessories can help. It is an excellent denim-focused website. It’s thoroughly researched, informative and easy to understand. Of particular interest on the side bar are topics such as:

• Denim and body type
• Jeans Styles
• Cut and fit
• Sizing
• Petite jeans
• Tall jeans
• Maternity jeans

With variations in fit, leg style, waist treatment and wash type – who wouldn’t welcome all the help that they can get when buying that perfect pair of jeans. Have fun perusing this site and look good in denim today.

Most stores are on sale and it’s your last chance to get summer merchandise for you and the family. Autumn collections will start hitting stores in a week or two. Pickings are already slim as sizes and colours become depleted. Remember that you won’t find summer merchandise in stores in August and September – this is how the crazy retail cycle works. If you need beachwear for a trip to Hawaii in October – now is the time to get it.

• Macy’s July 4th Sale – starts today. There is nothing more summery then a dress – go to this department if you fancy the idea of that. Sandals are also a good option here.
• Banana Republic Summer Sale – has been on sale for a week (both men and women). They haven’t been looking their best this season, but still worth a look for the “modern classics” among us.
• Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (14 July) – mark your calendars! Nordstrom previews their new season merchandise and offer it at crazy prices for two weeks only. Prices are marked up again after the sale period. This is when we can start shopping for autumn and winter. Stay tuned for Fall 2006/2007 tidbits so that we can make some savvy shopping decisions for this occasion.  

My top summer picks for all remain: walk shorts (dressy and casual), cropped jacket, knitted dress, longer length t-shirts and knitted tops, layering camisoles and tanks, metallic shoes, metallic belt, metallic bag.