Taking my Petite Apple Shopping

Nicole

My sister is barely 5' tall, and is a curvy apple. She is quite buxom like me, but considerably shorter and a little bit heavier. She's been in a rut with herself and I thought a shopping trip together might be a fun way for the two of us to spend some time together and reconnect.

I'd like to shop for a basic list of items that would give her instant gratification. She is very unhappy with her weight, but I want to show her how much the right clothes can help her self confidence.

I'm also not sure of the best places to go shopping. I'm not positive, but she may be in plus sizes, or at high end of regular sizes. Any suggestions where we will have the best success? Unlike me, she's not afraid of spending her money.

17 years ago

Shopping

11 replies

Latest reply was from Plumeria

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How lovely!

First of all Nicole, is sis in the best bra? I know you’ll get her sorted with that one.

She’ll need to shop petites at that height. If she’s larger than a size 14, she’ll need plus size petites. I’d start her off at AT and ATL. Go through to Macys and BR too.

Look for LOTS of waist definition and tops that will stretch over the bust. LAYER. Stay away from volume. Throw in heels. Wrap tops are a win.

17 years ago

Anonymous

My mom has the same physique, Nicole, but she is 5'6". She was also incredibly unhappy about her weight, and only put up with my sister and I on our shopping trip because she *had* to find a dress for my cousin's wedding in two days. Stress city!

We had great success at Nordstroms because the service there is excellent, and the woman who helped us called the other departments and got shoes, accessories and Spanx with every outfit to help my mom see the 'whole picture' instead of letting Mom find flaws in each individual item. My mom seemed to get the most joy out of structured jackets/tops that gave her a waist, and skirts or dresses that showed off her legs and gave her a smooth shape (A-line worked well). She has a pretty large chest and had to be careful about necklines and fit in that area, but there was a great selection of things from the plus sized department for her to choose from.

Before we went to the store, we went over Angie's guide for Adorable Apples so she knew what to look for and what to avoid. Luckily we found a dress without having to go anywhere else! Hope that helps, and have a wonderful time with your sister!

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Thanks ladies.....yes Angie, my sister DOES need to get a proper bra! I've talked to her about it a bazillion times. It's just so low on her priority list. (She travels about 3 weeks out of the month for her job, and she is always on the run!)

I'm thinking we'll take a trip to Nordstroms so she can get fitted, and I'll suggest she wear her new bra while trying on new things.

I'm going to call her right now and set this up. I'm hoping we can go on Sunday before she leaves for her next trip!

17 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

Sounds like the trip will be fun Nicole! I have no advice, just my support. A couple of months ago I did something similar for my BFF who is skinny,petite and very pear shaped and she was pretty happy with the results. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Yay! I just got off the phone with my sister. We're leaving at 9 am on Sunday, heading to Nordstroms for a bra fitting, and she's working on a list of things she needs. I am working on my own list of things I'd like her to try on.

17 years ago

Julia

Active Member

Nicole you are such a cool sis! I'm sure you'll have a successful shopping trip this Sunday. Please keep us updated!

17 years ago

Dani

Veteran

Great, Nicole! I hope your trip is a lot of fun and successful! I'm anxious to hear if you find any treasures!

17 years ago

Maya

Veteran

My mom is also 5', apple shaped, with a big chest (that part runs in the family, I guess). I have had no luck trying to dress her. She probably wouldn't even try on a wrap top. Like your sis, she isn't thrilled with her body. She wears the absolute worst tops for her shape...boxy, unshaped button-front shirts. She is under the very mistaken impression that they smooth out her tummy, when in fact they just make her look like a tent. She won't go near anything fitted because--gasp--it shows her shape. She also wears these horrible loosey goosey flowy pants and flowy, mid-calf cropped pants because she thinks they balance out her top half.

I have given up for now. Someday when I have the money, I plan to set her up with an Angie in the area and pay for whatever clothes they find. I'm sure an objective professional would have better luck convincing her than me. I hope you have better luck Nicole. Tell us how it goes!

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Well... my sister used to be slim and dressed really well. I think she gained weight (for whatever reason) and now she's so unfamiliar with her shape, that she does not know how to dress it.

I was a little apprehensive bringing the subject up, because I love her and do not want to hurt her feelings. (If you're reading this Mick, feel free to interject!)

But ironically enough, the whole discussion of this started with a joke. My sister had left a denim "shirt jack thingy" at my house. I jokingly told her that she left it at my house, but I was not going to return it to her because it was ugly. She has a great sense of humor, and we laughed, and it all just snowballed from there.

I am really looking forward to our shopping trip. She and I are the two youngest sisters, and we were pretty tight growing up. She has a huge heart and would give anybody the shirt of her back. She finds fault with no one--if only she'd give a little of her unconditional love to herself!

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Awwwh. Wish I had a sister.

Have fun and report back asap, Nicole.

I’m glad you got sorted LE and I look forward to meeting Mum, Maya.

17 years ago

Plumeria

Active Member

I'm a 30 something petite, buxom apple and usually have trouble finding tops and dresses that "fit right" I've had a lot of hit and misses with my shopping... (Angie, maybe a updated post on Apples?)

As you know, wrap dresses are universally flattering... I've had the best luck with the Maggy London and Suzi Chin dresses at Nordstroms. (I love the faux wrap dresses) I'm looking forward to hearing about your Sunday shopping trip with your sister...

17 years ago

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