How to Look Taller: Heels & a Hem

The Banana Republic outlet dress is back from the tailors. I tried to save $20 and spent 2 hours painstakingly ironing and hemming it by hand (recently got rid of my sewing machine...smacks head), but gave up at the lining. I took it to my trusty Korean tailors and they were aghast at my crooked stitching. Shaking their heads and clucking their tongues, they tore apart my hard work, but thankfully charged me a pity price of just $10.
It's no secret that heels are a petite gal's best friend, but let's revisit the importance of wearing the right skirt/dress length (old post here). For this, I pinned and re-pinned and finally settled on right above the knee:

Before (left) and After (right)

Sheath dress: Banana Republic outlet size 00P (tag info here - they ship for $5)

Heels: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5 (a work staple!)
Flats: Tory Burch  80" 7-8mm freshwater pearls: eBay  Flower: J.Crew outlet

Shorter is not always better when it comes to length. Higher-waisted dresses can get away with a shorter hem (see altered Theory dress here), but regular-waisted dresses such as this one need a sufficiently long skirt length to make it look balanced and proportional. The right skirt length makes the entire look more refined all-around.

Side view - before (left) and after (right)

 

Back view - before (left) and after (right)

The belt was a smidge too big and long, but I couldn't use my trusty hole puncher because it was fabric. I ended up just poking the prong where I wished there was a hole, and then pulling the belt through:

 I know several petites also picked up this dress. It retails for $99 but the BR outlet frequently has sales. I picked it up for 40% off, and you can use your AAA card for another 10% off. Check out this thread in the AlterationsNeeded forum to see how it looks on Annie, Aubrey, and Megan. Hopefully the other ladies who got this from DoubleZero will post their pics so I can borrow some styling ideas!

Mustard Cardigan: Martin & Osa sz XS (similar here for $25) 
Belt: Banana Republic Outlet sz XS   Pearls: eBay

A hem job is a simple but critical alteration for certain items, especially if you're petite. It's a shame my tailor charges $20+ (more for lined items). I wish I had the time and patience to do my own alterations.

Readers - Do you always get your items altered to fit perfectly? If so, do you DIY or shell out for the alterations?

How to Look Taller: Heels & a Hem

The Banana Republic outlet dress is back from the tailors. I tried to save $20 and spent 2 hours painstakingly ironing and hemming it by hand (recently got rid of my sewing machine...smacks head), but gave up at the lining. I took it to my trusty Korean tailors and they were aghast at my crooked stitching. Shaking their heads and clucking their tongues, they tore apart my hard work, but thankfully charged me a pity price of just $10.
It's no secret that heels are a petite gal's best friend, but let's revisit the importance of wearing the right skirt/dress length (old post here). For this, I pinned and re-pinned and finally settled on right above the knee:

Before (left) and After (right)

Sheath dress: Banana Republic outlet size 00P (tag info here - they ship for $5)

Heels: Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps sz 5 (a work staple!)
Flats: Tory Burch  80" 7-8mm freshwater pearls: eBay  Flower: J.Crew outlet

Shorter is not always better when it comes to length. Higher-waisted dresses can get away with a shorter hem (see altered Theory dress here), but regular-waisted dresses such as this one need a sufficiently long skirt length to make it look balanced and proportional. The right skirt length makes the entire look more refined all-around.

Side view - before (left) and after (right)

 

Back view - before (left) and after (right)

The belt was a smidge too big and long, but I couldn't use my trusty hole puncher because it was fabric. I ended up just poking the prong where I wished there was a hole, and then pulling the belt through:

 I know several petites also picked up this dress. It retails for $99 but the BR outlet frequently has sales. I picked it up for 40% off, and you can use your AAA card for another 10% off. Check out this thread in the AlterationsNeeded forum to see how it looks on Annie, Aubrey, and Megan. Hopefully the other ladies who got this from DoubleZero will post their pics so I can borrow some styling ideas!

Mustard Cardigan: Martin & Osa sz XS (similar here for $25) 
Belt: Banana Republic Outlet sz XS   Pearls: eBay

A hem job is a simple but critical alteration for certain items, especially if you're petite. It's a shame my tailor charges $20+ (more for lined items). I wish I had the time and patience to do my own alterations.

Readers - Do you always get your items altered to fit perfectly? If so, do you DIY or shell out for the alterations?

How to punch extra (non-crappy looking) holes into a belt

While purging my closet, I came across several belts that were a lil' too big. I thought about asking my boyfriend to punch extra holes into them, but after inspecting his own DIY belt hole job (see last pic below) I decided to pass...

I've heard so much about this revolving leather hole puncher on Amazon (see: PetiteXXS, AN forum, A.fashion.deliberation) but did not want to pay for shipping. I called around and discovered that Michaels Arts & Crafts and A.C. Moore carries it for $9.99, plus I found printable coupons online for both stores for 40% or 50% off one item. Silly me forgot my coupon, but ACMoore took it right off my iPhone ... score :D

This is so easy to use, it really does not warrant a video. I am just sharing some small tips in here, plus the bf's strong hand makes a guest appearance:


Verdict: A MUST HAVE for anyone who has ever had trouble finding belts in the right size - whether too big or too small. One of the best $5's I've ever spent! Just compare the holes I punched (bottom) vs. the one my bf poked the old-fashioned way, using an awl (top):

I don't recommend this for belts that are several sizes too big, because there will be too much length left over. I need to figure out what to do my flopping ends...I've heard about fashion tape, but I want a permanent solution! Any suggestions?

How to punch extra (non-crappy looking) holes into a belt

While purging my closet, I came across several belts that were a lil' too big. I thought about asking my boyfriend to punch extra holes into them, but after inspecting his own DIY belt hole job (see last pic below) I decided to pass...

I've heard so much about this revolving leather hole puncher on Amazon (see: PetiteXXS, AN forum, A.fashion.deliberation) but did not want to pay for shipping. I called around and discovered that Michaels Arts & Crafts and A.C. Moore carries it for $9.99, plus I found printable coupons online for both stores for 40% or 50% off one item. Silly me forgot my coupon, but ACMoore took it right off my iPhone ... score :D

This is so easy to use, it really does not warrant a video. I am just sharing some small tips in here, plus the bf's strong hand makes a guest appearance:


Verdict: A MUST HAVE for anyone who has ever had trouble finding belts in the right size - whether too big or too small. One of the best $5's I've ever spent! Just compare the holes I punched (bottom) vs. the one my bf poked the old-fashioned way, using an awl (top):

I don't recommend this for belts that are several sizes too big, because there will be too much length left over. I need to figure out what to do my flopping ends...I've heard about fashion tape, but I want a permanent solution! Any suggestions?

Petite Lookbook: Rosebud Peplum Dress

A few weeks ago I tried on a floral dress at F21 (#5 in this post) and fell in love with the vintage-y rose print. The fit was good, but I thought it was a little overpriced ($20) for a tee shirt dress from F21. Thankfully, a few hours later, I found a similar dress in a darling peplum cut. Peplum (definition): short overskirt usually attached to a fitted jacket or dress.

These photos do not do this dress justice because the flounce skirt got crumpled up in my suitcase. I ironed it out later with my hair straightener but was too lazy to re-take pics.

Dress: Pretty Good sz XS

Belt: F21 sz S

Cardigan: Martin & Osa sz XS (similar here in XXS)

This dress was a random find at one of my least favorite places...TJ Maxx. The discount environment at those stores make me purchase items that I don't even like or need. I worked at Marshalls as a teen, and used to hoard any and ALL clearance clothing & shoes that came remotely close to fitting me. Anyone else guilty of that?

Needless to say all of that stuff has been donated by now, and as a result I am "traumatized" by places like TJMaxx/Marshies. This dress was a lucky find in the juniors department (the petites section is twinset-laden and horrid), and was priced exactly the same as the F21 dress I had passed up earlier.

This is also my first sweater from M&O. I had always seen them on the likes of ChloeConpiracy and Stylepint, but never came across an actual store until last week. I LOVE this longer cardigan! I have been wearing it so much - buttoned up over leggings, or open with my spring dresses. I like the fit of the XS, but later realized that XXS is available online in this summer weight long cardigan (on sale).

  

Sandals: I.N.C. low wedge sandals (similar here in Cognac - love, love, love)

Now for the alterations...(note how much better the flounce skirt looks when not crinkly)

This dress in a juniors XS basically fit due to the elasticised waist, however there were a few issues. The neckline was too plunging, the armholes were too big, and the sides were too wide.

I had not visited my tailors for months, and didn't want to break the streak for a $20 dress from TJ Maxx. Oh how I wish I have my beloved sewing machine & serger in Boston! But for the time and space being, rough hand-stitching will have to get the job done. I whipped out my needle and thread and stitched in the following:

Ta-da. DIY alterations to address common problems faced by petites.

I love the peplum silhouette because it gives off the illusion that I have hips. Shop dresses in similar silhouettes (click to go to):

Under $50:

Over $50:

Petite Lookbook: Rosebud Peplum Dress

A few weeks ago I tried on a floral dress at F21 (#5 in this post) and fell in love with the vintage-y rose print. The fit was good, but I thought it was a little overpriced ($20) for a tee shirt dress from F21. Thankfully, a few hours later, I found a similar dress in a darling peplum cut. Peplum (definition): short overskirt usually attached to a fitted jacket or dress.

These photos do not do this dress justice because the flounce skirt got crumpled up in my suitcase. I ironed it out later with my hair straightener but was too lazy to re-take pics.

Dress: Pretty Good sz XS

Belt: F21 sz S

Cardigan: Martin & Osa sz XS (similar here in XXS)

This dress was a random find at one of my least favorite places...TJ Maxx. The discount environment at those stores make me purchase items that I don't even like or need. I worked at Marshalls as a teen, and used to hoard any and ALL clearance clothing & shoes that came remotely close to fitting me. Anyone else guilty of that?

Needless to say all of that stuff has been donated by now, and as a result I am "traumatized" by places like TJMaxx/Marshies. This dress was a lucky find in the juniors department (the petites section is twinset-laden and horrid), and was priced exactly the same as the F21 dress I had passed up earlier.

This is also my first sweater from M&O. I had always seen them on the likes of ChloeConpiracy and Stylepint, but never came across an actual store until last week. I LOVE this longer cardigan! I have been wearing it so much - buttoned up over leggings, or open with my spring dresses. I like the fit of the XS, but later realized that XXS is available online in this summer weight long cardigan (on sale).

  

Sandals: I.N.C. low wedge sandals (similar here in Cognac - love, love, love)

Now for the alterations...(note how much better the flounce skirt looks when not crinkly)

This dress in a juniors XS basically fit due to the elasticised waist, however there were a few issues. The neckline was too plunging, the armholes were too big, and the sides were too wide.

I had not visited my tailors for months, and didn't want to break the streak for a $20 dress from TJ Maxx. Oh how I wish I have my beloved sewing machine & serger in Boston! But for the time and space being, rough hand-stitching will have to get the job done. I whipped out my needle and thread and stitched in the following:

Ta-da. DIY alterations to address common problems faced by petites.

I love the peplum silhouette because it gives off the illusion that I have hips. Shop dresses in similar silhouettes (click to go to):

Under $50:

Over $50:

Petite Lookbook - Crazy for Paisley

It's no secret that J.Crew petite sizing irks me. Numerous posts have been done showcasing the ill fit... the saggy City Pant and Wool Stretch Jacket in 0P on AlterationsNeeded, and the frump-a-licious Skimmer Pant in 00p on Pint-Sized Musings, just to name a few. Despite all the confirmation that J.Crew is not for tiny petites, silly me ended up impulsively buying a dress on final sale. But worry not ... a quick trip to Hemmingway Tailors was all it needed!

Revealing...the J.Crew Terra Paisley Dress, post-alterations:

Dress: J.Crew Terra Paisley Shift in P0 (alterations : straps shortened, sides taken in, hemmed)

Sweater: Aqua Kids cashmere bolero in girls sz L

Shoes: Aldo satin Arnoldoa pumps (sold here)

This dress has proven to be ridiculously versatile - it looks nice as a "skirt" when peeking out under a black cardigan or jacket, it's classy with heels for dinner, and chic for a night out when worn with ankle booties.

Shop this look in petite-friendly sizes:

The Bold Patterned Dress
I looked long and hard online and couldn't find anything similar to the above dress! Bummer : ( Some other picks, though:

1. Nanette Lepore Exotic Shift Dress in 0 - so $$, I can only dream!
2. Ann Taylor Petite Patterned Sheath Dresses (in leopard, graphic or pink floral) in 00P

I have never tried on anything from Lily Pulitzer so I can't attest to the sizing, but I have a sinking feeling that it's not petite-friendly. I usually do not care for their bright and busy garments, but I rather like this classic sheath with gold lace. Have any petites tried this brand in size 0?


The Kiddie-Department Shrug
1. Nordstrom Girls Bolero Sweater in L or XL
2. Flowers by Zoe L/S Shrug in L or XL (no large sizes left online, but check Bloomies in-store)

I'm lovin' this little cashmere shrug from Aqua kids (Bloomingdales in-house line). Not bad for $30 something during their winter sale! I've been wearing it non-stop with all my higher-waisted dresses. I like digging for boleros or shrugs in the children's department, since the typical "short n' wide" fit issue doesn't apply!

 

Let's look at the dress again pre-alterations with baggy arm holes and shapeless waist and hips (see old post here). Oh...and is that the dreaded underarm flab I see peeking out of the arm holes?

 And after the ladies at Hemmingway did their magic:

 

The dress has a side zipper and side pockets, which complicates alterations. My tailors ended up taking the torso in along the two back darts, resulting in a larger front panel than back - oh well! The loose arm holes were surprisingly fixed by taking up each strap by an inch or so. As for the hem, this dress is intended to hit at the knee (per the J.Crew model pic), but I had it shortened so that the busy print would not overwhelm my frame.

 

Perfectly done - clean alterations both inside and out! Total cost: $40 including a 20% discount. Very hefty price for alterations alone, but I have no regrets since I've already worn this 3x in the past month!

I had been in a serious frenzy hunting for a printed silk sheath after seeing this little number by Nanette Lepore on ChloeConspiracy. How gorgeous is that outfit? The J.Crew find couldn't have come at a better time ... my bf was ready to bop me on the head if he heard me babble about "Chloe's NL dress" one more time.

I loved this dress so much I wore it to dinner the night I got it back. Here's a photo of it "in action." Silly bf could not stop stuffing his face with pork chops for one second : )

I'm very sorry for the delayed responses to comments and emails - they are much appreciated! After 13 hours of staring at small numbers on a comp, I just want to trudge back to the hotel and pass out, so I've been checking and responding on weekends. CFA books haven't even been cracked! I think I'm gonna make it a goal to post 1x a week...any suggestions or requests are welcome : )