My favorite holiday gift I received this year was the J.Crew classic peacoat in an oh-so-edible chocolate hue.

For the last two years, I’ve needed an everyday winter coat. I could never find anything that fit or wasn’t grandma-like. So I limped around the cold LA evenings with pashminas, doubled sweaters, and my trusty Earl Jean denim jacket.

The petite 0/ PXS sizing at J.Crew is a dependable fit, and this coat is not only warm, it has a classic great look too. The coat is available in navy, camel, chocolate, black, and lined with Thinsulate, should you need a bit more warmth in cooler locales. JCrew petite sizes can only be purchased online.

On cooler nights, I’ve paired it with the Banana Republic wool and cashmere cable-knit scarf in light blue.

Wishing everyone a relaxing, safe, exciting, and well-dressed holiday and New Year!

Also, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for your kind comments, emails, suggestions and visits. serafina is a success because of you, and I sincerely appreciate your readership. I hope serafina has been as helpful and fun for you as it has for me!

To start the New Year with a bang, I’m already compiling articles for 2007. And I would love your input! I encourage you to leave a comment or email me with any ideas you’d like to see in 2007 — whatever you’re looking for in petite sizing.

Cheers,
serafina

Just when you thought your shoe fetish was insatiable, a store comes along with every design, color, and style you’ll ever need to complement your ever-expanding wardrobe. Not to mention feeding your online shopping habit. Allow me to introduce Zappos; the preeminent online source for designer shoes at prices your pocketbook will love. If you haven’t already discovered this favorite store o’mine, now’s the time.

French Connection| Sally | $152

I can personally attest to hours of perusal on Zappos, and continually checking out with a new supply of boots, heels, and sandals. And it’s all because of the excellent discounts that, and the vast range of choices keep me coming back for more.

Elle |Noir | $96

Simply put, shopping at Zappos is easy with search tools that begin by asking your desired size, color, and price. From there, the navigation drills down to the exact height and style you’re looking for.

Carlos by Carlos Santana | Marksman | $116

And if your perfect pair isn’t ‘all that’, their return policy encourages you to make it right. Simply return the shoes within a year of purchase (no joke), and receive a full refund. Just like your purchase, return shipping is free.

Nine West | Vidamarie | $71

Zappos gives you, I am not kidding, zillions of shoes to choose from. Some of the best strappy sandals are available in size 5 (and up), and plenty, I assure you, will go perfectly with your New Years outfit.

rsvp | Anest | $80

saville dress | jersey | $295

Five years ago, designer Melissa Masse had an idea. It was so simple, it was genius– create custom-made clothing for everyday wear.

The inspiration: frustrated friends and family. Like you, they searched in vain for fashion that was well-made and well-tailored. You know, the kind that fits the first time.

“I realized that they certainly couldn’t be the only customers who felt that way,” explained Melissa. Of course, she was right. So she took action.

perfect dress | silk | $295

Melissa’s flagship store on Flores carries her full collection, and it’s unique to Los Angeles. You’ll find it all here, from t-shirts to suitings, and everything is available right off the take. And you’ll hear not a hem or haw if you request an alteration.

ava top | jersey | $95

Better yet, if you can’t find your size, they’ll custom-make that coveted selection to your liking a rare gem in the black book of many petite customers. But I was personally assured, dear readers, that tailoring is minimal and, when needed, is taken care of locally.

Melissa adds, “Whether you are a studio executive or a starlet, you want to look perfect, and you don’t want to see anyone else in your dress. That’s what we provide!”

suzanne dress | jersey | $275

I liked the XS Suzanne dress as well as the D292 XS dress. Altering to fit your size is free with a full price purchase, and will cost a bit if the item is on sale (but so worth it). Cashmere can’t be altered –although it may not be needed as the XS sweathers fit like a glove.

dress d292 | peach matte jersey | $275

Masse can be found online at Neiman Marcus and Designer Clothing and Apparel.

Masse
306 N. Flores Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Map

Phone (323) 653-2941
Fax (323) 653-2942

M-F 11am - 7pm
Sat 11am - 6pm
Sun 11am - 5pm

stone pendant | polished silver and leather cord| $220

ruffled leaf cuff bracelet | matte silver | $650

Simple, clean, and fantastically tailored, the Branch jewelry line remains serene and dramatic.

thin leaf earrings | matte gold | $875

Isn’t nature sweet?

branches ring | silver with polished finish| $95

Branch jewelry can be purchased from the company web site, or you can search for additional retailers through their store locator. Customers outside of the U.S. can place orders with Michelle via e-mail.

Los Angeles locations:

Kristin Londgren
8308 West Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 653-9200
Map

Moondance
1530 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(877) 378-1989
Map

What on your holiday list is classic and elegant, with superb fabrics and contrasts, and blends the past, the chic, and the future all in the coveted size zero? Dresses by Catherine Malandrino. The Parisian born designer has three brilliant holiday dresses I yearn for this season: the black V dress, the black 3/4 sleeve dress and the red halter dress.

Malandrino’s sizing is a near perfect fit for smaller women. Her desirable size zero — available online and occasionally at her Sunset Boulevard store — is a straight zero; however, sometimes her designs need a touch of tailoring, well worth your time and expenditure; her designs will make you look and feel truly fabulous.

Malandrino’s shop on Sunset Boulevard has a wide selection. If you live outside of Los Angeles, use the store locator on her website, or simply shop her online store. You can also find her dresses at Saks.

Or peruse the dresses online at Shopbop.

Catherine Malandrino
8644 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
310-360-1037
Map

My favorite part of the holiday season? Shopping for the perfect dress, of course.

This season, I’m gushing for the fantastically designed, brilliantly hued, ultra-flattering, perfectly low-cut neckline Lyne dress by Trina Turk. It’s simply — stunning. When accompanied with a spectacular necklace you — and your bust — will look their holiday best.

Attending a holiday brunch with the gals or the in-laws? Ogle the Trina Turk Siam dress. A dazzling, kaleidoscopic paisley palette splendidly rendered in silk, the Siam is a holiday-perfect dress that you can wear year-round. Flattering and sophisticated, it’s bona fide to go with all of the shoes and boots stashed away in your closet.

Both the Lyne and Siam dresses are available online and at Turk’s shops in L.A. and Palm Springs. If you are in the N.Y. area, check out her new boutique located at 67 Gansevoort Street, between Washington and Greenwich Streets, which opened December 6th.

Feeling a bit more daring and festive? Consider Tibi’s strapless chiffon dress. The flattering cut will make your legs look longer and your bust fuller and who doesn’t love that? Bring on the gams, girls.

Visit the store locator to find Tibi in your city. Online you can find Tibi’s strapless chiffon dress on Net a Porter.

Looking to direct your BFF, special someone, or crazy Aunt Tilda to some fantastic gift ideas for your holiday season? Below are a handful of great options for every petite lass.

If you land on grimel during your dreidel spin, hope that the pot holds Tiffany’s Silver Mesh ring. Tiffany’s ring sizing begins as small as size 4.
$125

Tiffany stores are located in the following domestic and international destinations.

Holiday Clutch
Gold looks good on everyone and Besty Johnson’s gold Cleopatra Clutch is magnificent – no matter how you celebrate.
$125

Find your Betsy Johnson store locator here.

iPod Shuffle
Deck the halls with iPod shuffles. Fa-la-la-la-la. I want the new iPod shuffle not only because it is the latest and greatest iPod, but because it is tiny and I can wear it anywhere, everywhere, anyhow! This little accessory saves 240 songs and is the world’s smallest music player. Best of all: One size fits all.
$79

Don’t know where to buy Apple in your area? Check out their store locator.

Fancy Shoes
A great gift you’ll want to wear to your Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, or Kwanzaa dinners is the Bettye Muller Ballroom t-strap. Made in Italy with a 3-1/4 inch civilized heel; it’s guaranteed to give you the height you need over the in-laws.
$389

You can find the Bettye Muller Ballroom t-strap online at Piperlime (size 5.5) and Simplysoles (size 5.5).

The Lucky Shopping Manual
Looking for little presents to wrap? The Lucky Shopping Manual is the gift that keeps on giving. This little book has helped me on numerous occasions and is joyous bedside reading.
$24

Find your local store locator for Barnes and Noble here.

Lastly, check out the Sweet Savings site for all of your holiday coupon and discount information online and in stores now.

Ladies, when was the last time you had truly fantastic customer service? I mean the kind that makes you feel like you’re a celebrated Hollywood stylist and the shop will accommodate all of your whims without fail?

Kelly Herz, the owner of Beige on Beverly Boulevard in Hollywood, will do just that. She has an exceptional eye for clothing, jewelry, and handbags — everything from L.A. casual to formal and nary a second-rate line in her store. Beige has an aggregation of well-designed, stylish, and fantastically crafted pieces. With each visit my wardrobe grows and grows and grows.

Recently, Kelly took the time to pull everything (yes, everything) off the racks that had the potential to fit me. Kelly knows which designers run small and which of their sizes best fit petites.

As a 00P I sang her my woes about sizing. Her parting words of wisdom: Don’t be afraid to try on XS, S or 2s and 4s, every line is different and some run quite small. And with that, she helped me try on the full store. Eureka! If you are a solid 2 or a 4 you will find sizes here without fail — and part with your inner stylist jumping for joy. Featured below are specific items in her shop that fit me. All items listed are size XS, S, or 2. Prices vary between $65 and $300.

Daryl K
Lined black wool flannel pencil skirt. The 2 was small on me!

Inhabit
The crew fishnet cashmere sweater is sumptuous.

Geren Ford
Silk XS kimono shirt fit perfectly especially in the waist. When I tried on the dresses the XS was slightly large.

Sea NY
Leather baby doll dress, fits like a glove in size 2.

Garcon
Brilliant 3/4 sleeve XS thermal top in gray with black collar and wrists.

Beige carries additional lines that run small like Development, Clu, Flux Nouveau and Velvet. Beige will be having an exclusive holiday trunk show featuring purse designer Adrienne Herro and jewelry designer Matthew Kelly this Thursday 12/7. Event begins at 6pm and will provide valet parking. Sweets, cocktails and hors d’oeurves will be served. And best of all, there will be 20% off the entire store!

Beige
7274 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 549–0064
Map