I love vintage cashmere sweaters. Therefore, I love Burning Torch. A lot. These sweaters are modern and soft, and each is original.

Burning Torch is a Los Angeles-based line, and they have been meshing organic fabrics and recycled vintage garments into gorgeous styles for years. Unique to the company is designer Karyn Craven’s commitment to recycling materials — collections are driven by a vision that melds vintage, modern, and global sentiments.

Craven chooses only the most exclusive of vintage cashmeres and then re-assembles them into gorgeous pullovers, cardigans, scarves, and belts. As for the process — it takes approximately six vintage pieces to create one new sweater. And many are decked out with exquisite hand-detailing or screen-printed embellishments.

Sweaters run from $200-$500 USD. However! I’ve frequently seen Burning Torch at Billion Dollar Babes, and at great discount prices. Or simply wait for the warehouse sales at the Burning Torch studio. To stay in the loop, sign up for their mailing list on their website under ‘Contact Us’.

Craven’s fit-models are size 4 –- though I’ve found a few sweaters that run smaller. When in doubt, try ‘em on.

You can find Burning Torch sweaters at the following stores in LA:

Thesis
8119 Melrose Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 658-8481
Map

Wright’s
232 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach, Ca 90266
(310) 376-8553
Map

Online you can shop at their web boutique or at Lulu Belle Boutique and Coco Shoppe.

I’ve also found Burning Torch cashmere on eBay. Although there are no small sizes listed currently, I recommend searching eBay occasionally to find Burning Torch for a steal.

Need a pair of vintage leather pants from the Carter administration updated to reflect a new millennium vibe? Go see Harun Karacuha, owner of the Golden Needle in Los Feliz –a professional tailor with over 50 years experience.

Harun started his career in Turkey and Europe and remains very passionate about his métier. Just like the shop’s namesake, Harun has the golden touch – custom creations, extraordinary embroidery, and serious reconstitution are all facets of his impeccable work.

My girlfriend brought Harun a pair of 1970’s leather pants. After the initial measurements, he lowered the rib-high waist by more than a few inches to fit like au courant low-rise jeans, put in a new zipper, repaired and fitted the inseam, and completely replaced the interior lining. All in less than a week. My girlfriend swears they fit like a second skin. She continues to bring all of her alterations to the Golden Needle; she trusts Harun to take the time and do all of her alterations with the care and craftsmanship he is renowned for.

The Golden Needle
2044 Hillhurst Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 666-3365
Map

Weekdays: 8:30 - 7:00
Saturday: 9:30 - 4:00
Sunday: Closed

What’s better than holiday and new year shopping? Winter clearance sales, that’s what. Many shops are slashing prices… I intend to visit the following:

beige Super Sale

The beige sale will not only be 30-50% off of all Fall 2006 merchandise including clothing and accessories, but also a warehouse sale of all previous seasons. Racks will be priced $10, $20, $50, $100, $150. Time to buy the Geren Ford Kimono top and Matthew Kelly necklaces I’ve been lusting!

Sneak Preview begins Jan 15,2007 11am till 7pm

Public Premiere starts Jan. 19, 2007 11am till 7pm

beige
7274 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 549-0064
Map

**Free 2 hour parking on Alta Vista and Poinsettia

Ron Herman
Jan 11-Jan 29
ALL Ron Herman and the majority of RonHerman.com merchandise will be marked down 50%. The last week of January, all remaining merchandise will be marked down to 75% off. And remember, Ron Herman ships worldwide.

Ron Herman
8100 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Map

OOU
Jan 12-Jan 14
Oou is having an outrageous three day sale that begins this Friday and ends on Sunday. There will be lots of great items priced below $20.00 – starting as low as $5.00! Don’t miss out!

OOU
1764 N. Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-6263
Map

Third Street Promenade
If you are looking to shop ’til you drop I recommend a visit to the Third Street Promenade. Just about every store on the promenade has a 50% off sale. Try Miss Sixty, Diesel, Banana Republic and Zara. Lots of great jeans on sale at Diesel and Miss Sixty.
Online Sales

Shop Bop
There are hundreds of items added for the 30-70% Sale Spectacular at Shop Bop! Look for Theory, Ella Moss, Velvet and Trina Turk.
Gracy Girl
Hurry! HUGE sale at gracygirl.com. You’ll receive free ground shipping on all orders of $100 or more! Consider the Petro Zillia saucy tanks.
Catherine Malandrino
Lastly, but certainly not least, check out the gorgeous sweaters on sale at Catherine Malandrino’s eStore.

Shopping for bras is a proven challenge for the petite woman. Not only are our frames smaller, our cup size generally is, too. And what does that leave us with? Often time, training bras from the girl’s department, padded bras that look ridiculously “full” on our petite frames or cups that bunch, pucker, and flop. Always a nuisance, my bra usually ends up in the bottom crevices of my purse by late afternoon. It’s only been in the past few years that designers have started to create stylish, well-fitting bras.

Listed below are bras that I own in multiples. Bras that have helped me toss the “oh-this-looks-just-awful” varieties of yesteryear. Dear readers, I’m about to give a boost to your search.

DKNY | “Satin Contours” Wire-Free Push-up Bra | $32

This is by far—by far, I repeat—the best bra I own. I find my size (32A) at Nordstorm at The Grove. DKNY’s wire-free bra is smooth under my shirts, with just a wee bit o’ padding to give me the shape I lack. Remarkably comfortable.

Calvin Klein | Perfectly Fit Underwire Push-up Bra | $36

My second favorite bra, also purchased at the Nordstrom lingerie department, is elegant and sophisticated—just like my readers. Available on the Nordstrom Web site, and examples below. Sexy and slightly padded, it can be worn well into the evening.

Online you can find this bra at Nordstrom, Macy’s and Amazon.

Timpa | Duet Lace Demi Bra | $33

The Lace Demi bra by Timpa is especially great because it fits and shapes my small breasts without padding. The lace is soft, smooth, and supportive. Worth noting: the Timpa brassiere is husband’s favorite. I promise you will love this bra!

You can find Duet at Panty Raid in Los Angeles.

Panty Raid
Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 668-1888
Map

Online the Timpa Duet Lace Demi Bra can be found at Azaleas.

Seamless Contour with Appliqued Lace | 32AA | $45

Wacoal is one of the few brands that manufacture petite sizes in bras. As small as 30AA, you can order them online at Wacoal.com or through Nordstrom. Wacoal bras generally fit quite well and come in myriad styles. They also offer several styles with an ample amount of padding in case you are looking for a bit more oomph. The specific bra I like from Wacoal is the Petite Seamless Soft Cup Mesh Bra linked below.

Find Wacoal online at Nordstrom, Lula Lu and Wacoal’s official website. If you are in Ireland or the UK check out the store locator, or online at Fig Leaves.

In La La Land you can find petite Wacoal sizes at the following stores:

Norstrom at the Grove
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 900-8080
Map

Panty Raid
2378 1/2 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 668-1888
Map

Lula Lu
212 E. Third Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401
(800) 798 8354 or (650) 348-8858
Map

My friend Jenny, a gifted graphic designer with a panache for always being the center of the soiree while looking instinctively well-heeled, was married in 2005 in Los Angeles — the venerable City of Angels. While Jenny is more devious than angelic (in only the best of ways, of course), she could’ve fooled me in her gorgeous satin gown.

Months before her big day, Jenny looked to me for the scoop on small-sized gowns. I had a plethora of advice, naturally. Recently, she spoke with me about her gown and shopping experience.

What size are you?
I’m 5’2” and usually wear a size 0 or 2, or 26/27, but my wedding dress was a size 6.

What gown did you purchase?
I purchased a Lazaro dress made of a heavy satin and some beading. I liked it because it had an asymmetrical design that wasn’t too “sweet.” Plus, my mom was overly fond of it. And every bride knows what that means: If she loves it, she’ll buy it. And, she did! So, how could I say no?

Does the dress have beadwork?
Yes, it has Asian-inspired asymmetrical beading, with a bit of high-waist beading as well. It’s gorgeous.

Where did you find your dress?
I bought it at Renee Strauss on Wilshire.

What other shops did you try gowns on at?
I looked at so many places. Jenny Lee, Renee Strauss, Mary Me Bridal, Tamara, David’s Bridal and a few other boutiques I don’t recall.

Was your dress comfortable throughout the event?
Absolutely! It fit a bit loose on the day of because I lost a few pounds during the wedding-planning process. But at no point was I uncomfortable.

Did you choose to sell or store your dress?
It has been cleaned and preserved, and is now sitting at my parent’s house. I’ve considered selling it – and I’ve considered just keeping it. So I guess I’m a bit conflicted.

Any advice you would like to give my readers?
Don’t spend a lot of money. Even if your mom pays for it, a little part of you dies. Okay, not really, but a little part of you feels very guilty.

For that petite, perfectly fitted tee, look no further than American Apparel. Seriously, we’re talking great quality, affordable, and hip. American Apparel runs the gamut of cotton tops, bottoms, undies, and swimwear and every bit of it runs small, small, small. Amid the resurgence of Downtown Los Angeles, American Apparel has consolidated all stages of its clothing production under one roof — from design to the cutting and sewing of every garment, even the company marketing.

Rather than follow seasonal trends, American Apparel offers an expansive year-round line that continues to introduce new styles and colors. We’re talking quality garments that last forever.

And their sizing is consistent. I wear a S shirt and XS pant in everything made by American Apparel — no fail.

American Apparel’s size chart estimates pant/short size as a zero with a 23-24 inch waist; the small is designated as a 25-26.

They have XXS in tanks and t-shirts with a chest size of 26-28 (uber small!). Lingerie sizes include the teensy AA and undies that start at XS (with waist sizes in 23-24). Jackets start at XXS; dresses from XS. You can check out their sizing chart to find your size.

Also, the pricing is excellent. I have the following in my closet:

Flip-flops in January? But, of course. A jaunt to the tropics is in order this winter season. And, to make sure you look impeccable for the uber-stylish coastal crowd, I’ve compiled a collection of must-haves for your never-mind-winter-let’s-hit-the-beach vacay.

lenny link bikini | xs | $73 top & $66 bottom

Lenny Swimwear

Inspired by the beaches of Brazil, and the lack of sophisticated swimsuits on the racks, Lenny Niemeyer turned her design ingenuity into a full line of daring and fashion-forward suits.

Using luxurious materials, bold colors, and dramatic, sexy styling, her suits compliment my tiny frame, and I always feel absolutely stunning when I wear them. (Needless to say, I own several of her suits.)

Lenny can be found online at Swim Wear Boutique. Shops in Los Angeles that carry Lenny include:

Jill Roberts
920 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 260-1966
Map

Shay Todd Bikinis

Shay Todd swim and resort wear is equal parts functional and sexy– perfect for both those forays into surfing and simply catching a few poolside rays. Their fashion lines have mastered the art of blending exotic designs with sophisticated fabric and embellishments.

Even better, Shay Todd bikinis run quite small, which means they are ultra-sexy. I found my favorite design at Billion Dollar Babes at a table dedicated to Shay Todd. The best part? My Shay Todd suit has lasted for years, and I still love it. For small busts, look for the synch tops in XS. The only place I’ve ever found Shay Todd is during a BDB sale.

American Apparel

For that small, small, small bikini, look no further than American Apparel. You’ll find flattering, classic styles with funky colors. And, they’re affordable, which is the operative word when saving for a vacation.

nylon tricot bikini top and bottom | xs | each $25

American Apparel
4665 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 661-1407
Map

Beach Hats

While we’re on the subject of beach apparel, consider a versatile, lightweight hat. My favorite hats are those that are practical and fashionable. I prefer cotton and straw hats; they not only pack well, but are also shield my entire face from the sun.

kaminski canvas hat | $75 & jcrew straw beach hat | $50

Trina Turk Resort Wear

This season, I’m loving Trina Turk’s resort wear line. Look here for great lightweight cotton dresses with bold patterns.

trina turk | adeline dress | p | $298

trina turk | flora dress | p | $358

Trina Turk
8008 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 651.1382
Map

Beach Bags

You have the hot, designer bikini. Now, how about a hot, designer beach bag for all your goodies? Tommy Bahama has a great beach tote that is versatile for the beach — and for those languid strolls amid ruins and small island towns.

tommy bahama tote | $298

Or how about a simple Plastica tote that is affordable and hip.

plastica woven tote bag | $30

Plastica
8405 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 655-1051
Map

Sandals