serafina Petite Fashion Blog » 2007

Archive for July, 2007

the budget fashionista: august contests

Tuesday, July 31st, 2007

This August, The Budget Fashionista fashion blog is launching weekend contests, featuring prize packages worth over $500 in value.

Starting the weekend of August 3rd, visitors who leave a comment on the blog from 12:01am Friday to 11:59pm Sunday, as well as their email addresses, will be automatically entered to win that weekend’s contest. To enter, visit The Budget Fashionista every weekend in August.

Here’s some of the great prizes they have planned:

- A Dooney & Burke Travel Bag filled with the latest releases from hot
indie label Defend music, tons of beauty products, and lots of other
goodies
- Two $250 gift certificates to accessories store Angela Moore
- A bra wardrobe from Playtex

Posted in Contests | No Comments »

your fashion reference library

Tuesday, July 31st, 2007

Every gal could use a little wisdom occasionally on the ins-and-outs of shopping and dressing. Whether you’re still searching for that little black dress and the perfect Manolos to match, or the hippest in-the-now boutique, a good reference book can start you on your merry way to finding the best of you.

I’ve poured over dozens, and these (in my humble shopaholic opinion) are the best of the bunch:

Where to Wear LA

Where to Wear 2006

The Where to Wear 2006: Fashion Shopping from A-Z series is a fantastic guide to shopping in major metropolitan cities, including Europe. I refer to the Los Angeles edition often for shop information, location, phone numbers, honest reviews, Web site addresses, you name it — this little ditty has it all.

How to Be a Budget Fashionista

The Budget Fashionista is not only a great website but its also a great book. Anyone who has champagne taste on a beer budget will revel in the savvy info championed by the author.

The Lucky Shopping Manual

I’ve poured over The Lucky Shopping Manual on numerous occasions in a frantic frenzy trying to assemble the absolute perfect to-die-for outfit. It’s a fantastic reference tool for teaching you what to wear, how to wear it, how to buy it, and when and where to splurge. A great survival guide, it also features fashion-forward New Yorker’s best-of-the-best closet must-haves.

InStyle: Instant Style

And the ultimate guide for maintaining, streamlining, and shopping for your definitive wardrobe year round? InStyle: Instant Style.

Beginning with the basics, InStyle outlines essential seasonal clothing and then teaches you how to compliment with pieces that best showcase your personal style. Learn to pair the right tops with the right pants, which boots look best with A-line skirts, how the right bag can alter the look of an entire outfit, how to flatter your shape. Filled with pearls of wisdom.

Posted in Books | No Comments »

this week’s ebay denim

Monday, July 30th, 2007

There is oodles of affordable designer denim on eBay. I’ve found a few choices that may interest all of you in various small sizes.

Earnest Sewn Jeans | Viceroy Trouser Boot Cut Fit | NWT | Size 24 | $12

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Seven For All Mankind Jeans

Seven For All Mankind | Wide Leg | NWT | Size 24 | $60

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Kasil Midrise Boot Fit Jean

Kasil Midrise Boot Fit | NWT | Size 23 | $1

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James Jeans

James Jeans Hitch Boot Cut | NWT | Size 25 | $69

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Juicy Couture Denim Warhol Trouser

Juicy Couture Wide Leg Trouser Jean ‘Warhol’ | NWT | Size 24 | $35

Posted in Denim, Online Shopping, Pants | No Comments »

recent purchase: banana republic

Sunday, July 29th, 2007

I couldn’t resist an impulse buy today at the Grove’s Banana Republic. Their petite jersey chain-link dress is stunning, and it fits perfectly in the shoulders, bust and leg — which is rare for me. It’ll dress up and down perfectly, and its versatile for the summer / fall weather. It looks amazing — I must say.

Banana Republic Petite Jersey Dress

Petite Jersey Dress | XS | $128

Posted in Shops, Dresses | No Comments »

more summer sales

Friday, July 27th, 2007

Zanotti Platform Mary Jane

If you are looking for sales with petite sizes there are a few you shouldn’t miss:

Saint Grace Sample Sale
Multi-season stock of dresses, tops, and bottoms at 50-90% off
Friday, July 27th from 10am - 7 pm
Saturday, July 28th from 10am - 6 pm
Sunday, July 29th from 11am - 4pm

2222 E Washington Blvd. Unit C (Downtown between Santa Fe and Alameda)
Los Angeles, CA 90021

Saint Grace offers the softest T’s that are easy to dress up or dress down. Their XS fits me like a glove. If you are in need for comfy T’s, tanks and summer dresses –this sale has your name on it.

Barney’s Warehouse Sale
Save up to 80% on designer items
August 9 - 19
Santa Monica Airport
Barker Hangar
3021 Airport Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
310-276-4400

Remember to get to the sales as early as possible –preferably when doors open. If you were at the Ella Moss/Splendid or Stila sales last weekend you probably ended up with a nasty sunburn. Remember to bring a hat and sunscreen as the lines could be around the block.

Posted in Sales | No Comments »

juicy couture: weekend wear

Wednesday, July 25th, 2007

You know those super-sexy tracksuits? That’s Juicy Couture. And they’ve extended their ultra-comfortable line to include maternity fashions, bathing suits, accessories, shoes, handbags, and jewelry.

Me personally, I like Juicy Couture for their basic weekend-wear pieces. Soft T’s, mini dresses — Juicy adds the feminine to my weekend comfortable.

Oh, and the sizing is perfect. Their smallest size is the coveted ‘P.’ What’s not to love?

You can find Juicy online at Shopbop.

Hoodie Tunic $128 | Terry Track Jacket $98

Empire Dress $198 | Terry Pant $114

Posted in Online Shopping, Designers | No Comments »

japan: a petite shopper’s paradise (part 2)

Monday, July 23rd, 2007

A couple of weeks ago, I sat down with two girlfriends, Makiko and Mayumi. Like us, they’re petite. And, also like us, they love to shop.

Samantha Vega Purse | $220

What is your favorite Japanese handbag designer? What can’t you live without?

Makiko: I love my purse. It’s by IKCB and is well designed and totally functional.
Mayumi: My Samantha Vera bag.

Banana Republic Slide

Banana Republic Slide Sandal | 5.5 | $70 (sale price)

Where do you two shop in L.A.?

Mayumi: Macy’s, Hollister, Nordstrom, American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic (for the sales), and Forever 21 for accessories.
Makiko: J.Crew, Ann Taylor Loft, Garnet Hill, and J.Jill.

Many visiting Japanese women go to Robertson to shop at Kitson and also Fred Segal shops.

Any last words for my readers? What should they know about shopping in Japan?

Well, there is quite a bit of practical information to share:

You should know that the sizing is different. Everything is in centimeters.

While department stores will take credit cards, many boutique stores will not. So be sure to ask your sales staff before making a purchase.

The customer service in Japan is among the best in the world. Be prepared to have a sales person give you their utmost attention.

Wear a good pair of walking shoes. You’ll end up walking between the neighborhoods while shopping, so you’ll need a sturdy shoe to get around. The train is expensive to take (unless you get a JR pass). Also, be sure to get English rail maps, because they aren’t available in the stations. Taxis are really (really) expensive. The meter starts at $7.

Also, avoid trains during rush hour (7–9am) because people are literally crowded in them like sardines. This is where frequent pick pocketing happens. The last train runs at midnight, and the squishing is the same.

Furthermore, don’t show too much skin. You’ll want to wear tops and bottoms that cover above your collarbone and below the knee.

If your sales girl won’t make eye contact, it’s not because she is being standoffish, but because eye contact is considered rude. Look at people’s noses if you are unsure.

Are there any Japanese online shopping sites you could recommend to my readers?

We recommend Rakuten. It has everything and is a good online shopping experience. It’s also translated into English. In addition we recommend these online shops too:

Private Label Top

Private Label – One of our favorite brands in Japan.

Jill Stuart Skirt

Jill Stuart – Everyone in high school wanted a Jill Stuart skirt!

Natural Beauty

Natural Beauty — They have a nice selection good for the office.

Pinky Girls

Pinky Girls — Source of my favorite coat!

Pinky & Dianne Jacket

Pinky & Dianne — There are really cute boots here.

Laissé Passé

Laissé Passé-- Good for a little of everything you may need.

Cecil McBee Dress

Cecil McBee — Affordable, though some of my friends think it’s for kids, or “gyaru.” I don’t agree. I still like this brand.

Posted in Online Shopping, Interviews, International | 2 Comments »

this weekend’s sales

Friday, July 20th, 2007

Ladies, there are exactly two sales you should check out this weekend.

OOU in Los Feliz is having a fabulous summer sale Saturday & Sunday. Get there early to get the good small stuff.

Saturday, July 21st 11am-7pm
Sunday, July 22nd 12am-6pm

1764 N. Vermont
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-665-6263

Ella Moss and Splendid –Warehouse Sample Sale
Everything is 50-75% off

Saturday, July 21st 9am-4pm
Sunday, July 22nd 9am-1pm

3751 S. Hill Street, USC area
Los Angeles, CA 90006

Oodles to choose from — over 2000 tops, dresses, tanks, shorts, sweats, bathing suits, skirts, and pants, all below wholesale. Includes Splendid Mills. I don’t know if they are accepting plastic so remember to stop by the ATM.

Posted in Shops, Sales | No Comments »

old navy summer bargains

Friday, July 20th, 2007

The dog days of summer are here — and so are the savings. Old Navy - Women’s Bargains are replete with XXS sizes, and a handful of them are perfect for your summer wardrobe.

Of course, I sampled the selected myself:

Jersey Tank Dress | XXS | $20

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Old Navy Strapless Dress

Strapless Dress | XXS | $24

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Denim Mini Skirt | 1 | $12

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Babydoll Strappy T | XS | $10

Posted in Shops, Online Shopping | No Comments »

abazias diamonds

Monday, July 16th, 2007

“Ooooh,” you find yourself saying. “I really like this one, if the stone was only a princess cut…” Abazias Diamonds, a reputable online destination for building custom engagement rings, is an easy and convenient way for you — and yours truly — to research, build, and purchase your wedding and engagement rings without ever leaving your couch. As an expert in diamonds and fine jewelry, they provide the ultimate online diamond shopping experience.

bezel engagement ring

Bezel Set Round Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

They have an exhaustive amount of loose diamonds to choose from (over 100,000!) and a huge selection of diamond cuts, ring settings, bands, and precious metals. You can browse through existing designs or build your own.

sapphire engagement ring

Sapphire Wedding Band With Diamond Accents

The site offers a personal shopper tool, listing of commonly asked questions about diamonds and purchasing online, gemological and appraiser information, guidelines for selecting the perfect setting and stone, and even contests. Seriously, you can’t go wrong. The site is just plain fun.

Titanium Tension Wedding Band

If I was so lucky to do it all over again, and could select a different wedding band, I’d choose a Titanium Tension band or for something a little more untraditional, sapphires with diamond accents. Now, I love my engagement ring, but the Bezel Set Round Cut Diamond and the Pave-Set Marquise Cut Diamond engagement rings are glorious.

Pave-Set Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Want more rocks for the big day? Not getting hitched but still love sparkly, shiny diamonds? Not to fret. Abazias also offers a brilliant selection of cocktail and fashion rings, earrings, diamond studs, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, watches – plenty to make you sparkle on or off the aisle.

Because diamonds really are a girl’s best friend.

Posted in Online Shopping, Jewelry | No Comments »

japan: a petite shopper’s paradise (part 1)

Sunday, July 15th, 2007

Share your petite-shopping woes with an Asian girlfriend, and they’ll impart sound advice: “You should go shopping in Asia.”

Of course, I’d love to cross the pond to Asia every time my wardrobe needs an update. But such extravagance is simply out of the question. So, I did what any petite gal would do. I invited my friend Makiko and Mayumi to brunch in West Hollywood. And, I interrogated them on the world of petite shopping in Japan. I was enlightened!

Jill Stuart Top

Where are you from?

We’re from Kobe and Chiba.

What size are you?

Makiko: I’m a 2P in J.Crew and a 0 in J.Jill. At home I’m a size medium.
Mayumi: I’m a medium in Japan but a small here.

Where do you like to shop when you’re home?

Mayumi:
The malls are much higher scale in Japan/Tokyo than in the U.S. They’re more like Neimans or Saks.

We shop at a mall called 109 and another called OIOI in Tokyo. Both have a great selection, are affordable, and have great quality merchandise that caters to young professionals. We like the majority of shops there – it’s one stop shopping.

Private Label White Dress

What are your favorite Japanese designers?

Mayumi: I like labels that are feminine like Private Label, Vicky, Samantha Thavasa, and Samantha Vera.

Makiko: I like to buy my lingerie in Japan. I think Japanese brands are better than U.S. brands. The quality, sizing, and material is more feminine and cut for smaller women. I also think that Japanese lingerie has cooler designs and is more functional.

amo style lingerie
Amo’s Style Lingerie

For instance, I have a lot of bras that have detachable straps. The bra is simple and comfortable, but it’s great to have the option to change up all the straps with whatever I’m wearing. I have some in multi colors and others with designs. This way it’s more acceptable if they are showing outside of your top — like if you have a wide-cut t-shirt. It adds a bit of sophistication to the bra and your overall look. There is a brand called Amo’s Style that is excellent. They’re really cute, comfortable, and priced well. You can get a matching bra and panty set for $20.

Edwin Jeans

Makiko: I also really like Edwin Jeans. I can’t live without them. They have a higher cut waist so your thong doesn’t hang out and a boot cut leg (which isn’t too wide). The denim has very little stretch to it, too, which I prefer.

Makiko: I really like Uniqlo. The styles are casual — it’s stuff you would wear on the weekend. They also have great cuts and colors. You can choose from almost every color under the sun and each season they introduce new ones. Another great thing about Uniqlo: there is a sale there every weekend — you never shop there on the weekday except to determine what you plan to buy that weekend. Everything is well made and is versatile with all your clothing. I own tons of their clothing — in Japan everything is designed to fit the small woman.

uniqlo yukata

Uniqlo Yukata

What else is cool about Uniqlo is that they have started selling Yukata. These are similar to kimonos but much more casual. We wear them for the summer festival Natsu Matsuri– especially for watching the fireworks. You’d never wear the Yukata everyday — historically they were considered bed clothes — but today we wear them for informal, special occasions. You can get them for about $300 at Uniqlo, which is a good deal.

What U.S. designers are popular in Japan?

Jill Stuart, Victoria Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Mark Jacobs, and bebe.

Look at the magazines Can Cam, JJ, and Ray for great Japanese designs. These are three of the top fashion magazines that all the girls read. You can find them in West L.A. on Sawtelle at Asahiya Book Store. There is a Harakuju magazine called Non-no that would be interesting for you, too.

What about trends in Japan?

Trends in Japan start and end quickly. The fashion magazines control the trends so you need to read them to stay on top of everything that is new.

What is in style right now in Japan?

It’s about the same as here. The Japanese designs follow a lot of Western designs. For instance, short pants are in style in both places. If you are college age and female you have at least one expensive bag like a Louis Vuitton or a Gucci bag. Foreign brands are really chic.

Why?

Mayumi: You just do.
Makiko: I don’t. But many girls do.

Check back in a few days for Part 2 of this interview!

Posted in Online Shopping, Interviews, International | 3 Comments »

Archive for July, 2007

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