serafina Petite Fashion Blog » 2007

Archive for August, 2007

polyvore.com

Monday, August 27th, 2007

“I have nothing to wear!” A ubiquitous refrain, no? And one made all the more ridiculous by a closet full of clothes. (I know; I’ve been there.)

Sometimes it’s your wardrobe that could use some help. (See my Basics post for more on the matter.) But sometimes, it’s simply a matter of someone (or thing) helping you piece all those goodies together.

Enter Polyvore, a fashion configurator that helps you assemble outfits with tops, bottoms, and accessories available online. Simply choose clothing or a designer’s website from the editor or search function and, voila! The first piece of your perfect ensemble takes shape. Continue adding items, arranging and re-arranging to your heart’s desire. Or take the easy route and view hundreds of other sets created by fashion-minded gals like yourself.

Polyvore is loaded with clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry — everything you need to create an envious outfit. And, once perfected, you can save it to Polyvore’s Web site for the rest of us to enjoy. But don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself.

Posted in Online Shopping | No Comments »

barney’s: christian louboutin shoes

Sunday, August 26th, 2007

I’m in lust. The culprit? Oh, just a pair of Christian Louboutin High Heel Round Toe Pumps. And for a mere $720.00, I can have them. I love the design, the toe shape, the heel height, the patent leather and the red sole. Absolutely stunning. (Sizing starts at 5 online.)

Thankfully, there’s no such thing as monogamy in shoe lust. Because the black Mesh Mary Jane makes me want to… well, really ENJOY the shoes. And what better way to spend $820? Then again, this could be one of those incredible sexy dreams that do nothing but disappoint when the alarm sounds.

My impractical side sees a need for a shoe with sparkle. And I’ve found it. The Glitter Platform Slingback is as lust-worthy as it is elegant. Plus, it’s only $690. (Sizing starts at 5.)

And if you somehow made it this far without an animal print shoe, Barneys online has come to your rescue with a perfect pair of shiny Tiger Print Pumps for $570. (Sizing starts at 5.)

Now, about that dream…

Posted in Shops, Online Shopping, Shoes | No Comments »

petite shopping: san francisco

Saturday, August 25th, 2007

Last week I received an e-mail from a husband asking where he could find petite-sized clothing for his wife (lucky lady!) in the San Francisco/Sacramento area.

He wrote:

Hi serafina, we’re trying to find good places to shop for petite clothes for my wife (she’s 5′0″, 107 lbs., very shapely and fit) that are stylish, professional, and don’t require a bank loan to purchase. Can you recommend resources to find such stuff in either Sacramento, CA, or San Francisco, CA?

She’s primarily looking for shirts, blouses, and pants, and also shoes (finding size 5 and 5.5 shoes that are stylish, adult and that fit is not easy either!) Do you have specific shop recommendations?

My serafina readers know that when purchasing (and searching for) petite clothing, one must be diligent. Finding stylish petite clothing is difficult; finding affordable and stylish petite clothing is even tougher. Because most designers only create a few petite sizes (if any) and stores carry even fewer sizes (generally only 2-3 per design), finding petite clothing is a headache. When I see my size (00P), I usually drop my money on the item right away.

A good rule of thumb: Find designers that you like (and that fit the petite frame), find out where they are sold, and be persistent about sales.

J.Jill Ruffle Shirt

J.Jill Ruffle Shirt | XXP | $49

Chain Stores
Truth be told, professional clothes are more expensive than casual wear. As I don’t know how professional your wife needs to dress for her office, I recommend BCBG, Theory, and J.Crew for suits, shirts, pants, and skirts. Theory is the most expensive of the three.

BCBG Gaucho Pant | 0 | $32

Additionally, many petite sizes are only offered online. For example, J.Crew Petites has a fantastic selection of both casual and professional petite clothing. The petite line can only be found and ordered online, but the ordering and return process is straightforward and painless. I prefer their shirts to many other designers. Even better, I rarely, if never, need to have any of the items tailored.

J.Crew Kelly Shirt | 0P | $50 & Lightweight Wool Skirt | 0P | $40

Theory has excellent designs and fabrics, but is slightly more expensive than J.Crew. I love their pants, although the long leg lengths require a trip to the tailor (I also remove the back pockets). You can find Theory at Bloomingdales, Saks, and Nordstrom. Check out the Theory Web site for additional store locations, including local boutique shops.

BCBG also has a wide selection of professional styles. Explore the Union Square, Union Street, Westfield Mall, and S.F. Center stores, as well as the company Web site. bebe also has a petite line (with numerous size zeros) and has a suit that may be of interest to your wife. Check the Westfield S.F. Mall.

Banana Republic Chino Trouser | 0P | $30

If a shop doesn’t have the size you need, ask a salesperson to check another store location. They have proved very accommodating at either having it delivered to the current location or holding the item for you. Macy’s has a universal inventory system that can search nationwide; if they can locate the item they’ll ship it right to your front door. My best advice: always ask.

Banana Republic Knit Top | 0P | $40

Additional lines you may want to consider are: Banana Republic Petites, J.Jill Petites, & Ann Taylor Petites. These are great stores to purchase the basics needed for the office — your black skirts, white shirts etc.

Zappos | rsvp Amber Pump | Size 5 | $65

Shoes
J.Crew has an entire online section dedicated to the elusive and hard-to-find size 5 (and 5.5).

Zappos has a wide selection of size 5s and is it’s easy to search by style, color, brand, and size. They ship in 2 days and all returns are free.

Zappos | Type Z Kasey Shoe | Size 5 | $65

Nordstrom generally has a good selection of size 5 and 5.5 shoes to choose from (depending on the store and area). The S.F. Center Nordstrom seems to have the widest selection.

Nordstrom | Jessica Simpson Davis Pump | Size 5.5 | $79

Boutiques
Dish and Azalea in Hayes Valley have varied and highly unique selections, but pricing is on the higher side – as are a majority of boutiques in Hayes Valley area.

Therapy in the Mission is also quite good for petite lines.

Pink Stripes (formerly in S.F.) is now located on Santana Row in San Jose.

Jeremy’s (designer markdowns, last season, etc.) in South Park often has great finds, but you have to be tenacious and visit often.

Sample Sales: Daily Candy
Frequenting sample sales is a perfect way to buy new petite clothing. I recommend adding yourself to the Daily Candy daily S.F. (and Everywhere) e-mail subscriptions. You’ll receive sample sale listings once or twice a month, as well as online resource sales.

Blue Fly | Argento Vivo Silver Earrings | $25 & Silver Bracelet $69

Online Resources
Online I suggest exploring Blue Fly, Pink Mascara, and Nordstrom. All are having sales right now with a decent selection of petite sizes. If not for suits, then for camis, handbags, jewelry and shoes that can spruce up any ol’ black suit. It’s easy to change the entire look of an outfit with the right accessories.

I hope this is helpful! Feel free to contact me with additional questions. Keep reading serafina – I continue to have new information for petite shoppers on a daily and weekly basis.

Anybody else in the S.F./Sacramento area that has some input please leave a comment!

Westfield Mall
865 Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 512-6776

Nordstrom S.F. Centre
865 Market St., Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 243-8500

Therapy

545 Valencia St.

San Francisco, CA 94110

(415) 861-6213

Pink Stripes
355 Santana Row
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 247-8748
www.pinkstripessf.com

Azalea Boutique
411 Hayes St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
http://www.azaleasf.com

Dish
541 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 252-5997

Jeremy’s
2 South Park Ave.
San Francisco, 94107
http://www.jeremys.com

(Both Dish and Jeremy’s have a Berkeley location)

Posted in Shops, Online Shopping | 2 Comments »

shopbop end of the summer sale

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007

Starting Thursday, August 23rd Shopbop is having its final end of the summer sale. All products are up to 70% off! They have the goods for petite designers: AG, Marc Jacobs, Alice and Olivia, Ella Moss and many more. Get the AG denim skirt you’ve been lusting after…

Posted in Online Shopping, Sales | No Comments »

big sale at marky

Tuesday, August 21st, 2007

Marky, Exclusive European Shoe Boutique in Chicago is having a final event blow out sale starting Thursday, September 6th. Stop by the event for discounts, drinks, hors d’oeurves and register to win a free pair of designer Italian shoes of your choice (no kidding).

Absolutely everything in the store will be on sale as she’s moving shop locations. If you’re unable to make the Windy City fiesta, check out her online shop — the prices won’t be updated on the Web site, so please email/ call Marky for the discounted price.

All fabulous and well heeled serafina fans will receive free shipping with their online purchase — enter serafina at check out.

Thursday, September 6, 4:00PM - 8:00PM

Marky, Exclusive European Shoe Boutique
3919 N. Lincoln Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 248-1500

Posted in Shops, Online Shopping, Shoes, Sales | No Comments »

apartment 3: fashion event

Monday, August 20th, 2007

Ah Los Angeles, the land of parties, well dressed people and copious free drinks. The apartment 3 fashion party will be a hoot — see you there!

Posted in Events | No Comments »

must have basic apparel

Friday, August 17th, 2007

Like any good relationship, building a solid foundation is key. And that goes for your wardrobe as well.

Thing is, most of the women I know have loads of newly purchased duds, but rarely wear them because they lack the basics with which to coordinate. How depressing is that?

Banana Republic Somerset Shoulder Bag

Banana Republic Somerset Bag | $228

I’ve compiled my suggestions on what a gal needs to piece together those impulse buys — all while rounding out that ever-growing closet. These basic pieces will prove practical and trendy for years to come, and their versatility will surprise you.

J.Crew 120 Two Button Jacket J.Crew 120 Classic Trouser

J.Crew 120 Jacket & Classic Trouser | 0P | $230 & $130

Black Suit
A black pant- or skirt-suit is ideal for interviews, professional events, and client presentations — and everything in between. Black is always classic, and because it matches just about everything, your fashion pinch on important days is solved. Choose a material you can wear year round like wool gabardine or light Merino wool blends.

Theory Emery Pant

Theory Emery Pant | 0 | $230

Black Pants
The classic black pant. Look for a high-quality, classic pair that easily dress up or down, and are wearable both at the office and after hours. Fit-wise, make sure the pant sits at the top of the hip (not too high, not too low) to elongate your legs.

Rebecca Taylor Skirt

Rebecca Taylor Mini Skirt | 0 | $228

Black Skirt: Evening
Come on, now. Every gal knows the importance of a sexy black skirt. Impulse sample sale tops, this is your foundation. And it dresses up and down with a simple change of shoes or handbag.

Coach Adora Pump

Coach Adora Pump | 5 | Black & Chestnut | $198

Black & Brown Shoes with Matching Handbag: Office
An obvious basic, though I’m surprised how many of us don’t have them. You need both black and brown. Also, make sure they appropriately meet the hem of your pants.

Velvet Dress

Velvet | P | $174

The Classic Black Cocktail Dress
You just need one — even in LA. I wear mine when all else fails, and it always – always — looks classic, perfect, stunning.

Dolce Vita Sandal

Dolce Vita Patent Sandal | 6 | $58

Black Shoes: Evening
Go to Zappos, and find yourself a pair of strappy black sandals with a medium heel. Truly the perfect accessory for any outfit – not to mention accentuating those petite gams of yours. A perfect additional to skirts, jeans, or pants.

Vince Sweater

Vince Cardigan | P | $139

A Black or Camel Sweater
Your preference: V-neck, crew neck or a cardigan (not cropped). These classic colors coordinate well with more colors and patterns. And you can wear these sweaters over most tops. I prefer cashmere – but if you prefer your washer to the cleaners, look for a cotton/wool blend.

Theory White Shirt

Theory Patch Pocket Shirt | Petite | $90

A Classic White Button-down Shirt
A crisp white button-down shirt is not just for client meetings, but also weekend outings with friends. This cotton essential can go from daytime at the office to an evening dinner in a snap.

Gap Petite | XS | $14.50

Three T-shirts: Cream, White and Black.
Let’s face it: a cream, white or black t-shirt will snazz up your AG denim or fit under your Max Azaria suit. Oh, and those skirts you bought at the last Trina Turk sample sale? They coordinate perfectly with these basic T’s.

A Black Pashmina (and I don’t mean a rayon knock-off)
A pashmina is a timeless classic and can dress up even a beat-up pair of jeans and Converse All Stars. I have a small collection, and with every wear, I earn a sincere compliment. I never have to worry about which sweater or jacket to wear because the pashmina is spot on with each outfit. Perfect for a night at the Disney Concert Hall — or your chilly office. Try cashmere or thin wool challis and size 28 x 80 inches.

Lauren Merkin | Lola Clutch | $200

A Black or Metallic Clutch
It should go without saying: You simply must have a black purse for day wear as well as one for the evening hour. I recommend leather. And if you prefer a color other than black, I recommend metallic, if only for the glam.

Posted in Apparel | No Comments »

the breast is yet to come

Thursday, August 16th, 2007

Now, we all know good things come in small packages. But sometimes, just sometimes, I wish my (ahem) well-tended packages were just a wee bit bigger. Not Baywatch huge, mind you. But there are times when I need a little bit o’ help filling out some of my favorite tops and dresses — not to mention taming wayward nips. Not willing, nor wanting, to resort to going under the knife to augment my 32A tatas, I have learned a few tricks to help me boost my boobies. Allow me to share:

Silicone
I think, therefore I silicone. A great way to augment your precious pair sans scalpel is with silicone inserts. Pop ‘em in, and voila! Boobs. Take Outs and Cleavage Cupcakes by Her Look are two great places to start. Both will grow you by an entire cup size, but Cupcakes pushes your mammaries up a notch. Need boobs on the run? Try Nippies, small enough to fit in your purse, but big enough to make a difference.

Stylin' Tape

Tape
We all know Hollywood superstars use it, and we all know some Hollywood starlets who should have used it. Heck, I know even some nights I should have used it. That’s right, ladies, I’m talking about titty tape. These little adhesive strips work wonders on low-cut tops, errant wrap dresses, disobedient hems, and defiant bra straps. With no harm done to fabric (or your skin) wrangle it all in with Stylin’ Tape or Matchsticks.

Pasties
Headlights are for cars. And no woman wants to hear, “Heh heh, cold out there?” Many women don’t like their nips poking through their gossamer chiffon and announcing to the world that they too have arrived. And for that, I highly recommend Low Beams and Bristols 6 pasties. Bristols 6 has a stunningly wide variety of styles and colors to choose from — they go with almost everything — some tongues may roll when you drop your top. They are perfect for the lucky ladies who don’t need to wear a bra. Yes, I am talking to you Miss 30AA. (Hello, gorgeous!)

Purchase online or stop by Panty Raid in Silver Lake to pick some up.

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

Posted in Shops, Lingerie, Online Shopping | No Comments »

barney’s warehouse sale purchases

Tuesday, August 14th, 2007

I ventured over to the Santa Monica Airport to scope out the Barney’s warehouse sale last week Thursday. I arrived around noon which was apparently too late — it looked like there had been a major earthquake. This was by far the most disheveled state I’ve seen a sale and I’m a shopping veteran– clothing was piled in heaps on the floor, loads of hangers strewn throughout the aisles, the racks were in total disarray, the selection was really picked over and there was an alleged fist fight as well as a screaming match. Obviously a great sale!

Amidst the total mayhem I was able to find two great new additions to my wardrobe– totally worth the shell shock.

Vena Cava Albers Dress

***

Daryl K Blouse

Daryl K Co-op Blouse

Posted in Apparel, Sales | No Comments »

shopbop’s 70% off sale

Thursday, August 9th, 2007

Shopbop is clearing out their summer merchandise. Stock up on Joie, Rachel Pally, Juicy Couture, Karen Zambos, T-Bags and much, much more.

Posted in Online Shopping, Sales | No Comments »

fall jackets

Wednesday, August 8th, 2007

Fall fashions are, by now, ubiquitous (sigh, it’s already August). Typically, I’ve found it unbelievably difficult to find a petite jacket that fits me without breaking the bank. Even though 3/4-sleeved cropped jackets are in fashion this season, they won’t keep you warm when the sun goes down.

As a general rule, designers only produce a few size 0 jackets in the cooler seasons. So I recommend you grab one of the following: