With spring break around the corner, and summer quickly approaching, you’re probably putting some serious thought into that well-deserved vacay. Not unlike Ana, a local reader looking for petite clothing to take on her African safari. I’ve actually helped a friend pack for a similar vacation in the past, so I was well prepared with ideas.

Hi serafina,

I’m leaving for safari next December and I don’t know where to find petite clothes for my vacation. I don’t know what to bring. Can you help?

Ana
Los Angeles

Safari Pencil Skirt | 0 | $20

This season, you’re in luck. You can find absolutely everything you need at oldnavy.com – including affordable lightweight fabrics for those hot sunny days, without sacrificing fashion. In particular, their spring Urban Explorer line follows the current trends, but with a safari twist. And everything is cut to fit your petite frame. Sizing starts at XXS. And, I have to say I’m impressed with their re-branding efforts.

Keyhole Tank Top | XS | $15

When my friend returned from safari, I quizzed her on our packing skills. Did she wear everything? And, what did we miss?

Print Belted Dress | XXS | $25

A rule of thumb: steer clear of camouflage print. My friend’s tour operator advised as such.

Safari Shirt Dress | XXS | $25

In all, my friend enjoyed the resort, which included laundry among its amenities, and she dressed casually for nights out. She never wore those gym shoes, though. Her safari was van-hosted, rather than a walking tour. (I’d bring a sturdy pair just in case, though.)

Last Saturday, I met a gal named Alicia after admiring her remarkably fashionable winter boots. Thing is, she wears a size 4.5 shoe. So, of course, I was all ears as she sang her woes about finding shoes in this incredibly elusive size.

Since then, I’ve worked to compile a list of shops and fashionable brands for my 4.5 audience. And ladies, please leave comments if you have further suggestions.

Stuart Weitzman | Chitchat (Hummus Aniline Patent) | $215

Stuart Weisman
I’m a big fan. Not only are Stuart Weisman’s designs amazing, the quality is superb and almost all of his shoes run very narrow, perfect for slender feet. His range of shoes is great for the office or your next Hollywood party.

Enzo Angiolini Bronze Hypnotic Sandal | $80

Linea Paolo & Enzo Angiolini
European shoe sizes run slightly smaller than American sizes. Besides, what woman doesn’t crave a bit more Italian or Spanish leather in their shoe closet? Linea Paolo is affordable, attractive, and very comfortable.

Donald J Pliner
A gal can never go wrong with a pair of Donald Pliner shoes. I have numerous pairs in my closet and some are my very favorite. Always fashionable and always comfortable.

Steve Madden
While less expensive, Steve Madden is a solid design. I snatch up at least one pair each season. Stop into his ubiquitous boutiques or check the major department stores for his line.

Taryn Rose | Kelsey (Black Microfiber) | $350

Zappos
Online shopping is a huge plus for specialty sizing. If you haven’t discovered Zappos.com , I highly recommend a visit — and purchase. It’s just so easy, and their selection is fabulous. The site is a breeze to navigate, shipping is free both ways, and, hey, you can return up to a year after purchase. Sizing starts at a woman’s size 3. Yep, size 3.

Baldinini Gold Sandals | 4.5 | $325

YOOX.COM
Again with the European shoe sizes. Yoox carries the high-end brands at the smaller sizes not carried by other shops. Look for Chloe, Fabi, Costume National, and more.

Shopstyle is great. Hip city gals will love their brands and styles, and their sizing starts at 4. You’ll find Stuart Weisman, Linea Paolo, Enzo Angiolini, and Marc Jacobs, to name a few.

Overs and Unders event at Nordstrom
There are overs and unders events at Nordstrom twice annually. It’s not a sale, though. Rather, it’s an event for women needing sizing at 5 or below, or greater than 10. Call your local Nordstrom store for event scheduling.

Also check Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Cinderella of Boston and Bluefly. Sizing at these shops also start at 4.5.

I’m eagerly awaiting the Project Runway finale. Inspired by tonight’s episode I made a visit to the Project Runway Web site only to find that they’ve been auctioning off the contestants challenge designs. Currently the Hershey’s episode designs are up for grabs. The finale lines for Rami, Sweet P (yep her name is listed), Jillian, Chris and Christian are ‘coming soon’.

You can also purchase designer illustrated t’s for $24. The sizing starts as small but its noted that the t’s run small.

If you love the jewelry Heidi is wearing each episode you’ll be thrilled to know that its sold on their site. They make it easy for you to accessorize by episode. Strangely they don’t list the jewelery designers.

With all that yanking and pulling, tugging and twisting, some of our brassieres could use a bit of work in the design department — like a few fresh ideas by the very gals who wear them. And ladies, we have a chance to do just that.

Lula Lu of San Mateo has invited us gals to design a petite push-up bra for their lingerie contest. Impressive submissions could serve as inspiration for Lula Lu’s next original design. And all you have to do is put your best ideas into a drawing.

Now, I know we’ve all had an idea here and there to enhance your bust — unique ideas that are sexy and fun to wear. Perhaps your ideal design uses air, water, or gel, or even some revolutionary concept you’ve thought up. Consider the fabric, the color, and the look. Is it chic or playful? Sporty or sexy? Lacy or microfiber?

Decide your dream bra, draw up your ideas, and submit it to Lula Lu. That means you, Ms. 30AA.

Here’s how to enter:
Visit Lula Lu’s page on Brickfish to upload your design. Then, case your vote — even if you choose to not enter. The contest ends April 1st at 11:30 PM.

And what’s a contest without prizes?
Grand Prize: One winner, hand-picked by Lula Lu from the top 50 highest scoring entries, will win a Lula Lu bra inspired by their winning entry, $250 cash, and a KODAK EASYSHARE 5300 All-in-One printer.

Most Viral: One winner, whose entry gets the most attention across the Internet, will win a $100 shopping spree at Lula Lu and a KODAK EASYSHARE 5300 All-in-One printer.

Voter and Reviewer Sweepstakes: One winner, who participates by voting or reviewing, will win a $100 shopping spree at Lula Lu and a KODAK EASYSHARE 5300 All-in-One printer.

Contact Lula Lu at info@lulalu.com with any contest-related questions. And let all of us at serafina know if you make the top 50!

Milly Flap Pocket Skirt | 0 | $160

I’m always on the lookout for great basics for your petite wardrobes. The Milly Flap Pocket Skirt is adorable and perfect for evenings out on the town. Its retro design is chic and won’t date quickly. And you’ll be able to wear this little number year round — pair it up with all of your slinky tops, or colored tights and cashmere.

Nieves Lavi Cross Over V-Neck Dress | 0 | $112 (originally $374)

My recent purchase is the Nieves Lavi cross over v-neck dress I ordered from Shopbop. Its a gorgeous fit and looks amazing with a black pair of opaque tights. If you haven’t done enough shopping this President’s Day, I’d recommend hitting up the super sale on Shopbop. They’re practically giving great designs in small sizes away.

Here at serafina, we write a lot about denim because finding the perfect fit (and style and color) is an elusive task. Often, we end up paying a fortune. And that’s before the requisite trip to the tailor.

Well, things are changing, thanks to the new custom jeans brand indi. With indi, petite women can rejoice in custom-tailored denim. Shall I repeat that? Custom-tailored denim.

Each design is entirely unique with over a hundred style variations to choose from, including denim, wash, waist, leg style, distress, pocket-length, and more. indi also allows you to create your perfect jean from start to finish. Their philosophy: you aren’t mass-produced, so why wear clothing that is?

Accurate measurements are key, of course, so if you are unable to take them yourself, see that trusty tailor (because he’s sure going to miss you!).

And the best part? They’re competitively priced and shipped read-to-wear.

What do L.A., Singapore, Warsaw, Athens & Beirut all have in common? A Comme des Garcons guerrilla store, of course.

Comme des Garcon’s newest guerrilla store opens Downtown on 4th and Main this Saturday at noon.

The L.A. store will have nine CdG lines for your shopping enjoyment, and the shop is an especially big deal because its the first high-end retail store to open Downtown.

If you didn’t know, the CdG guerrilla stores are low cost to open, stay in business one year and then close up shop. The spaces are generally tricked out — its not your typical boutique shopping experience. For example, check out Warsaw’s interior.

February 16th, 2008 - February 16th, 2009

Comme des Garcons
125 W. 4th Ste. 106
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 626-6606

Lucky has blessed us yet again. This time, it’s in the form of an online community — one devoted to trends, street fashion, and individual style. Say hello to Lucky Style Spotter.

For those signed up as a Lucky Maven on LuckyMag.com, you’re all set to view and contribute.

Here’s how it works: Upload your fashion photos to their site, and watch as fellow members rate the look. You’re also invited to view and interact with style-conscious chicas just like you with style galleries, scrapbooks, a community forum, expert advice, and contests. The first hundred Lucky Mavens to join and upload a photo will receive a $50 American Express Gift cheque.

Indeed, an exciting concept however it is still ‘beta’ so be patient. I plan to contribute often. Go petites!

Visualize cotton candy pink, and a gal thinks of a precious stone, or perhaps a dozen roses. But this Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to shift that image to one of sequined pink pumps.