I spent a lot of time at the Getty Villa this week and after spending time in the gardens my fair pale skin became pink and then red. You need to ensure your hat brim is large enough for the SoCal sun! Hats are a huge part of my daily wardrobe especially on the weekend. I was recently introduced to Katie Wilson in NYC who reps Betmar hats. I got talking with her about the collection and I quickly picked up a few.

What’s best is that Betmar hats are certified SPF 40+. No matter where you are worldwide you need to cover those pretty faces from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The Betmar Sun Protection Collection offers protection from the sun while maintaining the quality that has made Betmar one of the most popular women’s hat brands for 75 years.

The full collection features fifteen hats and is available at Village Hat Shop in NYC, at MediaNoche in L.A. and other fabulous local retailers; prices range from $20 to $60. Totally affordable. Online you can find the hats at http://betmarhats.com.

I don’t often write about what it is I do in my day to day life. The reason why my posts are sporadic is because I’m a full time Executive Producer. Which as those of you who know in the industry means I’m busy. Really busy. I’m often finding myself outside of L.A. even if it is only to Santa Barbara; the place I want to retire. Tomorrow.

I had a bit of time to shop today, again on State Street. I’ve driven past Global Feet on numerous occasions and today I had the time to stop in. I was impressed.

Quite honestly, Global Feet has a very good selection of shoes, U.S. and European brands that will make all girls happy. Global Feet Inc., is the owner of Dry-shoD, NOMASS, Mehandi and FunFlopps brands, the retail store chain Global Feet, and the authorized global footwear licensee of ABS and Jimi Hendrix footwear. They’re based right here in Santa Barbara, CA, GFI designs, develops and markets stylish footwear for men, women and children and is distributed in over 145 countries worldwide. A little somethin’ for everyone.

They additionally carry lines like Tsubo, MIA, ABS and 7 For All Mankind. They own the only license to recreate any 7 For All Mankind shoes. Who knew…

If you’re in Sta. Barbara and have some time to saunter State Street then I suggest you stop in. Totally worth it – sizing starts at a Euro size 5.

Global Feet
930 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 966-2606

Girls, have you been longing for those classic staple pieces for your wardrobe but can never find them because you are a 00 and under 5’2”? Well you can sit back and relax because Below Zero Petites founder Debbiann has just made your life a whole lot easier.

I spoke with Debbiann about her first line this week.

Below Zero Petites is a new company that caters to the small-framed petite woman less than 5’ 2” who happens to have some curves. They differ from other petite lines as they cut in smaller proportions than the average 0 and 00.

Below Zero Petites offers four classic, sophisticated pieces necessary for every woman’s wardrobe: a suit, wrap dress, cocktail dress and elegant nightgown. Understandably, when you’re small its exceedingly difficult to find proper pieces that don’t need to be taken to a tailor.

“We provide a line of clothing that will proportionately dress you like the beautiful woman you are. We specialize in smaller than petite size clothing to fit the small stature women – Our first line of clothing will present the basics that every sophisticated, working or stay-at-home mom should have in her closet.”

Their garments are not vanity sized. The dimensions of the line will continue to be consistent with every piece of clothing that they design and cut.

Debbieann went on to say, “I would love to say that I am a size zero, but the truth of the matter is that I cannot find a size zero that accurately fits my small frame. I am a small -framed petite woman who has a plus size personality who loves clothes.”

“The lack of small framed petite clothing in the apparel industry is what got me motivated by the void in the industry to design clothes that respectfully, empower, the small-framed petite professional women to feel successful and powerful and to be taken seriously.”

“Below Zero Petites came to conception out of my own personal frustration as an educator who could not find professional clothes that fit my small framed petite body. I created my line of clothing– after years of exhausting myself from trying to find a name brand that didn’t vanity size a size zero. Below Zero Petites is a clothing line that is true to its name and sizes. Our XS petite starts out with a 29 bust/ 22 waist / 27 inseam and our XL petite ends with a 34 bust/ 25 waist/ 28 inseam.”

If you aren’t in the 0 or 00 range rest assured they are offering sizing that runs SP to XLP. Because as you know, being petite doesn’t necessarily mean ‘petite’ – just that you’re short. Questions? Send Debbiann an email or check out her sizing chart.

There’s a fabulous selection of discounted maternity wear that petite mamasitas should check out at the Nordstrom.com sale. Brands like Japanese Weekend, Juicy Couture and T-Bags tend to run small but with a little extra stretch in all the right places. When you’re looking for maternity clothing remember to buy clothing in your normal size.

This entry is all about my dear friend Jane who is preggo with her first! Hope its helpful lady! Congrats!

I love Santa Barbara for oh-so-many reasons. Shopping on State Street being one of them.

Even though State Street has five-star shopping like Juicy Couture, Betsy Johnson, Saks Fifth Avenue and Blue Bee, my favorite place to shop is Yelllowstone Vintage.

Their tagline is ‘for those who desire vintage luxury’. And its easy to see why.

The quality of the vintage is always outstanding, and they carry a huge selection. The garments are impeccably clean and pressed with lots of petite sizing to choose from.

My favorites? The racks and racks of vintage dresses. Whether you’re lusting for polyester or silk, 50’s-80’s styles, plaids, stripes or solids –you’re sure to find something that’ll knock your socks off. Let me not forget to mention their skirts. They have loads of skirts that fit in the waist AND at the knee.

There are many other unique pieces that rock a wardrobe like vintage purses, belts, jewelry, hats and excellent vintage t-shirts. I always walk away with something unique that fits!

American Apparel is having a super mega blow out sale online. Spend $80 to get $10 off with promo code JULYUSA. Spend $100 get $20 off with promo code JULYUSA2. And, you guessed it…spend $150 to get $30 off with JULYUSA3. This sale is online only. And, as it celebrates the country’s 232nd birthday, you can only redeem the codes only in the US of A. Happy 4th ladies!

Denim trouser shorts are a must have this season. They’re flattering, not too high or too low in the waist and would look great with every summer top in my closet. Here are a smattering I’ve found online for you to consider. Sizing starts at 24. If you are in LA, check out Lisa Kline, Ron Herman, Atmosphere and Anthropologie for a similar variety.

Lunch last week took me to the Fashion District, where I lunched with Lynn Colclough, designer of the new petite clothing line Balzac over sushi at the ever-bustling California Mart. She introduced me to her line and her thoughts on petite sizing.

As a petite woman herself, Lynn is all too familiar with the struggle to find well-fitted clothing—not just for the short woman, but also for the petite woman with curves. It is this passion for quality and style that inspired the idea of Balzac Clothing.

The newly launched site of BalzacClothing.com fulfills the need of petite women to have trendy, fashionable clothing without compromise. This isn’t your Ann Taylor or J.Crew run-of-the-mill collection. Its debut, 2008 Spring/Summer line is replete with sexy and comfortable designs for after work.

Everything about Balzac is lovely and feminine. Colorful prints, comfy cotton and designs that accentuate all the right places. Lynn met me in her Joanny dress, and she rocked it.

“We strive to push a bit beyond the basic and hope to enhance the petite woman’s wardrobe. We believe that the petite woman should have many options for any occasion. So whether you’re a size 0 or 10, the petite woman should be able to express her special style without sacrificing fit, or creativity. Our style of clothes is yours to represent the best of you and how you want to be seen.”

We talked endlessly about petite sizing, the denotation of the word ‘petite’ and how we dislike it. As you know, 40% of American women are 5′4″ or less in height. Yet, the clothing manufacturers have neglected the petite clothing market. Many department stores have either eliminated their petite department or their petite presence seems to lack variety and a contemporary approach to style. Even the upscale boutiques do not carry women’s petite clothing. Balzac Clothing hopes to bridge that gap and provide contemporary petite women’s clothing. Which, as you know, is a huge gaping hole.

Balzac Clothing’s goal is to become a leading brand of contemporary fashion for petite women worldwide. Future plans for expansion includes a petite maternity and active wear line for petite women. The company also plans to be in clothing boutiques in the U.S. and around the world.

Until then, you can purchase Lynn’s petite designs on her Web site. I’ll be sure to keep you in-the-know on her debut in local boutiques. Oh, and I must mention her line is made in L.A. Wait there’s more! She writes a petite fashion blog. Yet another reason to check out Balzac!