In L.A., an afternoon stroll along Santee Alley will have your arms lined with every knock-off bag, purse, wallet, or tote you could ever dream of. Not to mention loads of über-affordable clothing, jewelry, and shoes.

Located in the Garment District between Olympic and Pico, Santee Alley is tucked away amidst a hodgepodge of fabric shops and open-air vendor stalls that are laden with floor-to-ceiling merchandise. Look for the yellow signage marking the alley’s entrance.

I visit Santee Alley for inspiration and, being that I’m both fashion- and budget-conscious, I can usually find whatever my heart desires at bargain prices. Of course, some stalls are better than others, but occasionally, you’ll find jewelry and merchandise that rivals that of L.A.’s most revered boutiques. That said, patience is required.

Keep in mind that any designer merchandise you find is fake — but good fake. On my last trip, I snagged a $12 pair of Gucci shades and a coconut paleta after a few hours of super-budget shopping.

Jewelry finds are stall-dependant. You’ll find stalls featuring gold and silver that has likely trickled down from the Jewelry District. Sometimes you’ll happen upon unique, trendy pieces. And if you’re looking for something for your cousin’s Quinceañera, you’re definitely in the right place.

Weekends are crowded. So if masses of people aren’t your thing, head out either super early or later in the day. Stalls are typically open from 9am–5pm. As for me, I prefer the chaos and the throngs of people — the experience is half the fun.

Stalls are cash only and bathrooms are scarce. Parking can also be tricky — I recommend parking in one of the $5 lots on Santee Street to avoid the persistent meter maids.

Fans of Santee Alley will no doubt love that the L.A. Fashion District is stepping in to clean up the place — streetscape designers will soon meet with property owners to discuss ideas. Construction on the Santee Alley project is expected to start by the end of the year, taking place mostly in the evening so as not disrupt daily shopping.

Have a special tip for Santee Alley shoppers? Leave a comment and let us know what you find!

The second issue of Canadian e-zine Shorty Pantz is live. This quarter’s edition is all about petite women that have influenced us. My contribution? The entry about Coco Chanel in the Style section. Stop by and let them know who has influenced you!

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!

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 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 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 | 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

***

Daryl K Co-op Blouse

Ladies, I couldn’t be more excited about the shopping extravaganza I intend to partake in during the month of May. There are oodles of great opportunities for ya’ll to get the petite spring looks you want, and at a fraction of the cost.

Vintage

Vintage Fashion Expo
Saturday, May 12th - Sunday, May 20th

The Vintage Fashion Expo comes to LA only three times a year and is the place to find authentic timeless design. The expo includes over 75 dealers from across the country who sell clothing, textiles, jewelry and accessories that span roughly 125 years.

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
1855 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Saturday – 10:30am-6pm
Sunday - 11am-5pm
Admission - $20

Revamp Vintage Fashion Show
May 27th

On the last Sunday of each month Annamarie von Firley holds a free vintage fashion show Downtown featuring reproduced vintage clothing. Each month plays off a different decade; for May she’s featuring the fabulous 40’s. After the show you can mingle, enjoy cocktails and sometimes purchase the pieces from the show.

834 S. Broadway, Ste. 1200
LA, CA 90014
(213) 488-3387

Show begins promptly at 12:30.

Billion Dollar Babes
BDB is having a huge three day spring sale the first week of June.

Friday June 8th - Platinum and Gold Members, Noon-9pm (entry time depends on member status)

Saturday June 9th, 9am-5pm
Sunday June 10th, 11am-4pm

IVAR Studios
1525 Ivar Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90028

To RSVP go to the BDB website. Parking is tricky so get there early!

Spring Glam Sample Sale
Saturday, May 12

The Spring Glam sample sale offers a handful of lines that run small including: Ella Moss, J Brand, True Religion, and Splendid.

Barkar Hangar
3021 Airport Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Sale hours are 11am-5pm
$15 for VIP preview
$5 for general admission in advance or pay $7 cash at the door.

Stuart Weitzman
Monday, May 21 - Wednesday, May 23

The Fall 2007 trunk show will be held at the Stuart Weitzman boutique on Rodeo, and will have an exhaustive range of sizes (starting as small as AAAA). Look for the Slingex wedge in leopard.

Stuart Weitzman Boutique
437 N. Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 860-9600

Show hours are between 10am-6pm

Stella McCartney
Wednesday, May 30 - Thursday, May 31

One of my favorite designers for small sizes is Stella McCartney. I’m pleased to announce that she’ll be having a spring trunk show at the end of the month at her WeHo boutique.

Stella McCartney
8823 Beverly Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 273-7051

Event hours are 11am-6pm

Designer Preview

If you would like to meet Ella Moss and thank her for creating petite sizes that fit, you will be happy to know she will be at the Costa Mesa Nordstrom in person previewing her new collection Saturday, May 26th.

Nordstrom
South Cost Plaza
3333 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(714) 549-8300 ex. 1360

She’ll be there from 1pm-4pm.

Petite professionals, hear this: You don’t have to settle for Ann Taylor (and the like) for smart office attire.

Follow my lead: I frequent BCBG for stylish work clothes. And why? Because its size 0 / XXS fits me oh-so-well with a line that caters to a size 32 bust, 25 waist, and 35 hip.

BCBG suits are equal parts sexy and professional. Size XXS is a comfortable fit around the shoulders, and the leg length is perfect — a reoccuring problem for little me. I wear BCBG’s suits almost exclusively — not only for the fit, but because the colors and fabrics are more appealing than the usual, bland neutral-toned petite suits.

While in NYC last weekend, I paid a visit to the Flatiron BCBG boutique on 5th Avenue. And, as expected, its sales staff was duly educated in BCBG merchandise and sizing. So I asked about petite sizing, and just how many of those coveted sizes arrive per order. This particular shop generally orders five size XXSs in tops and dresses, and five size 0s in pants and skirts, and only one or two size 5s in all shoe and boot styles.

All things considered, I’m impressed.

Most shops order a mere one XXS size per style, and even that varies per order. Same goes for retail boutiques and larger stores such as Nordstrom’s and Dillard’s.

Another BCBG option for XXS is their BCBGirls lines. And while the styles are a bit more youthful, its flare adds a much-needed kick to the solid colors and straight lines of a typical professional gal’s wardrobe. Their size chart varies from BCBG: the size 0 / XS caters to a size 32 bust, 25 waist and 35 hip.

BCBG locations run the gamut in SoCal. In LA, you can find BCBG XXS sizes at the following locations:

BCBG: Max Azria - Hollywood & Highland Center
6801 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 463–1922

BCBG: Max Azria - Rodeo Drive
443 North Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 275–3024

BCBGirls & BCBG: Max Azria - Melrose
8026 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 658–8083

BCBGirls at BCBGirls - Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Drive
Commerce, CA 90040
(323) 722–8313

The best BCBG boutiques in NYC:

BCBGMAXAZRIA - Flatiron
168 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10010
(212) 989–7307

BCBGMAXAZRIA - SoHo
120 Wooster Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 625–2723

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.

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