serafina Petite Fashion Blog

Archive for the 'International' Category

united kingdom: petite lingerie

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

When it comes to petite lingerie, smaller sizes simply won’t do. Small-busted ladies with petite figures deserve a custom-feel fit. Thing about it. Larger cups require thicker straps. And bulkier materials. But those of us with tiny tetas require a design with much less, uhm, heft. And one that doesn’t sacrifice sexiness.

Fortunately, our petite girlfriends across the pond have ample support! I’ve found four sites that cater exclusively to small-busted gals.

Dainty Lady carries AAA- to B-sized bras and sizes 30 to 38 / 6 to 14 briefs

Little Women is exclusive to the AAA- to A-sized crowd.

Know Knockers UK Petite Lingerie Silhouette

Know Knockers is a bit flashier, but is committed to the AAA- to B-sized woman. And how could you not love the name?!

AA Lingerie hand picks goodies for gals sized AAA to A. Yep AAA ladies.

Posted in Lingerie, Online Shopping, International | 1 Comment »

blogger spotlight: yo shorty

Monday, May 19th, 2008

Allow me to introduce to you Yo Shorty, a new petite website out of the UK. Vikki Taylor, Yo Shorty’s editor-in-chief covers everything from business attire, hottie evening wear, maternity – you name it! If you’re a petite lass in the UK and Ireland, she’s got you covered. I had the opportunity to chat with Vikki about her new site.

1. Tell me all about your new website.

Yo Shorty is a petite clothing blog with a twist. I’ve used a magazine theme for the site so it looks more like a fashion e-zine than a regular blog, with features displayed on the homepage and a lot of classic clothing images edited to relate to the different parts of the site.

I’m planning to make it a resource for petite ladies in the UK to help them save time when looking for the best in petite fashion.

2. How tall are you? What size?

I’m 5”2’ish and a size 12 to 14 in the UK, I can never get my head around why I’m different sizes in different shops; they should be the same everywhere!

3. Where do you shop? Any favourite haunts in London and /or Europe? What are your favourite petite brands?

My favourite shop with a petite range is Dorothy Perkins. The thing I love about it is that you can pick up a pair of size 14 petite jeans and walk out (paying first of course!). Their sizes never vary and their clothes are always on trend for the season.

I also like to shop in New Look, they have lots of lovely things but yet they don’t have a petite collection! I have a reasonably long body compared to my height so they are perfect for getting a pretty top for a night out!

My favourite boutique chain in London is Oliver Bonas, they stock a lot of Vero Moda clothes which I love. Vero Moda is a Swedish clothing designer who brings out 8 ranges a year, they are not specifically for petites but they’re great anyway.

4. What about shopping in Europe? I’ve found that the sizing is cut much smaller and with more options. Can you elaborate?

I’m not sure because I don’t have any US clothes to compare them too! The thing I can say is that the worst thing about clothing in the UK is how much their sizes vary from shop to shop.

Marks and Spencer is a classic English shop which is massive in the UK and it’s great to go shopping in their petite clothing section as their sizes are very generous. I’m always a size 12 there, and sometimes even a 10!

5. Where do you shop online?

I like to shop online at ASOS, which stands for As Seen on Screen. They’ve just started a petite section which has a great selection of alternative clothing which is quite different to that on the high street.

What impresses me the most about ASOS is that although they are purely online they have managed to become an established clothing brand in the UK, being featured in all our girly magazines!

6. What are your recent purchases? Can you send me a link and or image of them? If you don’t have any please send me a list of links/images for your wish list.

I’ve just got my hands on these great petite skinny jeans from Dorothy Perkins, at £15 you really feel like you’re getting a great bargain.

I am also planning on getting this dress from Miss Selfridge; I’m going to add a nice waist cinching belt to it.

7. What is your inspiration? How was Yo Shorty conceived?

Basically I was on the net searching for cool and unusual petite clothing in the UK and noticed that it was not as easy as it sounds. So I came up with Yo Shorty, it’s a bit tongue and cheek but I think it catches the attention of petite ladies and is definitely a lot of fun to write, so I hope my readers think it’s fun to read to.

At the minute I’m getting my key articles together like petite clothing site reviews. But moving on from there I’m going to put together top tips, petite celeb must haves and loads of other great stuff that I can’t think of at the moment!

8. Any additional words you’d like to share with my readers?

Well seeing how my site is so new it would be great if your readers could get over to www.yo-shorty.co.uk and have a look around. Once they’ve done that it would be great if they could let me know what they think about the site by going to the Your Comments section.

9. Could give me the low down on the current trends in London right now?

Over here I think nautical is going to be big this summer with red, blue and white featuring in a lot of shops in the UK. And if Victoria Beckham is wearing it, it has to be right on trend!

I also love the block brights that are everywhere at the moment, check out Cheryl Cole, in this photo with Girls Aloud. (She’s my favourite petite celeb because she’s from Newcastle like me!). The girls’ belts in this photo are also a great example of how a fantastic belt can just set off the perfect outfit!

Posted in Interviews, International | 1 Comment »

london: the little shoe shop

Friday, April 25th, 2008

Looking for that perfect designer European shoe in a vanity size? You need not search any further — we’ve discovered The Little Shoe Shop in London.

Like those of us with petite-sized feet, TLSS is well aware of the difficulty in finding fashionable, high-quality shoes in small sizes.

In an effort to hear the latest on a seemingly endless search, I exchanged emails with TLSS’s managing director, Raymond Martine. He was in Spain sourcing new styles in those ever-elusive sizes.

“Because we cater for all age groups, the popularity of shoes is widespread. In our summer sandal range, Paris and Pearl (both wider-D fitting) have been the most popular, along with Momo and Asti, whilst open-toed shoes, Alexis, Amour and Amalfi, are in high demand. Very pointed, high stiletto heel courts (particularly in black) are an ongoing favourite throughout the summer and winter seasons. Also in winter, we have heavy demand for our beautiful boots.”

At any given time, TLSS carries over 100 styles, with options for every occasion and age group.

In addition to their Web- and catalog-based, mail-order business, TLSS also operates a maniacally busy store in the West End of London, a 10-minute walk from Oxford Street’s bustling shops.

Not in London? No worries. Simply let them know what you’re looking for, and they’ll ship it to you –- wherever you are. Now that, my friends, is fine service.

Sizes range from European 32-34.1/2 (U.K. 13-3, U.S.2-5).

The Little Shoe Shop
71 York Street
London, England
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7723 5321

Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm
Thursday 10am-7pm
Sunday Closed

Posted in Shoes, International | No Comments »

petite safari

Friday, February 29th, 2008

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

Women: Women's Safari Pencil Skirts - Khaki

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.

Women: Women's Keyhole Tops - Black Combo

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?

Women: Women's Printed Belted Dresses - Black Leopard

Print Belted Dress | XXS | $25

She packed:
10 t-shirts or cotton tanks
4 pairs of pants – linen and cotton
3 skirts
1 pair of shorts
3 dresses
1 pair of jeans

2 pairs of sandals – one comfy, one dressy
1 lightweight sweater
1 lightweight jacket
1 pair of gym shoes, which she never wore

Women: Women's Roll-Up Camp Shirts - White

Roll-Up Camp Shirt | XS | $20

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

Women: Women's Safari Shirt Dresses - Safari Olive

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.)

Women: Women's Classic Rise Wide-Leg Twill Pants - Coffee Grounds

Classic Rise Twill Pant | 0 | $25

Posted in Shops, Online Shopping, Resort, International | No Comments »

stockin’ stuffers

Saturday, December 1st, 2007

Been sportin’ your hosiery up under your armpits, waistband like a noose around your neck? Find yourself battling Aunt Helda’s cankles by noon? For the looooongest time, I could not find a pair of decent stockings or tights that fit my petite, yet oh-so- sexy frame. I know I live in L.A., but temperature variables are a personal matter, and I know that by the time the leaves should be falling off our ever green trees, I am cold, and I want tights. Good tight tights.

One of the fashion industry’s biggest lies: One-Size-Fits-All legwear. Bologna. They fit a minute number of women. Few things are more annoying than rolled waistbands, saggy crotches, and wrinkled ankles.

Tights and stockings need to be a perfect fit. If you’re on the border between two sizes, take the larger size. With shiny or metallic tights it is especially important to wear the correct size to stretch the Lycra to a high shine.

Whether you reside in the U.S. or the U.K., there are three hosiery sites that you should have at your fingertips. All three sites have a bevy of options for petite-sized stockings and tights: wool, silk, sheer, metallic, and all in a rainbow of colors: MyTights, StockinGirl and Tights Please.

MyTights.com
MyTights.com has hosiery suitable for every size, shape, and occasion. For those under five feet, MyTights has an über-petite section built right into the navigation. If you are under 5′0″ try Spanx, Skintone, and Levante.

If you are 5′0″ and above you have loads of options! Try Aristoc, Falke, Gerbe, Le Bourget, and Pretty Polly.

Fortunately the MyTights Petite Legging Finder for women less than 5′0″.

The brand Levante is also great for women sized 4′9″ and above. The matte suede stockings are glorious. No matter what size you are, you’ll always check the sizing chart for each product.

Need something posh and cozy? Try the Aristoc cashmere and wool thigh highs. And they actually stay up! (I suggest Small/Medium as they run small.)

StockinGirl.com
StockinGirl also carries a wide selection of stockings and tights for petite-legged gals. The reps at StockinGirl confirmed that their petite sizes generally fit women 4′9″ – 5′2″ between 90 – 110 pounds. This brand will be soon sold in Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstroms.

It’s glamour time. If ever an ultra-sheer sandal-foot stocking should fit perfectly, it’s under a gorgeous holiday cocktail dress. Or are you looking for a sexy French heel replete with back seams and a racy lace top?

Brrr. Winter is here. Cold weather opaque stockings and brightly hued opaque tights to the rescue.

Soft-as-silk, luxurious Merino wool and cotton cable-knit tights. (Each of these run small; a small will fit a 00P, and may be just a smidgen tight.)

Both MyTights and Tights Please sell mostly (or all) European brands, which fit a lot better (not too tight at the waistband, and the smaller sizes are actually small), and are way better quality for the price, than tights made for the U.S. market.

Posted in Online Shopping, Accessories, International | 1 Comment »

olga prieto jewelry

Tuesday, November 20th, 2007

I traveled to Mexico. Therefore, I shopped in Mexico. And, ladies, did I ever fall in love.

Her name is Olga Prieto, and she crafts jewelry from brass and silver, incorporating organic shapes with gems, wood, coral, and leather — along with other exquisite materials. From long-hammered brass chain necklaces to bold, adjustable rings and cuffs, she has a design to fit every woman.

Olga also adds a unique twist to her jewelry with polished gemstones of rose quartz, obsidian, quartz rock crystal, amethyst, and others, believing the healing properties of the stones bring life to her designs and the woman wearing them.

Her jewelry is available in nearly every major boutique in Mexico City, but for those of us residing north of the border, look to 77th Street Imports in Houston. They also have an online shop.

Olga Prieto Brass Cuff

As for me, I returned home with the brass chain-link bracelet and the circular brass cuff. I’ve worn them often, garnering compliments and envy with every swish of my wrist.

Posted in Jewelry, Designers, International | No Comments »

mexico df: shopping south of the border

Monday, November 19th, 2007

On a recent vacay to Mexico City, I continued my ever-dedicated research on petite clothing by shopping the best Polanco and Condesa boutiques in the city.

As an ex-pat many years ago, I was well-acquainted with the nooks and crannies of Mexico City, and I had the closet to prove it. But since then, a plethora of stylish boutiques have opened, allowing me to fall in love with the city all over again.

One of the many great things about clothing in Mexico City is its sizing. Most of the women’s sizing runs smaller than in the states — the small/chica size fits perfectly without alterations.

My favorite areas include Condesa and Polanco, both a short metro ride from the other. For second-hand shops, check out El Centro with its flea market-like jewelry and unique clothing.

On this trip, I was especially interested in searching out contemporary Mexican designers and über hip boutiques. Here’s what I found…

Polanco Shops
The Polanco neighborhood is like the Beverly Hills of Mexico City — much of the city’s upscale boutiques, shopping centers, and restaurants reside here. Stroll Av. Presidente Masaryk, and you’ll find Gucci, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton.

Artefacto & Ula Dres
Off Masaryk on Luis Urbina sits a refurbished house-turned-boutique, home to both Artefacto and Ula Dres.

Artefacto
Artefacto is filled with accessories for both the home and the wardrobe. Scarves, modern home décor, bags by Sensacional and Tuna, and unique jewelry — it was here that I fell in love with Olga Prieto.

Olga Prieto | Brass & Obsidian Ring

Artefacto has locations all over the city, including Condesa.

Luis Urbina #74
Col. Polanco Chapultapec
Mexico DF CP 11560
artefacto-polanco@artefacto.com.mx

Jimena Ysita | Clutch

Ula Dres
By far, Ula Dres was my favorite shop in Polanco. Even the sales staff was fabulous. Here, you’ll find fashion from popular designers, including Trina Turk, T-Bags, and Nieves Lavi. But for those searching for the perfect accessories (like me), you’ll find Mexican jewelry designers Cindy Goldstein and Adriana Gutierrez, and handbag designers Pantera, Magot, and Jimena Ysita. I was especially impressed with the clutches by Pantera and Magot, and the necklaces by Cindy Goldstein.

Inhala T-shirts

Nook
Stay in any major hotel chain on Av. Campos Eliseos, and you’ll be within steps of Nook, a boutique filled with hip clothing, lingerie, and jewelry — all at U.S. prices. Specifically, you’ll find Inhala t-shirts, Olga Prieto jewelry, and other great designs in super-chica sizes.

My favorite? The Inhala t-shirts. The designs are not only cool — they also fit perfectly. I should’ve purchased the full line…

Nook Fashion Gallery
Campos Eliseos #215
Mexico DF
5281-1250
fashiongallery1@gmail.com

Condesa Shops
Laden with hipsters and the cool boutiques and cafes that attract them, La Condesa is the Silverlake / Los Feliz of Mexico City. Its tree-lined streets are bustling with a younger crowd that’s dressed as trendy as our east-side Angelenos. The best shopping is found on Michoacan and Amsterdam.

Macarena Gutierrez
Macarena Gutierrez is a reputable Mexican women’s shoe and swimsuit designer. So, in the name of research, I paid a visit to her shoe boutique on Michacoan in la Condesa. I was not disappointed.

Macarena designs her shoes, boots, and sandals with the finest quality leathers, rivaling most U.S. and European designers. Her designs are slightly more conservative, but classic — the kind you’ll keep forever. And because she fits each with a padded insole, her shoes are as comfortable as they are elegant.

Av. Michoacan #72B
Col. Condesa
Mexico DF 06100
5256-1660

Pasaje Polanco
Presidente Masarik 360
Col. Polanco
Mexico DF 11560
5282-3209

Unikos
For a great selection of hip sweaters, jackets, wide-legged pants, and scarves, head over to Unikos on Amsterdam. I tried on everything from floor to ceiling, and, as expected, everything fit. I took home a new favorite that day: the Zoompy Paris puffy jacket. I wear it out almost every night.

Mosquito
Service and selection define my Mosquito boutique experience. Dresses, shirts, and pants — all muy chilanga chic. They had a pair of cargo pants with embroidery that is similar to Burning Torch. The dresses were super sexy, too. And as an added bonus to those whose Spanish vernacular is limited to donde esta el bano, the sales staff speaks perfect English.

Michoacan #128
Col. Condesa
Mexico DF 06100
5256-1622

Slick
In Condesa, Bari swimwear has a store called Slick. This swimwear line is ubiquitous — you can find all over the country. And, that’s a good thing ‘cause these hottie Mexican suits come in every color and style of the rainbow. The girl’s size 14 fit me perfectly top to bottom, and without the addition of crazy padding. To note: I generally refrain from featuring kid’s sizes on serafina (for obvious reasons), but because this suit fit well, covering all nether regions, and was on sale for a mere $25, I had to mention it.

And for those lucky petites with a bust larger than ‘A,’ you’ll find a bounty awaiting at Slick.

Av. Michoacan 151
Col. Condesa
Mexico DF 06100
5256-1406

El Local
The city’s popular, contemporary fashion designers are featured at El Local. In particular, I recommend checking out Ximena Fernandez, whose pieces were super contemporary and trendy, blending color and materials to create pieces that stood out above and beyond other designers in the city.

Amsterdam 248
5564-9148

Posted in Shops, Designers, International | 4 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 »

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 »

blogger spotlight: kyushu chronicles

Wednesday, June 20th, 2007

I’ve recently had the opportunity to chat with Peaquah, editor of the blog Kyushyu Chronicles, about her shopping experiences in Japan. Here you’ll find a wealth of information for your future Japanese shopping extravaganza.

What size are you? What is your height?

I am 4′11′’ and weigh in the upper 80’s, pound-wise. I used to be a size 0, but with all the size changes that have been happening I’ve been cast off to a petite 00. In Japan, most stores stock only mediums and larges, and I fit the medium.

Tell me where you are located and a bit about your blog.

I am located on Kyushu Island, the third largest island in Japan. My blog, Kyushu Chronicles, is primarily about my experiences working as a foreign language teacher in a Japanese high school. I also talk about strange everyday experiences, like the 16-category recycling system and the surgical masks people wear all winter. Perhaps the oddest thing for me so far has been that I “fit” (size-wise) in Japan, and can shop anywhere I want, but as a Westerner I still stick out like a sore thumb.

Hanjiro

Hanjiro Second Hand Store

A fantasy of many petite gals is to go shopping in Asia where everything fits. Where do you like to shop?

I love shopping in Asia, and the cheaper countries — China, Thailand — are on my list of travel destinations in the next two years. I mainly shop in Fukuoka City, the largest city on the island and a half-hour train ride from my apartment. The city has all the traditional Japanese brands, plus an area with hundreds of boutique stores that sell everything from $1,000 vintage dresses to $3 Superman t-shirts. This area is also famous for its second hand stores. And while the prices aren’t as competitive as their USA counterparts, I’ve still found all kinds of goodies.

My next big shopping extravaganza will probably be Korea. It’s a short 3-hour ferry ride from Fukuoka City. I’m excited to check out the gigantic fabric stores in Seoul, funky Korean designers, and high-end fashion discount markets.

Muji Store

Muji

strong>Please give us the skinny about your favorite Japanese lines.

Hands-down, Uniqlo and Muji are the two stores in Japan that should export their petite (Japanese-sizing) lines. Uniqlo stands for “unique clothing” but they mainly cater to fashion trends in neutral colors. Right now the rage is shorts with suspenders and you can find them at Uniqlo in varying shades of tan, black, and cream. They also stock jeans, well-priced cashmere, button-down shirts, lingerie, and run a t-shirt contest in the summer. If you’re shopping at Muji you will find Gap-style pieces in navy, black, and white. Muji is great for basics — leggings, shirts, skirts — and everything purchased goes well with everything else. Both stored are well-priced (shirts for $25 and under) and, literally, on every street corner. It’s much cheaper than buying Gap in Japan (although they are sized down over here).

My Mare Mare Sandals

Any favorite articles of clothing?

I have a few cute dresses that I’ve picked up at second hand stores. Hanjiro, Super Spinns and WeGo are the most popular second-hand chains, and they’re found in most of the major cities. My favorite recent purchase is a dress I bought from Hanjiro that has giraffes and flowers in a graphic pattern. I also bought a pair of sandals from Mare Mare Global Market, a Japanese shoe store that sells funky well-priced sandals (mine cost around $45).

What’s your most recent purchase? Or, what is on your wish list?

My most recent purchase was a shirt from Uniqlo with a comic book-style store of Cinderella as a Japanese princess. Some of my favorite shopping in Japan is looking for “Engrish” t-shirts. These are shirts that have either badly translated Japanese, or are just meant to be funny. I nabbed this one with the elephant and ladybugs last Saturday. They’re always on my wish list.

Second Hand Shop Dress

Any words of petite shopping wisdom for shoppers on their way to Japan for a shopping spree?

Stock up on the basics in places like Uniqlo and Muji (who’s excited about coming to Japan to buy navy shirts for work?) and then have fun buying wild stuff in a second-hand area of town. Tokyo’s Harajuku springs to mind as well as Osaka’s Namba area. In Asia’s second hand stores, you don’t have to sort and sort to no avail, or come away with a single pair of ugly size five shoes you feel you HAVE to buy to make the trip worth it. Petite American shoppers are “Japan-sized,” and the second hand-stores are your mecca.

What brands are in your closet?

I’ve bought a few Gap items in Japan for work, but the rest is mostly Muji and Uniqlo for the basics. My fun stuff is from all over the place, but mostly places like Super Spins, Hanjiro, Lowry’s Farm, or a chain called B.L.U.E. that hand-sews their clothes.

Uniqlo Tokyo

Do you have any favorite online shops? Or, are there any great Japanese online retailers we should know about?

Shopping online in Japan is not without its own challenges — namely the language. Many of them won’t ship internationally, although the Japanese are famously kind so it’s worth sending an e-mail just to ask. Both Muji and Uniqlo have sites online, but I honestly don’t know if they ship Japanese sizes to the States.

Anything specific you would like to see on serafina in the future?

I think serafina does a great job of getting all levels of petite shoppers interested. I’d personally like to see more small businesses or individual people trying to start a petite line. Living in Japan has made me seriously consider starting my own petite clothing business, so I like to look for people who are already doing it to give them a leg up.

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