Us petites, we know a thing or three about a tailored fit, and how it’s near impossible to find it off the rack. So we all deserve to know about Moi Meme, Dawn Verbrigghe’s oh-so-appropriate personal tailoring service. Dawn is serafina’s guest editor for May. Take it away Dawn!

Like you — and most American women — I have a hard time finding off-the-rack clothing that fits. It all started when I moved to NYC from California a few years ago and realized the skirt suits I wore in California were too lightweight to get me through a New York winter. I spent months shopping for a smart, stylish pant suit (my legs are too long for most pants). To no avail. So I began thinking about custom apparel.

Last year, I launched my own custom fashion business, Moi-Meme Attire. We design two collections each year, and tailor our garments made-to-measure for our customers. We meet customers by appointment only at our showroom in the Garment District.

My mission with the business is to help women find stylish and great-fitting, custom-designed clothing — regardless of their size — at an affordable price. And we work with many petites. As I began writing this entry for serafina, I searched my database and discovered that fully 44% of my customers have a natural waist measurement of 28” or smaller. Our petite customers look to us for contemporary professional attire, which is more difficult to find in petite departments.

Our petite bestsellers include the Reykjavik jacket, Cairns pencil skirt and Cape Town pant. The Reykjavik jacket is new for spring/summer, and we designed it with petites in mind. The waistband is perfectly flattering and the fabric below the waistband is symmetrical with the fabric above the waistband (to the top button), so it evens out a petite’s proportions.

The Cape Town pant is simply a great fit. Because everything is custom, the rise will be the correct length and the waistband rests wherever you prefer on the body. Hemming, of course, is included.

Also new for s/s and great for petites: the Singapore shift dress. The waistband features a topstitch detail that matches that of the Reykjavik jacket, so they go well together. In a vertical stripe fabric (with a horizontal stripe waistband), you petites look long and lean.

As for shipping internationally, the answer is “yes,” but with the same caveat as any out-of-NYC order: measurements must still be taken by a trained Moi-Même Style Consultant and we are not responsible for alterations made outside our showroom (naturally).

Questions for Dawn? Leave a comment for a response!

Of all the clothing I have my eye on this season, my hard earned tax return will go to a brand spanking new BCBG spring jacket. Its gorgeous, perfect for the office and I love the sequin details.

Barney’s is having another warehouse sale at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica starting this Thursday. Find designer shoes, clothing and accessories marked down 50-80% off. You’ll want to show up early to get the best picks, but be forewarned that shoving matches ensue…

2008 
Barker Hangar
3021 Airport Avenue
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 276-4400

February 7th-18th

Thurs. February 7th & Fri. February 8th
8am-9pm

Thereafter, Weekdays 10am-8pm
Weekends 10am-7pm

Dylan Ruffle Jacket

Ladies, it’s time we included more custom-designed clothing in our ready-to-wear closets. And AprilMarin has made it possible with a collection of eight custom-made pieces that serve as timeless staples in a women’s wardrobe, from jackets to dresses. Prices range between $80 and $200.

Here’s how it works: AprilMarin asks you to input your full measurements to ensure a perfect fit and unique style. Each piece is then designed and fit in-house by co-designers and founders, April Bukofser and Marin Milio. The diverse range of measurement options allows customers to really personalize each item – or, if unsure, you can opt for standard measurements. AprilMarin also allows customers to choose their own jacket fabric and lining color with over 72 color combinations.

As an added bonus, the founders encourage their customers to share design ideas for future collections.

“We want women to feel good about themselves and their style and we aim to make clothing that does that,” say co-founder/designer Ms. Bukofser.

I received an email today from a petite gal looking for a petite winter coat. Because I have had difficulties in the past finding the right winter coat that was stylish and that fit my small frame, I thought I would post my response to her for all petite gals searching for the right coat! Remember you’ll want to get a coat that is slightly roomy so you can fit sweaters underneath.

J.Crew Petite Classic Peacoat | XSP | $225

Eddie Bauer Convertible Down Parka | XSP | $198

Eddie Bauer has a good selection of warm and stylish coats in XSP sizes. This convertible down parka is perfect for your snowy commutes. Wear it short or wear it long depending on the weather!

Ann Taylor Plush Wool Coat | 0P | $298

I would also have a look at the Ann Taylor website for XXSP and XSP coats. Their selection contains coats that are perfect for formal occasions. The Plush Wool Coat would look excellent with a pair of tall boots!

Juicy Couture Hooded Coat | P | $398

If you are looking for something different than the chains, check out Shopbop’s size 0 selection. I love their Juicy Couture hooded coat. Its short, sexy and looks really warm.

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:

J.Crew Bella Jacket | 0P | $198

My “must-have” in red this season. Fantastic cut. Gorgeous material. I cannot, cannot wait to order it. That collar!

Juicy Couture Puffer Jacket | P | $398

Elegant and classic, this Juicy Couture puffer jacket will survive fickle fashion trends for years to come.

A vest that’s both feminine and sexy? Oooh, I love the heavy cable knit on the back.

Joie Stardust Jacket | XS P | $140

Beauty is in the details. This little Joie jacket has the best embroidered eyelet trim.

Yaya Essex Rain Coat | P | $351

April showers bring… the overwhelming need for a stylish new raincoat?

Okay. So they bring May flowers, too. But one look at the Yaya Essex house raincoat, and you’ll forgive the rhyme. Truly the best raincoat in a P size that I’ve seen in years. Not to mention its on-sale status: $351. It’s classic. It’s gorgeous. It’s on sale. And it’ll fit.

Oh, and might I add that B.Luu is one of the best shops for small sizes…

My favorite holiday gift I received this year was the J.Crew classic peacoat in an oh-so-edible chocolate hue.

For the last two years, I’ve needed an everyday winter coat. I could never find anything that fit or wasn’t grandma-like. So I limped around the cold LA evenings with pashminas, doubled sweaters, and my trusty Earl Jean denim jacket.

The petite 0/ PXS sizing at J.Crew is a dependable fit, and this coat is not only warm, it has a classic great look too. The coat is available in navy, camel, chocolate, black, and lined with Thinsulate, should you need a bit more warmth in cooler locales. JCrew petite sizes can only be purchased online.

On cooler nights, I’ve paired it with the Banana Republic wool and cashmere cable-knit scarf in light blue.