The Perfect Petite Dress by Carolina Alvo - #PetiteisPowerful

When I had met Carolina Alvo at the end of last year, I was excited to hear what upcoming projects she had in the works for the petite market this year. Carolina has been creating her own fashion line for petite women, starting with her first signature piece, which has just launched on Kickstarter: the Kathleen Dress, named after an inspiring Petite venture capitalist.

Carolina calls out the main features of the Kathleen Dress, like offering two distinct hem lengths - one for those 5'1" and above, and one for those under 5'1". This LED, or "little everything dress" is perfect for wearing to work and to evening and weekend events. 

Check out the Kathleen Dress on Kickstarter here.

The anatomy of the Kathleen Dress

If half of the female population is petite, why aren't there more options out there? Kudos to Carolina for trying to make a difference in the petite market!

Source, US Census 2012

- Kim Weling

Recharging with Zappos.com at New York Fashion Week

On September 7th and 8th, during New York Fashion Week, guests recharged at the Zappos.com lounge across from Lincoln Center. Fashionistas were able to take a break between fashion shows with complimentary juices from BluePrint Cleanse, charging stations and massages.

At the lounge I interviewed Shyloh Wehner, Senior Buyer - Zappos Merchandising about shopping for petite clothing at Zappos.com.

- Kim Weling

LOFT 50% Off Sale - Fall / Holiday Collections

Getting 50% off select full price and sale styles from LOFT's fall and holiday collections is a pretty good reason to shop (apply code SHOP50 this weekend only)! LOFT is also giving shoppers $25 for every $50 spent! Check out my favorites from the fall collection, which of course centers around shoes, from animal print wedges to patent pointy toe pumps. Also included are images from LOFT's holiday collection.  

  

LOFT Holiday 2012 is filled with sequins, shimmer, sparkle and lace. My holiday gifting favorites include the  chevron stripe and sequin frame clutches, triple pouch sets, jeweled feather stretch belt, chandelier and drop earrings, cable knit sweaters and confetti and marled knit scarves. Along with metallics, the holiday collection is full of colorful pink, green, yellow, coral and turquoise hues. 

Shoes include sparkle strappy sandals, lace, tweed, boucle and exotic print leather pumps, lace and suede stiletto booties, mid-heel slingbacks in zebra haircalf and patent and metallic leather and satin ballet flats in bold colors. My favorite petite pieces include the allover lace peplum shell, mid colorblocked crew neck cardigan, leopard jacquard jacket, peplum dress in LOFT scuba and lace cap sleeve wedge dress. 

  

  

  

  

  

- Kim Weling

LOFT Focuses on Petites

If you're petite, you'll be happy to know that LOFT is shifting their focus to their PETITES boutique, where sizing starts at size 00 and XXS. It looks like LOFT really took into consideration what silhouettes are flattering on petites, offering mini and pencil skirts to 3/4 sleeve blouses and skinny jeans with a 28" inseam.

LOFT's new petite fit guide easily shows the difference between a regular fit and petite fit on Lauren, a 5'2" LOFT associate.

Tops, cardigans and blazers from LOFT have for the most part been easy for me to shop, but I've never been able to find a great fit with LOFT's pants, skirts or dresses. I'm hoping LOFT will start carrying tailor-free petite pieces that I can fit into, such as wrap dresses, tunics, mini dresses and maxi dresses that aren't sweeping the floor. I'm curious to see how the Petite Seamed Pencil Skirt in LOFT Scuba would fit on me. I think I'm just going to have to order it and find out!

I look forward to seeing LOFT's continued focus on petites! Check out LOFT's PETITES boutique at loft.com.







- Kim Weling

Rafaella Fall / Winter 2011

Photo credit: TheFabulousReport.com

Here's a look at Rafaella Fall / Winter 2011, a colorful collection with pink, red, purple and teal. The teal tie-neck blouse is my favorite Rafaella piece for fall .

Rafaella allows you to shop by shape - modern fit, classic and curvy and also offers petite sizing. Here are some must-haves to add to your wardrobe.




Fluid Denim Jacket
Available in: Classic Black, Indigo
Retail Price: $100
Available in December



Printed Faux Fur Vest
Available In: Champagne Combo
Retail Price: $128
Available in November

- Kim Weling