According to a Daily Pennsylvanian article from May, boys in the US and Asia are more likely to face pressure to be "normal" (read: tall) than in other countries. In fact, they're twice as likely as girls to receive growth hormone treatment. In Europe and other countries, there's an even split. I guess it shows where the power is. The big businesses are for the most part, in the United States, and Asia is very much growing in terms of money. CEOs and many politicians tend to be taller (in the United States, the taller presidential candidate is more likely to win than the shorter one. The 2004 election was a fluke with 5'10" (5'11"?) George W. Bush winning over the 6'4" John Kerry) than average. These countries are also more traditional when it comes to gender roles (sure, the United States is light years ahead of many parts of Asia, but Europe, especially the Scandanavian countries, is well ahead of the United States. But that's another story for another blog).
I think it's time that we rethink our attitudes towards shorter guys. I don't think boys should be subjected to hormone growth treatments just because they're short (not that girls should either). I think our society as a whole needs to rethink what power is. Power should be about the brain, not what a person looks like. If we continue to believe that only certain shapes have "more presence" (i.e. tall males), women would find it much harder to get ahead and break the glass ceiling.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Boys and growth hormones
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Do you have a shorty story?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
New Petite Line: Balzac
I found Balzac through the Serafina site. Balzac, whose slogan is "petite wear with a genuine flair," was founded by Lynn Colclough of Irvine, California. Balzac's clothes are cut to fit all petite figures, not the skinny, size 00P woman. According to the website, the clothes are tailored to fit a missy petite body and ranges from 0P to 10P. The waist measurements are a little more generous than many other petite lines, so those of us who are really tiny may actually be too small for Balzac's line. 0P, for example, is cut to fit someone with a 27" natural waist and 30" low waist.
Balzac carries dresses, tops, dresses and pants. The pants have an inseam of 30" and are meant to be worn with a mid-height heel. The Spring 2008 collection is very vibrant, with light blue, pink and green. One of my favourites is the shorter version of the Vintage Joanny Dress ($189). The longer dress costs $225. In general, pieces range from $125 to $249. Not too bad.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Petite Fashionista Presents Wrap-Up
Petite Fashionista Presents, hosted by Christa Jean of Petite Fashionista, occurred on June 22, 2008. From the fashion show, to the vendors, to the speakers and the celebrity auction, everyone had a great time. The first hour was mostly shopping, and I bought a Fernanda Carneiro dress fairly quickly. This same dress was featured in the fashion show, which occurred later at the event. In addition to shopping, attendees had the opportunity to get massages, get their pants or skirts hemmed and manicures. Of course, there were speakers, a fashion show and celebrity clothing auction as well.
Beauty isn't only about fashion, it's also how you present yourself. Two of the speakers at Petite Fashionista Presents were Jennifer Ettinger from Fit Your Style, a company that offers women a variety of products and services to help her achieve the best health and beauty results, as well as a cardio salsa demonstration with Gorete Almeida.
Another guest speaker was Melissa Meveal from Help Dress Me, who shared her top tips on dressing for petites. Help Dress Me is a company that offers image consulting, styling and personal shopping that is customized to every individual. Melissa offered great advice and many of the clothes featured are available in Toronto area stores, including Aritzia and Petite Alternative.
This trench coat is available at Petite Alternative
The fashion show's venue had a last minute change due to the possibility of rain. Because it was held indoors, the set up of the show actually looked more like the fashion shows one would see in Fashion Week, with spectators on each side of the runway. Prior to the start of the fashion show, Christa Jean (the Petite Fashionista herself) and Tamara Glick from Trademark Image. This segment was similar to what one might find in a talk show such as Oprah or The View, where people first show up in something that is a little on the unflattering side for them, and then are transformed (even if it's just a little bit) to something that looks amazing.
Benedicto
Lovelina jacket and Joe's Provacateur Jeans
Sweet Petites
As for the fashion show, the clothes presented were absolutely gorgeous. TLE, Sweet Petites, 5ft 2in, Fernanda Carneiro, Benedicto, Kingston 20 and Joe's Jeans were all part of the show. The models, every one of them petite, did an amazing job. It definitely shows that the you don't have to be a six foot tall, 100 pound blonde to strut your stuff on the runway.
Celebrity Clothing Auction: Keshia Chante shirt
Alice + Oliva dress donated by Hayden Panettiere
Juicy Couture dress donated by Hayden
Hale Bob Vero Cuicio Black Silk Bow Tie heels
The last major segment of the show was the celebrity clothing auction. Up for auction were a t-shirt donated by Keshia Chante, a Canadian R&B singer and three items from Heroes star Hayden Panettiere. Hayden's black and white dress was by Alice + Olivia and her yellow dress was Juicy Couture. Also up for auction were the Hale Bob Vero Cuicio Black Silk Bow Tie heels. These shoes were worn with the Alice + Olivia dress at the premiere for It's a Mall World, starring Milo Ventimiglia. All proceeds from the celebrity clothing auction go directly to Hayden Panettiere's charity, Save the Whales Again!
This article is cross posted in Prospere Magazine
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Petite Fashionista Presents Picutres!
Petite Fashionista Presents was held this afternoon (June 22, 2008) at the Proof Bar and Sky Lounge at the Intercontinental Hotel, Yorkville. Here are a few pictures that were taken today. Look for a full write-up and more pictures in Tuesday's issue!
TLE Designs display. Includes headbands, belts and dresses.
5ft2in capris (from fashion show)
Christa auctioning dresses donated by actress Hayden Panettiere. 100% proceeds go to Save the Whales Again!
Help Dress Me with Melissa Maveal. Suit is from Aritzia.
Loveina Dress from Fashion Show
Fernanda Carneiro dress (I bought this dress too!)
I also participated in the celebrity clothing auction and got a pair of shoes worn by Hayden Panettiere. Here is a picture of me in the shoes (and the Fernanda Carneiro dress):
Petite Fashionista Presents is TODAY!!!!
Reminder of location: Proof Bar and Sky Lounge, Intercontinental Hotel, Yorkville (220 Bloor St. W)
When: 2 pm to 5 pm
There'll be shopping, free manicures, pants hemming, and a CELEBRITY CLOTHING AUCTION featuring items donated by HAYDEN PANETIERRE and KESHIA CHANTE!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Paige Premium Denim to be at PFP!
OMG...more petite jeans! :) Not only will attendees at Petite Fashionista Presents get to see Joe's Jeans in the fashion show, they'll also be able to purchase Paige Premium Denim in petite sizes! The petite sizes come with an inseam of 31" so it should be fine for most petites when they're waring a heel. Look for Paige's jeans plus lots of other lines (including accessories and shoes!) at this Sunday's event!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Petite Fashionista Presents Interviews: Juliana Corona-Mclean and Benedicto
After studying fashion design at the International Academy of Design, Juliana Corona-Mclean spent some time working as a manager in an alterations shop. However, she wanted to venture out, to try new things. Eventually, she began to make her own clothes. This later expanded to what is now Benedicto. Named after her grandfather, Juliana felt that such a name would be "strong and significant." Benedicto launched a mini-line in 2007 and soon, Juliana applied and was accepted for a grant from the government. This year, Juliana held her first fashion show with her full line of men's, women's (plus, petite as well as misses) and girls'.
On why Benedicto covers all body types when it comes to women's fashion:
I don't know anyone who is six feet tall and a size zero. I wanted to create clothes for all body types. Clothing that I felt that my family and friends would wear.
On whether she uses fit models:
Clothes are made for the client and scaled according to their shape. However, for my May 24 show, the clothes designed well in advance, and then tweaked on the models.
On what she thinks looks best on ALL WOMEN:
Anything wrap - dresses or tops, would look amazing on just about anyone. Different sizes should look for different types of wrap dresses or tops. For example, if a woman is more on the plus side, she should look for something with a band so that her waist would be more defined.
On why is it so difficult for the mainstream fashion industry to understand the need for "non-standard" sizes, even when we make up the majority:
Simplicity. The industry wants manufacture many pieces very quickly, so the best way is to limit it to a range of sizes. In addition, it's cheaper to mass produce this way.
On designers she admires:
My two favourite designers are Valentino and Donna Karan. I like Valentino because he KNOWS how to make a woman look glamourous in any colour and I like Donna Karan because she didn't plan on taking the fashion world by storm. In fact, she's very down-to-earth. Like Valentino, Donna Karan knows how to make a woman look and feel fabulous. She also knows how to cater to different women. For example, her DKNY line is mainstream, has everything. Her Donna Karan line, on the other hand is sophisticated and high-end. 
On where she'd like to see Benedicto in five years:
By then, my e-commerce site will be up in running. I'd also like to see my clothes in a few stores in the United States and Canada. Also, I would like to import my own special fabrics, from Europe, Asia and Africa.
If you are interested in purchasing Benedicto, please contact Juliana at benedicto (at) gmail (dot) com
This is cross-posted at Prospere Magazine
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Shorty Stories Poll Reminder
Hey everyone!
Only 11 days until the Shorty Stories poll expires! Please take your time to fill it out if you haven't already!
You'll find the poll beneath the Petite Fashionista Presents announcement.
Thanks!!
Petite Fashionista Presents Interview: Catherine Bui and Lovelina
Inspired by vintage looks, Catherine Bui launched Megumi Moon in 2006. The name was later changed to Lovelina, a made-up derivative of the word "lovely," as lovely is how a woman should feel when she wear's Catherine's clothes. Not only does Lovelina have a vintage look, but Catherine tends to use vintage fabrics or elements. Therefore, each piece is an exclusive, limited edition look, not found anywhere else. In addition, Catherine has started to go green, using eco-friendly products.
On the line itself:
I generally don't make pants. Since my entire theme leans towards vintage, feminine looks, I find that romantic blouses, skirts, and dresses suit my aesthetic better. I do love pants, however, and I may give them a try in the future. Creating a beautiful pant requires precise engineering and if ever I have the time to dedicate towards that, I'd make the move.
On how long it took to start Lovelina:
Well, after high school, I studied fashion and completed an Apparel Design and Merchandising program. I later interned for a high-end bridal gown designer for awhile; then traveled to Southeast Asia to research design there for a time. All in all, I'd say from the time I graduated from the design program it took about 4 years before I took the step to begin my own collection.
On the height of her models:
I hate to categorize my collection. Yes, I do design to flatter myself, but I want people of all shapes and sizes to be able to look good in my clothes as well. So while I design to compliment women of smaller stature, my designs are also created to look good on taller women as well. I've had models anywhere from 5'0" to 5'7" look spectacular in my designs!
On media reaction to Lovelina:
I was recently touted as being one of the few eco-friendly designers with beautiful, fashionable designs where many others just make t-shirts. Who says eco-friendly has to be mundane?
On a designer she admires:
I have immense admiration for independent designers with original ideas. My favorite indie designer of the moment is Leanimal. Her designs are edgy and high-fashion while being affordable and wearable.
Advice to would-be designers:
First, get a proper fashion education to learn the foundation of fashion and design. Second, work under at least a few designers/design companies to gain experience. This step is especially important because this is how you build contact and sourcing information which is critical when you get around to starting your own collection. Third, I would recommend taking courses on accounting, business, starting a business, etc. Having your own collection is only 10% design and the other 90% is business and administration. You can take the leap when you've got all that under your belt. I only wish I'd had someone to give me the same advice when I started out.
On where she sees Lovelina in five years:
I don't think I'd ever be happy seeing my collection as a common, mass-produced entity, therefore I'm not sure if I'd like to see it widely circulated in major department stores. I think that takes away from it's originality. I would love the idea of Lovelina being stocked in many specialty boutiques worldwide. When a woman purchases a Lovelina piece, I want it to be a timeless, treasured thing, not a disposable piece of clothing purchased on the whim of a fleeting trend. My goal has always been to share my art with the world and to have others love it as much as I do.
Lovelina is currently available for sale online and at specialty boutiques around California.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Petite Fashionista Presents Reminder
It's less than one week until Petite Fashionista Presents! Tickets are still available for purchase at the price of $15 online and at Sugar 'n' Spice on 54 Woseley Street.
Also, look for the Lovelina interview online TOMORROW!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Latest Petite Styles from Banana Republic
In Toronto, one of the only stores that carry non-granny petite sizes is Banana Republic. While I'm not too pleased that Banana's Canadian stores do not carry 00/00P, I do manage to find things in XS/XSP that fit me reasonably well. Also, the good thing about Banana Republic's petite sizes is that there is some diversity, unlike J.Crew. You could actually find fun pieces at Banana. It isn't the best, and the range isn't, of course, as big as the so-called "regular" sizes, but they are more accomodating and seem to understand the need of petite women.
Banana has a very nice collection of dresses this season and I like the following:
Petite silk floral print dress (this looks really different from dresses that Banana generally offers)
Petite twist front dress (a little plain, yes, but I think it could work well for work)
Petite textured belted dress (again, a great piece for work)
The following piece is not available in petite sizes, but I absolutely love:
BR Monogram jeweled shift dress (BR Monogram is not available in petites at the moment)
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Petite Fashionista Presents Interview: Elizabeth Dutra and Sweet Petites Apparel
Sweet Petites Apparel, a line of athetic clothing for petite women was founded by Elizabeth Dutra in 2006. Elizabeth does not come from a fashion background. Prior to starting Sweet Petites, Elizabeth taught foreign business professionals about the U.S. market economy and small business development. Elizabeth also worked as a holistic health professional, where she learned a great deal about different body shapes. As a petite woman herself (Elizabeth is around 5'1"), she knew that other petite women shared the same issue such as inseam and rise lengths. She also consulted with other petite women by hosting a Pattern Party and spent time measuring, tabulating and comparing statistics to make the perfect, ideal fit.
On why she decided to start a line of petite athletic wear:
I felt the current marketplace for petite active wear was severely lacking in fashionable and well-fitting styles. So I decided to give petite women what they have been looking for, stylish and functional active wear combined with a figure-flattering fit.
On whether there's a specific height her clothes are designed for:
My clothes are designed for women 5’4” and under. Our inseams vary from 27” to 29.5” so there is something perfect for just about every petite.
On the height of her models:
My models Gaby, Maria, and Lacy are between 5’2” and 5’4”. My niece Mallory is 4”11”.
On whether she feels that some women don't realize that they're petite:
Absolutely!! I speak with women everyday who think they are not petite because they are a size 10. I then ask how tall they are, they say 5’3” and I tell them they are certainly petite! I designed my clothing with a generational fit in mind. I wanted to create styles that flattered younger body types to older. Petites simply grow out, not up. I know this from not only my body as I’ve aged, but comparing my niece Mallory’s figure to mine and my mothers. We all started with a common physique and it changes as we get older. Sweet Petites Apparel is dedicated to bringing petites of all ages smart, well-fitting and stylish apparel.
On why she feels plus sizes get more attention than petites:
There may be more plus size stores out in the marketplace currently, but I truly feel the petite fashion world is getting ready to explode and I’m very excited to help bring petites to the fashion forefront.
On whether she has a designer she admires:
Diane von Furstenberg, She makes “dressing” a women an art form.
On the thing she can say to the fashion industry about petites:
WE HAVE ARRIVED!!!!!
On where she sees Sweet Petites five years from now:
As with many other petite designers, my goal is to continually bring beautiful and figure-flattering clothing to petites around the world.
Sweet Petites Apparel sells tops (both bra tops and tanks). bottoms and wraps. Sizes range from XS to L and are available for purchase online from the website.
This article is cross-posted at Prospere Magazine
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
EXTENSION for Prospere Magazine`s Petite Fashionista Presents Ticket GIVEAWAY!
Your chance to go to Petite Fashionista Presents for FREE has been extended. You now have until JUNE 12, 2008 at 7 pm EASTERN TIME to send an email with the answer to the following question:
Who is the featured celebrity at Petite Fashionista Presents clothing auction?
One name will be RANDOMLY PICKED at 8 pm EASTERN TIME. Looking forward to see the emails! This person will be sent A PAIR OF TICKETS!
Petite Fashionista Presents Interview: Teresa Le and TLE Designs
Like many petite women, Teresa Le often has have her clothing altered to fit her petite, 4'11" frame. Most petite lines were generally conservative-looking and the juniors' section was too young. Even when something did fit, hemming was necessary. Teresa wanted clothes that had a more "cosmopolitan, trendy vibe" that would make young petite women feel beautiful without the need of alterations. Thus, she started TLE (pronounced T-Lay) Designs, a line of boldly-printed tops and dresses that are cut for a shorter frame, as well as a line of accessories. It took Teresa around two months to start the company, using her signature. Teresa wanted to make a bold statement to the world that even though one is petite, one can make a bold presence.
Teresa's tops and dresses are cut perfectly for petite women 5'4" and under and come in small, medium and large.
Teresa on why plus sizes get more attention than petites:
Society puts a lot of attention on weight and how a person should look. Unfortunately, this added attention creates more pressure and makes it more difficult for people to lose weight effectively and to sustain it. Because of this, some people are back where they started or are heavier. I think the last statistic I heard was that 60% of the population is overweight, so clothes designers have to make clothes that are accommodating for this sector of society.
On the height of her models:
My models are between 5'0" and 5'4". My main model, Heather, is 5'2".
On whether she has plans to make pants:
Yes, eventually I will design pants since they are functional aren’t they. But I find them not as exciting as 
dresses and tops since dresses and tops are so versatile and fun. My love of dresses stems from the fact that it was always hard to find pants for my height. Plus, they’re so feminine and flirty.
On whether many women who are under 5'4" don't realize they're petite and why:
Yes. I think there is a misconception of what being petite means, even among women. People equate being petite to being skinny and small in stature, which is not always true. You can be petite and be any size. Just today I ran into a former neighbor of mine at the post office. I was telling her about my petite line and she commented that it would be too small for her to wear. Even though she is an older, heavier woman, she was only like 5’3”.
It’s funny that since I’ve started my clothing line, I’m more aware of people’s height when I’m talking to them or see them on the street.
On designers that she admires:
I like Betsey Johnson. She’s so cool and quirky and always seems to have a lot fun. Her clothes have a whimsy about them and they’re always so colorful in both design and color. I love the fact that she doesn’t feel she has to look or act her age, which is totally cool.
Others I also like are Trina Turk and Shoshanna. Trina Turk has a great sophisticated vibe to her clothes. I like the fact that Shoshanna also her found a niche in the industry by designing for women who are more ample in the bust.
On where she sees TLE Designs in five years:
I see TLE Designs making a huge impact in the world of petite fashion by paving a very wide, hip, and fashionable path for the young adults market that has, for the most part, been neglected. Yet my desire for TLE Designs goes beyond filling this void.
I want to change the way some petites view themselves. Even though you’re short, feel comfortable with yourself and like who you are. Height is not a measure of a person’s potential. When a woman buys clothes that fit her properly and compliment her personality, she has greater self-esteem and can take on the world!
My plan is to grow TLE Designs to an international clothing company. With the help of short women everywhere and their desire to have stylish clothes that fit, I would love to see the line in numerous boutiques and stores around the world! I want the name TLE Designs to be synonymous with hip, petite fashion.
Currently, one can find TLE in the following stores:
- Sophie's, 401 N Market Street, Chattanooga, TN
- Clothes Minded, 1101 Hixson