Adventures in Alterations: Taking in a Jacket

Since discovering the wonderful possibilities of alterations, I've slowly plucked some of those items in my closet that just weren't working for whatever reason, and have taken them to get altered. You know the ones...the items you pull out of your closet to wear, but once you put them on, there's something not quite right with them? Maybe you bought it on sale, and because it was so cheap, you ignored the fact it fit a little funny? Or maybe you were so used to having things fit so grossly over sized on you, that when you found something that was close to fitting, you bought it, even though it still wasn't quite right? I was a huge offender of this variety up until very recently, and even though I now know better, I still make the occasional mistake and revert back to my old ways.

I have a jacket from Banana Republic that is one of the above mentioned offenders. I LOVE jackets, but finding a good fit was eluding me for so long, that when I found this one in size Petite 00, and it fit semi small, I got so excited I bought it right away without really taking a good hard look at it. Did I mention it was also on sale, which quickened my response to whip out my credit card? Double offender! To make a long story short, this jacket has been sitting in my closet for over a year, and each time I pull it out with the intention to wear it, I put it right back because there is just something not right with it. The fit kept me from feeling comfortable when I put it on, and how can you feel good in your outfit when you're not convinced you look good in it?

Before alterations: too big and boxy. My shape is completely lost underneath.

I finally thought to take it to my tailor to see what her assessment of it would be. I hoped there was something she could do, since I had already spent the money on it, and it was worth it to me to invest a bit more into making it wearable. Right away, she said it needed the sides to be taken in, and the sleeves to be slimmed.

After alterations: Sides taken in and sleeves slimmed.

The jacket looks and feels immensely better now! When it's buttoned, it contours to my waist, which makes me look like I have a womanly shape underneath. And when it's left unbuttoned, it nips in just a bit at the waist to give a feminine silhouette. This jacket is an offender no more!

Dress Pants for Tiny Petites: Ann Taylor

I've been looking for dress pants for quite some time, and both J.Crew and Banana Republic have failed me. The J.Crew petite 0 suiting was WAY too big, and the Banana Republic Martin Fit in petite 00 was not only too big, but the fit was so bad that my tailor deemed them unalterable.

So, I finally gave Ann Taylor a try. Ann Taylor recently changed the names of their pant fit offerings, so I went for the "Modern" fit, which is supposed to be the equivalent to their "Lindsay" fit. The "Modern" has a lower rise and slimmer fit. I really loved the look of these charcoal gray striped dress pants, and ordered them in size petite 00.

Petite Modern Wool/Cotton Striped Trousers, $110

I loved the look, and the length was perfect for my 3 inch heels, but the fit wasn't quite right.

The waist was too big, but not by that much. The front of the pant had a generally good fit, and the rise fit well.

The pant leg was way too wide, so it looked a bit overwhelming on my small frame.

I really liked these pants, and the fit was closer than any other dress pant I'd tried on before, so I took these to my tailor to see what she could do. She took in the waist and slimmed the leg/thigh, and now my pants are perfect!

Pants in petite 00 after having the waist taken in the leg/thigh slimmed.

I've officially named Ann Taylor as my resource for dress pants! Tiny petites looking for dress or work pants that can be easily altered should definitely check out Ann Taylor in size petite 00.

Related Posts:
Not Small Enough: J.Crew Petite Suiting

30% off Any Full-Priced Item: Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor is having a 30% off any full-priced item promotion online and in stores. Since sizes petite XXS and petite 00 are only available online, this a good chance to pick something up before all the small sizes are sold out.

30% off any single full-priced item *Update* and free shipping on orders of $150 or more at Ann Taylor

Code: ANN30

Good From: August 26,2009 - August 31, 2009

Go to the Ann Taylor website here:

Ann Taylor

Petite Quotes: Ashley Olsen

"Eventually, that meant cutting down and altering designer pieces to suit their petite frames—a habit that persists rather feverishly to this day. "The amount of beautiful things we've ruined—not having the patience for a tailor and cutting everything ourselves … My sister once took an Alaïa dress of mine and just cut the whole thing, and then she was like, 'I cut it too short.'""
-from the article, Ashley Olsen Spills Her Secrets, in the August 2009 Marie Claire

photo: marieclaire.com

Free Shipping Code: Banana Republic

Banana Republic has a free shipping promotion going on right now. This is a great opportunity to pick up a bunch of stuff in size Petite XXS, and then return anything you don't want to the store for free! I love free shipping codes!

Free Shipping on $75 or more

Code: SHIPBR75

Good From: August 24th, 2009 - August 30th, 2009

Go to the Banana Republic website here:

Petite Sized Accesories: Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag Mini Mini

Being petite means lots of other things have to be petite to match. Since I'm so small framed, I like to keep my accessories in proportion to my size. This includes jewelry and handbags. I know a lot of petite girls like to rock over sized accessories, especially with the oversize handbag trend that has been going on for the last few years, but I like to keep it small to avoid looking overwhelmed.

I've liked the aesthetic of the Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag (MAB) for quite some time, but the original was way too big for me to pull off. Then came the Morning After Bag Mini (MAM), but the dimensions were still a bit too bulky for me, and I figured the bag was just not for me, purely based on my size. Then, this year, the Morning After Bag Mini Mini was introduced, and I knew I finally had my chance to officially own the Rebecca Minkoff I've had my eye on for so long.

Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag Mini Mini in Red Berry, $295, lunaboston.com
Its size looks small compared to this tall model, which means it should be perfect for 4'11" me!

Rebecca Minkoff makes her handbags in a an awesome array of colors, and with me being a red girl, the "Red Berry" color caught my eye right away. Finances prevented me from buying the bag right away, so instead I kept an eye on the handbag by searching for it on the Internet for the last month or two, until one day, it went on sale, and then, before I knew it, it was all sold out. Oh no!

Well, the bag fairy (aka, my awesome boyfriend) knew I had my eye on this bag, and ordered it without my knowledge. It traveled to me this weekend, and now I have a perfectly diminutive sized bag that suits my small frame perfectly.

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mini in Red Berry on 4'11" me!
Ann Taylor top in XXS petite (no alterations!), Paige Premium Denim jeans in size 24, Cole Haan shoes.

The Mini Mini is still available at Luna Boston in "Sky Blue", and at Nordstrom in "Pool". Hopefully there will be more fun colors released in the near future!

*UPDATE* The Mini Mini is popping up in more places, and in more colors!

Shopbop: Bright Royal, Dark Bronze, Tan Iguana, and my personal favorite, Orange Haze
Bloomingdales: Black, Purple Wave and Medal Metallic
Luna Boston: Daffodil

New Blog Layout!

I was tinkering with the blog layout today, and wanted to know what you think! I've put a poll in the left top corner, so give it a vote, and feel free to leave a comment if you like or dislike something in particular. Thanks!

Petite Designer: Allison Izu

photo: allisonizu.com

Allison Izu is a designer from Hawaii who has come out with a petite denim line. I found an interview with the designer on The Examiner and something caught my eye:

Q: What sizes do you have?

A: From triple 0 to 10. Petite is not just an Asian thing. Typically American is 5'4". If anything, you shrink.

Did I just see triple 0?! I read on Shorty Stories that the Allison Izu e-commerce store has just opened, and there are a few 000's on there!

Here is the Allison Izu size chart...the size 000 has some potential!

Right now they are offering free shipping on orders over $100, and the shipping for your first return is free if the jeans don't work out.

Check out the interview with Allison Izu on The Examiner website here:

Design for petite: Allison Izu

Check out the Allison Izu website here:

Allison Izu

Sample Sale: Paige Premium Denim in Los Angeles

The Paige sample sale is coming to LA! Yay! Grab discounted jeans in size 24 (and 23 if you can find them...they exist, but they're rare!), especially in the Laurel Canyon and Hollywood Hills cuts. These are my hands down favorite jeans. They fit in the thigh, which is my problem fit area with jeans. But be prepared to fight me for them...I'll be there for sure!

Related Posts:
Jeans That Run Small: Paige Premium Denim

Ann Taylor: In Store Only Coupon, Useless for Size 00P and 16!

This item hit my inbox today, and at first glance, I got pretty excited, because 40% off any full-priced item is like getting it during the first round of sales. And since 00P and XXSP in the good merchandise is usually sold out before an item goes on sale, this would be a good opportunity to pick up something you like, for a sale price, while the small sizes are still available!

But, then I took another look at the coupon and noticed it says, "In stores only". Wait a minute...Ann Taylor is the store who very publicly announced it was no longer selling size 16 (and very quietly, sizes 00P and XXSP) in stores, making them only available online. So by making this an "in stores only" coupon, Ann Taylor has essentially ignored it's most petite and most plus size customers.

The Ann Taylor official Facebook page announcing the discontinuation of 00P and 16 in stores. Thanks to Shorty Stories for first documenting this.

How strange that a store that specifically made the decision to only offer certain sizes online, would then turn around and use "in store only" promotions. If certain sizes are only offered online, this is a bit frustrating for the customers unable to benefit from the promotion due to the actions taken by the company.

How unfair is that?!

Abercrombie And Fitch Has Some New Looks

Abercrombie & Fitch generally runs pretty small, especially when you find items that say "shrunken fit" in the description. I've had good luck with sweaters (cashmere!) and tank tops in size XS, but there is of course the problem of it being Abercrombie & Fitch...known for catering to pretentious teenagers and the home of tacky moose embroidery.

With that being said, there is some hope for tiny petites looking for small sized clothing, as it appears Abercrombie has begun branching out of their usual boring styles in bland cotton, and have finally started adding some interesting stuff. I've found a few items in silk, and a collection of great watercolor printed items that look summery, without looking childish. And...no giant tacky moose in sight! Yay!

I love this top. It's 100% silk, and has a great red, navy and gray flower pattern that I think would look great with a pair of jeans, or under a sweater with a pair of gray slacks for work. I love adding silks to my wardrobe. And the cut is simple enough that if you need to get it taken in a bit, it would be an easy tailoring job. AND...no moose embroidery!

Riley silk top, $58, abercrombie.com

This skirt is 30% silk, 70% cotton, and again with the nice floral pattern. Too short for the office, but a nice casual weekend skirt. This one has moose embroidery, but it's pretty small and blends into the pattern, so it's easy to hide.

Annie floral skirt, $70, abercrombie.com

This skirt is 100% cotton, but is a really cool watercolor flower pattern, that would go with so many differently colored tops and shoes.

Margaret floral skirt, $70, abercrombie.com

And check out their clearance section (my favorite part of their website!) I love this top, even though it's polyester (yuck!), I might forgive the fabric choice and pick it up if the price is right. I imagine this one unbuttoned like a jacket, with a pair of jeans, a fun colored camisole (my preference is red!) and a long silver or gold necklace.

Camilla top, $29.90 on sale, abercrombie.com

Related Posts:
Tiny Cashmere: Abercrombie & Fitch

Barneys Warehouse Sale: August 2009

Yay! The Barneys Warehouse Sale is back again! I'm a little slow on this one...but there was a new event in San Francisco.


Here is the Los Angeles information. Pay special attention to the new location...it is moving from the Barker Hanger at Santa Monica Airport to the LA Convention Center in Downtown LA.


And...last but not least...New York!


All this information can be found on the Barneys website here:
Barneys New York Warehouse Sale

My tips: Shoes in small sizes are usually disappointing, so don't expect much. Go during the first few days for shoes and for best selection in clothing. Go during the last few days for extra markdowns, but reduced merchandise. Look for Diane von Furstenberg dresses and tops in sizes 0, XS and P (the P is for petite). Last time I found a very tiny Rag & Bone skirt in size 24, so keep an eye out for them as well. There are no dressing rooms, so wear a tight fitting camisole and either leggings or a skirt to make trying on clothing in front of mirrors in public view a little easier. I forgot this and wore jeans last time, but grabbed an extra-large elastic waist skirt to cover up with while trying on pants and skirts.

Related Posts:
Tiny Skirt: Rag & Bone
Adventures in Alterations: Bottom Detailed Skirt

Adventures In Alterations: InStyle Magazine Article About Tailoring...And It Features My Tailor!

The InStyle magazine Makeover issue on newsstands now has a cool feature on tailoring different garments. It shows before and after photos of garments needing tailoring, and explains some of the most common alterations. The best part is...my tailor, Marina Interlandi, here in Los Angeles was consulted as an expert for the feature!

All images: Instyle Magazine, Makeover, Fall 2009

Click the pictures for a larger view.

Check out the InStyle Makeover Fall 2009 issue for the rest of the article. It's a great visual resource for people who find themselves needing a lot of things tailored!

Related Posts:
The Importance of a Good Tailor

Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT Friends and Family Event

Speaking of Ann Taylor LOFT, the Friends and Family Event for both Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT starts today.

30% off your entire purchase with code: FRIENDS30

Free shipping on orders of $125 or more.

Wednesday, Aug. 5th - Sunday Aug. 9th, 2009

This is exciting because Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT don't offer free shipping as often as other stores, so this is a great opportunity to order a bunch of stuff in sizes XXS petite and 00 petite without having to pay to try them on! And you can return items to the store for free. Yay!

And don't forget, Ann Taylor sizes XXS petite and 00 petite are only offered online!

Some Picks From Ann Taylor Loft in XXS Petite

Fellow tiny petite, Susie, asked for some advice navigating the clothing options at Ann Taylor LOFT, specifically dresses, pants and jeans. The LOFT near me has horrible XXS and 00 petite offerings, so I checked out the on-line inventory for this one.

While I haven't had the opportunity to personally try on all of these items, I listed the details that gave me clues as to whether or not the item would work for a tiny petite. I know not everything I picked is available on-line in XXS or 00 petite, but check your local Ann Taylor LOFT or give customer service a call (1-800-342-5266) to locate something in another store.


Dresses:

I was asked to find a LBD, but didn't see anything that stood out in the current inventory. As fall merchandise starts to trickle in, the options for a LBD will get better...so for now, I'll post a good choice for a spring/summer dress:

I like this dress because:

• 93% cotton, 7% spandex fabric content means it will be a bit stretchy, and thus cut smaller...perfect for women with thinner frames.
• V-neckline is generally flattering on small frames, and shorter gals.
• Ribbing at the empire waist nips the garment in at the waist, which helps show off smaller curves, and helps to avoid looking overwhelmed in fabric.
• The ruffle detail is small, so it adds interest without adding bulk or looking overwhelming on a small frame.
  
• Sleeveless style is easier to alter than a garment with sleeves. If the neckline is too low, just take up the straps. Easy and cheap!

Ann Taylor Loft Petite Sleeveless Dress with Ruffle V-Neck, $19.99 on sale from $39.50.

I like this dress because:

• 94% modal, 6% spandex fabric composition means it will be drapey and stretchy. Stretchy means it will be smaller.
  
• The self tie at the waist will nip in the dress to show off small curves and avoid looking overwhelmed.
• Pleated front detail is interesting, but subtle.
• Black and white print can be dressed up for work, or punched up with bright accessories for fun.
  
• Sleeveless style is easy to alter, just like the pink one above.
  

Petite Print Dress with Pleated Neck, $69.00


Sweaters:

Ann Taylor LOFT petite sweaters run pretty small! They are usually a tiny bit roomy on me right off the rack, but after a wash or two, fit perfectly. This is probably due to seam allowance, or the extra room garment manufacturers leave in clothing to allow for shrinkage during washing.

I like these sweaters because:

• 100% pima cotton will take in a bit after washing for a snugger fit.
• V-neckline is flattering and helps shorter gals avoid looking stumpy.
  
• Comes in a bunch of colors.
• Great to put over a dress for warmth or modesty, or add color to jeans and a t-shirt.
  

Petite V-Neck Cardigan, $39.50

Pants:

I've actually tried these pants on! I like these because:

• The Marissa fit has the lowest rise, so it fits lower on the waist.
• 98% cotton, 2% spandex fabric content means they have some stretch, so they're probably cut a bit small. In fact, "stretch" is part of the name of the pant.
• The fit of these was pretty good, they just needed the waist taken in a bit, and if you're picky like me, the leg and thigh slimmed.
  

Petite Marisa A-Line Stretch Panama Pants, $39.99 on sale from $59.50.

Denim:

I have never tried the denim at Ann Taylor LOFT, so am hesitant to post anything about them. If you're going to try them out, I would give the Modern or Marisa Fits a try, since those seem to be the ones cut smaller and with lower rises. Anyone had any luck with Ann Tayor LOFT jeans?