Being so small-framed, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by clothing. I tried on this dress the other day by Calvin Klein in 2 petite (the smallest Calvin Klein has available in petites), and it was so bad, I laughed out loud, and wanted to share.
It was a wrap dress, so I thought it might work, and I liked the ruffle detail down the front. But when I tried it on, there were a lot of things that just do not work for my small frame. The picture doesn’t completely capture the awfulness…so just trust me on this.
First of all, the fabric is too bulky. The dress is a stiff, thick cotton, which is good because the dress is less sheer, but the fabric added bulk to my frame and any curves I do have, are gone. Looking like a pre-pubescent girl is not exactly the angle I was going for here.
Second, the bulky fabric causes the ruffle detail to stand up and off the dress a bit, which is okay for someone larger, but on me, it just looks awkward and overwhelming.
Third, the sleeves are puff-sleeves…which consistently look ridiculous with my thin arms. These are especially bad because the stiff fabric causes the sleeves to stick straight out, and since my arms do not go out that far, the sleeves look like little shelves…or maybe little linebacker shoulder pads…that extend over and past my arms.
So, the lessons I learned here are, stick to thin, light fabrics…stick to subdued details…and avoid puff sleeves at all costs!
I think your curves are hidden not only by the fabric, but by where the wrap comes on you. In short, I think it wraps too far around you!
I guess this is one of several reasons my husband discourages me from even trying on a dress. skirts and shirts are easier to fit properly. Or at least plausibly.
Hey there,
I bought the cutest wrap dress from Ralph Lauren Kids last winter. In the picture the belt is tied into a bow, I never actually close it like that. Most of the dresses are too kid like, but I usually get lucky with one or two styles a year that work for me. I sometimes buy kid’s plain tennis shoes and flip flops in size 3 as well. I’m usually a 5 in every brand.
The dress is no longer there. This is just a heads up about Ralph Lauren Kids, since we seem to be the same size.
Pic: http://bellagray.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/ppolo2-4661886_standard_v330.jpg
Good idea about Ralph Lauren Kids. I always check out their boys blazers (I’m a blazer junkie), but never thought to check out their girls dresses. I also noticed they have girls cashmere sweaters. That might be a good option to stock up on winter cashmere.
Great tips! Thank you so much. At 5’1″, I don’t feel so short when reading this blog :), at 93 lb, I need a lot of help finding grown up clothes that suit my frame! Kids clothes don’t work for me either, but kids’ shoes (sneakers and flats, mainly) size 3 works well for size 5 women’s!
Sigh! It isn't a single company out there that produces well fitted clothes for small, cute people? 85 pounds, 5 ft, narrow shoulders & hips, 30AA/24w/30h = major headache!
Yeah I have to check the kids dept.
No petites brand fit at all!
*Perhaps it's time to start a company that caters to our sizes!
Sigh! It isn't a single company out there that produces well fitted clothes for small, cute people? 85 pounds, 5 ft, narrow shoulders & hips, 30AA/24w/30h = major headache!
Yeah I have to check the kids dept.
No petites brand fit at all!
*Perhaps it's time to start a company that caters to our sizes!
Good idea about Ralph Lauren Kids. I always check out their boys blazers (I'm a blazer junkie), but never thought to check out their girls dresses. I also noticed they have girls cashmere sweaters. That might be a good option to stock up on winter cashmere.
I think your curves are hidden not only by the fabric, but by where the wrap comes on you. In short, I think it wraps too far around you!
I guess this is one of several reasons my husband discourages me from even trying on a dress. skirts and shirts are easier to fit properly. Or at least plausibly.
Hey there,
I bought the cutest wrap dress from Ralph Lauren Kids last winter. In the picture the belt is tied into a bow, I never actually close it like that. Most of the dresses are too kid like, but I usually get lucky with one or two styles a year that work for me. I sometimes buy kid's plain tennis shoes and flip flops in size 3 as well. I'm usually a 5 in every brand.
The dress is no longer there. This is just a heads up about Ralph Lauren Kids, since we seem to be the same size.
Pic: http://bellagray.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/ppolo2-4661886_standard_v330.jpg