Dresses for Your Body Type: The Petite Apple

If you’re petite, 5′4″ and under, dressing well, particularly in skirts or dresses, can be a challenge.  And if you’re apple shaped – top heavy, a bit lumpy in the middle, with smashing legs-  it can be far too easy to wind up looking like a big lump.

My BFF K rang me up recently, in need of a dress to take her through a few occasions, with about $150 to spend.  Her challenge, proves that anyone with any body shape can find what they need and still be fashionable, and in budget.  K is a pretty average petite apple, but she has one specific need: long sleeves to cover a tattoo.

MaxStudio.com - SHIRRED DRESS, $138

What I went looking for in a dress to flatter K, and would for any petite apple are three things: 1) Either an empire or a dropped waist dress – a true waist will call attention to her tummy.

2) A loose fit in front. If you’re doing two pieces do not tuck in your blouse.  You need it to cover anything extra between your waist and hips.

3) A hem length at or above the knee. For a petite, anything below the knee is going to make you look overwhelmed and dumpy.  In a sense you’re lucky: skirts that might be too short on a taller woman can be an appropriate length for you.

.

When I think floaty dresses, I think Max Studio.com.  This shirred, tuxedo front dress will flatter a larger chest, cover arms, and show off legs, with no one will be the wiser to anything you don’t want to show around your stomach.

An open neckline will balance a larger chest – and most importantly, the chest is just decorative not stretchy.  If you have a large chest, you don’t want anything that’s going to stretch over it.  This is ruffles, not elastic.  Its conservative enough for a business dinner, and formal enough for a wedding.
.

Generra Tunic Dress, 6pm.com, $178

.
This tunic dress from Generra at 6pm.com is slightly over budget, and a similar style to the first.  But since it’s not quite as floaty and a little more contemporary, it’s a nice comparison.

Made out of silk and cotton, it’s a great deal at 30% off the original price.  Notice that the basic shape is the same as the first dress: long sleeves, open neck and straight from gathers at the chest.

It looks mid-thigh on the mannequin, but will likely hit lower on a shorter woman.  The contemporary style is a little more casual, but it can easily be dressed up with accessories, and the silk will help it look dressier.

.

PAROSH Shirt Dress from YOOX, $155

I adore everything about this next dress at Yoox.  From the silver color, to the rough silk fabric, to the modern shirt-dress cut.

It’s a winner in my book, and it’s selling out fast. It’s not a completely long sleeve, but on a petite it should be long enough to get the job done.  Worst case you could put a sheer long sleeve tee underneath

This particular dress could be very flattering for all shapes:  on an apple it’s going to flatter a tummy and show off your great legs.

Even pear shapes or hourglasses could find this accommodating to hiding a hip-y area while flattering a waist – or it could be too tight around the bottom and have no shape around the waist.  You’d just have to try it on.

.

Diane Von Furstenburg - Short dress, $195 on YOOX

I don’t know what it is that’s got me showing all blue dresses, but that’s just what I’ve been finding.  This Diane von Furstenberg short dress is different from the others I’ve shown, because it has a dropped waist.

Ideally the sash will hit around the hips, and the dress will be looser everywhere else.  For you apple shapes with your flat tushes and nice legs, by all means try this type of dress.

A lightweight cashmere dress such as this one is virtually seasonless: just put a long sleeved t-shirt and tights underneath it when the weather gets chilly.

.

Mixie "Maggie" Dress at Green Apple, $150

I finally found a pop of color at Green Apple, this neat site that showcases new and unique designers.  Mixie is a local Orange County, California designer.

“Maggie” is made out of Modal, which is a slightly more casual looking fabric, but between the color and the style of the dress, I think it’s sufficient for a slightly dressy occasion.

At 36″ long, it could be a touch long to be in proportion, but if you can wear a pair of nice 3″ heels with it, that will adjust accordingly, or you can get it hemmed.  A good tailor is your friend.

.

Eve Gravel Air Dress at Mudshark Streetwear, $165.60

Pr0n stars, I searched high, low and everywhere in between to fine just one more fabulous dress for all of you.  I found it at Mudshark Streetwear, a fabulous online Canadian retailer with a simply enormous selection of unique, reasonably priced clothes, much of it eco-friendly.

I absolutely love the mix of ’80s and ’60s style in their Gravel Air Dress.  The top is a raglan sleeve – it’s hard to tell whether or not it’ll stay on both shoulders.  If not, wear a cami underneath, or have a tailor put one of those lingerie bra buttons in.

The slightly lowered waist has a matching belt with a pop of white button, and then attaches to an above-the-knee slightly A-line skirt with white front pockets.  It’s all together in a stand-out indigo color.  For a dress that matches your attitude, look no further.  Your budget will barely stretch at $165.60.

.
I hope this post has shown you a variety of styles that will work for your body type.  I love dresses because of their ease and flexibility.  It’s so easy to make them different by putting on a blazer or sweater or different jewelry or hose or tights.  K, I hope there’s something here for you. :)

Got a body shape or an event you need help with?  Email me! Shoppingpr0n@gmail.com.  Maybe you’ll have your very own post.

Until next time, it was good for me.  Tell me, was it good for you?

Steals and Deals at Neiman Marcus

Turquoise Skirt Suit, $93.75

It’s getting to be that time of year, pr0n stars: where the temperatures are high and the prices are low.  It’s the time of year where you can find incredible deals even at stores like Neiman Marcus, that might otherwise be off your radar.

There were so many great finds that I had hard time whittling them down for you.  Let’s not waste any more time.

.

Have you ever found a bargain so good that you almost wonder what’s wrong with it?  Don’t wonder, just BUY this stunner of a turquoise suit.

The jacket has a portrait collar and button front with long sleeves. It comes with a peplum pencil skirt, made in the USA.

Here’s the kicker: this entire suit is still available in sizes 6, 8, 10, & 14 (classic sizing).  The site will take another 25% off the current price when you get to checkout, bringing this $250 suit down to $93.75.

If you need summertime suits, don’t let this one slip!

.

Gray Leather Trapeze Jacket - $103.00

.Sizes 16/18 I got your bargain right here, and it’s a gem.  How would you like a grey leather trapeze jacket?  Yeah?  How about for  $100?  Yes?  Good?  Okay – here you go.

Exclusive to NM, a gray leather trapeze jacket, size XL (16-18).  I adore the feminine details; check out the funnel collar, 3/4 length sleeves and gathers just above the bust.

The trapeze shape is going to make it super flattering and easy to wear.

You’re not going to pay $295, oh no.  Your price is only $103.00.  Get it NOW.  Bargains like this don’t come around very often.

.

Bettye Mueller Two-Tone Sandal, $195.75

Pardon me for oversharing, but I want to lick these shoes.  I’m a huge Bettye Muller fan; she makes shoes that are feminine, fun and a little funky – frequently with just a slightly retro feel.

Think of these two-tone sandals as an investment:  an investment in deliciousness. Two-tone patent leather open toe sandals come in either blue/purple or hot pink/orange, with a t-strap vamp, and 3″ stacked heel.

If you get open toe shoes, I beg of you not to wear closed toe hose with them.  You can even buy footless hose now!  Seeing covered toes peeking out from an open toe has got to be one of my fashion pet-peeves right behind Visible Panty Lines.  But I digress.

Lots of sizes (5-9) are still available in both colors.  Normally you’d pay $390 for the privilege of slipping these on, but take an extra 25% off the sale price at checkout for a final price of $195.75.

.

Artist Colony Tunic in Baked Apple, $35

.Let’s go bargain basement.  Is $35 low enough for you?  Buy the Artist Colony cotton tunic and wear it Spring through Fall with jeans or underneath a suit, or even with a pair of bermuda shorts and sandals.

“Boho chic” is still super stylish and popular; the embroidery bib, gathered empire waist and slightly puffed sleeve give this shirt a bohemian vibe without looking messy or out of date.

Pictured here in “baked apple”, it’s also available in black and taffy (ivory), sizes 4-10 contemporary, which runs a little smaller than a “classic” fit.  A size guide is available on the web page.

An empire waist tunic is really flattering if you’ve got a little tummy to hide.   Empire waists stop at your smallest part, just under the bust, and then skim over what’s below.  Three-quarter length sleeves are a great way to also bring the eye up.

.

Juicy Couture Flower-Button Trench Coat, $194.25

Would someone please buy Juicy Couture’s flower-button trench coat so I don’t?  *cries*

The hardest part of writing a shopping blog is that inevitably you find something you want to buy, and I want this coat.

Juicy’s clothing is always colorful and slightly girly.  How can you not fall for a poinsettia red short cotton trench with 3/4 length sleeves and gold-tone flower buttons?

Sizes petite (0) to XL (14) are still for the taking, but Juicy definitely sizes contemporary so check the size guide.  Save another 25% at checkout, for just over half price off $398 – final price $194.25.

.

taryn by Taryn Rose Driver Ballerina Flats, $98.25

.
If you’re like me, you love the look of little flats, but your feet hate them.  Enter taryn by Taryn Rose’s Driver Ballerina flats.

Is it a driving moc?  Is it a ballerina flat?  It’s both and it’s ergonomically designed to fit your feet.

You may care that Taryn Rose was an orthopedic surgeon before she was a shoe designer, or maybe that these oh so cute shoes come in blue and camel patent leather, were made in Italy with fantastic stitching detail.

You should care that instead of $195, they’ll cost you $98.25, and there’s still size 12 available in camel!  Someone tell me I don’t need the blue ones…

.
There’s lots more to see, like this Nanette Lepore Buzz sundress for $81, so don’t wait, and be sure to enter code NMSUMMER for free shipping.

I just saw that Saks is having a big clearance, so I’m off to see what’s there. That’s it for this edition of Shopping Pr0n, my little pr0n panecotta.

It was good for me; tell me, was it good for you?

Net-A-Porter Super Sale!

Thanks to my friend Grechen, over at Grechen’s Closet, I was tipped off that designer mecca site Net-A-Porter had taken another 20% off their sale prices.  Net-A-Porter definitely runs towards the true designer end of the scale, so even deeply discounted is going to cost you a few pennies. 

Doma Stitched Leather Jacket, $242.50, Sz. L

But if you’re one of my readers who invests in this type of clothing, or waits for this type of sale to spend your money, there are deals to be had.  I’ve tried to pick out only the most worthwhile to show you.  FYI, all products are linked to via their pictures.

.

At just under half price (was $505), this Doma stitched leather jacket is still a steal.  You’re looking at a red leather collarless jacket with stitched detailing around the neckline. 

The jacket has long sleeves, two zipped pockets, a zip athrough the front and is fully lined.  It’s available only in size Large, which is probably going to be around a U.S. 10.  It’s like buttah, and it’s going to be gone in a heartbeat. 

.

Tibi Bow Collar Dress, $177.60, Sz. M,L

Tibi is quickly popping up on my brand radar for their beautiful blouses and dresses in feminine fabrics, colors and styles.  This particular dress reminds me of Milly NYC, which has been a great diappointment to me Spring/Summer. 

You all know what a fan I am of retro influenced styles, especially ’60s/mod looks.  This coral mini-dress is made in a heavy jersey with a large bow at the neckline, elbow length sleeves and a side zip. 

 Sizes medium and large, or about U.S. 8-10 can get this on sale for $177.60, down from $370.  Pictures, please!

.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Short Wool Coat, $264, Sz. S-L

Often you can get a good deal by buying off season.  If you’re good at delayed gratification, buying for next fall or winter is a great idea. 

Think how cheery this coral Marc by Marc Jacobs short winter coat will make you when you walk through a sea of black and grey.   Everyone should have a longer formal winter coat, and a shorter casual one.

This was originally $550, but is on sale for $264, and is still available in sizes small, medium and large.  It’s 80% wool, 20% nylon with a back pleat and satin lining.

.

"Calisten", Cotton/Acrylic Grape Cardigan, $78.45, Sz. L

Since I don’t wear wool, I find it difficult to find really cozy, soft sweaters.  This grape colored cardigan by Malene Birger looks so soft and so comfortable for a size Large.

It’s a cotton/acrylic blend with a round neckline, long sleeves, white beaded buttons and front pockets to keep your well manicured fingers warm. :)

I particularly appreciate the edging at the cuffs and hem, which will help a good sweater keep its shape.  “Calisten” retailed for $245 and is now an incredible buy at only $78.40.

.

I have a confession: I think these Tory Burch Jelly Reva flats are adorable.  I know, I know.  I can’t help it; every fashionista has their weakness. 

Tory Burch Jelly Reva Flats, $38, Sz. 8/8.5

But listen: aside from cobalt blue, sunshine/schoolbus yellow is the color this season.  I snatched up a Dooney & Bourke handbag in the color on sale and I just adore it.  I get complimented on it all the time. 

If you wear a size 8/8.5  shoe, these normally $98 flats are on sale for $38! You all are lucky I rarely wear flats, otherwise we’d have to throw down. 

Sizing info says to go down half a size if you wear a half size, and they’re available in an 8.

.

Yesterday, I was reminded by my good friend Heidi (who writes a really thoughtful size acceptance blog) that a good handbag is an investment.  Especially if it’s not too trendy, it’s something that you’ll have and use for years.

Mulberry Large Soho Shoulder Bag, $278

That’s why I’m recommending this Mulberry Large Soho bag, for $278.  To start, you can’t get a good designer bag for $278 unless you’re very lucky.  

This is a classic shape in a not-too-trendy color.  Be careful, as it may be a touch more orangey than it appears, depending on your monitor.

Soho has an adjustable shoulder strap, and silver hardware including a turnlock, which is a very safe closure.  The inside is lined in twill.  

See here, and check out this picture for a sense of how big it is – it’s definitely roomie, and has a nice drop long enough to be worn on your shoulder. 

Best of all – handbags have no size.  Anyone can wear them. :D  Last but not least, for more deals check out The Outnet, Net-a-Porter’s “bargain” little sister.

Thanks for reading, my little pr0n plums!

As always, it was good for me.  Tell me, was it good for you?