It’s been unusually dry here in the Pacific Northwest. Recording setting actually — which has been wonderful. Normally we don’t really get to enjoy the beautiful golden colors of Fall since the rain comes through and drowns the leaves into to a slippery mess on the sidewalks but this year it’s been different. The leaves are vibrant and they actually make a crunching noise when I step on them. Unfortunately this probably wont last — especially now since I’ve jinxed it by typing this.

My husband and I stopped by a park near our home so I took a few photos of the new blouse I found at Nordstrom earlier this week. I’ve been searching for pieces in the deep burgundy color that’s so popular this season and came across this Pleione A-line top with an angled hem. It’s extremely comfortable and effortless. So effortless I’m going to head back and get it in more colors. I paired it with my favorite ‘Case Closed’ wedges by Seychelles to top off the look.

Outfit details: Pleione blouse from Nordstrom (same blouse in different colors here) // Express Stella Extreme Stretch Jean Legging (find here) // Juicy Couture Handbag (old) // Seychelles ‘Case Closed’ Wedges in tan (find here) available in size 5 // Michael Kors watch (similar here) // Forever21 Bracelets 

I was pleasantly surprised with the “Kourtney Petite” skinny denim in red. I tried a size 2 and the length was great — no hemming needed (I’m 5’3 on a good day). The “Smoky Paneled” leggings fit nicely too in XS. Again, no hemming needed. What confused me though was that both the denim and the leggings were $68. $68 for leggings is pushing it for me (especially at Sears).

The blouses fit terribly. I know the trendy thing to do is wear your blouses large and baggy but come on — I looked like I’d just thrown on my husbands dress shirt. The arms were so long I couldn’t even function without rolling them up half a dozen times. I wouldn’t call this one a “Kourtney Petite” by any means.

Everything I tried on can be found here. All in all, the tops were a disaster and the bottoms worked well for me but I didn’t walk out the door with any new clothes. Hope this helps. If you try the “Kollection” let me know what works and doesn’t work for you.

The 16th Bar, a petite womenswear brand which focuses strictly on petite women, is all about providing bold, exciting, quality clothing to petite women. The ready to wear collection, designed by petite designer Frankie Ortiz (4’11), will launch its debut Fall 2012 collection later this month. The collection will consist of petite dresses, skirts, blouses, pants, jackets, and trench coats all proportionately graded to best fit the petite woman’s shorter frame – YAY!

The never before seen Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Collection was inspired by power. A feeling designer Frankie Ortiz says, ”Every woman should feel, every day of her life.”  She also adds, “This is the brand’s first impression. We want our clothing to shift the minds of our petite consumers to feel they are just as beautiful and powerful if not more than their amazon counterparts, and when they try on and feel our garments, they will know we are here to stay.”

Even though I have yet to see the collection, I find myself especially excited for the debut because I have a feeling it will be luxurious and fresh with a little bit of edge — three things the petite clothing industry desperately needs.

The launch of The 16th Bar’s debut Fall 2012 Collection runway event will be held in Los Angeles on September 27, 2012. The great part is, ALL of the models for this event will range between 5′ to 5’5” to show exactly how each garment looks on a real petite women! Please visit www.the16thbar.com/events for more information and stay tuned for photos once the collection has officially launched!

Photos: The 16th Bar Facebook and 2010-2011 Concept Designs- no photos of the actual collection have been released.

As most of us know, in the petite world anyone 5’4″ and under is considered petite. What some don’t know is that petite doesn’t refer to size or weight and instead focuses on proportion and height. With this being said, know that you’re not alone – the average height of a US adult women is just 5’3. Still, even though there are lots of petite women out there, finding clothes that fits our proportions can easily be a challenge. Luckily, I recently had the opportunity to chat with two experts from Dressbarn; Jocelyn Gash, petites buyer and Corinne Salfeety, AVP Merchandise Manager. Both gave me excellent tips on finding the perfect fits for petites and what to look for this coming season. Take notes ladies!

First, what does petite really mean? Gash says your petite if your sleeves and shirt hems are too long, the hems of your pants are always too long and dress hems are too long and loose all over. Bingo — sounds familiar doesn’t it. Gash also says, stick with clothing that doesn’t overwhelm your petite frame. One thing I loved hearing from Gash and Salfeety was that there’re no specific rules or limits on what petites can or cannot wear – just make sure it fits right. Bottom line – it’s. all. in. the. fit.

Here are some tips from Dressbarn to think about while shopping:

• Look for skirts and dresses that hit just at the knee or a few inches above the knee and knee length or above shorts. Capris tend to cut petites off, unless paired with the right heel/shoe to distract the eye and create length.
• Tops with 3/4 sleeves will make arms appear longer.
• If you want to look taller (like most of us do) try prominent vertical prints and details including zip front, cable patterns, ribbed knits and vertical pleats. 
• V necks (depending on chest size) can be your best friend and create a lengthening effect similar to long necklaces