Marie-Anne LeCouer, a great French YT stylist, says something like “if there’s a doubt, it’s a no, it has to beca wow”! This has helped me a lot in deciding what clothes to keep, I have to really love a garment. I ignore having to hem them, this almost always has to be done anyway.
I vote no on the green dress. Aside from the polyester fabric, it doesn’t have the structure you said you prefer. I also think that although it’s not as overwhelming as the pink one, it’s still too long. I think you can do better. If it’s the color you like, look for something else in that color. PS I agree with you about Nordstrom-their lack of petites and other “special” sizes is really awful. I buy mostly shoes and jeans there now.
You and me sister! My Amazon bill was terrible after the sale. Return the green midi dress. It doesn't suit you. The next one was my favorite on you. The struggle is real for us petites. I appreciate your help!!
There are so many summer dresses that are made of polyester that you start to be tempted. The green looks nice but there is that, so maybe hold out for love.
I know what you mean about having a junior’s cut. Junior clothes are cut smaller in the bodice than women’s clothes. I never could wear junior’s after about age 14, my bust was too large. My Mom, with a completely opposite body shape, wore only juniors’ her whole life. Asian designed-and-made clothes are usually cut this way, because their models have smaller frames. I have a tiny frame, too, especially for a European, but not a flat bust!
Helpful video. I've learned to stay away from anything with elastic waists. Manufacturers sell them as a sort of one size fits all but of course they don't. I choose garments that are straight and add a belt, or those that use darts or flare designs to accentuate waist. Elastic hikes up with a shorter waist and flares out at high hip, both non-flattering for my figure.
Nordstrom used to be my go-to place for petites. I remember the day I walked into the store and went to where the big petite department was, and it was gone. Then the petite section was gone from their website. I am so over that store. I don’t need to dig and dig and dig to find something that fits me. Of course you presented the shopping dichotomy we all face - particularly when you’re short and struggling to find anything in a petite size. You had the fairly dependable quality of Nordstrom against the cheap fast fashion offered by Amazon. We want pieces we love that will last. We also want clothes that fit our unique body needs. The Venn diagram there doesn’t have much overlap.
I'm 4'11" and can relate to all your above mentioned issues: the lack of petite affordable or even quality items, the juniors fit and style conundrum and the influencer recommendations traps. I too tried a number of items during both the Nordstrom sale and Amazon Prime days that were recommended by Petite or Petite friendly u-tubers. I figured..."Hey, they did the ground work for me. How Amazing!" Anyway, most were fails. I find I need to purchase only rayon items from Amazon and choose my size, planning for shrinkage. I get a Small and i wash and Dry it and ...voila'......It's a petite extra small. Sometimes!!! I have a short waist, so this can be very advantageous when It works. Other than that it is a non stop order online and return process. I might average about a 20% keep rate. I try to apply the rule...it is a 100% YES or it is a Hard NO, however it find i need to bend that rule for a color choice or slight personal style choice or I might end up naked. I am happy to be petite but it is a struggle to find my color, style, and budget friendly items.
Thanks for your great comment and sharing your experiences. Sorry to hear you had some fails as well. I just wish it was easier for us to find quality clothing and reasonable prices!
Return! Very Mehhh. I'm certain that you could locate that color in a breathable fabric. Thanks for the vids! We vertically challenged girls need direction!!
You are correct in that you, like me, look best in more fitted and structured styles. I am 5’2” have trouble carrying off a more relaxed cut. Thanks for this video!
Definitely would like to see more picks that work for you. I have the same exact body shape and I am horrible dressing it. I’m having a hard time with the boxy shirts. I can’t seem to find anything that is not boxy
Being 5'2" I struggle with finding petite items, and I'm always surprised how little Amazon carries. Appreciate your channel and would love the list of brands you've found.
I’m 5 feet and I have given up on Amazon. Their clothes are so cheap they make me feel like I’m wearing a costume. The influencers pushing this stuff seem sincere but their body types are usually so different than mine for one thing and are they really wearing this junk or are they just modeling it?
I agree. If it's not a wow, it's a non! It is so frustrating shopping on line. So many returns. Trying to visualize yourself in something being modeled by someone 5' 10" in an XS, so frustrating.😅
WOW! I dont know where to start! I have some health issues. I had one choice of a medication that would make a big difference for me. My sis and other person said basically so what if you gain a few pounds. Easy for them to say. A different dr ealier had given me a med and said if you gain 10 lbs and get no help stop. I did stop the med but my weight gain didnt. I STARVED myslef down. Back to current time a year ago. I did go on this new medication. It has helped with a price you can probably guess. I did not gain a few pounds I gained A LOT! I am 5 ft tall. I have been slim all my life & could wear anything. I was in tears when I really looked at myself today in the mirror, and cried. It does not help there is a very very skinny very tall man in my life I have been with before weight gain, that is obsessed with slim tall females I found after the fact. I watched several of your videos and HAD to subscribe. I had already been watching some petite videos. This time I could not starve myslef. I will not get on the scales. I started on a new wardrobe, I had not found you yet. I started with the dresses with pockets on Amazon which now look with all the lower fabric horrible on me. I sew, and have always tailored my clothes, so I tried to no avail. I tried more online clothes from Shein where I had gone at times before weight gain. I have spent and lost $ I could not afford. I did put away most of skinny clothes and was left with ziltch. I feel I had done more than one whole wardrobe as by the time I got one I was already out of that size. I went mostly monocram but I didnt even want to open the packages this time. I was in tears again. I tried going off the med but I could not take the suffering. I did just try the first thing out of the big box from Shein. It hit me at the wrong place on my hips. It made me look worse. If I take out the wardrobe which should have worked in my closet now. I think I can find something to wear. I have alot stored away already. I can not tell you how good it felt to turn on the computer and find you, Lori. I know most petite video hosts are kind to all sizes. I have been so eager to watch the next video on this subject from you. I have heard the comment from the man I have mentioned who has said cruel comments about 'overweight' women on tv. Until today I was in sort of denial. I started out underwieght so I could follow "rules" and get away until today. I do chucked at some of the compression and shapewear that pushed now back fat up until it shows now as I have continued since last purchases to gain. I am in too poor of health to starve myself down. I dont know when I will go off the med but I will probably still gain. It is what it is and I am still in a state of shock because I can not exercise and diet down out of this. Right now it hurts but you have helped me more than words can say. We need more like you online. Tears still in my eyes as this is so new right now... the realization. I know this was long and too long for it to be in comments, and maybe too long for you to read. I just needed to write it. Thank you Lori for being there for me. I know you are helping so many of us out there. To the person you read the rude remarks about stripes, etc. I feel more sorry for her attitude as it may happen to her someday.
My philosophy is to only buy something that I feel great in and that I am excited to wear. If I am not really passionate (you just used the word as I am typing) about the piece I put it back or send it back. I don’t want second rate stuff taking up real estate in my closet…
I have noticed stores like Fox's in Florida have some cool looking clothes if you're very tall!! Maybe they haven't noticed that there are millions of petite women!!! Oddly enough, I rarely have trouble finding jeans and tops without a problem on Ross, TJ's and Marshalls. Sometimes even at Sachs Off. Be well everyone and enjoy the day🎉🎉
Hi Sheryl! Welcome! Yep the dress went back for sure. You can find the list linked in my bio and I have a new review on one of the brands coming soon!!
I live in southern Nevada, and it gets really hot here. I wear only cotton and linen in the summer. So I wouldn't have purchased the green dress, even though it's cute. Polyester is awful in the summer.
Oh I think that peachy v-neck tank is darling on you. Looks very summery! The white T for me would become a sleeping shirt. I have done this SO much. The photos on websites make the items look perfect. So so many times I get things and even if I think it’s good at first, it shrinks, fades or totally wrinkles in the first wash. It is SO difficult to shop online, and yet it’s almost our only option anymore. Although that also happens with new items from stores even if I can try them on. That’s why I love shopping at thrift stores. (1) things are so much cheaper than regular stores and when it doesn’t fit or I get tired of it, I can just re-donate. (2) you pretty much know what it’s going to look like after washing. So thrift stores are my go-to, even though a lot of times it’s hit or miss on what you can find and it’s definitely a treasure hunt!
Thank you. It's really useful to see you looking your best in the main video but then to see where things weren't quite how you had hoped. Maybe you could swap the polyester dress for a t-shirt or scarf in the same shade of green as it suits you. Really looking forward to hearing about sustainability. It might be different brands in the UK but it's still interesting.
Hey Alex! I agree the dress is going back lol. Thanks so much for commenting! There are definitely many times where things don’t work out for me. I think it’s important to share those moments too even if it’s embarrassing 😂
Oh my gosh, I am so glad I found your channel. I'm 5' and cannot find any clothes. I either look like a teenager or an elderly lady. Most stores don't even carry petite anymore. Help
I agree with your take on Boden’s style, especially for t shirts and cardigans - they do tend to be boxy. The dresses can be different, though, and my favourite black dress is a beautiful fitted one from Boden.
Omgeeeee, I’m still watching while I type this. I tried the first pink dress too! Same!! Also- thought I was 5”2 1/4. Had a dr appointment this week and I’m only 5” 1. 1/2. I must’ve shrunk! Now I’m understanding why I’m struggling with petite inseams and petite maxi dresses lol!
That happened to me, too. Three years ago, my doctor insisted on measuring my height, not just asking as had been the usual practice, and I had lost two inches of height since young adulthood. But I’m older than you, 63, and have a spine disease, too. I had wondered why I felt chubby at my “normal BMI”, it was based on a height 2 inches taller than I really was, so I lost about 15 lbs. I look and feel better now, but have a bit of a short complex, which is silly. Nevertheless, I wear 2-inch heeled shoes whenever I can🙂
I am all in for sustainable petite sizes!! Thank you for this! I just discovered you and I'm excited to follow a fellow petite looking for well fitting, quality clothes that make minimal impact on the planet.
IMHO - I think none of these dresses were sophisticated enough for your style. I would return them all! You have too much class for these! It like these are designed for my young piano students. I think you deserve classic clothing, not outfits designed for college students. ❤️🥰❤️
I'm with you on every point (including being 5'0"). A point of interest on Nordstrom; they went bust in Vancouver, BC, Canada, where I hail from. Over time, I've shopped Nordstrom in various US locations. I was so nonplussed at the Vancouver location, it almost was a shock. Perhaps their marketing has changed course, but it sure was a disappointment. As you know, retail can be fickle. It is of my humble opinion that they need to regroup and cater to all as they have in the past....whew! rant over😊 Oh, if you're waffling over the green dress, it may be best to pass. LOVE your channel ❤️!
Hi Cindy! I feel like there are so many stores that I walk into and am disappointed. But mostly by the lack of options for us shorter ladies. It can really be discouraging which is the reason I tend to do my shopping online. I hope one day they cater to all women like you said. Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤
Great video. I am also on my journey of upgrading my fabric choices. I am now trying to avoid polyester. However, polyester comes in different varieties. Sometimes I prefer the ease of just wash and wear. If I'm worried about what I'm wearing sometimes I just prefer polyester in case it gets ruined or stained. Also, I prefer polyester in cold places such as offices, stores and restaurants. What I look for is if the piece is stamped on print. Then it doesn't look good if it shows the underneath part, such as a high-low hem or split. Also make surs that the print and pattern is perfectly lined up. Those t-shirts that you feel are too large can be adjusted in the back to bring them in and it won't show on the front. Also if you use an elastic band to tighten the front or side that looks cute as well.
Hi Sherry! Thanks for sharing! Yes I agree there are definitely ways to make things work. I ended up ordering that t shirt in a small and it’s still quite oversized. Not the best fit, but I’ll make it work
Hi Sherry! Thanks for sharing! Yes I agree there are definitely ways to make things work. I ended up ordering that t shirt in a small and it’s still quite oversized. Not the best fit, but I’ll make it work
Hey Lori, I'm not thrilled with the polyester green because, not only is it not breathable, the fit isn't defined enough for you. You have a very nice shape and this dress just does not flatter you. The white t shirt you have to keep is definitely workable. Even when you just folded it under a bit in the front when you showed it, it looked relaxed but not unflattering. All of the rest I would return if possible. Thank you for showing us all of this and, at my age and certainly my size, I certainly have tried a lot of clothing that was not right for me over the years.🙄😁
Hi Lori, hope you're doing well!! I liked the fact that you shared outfits that just didn't work. That's the reason I don't order on-line as much as I'd like to. The t shirts would probably have been better in a small or Xtra small. I know what you mean about the dresses looking like junior sizes even though they fit you. I am 5 2 and I'd love to know the petite brands. I'm enjoying your videos🎉❤🦋🤗
That’s great to hear! I pointed it out because many of my viewers really do rely on petite size’s instead of having to tailor everything. Thanks for commenting and super happy that you found some great things! ♥️
@andreatran2724, since you’re 5’3” you’re on the tall end of petite so it’s probably much easier for you to fit in standard sizes than it is for someone like Lori who is only 5’0”. Those three inches make a big difference.
When it comes to purchasing anything, it's a H#LL yes or a H#LL No. I've made the mistake of trying to force myself into something I know in my heart doesn't work for me. Trust that little inner voice.
Lori, I got caught up in the Amazon Sale frenzy as well. Fortunately, I didn’t purchase any clothes. I like the green polyester dress on you, fit well and liked the color. Keep it! I also liked the dress after the green that you thought was too short. A sustainable brand list would be wonderful! Honestly, I find petite clothing is cut smaller in the bodice now. Problem with regular sizing, especially dresses is they are too, too long. Frustrating! Loved the video and your honesty!❤
Hey Linda! Always great to hear from you. I agree on the bodice sizing. I have broad shoulders and a larger chest so that can be troublesome in petite tops. And the fact that I have put on about 7 pounds lol. 😔 I’ve got to do some damage control 😂
@@LoriLundquist Thank you Lori! I too need to do some damage control! Lost 30 pounds in the last year, but the scales are creeping up with my sweet tooth! 🙄
I just found your channel and you’re like a kindred spirit. I’m 5’ also but I’m closer to a size 14. It’s almost impossible to find my size and it’s so frustrating. And there seems to be less and less options for us petites. I just want to boycott any clothing company that won’t offer petites but that doesn’t leave too many options does it, lol? Just a note about Boden, if you click on their size guide they give garment measurements. You may have to scroll down but they usually provide them. This has saved me many a return as I’ve purchased anywhere from a size 10 to an 18/20 depending how I want the fit and if it’s a very loose style or clingy fabric.
Hi Karen! Oh my I feel your frustration! It’s tough finding clothes as a petite no matter what size and I completely share your sentiments. Have you by chance checked out Universal Standard? Stick with me I want to find some options for you. ♥️♥️♥️
@@LoriLundquist Thanks Lori! I'm here for more options, lol. Unfortunately, I've tried Universal Standard. In fact, I have some of their petite pieces and they really did a good job designing them. It's like they actually used someone short (like 4'11" or 5') as their fit model instead of 5'4" (which I'd feel tall if I were that height, lol). They seem to have expanded their sizes to include smaller (but average height) ones and seem to slowly be getting rid of their petite stuff. The inventory was pretty said last time I looked. I've tried some of their regular sizing and it just looks dowdy on. They can be pricey so I don't want to have to pay for extensive alterations. And considering most of their models are 5'10" and above I don't even try any more. But I'm looking forward to more of your videos.
@@kareno7792 That is a bummer to hear about Universal Standard. I really loved the story of how that company was created. Maybe I will reach out to them to find out what's going on with their petite sizing. I recently got some pieces from Petite Studio NYC. They cater specifically to petites. Can be pricey, but the pieces I've tried worked really well. Are there particular items you are searching for? Like jeans, trousers....?
@@LoriLundquist Oh that's great that you're getting in touch with US. Maybe you will have some influence with them. 🤞 I really have trouble with pants, jeans, even some shorts. For me it's not only the length (eg. a 30" length is not short) but the rise. High rises look like they're here to stay and I feel some brands that say they offer petite lengths don't adjust the rise. And as the size goes up so do the rises. By the time they get to a size 14 the rises can be 13", 14", 15" or longer! This takes up most of my torso. I know they used to make jeans that fit going back several years because I still have some (Sonoma brand from Kohls). They've had a good run but it looks like their days are numbered, lol. I did find a pair of boyfriend style at Madewell and they are decent with a 10" rise on size 30 petites. The hunt is still on.
My grandson models for Zarakids. The day before the shoot he goes in for a fitting. The clothes that are pictured on models are tailored to the fit perfectly so it’s easy for us all to be fooled by the images we see online. Just saying 🤷🏻♀️ 😊
New to your channel. Great videos. I watched all the videos for Nordstrom/prime Day. Always looking for ideas, but I noticed (especially with Amazon) many influencers pushing the same styles/products. If it’s only a maybe chances are it will just hang in my closet unworn. Also for myself I don’t like spaghetti straps. I think they are for younger crowd.
Hi Eileen! I end up learning this lesson over at least once a year lol. 😂. It can look great on someone else but it doesn’t mean it will look the same on my frame
Sadly, Nordstrom ditched petites in their stores several years ago. For me, now, they offer only shoes, accessories and cosmetics. I actually think Boden shows a polished look. Looser fitting tees do need to be tucked, but are great If you have any bulges around your middle. For petites, I think no one does it better than Talbots.
From Amazon Prime Day, I was only bought two non-wardrobe things, headphones and an AC unit, that have been on my wish list for a while, no fashion items. I only bought two things from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, too, a cashmere dress and a wool fedora. There’s just too much low-quality, synthetic-fiber clothing in that sale to interest me much.
No on the green dress. No on the pinkish tee top. The color does not compliment you. As pretty as you are I'm sure there is something out there that will be flattering. I always say that short people have no rights, and short chubby people, like me, even less.
Return the green print dress. It’s not that special, and it’s a summer-only dress, but because it’s polyester you won’t wear it in summer. I suggest you look for something better quality in that color, it is pretty, but color isn’t enough.
