Merry Christmas!

Hi my fellow petites!

Sorry for the lack of posts as I've been extremely busy with Christmas outings, trips and family events. I do wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a safe New Year.

If you're planning to go shopping on Boxing Day, make sure you wear your comfortable shoes and practical clothing-make sure you check out boutique stores as well as your normal mainstream stores for great clothes and accessories.

I'll start blogging around January 5th, 2009-so be prepared for new posts...and a makeover.

Happy Shopping!
5ft0

Petite Friendly Kookai Sale

We all have the urge to splurge this month and Kookai is no exception. Starting tomorrow, Kookai are having a 30% off sale storewide with all their clothes and accessories. This sounds like heaven to me.

They do great v-neck tops, as well as dresses, shorts and jackets fitted for a petite girl. I consider Kookai to be the upper-class version of Supre.

Petites, I must show you the stunning collection of party dresses that are so gorgeous-you'll dump Brad Pitt to go and see this. You'll expect to pay more than your standard Kookai prices-but these frocks are worth a look.

Tanah Sunset Dress-$450

Tahitian dress-$550

There was this other frock I saw at Kookai Oxford Street, it was a black boob tube dress with a diamante spider brooch in the middle. I don't have the picture here, but before the sales the dress cost $1050. While these frocks are worth a look, you might as well save your pennies for the essential items such as great tops, t-shirts and pretty skirts.

Hope that interests you my fellow Petites and I shall see you soon!

Happy shopping!
5ft0

CUE SALE!

Cue is turning a lovely 40 this year and ladies, brace your seat belts-Cue are having a sale up to 50% off all stock! This includes the individual Cue stores as well as the ones inside Myer.

Definitely check out their blazers and shirts, they are producing wonderful garments this season.

It starts on tomorrow, 18th December 2008.

Happy shopping!
5ft0

Cue

Grey has been one of the most versatile colours you could have in wardrobe (besides black and white).

At Cue, they've been making heaps of fantastic tops lately. Cue has been well-known for its corporate wear, but in the last two seasons-they've revamped their image and producing clothes and accessories which could be mistaken for Proenza Schouler.

Buy it now:
Cue, Style code: R5227/935-$139

Maximillia and Oroton Sale!

MAXIMILLIA

One of my favourite online stores- Maximillia are having a spring sale right now! You'll save up to 50% off the latest Spring 08/09 collection as well as further reductions on last season's stock.

Another incentive to shop? FREE SHOPPING ON ALL DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL ORDERS UNTIL MIDNIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY (25th December, 2008)

My pick?

Rebecca Taylor 'Tier Rose Dress' in blue (also available in pink and white), $350.70

OROTON

If you sign for Oroton, you'll be given a voucher which allows you to receive 30% off on all Oroton items. This will only go for five days, from Wednesday 17 to Sunday 21 December 2008. Remember to bring the card with you to receive this discount.

My pick?

Costa chain hobo in black, $495 (with 30% discount, $346.50)

Happy shopping!
5ft0

TopShop

There are many reasons why Australia should have TopShop and they have a section dedicated to petites! The smart cookies at TopShop decided to redesign and proportioning these fashionable items to fit those who are 160cm and under-so they can wear them without worries!

My advice? Shop at TopShop UK as they have more variety than their US counterparts. I can't believe I'm already shopping for my winter wardrobe, but this one item I recommend:

Petite Jersey jacket in charcoal, £40

I'd wear this with skinny jeans and a plaid shirt-which will be huge next season. I like the zipper and the collar in this jacket, it's sweet and tough at the same time.

TopShop do sell dresses, skirts and trousers for petite people as well, but they do best with jackets and coats.

Happy Shopping!
5ft0

More Chain Store Sales

You got to love this time of year, there are more sales floating about.

Witchery-Their sales have started today. Tops, jackets, shoes, bags...you name it, there are on sale. It is only on selected items. Take note, for pre-Christmas delivery, place your order before Monday 15th December.

My pick? This lace button front cardigan:

Witchery, on sale for $69.95

Love the lace trimmings on the sleeves and down on the centre front opening. The waist belt shows-off your tiny waist. It comes in an extra-small as well, so my fellow petites-it's a great buy!


Mollini: The sales start tomorrow, but only on selected items. Some of their shoes only cost $70. My favourite would have to be the Gucci-inspired shoe:

Fugee, $70 (comes in ivory, magenta and black)

Midas Shoes: They too, are starting their sales tomorrow. The majority of shoes are on sale, but check at the individual stores too. Nevertheless, here's my pick:

Paige-$178 (available in patent black and ivory)

David Jones: For this week only, you'll save 25% on all toys, 35% when you spend $50 or more on kitchenware, cookware, dinnerware, drink-ware, picnic-ware and napery.

Word of warning: Homeware offers exclude Villerory & Boch, Jasper Conran, Vera Wang and Monique Uhuillier.

Offer ends 14 December 2008.

Happy shopping!
5ft0

Chain Store Sales

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me...

Three stores offering great discounts tomorrow:

Glue Store: Wednesday 10th December, 6pm till 9pm-it's 20% off all full priced clothes and accessories. This discount doesn't go to sales items. This VIP shopping night excludes Market City and Charleston stores.



David Jones: From today til Thursday, you can save 15% off on all full-priced fragrances, including gift sets. Also, you'll get 10% off on all make-up gift sets, skincare gift sets and bath and body gift sets.

Even more, you'll save 25% off on the following brands: Natio, OPI, ModelCo, St Tropez, MOR, Bloom, John Frida, Evian, Tweezerman, Sally Hansen, Dr. Lewinn's, Mason Pearson, Al'chemy and A'kin, In Essence, Trelivings, Earthly Possessions, Badger Balm, Linden Leaves, Living Nature, Yes to Carrots, Innoxa, Vida Sassoon, Biore, Le Couvent de Minimes, Stri Vectin and Gal.

Here are some of the gift sets on offer:


Kookai: Petite-friendly store, Kookai are having a 20% off sale on the majority of items. If you sign up to be a member Kookai, you'll have a chance to win 100 double preview passes to Vicky Christina Barcelona. The first 100 people to send thier name and postage address to marketing@kookai.com.au will be sent a double preview pass valid on December 12th, 13th, 14th and 19th, 20th and 21st.


Websites:
Kookai: www.kookai.com.au
Glue store: www.gluestore.com.au
David Jones: www.davidjones.com.au

Happy shopping!
5ft0

Cloning of the Designer Kind

Marc by Marc Jacobs Quinn shoulder bag
$AU658.07, Available at Net-a-porter.com

Witchery Monique Twist Lock Shoulder bag, $269.95

The idea of spending $2000 on a bag or a wallet right now is absurd. Given the current economic climate, I'll be rather paying off my HECS, mortgage and electricity bills than forking out on a designer bag.

This is why I love designer-inspired stuff. I could fork out on a $659 Quinn shoulder bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs. With its supple ivory leather, it's a classic. However, I can walk over to Aussie brand Witchery and find the exact same bag for $269.95. You know which I'll be getting my fellow petites.

However, if you're addicted to Net-a-porter, they're giving us Aussies free shipping for any items purchased from the website before December 19. You've got to love web-shopping.

Happy Shopping!
5ft0

Bargain Buyers

You should put this on your "Things to-do-list". It's a shopping tour. On Saturday, my friend Laurenza and I went on a shopping tour called Bargain Buyers. Basically, you raise funds for your pre-school, school, organised group, non-profit organisation, or a group of friends getting together for a day of fun. You'll have a friendly tour guide telling showing you where all the cheap, but stylish shopping places are in Sydney.

The shopping tour I went to cost $50, but you should check the website for details. Yes, morning or afternoon tea, as well as lunch is also provided.

I lost count at the number of warehouses I've been to, but there were two places which were brilliant!

Handbags & Shoes-Auburn

Here are the details to Handbags & Shoes Factory Outlet:

Shop 2, 55-59 Parramatta Road
Lidcombe NSW 2141
Ph: 02 9647 2577

The name says it all! This was the shop that most of the women at the shopping tour went nuts! You see, Handbags & Shoes stocks brands such as Review, Jag, Diana Ferrari, Fiorelli and Annapelle which are 50-70% off the RRP. I purchased a Miu Miu coffret-inspired bag by Review:

Review Kierra Bag-$59.50













If I were to buy this at Review boutique stores, Myer or David Jones, I'll spend $119.95 on this bag. Nevertheless, it's cheaper than spending on the original:

Miu Miu Suede Coffer bag-$1912.47

As much as I love it, it'll cost me an arm and a leg to get this bag.

Victoria's Basement-Auburn

This place sells many fine cutlery, pots and ceramics. These bowls are made by a brand called Benzer. I fell in love with the bold, bright colours depicting an old-style cafe in Paris. Victoria's Basement at Auburn have these items 50% off the RRP. So, get in and buy some pretty cutlery and dinnerware.

Benzer Salad Bowl "Cafe de Paris" series-$29.95

Benzer 16cm bowl "Cafe de Paris" series-$9.95

You should give these shopping tours a go. Sorry for the lack of clothing post, I'll be onto one really soon! Happy shopping my fellow petites!

Warehouse Sale: Ksubi

Aussie denim brand-Ksubi are having their Christmas clearance sale. Here are the details:

Place: Ksubi
Paddington Town Hall
Corner of Oxford Street and Oatley Street
Paddington NSW 2021

Day: Friday 12th December-Sunday 14th December, 2008

Time: 10 a.m-5 p.m.

Nothing's over $100. Should be a great day my fellow petites =)

Happy shopping!

Bardot Boutique Launch

Aussie brand Bardot, has a new label called Bardot Boutique.

What I love about Bardot is their jeans, they create jeans for the vertically challenge. Ask your sales assistant for this and they're bound to help you out.

A word of caution, Bardot clothes are of a small make. Usually, I'm a size eight with most clothes, but with Bardot, I'm a size twelve.

I'm interested in what clothes Bardot Boutique will produce. I can't wait for this!

Here are the details for the launch:

Date: Saturday 6th December
Time: 11 am- 2pm
Place: Bardot
Westfield Shopping Centre
500 Oxford Street
Bondi Junction NSW 2022

As an incentive to spend big in the current economic crunch, the first 150 customers to spend $50 or more will receive a free Bardot Boutique goody bag.

Look forward to seeing you there Petites!

Signs Anna Wintour is Tired of Fashion

In a previous post, I typed out how Anna Wintour may be leaving US Vogue forever as her contract with magazine publisher Conde Nast is coming to a close. Sources from the New York Post have presented this:

“Her contract is up soon,” an insider said. “She’s thinking of retiring. She feels she’s done it all and had enough. She has been putting out feelers to intimate friends recommending a possible replacement to S.I. Newhouse. She’s so tired out, she just let Men’s Vogue close instead of fighting for it.”

The last part of the sentence, is true too. Back in September, Conde Nast folded Men's Vogue magazine into Vogue. Previously, Men's Vogue had been published ten times a year. The folding of Men's Vogue was due to the "U.S. financial meltdown". Considering Men's Vogue is one of Wintour's babies, along with Teen Vogue and Fashion Rocks, it was interesting that Wintour didn't bother fighting with Newhouse in order to keep the magazine afloat.

In another article by the New York Post, it quoted, "Elle's October issue scored 66 more advertising pages than Vogue", a figure that won't sit well with Newhouse. To add insult to injury, rumours have been flying about that Russian Vogue editor, Aliona Doletskaya will be the next US Vogue editor.

If these rumours turn out to be true, it'll be the end for a fashion era.

Another Aussie Petite-Friendly Brand

Natasha Gan is a great Aussie brand. I've been gushing over their designs for a while now, thanks to my addiction to glossies. It's feminine, without being too sweet and I adore how she pays attention to tailoring and minute details such as the lace on the dresses, the bright colours to the use bold prints on her dresses.

A word of caution, Natasha Gan clothes are of a smaller make. So if you're a size eight in Rodeo Show clothing, expect to be a size ten in this brand.

Now, if I could only buy all the clothes from Natasha Gan, I'll be one happy lady.

Zara Finally Comes to Australia

This news has gone under the radar, but I feel it should be given more recognition than it currently deserves.

After a gazillion years, Spanish clothing company Zara, is finally going to open its store in Australia! In the land of Down Under, chain-stores such as Bardot and Sportsgirl are well-known for producing the latest clothing and accessories from runway to real-life in the space of two weeks. With Zara entering the market soon, this will force all Australian chain stores, including Country Road and Kookai to pull up their socks . You would too if you're going to be competing with the largest fashion retailer in the world.

Zara is petite friendly-yes, that means for all you petites out there, you're going to find items of clothing that require little or no alteration.

I can hear everyone thinking, "Why did it take so long for Zara to come down under?"

The answer my friends, is the joint venture agreement (JVA) between Inditex and Australia's retail mogul, Peter Lew. What's a joint venture agreement you ask? In everyday terms, it's a business enterprise where two or more companies share the outlay, risk and profit. This discussion went for two years before both parties decided to open up the store in Australia.

You see, Zara founder, Amancio Ortega and its parent company Inditex were contemplating on whether to open up a store in Australia, as issues such as logistics and the different seasons in the southern hemisphere are playing havoc at the moment.

If you're scratching your head as to why Peter Lew sounds familiar, his father Solomon Lew use to be Chairman of Coles Myer (now Coles Group) and invested in retail companies such as Greshams Private Equity (owns stores such as Mimco and Witchery) and Just Group. I find Ortega giving the exclusive rights to Lew rather interesting. Why, you may ask? Lew copied techniques from Zara-where clothing was updated on a daily basis, rather than a seasonal basis. He used these technique to transform Witchery from a struggling store to a popular women's fashion chain-store.

Nevertheless, what's been decided right now they'll open up the first store in Bondi Junction Westfields between 2009 and 2010. My dreams have finally come true.

Now, if I only could say the same thing for Top Shop and H&M.

Loving the Markets

There are many reasons why Sydney-siders all flock down to the Glebe markets on a Saturday. You'll find many unique items at this particular market-from spoon wind chimes to 70s style satchel bags.

At one of the stores, they were selling Erana & Daska jewellery from $10-$30. This is a huge bargain, considering many department and boutique stores will sell this between $25-$90. The trick with market shopping is patience-you have to be willing to go through all the 'junk' in order to find a gem. Anyway, I found these two items from the Glebe markets:

Leather bound journal-$10

I was patting myself on the shoulder for buying this. Stores such as Kikki-K, Smiggle and stationery stores will sell these journals for at least $40. If it was an A4 or bigger, it'll be $80.

Vintage metal gold belt with diamantes, $30

You don't see belts made like this anymore. Usually, $30 will get you a belt made of vinyl material. If you want to spend money on a good belt, expect to pay at least $50 for one made of leather-if you're lucky. At high fashion chain store Cue, some of the belts retail around $100 or more. They are beautiful belts, but the average person won't spend folk $100 on a belt.

The Glebe Markets are opened every Saturday from 10 a.m-4 p.m. It's in Glebe Public School, at the corner of Derby Road and Glebe Point Road.

For fashionistas, you'll find many vintage clothes and accessories. It's also home to vinyl records, spoon wind chimes and Ned Kelly armoury.

Here at 5ft0, it's party season.

It's a little early, but I've got staff Christmas parties to attend. With many workplaces, it consists of copious amounts of alcohol, cocktails and finger food. At one of the places I work for, it's already crazy because we're dressed to a particular theme. A few weeks ago, we all received the invitation to the annual Christmas party and dress to a particular theme.

This is our chance to let our hair down and play dress ups. I feel like a kid eating candy. Now I want to dress up in this occasion. Whatever it is, it's my first year at the job and I don't want to be a party pooper.

At my other workplace, it's traditional and it'll be at the Soho Bar and Lounge at Potts Point. I feel like a cocktail dress is needed and Alice McCall stocks some great dresses. For instance, this dress:

'If these walls could talk' shift dress-$360

I love this dress as it features a defined waist and a pretty print. It's demure and sexy at the same time. Great for petite girls!

Dress-$380

The zipper dress is in season. I really like how it shows-off one's curve, instead of hiding it. However, If you feel $380 is a lot of money to splurge on a dress, here are some cheaper alternatives!

Mink Pink Donna Bustier Dress-$60

Mink Pink Kansas Dress-$35

All of these dresses are available on "About A Girl". To see more of their dresses, click here. I love "About A Girl" as they are stock great dresses that suit petite girls at an affordable price. Happy shopping!

More Warehouse Sales

Hey my fellow petites! There are more sales coming up at the end of this year. Here they are:

Camilla and Marc 50%-75% Relocation Sale:
Friday 28th-Saturday 29th November, 2008

Paul and Joe Sale- up to 75% off RRP:
Thursday 27th-Sunday 30th November, 2008
Suite 2, Level 2, 50 Holt Street Surry Hills 2010

Happy shopping!

Rumours Anna Wintour is leaving Vogue

US Vogue editor, Anna Wintour is rumoured to retire soon. Her contract with Conde Nast is almost up and sources from the New York Post, Contorture and Racked are spreading this news like wildfire.

Wintour's been the editor of US Vogue since 1988, do you think it's time for her to go, or she still has more to offer?

Bec & Bridge

Bec & Bridge produces great clothes for women, especially for petites. They're affordable, with the average pieces costing around $160-$180 range. There's something to suit everyone. These are my favourite dresses that'll flatter a petite figure:

Dress-$150

Dress-$199

For more details about Bec & Bridge, click here .

Warehouse Sale!

Rodeo Show is having a 3 day sale, up to 90% off cute short, tops and gorgeous dresses!

Here are the dates:

Thursday 27th November, 5 pm - 9 pm
Friday 28th November, 8 am- 5 pm
Saturday 29th November 10 am- 5 pm

The sale will be located at Unit 12, 13 Bowden Street, Alexandria NSW 2015.

Hope to see you there!

The Classic Blazer

Blazers were popular this year and there are so many of them-oversized, cropped, tuxedo, you name it. However, I find many women won't wear one because it looks way too formal. Others find it difficult to find a blazer that fits them. If you're big busted and petite like myself, you have trouble finding blazers that aren't tight around the chest. Then you have the issue of the sleeves being way too long. The best solution is to find a tailor that makes great blazers. If you'll rather buy ready-made blazers, then I've found some that suit petite people in a range of prices:

Economy class: Sheike, Get Smart Jacket, $159.95

I find Sheike make fashionable business clothes for women. They are suitable for petite people as their clothes are of a smaller make than Witchery or Cue for instance. If you go visit Sheike stores, ask the shop assistant for their classic 'Black Vertigo' jacket. It has three buttons and retails the same price as the Get Smart jacket.

Rodeo Show-Rabbit Tuxedo Jacket, $299

Rodeo Show make great clothes for petite people and this cropped jacket is another reason why I'm a devotee to this boutique shop.

First Class: Oxford pinstripe wool blazer in Navy, $395

Oxford is another reputable brand which creates great blazers. What I love about this is the pockets and how much detail is placed into every piece of their clothing. Oxford Shop has recently opened a new store at Chatswood Westfield and they're having an opening sale with 40% off most items. This promotion only lasts until Friday 21st November, so get there quickly to nab great bargains.

These are some of the few I wouldn't hesitate to buy and it fits perfectly for petite girls. Happy shopping!

It's at Rodeo Show, babe.

Hello my fellow petites! I am sorry to have neglected this blog for five days, which is a lifetime in the World Wide Web. I have been busy with uni work-finishing up my assignments and exams and now, I'm done!

Today, I walked into one of my favourite shops of all times-Rodeo Show. The owner/designer of Rodeo Show, Lisa Thai creates pretty, summery dresses, tops and shorts that suit petite people. Most of the clothes are around the $99-$250 range. What I love about Rodeo Show dresses in particular, is that you can throw it on without fiddling with zippers and what not, and still look pretty. Also, what I find with Rodeo dresses, they are made for petite girls with hourglass figures as they are nipped at the waist to show-off your pocket size curves. This is the dress I ended up buying:

Sierra Dress in red, $149. (Also available in cream and yellow)

I love the lace around the collar of the dress and if you closely at the hem of the dress, it is pleated as well. It's something I would wear to have coffee with the girls.

With Rodeo Drive, there are a limited amount of dresses, tops and shorts available, to ensure exclusivity-so you won't be faced with a girl wearing the same outfit as you! The store also stocks Erana & Daska jewellery, with the range costing from $25-$90.

Some of the Erana & Daska jewellery on display.

Dresses, jackets, shorts and tops available at the store.

Rodeo Show is located at 56 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021. However, another store stocking these products is Luxe Boutique located at 20G, Sydney Central Plaza at Sydney NSW 2000. However, they only stock a small amount of Rodeo Show products in store-but nevertheless, it is worth a look.

Anyway, take care my fellow petites and I'll sign in soon.

Basic Summer Shorts and Skirts

I finished uni yesterday, I decided to go into the city in search of a good pair of shorts and skirt. Five hours of shopping and I managed to purchase two items of clothing from a store called Marcs. Here are the two items:

Straight Cotton Tulip Skirt in Light Grey, $159 (also available in black)

Button Detailed Shorts in Black, $129.

With the tulip skirt, you either wear it casually or dress it up for work or dinners. Personally, I'd wear either a fitted top, or a ruffle collared shirt with it. Same with the shorts. These fitted me perfectly, I bought them immediately!

I'm making a mission to find these basics pieces of clothing at a wide range of prices. Not everyone will buy a $129 pair of shorts, so I'm hunting down a pair of shorts for under $80 by the end of the week.

The Awkward First Post...

I'll keep the introductions short. I'm starting this blog, "Five Foot Nothing" for petite women who have trouble finding clothes that suit their figure. Sure, you could go to the kids' section of a department store, but they're suited for kids (Doh! That's why they call it the Kids' Section!) and the majority of women have curves-not a string bean figure.

I can hear some fellow readers saying, "Why don't you go to Hong Kong or Japan? They have heaps of clothes for small people there!" Yes, I know that. However, I don't have a million dollars in my bank account to purchase a return ticket from Asia on a daily basis. So here I am, dedicating myself to shopping full time, finding clothes which suit us petite women.

So sit back and let someone else do the hard work for you!