At Bomb Petite we like to offer a platform for real petites, their experiences and style journeys. This is why we have chosen to feature ‘My Petite Story’ by Poppy Chanelle. It is an inspirational and heartfelt memoir.

Poppy has collaborated with Bomb Petite before – she was our model (you can check out that post here). A big thank you to Poppy for sharing her story. If you like what you read, you can get more of the same at Poppy’s wonderful blog Miss Everyday Elegance.

Growing up I never felt self conscious about my height, until I reached adulthood, and had to learn the hard way how important your clothing choices were in regards to the impression you made, and the way people treated you.

I was often picked up and carried around unexpectedly at random times of the day.

As the years rolled on my classmates shot up in height, and most of the boys towered over me, which meant I was often picked up and carried around unexpectedly at random times of the day.

At this point buying clothes was easy and enjoyable, as I could shop in the teenage sections of the high street stores, and keep up with the current fashion trends.

It wasn’t until my first year at beauty college, where finding clothes to fit started to become a struggle. When my friends started to shop more in womenswear, I still needed to shop in the children’s sections. Buying clothes that didn’t fit became the norm.

Towards the end of my first year at college, I began to feel tired all the time, falling asleep in the day, and my weight had dropped below six stone, and worst of all I began losing a lot of hair. I was diagnosed with the endocrine disorder “Growth hormone deficiency”.  And so, within a couple of days of my 17th birthday I started injecting with growth hormone every night. After a few months of taking it, my energy levels, and skin had improved along with some healthy weight gain, and my hair was also showing signs of improvement as well.

My diagnoses had been made quite late, mainly because the women in my family are all round 5’2, so for me being short didn’t really seem like anything out of the norm. I have still managed to get a small increase in my height just scraping 4’11, and who knows, I could reach my predicted height of 5’1, as I will remain on growth hormone until the age of 25.

The women in my family are all round 5’2, so for me being short didn’t really seem like anything out of the norm.

After finishing my national diploma, I began volunteering at my local Oxfam boutique in Chelsea where I developed a passion for fashion. It wasn’t long before I got my first proper job at Laura Ashley on the iconic King’s Road in London. Each season we had to wear the collection as our uniform. The fit of the clothes wasn’t the only problem…

At first I chose clothing that I would normally go for, i.e. really cute dresses that were a fit and flare sort of style, but because of my height and baby face I didn’t realise that they made me look about 12, and so the customers treated me as such. Customers were really rude, they did not want to deal with me, or want my opinion or help, and would often ask to speak to someone else instead. I didn’t think they were treating me like this because of how I appeared, I just thought wow, these customers are really tough!

The next season, just by chance, I chose for my uniform more mature, smart classy dresses that were fitted in style and these also showed off my figure. From the first day I wore them I couldn’t believe the changes in people’s reaction to me. The customers started treating me totally different, like I was a different person.

From the first day I wore these smart classy dresses I couldn’t believe the changes in people’s reaction to me.

Some of you may say,” oh you probably just got better at your job”, but no, as when I reverted back to the old style of dresses, the rudeness from the customers returned also, which made me feel self conscious about my height, so from that point I only chose the sophisticated dresses to wear, which gave me an added confidence boost, and also enabled me to do my job properly.

I have learnt to embrace my height, and turn it into a positive when people try and use it to put me down, plus it’s a good excuse for my massive shoe collection, as you can never have too many high heels I say!

It’s a good excuse for my massive shoe collection, as you can never have too many high heels I say!

The post “My Petite Story” by Poppy Chanelle appeared first on Bomb Petite.

Erika Fox, the red haired beauty and creator of Retro Flame has indelible style. Favoring good tailoring and interesting prints, the Ireland native has one highly covetable look. Here she shares with Bomb Petite some of her inspirations.

Your style defined in 3 words
Quirky, vintage-inspired & girly

If you could trade closets with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Victoria Beckham

Other bloggers you follow
Kayture, Gary Pepper Girl, WeWoreWhat

If money were no object you would buy
Endless amounts of shoes!

Current trend you are embracing
Mules – I actually really like them!

Anything in your wardrobe you’ve never worn?
Some vintage pieces I’m keeping for special occasions

Biggest fashion mistake petites make
Wrong tailoring & lengths

Which brands work best for your shape
I love wearing Zara items

What do you look for while shopping
Investment pieces

Your favourite shopping destination
London

What are the 3 items every girl should have in her closet
A good black dress, heels & bag

You would never wear
Anything red!

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VISIT ERIKA’S BLOG retro-flame.com

The post Petite fashion blogger: Erika from Retro Flame appeared first on Bomb Petite.

She’s the blonde, dulcet voiced beauty known for her killer electro pop tracks and enviable style. The Blackpool born singer and songwriter oozes bohemian cool both on and off the stage. Here Little Boots talks to Bomb Petite about 80’s inspiration, life on the road and the power of music…

Photo by Mari Sarai

One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I box which is not something people expect that often from a small blonde girl! It’s a great way to keep fit and channel any stress.

If you hadn’t become a musician, what would you be doing now?
I narrowly escaped working in TV production but if things hadn’t happened the way they did maybe I’d still be doing that, I also love writing and radio, I hope it would be something music related in someway at least.

What is your favourite place you’ve been to on tour? Have you bought any cool things on the road?
Tokyo was always my no. 1 city to visit although I did finally get to Rio last year and it possibly stole the number 1 slot! I always go trawling vintage shops with my band on tour, I’ve had some both incredible and horrific finds, you never can really tell until you get home.

Does your music influence how you dress?
Absolutely 100%, even since a young age whatever music I was listening to and whoever were my current musical idols always had a huge influence on my style. When you’re an artist you’re a visual representation of your music, it’s a full package.

Is your stage wardrobe very different from how you dress every day?
It definitely has been in the past although I’m thinking of making it less dramatic, a lot of female artists feel like they constantly need to be different and out crazy each other so it feels more interesting at the minute to go the opposite extreme. I’m really into minimalism and modern tailoring at the moment. But in the past I’ve definitely had some pretty glamorous/ out there stage outfits! I’ve collaborated with House of Holland and Felder Felder on stage wear and I also worked with a designer called Michelle Wu on a dress that lights up in time with the music for The Creators Project.

What item of clothing do you find yourself buying again and again?
I’m a real sucker for heels, at the moment I also can’t stop buying white shirts and tapered trousers which sounds boring but its the quest for the perfect ones!

Where do you shop?
My new obsession is Vestiaire Collective, its kind of like fashionista ebay. Asos and Topshop petite are pretty indispensable with my dimensions and I shop online a lot as I’m always travelling, I also love Liberty and Browns Fashion in London, Opening Ceremony in New York, Wasteland in LA/ San Fran and the Harijuku district in Tokyo. For high end stuff I love Chloe, Miu Miu, Isabel Marant, Celine… I’m also a big fan of Carven. And Other Stories is great at chic highstreet stuff.

If you could swap closets with anyone, who would it be?
I’m obsessed with Melanie Griffith in the 80s film ‘Working Girl’ at the minute.

What do you think is the secret to dressing well as a petite?
Knowing your dimensions and not compromising until something fits well. Also you can actually get away with a lot more daring trends than your tall friends, bonus!

If you could persuade any designer in the world to do a dedicated petite line, who would you choose?
That’s a tough one… I love Antipodium but they always come up to big for me so that would be good. But probably I’d just expand the Topshop petite range to include the fun clothes as well as the staples

___

Visit www.littlebootsmusic.co.uk for tour dates and news.

The post Q&A with music maverick Little Boots appeared first on Bomb Petite.

The fashion world is all of a buzz with the news that Suzy Menkes, fashion reporting veteran and style savant, is leaving the International New York Times to take up a position at one of the most influential titles in the world – Vogue. A force to be reckoned with within the industry, Suzy’s petite stature has not prevented her from rising to the top. And that got us thinking…there are so many fabulously dressed, wonderfully talented petites making big waves in the fashion industry.

We’ve made a list of some of the most inspiring petite ladies who have exciting jobs in your favourite magazines. These are ladies in high profile positons – the tastemakers, the trendsetters. See Franca Sozzani, the glamorous Editor of Italian Vogue, Kerry Pieri the impeccable Senior Digital Editor at Harper’s Bazaar, and Trish Harpin the Editor-in-Chief at Marie Claire to name but a few. These figures are powerful women with a sense of style so innate, it transcends their career and becomes something personal. They are chic petites in their everyday life.

Suzy Menkes

Incoming International Vogue Editor, Condé Nast International

Kerry Pieri

Senior Digital Editor, Harpers Bazaar US

Karla Martinez de Salas

Fashion Market and Accessories Director, W Magazine, US

Mitsuko Watanabe

Editor-in-Chief, Vogue Japan

Carrie Tyler

Editor-in-Chief, NeverUnderdressed.com, UK

Trish Halpin

Editor-in-Chief, Marie Claire, UK

Franca Sozzani

Editor-in-Chief, Vogue Italy

Amanda Weiner

Senior Accessories Editor, Harper’s Bazaar, US

Alex Fullerton

Fashion Director, Stylist, UK

Natalia Alaverdian

Fashion Director, Harper’s Bazaar Russia

Hannah Almassi

Fashion Editor, Grazia UK

The post Meet the Fashion Editors who are Petite appeared first on Bomb Petite.

By Anna Timoney

Joann Doan, the style savvy behind lovefashionlivelife.com mixes preppy pieces with boho elements effortlessly. Cool, eclectic and sophisticated Joann knows how to play with fashion. Here she talks to us about her favourite brands and what inspires her.

Your style defined in 3 words
Casual Trendy Chic

Do you prefer timeless classics or cutting edge trends
I prefer a happy marriage of both classic pieces and edgy trends. Mixing trends with classic pieces allows you to explore your style more.

Your style icon
Nicole Richie

What inspires your personal style?
The life around me has inspired the evolution of my personal style. I realized that as I’m going through different phases in my life, my style changes accordingly to match it.

Favourite brands
Balenciaga, Alexander Wang, Asos, BCBG, f21, H&M, Rebecca Minkoff – just to name a few.

Current trend you are embracing
Skirts: full, midi and leather. I love them ALL.

Other bloggers you follow
Wendy’s Lookbook, Gary Pepper Girl

If you could trade closets with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Nicole Richie & Olivia Palermo

Best style tip for petite women
Highlight your best assets and always elongate!

What are the 3 items every girl should have in her closet?
A good pair of denim that will make you feel amazing even on bloated days, classic pumps that will go great with everything and a maxi dress because some days I just don’t want to wear pants.

One fashion item you can’t live without
Strawberry Carmex. Chapped lips are totally not fashionable.

What do you prefer – dressing up or dressing down?
I prefer dressing up my casual outfits. Comfort is key to my fashion success.

Where do you shop?
Anywhere and everywhere. Malls, outlets, online retailers, boutiques, thrift stores, etc. If they carry cute things, I’m there!

You would never wear
Real fur

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JOANN’S TOP PICKS FROM OUR PETITE SHOP

ASOS Knitted Sleeve Denim Jacket in Vintage Wash

Banana Republic Striped Floral Fluted Skirt 

Olivia Moon Wrap Top Jumpsuit

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VISIT JOANN’S BLOG lovefashionlivelife.com/

The post Stylish Petite Women: Joann from Love Fashion Live Life appeared first on Bomb Petite.

Are you in a style rut? Want to try something new and shake up your wardrobe?

For the past while we have been collecting our favourite images on Pinterest created by petite personal style bloggers. Images bursting with creativity, attitude, fashion… from bloggers who understand their small frame and how to work it. These ladies style themselves out of common petite pitfalls, accentuating their best assets while also expressing personality through their clothes. We have picked our top 5 bloggers – girls who are fashion savvy with a cool, easy style.

Wendy’s Lookbook

Image source: www.wendyslookbook.com

Wendy Nguyen has a sophisticated, classic style with daring elements. A leather jacket thrown over a prom dress. A clash of prints. A dollop of eye popping colour. These ensembles are always so well pulled together – from the accessories to the shoes. Her Youtube videos and ‘Frame’ magazine provide endless inspiration. Wendy is currently based in LA where she volunteers with youths.

Visit www.wendyslookbook.com

Walk in Wonderland

Image source: www.walkinwonderland.com

Sheryl Luke pulls off laid back Californian cool effortlessly. Shot against a backdrop of saturated sunny LA days, Sheryl experiments with quirky accessories and casual basics. Cutting a silhouette that’s both relaxed and sleek, she shows us how to style ripped boyfriend jeans and structured blazers with attitude.

Visit www.walkinwonderland.com 

5 Inch and Up

Image source: 5inchandup.blogspot.com

Sandra Hagelstam’s images have an editorial quality that transcends the realm of blogging. Each photograph is beautifully realised. A hazy beachscape. A woodland scene. Sandra opts for a mostly neutral palette of beige, black, cream and navy but plays with textures and dimensions. Hailing from Finland, this Scandinavian beauty is currently living in London where she studies fashion design at London College of Fashion. Watch this Space…

Visit 5inchandup.blogspot.com

Extra Petite

Image source: www.extrapetite.com

Jean is a Boston girl who works in financial services when she’s not creating covetable outfits on her blog. Standing at approximately 5ft, she gives honest styling tips to her fellow petites based on her own experience. This look is prim and polished – full bodied 50’s skirts, blazers and lady like style. Gossip Girl re-imagined.

Visit www.extrapetite.com

Fashion Me Now

Image source: fashionmenow.blogspot.com

Lucy Williams lives in London and channels easy going vibes through her wardrobe classics. Distressed denim. Leather jackets. Perfect pumps. Slinky camisoles. With a mixture of personal style images, topical editorials and campaigns, Fashion Me Now has constant zeitgeist-y appeal. Simple, paired back inspiration and beautiful shots to muse over.

Visit fashionmenow.blogspot.com

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To get more inspiration from the amazing petite bloggers featured and many others visit our Pinterest board: http://www.pinterest.com/bombpetite/petite-style-by-the-fashion-bloggers/

Are you a personal style blogger? We are always on the lookout for new inspiration! If you are 5’4 or below write to [email protected] Who knows, you may even make our next Top 5 list…

The post Style Inspiration: Top 5 Petite Fashion Bloggers appeared first on Bomb Petite.

By Anna Timoney

With the iconic Jimmy Choo as her Uncle, it is no surprise that Lucy Choi is one stylish lady. Lucy studied business and had a career in the city before following in her Uncle’s footsteps and launching her own shoe label, Lucy Choi London.

A petite lady herself, Lucy instinctively understands the needs of petite women and has created many of her beautiful shoes in a size 35. Her shoes are fabulously indulgent creations for the elegant woman. The collection is now sold in over 60 high end boutiques nationwide and in leading department stores like Harvey Nichols, Fenwick of Bold Street and MatchesFashion.com. Here we talk to the unstoppable Lucy Choi about inspiration, her fashion must haves and her top advice for petite women….

What inspired you to start your own brand?

I knew from early on that I wanted to do something for myself. I learnt the hard way! I could have chosen an easier path to join the family business but decided to carve my own niche in the shoe industry. I was inspired by my Uncle (Jimmy Choo) who has always been a mentor figure and installed in me from a young age the importance of giving 110% and I feel lucky to have such a person in my life. I began my career in the city first to gain a sound business background, and then spent 10 enjoyable years at French Sole where I learnt a great deal about the shoe industry.

I spotted a gap in the market for stylish, affordable, comfortable shoes and with the support of my family and husband, decided to take the leap to launch my own label last year. At the same time it felt like a very natural step for me. My previous experience in business and fashion worlds, combined with my shoe heritage gave me the confidence I needed to start my own collection.

You have recently introduced size 35 shoes to cater to petite women. Can you tell us more about this initiative?

We are delighted to be able to offer many of our best selling styles in a size 35 for SS14. We always listen to our customers and this was something that was top of mind for many of them! We are now selling to the Asian market so we now have a requirement for this smaller size shoe. In addition we have also introduced a size 42 as well to cater for taller women. We do our very best to listen to our customers and respond quickly.

As the head of a luxury footwear label, do you feel pressure to look good? How do you decide what to wear in the morning?

My outfits have to be comfortable but also have plenty of character either in shape or texture – like my shoes! I always think about what shoes I am going to wear before I think about an outfit and build my outfit around the shoes. All my shoes are classic and very wearable but also have character and that wow factor. I also try on and wear each pair of shoes in my own collection myself to ensure they are comfortable and meet my high standards before they are produced so I am never short of new shoes to wear. I also love to experiment with a different pair most days though often find I go back to my favourites the Goldstone Leo, Zara lace up ankle boots and the Anastasia shoe boot seems to go with everything!

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is classic with a twist. I wear a lot of black but like to mix textures and fabrics, from cashmere and silk, to leather and lace.

What items are you wearing over and over again?

My Current Elliot jeans are my daily wardrobe staples, or for meetings I have some gorgeous dresses from Collette Dinnigan and Alice Temperley. Plus of course a pair of Lucy Choi London heels!

Do you prefer dressing up or dressing down? What is your go-to casual look?

I love to dress up and have a stunning Herve Leger dress I bought for my husbands 40th birthday which makes me feel amazing. I have a young son so I’m also equally happy dressing down for casual days and weekends. My go to look is skinny jeans, a tailored or leather jacket and my Vienna flat boots are the perfect addition to any casual look. My Sofia Kokosalaki coat is one of my favourite pieces, it goes with everything from jeans to black tie.

What are your favourite clothing brands?

I love Alice Temperley, Alexander Wang, Philip Lim and Collette Dinnigan. I always buy my jeans from J Brand and Current Elliott. I also love to seek out new, upcoming designers at Wolf and Badger. Where I live in West London there are some fantastic boutiques where I always know I will find something special and unusual. As for bags, I’ve been using a clutch bag from my new range to carry all my essentials.

As a petite, is it ever challenging for you to find good fitting clothes?

Over the years I’ve learnt which labels to go to which suit my figure. I’ve learnt that if you buy cheap you buy twice so it is always better to invest in a few good designer pieces. I don’t mind spending on pieces that I know I will wear over and over gain. It does break the bank but it’s worth it!

If you could persuade any designer in the world to do a dedicated petite line, who would you choose?

Stella McCartney.

What is your top style tip for petite women?

Fabulous heels!

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VISIT LUCY CHOI LONDON WEBSITE http://www.lucychoilondon.com

The post Stylish Petite Women: Lucy Choi appeared first on Bomb Petite.

By Anna Timoney

It’s not often that you see petite women striding down the catwalk. A fact that clothing brand Gambita sought to remedy.

Gambita is a US based online retailer catering specifically for petites. This specialist store has everything from everyday basics to evening glamour must haves. During the summer they launched a petite modelling contest- a popular idea which attracted the support of many petites. The modelling spectacular culminated in a fashion show with 8 finalists on 25th October in New York. Judges included fashion bloggers Sara Zucker from Farpitzs (http://www.sarazucker.com), Cyndi Ramirez from Tastethestyle.com and stylist Samantha Lim.

Move over Kate Moss….  Kaleigh Friend from Illinois was selected as the overall winner and the new face of Gamibta! A victory for Kayleigh and petite fashion.

The post Gambita Fashion Show – Runway Success appeared first on Bomb Petite.

Mixing laidback and luxe with coquettish flair, Stephanie Liu of honeynsilk.com knows good style. Her effortless dress sense epitomises Californian cool (she hails from Orange County) while also bringing an edge that’s all her own. Here she gives us the low down.

Prepare for clothes envy.

Your style defined in 3 words
Playful, feminine, and colorful.

Do you prefer timeless classics or cutting edge trends
Timeless classics, always! I don’t usually follow trends, so I love pieces that can last me a lifetime and will always be in style.

Your style icon
Giovanna Battaglia is my latest style crush. She is innately chic and it’s obvious through her perfectly put-together looks.

What inspires your personal style?
My style is inspired by the confidence and glam from the eras of Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall and by the whims of traveling to charming places such as the South of France.

Favourite brands
Thakoon, Opening Ceremony, Reformation, and Alexander Wang.

Current trend you are embracing
The amazingly fun crop top trend!

Other bloggers you follow
Gary Pepper Girl, Chic Muse, and Shine By Three.

If you could trade closets with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Miroslava Duma and of course Giovanna Battaglia

Best style tip for petite women
Find a great tailor! I go to my tailor at least once a month for hemming and adjusting clothes to perfectly fit me.

What are the 3 items every girl should have in her closet?
Comfortable, sexy stilettos, a structured black crossbody bag, and a great dress to throw on any day.

One fashion item you can’t live without
My Maya Brenner initial necklace.

What do you prefer – dressing up or dressing down?
I prefer dressing up! It’s always more indulgent.

Where do you shop?
I shop at The Outnet, Net-A-Porter, my shop ShopLastNight.com, Urban Outfitters, and Barney’s.

You would never wear
I used to say I would never wear peplum, but I did recently and I don’t hate it anymore. So I won’t say I’ll never wear anything!

_

VISIT STEPHANIE’S BLOG www.honeynsilk.com

The post Stylish Petite Women: Stephanie from Honey & Silk appeared first on Bomb Petite.

By Anna Timoney

Style savvy Jenny from goodbadandfab.com is legal eagle turned fashion fox! Her effortless LA style blends cutting edge pieces and timeless classics. Here she talks grunge, good posture and her beloved Chanel bag. It’s time to get inspired!

Your style defined in 3 words
Feminine, eclectic, versatile

Do you prefer timeless classics or cutting edge trends?
I try to incorporate a little of both into everything I wear.

Your style icon
Diane Kruger

What inspires your personal style?
LA’s vibrant and colorful subcultures and neighborhoods

Favourite brands
Carven, Kenzo, Isabel Marant, 3.1 Phillip Lim

Current trend you are embracing
Modern Grunge

Other bloggers you follow
The Glamourai, Because I’m Addicted

If you could trade closets with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Rachel Zoe

Best style tip for petite women
Shoulders back, chest out, and stand up straight. Fab style starts with good posture.

What are the 3 items every girl should have in her closet?
Little black dress, leather jacket, and comfortable skinny jeans

One fashion item you can’t live without
Chanel purse

What do you prefer – dressing up or dressing down?
Dressing down while looking put together

Where do you shop?
Fred Segal, Madison, Nordstrom, flea markets, Zara

You would never wear
Fashion is abstract. Fashion is fleeting. So I never say never!

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VISIT JENNY’S BLOG Goodbadandfab.com

The post Stylish Petite Women: Jenny from Good, Bad, and Fab appeared first on Bomb Petite.