Continuing in the Olsen vein from a couple of days ago, today’s Celebriday features Ashley Olsen, one half of that multi-million (or is it billion?) earning pair. Now the Olsen twins have matured into right beautiful young ladies with a quirky sense of fashion, for the most part. Some days they seem to do better than others, but you can’t say they aren’t highly individual.

Still, I like this classic look Ashley devised here. Is it monochromatic? Check. Is she wearing a petite-flattering hairstyle? Check. Did she make the most of that dramatically plunging neckline by forgoing a necklace but still keeping it classy and non-tacky? Double check. 

She looks elegant and glamorous in a very subdued way. Although I really like this look, she’s still young, and I also like it when she and her sister step outside of the fashion box a little.  

Photo: celebrity wonder

She decided to start up her own business because even petite pants are sometimes too long for petite women on the shorter end of the short spectrum! I can definitely vouch for that because I’m just 5′0.

Her specialty is pants because that’s an area that can frustrate even the most patient among us. Yes, if you’re 5′4, technically you fit into the petite category, but inseams are likely to fit you better than your 5′1 sister.

There are some upcoming events this month, so if you’re in the Oakland, CA area or the Toronto area, be sure to see if you can attend. Otherwise, find out more about the brainchild behind 5ft2in.

In theory, I’m a fan of the tunic. It can be casual or elegant…sometimes both. Tall, willowy women usually look fantastic in tunics when paried with slim pants or even nothing at all. That’s why I’m a fan in theory–this isn’t a flattering look for petites most of the time.

However, if you love tunics for their body-forgiving qualities, you have to keep in mind when and how to wear them. Now I haven’t been able to figure out exactly what Mary-Kate Olsen has on here; is it a mini dress or tunic top? I’m not so sure. When it comes to petites, it can be both, can’t it?

Anyway, what Mary-Kate has done here was pretty smart. The top is black, her bottoms are black, her shoes are black (I like that peek of bright toenail polish, too). Plus, she jazzed it up with a bag in a completely different color, but with a similar tone in fashion.

If you choose to brave the tunic, you need to be on the slender side and you should make sure your outfit is monochromatic. Otherwise, you run the risk of looking short and dumpy instead of elegantly petite.

Photo: Style.com

While you won’t always be able to sport a shoe in a tone close to your legs, when you can wear nude shoes, you should definitely try. A shoe that closely matches your skin tone helps elongate your petite legs, making you appear taller.  

This Stuart Weitzman pump is classic; the pointed toe helps make your legs look long and lean. Don’t think you have to restrict your outfit to just light colors, either. This shoe can work with a little black dress. Keep the hose nude as well and don’t forget a matching nude clutch.

Photo: Saks  

Believe it or not, it took me quite a while to warm up to the cropped cardi. Then again, in my younger days, I used to not follow many of the petite fashion rules, so I probably looked like Cousin Itt most of the time. Anyway, the cropped cardi!

I am simply loving it. In a style like this Harrison Morgan beaded number, it’s demure, it’s classic, it’s just pretty. I’ve seen other styles that are more edgy and urban, so you can choose a cardi based on your particular style. This would look good over a form-fitting little black dress or a slender black tee with matching slacks. Add Sabrina heels and a clutch and you’re all set.

Photo: Saks 

With the recent release of the Sex and the City movie, we’re going to focus today’s Celebriday on one of the film’s stars, Sarah Jessica Parker. Please tell me I’m not the only one who remembers her from her Square Pegs days! Boy, talk about coming a long way.

Personally, I like the wavy/curly hair look on SJP. I think this is a good length for her, but I also like her hair a little shorter. She’s in amazing shape, which helps to elongate her body. Unless she’s standing next to one of the film’s taller actresses, like Kim Cattrall, you can almost forget Sarah is petite. That’s because Sarah really knows how to dress and accent her best parts while not emphasizing anything negative (though, I have trouble finding any problem areas). Case in point–keeping the jewelry to a minimum with a strapless dress like this.

If you see Sex and the City this weekend, tell me what you think!

Photo: celebrity wonder

Contrary to popular belief in some circles, petite women come in a range of sizes, not just size 2. What’s a plus size lady to do when other people equate the term “petite” with “waif”? Find shops that cater to your particular size, of course.

Avenue, which has long supplied women sized 14-32 with fashionable clothing, offers pants in Tall and Petite categories. Look into their Petite line and you’ll find jeans, trousers, yoga pants and work slacks, all with a shorter inseam to accomodate your frame.

The Meredith Trouser pictured is available in several colors (grey, cement, expresso; latte only in average length) and is a great, basic, no nonsense pair of pants, perfect for the office.

Photo: avenue  

Well, it’s hot enough to feel like summer already, at least where I live, so that means Swimsuit Season is upon us. Even though swimsuits are barely-there items of clothing, petite women can choose swimwear that makes us look taller.

Although I love boy shorts because they’re perfect for hiding not-so-perfect hips and thighs, they’re not the most flattering bathing suit bottom for us. The tried-and-true high cut bottom really is best. Also, the top you pick is important if you want to elongate your frame.

I like the halter top because the V-neck is automatically your friend; plus, if you don’t have a whole lot on top, halters can create the illusion of a fuller bust more than a bandeau top or a triangle.

One piece suits also work, but make sure you choose one with minimal print or vertical stripes. A suit with one solid stripe straight up the middle would work great.

Time to choose your new suits for the season, ladies. What’ll it be for you?    

I have to admit, I’m a bit of a stickler when it comes to undergarments. And when I say undergarments, I mean exactly that. They should remain under your clothes and not be seen (trashy celebrity trends aside). The thing is, with all of our options in fashion, you sometimes need a lot of underwear. Certain bras just aren’t for certain tops.

Wearing a close-fitting tee? Then you need the right bra. A lacy, frilly demi-cup just isn’t going to do. Instead, try the Essential T-shirt bra from Lula Lu lingerie. If you’re not familiar with Lula Lu, this a lingerie company perfect for petites. I know every petite woman isn’t small-busted or tiny, but if you are and you have a difficult time finding bras in a smaller size, you really need to check them out.

This particular bra, which will ensure a smooth line under any tee, comes in a range of sizes starting at 30A (try and find that size in Victoria’s Secret). Look into the other offerings at the site if you want something grown-up and sexy, which you won’t find in the Training Bra section.       

Photo: Lula Lu

This dress really works for Eva and would for any petite women with similar shapes. The deep V-neck is almost universally flattering, the skirt hem hits in the perfect spot and the wide band around the waist accentuates it while not cutting her body in half because it’s the same color as the rest of the dress. Add to that the beautiful flower detail and this is one dress I’d love to own.

The shoes are another perfect pick. They complement the dress, but the light color (almost nude) adds to the lengthening effect. Plus, the toe is more on the pointy side. Either go with the pointy toe shoe for maximum size or something close to it. Great styling job, Eva!

Photo: celebrity wonder