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Hey Shorty:
Interview with Christa Jean of Petite Fashionista…
YOU WANTED TO KNOW
OF INTEREST
Are you one of those vertically challenged women who have the toughest time trying to find clothes that fit properly? Do you find yourself wearing shirts with sleeves so long that they flap in the wind? Are your pants two sizes too long that you end up sweeping the floor with them when you walk? I too share that pain.
After complaining to my mom and sister ad nauseum about the sheer horror that I feel when trying to shop for clothes that flatter my shape and height, my sister sent me an e-mail telling me to check out a blog that she recently discovered.
I clicked onto the link and I was amazed to find out that there was a blog devoted to the plight (and glory) of being short. I excitedly read everything on the site. I loved that Christa Jean – the mastermind behind the site – was able to provide fashion tips to fellow shorties like myself. I was so overcome with joy that I fired off an e-mail thanking her for her site and asking if I could interview her for my site. She responded immediately and said that she would like to meet me as well.
We decided to meet a few short days after I sent my initial e-mail. Christa suggested that we conduct the interview at the café at Holt Renfrew, but at the last minute we had to change our plans as there was a beauty event taking place and we had to leave. We opted to go for drinks at an upscale yet cozy lounge that happened be the venue for her first ever Petite Fashionista fashion show (psst…mark your calendars. The event happens on June 22. )
When I met Christa – a diminutive, cute, bubbly ball of energy – she gave me the warmest hug ever! (Yes, us shorties stick together!) But before she could even tell me a little bit about herself (like that she’s a fashion stylist, she’s traveled to Africa, and she loves ginger), I begged her to help me find clothing that would flatter my curvy petite body. She politely obliged and suggested a few stores and labels that I should try. Thanks, Christa!
We proceeded to walk down Yorkville, but before we reached our destination we popped into the Look Fab studio and scored a bunch of great beauty samples. While we were enjoying the free swag, I bumped into my sister. Being the sweet grrl that Christa is, she invited my sis to tag-along with is for the interview (she’s sweet, eh!)
The interview took place at Proof bar – a super chic luxurious lounge. Christa was looking for a signature drink for her event, and asked my sister and I to test out possible drinks. I, of course was incredibly willing to help her out with that! But before we got too tipsy from the libations I started the interview.
What inspired you to start your blog?
When I was trying to find my niche in the fashion industry, I knew it was important to specialize in something, so I wanted to find a way to specialize in being petite. I started doing some personal shopping. I was always helping out my mother, my aunt and my cousins – everyone in my family is around five feet tall. At first I would shop for friends and family who are short, and then I found the concept of a blog to be quite intriguing.What was so intriguing about a blog?
It is a great forum to test out ideas – to gain a readership, to do research on a certain area of the industry. Whether you want to take that somewhere or whether you want to have it for a school project, business or an article, it’s a great way to get feedbackWhat has the response been to your blog?
I have received so many encouraging e-mails and comments from readers. Readers come to the blog and read the content and feel comfortable to ask for help. I became an expert because of the website… which I didn’t mean to do, but I of course enjoy!Who is your website specifically for?
It’s for all women 5’4" and under. The biggest misconception with the word “petite” that I have noticed is that my friends or people that I would meet would come up to me and say, “I love your blog but I’m not a petite.” I’m like, “You’re shorter than I am! Of course you’re a petite!” But they thought that petite meant a size two. Petites come in all shapes and sizes – it’ just about height. That’s why I think that there is a lot to write about this problem.What plans do you have for your blog?
Immediately, there is a lot going on. Within the next few weeks you’ll see the first video podcast – the first episode of The Petite Fashonista.I also have my event happening on June 22, 2008. It is the first ever fashion show for petites.
The new site will be launching soon. It will be an interactive site that will have a forum and groups like Facebook. You will also be able to shop on the site.
Who’s your favourite petite style icon?
Eva Longoria. I think that she is able to do glamorous without looking overdone. She looks like she’s having fun even when she’s really done up. She’s not taking herself too seriously. I also like Rachel Bilson, America Ferrera and Salma Hayek.How would you describe your style?
Sexy sophisticated. I like to show skin, but I like to look professional and put together. I like to look glamorous. Definitely not preppy!What’s something that you wish you could wear, but doesn’t look quite right on a petite girl?
That’s easy, those ankle booties…those little ones that you wear with a bare leg. To all the short girls out there, Please don’t wear them! When you wear a bare leg with booties you are completely shortening your leg. It doesn’t look good.What’s your favourite fashion trend for the summer?
I really love the “natural” waist dress. I’ve noticed that a bunch of skirts and dresses have a higher waist. It’s very elongating.As soon as Christa answered the last question the battery in my tape recorder died and the interview ended. But that didn’t stop us from sitting back for another hour laughing, relaxing and choosing a yummy signature drink for the event. You’re going to love it – the event and the drink! ¤ Michelle
Visit the official website at www.petitefashionista.blogspot.com to get fashion tips and advice on all things petite.