There are days I just want to give up on wearing pants. I know you understand how I feel, petites. For years, pants haven’t seemed to love me back. Sure, I’ve hit the petites sections in stores, but styles seem so limited. I was envious of all the fashionable options my taller friends had. So I hit their racks and made the local tailor my best friend. But I’m tired of having to dole out the extra money to get things hemmed to be petites friendly and the waiting period before I can enjoy my purchase. Just because I’m more diminutive than the next girl, I’d appreciate instant flattering-pants gratification.

Since becoming a member at MyShape, I can believe in pants again. (And I’m not saying this just because they give me a paycheck.) Only pants that fit my measurements appear in my Personal Shop, so I no longer have to browse racks for the right size. And neither do you, pretty petites, because I’ve found some great office-ready pants for our many shapes just waiting for you to discover.

For As like me I’ve found the ultimate easy-living bottoms in Tribal’s stretch-gabardine pants sans buttons and zippers. I can just slip them on and enjoy how the slightly flared leg makes me appear taller, while on Ss the detail flatters their curves. These pants look so great I’m tempted to get them in every color: charcoal, black and navy. A petite P will also benefit from the contour-waist style as the lower, wide waistband lengthens the torso.

With fall upon us these straight-leg corduroys in black and brown will be a welcome addition to the wardrobes of Hs and Ys. The pants’ stylishly stitched back pockets add some interest to H bottoms, while Ys will appreciate the texture of corduroy, which adds softness that balances out strong shoulders.

The straight-leg appeal continues with Liz Claiborne’s indigo stretch-cotton Jackie pants that petite Es will love to pair with heels, keeping their bodies looking lean and long. Ms also can go Jackie chic as the slightly lower waist and straight-leg style keep their proportions super sleek. And the pants’ classic trouser design has “I mean business” all over it, offering a confident look all day long.

Women of every shape are covered—beautifully—when they have a Personal Shop. Because at MyShape, when I’m in my Personal Shop, it’s not about being petite—it’s about just being me.

Oh, fall—must you come so soon? As temperatures start to drop, it’s time to find that perfect fall jacket that works well for your curvy plus size figure. But by no means do plus size women have to settle for boxy looks that are totally unbecoming or opt for a plain choice that doesn’t reflect any sense of style. As my colleague Sheila says, “Plus is not a minus!”

Plus size figures come in all shapes, so you should choose the jacket that fits well and reflects the way you live—and it doesn’t hurt to look stunning in it too! Are you all about style, all about function or a combination of both? Here are some styles at MyShape to keep plus size ladies looking fabulous—and warm—next season:

Who needs to go basic black when Gayla Bentley has so many lovely options? There’s this great black dotted crepe jacket featuring a single-snap neck closure that is oh so chic. With its princess seams, slight flare and feminine collar, it beautifully shows off the M or S hourglass while creating a nice shape for an H. To really stand out in a crowd, this silk organza wrap jacket is a winner. And pay no attention to people who say that you can’t wear white after Labor Day. Flattering on an H and E, the extra-wide collar accentuates the shoulders and neckline, and the tie belt gives an H a nice waistline or sits easily around an E with a wider middle. Another good fit for an E is this jacquard jacket. The wide collar draws attention up, and the single hook closure allows the front to skim a wider middle.

Take a very vintage turn in this long cotton-modal jacket from Chalet. Ideal for A, Y and P shapes, the sleek bodice with a fuller skirt balances a Y’s strong shoulder line and a P’s full bust, while the full skirt skims an A’s hips. For a more casual style, Neon Buddha’s drawstring stretch-cotton jersey jacket works well on Hs and Ys. Available in three colors—chili, sage and stone—this jacket features pockets that balance Y shoulders and fill out H hips.

With so many wonderful jacket options for fall, you’ll be ready to greet the new season in style!

My mom’s getting remarried in October, so I’ve been scouring the MyShape website for the perfect dress for the occasion. There won’t be a bridal party, but there will be a reception…so the wedding’s still a great excuse to wear something new and a little fancier than any outfit I already own. After work on Friday I visited our warehouse to do a little trying on—and testing of my Personal Shop’s recommendations.

First up: a chocolate brown stretch-sateen dress by Donna Ricco. I met this drop-dead gorgeous sheath while writing product descriptions a couple of months ago and immediately fell in love. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in my shop. Drat! But I decided to give it a try in the size I’m most often matched with. I stepped behind the curtain in our ShapeMatch team’s makeshift dressing room and shimmied into the dress…and as I zipped up the side, I realized why MyShape hadn’t chosen it for me. It wasn’t exactly too large or too small; it just wasn’t cut to fit me. The straps reached a little too high, making them slip off my shoulders, and the front was slightly baggy even though the dress looked fine over my hips and back.

I should have known to trust my Personal Shop and not wasted any more time sighing over this gorgeous piece that’ll look fantastic on someone else. Is it in your shop? Somebody needs to enjoy it! The curve-hugging silhouette and shirred chiffon bodice that adds a little oomph to the bust make it dazzling for an M (just not my particular M shape) or H.

Dress number two was a satin-twill beauty by Suzi Chin. Now, I have to mention, in case you’re eyeing it that the photo of this dress doesn’t reveal just how rich the color looks in person. This dress is purple—okay, “aubergine” according to the designer, but to my eye really, really purple and not as dark as I would expect aubergine to be. I was surprised when I first saw it but, as it turned out, pleasantly surprised. This option was chosen by my Personal Shop, and not only did the intense color flatter, but the dress fit beautifully. The neckline was subtly sexy, revealing only a hint of cleavage, and the pleating around the midriff made me forget any worries about the lustrous fabric outlining my belly.

I adored the Suzi Chin dress, but I’d saved another amazing contender for last: a Nanette Lepore in some of the most beautiful jacquard I’ve ever seen. Now, normally I wouldn’t consider a bubble-hem dress since it’s such a youthful look. There’s something different about this one, though. Asymmetrical gathers and a weightier hem make the full skirt look almost sculptural, and the sweetheart neckline forms curves that complement a straight shoulder line—an altogether great design for an M, or a Y or H for that matter. I was afraid this dress would be too short, but it only fell about two to three inches above the knee. (I’m five foot six with longish legs.) As with any Nanette Lepore dress, there are so many convenient details too…bodice boning, detachable straps that button to the bodice, even a built-in partial bra band inside that keeps the bodice secure.

Help! I can’t make up my mind!

Length of just about everything is an issue for the statuesque (a word we hate, incidentally. I’d never dream of clasping my lanky hands together and gushing to a petite friend, “I just love how garden gnome-ish you are!”). But if there’s a third rail when it comes to the length issue, it’s inseam. Do not wave 34 inches at me and call that tall. I’m still scarred by cries of “Flood’s over!” from my early adolescence. And here’s another little-known inseam fact: tall women tend to brag about theirs the way certain men brag about…well, you get the picture. In fact, it’s probably the only body measurement women openly flaunt the larger it gets. But when the one-upmanship dies down, you need a pair of jeans that prove you’re the tallest of them all.

That’s why when rumors began swirling here at MyShape that Paige Premium Denim jeans were coming in, I went skipping around the office, which is something talls never do. I would, however, dumpster dive for a 36-incher, so when their Laurel Canyon Jeans in Lagoon finally arrived, I shadowed them from receiving to the photo studio. The product photoflash was still a warm, blinding aura when I snatched them up.

At home I gently draped them over my least sat-in chair, occasionally sounding a shy, goofy giggle like they were Brad Pitt or something. Once or twice I wandered out of the room, then immediately ran back in and gave a surprised gasp, like I’d totally forgotten I’d bought them. Finally, I slipped them on, and through that miracle called a Personal Shop, they fit perfectly—low and sexy-snug around my curvy hips—and were possessed of an eye-popping 37-inch inseam. I dug my platform sandals out of the closet and slipped them on, checking my look in the mirror. Swathed in premium denim, my legs were endless, and the boot-cut flare balanced my A shape perfectly, because I may be as tall as a supermodel, but I’m definitely not built like one. And now I’ve set my sights on my next conquest: Paige Premium Denim Laurel Canyon Jeans in McKinley. Darker wash, similar boast-worthy inseam and nice boot-cut flare. Looks like my dumpster-diving days are over.

I have to admit I’m a bit of a florals snob. It’s not that I think I’m above them or anything. It’s just that I feel floral fashions can be difficult to do well. There often are multiple colors that have to work with your coloring, and although I like feminine silhouettes and details, I’ve never considered myself much of a girly girl, garden party type.

That said, Donna Morgan’s jewel-toned floral cocktail dress gets the botanical look just right in my book. The lush brushstrokes of teal, fuchsia, sunset orange and golden yellow give the print an abstract, impressionistic aesthetic that feels exactly like a hazy late summer day just before the leaves start turning. The palette could work well with many skin and hair tones too. I fall somewhere between an autumn and a winter, and these hues compliment either type of coloring. The ultimate result? A fresh and flattering flourishing motif that’s much more painterly than prim and proper.

As far as shape’s concerned, I’m all about the bodice ruching and V-neck since I’m an M with hips fuller than my bust and a straight shoulder line. The function of the ruching for my not-very-buxom figure is pretty self-explanatory, but a V-neckline is great for drawing focus in from the shoulders and upper arms. (Coupled with the full, floaty skirt, this means the dress would flatter a Y as well.) The fabric is also 100% silk, so it won’t add a lot of weight that obscures my subtler curves.

This flirty frock clearly has a summery silhouette (which means I’ll be able to wear it by itself through October here in California), but it could be worn with a cardigan during the fall and spring. Another plus is that it’s easy to dress up or down—the vibrant print makes it appropriate for daytime with sandals, but the silk chiffon and deeper-hued ground allow it to transition into the evening hours.

Petites, my trip to Montreal is fast approaching, and all I’ve packed so far is my safari jacket. For day-to-night fun, I’m thinking this simple off-the-shoulder dress from Laundry by Shelli Segal. It’s the ideal length for petites, just above the knee, whereas a longer skirt or dress could make petites’ legs look shorter than they are. And it’s jersey, which means comfort, comfort, comfort! I can wear it on the plane and feel ready to hit the city streets the moment I land.

To dress it down for the outdoor music and arts events I’ll be attending, I can wear my Elizabeth Gillett ombre scarf—an absolute essential in Montreal for its dramatic weather—and throw on a pair of jeans to look très chic. When it comes to pants, I like to go long to lengthen my body, and these Kenneth Cole stretch-cotton jeans keep me looking fit, flattering my A figure with their straight-leg style. (Though capris with a little flip at the hem don’t hurt!)

I prefer shirts to fall at the waist, or close to it, and be semi-fitted. If I wear anything much longer or looser, I tend to drown in the garment and look like a little kid. (Not what I need in my 30s. I like to look young, but not that young.) Eileen Fisher has a beautiful come-hither square-neck tunic that has the most feminine silhouette and would work great for dinner into the a.m. hours, and the more casual pleated scoopneck from AGB in magenta would be super cute with my jeans for any occasion and especially for the return flight home. I could go with either top or an extra splash of color with the scarf, depending on my mood.

And, look at that, with six versatile pieces that take up little space in my bag, this petite’s packing is done. Au revoir!

Dearest petites, if you’re anything like me, packing for a trip can be a pain. Selecting the right clothes that will be versatile enough for all occasions takes smart planning, not just for petites but for everyone. I’m gearing up to spend a weekend in Montreal, where the weather can be less predictable than where I live in Southern California, but I want to pack lightly—one carry-on. Why pay an extra baggage charge? It’s economical to stick with essentials, and, petites, considering our size, it’s also sensible. Our bodies can only carry so much!

Weather-wise, I need to be prepared for warm days, cold nights and random rainfall, while activity-wise, I have a fancy dinner, a couple outdoor festivals and endless bars and clubs, as well as four flights and two layovers (no direct flight this time). What to wear? Let’s talk wardrobe necessities: a dress for play, a pair of jeans because I’m lost without them, a couple cute tops and a jacket, just in case.

When I fly, the first item I always pack is my jacket. It’s what keeps me warm at the airport, it doubles as a pillow on the plane, and it’s a must-have for Montreal evenings. I’m thinking my DKNY safari jacket will go with anything. It’s a neutral, lightweight button-up jacket with a great tie belt that provides a tailored look without the weight or constraint of a blazer. I always pay attention to the length of garments because of my compact frame—where clothes hit on my body can make a huge difference in my appearance. That’s why the jacket’s 3/4 sleeves and hip length work well to balance my A shape without overpowering my upper body.

Check back soon to find out what other weekend essentials go into my carry-on!

I had long ago sworn off striped tops as a component of my style, last wearing one many months ago as part of a mime costume. Once I’d entered my 20s, most of them just seemed a little too preppy for the adult version of me—a reminder of my somewhat unpleasant experiences at private elementary and high schools. Neither was I interested in psychedelic, Godspell-style stripes in rainbows of bright hues since I tend to dress more on the understated side. And though I found myself briefly tempted by the striped gamine look, I worried the strong horizontal lines wouldn’t be flattering on my straight-shouldered Shape M body.

Enter Bailey 44’s Kama Sutra Weaved Top, whose entirely fresh take on stripes somehow blends a modern graphic polish with flattering draping inspired by this summer’s Grecian trends. The jersey fabric is striped in a mix of neutrals, and although the lines are strictly horizontal in back, the front interlaces strips of material diagonally, forming a forgiving weave that slims the torso. A long seam edged with shirring runs down the center, pulling the eye in from the shoulders and accentuating a proportionally smaller waist. The effect is sleek without being so clingy that it reveals you just ate more for lunch than a handful of almonds, and the curved front hem continues the attractive angled lines of the design.

Surprise, surprise: I love this top. It’s enough to make me completely reconsider my aversion to stripes. I’m realizing that even a horizontally striped tank could look great on a strong-shouldered M or Y shape as long as it has a V or scoop rather than a bateau or crew neckline. So maybe it’s time to abandon my bias against stripes and welcome them into my wardrobe in one or two of their modern incarnations.

I’m going to venture out on a limb here and call studding one of the hottest, if not the most sought after, embellishment choices of the season. Don’t expect the typical punk-rock looks we’ve come to expect, though. The latest take on this trend is the studded top covered in a plethora of hammered discs, nailheads or faceted metal squares—or even all three—arranged to create a Greco-Roman or Art Deco Egyptian Revival look (an echo of 1920s fashions inspired by the discovery of King Tut’s tomb).

Michael Kors’s Silk Top with Hammered Metal Studs is a perfect example of the Egyptian influence on this summer’s fashion. The billowy cut with fluttering cap sleeves forms a dramatic desert-diva silhouette that looks best when paired with fitted trousers or jeans or just about any type of shorts, from slouchy tie-waist styles to crisp Bermudas. I wouldn’t let that scare you, however, if you’re not into voluminous blouses. It’s also cinched at the waist with a drawstring tie that nicely maintains an hourglass outline and accents the bust curve, plus the slightly clingy material gently traces the body. The placement of gold embellishments of varying shapes and sizes on this studded top reminds me of a Nile princess’s elaborate neckpiece without becoming costumey and feels extra luxe juxtaposed against the buttery soft, deep orange silk.

And that just might be why the studded top is turning out to be a must-have item for 2009…that sense of balance between supple, sensual fabric and a tough, assertive element which perfectly captures American femininity at the end of the first decade of the 21st century. These artful studs are grown-up, more regal than rebellious, and they represent the woman who’s truly in command of her life with the resourcefulness to ride out the recession while maintaining it all: family, friendship, career and personal style.

Oh good grief. Another obligatory barbeque. I’ve been to three in the last week, and I’ve already had to give my blue sundress a repeat performance. Also, it now has ketchup stains on it. I don’t think I can bear another scorcher in jeans. I’m not particularly comfortable in shorts (I’m a bit thigh-shy). Oh, woe, and why and what shall I do?

This was me, friends, until I realized the solution had been staring me in the legs for some time. Crops, floods, Capris, Bermudas—these are the white knights of my summer social life. Finally, someone can actually see the wedge sandals I overpaid for. I’ve struck gold. The best part? Ankles are no longer considered private parts (thanks, 1700s!), so you can show them off with impunity! Another barbeque? Oh crop!

But cropped pants are not just for play. Take ISDA & CO’s Cabana Canvas Capris—a season-savvy career-wear alternative with tailored nods to a trouser and the shape and flow of a skirt. Pinstripes and a braided belt lend AGB’s Pinstripe Stretch-Cotton Crops a note of office élan that goes from business to bonfire like a pro.