Did you know that average woman in America is 5’4” tall and a size 12? Now to add to that interesting fact, virtually 95% of all models for clothing manufacturers are 5’10” and over , and a size 2 ! So how does that all work? Well, for the average “petite” woman, it doesn’t work, and there in lies the rub.

Let me  fill you  in on every chic and petite woman’s tricks! Here are a few to follow to stand tall and proud, even if you are 5 feet tall!

1. Think tall and create an illusion on height! Focus on monochromatic colours below the belt and in your suiting.

2. Tone shoes and hose into pants or skirt. This keeps the eye flowing over the lower half of your body!

3. Focus on flattering colors near your face with accessories, scarves and makeup.

4. Wear a 2 or 3 inch heel to elongate the leg and hip area, giving you an instant height boost!

5. Manicure fingers and toes in a shade that is a light neutral, or matching nude tone to your own skin tone. This elongates the digits and creates a “mannequin effect” lengthening the limbs!

6. Create a layered cut that highlights the face, uplifting it, not pulling it down for an instant lift.

7. A good lingerie wardrobe is imperative to create a smooth, toned line under neath the clothing, eliminating line breaks and other distractions.

All clothing from Nordstrom in this segment from Nordstrom. Makeup from Smashbox Studios and Sephora.

Holiday travel is creeping up on us and who has time to worry or wait through long TSA lines at the airport?  Click here for a clip from my segment on ABC network this morning that will solve all and any packing problems you may encounter! I pulled a fantastic outfit from Nordstrom mixing Milly, Tory Burch, Vince and Stuart Weitzman fantastic boots! Pack it all up with “good to go” beauty and accessories from Sephora, of course! Their new ULTIMATE BLOCKBUSTER kit is the absolute must have for the season!

Here are a few quick tips…..

here are 7 easy tips on what to pack for your 3-5 day trip.

1. one simple ensemble in dark neutral of jacket and pants, preferably in wrinkle proof textile like knit or tropical wool.

2. one “day to evening” colorful blouse

3. two or three colorful / neutral tee shirts

4. one colorful cardigan that coordinates with all the tops/blouse

5. one pair high heeled shoes or boots, and a pair of low heeled shoes/ boots

6. underpinnings in beige and black

7. one bag that doubles as a carry on in the same dark neutral as shoes/ boots/ jacket/pants

Add to this list the Sephora cosmetic items that are in solid/ pencil/powder form such as special kits including eye/ lip/ cheek colors.

Bon Voyage! xx Jeane B.

Here are three quick and easy pieces you can purchase, or maybe even own, that will create hundreds of options for your wardrobe, for Fall and forever!