After being featured on serafina blog last month, I thought it was about time that I returned the favour. Serfina is one of the main petite fashion websites in the US and it’s fantasic to be able to get an insight into the other side of the Atlantic.
So here is what I asked Lisa…
1. I just love catching up on your posts, what gives you the inspiration for your site?
Quite simply, fashion is my daily inspiration. My readers are an extremely close second. People watching in L.A. is always an inspiration. I get loads of ideas just from seeing what the girls in L.A. are wearing.
2. Go on then, give us your numbers… height, size, shoe size?
5’4″ / 00P or a 0P / 6 or 6.5 – it’s all dependant on the line.
3. Where do you shop in the US?
Yikes! Many places! I shop just about everywhere, and I’m always shopping. My favourite boutiques in Los Angeles are Beige, Satine, Trina Turk, Sophea Parros, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Panty Raid, Billion Dollar Babes, and loads of sample sales.
I’m totally in love with the Grove. It’s an outside mall with great shops like Barney’s Co-op, Anthropologie, Banana Republic Petites, Nordstrom and Marc Jacobs.
I shop on Robertson in Beverly Hills, The Promenade and Main in Santa Monica, Vermont and Hillhurst in Los Feliz, Third and Beverly and Melrose in West Hollywood.
I also like to peruse the malls in Chinatown, Korea Town and Little Tokyo.
When I’m in New York I generally hit up SoHo, and I peruse numerous shops in Chelsea, Flatiron, Union Square, the East Village — you name it. One of my favourite shoe shops is called Sacco, and they’re all over the Manhattan. They carry smart Spanish and Italian leather shoes.
4. What tips would you give to petite girls in the UK when ordering items from the US?
The sizing is different. Be sure to know your measurements in inches and check the site’s size chart to be sure what you are purchasing will fit!
And double-check that return policy. Sometimes you have no more than two weeks for returns.
Also, when returning items, keep the tags on if you are unsure of your purchase, as many shops won’t accept purchases without the tags on the item. And don’t forget that receipt!
Enjoy the weak dollar!
5. What do you think is the best online shop for petites?
Good question. It all depends on your taste. I recommend Zappos, Piperlime and Sacco for small shoes, Lula Lu and The Little Bra Company for lingerie, J.Crew and Banana Republic for inexpensive work clothes. And for hip urban threads, I’d recommend Shopbop.
6. What have you bought recently? Can you send me a link and or image of them?
My newest wardrobe addition is a gorgeous pair of Blue Notch skinny jeans. I especially love the 5% polyurethane in the denim, as well as the metallic soft leather at the top.
I’m also a proud new owner of the Angela bra by The Little Bra Company. It’s comfortable and really adds the extra oomph I need up top. It’s perfect for wearing all day.
7. What item would you buy if money were no object?
You’d think this would be an easy question, but it’s not! I thought about it, and if I had to pick ONE decadent item, it would be a Gucci couture gown tailored by Gucci in Italy to fit perfectly. Stunning!
8. Can you give us an insight into the main trends in the US at the moment?
Safari has been really popular, as well as eco-friendly brands. I’ve also seen many shirt dresses recently. Metallic purses and shoes are still quite popular, and high-waisted bottoms.
Angelenas are way into the gladiator sandal. I see a variation on almost every corner. Designer denim is huge. I see a lot of higher waist denim (jeans, skirts, shorts) on the girls recently. Pair both up with huge sunglasses, a skinny belt and an oversized purse and your ready for the day.
It does however depend on your side of town. East side girls are wearing tons of skinny jeans and flats with funky t-shirts, and you’ll see more designer duds in WeHo to Santa Monica. On the beach it’s way more chill with short shorts and flowing colourful dresses.
