Monday Musing- Being Petite and Pasty Legs
Happy Monday ladies. In an effort to keep things light this week, I’m musing about some random things that have no theme…spring layers, being petite, which patterns flatter us and having pasty white legs.
All brands have their own criteria for what’s petite. Most include being 5’4″ and under, which counts me in. The problem is I have a long torso and arms so petite sleeves are always too short. The rise on many petite pants is too low for me (increases muffin top) so that leaves me hemming my pants.
All women can benefit from knowing and utilizing a good alterationist but it’s great to find a garment where you don’t need one and this duster fits the bill.
I wandered into my local Chico’s last week and had them strip this duster right off the mannequin so I could take it home. There wasn’t another one in the store so I don’t know if they’d had many and were sold out or they’re just beginning to come in. No matter the reason, I did not want to miss this beauty.
I saw this same duster in a pumpkin shade last year but had to pass on it because orange tones are deadly on me. This spring they’ve brought it back in this cooler-toned green, I could not resist.
It’s also reversible so I’ll get double-duty out of it. My husband prefers the animal print side, but my favorite is the floral which I’m not usually drawn to.
Style Tip- it’s most flattering to match the scale of a print to the scale of your body. Petite and small women look best in smaller prints and taller or large women are more flattered by larger prints. All the rest of us are best in medium-sized prints. Large spaces between the print enlarge that area on your body so positioning matters.
I shared my new denim dress in the round-up email yesterday and several of you purchased it so I decided to reshare it here for those who do not subscribe. I love to wear maxi-length sundresses in the summer. Their length is always a challenge for me so I was thrilled to find this one in petite. It looks great unbelted but I’d just bought this wide, braided belt in navy and like how they look together.
I wore it with my super comfy, Gentle Souls Wedge Sandals which worked, but I’m in the market for ones without an ankle strap for this summer and ordered these.
Self-Tanner
As things warm up, I’m thinking about self-tanners to use this spring and summer. I’ve been using this Natural Glow by Jergens, but sadly, it’s not cruelty-free so I need an alternative.
To be clear, Jergens does not test on animals but they are sold in mainland China which demands it be tested to be sold there. They allow animal testing by a third party “where required by law”. The bottom line is the dollar is more important than their commitment to not support animal testing.
From their parent company website-
“In our development of cosmetics, we do not and will not conduct animal testing nor do we outsource this task to anyone.
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This excludes instances where we need to respond to societal expectations to evidence the safety of a product or when required to do so by government agencies in particular countries.”
My daughter loves her Isle of Paradise drops that she mixes with her moisturizer, but I had a horrible time using them and it ended up strecky.
These Tan-Luxe products are super popular so rather than try to teach this old dog new tricks with drops, I might have better luck with a lotion or butter so I have both on order and will report back.
I’d love to hear which ones you like. Do you have a cruelty-free self-tanner you can recommend?
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
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I use Rodan and Fields self tanner and have been happy with it.
The Sally Hansen leg makeup is wonderful when you need a temporary tan. It goes on nicely and scrubs off easily in the shower. It is meant for scars, etc., but works. Never underestimate women in retail, we’ll try the craziest things we hear about…. Now retired, but loved my years dressing women to look their best and really enjoy this site!
Let me know which self tanners you try that won’t stain clothes & bed linens. I’d be curious to know those that don’t!
Thanks !
Deborah
I thought the duster were only for taller people, but they look great on you.
I am 5″3′ , 140 lbs and have a very short torso. I struggle with shirts so that I don’t look “blocky” – torso, hips, legs.
A short torso leaves so little room for waist definition, looking blocky is a struggle
The very best tanner is Rodan & Field and I’ve tried them all.
Love the duster and denim dress. You look great!!!
Drat, the denim dress is sold out in most sizes, especially Petite. If anyone is thinking of buying it, check quickly! It looks absolutely perfect on you, Jennifer. Would be a great dress for SW Florida weather.
I live in the desert. We tan just by going out to get the mail. I do like that duster. The beauty of a duster is in the movement while you walk. Every duster looks better in motion than hanging on a hanger. I am short, getting shorter, and I do petite on the top for my shorter arms and not petite on the bottom for my longer legs. I figure if my top half were proportionate to my bottom half, I’d be a runway model. LOL.
I have used Sally Hanson leg makeup for years. Yes, you have to apply it daily as it washes off so it might not last if you swim! It does not come off on the bed linen and takes just a couple of minutes to apply, you are able to see it go on evenly, no streaking.
I love the Tan Luxe products and James Read drops for the face. I use both on my face, always mixed with the appropriate moisturizer. The drops are super simple and work! I like St. Tropez for my legs. They also have a watermelon lotion/moisturizer that can be used in tandem with the St. Tropez mousse. I use their tanning mitt to apply. I have also tried Josie Maran self-tanning products – all good.
I won’t wear crops or shorts without self-tanning my legs first!
Self-tanner doesn’t cover up veins or marks though, so when I’m going out somewhere and feeling self-couscious, I use Westmore leg make-up as a nice smooth cover-up. It stays on and doesn’t drip, or sweat off. It’s applied just like a lotion would be. Love it. I’ve purchased that from QVC. Good luck! Can’t wait to see you modeling your tan legs!
Great tip, Nancy! Thanks for the recommendation. Leg makeup would be fabulous for things like bruises and I am always banging my shins into things.
I do love the Chico’ s dress, I have the opposite problem from you I am short up top and have longer legs. Petites normally do work for most clothes. The duster is very flattering on the floral side on you. Could you wear that over a plain black dress?
I wore it over plain black pants and a tank the other day and loved it! Why not over a dress too? I think it’s a fun piece to have in your wardrobe.
I, too, have used the Jergens self tanner and love it, but now I’m dismayed to learn about the testing for sales in China. How do you find this information? I’m wondering if other products I’m using might be misleading, as well.
The best websites to check are Peta, Leaping Bunny, Rise For Animals… but I find Cruely-Free Kitty the easiest to navigate. Sometimes you need to check the parent company. The leaping bunny logo is a good benchmark on a product.
Great find, Jennifer! I love reversible pieces too.
I don’t usually wear dresses, but part of the reason is the pale, blotchy skin on my legs. I’m looking forward to your review of the self-tanner, and may give it a try if you like it.
Love the look of a duster but at only 5’1″ they tend to be overpowering on myself. I had suffered with Plantar Fascitis for years until I found FITFLOP shoes. I no longer have pain. They come in many styles and colours.