How to Pack❣️

Plus, complimentary styling sessions by a petite fashion designer 🗞️

Hi Shortie,

Do you have any trips planned this summer? I was in New York City about a week ago and came back feeling incredibly inspired.

The original plan was retail research, which quickly turned into some unplanned, but welcome retail therapy (lol). Between shopping stops, I had the pleasure of meeting a few fellow Shorties, including designer Alina Diaz. If you’ve been craving luxury fashion made explicitly for petites, she’s one to follow.

Photo of Alina and Lwany

Alina is 4'10" / 148 cm, and I am 5'2" / 157 cm plus heels!

Alina has done her homework. She spent nearly two years in research and even invested in the latest U.S. body measurement data for petite women – proof that fit is her top priority. Her debut piece, a pair of wide-leg pants offered in two lengths, is a testament to that commitment.

She gets it, maybe even more than I do, that moving the needle for Shorties will take a village. Her network includes the luxury footwear brand Stuart Weitzman (did you know they size down to 23?!). You can bet they’re being added to the store directory.

It was incredible to connect with another petite fashion nerd who’s just as passionate about elevating petite fashion. I highly recommend subscribing to her newsletter.

If you’ve been looking for help refining your wardrobe, she’s currently offering complimentary styling sessions—don’t sleep on it!

Sincerely short,

Lwany

Lwany

P.S. The countdown is on – 6 days until the Store directory launch❣️

Fashion is part of the daily air and it changes all the time, with all the events. You can even see the approaching of a revolution in clothes. You can see and feel everything in clothes.

DIANNA VREELAND

How To Pack

When you travel, are you the type to meticulously plan your outfits, or do you toss a bunch of stuff into a suitcase and hope for the best?

I’m totally a pre-planner. The mere thought of winging it gives me anxiety. There’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what you’re going to wear.

With summer being the peak travel season, I thought I’d share my packing process, using my recent trip to NYC as a guide.

Timeline

One month out, I identify the essentials based on the destination. For New York, I knew I’d be walking a ton and dealing with rain. I already had rain gear, but I started hunting for a fresh pair of stylish sneakers since mine were on their last leg.

A week out, I catch up on laundry, pick up anything from the dry cleaner, and start setting aside potential pieces.

A few days out, I begin styling and packing. The longer the trip, the earlier I start. I’ve learned that my strongest looks come together first, so I like to give myself enough time to revisit and refine any that feel off.

The day before, no matter how early I start, I’m always scrambling the night before. Between last-minute laundry, doing my nails, and packing those final bits, I inevitably go to bed late.

Style Out

Start With Outerwear & Footwear – Weather dictates these, and everything else revolves around them. NYC’s forecast ranged from the low 60s to high 80s with a chance of rain, so I based all my outfits around a lightweight rain jacket, rain boots, and sneakers.

Key pieces and weather forecast

The backbone of it all

Pull Potential Pairings – I pulled pieces that I suspected would style well with my outerwear and footwear.

Potential pairings

Potential pairings

Try Everything On – Here’s where the fun and the chaos begin. Start with the looks that matter most. For me, that was my anniversary dinner outfit. Travel looks came last.

Two black outfits featuring a short skirt

Prioritize your key outfits first

Organized Chaos –  As I try things on, I divide pieces into two groups:

  • Things I can rewear (outerwear, bras, shoes, accessories)

  • Things I’ll only wear once (tops, socks, undies)

Accessories and footwear

Keep what can be re-worn visible

Take Mirror Selfies: Snap a photo of every outfit you like—even if you’re unsure.

Grid of photos

Document it all!

Reassess: Go back the next day and reassess with fresh eyes. You'll come up with new ideas and make edits. This is also when I streamline—no point in packing boots and jeans for a single outfit.

Grid of photos

The final looks

SHORT READS

These Brands Make Perfect Petite Linen Pants (Trust Us)

By Andrea Bossi for Refinery29

A Petite Shopping Expert Spilled 6 Hacks for Finding Flattering, No-Hem Jeans—Plus, Pairs to Snag From $35

By Kyra Surgent, Senior Shopping Writer, InStyle

I'm 5-Feet Tall, and I Found 9 Petite-Friendly Summer Staples From Target—All Under $40

By Olivia Cigliano, Home Writer, Real Simple

I'm 5 Feet Tall, and These Are the Petite-friendly Jumpsuits I'm Eyeing for My Summer Travels—From $17

By Melony Forcier, News and Deals Writer, Travel + Leisure

If You’re Under 5’ 4”, These Petite-Friendly Summer Dresses Will Help Elongate Your Frame To Look Taller

By Stephanie Osmanski, Writer, Better Homes & Gardens

The Best Summer Staple for Petite Women, According to Celebrity Stylists

By Casey Clark for Parade

I’m a 5’3″ Shopping Writer — And I’m Loving These Newly Dropped Petite Summer Amazon Finds

By Olivia Hanson, Celebrity Commerce Writer, US Weekly

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