Hi Shortie,

How are you? I’m feeling great after making significant progress last week on the brand directory and personal styling service!

I just finished reading Wear It Well by Allison Bornstein. I was first introduced to her styling theories on TikTok, where her Three-Word Method and Wrong Shoe Theory went viral.

Bornstein’s book modernizes long-standing personal styling principles. For instance, the Three-Word Method isn’t a new concept, but she presents it in a fresh, exciting way.

I found it especially endearing that most of the problem-solving stories in Wear It Well feature Shorties. Allison’s advice aligns with the classic, elongating styling principles for petites, like plunging necklines and pointed-toe shoes.

My favorite part of the book was when Allison made a compelling case for creating your own clothing archive—something I proposed last week. When editing our wardrobe, she encourages us to ask:

If this piece comes back in style in ten years, would I want to pull it out and wear it again, or would I prefer an updated version? Essentially, we’re minting our own vintage! I love the idea of curating pieces we’ll actually want to wear again.

If Allison’s book is a personal style manual, her one-hour FaceTime styling sessions are like style therapy. I find it fascinating that she can deliver so much value in just an hour.

At first, I was skeptical that one hour could make a significant difference, but my stylist friend, Greta, completely vouched for Bornstein. She found her session incredibly insightful and helpful!

That said, I’m still of the mindset that refining your wardrobe and style is a longer-term process. While I’m not entirely sure what my service will look like yet, I know I want to offer support throughout the journey—long enough to troubleshoot any new challenges each season brings.

Sincerely short,

Lwany

P.S. I’d love to hear from Shorties that have worked with Allison Bornstein❣️

SHORT QUESTION

Q: Do you have any suggestions for workout/gym crew socks?

Or any advice about where crew socks should hit on the leg to visually elongate (instead of shorten) the legs?

– Sam

A: I love that you’re thinking about your outfit, even for the gym!

When you look good, you feel good, and that absolutely applies to workouts, too.

I have to admit, my activewear wardrobe could use some help. A couple of years ago, I tried to overhaul it but made the mistake of buying everything at once—now I dislike most of it. Big shopping sprees can be the worst!

As much as I love experimenting with my outfits, I keep things simple when it comes to gym wear. I swear I perform better when wearing all black.

Now, about socks—here are my recommendations:

• Crew cuts tend to be the most elongating; scrunch them up a bit to add some flair.

If you're self-conscious about your calves:

• Avoid socks with horizontal lines, as they emphasize wherever they hit.

• Try quarter socks! Paired with full-length leggings to keep them tucked in.

Retro Striped Crew Socks: 3 Pack

$8

Crew Socks: Collegiate 4 Pack

$49

Smiling Quarter Socks

$16

Classic Ruffle Socks

$18

Trefoil 2.0 Quarter Socks: 3 Pack

$8

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