The thinking girl's guide to fit and size

The most important thing to remember is ignore the size on the tag. Knowing your size only provides a frame of reference. The size units you need to know for yourself are the letters (XS-L), the numbers (0-12), and waist (24-32). Tops, dresses, and bottoms are sized using letters and numbers. Jeans are sized using the waist measurement. I haven't mentioned odd sizes (1, 3, 5, 7....) because those are Juniors sizes. Try to stay away from Juniors because the cuts and sizes will get you down.

There's a correlation between the letters and numbers. Remember this and you'll have a great idea of where to start when you try something on in a store.
XS = 0, 2
S = 4, 6
M = 8, 10
L = 12, 14

Knowing your jeans size is straightforward. Stand up straight and while relaxed measure your natural waist with a measuring tape. On average your natural waist should range in inches from 24 to 32 and up. So next time you're at the store, start with the pair that matches your waist measurement. Shopping for jeans won't be fit at first try. Depending on how comfortable you are, size up or down. It's very possible that you may be a different size across several denim brands. This happens because they don't use the same fit models. Same is true for tops, dresses and bottoms.

For tops and dresses your bust measurement will be a good indication of where to start. Here's the breakdown. Bust measurement in inches:
32 - 33 1/2 = XS = 0, 2
34 - 35 1/2 = S = 4, 6
36 - 37 1/2 = M = 8, 10
38 - 39 1/2 = L = 12, 14

For the same reason as jeans, you may be different number/letter sizes across different brands. You'll know when something is too small by administering a simple test. Cross your arms in front of your body. Do the armholes cut into your skin? If so, size up. You'll know when when something is too big if the shoulders of the garment extend past your own shoulders. Also, if there's too much fabric under the armholes of the garment, it is also too big for you.

Knowing a few tricks like these will help you have a better time trying on clothes. Remember, the size you choose should be comfortable and tailored looking. With an open mind, shopping can be fun, therapeutic, and satisfying!

In Anna's words

Our Spring collection of Anna Sui is still going strong. Today we got in a peacock inspired sleeveless dress, colorblock tank top and a drawstring hemmed khaki mini skirt in silk. Anna describes her collection the best:
My collection this season is inspired by the work of mid-twentieth century American textile designer, Alexander Girard (1907-1993). I love the way Girard always found inspiration in the traditional folk arts of the world and interpreted their whimsy into charming- yet totally modern designs, patterns and graphics. The look for Spring 2009 is sunny and optimistic. The theme is summer vacations to warm-weather holiday locations; Mexico, Egypt, Spain.
We invite you to stop by the shop to see her beautiful pieces in person. Have a great weekend!

Cute, right?

arriving at Josef: Fall 2009

Shorts and relaxed tops

The other day in the San Francisco we spotted an enviously chic girl wearing navy blue relaxed shorts and a taupe colored tunic blouse with black suede moccasins. For many, shorts may seem like a challenge to wear, but with the popularity of mini dresses ever increasing, shorts can be integrated into any stylish girl's wardrobe seamlessly. To keep the look sophisticated choose cotton twill, linen and even suiting fabric for your shorts and pair with blouses, not t-shirts. For shoes we recommend leather flats or booties. Our Twinkle by Wenlan With Ease Shorts are perfect for daytime outfits. We love them paired with a number of our tops that we have in the shop. On cooler days you can even wear a merino wool or cashmere cardigan to keep the chill away. Shorts are coming back big time, start looking for a pair for summer now!

Photo: luckymag.com

Casual style for under 200

We love our Paul & Joe Sister Grizzly Jeans paired with our new arrival Steven Alan Buoy Top. The look is relaxed, but still very chic. Instead of grabbing your normal blue denim jeans go for color! If you're afraid the periwinkle blue is too bright, the navy and white stripes of the tee temper the hue. Wear the outfit to the movies, out shopping, or to the first bbq of the season. Don't forget your gold-framed aviators and flat sandals. We wore the outfit with our trusty suede moccasins. The jeans are a steal at $69. They're bootcut stretch denim. The tee is a treat for yourself at $98, available in store.

Note: Girls, the jeans run tight in the thighs.