Let’s look at Paris, Tokyo, and London. Since I’ve been privy to travel to all three (score!), let’s say l have first-hand fashion exposure in the lands which extend beyond Uncle Sam’s terrain. Never been able to travel before? Go! It stimulates more than just your fashion sense.

Ok let’s be clear: we’re gonna talk street style. After all, fashionistas hitting the pavement abroad aren’t just wearing the latest Japanese, French, and British designer creations. No, no, no, it’s much more complex than that! Each city has its own culture and as you may know, culture can be expressed through food, music, dance, and style! If I had to, I’d summarize each city as such: See if you can identify which cities claim the following styles…and no cheating!

What city are you overwhelmed by Jackets-a-plenty + scarves + ankle boots + black?
What city is in love with skinny jeans + flats + pashminas (worn around the neck)?
Pick the city where you’re finding sky-high hemlines + floral prints + knee highs?

answers – Paris, London, Tokyo

Got them all right? You’re so smart! Ok, let’s break it down. The world marvels at Parisian style so what gives? Hmmm maybe it’s all the attractive, slender French people…or perhaps it is residents’ insane layering that makes their ensembles so chic. Either way, snapshots of Paris folk are bound to get you thinking, “Huh, I never would have thought of putting that together.”

Now on to the Brits. The English seem to favor the natural look and this means minimal makeup and naturally styled hair. No hair dryers, no straighteners, no curling irons, etc. How liberating!  Throw in the fact that everyone is size four and smaller, you have a whole bunch of off-duty-model-looking ladies walking around. Translation: not the place to go if your ego needs a boost.

Heading even more eastward into Japan we enter the land of (drum roll)…the schoolgirl. This look isn’t so popular in The States (sorry boys) but these ladies are avid fans of the trench coat and floral hem combo. Ultra-long, straight locks complete every look.

Au revoir, cheerio, and sayounara for now!

After talking, and complaining, the entire way home to my fiancé, it dawned on me, petite women my age have been overlooked.  It’s one thing to assume that all skinny and short people can just fit into anything, but it’s another thing to not offer wardrobe options that fit a petite body.  I’m used to having my pants hemmed so they fit, and finding tops usually isn’t too difficult, but finding nice suit pieces, blazers, slacks, blouses, or anything this says “I’m young and successful” without saying “ I shop in the old lady section” is a huge plus.  It sort of feels like I’m stuck in the middle and my body type has been overlooked and neglected.  It’s kind of a sad place to be.  Nothing is worse than looking forward to a serious shopping trip, only to wind up empty handed because nothing fit.  I just wish you didn’t have to be qualified for a Senior Citizens discount to shop in the Petite section. When will they make an adorable business-casual line for us vertically challenged girls of the world!

WFO Update – We hear you and we’re actually in the process of creating a Petite only online store dedicated to making sure you have fashion forward options.  Look for it May 2010.

Let’s talk velvet first. I love this because it’s chic AND warm; usually the two are mutually exclusive. Madewell, Alexander Wang, Charlotte Ronson, Nanette Lepore, and Mr. Zac Posen all used the luxurious material. If I were Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone, Clueless) I’d give these designers “snaps!”

Green…the color of money, envy, and Kermit The Frog but for Devi Kroell, Monique Lhuiller, and Rag & Bone, it was the color which adorned their runway models (Posen and Wang were in this mix too). Other not-so-novel trends spotlighted included lace, black-on-black, and yes, sequins are here to stay (I don’t know how I feel about this one. I’m starting to think it’s a bit overplayed). On a more positive note, keep your eyes peeled for velvety numbers to keep you comfy, cozy chic in fall 2010. Word to the wise, avoid crushed velvet (we’re not going for your little sister’s or niece’s gymnastics leotard).

Military, khaki, and the like. Atteeeeeeeention!  Ralph Lauren, Céline, and Chloé are those top designers whose collections are based on this utilitarian style. Look out for military jackets styled with lots ‘o buttons or embellished shoulders. In fact, I just bought myself one super cute navy number with blinged-out shoulders (WITH shoulder pads). I love it and I can’t help but feel as though I’m paying homage to Mr. Michael Jackson when I wear it (So sad L). On a lighter note, expect to see a fare share of khaki dresses- not my fav so hopefully they won’t last beyond this season. Wait I take that back. Ms. Kate Bosworth was sporting a great khaki one-piece with exposed sides in my latest Harper’s Bazaar issue. I admit there are some exceptions. Just be sure not to invest a more traditional version, a.k.a. a short-sleeved, collared, button-up with a sash around the waist.

Denim. We all know the runway has long avoided blue jeans, but this year we’re seeing a new take on baby blues. Look out for vests and denim dresses in a variety of cuts and washes. Sorry Guess, you’re not the only one producing this look anymore. Since we’re talking denim, anyone watch the “potato sack challenge” Project Runway? Yes, yes Ping probably should’ve gotten kicked off that time and although I didn’t like Miss Pamela’s dress (the girl who got kicked off), at least she was on trend! Also, am I the only one who thinks Heidi is extra talkative this season? Put a sock in it Klum, I wanna hear Michael and Nina too!

Sorbet. No not the ice cream, the color! Last year we saw that great electric purple and this year isn’t very far from it. Pinks and purples are on the same side of the color wheel and this year is all about the “harmonious” colors—lavender, fuchsia, and sorbet.  Mary J. Blige knows what’s going on. She wore a fuchsia gown to the Grammy’s this year.  You go girl!

I write to you with renewed motivation. I just watched Rachael Zoe AGAIN on Tivo (Paris Fashion Week episode) and thus am experiencing a fashion “high” of sorts. It had just enough Chanel and Louis Vuitton to keep my mind reeling all night! As I try to get a grip, I’d like to share some valuable observations I have noted in this coming spring’s collections. If you’re one for copious notes, get your pen and paper ready. Here’s what you need to know and your closets need to have to keep you mega-chic during this blossoming season.

Androgyny- Okay, okay, we know this isn’t exactly a news flash, but it’s not the straw fedora- and-suspenders-look we’ve all come to know and love. Rather, it’s more about the blazer. Over-sized, rolled cuffs complimented with some black skinnies and a pair of converse is all you need for your weekend, day look (oh, you can also amp-up your style with some eighties-inspired shades, Taylor-style, and some serious hardware around your neck line. Dunzo!)

Neutrals…and Red!-This classic palate is the new wave but be sure to leave your floral and abstract prints on their hangers because this spring, solids are all the rage. Mr. Calvin Klein, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Badgley Mischka, Chanel, and Bottega Veneta are just a few to follow suit. Apparently many designers attribute their rather drab color theme to the downturn of the economy. I say pish posh. Fashion is supposed to be fun!!!

Linebacker- I thought we’d never see the day people, but should-pads are back! As always, fashion is all about the extremes. It’s either an exposed shoulder or HUGE shoulder. Jill Stuart, Walter, and Givenchy are just a few to incorporate this eighties’ throwback, which leads me to my next point…If anyone has watched ‘The City,’ you’ve seen Miss Port sporting some red dress, huge shoulder catastrophe (sorry, Whit, you’ve had better days). If you’re going to try this look out, do so with caution.

Hope this helps you with your next shopping bender!