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.

WEARING –Ā  REVERSIBLE DUSTERĀ  –Ā  TANK TOPĀ  –Ā  BARELY BOOT JEANSĀ  Ā –Ā  NECKLACE C/OĀ  –Ā  SIMILAR BOOTIEĀ  –Ā  LIPSTICK IN ‘WISDOM’ BRIGHT ORCHID

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.

WEARING –Ā  REVERSIBLE DUSTERĀ  –Ā  TANK TOPĀ  –Ā  BARELY BOOT JEANSĀ  Ā –Ā  NECKLACE C/OĀ  –Ā  SIMILAR BOOTIEĀ  –Ā  LIPSTICK IN ‘WISDOM’ BRIGHT ORCHID

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.

WEARING –Ā  REVERSIBLE DUSTERĀ  –Ā  TANK TOPĀ  –Ā  BARELY BOOT JEANSĀ  Ā –Ā  NECKLACE C/OĀ  –Ā  SIMILAR BOOTIEĀ  –Ā  LIPSTICK IN ‘WISDOM’ BRIGHT ORCHID

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-Ā  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.

woman wearing petite denim dress
WEARING – Ā DENIM DRESS IN PETITE –Ā  REGULAR LENGTH DRESS HEREĀ  /Ā  HOWLIGHT NECKLACEĀ  /Ā  BRAIDED BELTĀ  /Ā  NEW LIPSTICK IN ‘WISDOM’ BRIGHT ORCHID

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.

  • Ā 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.

tan-luxe self tanning products
TAN-LUXE THE WATERĀ  /Ā  TAN-LUXE THE BUTTERĀ  /Ā  TAN-LUXE THE GRADUAL

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.

 

 

49 Comments

  1. Janis Laws says:

    The very best tanner is Rodan & Field and Iā€™ve tried them all.

  2. Barbara Maxwell says:

    Love the duster and denim dress. You look great!!!

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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!

    1. 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.

  7. I do love the Chicoā€™ 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?

    1. 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.

  8. I, too, have used the Jergens self tanner and love it, but now Iā€™m dismayed to learn about the testing for sales in China. How do you find this information? Iā€™m wondering if other products Iā€™m using might be misleading, as well.

    1. 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.

  9. SUSAN BLAKEY says:

    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.

  10. Nicolette says:

    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.

  11. I’m with you on the pasty legs! No way do I show them without a self-tanner first. The drops sound interesting because we have to moisturize anyway so why not do both at the same time (mix them together) as your daughter does.
    The duster look is not for me although I can appreciate a light covering that isn’t warm. I guess I’m a light sweater person.
    The denim dress looks good on you. I have a sleeveless lightweight dress from Chicos and can’t wait for a nice day to wear it.

  12. barb from Canada says:

    I am going to wear my duster/ruana as a bathing suit coverup. I am very petite, under 5 feet,, and the ruana comes to my knees, which I think is a flattering length on me and also I would wear it with a column of color underneath and a pair of sandals.

    1. I love things that are that length too.

  13. Karin Carlson says:

    Love the duster! Iā€™ll be getting that one for sure. BTW, Jergens self tanning products are cruelty-free now.

  14. I love both outfits. What size are you wearing in the denim dress?

    1. I am wearing a size 1 petite (8-10)

  15. I had just bought the Jergens Firming/Self Tanner, and it says cruelty free. I love it ,as it looks natural and a good price.

    I haven’t bought a duster/ kimono yet. I might buy one for the right occasion and price. I like the dark one’s for evening that I have seen at Chicos. Of course it needs to not to be to the knees ,as I am petite. I like how dusters cover up arms and tummy area, yet you remain cool.

  16. I had a lighter blue denim dress years ago. Wore it with a thin luggage tan belt and same color shoe. This denim would look great with that combo, too.

    1. It sure would! Luggage colored accessories look great with denim

  17. Can’t wait to hear about the Tan-Luxe products from Sephora. I’ve never tried self-tanning products. I would love to give them a try.

  18. Jean Lamarre says:

    Good morning Jennifer,
    I have used the Jergens product for quite a few years with good results. I did not realize it was not cruelty free though.
    This year I decided to go with ā€œpasty legsā€. If you donā€™t look down – you donā€™t see them!

    Jean

    1. Good point šŸ™‚ The self tanner does help camouflage some of my spider veins

  19. I have sensitive skin, so I’ll stick with Jergens. It doesn’t bother my skin.

    You can wear sunblock with self-tanners. I apply a self-tanner before bed, a couple of times a week, and let it dry thoroughly. I use sunblock during the day.

    1. I use sunblock every day, all day too.

  20. I love both outfits. I havenā€™t found a duster that looks right on me. Love denim but the length would work on me.

  21. For self tanners – Tan Luxe tanning face drops are great. I use a prescription retinol at night, so I use the drops with my am moisturizer. I use 2 drops to start. I love the look, it’s very natural. It takes a couple of hours for noticeable color. As for the rest of my body, I really like St. Tropez self tanning foam. You use a mitt to apply it, and it’s very natural looking. Also, Josie Maran Argan Gold Self Tanning Oil (Sephora) is wonderful too. This one uses a mitt to apply as well, and it’s very hydrating. Both of the body self tanners will give you instant color and it’s buildable.

    1. I love Josie Maran products!! Delighted to hear about her self-tanning oil. I’ve not used a mitt so I’m going to try it, thanks.

  22. Linda Stamboolian says:

    I Love Love Love your denim dress ensemble! You look fabulous ! The necklace is perfect. Heading online now to purchase! thank you for all of your inspiring posts!

  23. I’ve always used Natural Glow too but didn’t realize it wasn’t cruelty friendly. The drops sound interesting, might have to look into that. I love the duster look, I just think I’m too short. They look great on you!

  24. Leslie Greaves Radloff says:

    No to any kind of self tanner and tanning in general I slather on sunscreen because good friends, male and female have had serious skin cancer problems. I think I’ll stick with my vintage Japanese kimono as the floral pattern and background blue remind me of the giver, and unique.

    1. Your vintage Japanese kimono sounds like a treasure!!

  25. Hi, Jennifer. I tried to order the denim dress but it’s available only in a size 6 P, which is too big for me. (This is why I don’t shop at Chico’s – I can never find my size.) I added the belt to my cart but am rethinking it given the dress isn’t available. Too bad: I love the look. I’m not a fan of dusters, especially those (like the pretty one you chose) that are longer than knee length. It is too much material and throws the proportions off for a small woman. Maybe with a neutral dress in the same length?

  26. Lynda Davis says:

    Fitflop’s Lulu sandal has a good arch support which it looks like the Kenneth Cole does not. They have lots of styles and colours and I can’t recommend them enough. I’m embarrassed to tell you how many I own. Available at Amazon, Zappos, and fitflop.com. Macy’s carries a few styles too. They frequently have great sales.

    1. I still have not tried FitFlops and need to

  27. Well, I am totally on board with both the gorgeous duster and the versatile denim dress! I may wear the duster with slim fitting crops, a vneck tank and some fun sandals. Add a longer necklace and I feel this may be a very easy style to wear with no muss or fuss. I love finding a style thatā€™s easy to move about while not requiring constant adjustments. Lol
    I wasnā€™t familiar with tanning drops and could certainly use a little help getting ready for my spring and summer outings. I will look forward to your review of other products.
    Thank you again for a great start to my day!

  28. Happy Monday Jennifer! I love the duster on you. I think it takes a casual outfit up a notch and looks feminine. I clicked on the link for the Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner and it says on the tube that it is cruelty free. Perhaps they have changed their evil ways. I use the Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse (also cruelty free). The lovely foam is easy to apply and helps with the dreaded pasties. Thanks for all you do!

    1. The packaging says it has a label that speaks to being cruelty-free but Jergens products are sold in mainland China which demands all products be tested on animals. They sanction animal testing by allowing third parties to test on animals so they can sell in China. Peta does not recognize them as cruelty-free.
      “We do not conduct or commission animal testing on our products. We follow the conventions of the EU and other governmental bans on animal testing for cosmetics. Occasionally, laws and regulations require testing of certain ingredients outside of the cosmetics category on animals.”

  29. Dusters! Why??? Have never thought they were flattering, even with the suggested pattern spacing, unless youā€™re 6 feet tall or at the beach/pool or lounging at home even They just look out of place. However, some are very pretty.

    The denim dress is very flattering.

  30. Cute duster! Iā€™m not usually a fan, but the reversible Idea is appealing!
    I use tanning drops from Ulta, their brand! Iā€™m very light and the facial product works well for legs too for me. I just mix it with good ole Jergens!
    I also use it week Weekly in summer or pre summer, lol, on my face with my daily face cream!
    Thanks, Jennifer!

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