The Petite Shopper

Elaine asked:


I’m 5′0 and 95 pounds… need to find suits to look professional! I tried Banana Republic’s size 00 petite and even that is big. Any suggestions for online stores? And no, please do not reply to say “you are too skinny.” My problem is finding a suit, not my weight. Thanks!

ABDUL

Carl Pantejo asked:


“Prosperity: The eternal flow of all that’s good in life…”

By Carl “J.C.” Pantejo, Copyright January 2008

(Author “My Friend Yu – The Prosperity Mentor,” Copyright August 2007. Pantejo - Y.N. Vurce Publishing.)

*Below is the sixth episode in a series of real life events experienced by the author. The only deviations from the truth may be the names of people and places. These stories are also incorporated in “My Friend Yu – the Prosperity Mentor: Book II,” Pantejo - Y.N. Vurce Publishing. Release Date: Mid 2008.

- The Other Side of the Coin -

I’m sitting here at my laptop, drinking my favorite (meaning: currently available) Thai beer, listening to my favorite old Rock songs, and watching Nueng prepare dinner. It always amazes me how she can prepare banquets fit for Thai Royalty every night on our tiny, one skillet, propane tank “stove.” Today, as usual, she went to the market, shopped for fresh food, and is now cooking dinner for us.

She also remembered to buy anything I needed for the rest of the day and for tomorrow’s workday (i.e., beer, phone card, breath mints, etc.)

Wow. And to think, three short months ago I was miserable! I was dealing with the lying, cheating, very expensive, and now, “ex-girlfriend.”

Living with Nueng, I naturally compare her to the ex.

There’s no comparison.

In fact, they are total opposites in almost all respects! It’s like I’m finally experiencing “the Other Side of the Coin” – the Good Side.

- Stark Contrasts -

First off is appearance. All my life I preferred dark-skinned women. The ex was the first fair-skinned woman I’d been with in a very long time. When I first met her, her pale, white skin didn’t attract me at all – mainly because I’m a Falang (Thai: foreigner).

I guess it’s true what they say about beauty and preferences: 1) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and 2) People usually prefer the opposite of what they see everyday.

For example, Asia is predominantly populated by brown skin people, but white skin is almost always preferred over dark skin.

Anyone who has spent time in Asia (Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.) has noticed how the local people, especially children and women, scurry around trying to avoid the sun. Every form of skin whitening product (e.g., soap, shampoo, ****** cream, body lotion, deodorants, anti-perspirants, etc.) is available – and wildly popular – in all Asian stores.

You see, in Asia, white skin is considered more beautiful than dark skin – the total opposite of most Western countries. The reason for this? My guess would be the implied Economic and Social status: In Asia, dark skin instantly conjures up visions of poor, uneducated, farm people toiling away in the hot sun; while their rich, whiter skinned countrymen have wealthy relatives, are college educated, and work indoors, away from all tanning rays.

In contrast, most Westerners seek out dark skin (both for themselves and their mates). They go to the beach and pay exorbitant fees at the Tanning Salon. In the United States especially, tanned skin implies that you are financially well off enough to spend a lot of time outside in the sun, playing volleyball, golf, or tennis, etc.

For the same socio-economic reasons, a similar dichotomy of opinions exists about body type: Westerners prefer slim figures, while Asians prefer people with a little “meat on their bones.” In other words, in Asia, being thin is associated with poverty, while a little fat means you have enough money to eat well.

Nueng has beautiful, brown skin – the kind of skin that most tourists look for in places like Hawaii, Guam, or Bali. Nueng is about 5’ 5”, where the ex was barely 5’ 1” tall.

Nueng’s athletic body is strong and sexy, reflecting her upbringing “up country” – the region northeast of Bangkok where the people are identified as “Isaan.” Isaan Thai’s are regarded as hard working and fun loving; satisfied with a simpler lifestyle than their sophisticated Bangkok counterparts. They are also darker skinned.

Traditional Isaan life requires a lot of daily physical labor, labor that surpasses the exertion required for most American farms

Juxtaposed with Nueng, the ex was petite, ultra-feminine, and fragile. She came from a city in Laos and was not used to much manual labor. I can still remember her complaining about going up and down the stairs of my townhouse.

- Domestics –

Nueng comes from a large family: three “Pee Chia” (Thai: older brother/s), two “Luk Chai” (younger brother/s), and one “Nong Sao” (younger sister). With no “Pee Sao” (older sister) to help her and her mother in their big family’s house chores, Nueng learned early how to cook, clean, wash clothes, and look after her younger siblings.

She was industrious too. At age 7, Nueng would come home from elementary school and then clean the house of a neighbor until late into the evening. This was done for 60 baht per day (the equivalent of $1.70). As an adult, she was the breadwinner for her and her lazy, “no-job, no-money” boyfriend. She would wash and iron other people’s clothes, cook at a local food stand, and serve drinks at a local pub – while keeping up with her own housework and cooking.

Needless to say, I’ve never lived so contently and cleanly since I’ve been in Thailand. Our townhouse is always spotless. My clothes are always fresh smelling and expertly pressed. And, as mentioned before, I enjoy home-cooked meals fit for a king almost every night (with the exception being when I take her out for dinner on the weekends).

Comparison time again.

The ex-girlfriend was pretty lame at domestics. I was the one who routinely washed the clothes and did the dishes. I ALWAYS did the ironing. I cleaned the condominium we lived in when we met (and then cleaned the townhouse we moved into before breaking up).

Working 50-60 hours a week AND doing all the housework, laundry, and bill paying left me chronically exhausted.

What did the ex-girlfriend do all day while I was working? I’m not really sure, but I’d guess most of her day was spent sleeping, watching T.V., or cavorting with her friends; or, as I found out later, maybe even sneaking in a secret date with one of her other men.

I’m not a chauvinist. In fact, like most Falangs in Thailand, I habitually share in all domestic responsibilities. It’s just that I was always so tired working long hours, THEN coming home to “work.” And after a few months of “hinting,” I realized that domestic work was not the ex’s forte.

The resentment slowly grew. Finally, I threw subtly out the window, semi-feigned anger, and basically told her to get off her lazy **** and help me.

This tactic only worked for two or three days. Then it was back to the old routine of cleaning up after her and scrambling every morning for something appropriate to wear to work; finally ending up doing the laundry by myself – again.

Looking back, I’d always hoped that she (the ex-girlfriend) would change. I mean, I didn’t want a “maid,” but an equal, fair sharing of the housework would have made my life so much easier. I guess I was asking the ex to do something she wasn’t accustomed to (or even capable of).

Now, with Nueng, I hardly lift a finger at home. She even scolds me if I try to do something she feels is “HER RESPONSIBILITY.” What a change! I’m not fatigued all the time anymore. Nueng does her thing while I’m at work, so we can enjoy good, quality time together when I come home. What a change, indeed!

Yes, living in “The Flow” is wonderful. My days are filled with laughter, smiles, love, and beauty.

I thank the Original Substance (God) everyday that Nueng and I decided to end our old relationships and begin anew…

(Continued in “Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (7) - Living Well: Friendship, Fidelity, Finances, and Family”)

“Until next time, find ‘The Flow’ and jump in!”

Your Friend in this Intrepid Journey called Life,

Carl “J.C.” Pantejo

Note: If you want to read more about overcoming heartbreak, unconditional love, exorcising past personal demons, and the Illusive Secret of Happiness, please read the following articles:

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’: From Heartbreak to Happiness”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (2): Coincidence or Synchronicity: FROM RELAPSE TO MIRACLES…”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (3): LOST AND FOUND - Kindred Spirits and Mistakes made in Haste.”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (4): LOST AND FOUND – Meant to Be?”

“Experiences from ‘The Flow’ (5): “The Stray”

“How Dare She! Out of Desperation I Learned How to Forgive”

“Remember Who You Are!”

“Need to Heal Your Broken Heart? Read on. Overcome Heartbreak and Learn the Illusive Secret of Happiness.”



(By Carl “J.C.” Pantejo and published internet-wide, keyword: [title of article] or “Carl Pantejo”)

Pantejo@ynvurcepublishing.com



GERARD

Aygen I asked:


See i’m only a 100 lbs and my waist is about 29 inch and my hips only 33, so where can a girl like me get cute **** looking skirts and jeans?

DONN

James Philips asked:


Lacoste is one of today’s most popular label of fashion items. It is known throughout the world as a French apparel company that designs and markets a wide line of high end fragrances, clothing, footwear, tennis shirts, watches, eyewear, and leather goods. What is most noted about Lacoste is its green crocodile logo, aside from its high quality products and accessories.

Lacoste was founded in 1933 by a French tennis player named Rene Lacoste. He first introduced his own creation to the public when he wore his very own shirt in the 1926 U.S. Open Championship. His design was described by most reports as a white shirt featuring short sleeves made of a knitted fabric which he calls as the “jersey petit pique”. He described his jersey design as the very first light version of performance sports clothing.

Rene Lacoste was named “The Alligator” by the American Press since 1927. The reason behind this naming was the bet made about the use of a suitcase made of alligator skin. Rene actually wore his self created jersey in the 1927 Davis Cup, but without any related name available in his native language, he was then named as “le crocodile” in French.

The new nickname suited him for one reason - Rene Lacoste showing his tenacious behavior while on the court. It was his friend, Robert Georges, who decided to create a logo for Rene, then drawing him a crocodile. That image was embroidered by Rene himself on one of his tennis blazers.

After retiring from the world of tennis, Rene established his fashion company in 1933 with the help of one of his successful friends, Andre Gillier. Gillier, at that time, was the president and owner of one of the France’s knitwear manufacturing companies. With their efforts, they started to create and distribute a line of tennis shirts that were revolutionary inspired. The crocodile logo is embroidered on the shirt’s chest, and this what considered by Rene Lacoste as the first model of his brand name. He also designed and manufactured shirts for the sailors and golfers, and it was in 1951 that he began producing colored sportswear.

In 1970, under the management of Rene’s son, Bernard Lacoste, the company started to produce a variety of other fashion items. Included in their lines are perfumes, sunglasses and eye glasses, shoes, watches, shorts, and leather-made items. All of which were able to establish a name in the fashion industry mainly for their high quality. The quality and style of these products were made even more stronger with the coming of Christophe Lemaire, a French designer who had been contributing his efforts and time in creating the best fashion lines of Lacoste. More than 50 million of Lacoste products were sold under his management, as reported.

Today, Michael Bernard’s brother and collaborator, manages Lacoste. The company has been licensing its trademark to a number of fashion and sports companies around the world, including the Pentland Brands and Samsonite. The main office is located in Paris, but they delegate their products internationally.



DILLON

Alex Joy asked:


GLAMOR MODELING ADVICE AND MODEL TIPS: HOW CAN I LAUNCH MY GLAMOUR-MODEL CAREER?

Aspiring models often ask us, How do I get into modeling? Or, How do I get started in modeling? This article discusses the various types of modeling, and what it takes to make it in this challenging yet fun profession. You will also find some useful tips and advice on how to get started in teen modeling.

What are the different types of modeling?

There are basically five (5) different types of modeling. These are the broadest categories, with newer but smaller categories evolving all the time. Furthermore, these categories also overlap with each other at times.

1. COMMERCIAL MODELING (Television, Catalogs and Print-Ads):

Commercial models help promote products and services through ads in the electronic media such as Television and the Internet as well as through Print Advertising. They appear in commercials/ads, on product packaging, in magazines, on billboards, etc., and help promote all kinds of products and services ranging from computer equipment to medicines, apparel, shoes and cosmetics. This is by far the largest modeling and teen modeling category.

General Requirements for Commercial Modeling:

Contrary to popular belief, many successful commercial models look like normal, everyday people. If they walked past you on the street in normal everyday clothes and with little or no makeup, you would probably not look at them twice. However, what they do possess is the ability to express an emotion, and the ability to replicate that same look time and again. For starters, you can start practicing your best looks and poses in front of a mirror. Many successful models do 15 minutes of mirror work every day. Practice evoking different types of emotions through your expressions.

The ability to show different expressions, to be able to hold that expression so that the photographer can take multiple shots at different camera exposure settings, and the ability to create that expression again at will are all very useful qualities. The good news is that these qualities and talents can be developed. Good commercial models are also usually photogenic, but exceptions abound. Having a unique or different look is good but often not an absolute necessity. Personality, likeability (that the audience or target market can relate to), being internally happy (i.e., liking yourself - because it does show through in your images) and being able to work long hours while at the same time enjoying the process are other attributes that successful commercial models seem to possess.

Most pictures on magazine covers are touched up and air-brushed on the computer for hours (called digital editing) to create the right look. If you have reasonably good features, a great photographer can make you look like a superstar! Remember, the glamorous superstars do not always look that way in real life. It is the camera, lighting, makeup and digital editing that often does the trick.

2. PROMOTIONAL MODELING (Tradeshows, Retail, Car Shows, Events, etc.):

Promotional modeling includes work at Tradeshows and Conventions, handing out Product Samples in Retail Stores, helping promote products or services at Car Shows, Boat Shows, Events, etc. What differentiates Promotional Modeling from Commercial Modeling above is the fact that for Promotional Modeling you have to be there in person, because you yourself (not your photo or video) are doing the promoting. While it may not appear as glamorous as Commercial Modeling, it can provide good income opportunities, and the jobs are usually easier to get. Creative forms of Promotional Marketing (often referred to as Buzz Marketing) and Event Marketing are gaining fast in popularity. It seems to be a high-growth area, and compensation seems to be improving too.

General Requirements for Promotional Modeling:

Promotional Modeling is about overall personality, interpersonal skills, being able to establish a quick rapport, and staying focused on the task at hand. You may meet a lot of different people, albeit each very briefly. If you thrive on meeting people and enjoy the hustle and bustle of a tradeshow environment, Promotional Modeling is usually easier to break into than Commercial Modeling, although exceptions are always there. Even though the job is not primarily about being photographed, you will still want to look and act your best. Promotional/Event Modeling is a growing field.

3. FASHION MODELING (includes Runway, Fashion Shows, etc.):

Fashion models help launch new products and designs such as in apparel, accessories, shoes, jewelry, swimwear, beachwear, etc. The walk the runway in fashion shows. Many large fashion shows also get media coverage, and a good fashion model can get print exposure in leading fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, etc. Similarly, if a fashion show is being covered by the broadcast media, there is a chance that you may appear on Television too. Many industry-specific fashion shows such as shows for apparel and swimwear can hire hundreds or thousands of models at a time.

General Requirements for Fashion Modeling:

Up until a few years ago, a height of at least 5 feet 9 inches was considered pretty much a requirement for Fashion Modeling especially for the Runway (where you walk up and down a Runway, wearing clothes of a certain brand and/or designer). However, that is fast changing. Now, there are Fashion/Runway shows for pretty much all body types. If you feel good about your body, can walk confidently, and look reasonably good, chances are that you can find some opportunities in Fashion Modeling. For certain apparel and swimwear shows, a good well-proportioned body is more important than just height alone. Since, the shows can require hundreds of models per day (and there are just so many really tall good looking models around), you probably have a good chance of being selected as long as your overall body proportion is in harmony with the product line of the manufacturer. Then, of course, there are apparel and swimwear manufacturers who make clothes for petites and plus-sized customers as well.

4. INTERNET MODELING (web-sites, live webcam, etc.):

Internet modeling, whether it is for static content on web-sites or for live webcam or streaming video is a popular segment. Generally, you have to be over 18 years of age.

5. MODELING FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS, CONTENT CREATORS & STOCK PHOTO AGENCIES:

Photographers hire models all the time, either to build their own portfolios or to create content for Licensing to others and/or for Stock-Photo purposes. The PhotoShoot can be either a paid shoot (where the model gets paid either on an hourly basis or a flat fee) or TFP (trade Time for Prints), or TFCD (trade Time for CD-ROM images). In the TFP or TFCD arrangement no money changes hands. It is just a trade or swap. The photographer invests his/her time, expertise and equipment, and the model invests his/her time. Thus, they can create some content together that both parties can use to further their own professional goals, respectively. Stock Photo Agencies sometimes commission a photographer to take certain pictures that can then be sold or licensed to different companies for use in advertising and marketing materials.

As you can see, there are myriad opportunities in the modeling world. However, it is hard work. Like most other things in life, there is no guarantee of success. It depends on your looks, luck, demeanor, personality, hard work, perseverance, and a burning desire to succeed, among other things.

Others before you have made it big in modeling, and you probably can too! A good first step would be to create your free Portfolio on the Joy Of Modeling website (http://www.joyofmodeling.com/) and on as many other modeling websites as conveniently possible. Contact local modeling agencies. Have a Professional Photographer shoot a nice Portfolio. Attend modeling shows and seminars. Learn about the business. Notice what is working and what is not, and take corrective action. Good luck and best wishes.

The fast-loading Joy Of Modeling website is a popular job searching and referral place for models, photographers, videographers, film makers, agencies, actors, actresses and reps. It is also a resource for talent scouts and recruiters looking to hire for television, film, theater, dancing and entertainment jobs. Aspiring models, actors and actresses looking for their big break have a free opportunity for worldwide exposure at the Joy Of Modeling website. It is a family-friendly site (no nudity, porn, profanity or violence), and has separate sections for grown-ups and kids. The site also offers Free Gifts and/or a Free Shopping spree to its Gold Level members.

Whether you are searching for Models or for Modeling Jobs, please do visit the Joy Of Modeling website (www.JoyOfModeling.com) today. Thank you.

Article Copyright © 2006, AFPI and www.JoyOfModeling.com. Author allows you to distribute this article freely, in its original unedited form, as long as credit is given to the author, and a link back to the website of the author is provided.



GOLDIE

Article Manager asked:


Heard of the word “Japan” and what picture does your mind strike at? Is it something like slim and petite yet sophisticated bunch of people seen everywhere as busy bee with the superior technologies following their footsteps and their holding command of these self invented technologies walking smartly in smart western outfit and the youngsters sporting rather hip hop fashion apparels? If yes then think again. Japan, an extremely advanced country located in East Asia the Country of Rising Sun, is no doubt the third richest country of the world. Yet between all these advancements and sky rocking achievements, they have not left their traditions and cultures.

More about Japan

Japan is an island country. It is completely surrounded by water. Hence by Japan experiences temperate climate. It is generally neither too hot nor too cold. Yet there are places in Japan where there is snow fall yet in contrast there are places where you can swim during winters! Japanese clothing is made accordingly. With more and more people, especially youngsters moving towards western clothing, things are changing but not as an influential critic to their age old culture. Japanese love their culture and the Japanese clothing are still seen in nearly everything starting from day to day lives to the various functions and get together.

Details about Japanese clothing

People of Japan love to dress according to climate, work, and functions. They have several royal outfits tailor made and followed doggly to fit these situational requirements. In summer they wear cotton cloth to save themselves from the heat. During winters, they drape themselves with heavily lined and layered cloth to cut out the cold climate. Springtime and autumns are the times for celebrations as people love the mild climate and the beauty of the nature all around themselves. So the Japanese clothing during these become more of a representation of the exoticness of nature and its freshness with mostly silk cloth seen all around, all donned with light colours and beautiful designs mostly representing mother Nature. Kimono is the most classic of all the Japanese clothing. Worn by both men and women, this dress is made of silk and available in unique designs. Junihitoe, traditional Japanese clothing is an advance form of kimono and is worn by women only. It has got twelve layers and is worn by high class Japanese women only. To know more about Japanese clothing please do undergo the various websites all flooded with information regarding this topic.



CHRISTOPER

i’m trying asked:


I am a teacher and I wear casual (not jeans) pants when working. I am a size 18 and I am only 5 foot tall. Can you tell me a good place to buy or order pants from?

CHANG

Heart of Fire asked:


Although the fashion industry and the runways have been dominated by tall, waif-thin models for a long time, plus size and petite models are becoming more in demand…..but they are rarely seen on the runways, since there aren’t any high-end designer labels that design clothing specifically for these body types.

What do you think about these “specialty” models?

ROSETTA

lali asked:


I am looking for a black shirt and T shirt in the range of 15-40 Dollars.
Size- Petite.
It should be a party top but not very flashy.
The name of the company should not be written on the front.
The fitting should be good.
Any suggestion?

DELORIS

Whitney asked:


btw I see alot of sites for like petite plus size… thats not what I need I need like short, small, skinny, petite….. thanks.

KRIS