PRETTY SMALL SHOES

(Dressed by Jiyeon in the sadly no-longer Kandy Collective petite line - now 75% off)

They say that necessity is the mother of all invention. With size 1.5 feet and an obsession with unattainable heels, the founder of Pretty Small Shoes is a very stylish testament to this fact. Meeting the immaculately turned-out Jiyeon (5'2") at her Golders Green office/warehouse, it's easy to see how she's formed the only company in the UK to stock genuinely trend-led small-size shoes.

A girl after my own heart, Jiyeon founded the company back in 2008 with a small collection of shoes in her own size in case the stock didn't sell. Unfortunately for her shoe-cupboard, but luckily for us, the stock did sell and the rest - as they say - is history. From there she's built up a collection any designer-loving heel-enthusiast would love; modern shoes in simple designs, but with that all-important "different" element which definitely separates this company from the rest.

The petite niche is generally one stuck in the dark-ages - or at least the 80s - so it's really refreshing to see the mould being broken. Like a war waged against the beige-coloured granny-pumps Small Girls have before been lumped with, their office walls are lined with row-upon-row of real-leather beauties in colourful styles and the tiniest of sizes. The radio's on and the office labra-doodle Lulu bounds about - this is definitely a fitting environment for this young, dynamic company.

Jiyeon talks passionately about the business and the different avenues she's exploring; in particular, the lower-priced Kandy Collective range which will make her shoes accessible to a wider market. Still with a luxury feel, these shoes will be factory made in slightly cheaper materials and will be trend-inspired classics much like their Pretty Small Shoes counterparts. I've no doubt this will be a huge success; with the recession doing its thing, the more premium range may be out of budget for many a Small Girl.

For those of you wanting to make the investment in a pair of the most perfectly-fitting shoes you'll ever wear, I've picked out a few of the most designer-inspired styles on site. Click on the image for a link to the page (and some very happy feet!)

GLITTER IN THE DARK HEELS (left)

(Miu Miu glitter sandal - right)

ZOHRA WEDGE TRAINERS (left)

(Isabel Marant wedge trainers - right)

HELLS ANGEL ANKLE BOOTS (left)

(Alexander Mcqueen skull boots - right)

HYPER LEOPARD SUPER HIGH HEEL (left)

(Christian Louboutin Leopard print heel - right)

PETITES IN PEPLUM

HOW THEY DO IT:

HOW WE DO IT:

(Click on picture above for link to the site)

OTT flouncy and self-consciously feminine, this is a trend I've resisted liking for so long. Sprouting forth from the hips as it does, it's a slightly ridiculous feature which I'd always associated with attention-seeking, too-much-make-up wearing glamour types. Then one day I saw Rooney Mara (who else?) in the white number above, and my opinion changed. There was something about the way it added actually quite discreet curves to her boyish frame which turned me...

I realised that this was without a doubt one of the most petite-friendly trends gracing the glossies today. Many Small Girls share Rooney's tiny proportions; finding clothes to complement this body type and create curves is a source of much changing-room angst. I've lost count of the amount of emails I've received bemoaning the sender's slender frame, so any garment which reduces this dressing-room-depression has to be all good by me.

I've picked out a couple of items from the petite ranges above which satisfy the trend wholeheartedly. I'm now seemingly a member of the 'if you're going to do it, do it well' camp - you may as well disregard the cool-card, and go all-out flirty with this one. The 50s pin-up inspired cupcake-covered number from ASOS Petite in this case is peplum perfect!

Small Girl Sizing: ASOS PETITE Exclusive Drape Oversize Dress (size 6)

So you remember I said that I would be posting pictures of my 4'11" self in petite clothing to give you Small Girls a more accurate impression of the way it will fit? Remember how I said it would be really embarrassing, and that I'm not a model or anything, but that I hoped it would be of service. Well here's my first shot at it, looking awfully miserable. I'll smile a bit more in the next one, I promise.

Review: As you can see, the fit's terrible. It's effectively a sack made out of a really thin, easily creasing material which makes me look about 10x bigger than I am. I quite like the 'oversize' look, but it doesn't really like me so much. The draping at the back was my favourite feature on the ASOS model, but in real life it just looks like excess baggage. On the 5'6" model, the front hem of the dress finishes above knee height, and the shorter length compensates for the bagginess of the dress, making it look a kind of laidback cool. No such luck on a Small Girl, it seems.

My sizing reference:
Size: 8/10
Height: 4'11"
Leg length: 27"
Inner arm length: 24"
Waist size: 26/27"
Bust size: 30DD

Interview: Little Boots (5'0")

Diary of a Small Girl’s Q&A with Victoria Hesketh (aka Little Boots) about her size, her style and being a Small Girl in showbiz…

You’re quoted as saying that you’re the same height as Queen Small Girl, Kylie Minogue. So you’re around the five foot mark?

Yes I’m pretty much dead on 5ft nothing so I’ve heard we’re pretty close although haven’t actually done a back to back!

I’ve also read that Little Boots is a nickname that came about because of your ‘unusually small feet’. How small are we talking here?

I’m just under a size 3 which is a nightmare for shoe shopping (unless I’m in Japan!)

You’ve been known to describe your style as ‘Cosmic disco doll’. So sparkly space age and bowie-esque extravagance? Is this a look for the stage or does the world get to experience this on a day-to-day basis?

I think that was probably someone else’s words not mine, but I can see how it would have been applied to my stage clothes, I guess I’m attracted to things that sparkle as they catch the light so well on stage. However I do think I’ve kind of out grown some of that stuff so I’m sure there’ll be a whole new look for the next record although haven’t quite worked it out yet, I’ll know more when the album’s finished!

Looking through some photos, there’s a bit of a Roisin Murphy/Natasha Khan vibe going on; kind of ethereal, but with lots of sparkle thrown in for good measure. Are these the kind of people who influence your style, and whose wardrobe would you enjoy a cheeky raid of?

I try not to look to other people too much as its not really a very original way to go about it… for me it always comes from the music, I’ve always tried to wear whatever I’m listening to or writing if that makes sense, the two things go very hand in hand.

Being a Small Girl, do you find that this influences the way you dress? Is there anything you wouldn’t wear on account of your smaller stature?

Definitely, its something you really have to think about. I find being small you can kind of get a way with a lot more in some respects as its on a smaller scale so something that would look extremely over the top on a very tall person you might just be able to pull off! But I hardly tend to wear flat shoes and often lengths that cut your legs off can make you look even shorter.

Do you enjoy your height? Or is there a part of you that craves endless legs and a heel-less night out?

I guess I have a love/hate relationship, I’ve very much grown into it and learned to love it but there definitely are the days I crave to be 6ft tall, especially when its something like fashion week and you’re surrounded by models!

Do you think your height is a help or a hindrance in the music industry? Do you think it affects how people perceive you? 

To be honest I don’t really think it makes a difference. A lot of musicians are notoriously small, maybe it makes you more determined I don’t know… a lot of people seem to be surprised how small I am in real life though, I get a lot of “you looked much taller on stage!”

The age old problem of the right length of trousers; how do you get past this? Are you a taker-upper, or do you shop in petite sections? Or do you do as I did until recently and discount them entirely?

Trousers are a total nightmare and I have banned myself from buying ones that are miles too long and saying I’ll get them taken up as I never get around to it. To be honest I mainly wear dresses and skirts with chunky tights or leggings instead, although I do find Topshop, Miss Selfrdige and Asos petite sections to be a god send even if they are still quite selective with what they put in from their main ranges. One of my dreams is to have my own petite range of clothing, that would be amazing!

You can be any Small Girl for the day - from modern times or way back when - who would it be and why?

Apparently Dolly Parton is 5ft, that would be quite fun I think!

Interview: "Petite" model, Georgie Hobday

Georgie Hobday works for Profile Model Management and by industry standards is considered a petite model at 5’6”. Diary of a Small Girl caught up with her to find out how it all started for her, what jobs she’d like to be doing and, most importantly, her views on the modelling industry’s attitude to height today…

How did you get into modelling Georgie? Is it something you’ve always wanted to do?

I was originally scouted by someone at storm, and then signed to storm when I was 16. I never really thought I could be a model because I’m not very tall, but it was always something that I though I’d really like to do.

Who’ve you modelled for at this stage and who’s your ideal job?

I’ve done some lingerie stuff, and bits and pieces for magazines. I’ve also done some work for the National Portrait Gallery and YO sushi. I think my ideal job would be the same any models ideal job – a campaign for a big label or designer or makeup brand, or front cover of a high-end magazine (dare to dream!)

Although you’re not technically petite, you’re smaller than typical model height. How’s that affected you as a model? Is it something you feel affects how often you get booked?

I think clients are always looking for tall models especially for jobs modeling clothes. I think it is definitely harder to get booked as a short model and if I don’t get a job I always wonder ‘oh would I have gotten that job if I was 5’9’. But its hard to tell, often if a client really likes your look then they might book you regardless of height.

Do you think that the industry’s changing at all in terms of how it views petite models? How do you feel about models of 5’9” modelling clothes made for girls 5’3” and under?

I think it’s really frustrating to see an advert for a petite range when the model is clearly really tall. It just doesn’t make sense, seems a bit like someone with a flat stomach modelling maternity wear.

Are there any tips you can give for petite women who are seriously considering modelling? Do you think there’s much out there for girls smaller than yourself?

I think if you’ve not got the height of a typical model then there is work out there in other in more commercial and ‘beauty’ areas. It’s also really important to stand out in other ways, and be nice to work with.

Do you find you have to change the way that you dress at all to account for your smaller stature? Are heels a must for every outfit or are you someone who’s fairly comfortable being a bit smaller?

I ALWAYS wear heels, even if it’s just a small heel. I am comfortable being shorter but it is often quite frustrating at castings when I’m clearly a good few inches smaller than all the other girls, so I guess I wear heels for a bit of a confidence boost (and also because heels are fun).

S'all about: Amy Winehouse (4'11")

A muse to Karl Lagerfeld, a Grammy-award winning artist, a complete and utter trainwreck. If there was ever an SG of complexity, it’s Amy Winehouse. She divides the world’s style watchers with her sailor-esque tattoos and beehive do, but there’s one thing that’s pretty unanimous - she’s one of a kind.

What I love about her is that she’s taken 50s pinup, injected it with chav-rock British and dragged it through a hedge backwards. Her look’s dirty and raw and honest, like her music but with less depth. Yes, she’s a complete mess a lot of the time but critics seem to forget - the intensity that drives her to destruction and disarray is what also powers the soul voice of a generation. If she were tame and tousled, she’d be a far less interesting artist.

So here’s to Amy Winehouse - our SG trashonista.

Short Story: Maya Sonvico (5'0")

Short Story: Maya Sonvico (5'0") from Wales

When I was younger I could be heard, if not seen, from miles away; tunelessly booming along to Amy Studt’s plea for recognition, “Just A Little Girl.”

In many ways this song describes the mindset of my younger self – everything I did was focused around my height; for years, I’d talk louder and laugh longer than my vertically average peers. My tongue became razor sharp as a defence mechanism; I was constantly armed with quick-witted responses to the short comments that I always expected. Comments which rarely ever came.

As I grew into my teens, this obsession with my height worsened and, coupled with the fact that I was young for my year, I became preoccupied with proving that I was not a baby. I wore the shortest skirts, sprained my ankles in the highest heels and generally made a fool of myself in an attempt to hide the fact that I felt like a corgi surrounded by long-limbed greyhounds. My mask of heavy eyeliner, coupled with a fearsome scowl was an effort to avoid the dreaded word; “Cute.”

The light at the end of the (miniscule) tunnel came in the shape of a trip to visit relatives; I realised that I was part of a long line of feisty, fiery (and slightly terrifying!) women, with an average height of 4’11”, who had never let their lack of height stop them; who had instead embraced it.

Nowadays I can still be found prowling the petite sections, hunting for the perfect painless heels or yet more leopard print. I have given up the hope that I may experience a sudden and unexpected growth spurt, tried –and failed – to master the art of stilt walking, and am proud to concede that I am, and will always be, a Small Girl. But in the words of Ms Studt herself, “there’s a hell of a lot more to me.”