z_Naked Lunch

Knock-off beauty products

This week, Naked Lunch featured a special guest - The Star's beauty and shopping columnist Daphne Gordon. Daphne wanted to know whether you feel that knock-off beauty products are a rip-off or a better buy. For instance, a number of cheap drugstore brands seem to have copied Bobbi Brown's Shimmerbricks multi-hued compact bronzer. It sells for $49. The knockoffs sell for a fraction of that amount. But are they as good? And what about the ethics of stealing Bobbi's design idea? Read the archived discussion below and send your comments. Join us next Thursday at noon for another live Naked Lunch chat.

As a yoga instructor with two big dogs, my main wardrobe consists of stretchy stuff for teaching yoga, practicing yoga, walking the dogs, gardening etc. the stretchy stuff works best - why not buy a pair of yoga pants for $17.99 at Costco that are absolutely amazing knock-offs of Lululemon's $98 pants - why not I ask. And, pick up a 24 pack of toilet paper while you are at it.

My friend Shelly and I were shopping on Queen Street the other day and we were taking in all the amazing new looks for spring and all the great stuff you can buy and were glad not to be in our twenties and past the stage of worrying so much about clothes and finding the money to be trendy and focused on our outer image and happy to be working "in" instead. I think it's hard for women to try and keep on top of the latest fashion trends - bombarded by the media, so if the knock-off fashions are done well, do buy them. -- Joanne

Interesting comments, Joanne. Though we started this conversation talking about knock-off beauty products, your comment draws attention to the fact that copycats are a larger phenomenon that affects the fashion industry as a whole.

And it's interesting that you've noted Lululemon as an example. It's true that many activewear brands have shifted their designs to look more like Lululemon's successful concept at a lower price. For example, HAVE YOU BEEN TO SMART SET LATELY??? They have amazing yogawear and t-shirts for active living. I bought a great pair of stretchy pants for $20 and four T-shirts for $24.

Still, the concept of cheaper knockoffs begs the question: Where was this stuff made and were any children harmed in the making of it? I mean, how is it possible to make a pair of pants priced at $20? The retailer, the designer, the manufacturer all get a bit of that $20. But is the person who is sewing those pants in a factory in Hong Kong making a living wage and working in a healthy environment? How would we, as consumers, find out how the sewers are treated in the making of a cheap product? Because personally, I wouldn't buy those pants if it doesn't support a healthy, compassionate and fair economy in the garment industry. It's a gray area now, but I think there is a movement towards greater consciousness around production methods and ethics.

It's a good topic for another Naked Lunch.

Can you recommend an inexpensive foundation (under $30) that I can buy from, say, Shopper’s Drug Mart? Thanks, Lucinda

I'm a huge fan of CoverFX, a Canadian based brand that was invented at Sunnybrook Hospital by a dermatologist who helps people with major skin problems. I use the water based liquid foundation, it's good coverage but very natural. And it's great for sensitive skin. It costs $35 (a previously published price was incorrect). Shoppers Drug Mart beauty experts are well trained to help customers find the right shade. Ask for help! Choosing the right colour of foundation is an art. For information, go to www.coverfx.com

My colleague Bernadette Morra has been raving about Almay's Smart Shade foundation, which is new at Shoppers. It just hit shelves and costs about $19. It comes out of the tube as a white cream with brown stripes. After you smooth it on your skin, it adapts to your skin shade. She says "it looks incredibly natural, and seems to give my skin a warm tone that has the effect of a slight tan."

Can we talk about something else for a minute? I just saw the picture of Janet Gretzky on The Star's home page. How much plastic surgery has she had? She doesn't look anything like the woman who married Wayne 18 years ago.

Frank Gunn/CP

Janet and Wayne Gretzky arrive at the 1999 NHL awards gala in Toronto.

Well, that's an interesting question. It's true, Janet looks different these days. It's another example of plastic surgery gone too far. In my humble opinion, a little goes a long way. But, to draw Hollywood into it again, I think people who spend time there lose their eye for reality and become accustomed to seeing perfection as beautiful. By the way, the picture you're seeing is a seven-year old picture. I bet she looks different today than she did back then, too...

This isn't a new trend, is it? For example, there have always been cheaper foundations and more expensive foundations?

Yes, it's true there have always been cheapie counterparts to luxury products. But the level of mimicry in packaging, marketing materials and ingredients has reached a fever pitch in recent years. It's a bit like what's happening in Hollywood, if you think about it. The major studios don't have new ideas, so they look to the interesting, low-budget indies that manage to break through into popular culture. Those indie projects become popular because they resonate with something real and meaningful. Then, the majors see their success and try to imitate it. It's the same thing with makeup. The few creative brands out there -- and Bobbi Brown is one of them, as are Stila, Jo Malone, Freeze24/7  -- innovate ideas that really resonate. Their products aren't successful because of big marketing budgets and full-page magazine ads. They're successful because they're innovative, functional, beautiful and priced right.

Daphne, I am wondering whether you tried any of the cheap drugstore bronzers? Did you like them?

I did try a cheap Revlon bronzer recently. It looked beautiful in the round compact, with a swirl of a bluish coloured powder in with the bronze. But I found the sparkle really sat on top of my skin and looked obvious and cheap.

What do you think of the Governor General's style?

Thanks for visiting Naked Lunch. Fashion editor Bernadette Morra and fashion stylist Derick Chetty discussed Governor General Michaelle Jean's style. Read the archived discussion below or submit your comments.

Do you agree with Bernadette that the Governor General is struggling in the area of fashion?

Thanks for the column and chat.
I don't understand why our last two Governor-Generals looked great in private life until they started acting as Head of State. Some of their get-ups give Canadian designers a "black eye" in the spotlight of the world press.
In the present case, sometimes Madame Jean looks wonderful but at other times quite awful. I think you should act as her fashion consultant because your analysis of her choices is right on! Gweneth Minaker

Your column in today's fashion section hit a cord with me.
I too saw the photograph of the GG over the weekend and knew immediately she was in fashion faux pas territory.
I have a period clothing rental business here in the city and can confidently say that I have one of the more comprehensive collections that spans the 20th century and is available to costume designers and stylists here in the city. The GG's hat had all the bad hallmarks of the 1960s cloche hats, it sat too low on her head, framed her face in a very unflattering way and looked too much like the cheap woven raffia hats that glutted the fashion scene in the early 1960s.  Worst of all it was impractical, it didn't keep the sun out of her eyes.
Her hats should shout SAVVY STYLE, be elegant and have just the right amount of drama.  I agree with Karyn Gringas' assessment, and I applaud the GG supporting all Canadian designers, but she needs to take more care with the look she projects for herself and Canada worldwide. The GG is youthful, accomplished and charismatic, her wardrobe must project all that. I can see her in tasteful yet edgy clothing that reflects her person and I'm certain she will find the balance.
Ms Jean has my respect for her work and all she does to represent our country to the world and I would rather not to see this photograph go down in history next to Gilles Duceppe's shower cap caper! Good column, Ian Drummond

Our governor-general is a lovely, intelligent, vibrant woman. Unlike her predecessor, who looked like she got dressed in the dark in a low-rate thrift store. I am proud of the fashion choices she has made in presenting herself as our representative. I could not wait to be rid of  Ms. Clarkson, who as a “talking head” who made good was certainly sartorially challenged from the neck down. JK

Oh, I am so glad you  did this morning's column!
I agree wholeheartedly that someone here needs to 'get a grip' and find a style that is consistent, fashionable and is connected to its prominent wearer.
The hat did it! I was wondering just what that cloche put me in mind of when your commentator said 'swim cap' and of course that's it! Shades of the '60s when women actually went i the water!
That she uses Canadian designers is admirable and we have such good ones.So no need to go abraod. But...She is a beauty and needs to enhance her natural charm not gussy it up with frippery of every cut ,colour and style. Think how Jackie Kennedy to this day as a rather young woman-barely 30 when he was elected- just knew how to present herself.
Okay some are naturals (and leaders - we still note Jackie today) but in the GG's life her appearance is everything; her style and charm being the whole point of the post.
So could someone assist in smoothing out a look and making it less 'fussy' and over- the- top trendy  fashionista. This is not a teenager but a person who needs to present both charm and composure. Thanx for letting us have our say.
Bon chance. Ernestine McKenna

My name is Sid Cratzbarg. I am the owner of Accessories By Sid and seldom get the Star. However I  happened to buy it with your article on Michaelle Jean.  I enjoy your writing however I diagree with your article. I feel she is always well dressed. She has brought style and class to fashion. I think her hats are sensational! Her style is such an improvement over Mme Clarkson. I think you were to hard in your assessment of her wardrobe. As a fashion person and male I think she is a glamorous women who is sexy and not afraid to show her femininity. Thanks for letting me express my viewpoint. Continued success in your endeavours. Yours in Accessories and Fashion. Sid Cratzbarg

The first time I saw Michaelle Jean she was on The Passionate Eye. I thought to myself: "What a beautiful woman." She possessed beauty that emanated from within, the kind of beauty born of compassion and intelligence, not stylists, complimentary lighting and plastic surgeons. I was delighted to learn more about her life when she was appointed Governor General. I have no doubt she will be a luminous Governor General, she has all the right stuff for it. However, her appearance at the swearing-in ceremony in Haiti was a definite shock. From the neck up she looked like a cleaning lady...on the job.  That rag on her head was so awful I let out an audible groan of pain when I saw it. My advice to people in the public eye would be to take a picture of themselves before stepping out in public. What looks good close up, may not carry over well when photographed from a distance. Thanks for giving the opportunity to make a comment. Hopefully the GG will take all these comments as constructive criticism. She is a wonderful role model to all people everywhere, now she just needs to dress to enhance her beauty. Teresa

I certainly found the pictures of Michaelle Jean quite extraordinary beautiful hat and all. She has a most engaging smile and facial expression. She has an excellent figure and looks and sounds very thoughtful, encouraging, sincere and empowering. Her peach and white dress and hat suited her extremely well. She might want to try a hat which is slightly more formal on stately occasions, however Haiti is a touch less than stately I would think. I am very proud of her as Governor General. Bob Stuart

Leave her alone. she is doing great!! You fashion people are forever over the top!!! J. Stitt

FRED CHARTRAND/CP

Governor General Michaëlle Jean dances with some of the residents of the Haitian town of Jacmel. The wild floral works well in the tropics, but not for a head of state. It's not dignified enough for her role.

Of course not. Why be so judgemental, assuming she is "struggling", and so insulting, about the hat "like a '50s swimming cap"? We want to see Jean as she is, her uniqueness, not as a puppet manipulated by those who lust for recognition and wealth. Please don't mess with her head. Trust her. She has enough charm and intelligence, and good sense to seek guidance if she wishes. Cliff Tremills

Yes I agree, although I felt Madame Jean looked more like Mums Mably in that awful hat, she just needed the price tag hanging off and she would have been all set. Somethimes she looks great - but not that day. Janet

Her Excellency is OK fashion-wise...she could use beiges and browns judiciously, though. Greg.

When I saw the bathing cap hat I was LOL! Jennifer.

FRED CHARTRAND/CP

Gov. Gen. Michelle Jean arrives for the swearing in ceremonies of recently elected Haitian President Rene Preval in Port-au-Prince wearing the now-infamous "bathing cap" hat. The lace-trimmed cloche is too costumey, whimsical and distracting.

Oh, I am so glad you  did this morning's column! I agree wholeheartedly that someone here needs to 'get a grip' and find a style that is consistent, fashionable and is connected to its prominent wearer. The hat did it! I was wondering just what that cloche put  me in mind of when your commentator said 'swim cap' and of course that's it! Shades of the '60s when women actually went in the water! That she uses Canadian designers is admirable and we have such good ones.S o no need to go abroad. But.........She is a beauty and needs to enhance  her natural charm not gussy it up with frippery of every cut, colour and style. Think how Jackie Kennedy to this day as a rather young woman-barely 30 when he was elected- just knew how to present herself.
OK some are naturals (and leaders- we still note Jackie today) but in the GG's life her appearance is everything; her style and charm being the whole point of the post.
So could someone assist in smoothing out a look and making it less 'fussy' and over- the- top trendy  fashionista? This is not a teenager but a person who needs to present both charm and composure. Thanks for letting us have our say. Ernestine McKenna

I cannot agree more! I though that hat looked like one of the crocheted horrors that someone's greatgrandmother kept over the extra toilet paper roll! I adore Madame Jean so I hope she reads your column. Sharon

I guess I will be too late for the chat but I think the governor general shows a unique and dedidedly feminine style that is refreshing for a woman in public office. Compare her breezy style to that of Laura Bush--very staid.  However, Mrs. Bush has had a couple of exceptions. I am thinking of her red gown from the innaugural. Women in their 50's don't need to look that stodgy any more (like the Queen). Our GG has an adorable figure and her style is up to date, modern and elegant. So that hat was a little scrunched on her head. Perhaps it was required to be so because of the wind. A brim would have caught and blown off. Sally Mason, Markham

FRED CHARTRAND/CP

Governor General Michaëlle Jean holds a news conference overlooking the city of Port-au-Prince Haiti. The cream striped suit by Montreal's Michel Desjardins is quite appropriate for the occasion: light-coloured but not light-hearted, and business-like.

What do you think the problem is? Do you think she is trying to play a role that she is perhaps not comfortable with?

I think she might be putting others first in this whole matter. Rather than approaching her professional wardrobe from her own firm style point of view, as Adrienne Clarkson did, and as Hilary Weston did in her role as Ontario's Lieutenant Governor, I sense that Madame Jean is more concerned with showcasing a range of difference designers. And that is an admirable quality. Bernadette

Keep in mind she has only been on the job less than a year, so I'm sure her wardrobe is work in progress - we hope! Derick

Like the GG, I recently switched jobs and my current duties now include public appearances and public speaking engagements. In my previous position I was mostly behind the scenes. What should I do about my wardrobe?

Since you are probably going to be preparing for your new position by taking courses in public speaking don't disregard the importance of your wardrobe. It should be part of your preparation in embarking on your new level of responsiblities. For all your public appearances you should be polished and dressed in a manner befitting your new status. Start by consulting your hairdresser to ensure a tidy, easy-to-do-yourself hairstyle. Invest in one professional looking pant or skirt suit. This will probably be the most expensive part of your wardrobe but you will need a perfectly cut and well fitted suit and believe me this will instill great confidence. Derick

The way you present yourself was undoubtedly a factor in you getting your promotion. So you might consider not adjusting your wardrobe. However, if you are going to be on television, there are certain things you should bear in mind with regard to colours and patterns, etc. I would advise seeking professional help. There must be wardrobe consultants or online help available in this regard. Bernadette

Mother's Day Gift Hunt

Thanks for visiting Naked Lunch. Last week's chat was on Mother's Day gifts and you will find gift ideas from fashion editor Bernadette Morra and stylist Derick Chetty below. This week's chat will be about Governor General Michaelle Jean's style. Bernadette feels the Governor General is struggling sartorially and needs help, especially after her appearance in a hat that looked like a '50s swimming cap last weekend in Haiti. Do you agree? Submit your questions or comments to nakedlunch@thestar.ca and join Bernadette at noon on Thursday for a live chat.

The May 25th chat will be about knock-off beauty products. Our beauty writer Daphne Gordon will be on hand to discuss this growing trend and to hear whether you are annoyed, or happy, when cheaper beauty lines copy the products and packaging of more expensive brands. Send questions now to nakedlunch@thestar.ca.

My wife recently had a baby and I'm wondering what to get her for Mother's Day. She claims that she will not be doing any fashion shopping until she gets back into shape. So I'm taking that as a hint! Any suggestions on what to get her?

Assuming that you have already bought her a special piece of jewellery to mark the birth, why don't you treat her to a relaxing and rejuvenating day at a spa? Make arrangements for someone or yourself to look after the baby for the day and let her have the entire day to pamper herself. You might want to consider the luxurious Stillwater Spa in the Park Hyatt Hotel. It's pricey, but she's worth it! She will especially love the private cabans where she can lie down, draw the curtain, watch her own TV and nap while her toes dry. See www.hyatt.com.

The historic Elmwood Spa which recently underwent a renovation and facelift would be another choice. See www.elmwoodspa.com.

Can you recommend any new spas?

Yes! A women’s bathhouse called Body Blitz has opened on Adelaide St. W. near Bathurst St. It is based on the ancient ritual of “taking the waters.” Owner Laura Polley visited bathhouses all over the world including Italy, France, L.A. and New York. Body Blitz has a full-sized warm salt water pool, a hot green tea pool (to detoxify), a cold plunge pool and an infra-red sauna and aromatherapeutic steam room.

There are also mud treatments, massages and scrubs. Call 416-364-0400 or see www.bodyblitzspa.com.

You may also want to look into the new Hammam spa at 602 King St. W. It includes a traditional Turkish steam bath infused with aromatherapeutic oils. Call 416-366-4772 or see www.hammamspa.ca.

My mother has searched all over town for elastic waist pants and says she can’t find them anywhere. I would love to get her some. Please help.

Kumari’s at 94 Cumberland St. and now in Bloor West Village has elastic waist pants in about a dozen colours from size 2 and up for around $100. Best of all, Kumari’s pants are cut wider than most at the waist so they lay flat on the hips, avoiding any bunching over the tummy area, which elastic waist pants can sometimes do.

The best thing about this gem of a store is that styles can be ordered in any size and colour available up to XXXXL.

Kumari also has the best selection of pashminas in town. She travels regularly to her native Nepal for embroidered shawls, silk shirts and beaded purses. The raw silk artist-style shirts and cashmere T’s (both $95) come in an amazing array of 75 colours. Jackets are offered in short or 3/4 length for women who prefer to cover their hips and are fitted from shoulder to bust with a gentle flare to the hem.

I have to get my mother-in-law a gift for Mother's Day. The thing is I really don't like the way she dresses. Should I give her a hint by buying her stylish gift? Any suggestions on what I should get her?

This is probably not the occasion to try to give her fashion tips. It might not go over well. It is her day after all. Why don't you get her something neutral - like flowers. What person wouldn't enjoy flowers? Or you can get her a gift certificate for a store she shops at. Look at it this way, at least this way she will find your gift thoughtful and useful. It's a shame for both parties when a gift goes unused.

My mother is ill and in hospital and likely will be for some time. I haven’t a clue what to get her. Any suggestions?

Hospital air is so drying that hands and lips can easily become parched. Add to that the diurectics that many chronically ill patients are given to prevent water build-up in their lungs, and you have a perfect recipe for itchy, flaking skin. Nivea’s new Hand Intensive Nourishing Care promises a good dose of moisture with every application. It features a quickly absorbed combination of natural minerals, Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin F and macadamia nut oil to provide hands and nails with long-lasting benefits. The suggested retail price is $5.34 for 100mL tube and it can be found at major drug and food stores and mass merchandisers.

We consulted our beauty writer Daphne Gordon on this one, too. She says the best lip balm she has ever used is Blistex Moisture Care. It’s in a blue twist tube and sells for about $4 at Shoppers Drug Mart.

And she says her doctor told her that the best hand cream from a medical point of view is eucerin, with 5 per cent urea, which is ultra moisturizing. It’s also available at Shoppers Drug Mart. See http://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/english/beauty/products/hand_foot/eucerin/index.html.

If you are looking for something a little more luxe, Daphne recommends L’Occitane. The fragranced hand creams are beautiful but the shea butter hand cream is the most moisturizing. A 150mL tube is $28. They also make shea butter lip balms which are excellent, Daphne says. The pure shea butter lip balm is $10, and there are tinted ones, too, for $14. L’Occitane has boutiques at 150 Bloor St. W., 2589 Yonge St., and at Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood. Another is set to open at Sherway Gardens in June. See www.loccitane.ca for more gift ideas.

My mother just started playing golf. I would like to get her something stylish to wear. Does such a thing exist?

A spring 2006 golf outfit by Lacoste, shown on the New York runway.

Golf is no longer just about plaid pants and argyle sweaters although there is something groovy about those retro patterns on a young person. But for mom, we would suggest a Lacoste polo. That’s what golfer Cristie Kerr wears, as well as a number of other pro’s sponsored by the brand. Lacoste polos are comfortable, well made and come in a range of snappy colours. The average price of a Lacoste polo is $125. See www.lacoste.com or visit their boutiques at 131 Bloor St. W. or Sherway Gardens.

If you are looking for a bargain polo, nothing beats Joe Fresh Style. Their stretch cotton pique tops come in 12 colours and are priced at $12 each. There is also a looser, more drapey style in rayon jersey for $14. Joe Fresh Style is available at Real Canadian Superstores.

Model sizes

Thanks for joining this week's Naked Lunch chat on models. David Graham, Bernadette Morra and Derick Chetty discussed why designers seem to prefer skinny models on their fashion runways, plus-size models and answered your questions. Read the archived Q&A below or submit your comments.

Next week's chat will be about Mother's Day gifts. If there is an item you are looking for but can't find, we will try to help. We will also be offering some trendy suggestions. Send questions now to nakedlunch@thestar.ca.

I believe that the reason designers use emaciated models is that their entire purpose in donning the designer's collection and walking down a runway is to show off the clothes.  The models are nothing more than hangers for the clothes.  By using an emaciated model, the focus is solely on the style, cut and pattern of the clothing... as opposed to how the model herself looks in whatever she is wearing. Sameera D'Souza

True. And this is the reason designers most often cite. That clothes look best on long thin frames. But often the girls on the runways are not just long and thin, they are sickly with ribs and collarbones protruding. I don't think that this extreme body is something that can be justified. Bernadette

We are also living in an era where thin is considered a beauty ideal. There were other periods in history where plump was the ideal. Derick

PETER STIGTER FOR THE TORONTO STAR

Florida model Crystal Renn on the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier in Paris for spring 2006.

Yes, but look at the photo of Crystal Renn on Jean Paul Gaultier's runway last year. She looked sensational and so does the dress. So the thin vs. plump argument doesn't necessarily hold. I do understand, however, the need for some kind of standardization of sizing to simplify the production of runway shows. Bernadette

Sameera is absolutely right. These models are nothing but hangers. This is about conformity more than anything else. Hangers come in one size fits all. This helps the designers prepare for runway collections. In haute couture they can design a dress for each model but for ready-to-wear every dress has to fit every girl. David

Q: Apart from models that appear emaciated the prerequisite seems to be that age is also a factor with most of them not having even finished high school. I would dearly love to see some (although not of course some of the more outlandish) designers use mature models, some even for the over 50+ crowd, we are after all becoming the majority, and can still do justice to our clothes.

A: Young models is an industry-wide standard because of the simple fact that their skin is flawless, they are not molded yet - almost a blank canvas. Having said that, some of today's top models are in fact in their 30s such as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista. Also alot of design houses used celebrities over 40 and 50 in their ad campaigns this year - Sharon Stone in a Dior beauty ad, Kim Basinger in Miu Miu and Christie Brinkley in Cover Girl.

Also today's fashion market operates on a niche system. More and more companies are getting very specific about who they will target - simple economics. Yes, it would be great to see 50+ models on the runway and ad campaigns but if that is not the market targeted it will most likely not happen. However, I can see this changing as the population majority ages. We are already seeing this with those older celebrities featured in ad campaigns and fashion magazine launches aimed at mature women. Derick

Q: Will things ever change?

VIVECA LJUNG PHOTO

Liis Windischmann, Canada's most successful plus size model.

A: The good news is that there is a plus-size modelling industry that is gaining steam. Liis Windischmann, the model we profile in today's Fashion section, points out that 12 years ago when she started, the agencies that handled larger-size models was very limited. Now, virtually every large agency has a larger-size division, and there are agencies that specialize in larger models. There are also wonderful ad campaigns such as the current one by Dove Firming cream, that celebrate real bodies. Bernadette

Q: Why isn't profit more of a motivator when it comes to designers and manufacturers making clothes in plus sizes? The needs of a large market remain unmet. And on the same theme: Why are clothes not available for heavier women of all heights with details and fabric designs scaled down or up for short and tall women? Susan Gowen

Profit, profit and again profit. The market for specialty sizes is more limited, therefore attracting a smaller number of suppliers. And it would be wonderful if clothes came in all shapes and sizes, but this would be impractical in terms of production. It would require more labour in terms of patternmaking and cutting. The less standardization there is in the production process, the less profit there is at the end of the production line. Bernadette

Q: Why are plus-sized models talked about so much in the fashion industry while petites, especially young petites, are virtually ignored? Petite women have their own issues as well. The fashion industry seems to think that petite women are older and only have pants length issues which can be solved by hacking three or four inches off the legs. However, this doesn’t address the fact that our rises and torsos are also shorter than average. This often leaves petite women wearing longer jackets and baggy pants. It also doesn’t really give too many options for 20 and 30-something petites. Will this issue ever be solved like plus sizes are?Cynthia Cheng

A: Again, it all comes down to demand. If the demand is there, the supply will follow. It would make sense, though, that with the increasing popularity of retailing on the Internet, the number of specialty size designers and manufacturers will grow since their market is the entire world. Bernadette

There are retailers who have petites but don't advertise it. For instance, Banana Republic has a petite section on the second floor of their Bloor St. store. So if there is a retailer that you like, ask them whether they have petites. They may only carry specialty sizes in select stores. Derick