This edit captures the essence of summer, making it the perfect go-to choice for fashion-forward petites who want to make a statement.
Source: Courtesy / PrettyLittleThing
To celebrate the launch, PrettyLittleThing announced plans to host an event in Los Angeles, offering an exclusive first look at the edit and commemorating Marsai as a PrettyLittleThing Brand Ambassador.
Source: Courtesy / PrettyLittleThing
Marsai embarked on a four-month partnership with PLT starting in April 2024, which featured the actress and producer starring in her own PrettyLittleThing campaign and sharing exclusive content across her Instagram and TikTok channels.
Source: Courtesy / PrettyLittleThing
This hotly anticipated edit is available in sizes from US 00 to US 10. Martin’s designs are perfect for luxe summer looks, and feature a range of colors and patterns from fresh whites and creams to vibrant oranges and reds, as well as animal prints.
Hit the flip for more about the line and more looks on Marsai.
2024 is off to a roaring start for chef Paul Virant, the venerable hospitality veteran who in January won Chef of the Year at the local Jean Banchet Awards.
On the heels of this victory, and around five months after he closed pioneering suburban restaurantVie in Western Springs, Virant is deep into preparations for a new spot in the same village around 20 miles west of Chicago. Construction is well underway at Petite Vie, a French cafe and brasserie, which he aims to open by late spring at 909 Burlington Avenue, perched just around the corner from Vie’s former home.
Virant doesn’t dwell on sentimentality about Vie’s closing, which after 19 years “just didn’t feel right anymore,” he says, especially in light of ongoing issues with its former landlord. This won’t be an issue at Petite Vie, as Virant purchased its Burlington Avenue building. It’s slightly smaller than Vie and will seat around 65.
For Virant — known for hits like Japanese-influenced okonomiyaki den Gaijin in West Loop, neighborhood steakhouse Vistro Prime in suburban Hinsdale, and landmark Lincoln Park collaboration with Boka Restaurant Group, Perennial Virant — French cuisine represents a kind of homecoming. It’s the cuisine he was formally trained to cook, and after decades away from the style, it feels like a refreshing return to his roots. He’s also observed a French culinary void in the area following the 2021 closure of Mon Ami Gabi, a suburban outpost of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ bistro in Lincoln Park.
“When I opened Vie in 2004, I was 34 years old, and like a lot of chefs who have that opportunity, you want to [cook food] that’s innately your own,” he says. “That was great, but years have gone by and for anybody in a creative field, it’s nice to be able to do something different.”
A menu isn’t yet finalized, but for culinary inspiration, Virant recently took a trip to France — his first since 1995 — which generated ideas like a selection of quintessential hors d’oeuvres (think “little potted things,”) like duck liver mousse and smoked salmon rillettes alongside pickles and crispy lentils designed to whet the appetite. He also encountered a tweaked version of oefs mimosa, or classical French deviled eggs, that will make its way onto the menu at Petite Vie. Instead of traditional hard-boiling, his team will soft-boil the eggs to create a delectably jammy texture and top them with a delicate crab salad or seasonal vegetables.
As this new project shows, Virant remains enamored with feeding patrons outside the city limits — a population that has seen a dramatic increase in options since Vie’s mid-aughts debut. He’s welcomed that change and has watched with great interest as urban restaurateurshave expandedinto thesuburban landscape.
“[That’s] a good thing,” says Virant. “In rural parts of Europe, there’s great food everywhere. I do think there has been a lot of great food in the suburbs — obviously, I’m biased — but now there’s just more of it. I don’t think you can get away with mediocre, or even just above average. There’s too much competition and you’re going to get squeezed out.”
Petite Vie, 909 Burlington Avenue in Western Springs, Scheduled to open in spring.
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For those of us who are 5’4 and under, shopping for clothes that actually fit our bodies is rarely an easy task. But finding the best lingerie for petites? Well, that comes with its own unique set of challenges. Perhaps you’re searching for a bra that will fit (and maybe enhance) a small bust or need a bodysuit with adjustable straps, ensuring it won’t fall off. No matter your struggle, there’s always a solution, and we’ve found a few great pieces to add to your collection.
Ahead, we’re sharing our tips for finding the best petite lingerie, from ultra-sexy corsets you’ll want to show off to classic, lacy bralettes you can slip under a tee. The main goal should be to buy something that makes you feel like the sexiest version of yourself, and with this extensive shopping list, you’re bound to achieve it.
Best Petite Lingerie: Bras to Enhance Your Bust
The Tip: If you want to add a little volume to your chest area, skip full-coverage cups like those you’d see in a typical T-shirt bra and opt for shorter ones instead. Balconette bras lift and support while enhancing your cleavage, while styles with strappy detailing on top give the illusion of bigger boobs and add a sexy twist.
Courtesy of Cosabella
Not only does this pushup bra from Cosabella feature shorter cups, sizing starts at size 28A. If you’ve got a petite frame that requires a smaller band size, this one was literally made for you.
Courtesy of Revolve
If colorful floral lace isn’t your thing, try this black triangle option from Journelle. It adds just a little edge to an otherwise sweet style.
If you plan on showing off your lingerie look, the Kimmy Balconette Bra from Victoria’s Secret will really wow ’em. Reviews say it’s specifically made for those with a smaller bust, although sizing ranges from 30A to 38F, meaning there are plenty of options.
“I have very small breasts and this bra fits them perfectly,” says one review. “The padding is interesting but I like it. Can easily add more if needed.”
Best Petite Lingerie: Adjustable Straps
The Tip: The best pieces of petite clothing allow for customization and lingerie is no different. Trade those typical buttons, hook-and-eye closures, and even simple straps for strings you can tighten and other adjustable styles. Now, you can have the perfect fit with no tailoring required.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
You no longer have to worry about your lingerie looking loose and ill-fitting. By adjusting the straps and tightening the lace-up detail in the back, this design from Mapale will be snug as you want. Bonus: it comes as a set, so you can wear it with the tiny thong, too.
Courtesy of Bluebella
Maybe your ideal piece of lingerie is something simple but spicy. While this romper is casual enough for everyday wear and could even work as pajamas, the plunging neckline is what gives it a boost. And, while it does look a little baggy at first glance, you’ll be able to keep everything in place with the tie in the back, which is connected to the straps and helps to hold them upright.
It’s not too often that you come across a fully adjustable bodysuit, but there are so many ribbons and ties on this option from Oh La La Cheri, there’s no way you can’t create the perfect fit. Customers do warn that it’s made for shorter torsos, but that might end up being beneficial for those of smaller stature.
“Bought this as a bachelorette gift for a friend,” one positive review reads. “She loved it and said the fit was perfect. She’s 5’2 130lbs DD. Very adjustable. Well made and seemed to be nice quality.”
The best thing about designs that tie in the front? The tighter you pull, the more cleavage you get. And while this top is technically lingerie, it’s simple enough to get away with wearing out, too.
Best Petite Lingerie: Pieces For Emphasizing Your Legs
The Tip: If have a longer torso, consider buying lingerie that plays up your legs and makes them the center of attention. One way to do this is by choosing a three-piece set that comes with a garter belt and straps. The vertical lines along your leg will work to lengthen you without having to put on a pair of sky-high heels. Another option is choosing panties and bodysuits that are higher cut, giving the illusion that your stems belong to a 6ft supermodel.
Courtesy of Macy’s
The Swiss dot print and ruffled garter make this 3-piece set (which also comes in plus sizes) feel like the perfect mix of sweet and sexy. You’ll also be nailing two petite fashion tricks in one, thanks to the bust-enhancing strappy bra.
When shopping for sexy lingerie, there’s no need to splurge on a million pieces. Suspender tights like these can be worn with whatever else you have in your collection (or nothing at all) and will definitely draw focus to your bottom half.
If you’re lusting after For Love & Lemons’ garter belt sets but don’t want to drop hundreds when buying underwear, there are a handful of cute alternatives out there. Nasty Gal, for instance, makes a super similar, embroidered, sheer 3-piece look, which is currently on sale for just $37.
Courtesy of Skims
This Skims thong is high-waisted and high cut, lengthening your shape as it hugs you and holds you in. Many customers add that it’s comfy and has since become their go-to underwear style.
“These are my favorite panties for sure!” says one review. “The fit and feeling when I have them on make me feel so sexy yet comfy! The way they hug my waist makes me want to show it off for real lol”
Best Petite Lingerie: Balance a Shorter Torso
The Tip: One situation shorter women might encounter? Trying on a bodysuit that’s just a little too long through the mid-section. To avoid this, wear a corset or a longline bra with a pair of matching panties instead of a one-piece. The two pieces will basically touch in the middle, giving off a similar vibe yet looking even more flattering.
Fleur Du Mal designs some of the prettiest lingerie on the market, but its selection of corsets and longline bralettes is second to none. This piece features oversized floral lace that will take your partner’s breath away. For the full effect, wear matching panties, too.
Courtesy of ASOS
Of course, if you want the feel of a fancy set without the designer price tag, there are plenty of options that are a bit easier on your bank account. This lacy longline bra from Ann Summers will surely turn the heat up, and combined with the matching bottoms, will total less than $30.
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Not everyone is the same size on both the top and bottom. If you’ve got a larger bust, skip buying a pre-made set and shop the pieces separately. Fancies Full Figure Longline Underwire Bra goes up to a size 36G and will look great with basic black undies, too.
Corset tops continue to be all the rage, and while Meshki’s version can surely be styled with jeans, nothing is stopping you from rocking it in the bedroom once the night is over.
