Life is hard as a petite, rarely being able to find a piece that naturally fits without any alterations. Fifty million women in the United Stated are considered petite, or less than 5’4” meaning many women struggle with this issue. Luckily, petite fashionista Caroline Misan Alvo took note and created , an online shopping experience specifically for petites. Caroline shares with us inspiration, advice and of course, style.
Q: When and why did you decide to start Gambita?
A: I’m 4’9” and shopping has always been a nightmare for me. I always assumed that my shopping issues were due to the fact that I was exceptionally short, but after countless conversations with other petites, I found that virtually all petite women face similar challenges. It dawned on me that there must be a better way for Gambitas to shop, and thus Gambita was born.
I started Gambita in January 2013 and launched the website on April 15th.
Q: What did you do prior to owning Viva Gambita? How do you think it prepared you to open Viva Gambita?
A: Prior to Gambita I worked for a non-profit called VisionSpring, which is dedicated to providing affordable eye care in the developing world. I was in charge of setting up sustainable eyeglass businesses in very difficult markets, from El Salvador to India. Although this is obviously a completely different field from what I’m doing now, I had to be very entrepreneurial and resourceful at all times which has directly served to help me start Gambita.
Q: What extremes have you gone to in getting a piece to fit your petite frame?
A: Well it goes without saying that I’ve established great relationships with tailors in every place I’ve ever lived. Having a tailor is an absolute must for a petite girl, especially one that understands how to re-proportion items (it’s not always about length!). But I would say the most extreme action I’ve ever taken was many years ago when shopping for my senior prom dress — I looked in dozens of stores and literally couldn’t find anything that worked for me. Fed up and exhausted from the search, I went to a fabric store and just went to a dressmaker and got my prom dress made.
Q: How would you describe your personal style and who is your petite style icon?
A: I strive to put together outfits that are comfortable, chic and make a statement. I love anything from a pair of jeans, t-shirt and blazer to a fun dress. Oh and I’m a big believer in statement jewelry – I never leave home without a fun necklace, ring or pair of earrings.
I would consider Shakira my petite style icon. She looks amazing all dressed up but then can look just as beautiful while rocking out barefoot in pants and a tank top at one of her concerts – how does she do it and make it look so easy???
Q: What are some tips and tricks of your own on helping petite gals look stylish?
A: There are many, but I’ll share these three:
a. Make sure the top of the sleeve lies on your shoulder (like this one). Droopy shoulders just don’t look right.
b. Stay away from items that have a lot of excess fabric and lack shape. Your petite frame will get lost! If you’re going with an item that has a loose fit, make sure you keep your shape with a belt, like thisdress.
c. I’m a big believer in fun prints but just make sure that the prints are not too big, otherwise it will throw off your petite proportions. I love this dressbecause it incorporates so many fun prints and colors but the details itself are small so it won’t overwhelm us petite gals.
Q: How do you select the brands for Gambita? What are some of the current brands you carry?
A: I picked contemporary brands that I believed were fashionable, made unique pieces and have pieces that would fit a petite girl. We carry the following designers: Alice & Trixie, Yumi Kim, Keepsake, DL 1961, Skinny Jeans, LAmade, bySmith and Viereck. Much more to come in the future!
Q: What is your current favorite Gambita piece and how would you style it?
A: That is such a tough question, because I literally love everything! I’m obsessed with the Emma Legging by DL1961. I’ve always found that leggings are either suffocating my legs or the inseams go on for miles (or both). These hug in just the right place and are the perfect length. Good thing about leggings is you can wear them with just about anything, but I’m partial to a bright top, like the Ryder top which I also love – the back cutout gives this top such great personality!
Q: What are your plans for the future of Gambita?
A: My plans right now are to create the best clothing store for petite women. We’re hard at work to find designers that make amazing pieces for all parts of your life. We’ll tailor our offering based on what our customers want most, but we strive to be a one-stop shop for all your wardrobe needs, from work to play.
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