:Robes for Petite Girls:

You're Not Too Small For a Casual Robe

Just ask the Olsen TwinsTM. They love an "inappropriately"-sized garment. I use quotes because as petite gals we're always told to stay away from clothing that might overwhelm us. Look, I appreciate that sometimes we benefit from an item that is taken up or taken in. But sometimes I just want a swath of fabric both embracing and orbiting me, depending on which way the wind blows. 

So why did I decide to purchase this particular robe in the first place? Well, last summer I was heading to the beach and wanted something I could use as a coverup. But every "beach coverup" I could find felt so... ugh. I don't even know how to describe it. I wanted something that felt kind of fabulous. Like it was 1972 and I was in a pair of feathered mules, sashaying next to a pool in Palm Springs. Most of what I was seeing did not have that vibe. 

There happens to be an Anthropologie near my house so I popped in there on a whim and saw this tiny piece of perfection. Truth be told, I've marked many a robe-like garment during my digital window shopping sprees. But never have I taken the leap. I've always been concerned with how they would overwhelm my frame. *heavy eye roll* When I found this guy I found it to be simple, elegant and one of those subtle showstoppers that I just cannot resist. Dunzo.   

When I wore this sweet treat to the beach, I knew I loved it. But when I wore it to Mexico... it took on a whole new life. I don't know what it was. Maybe the international factor. The resort we visit has a lot of folks from places that are decidedly NOT the United States and there is another level of appreciation for garments like this one. One particular morning, CJ and I were wrapping up our time  on the beach in exchange for some adult pool time and as I slid an arm into this robe, a woman next to me asked in the most inviting accent where I had found it. I was flattered on one level because it was a compliment on a piece I have and that always makes me feel good. But when someone who isn't American compliments my style, it feels strangely transcendent. Like I could visit their country and completely blend in. I don't know why that feels like the ultimate compliment, but it does. Not that I'm embarrassed to be American but that I can be an American without being a tourist. There's a distinction there.

Clothes can signal something between people. And I like the idea of signaling that I feel comfortable where I am. Maybe I look American but I don't look AMERICAN, with hard edges and nationalist ideologies jutting out of my joints.

I've deviated from my original intention for this post again. Oopsies. Regardless, maybe this is just a robe that makes me feel like a woman who turns heads in 1972 Palms Springs. Or maybe it's my passport into international style. Either way, my height doesn't factor into whether this thing looks good on me.
My attitude does. And my attitude is outstanding.  

Robe Anthropologie (last year, try this) // Jeans Mother // Tank J.Crew (similar or try $23 version) // Shoes Zara (similar) // Sunglasses Quay // Bag Zara

photos // lauren