Wear it 3 ways: Henrietta Pertuz "Molly" Dress

Happy Monday, readers! I have some exciting news for this week : ) Today I am thrilled to share a new petite-friendly brand with you guys, and later this week there will be a giveaway (open internationally) so readers will have a chance to win something special by this brand.

Henrietta Pertuz clothing is not just "petite-friendly" - the entire line by the NYC advertising account exec-turned-fashion designer is made especially for women 5'4" and under. There are no signs of boxy suits or matronly dresses in her petites collection. Just fitted bustiers, silk pleated dresses, adorable cuffed trouser shorts, and more goodies. Per Henrietta, her line consists of affordable "investment pieces" made with luxurious fabrics and quality workmanship. Special attention is paid to all aspects of fit. Her contemporary collection reminds me of my beloved Theory, but more feminine and colorful.

Brand Snapshot:

Designer: Henrietta Pertuz, 34. Click here to read her petite shopping tips.
First Collection: Fall 2009
Sizes: 0P to 12P (may expand to 00P to 14P)
Ships to: USA (free), Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, and South Africa
Return Policy: 30 days
Price Range: $118-$195
Items Made In: USA

Henrietta sent a few items from her collection for me to try on. Today I will show the "Molly" dress, and on Wednesday I will show the "Lisa" bustier and announce the giveaway subsequently.

Dress: Henrietta Pertuz Molly in 0P

Jacket: Theory Gratian in 00

Pumps: Aldo Arnoldoa.

The "Molly" dress was introduced in 2009 and was so popular that Henrietta made it in new colors for Spring 2010. The dress is 100% silk, and has a row of pleats down the front center to elongate the body. The color I am wearing in the photos is from last Fall, but right now it is available in bright Berry, Chartreuse, and Pale Pink. My favorite is the Chartreuse...look at how striking it is against a tan!

*Note - the models above are approx. 5'5" and 5'6." I suggested to Henrietta to use true petite models for future collections so that shoppers can better gauge how the items fit.

I took photos wearing the Molly dress a few different ways, and couldn't decide which one to show - so here are all three:

1. Work - by throwing on a little tweed blazer and some black pumps, this dress instantly becomes business casual appropriate for me. Click photos to enlarge.

 

2. Summer Casual - when paired with strappy flats and a summer satchel, this dress is perfect for drinks or dinner on a warm evening. I think the true test of an item's "petite-friendliness" is whether it looks good with flats, instead of 3 or 4 inch heels. This dress hits 2-3 inches above my knees. I am willing to go even shorter in length, but have no qualms with this length on me. Shoes: Miss Trish of Capri for Target, size 5.5, Satchel: LV Speedy 25

3. Cocktail - I added a thin satin belt and bling-y sandals to make this evening appropriate. Belt: Theory (came with a dress), Shoes: Zara 5.5

Disclosure: I received this item courtesy of Henrietta Pertuz. My review here is my personal opinion.

I loved this dress and found it to be truly versatile. Right off the bat, the details stood out: delicate ruching on both shoulders and sleeve cuffs, small gold twist buttons on the cuffs and back, and neatly stitched pleats. The silk is smooth and the color is rich. A size 0P turned out to be a perfect fit on me, measuring 12" across the shoulders, 16" across the widest part of the bust, 31.5" length, and has 22.5" long sleeves. The dress is unlined, so I wore a long seamless tank underneath.

I wore the dress for several hours and small wrinkles appeared at the underarm area, but a steam during a hot shower removed most of it. Overall, I am pleasantly surprised by the quality and fit of this piece. Check out the dress for sale here. Which of the above ways to wear it is your favorite?