Michelle

Shopping for answers: Petite Sophisticate reopens as an outlet in Vacaville

DEAR SHOPPING: I really liked the Petite Sophisticate shops and am sorry they're closed. Can you offer other similarly priced shopping suggestions?

-- Susan, Sacramento

DEAR SUSAN: Several readers have been interested in what happened to Petite Sophisticate. According to a report earlier this fall in the Chicago Sun-Times, Petite Sophisticate, which closed last January, has a new opener -- Charming Shoppes.

In September, Charming Shoppes, which also owns Lane Bryant (plus-size women's apparel), debuted something called Petite Sophisticate Outlet and opened 44 of the stores in 23 states. And you're in luck if you're up for a little drive along Interstate 80. A Petite Sophisticate Outlet opened Sept. 29 in the Vacaville Premium Outlets. You can call (707) 452-8203 for store hours.

Closer to home, have you checked out Ann Taylor Loft? This store carries a wide variety of petites that cover all sizes, including plus sizes. Their prices are reasonable, too. There are two locations: Arden Fair mall in Sacramento and Creekside Town Center in Roseville.

The Gap's online shopping site -- [Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register] -- is loaded with petite clothing. For more career and dressy apparel, the I.N.C brand sold at Macy's offers attractive separates. Perhaps you could invest in a pair of black trousers, such as a suit pant for about $80, that would work year-round.