Miami - January 14, 2009

Sweat the Small Stuff

Fernanda Carneiro’s Dress Collection

On you, cropped pants become full length and tunics become dresses.

If you could prove he existed, you’d swear Snuffleupagus was working as a fit model.

Fernanda Carneiro’s got your diminutive back. The Brazilian-born, Miami-raised designer has created a collection of colorful dresses to suit the vertically challenged — or those not clocking in at a whopping five-foot-ten.

Step out in a yellow frock with a strapless sweetheart neckline and a boned bodice. The textured bottom hits inches above the knee (no tailoring required). A silk fuchsia number has decollete-revealing cutouts and a pleated skirt. And blocks of black fabric edge a short-sleeve white dress, a flattering illusion.

Small talk: The spring collection, a curve-hugging mix of purple, teal, and orange silk, will land soon.

So don’t be shortsighted.

Available at Rumeur Boutique, 170 Northeast 96th Street, Miami Shores (305-754-9800). To see styles, go to fernandacarneiro.com.