Shooting Star, don't the major shops in Canada sell petite sizes? I am about your size and I rarely have to alter anything; maybe some nicer pants, as it seems like the style is a little longer than I care for now, as the inseam has gone from 28.5 to 30 in the petite pants. That's why I like Athleta, as their petite sized pants have inseams between 28.5 and 29.5. The skirts I buy are perfectly proportioned for small women. I don't wear long skirts anymore, either. They are definitely dowdy and too much for me. Here's a link to the J Crew petite skirts. They are expensive, but beautifully tailored and mostly classic. You can't get these sizes in the stores anymore; it's all on-line. Maybe this will give you an idea of what's out there.
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_special_...NextCategory=2