October 2005 Archives

Q. I have a Saturday evening wedding mid November in New York (where I reside), I just purchased a black tea length BCBG spaghetti strap dress with handkerchief bottom. Is it ok to wear black silk, strappy, backless sandals, and of course bare legged? I don't want to look too summery, though I really can't imagine wearing a closed shoe with an evening dress. Again, because it is not a gown, some leg and my feet will be exposed. Help.
-Exposed

A. I’m surprised a girl from the Big Apple hasn’t realized that we New Yorkers brave the cold temps with chattering teeth and numb toes to avoid wearing hose and get the most wear out of our party appropriate strappy heels. Step lively and just wear a longer coat and warm gloves.

Q. I know this may be asking a lot, but do you know where I could find some dark blue jeans that are nice and long (33"+ inseam). Flares are my favorites and I'm not rich, so a cheap chic jean would be great.
-Miss Long Jeans

A. There are plenty of jeans that come in different lengths to fit you tall girls. And I always tell women to choose a dark wash over any other color. For long lengths and more affordable prices check out, alloy.com which offers inseams up to 37" (the style at left costs just $45!). Also check out buckle.com for a range of designers in inseams up to 37", plus luckybrandjeans.com , gap.com (check out their Curvy Flares in X-Long - a great fitting jean!) and diesel.com .

Q. I have never worn rain boots and am not sure how to wear them? Do you keep your shoes on underneath? Do you carry your shoes in a bag and change them out when you get to your destination?
-Puddle Jumper

A. Most rain boots for women range from fun and funky to conservative and work-a-day. The rain boots we girls wear are not your granddad's rubber slip-ons that covered his wingtips. These are rubber boots that you’ll actually look forward to wearing on rainy days. They brighten your mood and you’ll be singin’ in the rain as you splash through puddles to return home with warm, dry feet. Many are fashionable enough to wear all day long, though if your office is conservative, I would recommend bringing a change of shoe for indoors.

Below are a few options, and be sure to check out our recent Rain Boot style recipe.

Sigerson Morrison
Wing Tip Knee Highs
$151.95 at zappos.com

Gabriella Rocha
Tall Argyle Boot
$65.95 at zappos.com

Emilio Pucci
Rain Boot
$145 at nordstrom.com

Q. I have to attend a trade show next month for 5 days!! Each day I will be on my feet for what seems like an eternity and possibly will be. I want to find shoes that aren’t frumpy, go with multiple outfits, don’t cost an arm and leg and if possible, not flat – is that too much to ask? And ideas?
-Heel Comfort

A. It’s not a lot to ask that shoes be comfortable and still be stylish especially when many of us spend all day on our feet. My favorite designers that always seem to have extra padding built in or even air cushioning are Aerosoles for super affordable style and Cole Haan for high end quality. I wore a pair of open toe high heels from Aerosoles recently while hosting an event. I didn’t get to park my butt for five hours and when I finally did sit, it wasn’t due to an aching lower back. I never would have lasted that long in my Manolo Blahniks! Cole Haan not only offers extra padding, but they’ve also teamed up with Nike for some of their styles to add air cushioning. To help stave off the pain in your feet, calves, and lower back consider switching off between cushioned flats like a stylish driving moc and low heels.

Here are some suggestions:

Aerosoles Sleek Preview
$69 at aerosoles.com

Aerosoles Pretty Gritty
$29 at aerosoles.com

Cole Haan
Air Bronte Moc
$175 at nordstrom.com

Q. I have homecoming in a couple weeks and I bought a chocolate brown dress with gold sparkles and I was wondering what color heels I should wear?
-Color Curious

A. Simple answer - gold. Metallic will always dazzle ‘em. Trying to find the right hued brown heels can lead to a frustrating and endless search. Look fab in gold and wear gold dangling earrings or carry a small gold clutch. You can find plenty of inexpensive styles these days:

RSVP Gold Metallic
$69.95 at zappos.com



Nine West Accolia
$72.95 at zappos.com

Q. I have always been afraid of color. After my mom passed away, I am feeling the need to incorporate some brighter colors into my life, as part of my ongoing personal makeover. Almost all of my clothes are black. My friends say that I would look nice in colors, but I’m not sure how and whether I should build a new wardrobe up from scratch. How do I start building up from the basics again?
-Color Wary

A. There’s no need to start from scratch when all you need is to begin adding a few new pieces of bight color until you find the colors that work with your skin tone and elicit the most compliments. And believe me, you always receive more compliments when you wear color. Black might be safe and it can be classy and sophisticated, but rarely does someone say, “wow, you look like you’ve got a tan in that shade of black.” Or, ”you look so fresh and young in that black top.”

Begin by mixing a few colors in with your black pieces. You may need to try on many colors to find the right hues that work for you. I used to think yellow would wash me out and make my skin appear sallow, but I found a sunny color in two tops this past summer that were a hit. I couldn’t wear them enough before the cooler temps hit. So don’t be shy, grab some sweaters and head to the dressing room. Start with a v-neck sweater that can be worn alone or under a fitted jacket and a bold colored jacket in a classic cut.

This cashmere cable
v-neck comes in
many wearable colors
$148 at jcrew.com



A red coat looks
great with the
black pieces
already in your
wardrobe

Stand Collar Jacket
$148 at nordstrom.com

Q. My husband and I are also traveling to NYC in mid November. My favorite color is pink so most of my wardrobe - boots, etc. - are pink. Is this color okay for New York during this time of year?
-Pinky

A. Hey, pink is one of my favorite colors too. If it looks good and you love it, then obviously it lifts your mood. And a smile is sometimes your best accessory. Whether it’s flirty and fun or sassy and sophisticated just be sure you’re not head to toe in various tones of pink which can clash.

Q. My daughter and I are traveling to New York in mid-November. I just wanted to know if it is already cold enough to bring a coat, hat, gloves, etc. and is wearing mostly black still ok?
--Clueless in California

A. Definitely pack your coat, hat and gloves. It always seems to turn into jacket/coat weather by Oct. 30th. You may be able to leave the hat in the hotel, but it’s always good to be prepared. And if you hadn’t heard, black is back this season and in New York black is NEVER out of style. Black is chic, simple, hides a myriad of flaws and easily disguises your tourist status.

Q. I am looking for some advice on what to pair with a fitted blue jean jacket. Is it ok to wear it with blue jeans? I remember hearing my sons joke about that combination as being the "Canadian tuxedo". Jacket time is here. Can you help?
--Jeans with Jeans

A. I’m used to seeing the jean jacket and jeans combination on true cowboys and cowgirls on trips out west to places like Wyoming and Montana. It’s a sexy rugged look that works for them. But if you’re not one of them, then I’d suggest finding a stylish alternative. And nowadays just about anything works with a fitted jean jacket from corduroys to trendy gauchos and shortened pants to a-line skirts and western or bohemian style skirts. Magazines have even shown jean jackets with ball gown skirts. I have always loved the classic look of model Lauren Hutton who has always looked fantastic in khakis, a white button shirt and a well worn jean jacket. It’s just a matter of dressing head to toe and then pulling on your jacket to see if you feel comfortable. And sometimes it’s a matter of the color of the denim.

shown left: Elie Tahari Eugenia Denim Jacket paired with a full skirt and boots, from saks.com

Q. I bought a black pantsuit at the end of the season last winter which consists of a longer, three-quarter length jacket and matching boot-cut pants. I have never owned a suit with a three-quarter length jacket before, so I was curious as to (1) whether or not it is a stylish option for fall, and if so (2) is there a "right" way to wear the jacket? I am not sure if I should leave it open, or button any of the four buttons, etc. Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
--Right Way or Wrong Way

A. There will always be a long list of standard options in suits from short jackets to long jackets, dress suits with matching jackets, double or single-breasted jackets and then choices of pants and skirts. What makes a suit stylish is the fit on your body and how you complete the look from the top to the accessories. The jacket needs to fit you well and not be oversized or boxy, especially if you are petite since a longer jacket could make you seem even shorter. As for the buttons, it depends--if you’re trying to achieve a more fitted or conservative look then button 2-3 and leave the bottom one undone. Try to avoid the easy choice of a white shirt, choose a color or a patterned shirt or wear a knit top that isn’t bulky. And you could jazz it up with bigger style jewelry or an Hermes or Hermes-like scarf at the neck. It’s always better to keep the attention towards your top half to create the illusion of height with a longer jacket.

shown right: a classic and more conservative way to wear it, from nordstrom.com

Q. Your column is my favorite part of StyleBakery.com! I'm looking for some good-quality fitted tees with a modern cut: elbow-length sleeves and a boat or ballet neckline. I'm having no luck with my search. Do you have suggestions?
--Tees Please I

AND

Q. I have been looking for some longer length and not so tight T-shirts. Most of the T-shirts I found in the stores are either too tight or too short. I do have a little love handle (after having twins). I want to find some tees that are casual, hip but not skin tight and hopefully at a cheap price.
--Tees Please II

A. I put these questions together since t-shirts are no longer just t-shirts. While they are classic staples to any wardrobe, they also need to work in our wardrobes by being stylish, fitting well and covering up our tummy’s while we wear low-rise jeans. We did a segment about t-shirts on “The View” last month and realized after pulling in styles from so many designers that we could have filled a half hour of the show just talking about them, from fabric choices to fit to fashion.

Some of my favorites brands include Splendid, Vince, Three Dots, JCrew , Old Navy , the favorite tee from Gap , Adam + Eve , Lilla P , C & C California (the best for layering). When I want to keep more money in my wallet than out, I always find great deals in the junior sections of department stores like BP at nordstrom.com. I adore the favorite tee at Gap , but am not as happy with their other styles and Old Navy has some great ones, particularly their cotton pique polos.

But, just like other wardrobe items, it helps to try some on to get the right fit. If you choose to go with classics like three packs of Hanes (the best bang for your buck), consider buying a smaller size to get a better fit. For various shapes like boatneck and ballet neck lines as well as different sleeve lengths, I have several tees with a variety of neck lines from Club Monaco, great henleys from Three Dots and Splendid and 3/4 length waffle weave tees with from americanapparelstore.com .

We put together a list of some of our favorite Fall Tees for you.

Q. I love the look of many of the chic fur vests and jackets I've seen for fall--but I will not wear real fur! Know of some good faux looks?
--Faux in the Know

A. How about these suggestions:

Persian Lamb Jacket
$98 at nordstrom.com

Black Rivet Faux Persian Lamb Jacket
$128 at nordstrom.com

Giacca Solid Reversible Faux-Fur Vest
$49 at macys.com

Reversible Faux-Fur Vest
$39.99 at target.com

Q. I have a navy pinstripe pants suit and a navy skirt suit. Navy shoes are hard to find right now! Is it okay to wear black with navy? I thought I read somewhere a while ago that this is okay.
-Navy or Not

A. Wearing black with navy is usually the best option since trying to match the right hue of navy clothes with navy shoes can be exasperating. Also consider colors like olive green or burgundy to give the outfit more stylish sophistication.

CARLOS by Carlos Santana Sizzle
$117.95 at zappos.com

BOSS Hugo Boss 91255
$147.95 at zappos.com