October 2006 Archives

Q. I am attending a semi formal party in the next two weeks. Although I am in the South (Atlanta, GA) it is quite cold. Can I wear pantyhose with open toed shoes and a cocktail dress? The dress is maroon. If I can wear hose what color/style do you recommend? Any advice you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
-Hosiery how-to

A. Either choose to match the dress color with a sheer patterned maroon color or go for a black patterned hose to give a little oomph to the dress. You can wear open toe shoes with hosiery as long as you don’t wear a sandal foot style hose and tuck any visible seams underneath your toes.

Jonathan Aston Stringer pantyhose (left), $14 at figleaves.com
Jonathan Fleur tights (right), $14.99 at mytights.com (also available in burgundy)

Q. Is there something we can do to make cellulite disappear from our legs? I have been suffering from cellulite and I want to know if there are any products that can diminish the appearance of cellulite. That is one of the reasons why I don't wear shorts or skirts because you can tell cellulite is there.
-Cellulite Be Gone

A. Unfortunately, there is no clear or definitive way to getting rid of cellulite - yet. Until there's a real fix, your best bet is to try one of the many temporary firming options available. There are creams that have caffeine and other formulations that require daily application and can give the look of slightly plumped, firmer skin. There is also hosiery from Hanes Silk Reflections that has Vitamin E to smooth skin or micro-encapsulated ingredients to help diminish the look of cellulite. And wearing hosiery on a regular basis works as a compression garment to help smooth the look of legs. Some women have some success with Endermologie that works as a deep massage and suction roller on the skin.

One of the best ways to create a better looking leg is to avoid eating too many sugary or salty foods. Physical trainers suggest lunges and squats along with better nutrition and exercise. As for clothes, opt for skirts that hit just below the knee and walking or Bermuda shorts that cover the thighs but end just above the knee. If you're worried about bumps showing through your clothes, try wearing shaper garments like Spanx to keep things smooth and firm looking.

from left to right: Bliss High Thighs Cellulite Fighting Serum, $35 at sephora.com ; Bliss FatGirlSlim, $25 at sephora.com ; Sephora Indulgences - Full-Caff Non-Fat Double-Whipped Body Blend Set, $28 at sephora.com ; Hanes Body Enhancers No Hose®Firm Control Anti-Cellulite Mid-Thigh Shaper 3-Pk, $15.99 at onehanesplace.com ; Spanx Power Panties, $25 at figleaves.com

Q. I am wearing a long off-white dress with sequins to my sons wedding. My question--would it look ok to wear smoky quartz jewelry (a brownish color)? Will that look tacky or awful?
-Jewelry Do or Don’t

A. It’s a matter of trying the whole look on to see the effect. The amount of sequin coverage on the dress will determine how much jewelry you should wear. You don’t want to overpower the whole look. So try on the dress, add the jewelry and see if you like it. Ask a friend who not only has great style, but will also be attending the wedding, for a second opinion. Adding a bit of color is not bad. It may look good to have something with a bit of color dangling from your ears.

Q. My husband and I have been invited to a posh “Night of the Stars” event. This is like a mini-Oscar evening for his firm where certain employees will be honored for their contributions during the year. It is a black tie event and I bought a long navy evening gown in chiffon, covered in tiny bead embroidered patterns. It is not fancy, but pretty and demure. Could you please give me advice on what shoes to wear? I thought I'd wear silver, but now I don't know whether they will go. Should I try and find a pair of navy shoes. I can't wear high heels (I think I would fall over as I haven't worn them in 40-odd years). I like very comfortable shoes with a wedge heel. Also can you advise on what jewelry to wear? I want to look good, as my husband is one of those receiving an award.
-Looking Posh and Pretty

A. Go for silver since navy is one of the hardest hues to match. And silver is far more posh for the black tie affair. If heel height concerns you, then look for a wedge to stand stable or a shorter heel around two inches. You won’t tower over the crowd, but it will be enough to give the dress it’s glam effect. Some suggestions:

from left to right, all available at zappos.com : XOXO Gianna II, $51.95; Nina Maritza-Ml, $92.95; Calvin Klein Emmaline, $133.95

Q. I want to wear a beautiful Black Linen Suit to a wedding in Houston, Texas. The temps are still reaching 80 degrees and to me that is still warm. What's the BLACK linen rule?
-Linen After Labor Day

A. For many parts of the country, linen is usually packed away after Labor Day. For southern states, you can stretch it through October due to warmer temperatures, but as we enter November, it’s time to put away the linen in any color unless you‘re headed on a Caribbean cruise or a night out in Hawaii.

Q. I'm hoping you can help me! My cousin is getting married on November 5, 2006 at 4pm on Perdido Beach, Florida. What is appropriate to wear? Nothing has been said re: dress formality. While it's the Fall season, it's still the beach and should be warm and I'm unsure of the appropriate clothes and shoes to wear!
-Beach Be-Wonder

A. Since it’s on the beach, my first choice would be a dress that is cocktail length skimming just below your knees, second choice would be a skirt and top. Don’t wear pants—boring for a wedding and you want to move freely on the beach. Choose a light fabric like cotton or silk jersey, but skip linen since the season for that is over. Look for a dress that perhaps has short or 3/4 sleeves or wear one that is strapless, sleeveless or has spaghetti straps and bring along a little fitted cardigan or wrap. Since it's a late afternoon into evening affair, feel free to wear pretty prints. And be sure to wear flats or low-heeled sandals and assume you’ll be taking them off in the sand so be sure to have nice painted toenails.

from left to right: Nicole Miller Tiki Print Dress, $310 at bloomingdales.com ; Single Wrap Dress, $268 at bloomingdales.com ; Lumiani Quarto, $89.95 at zappos.com ; J. Reneé Pixie, $78.95 at zappos.com

Q. Is it ok to wear high heel boots with cute capri pants in the fall?
-Viva la Capri?

A. Yes, you can wear capris, just be sure that your capris don’t look summery. We like to call them cropped pants in the Fall and they should be of heavier fabrics like corduroy, denim or wool. And your cropped pants should cover over the top of your boots, if not then wear fun tights or have nubby socks that peek out just above the your boots.

Theory Calvan C Velvet Pants, $245 at saks.com

Q. I need an answer from someone I can trust. I have to attend a gala for the corporation I work at. On the invitation it calls for cocktail attire. My son, who will escort me, has picked out a full-length black gown. I am afraid it is too formal for this event. Would it be tacky for me to be a little over dressed? I am usually the one in the crowd that is a usually a little under dressed or barely in the appropriate category. My son says that for once I should go all out and dress to impress, but I am uncomfortable.
-Overdress to Impress

A. First off, you should be comfortable in this dress to impress situation. While I want you to look good, I also want you to fit into the setting and not stand out and have co-workers and colleagues wonder why you went full-blown. In this case, a full-length gown would be too much for the occasion. A gown is appropriate when the invite calls for it, like at a black tie wedding, a gala, a costly fundraiser, etc. It would be lovely for your son to escort you wearing a dress that hits just below the knee or a dressy skirt and top and perhaps a fitted velvet jacket or cardigan with beading or crystals.

Q. I am wearing a tea-length bridesmaid dress in the middle of January. What type of coat can I wear? The dress is lower in the back.
-Cover Confusion

A. It’s best to look for a dressy jacket that is slightly cropped and doesn’t go below the hips or choose a 3/4 length that is the same length as the dress.

left to right: Nanette Lepore Turkish Delight Jacket, $415 at saks.com ; Elie Tahari Riley Wool/Cashmere Coat, $798 at saks.com ; Trina Turk 'Ellsworth' Satin Jacket, $498 at nordstrom.com

Q. I am attending a Military ball in about two weeks. I have found a gorgeous red satin dress. It has a low V neck, and a low back, fitted through the bodice, then A-lines down to my ankles. This is the second formal affair I have attended in fourteen years.... so I am kind of out of the loop when it comes to evening etiquette. I have no idea what color shoes I can wear, what jewelry would look good with it, makeup??? Should I steer clear of red lipstick? I'd like to do a smoky/evening eye.... would that look OK? I have auburn hair and brown eyes. I do live in HI, so I do have a summer tan. Any advice would be of great help. I am 32, but I don't want to look like a young hooker or teen.
-Red Bliss

A. You won’t look like a hooker or teen, the dress sounds just right for the event. I’m always happy when people choose color instead of black. Choose gold metallic strappy heels or something strappy with jewels or crystals - you can choose black satin if it has something added to it. As for jewelry, go for the earrings as your emphasis—colored beads or cubic zirconia or faux diamonds. They don’t have to be big or dangly—just elegant. I like the idea of a soft, smoky eye, just keep the rest of the makeup natural. And if you choose a red lipstick (I’d suggest a gloss or a lip stain + gloss), make sure it works looks good with your skin tone, not the dress.

Steal Eva Longoria's and Lauren Graham's red carpet style with these pieces from emitations.com

Q. I am in search of the perfect cocktail dress. I adore antiquing and vintage finds so I’d love to find a unique, one-of-a kind piece for a cooler than cool invite in November. I’ve checked out the overpriced consignment shops in LA with snooty service and the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, but where else can I shop?
-Want One of a Kind

A. Perfect timing! I just returned from the ultimate vintage shopping experience - a vintage clothing and accessory shop where the owner is top notch informed. She’s a curator of clothes and the salesgirls are equally as helpful. Check out, The Way We Wore in Los Angeles (323- 937-0878). I recently spent three hours scouring the racks with my shopping compandre, Jordan, and played “dress up” while he sought out shoes to try with each outfit. They even offered us muffins and drinks - who does that anymore? I handed over my credit card for several purchases including a 1930’s gown and two 1950’s dresses that are truly unique. Check it out and tell her I sent you.

Q. With leggings and skinny jeans in fashion, does that mean leggings and skinny tapered sweats are the “in” thing to wear to the gym? Are flared sweat pants out? Are leggings and huge t-shirts “in” for the gym, like they were in the 80s?
-Gettin’ Physical

A. Please skip the huge t-shirts. It wasn’t flattering then and it certainly isn’t “in” now. Stick to what flatters your body most when you hit the gym. You want to be motivated, not disappointed. Wear tops that give you the right support when you’re moving, jumping, etc. and pants that have a bit of Lycra. Consider sticking with boot cut style which are usually flattering on most body types. Remember, just because it’s a trend, doesn’t mean it’s right for every body.

check out activasports.com for a great variety of workout gear for women like the Scout Performance Color Blocked Bootleg shown here, $72

Q. My third daughter is getting married in March and she wants me to wear a brown color. She says it suits me for my hair and skin, but to me, March is a Spring thing and browns signify fall...what should I do? Time is running out.
-Spring Thing

A. Brown, chocolate and bronze colors don’t necessarily signify Fall when worn as a dress or a formal suit. What’s most important is that the color looks good with your skin tone, that you choose a dress or suit that fits your body well and is flattering to your figure and that you feel good wearing it and representing your family. And, of course, you’d like to make your daughter happy as well.

The Adrianna Papell Charmeuse Halter Gown with Scarf shown here would look just as beautiful in the Spring as it does in the Fall. $168 at nordstrom.com

Q. We have been invited to my husband's cousin's wedding in Connecticut this October. This is the first time I am stumped about what the 2 girls (age 9 & 13 ) and I should wear. The reason I am unsure is because we are going to the rehearsal dinner with the family. Is it inappropriate to wear the same dress to the dinner and the wedding or should the dinner be more casual with slacks and then a dress to the wedding? I only have a week and a half to get us all situated so it would be great if you had some advice.

A. Don’t repeat, that’s a big no-no. The rehearsal dinner is an intimate, special occasion that only certain people are invited to. Depending on where the dinner is being held will dictate the dress code. I would suggest that you choose an outfit that is considered a step above casual. It is always safer to look better for an occasion than being dressed down. Dress better and people will remember your respect for the occasion and sophistication. I’d choose a simpler dress or a skirt with an appropriate top. And obviously your dress for the wedding should be dressier than the rehearsal gathering. As for the girls, they can be more casual if they are attending the rehearsal, but put them in dresses for the wedding day.

Q. I am getting married in Vegas at the end of October and I have this beautiful white cocktail dress that I am wearing (I bought it but never had a chance to wear it), but I can't seem to find a decent shoe to go with the dress. The dress is a BCBG white low cut, above-the-knee dress. Do you have any ideas?

- Wedding Bells

A. For a wedding in Vegas you definitely need to add some shine and glitz to what you wear on your feet:

Touch Ups Gemini
$61.95 at zappos.com

Nina 'Mabel' Sandal
$78.95 at nordstrom.com

Nina 'Barbra' Sandal
$88.95 at nordstrom.com