April 2007 Archives

Q. My friend and I are having a disagreement about tights. She loves wearing dark opaque tights with dresses and skirts and is insecure about showing bare legs. She wants to continue wearing them in the spring and summer. I say tights are too heavy when the temps hit 80. What do you say?
-Heat Squeeze

A. Ding, ding, ding-you are correct! While your friend may have seen some photos in a magazine that encouraged her to continue wearing tights all year, she should know that many of those magazine editors don’t follow the style they show in the pages. Tights in the summer heat are just too, too hot. And talk about the sweat and uncomfortable factor. Knee length skirts and shorts will surely be more comfortable and still cover most of her legs when it gets hot. For an office gig or special event, if she still feels uncomfortable, she can pull on sheer hosiery.

Laundry by Shelli Segal 'Rachel' Slim Shorts
$148 at nordstrom.com

Q. I have purchased a dress for my son's wedding. I vowed I wouldn't wear beige, because it washes me out. I basically did though. The color is called light cafe and is strapless. What color jewelry would you recommend?
-Beige Begone

A. Here’s a few questions to answer before I can help. Why did you succumb to a color that you clearly know washes you out? Are you trying to blend into the background rather than shine with the rest of the party? Were you shopping alone or did you have “help” from a friend? Can you return it? IF you fell in love with the dress and had to have it, then we have options. Realize that this is your son’s wedding, so you should adore the dress and feel confident in it all day. Look for jewels that have shine, sparkle or color. Dangly earrings with a bracelet and cocktail ring or stunning earrings with a necklace that hits around the collarbone are the best fits for a strapless. Gold tones with diamonds, real or faux, will give off shine. If you need color, then think amber and soft tones of pink, blue or green. Here are some suggestions:

left to right: 50 Carat Green Garnet Briolette 14K Gold Necklace, $250 at ice.com ; Ariella Collection Oversize Cushion Cut Ring, $78 at nordstrom.com ; Yellow Sapphire Diamond Earrings, $182 at tiffinidooris.com ; Mother of Pearl Necklace, $190 at tiffinidooris.com

Q. I have a wedding to go to in 2 weeks and I bought 2 dresses. One is white with black roses on it with a big black band under the bust. It’s a halter style. While it's not all white, people are telling me that I shouldn't wear it. The other is black (strapless) with small white flowers on it, I prefer the white one but I don't want to upset the bride in any way.
-Dress Confusion

A. Don't let your friends swoop down and eat away at your confident style. The dress you've described clearly is not a white dress, so feel free to wear the white and black patterned dress and dance the night away.

Q. You site is so helpful!!! I had a baby a few months ago and I am in my friend's wedding next month. The bridesmaid dress is thin satin, and body skimming, and it is not forgiving to any body issues! My stomach is not big or fat, but not where I'd like it to be for this dress. I have that little pouch under my belly button and it is quite obvious in this style of a dress. I need help on an undergarment that will help me to feel confident in this dress. A bra cannot be worn with this dress, I think it is too low cut in the front for even a strapless bra. So I plan to have bra cups sewn in, and I need something for the stomach area, something that won't show under the very thin fabric.
-Hide my Pouch

A. I empathize with your dilemma. Many brides choose dresses without trying them on themselves to see how it fits a body. Thin satin is not forgiving. You need an undergarment that rises above your belly and also avoids panty or stomach lines.

These work well to give complete all over coverage to flatten tummy and smooth all over. It should come high enough under the dress to avoid lines going across, but the dress length has to be longer:

left to right: The Body Wrap: Firm Control Strapless Long Leg Body Briefer, $78 at barenecessities.com ; Spanx: Higher Power High Waisted Power Panty, $34 at barenecessities.com

This may help avoid panty lines while still going over waist to flatten the tummy.

The Body Wrap: High Waist Control Thong, $34 at barenecessities.com

If you intend to wear black sheer hosiery then this should work.

Spanx: All The Way Up High-Waist Pantyhose, $28 at barenecessities.com

Q. I'm about to graduate from college, and have been doing a lot of interviewing at New York City PR firms. I know you're supposed to dress pretty conservatively for interviews, but wearing a suit to an office where most people are dressed fashion/casual seems a little silly to me. What can I wear that is both fashionable and appropriate for my interviews?
-Currently Unemployed

A. Before you head to the interview, do some research on each PR firm regarding their client list. If their clients are fashion, beauty, media, internet or alcohol related then you can skip the suit. If the firms cover medical, financial arenas or products that you don’t necessarily know much about, then go slightly conservative. I haven’t worn a full suit in years, I don’t even think I own a suit anymore. For most PR firm interviews, I would suggest wearing separates like a stylish top, jacket and flat front pants with heels or wedge. You can also consider a skirt and top and, if not revealing, a dress (meaning: it has sleeves and doesn’t show cleavage). If you choose a suit, then be sure it fits your body well, isn’t boxy, and wear a colorful top or shirt underneath the jacket.

Here are some suggested looks:

Try a pretty cropped jacket or cardigan with a skirt or slim trousers.

French-stripe peacoat sweater, $180 at jcrew.com ; Semantiks 'City' Denim Pants, $68 at nordstrom.com ; gyptian-cotton printed Katie cardigan, $95 at jcrew.com ; Nanushka Pleated Skirt, $198 at nordstrom.com

This white cropped jacket can be paired with a full polka dot skirt or cropped pants and patterned underpinning for chic alternatives to a suit.

Semantiks Sateen Pintuck Jacket, $138 at nordstrom.com ; Necessary Objects Full Skirt, $44 at nordstrom.com ; Retro dot cashmere shell, $89.99 at jcrew.com ; Michael Kors Crop Pants, $69.50 at nordstrom.com

If you do opt for a suit, be sure to wear a colorful feminine top underneath to keep the look young and fresh.

To The Max! Notch Collar Jacket, $138 at nordstrom.com ; To The Max! Pencil Skirt, $88 at nordstrom.com ; Silk/cotton pintuck blouse, $64 at bananarepublic.com ; Silk dot-print blouse, $68 at bananarepublic.com

Q. My older sister is a new mom who is turning 35 next month around the same time her son is turning 1- she just moved into a new house and stopped working at the end of last year. She used to be a true fashionista but has since fallen off the wagon being a new mom. She needs a pick me up and I would like do to something fun for her for her birthday-- any suggestions on some fun mom trends to give her a little pick me up?
-Gift seeker

A. Time to take your sister out without the baby so she can relax and just be herself. Take her out for a girl date, whether it’s lunch or afternoon tea, or a night out for dinner and a performance like dance , music or comedy - get the girl laughing! You can also suggest dinner at someone’s house with just women and no kids, boyfriends or husbands.

As for gifts, I suggest a department store gift card and you take her shopping to use it, and maybe even set up an appointment with a personal shopper - they don’t cost a thing at department stores and will make her feel pampered and special. If you want to give her something more tangible, then I suggest mom-friendly wedges or ballet flats in a pattern or patent leather, a big bag that doesn’t scream “Mom” or a pretty necklace.

Here’s a few picks:

Cayman braided espadrilles, $160 at jcrew.com ; Boutique 58 Melody, $110 at piperlime.com ; Lisette printed-fabric ballet flats, $118 at jcrew.com ; Straw Tote with Beading, $128 at bloomingdales.com

Choose a necklace with a yoga symbol or one with a meaningful word that reminds her to breathe, believe or know what comes around goes around. These from Haley Mindes and Helen Ficalora are incredibly stylish and addictive. Beth (a fellow StyleBakery.com style chef and also a mom) and I live in ours.

Q. My fiance and I are having a civil ceremony this June in Philadelphia before he goes back to Iraq, on the same day as my college graduation. I want to wear a short white dress, but have not been able to find one that doesn’t seem too beachy. I want it to be special, but I will also be having a larger ceremony next year, so it doesn't need to be too elaborate. What sort of dress will work for the two most important events in my life?
-Dress Duty

A. It will be a BIG day-wedding, civil ceremony or not, it’s your wedding, the day you exchange vows and then your college graduation as well. So choose a dress you’ll adore. You want your soon to be husband to gush when he sees you. You want him to remember the day and you in a beautiful white dress until he returns home safely to you.

Shift embossed beach dress, $125 at jcrew.com ; White Cotton Sleeveless Dresses by Jill Stuart, $398 at edressme.com ; Swiss-dot Sylvan dress, $148 at jcrew.com ; Lilly Pulitzer Billie Eyelet Dress, $298 at saks.com

Q. I just discovered your website and have a question regarding intimates. I want to make my stomach seem flat and my waist smaller. I'm a rather short woman (approx. 5'1) with rather large measurements (38-32-38). My bra size is 34D (just got resized after many years of not wearing a proper size). I want to know what you think of wearing a girdle or other shaper undergarment for a person of my size. Does this seem like a good idea? My desire to make my figure more attractive and slimmer-looking. What options are there?
-Want to look slimmer

A. We all have issues with our bodies. Thankfully, no matter what our shape or size, there is shapewear available to help make positive changes in the way our clothes fit and look on our body. I would suggest looking for smooth fitting shapewear undergarments. Some “girdles” have boning and additional pieces that while creating a slimmer look, can mean lines and slight bumps under your clothes. Don’t fret about your petite height, just be sure to try a few options in your search for the ideal slimming companion.

Some of my favorites:

left to right: Body by Nancy Ganz Sleek underneath body briefer, $45 at figleaves.com ; Donna Karan Hosiery: The Body Perfect Collection Level 1 High Waist Embrace Brief, $40 at barenecessities.com ; The Body Wrap: Firm Control High Waist Panty, $38 at barenecessities.com ; Body by Nancy Ganz Sleek underneath hi-waist brief, $22 at figleaves.com

for more ideas on shapers and what to wear under your clothes, check out Underneath It All

Q. I am an outdoorsy girl with a sometimes non-existing sense of style. I have booked a flight to join some fashionable friends in South Beach, Miami this August for a long weekend of martinis, dining out and hitting the clubs. I am very excited about the trip but already anxious about what to wear. I don't have much of a budget, and would love to know what kinds of pieces to keep my eye out for. Can you help?
-Sporty Vs. Spice

A. Miami, particularly South Beach, is a town filled with body conscious people. And while LA and NYC may seem similar with people in fashionable clothes and heading off to the gym, yoga or Pilates, South Beach is a town filled with people showing off their bodies. And in August it will be hot, hot, hot. So to keep cool and look cool, you’ll need to be a bit daring by showing off a little skin and while still showing off a stylish look.

left to right: try a sultry summer dress like this Silk Printed Halter Dress ($99) from ardenb.com ; or pair a sexy top like this Off Shoulder Trapeze Top ($58) with Skinny Crop Zipper Jeans ($118), both from ardenb.com ; or try this Scarf Print Beaded Cami ($78) from ardenb.com paired with Rubbish Linen Blend Shorts ($28) from nordstrom.com . Pair all with sexy espadrilles like these Calvin Klein 'Kimora' Sandal ($94.95) from nordstrom.com or cork wedges and you're set!

Q. I am so excited that I found your website. My dilemma is that my daughter is getting married this June, she has chosen black and ivory as the colors. I am typically a very plain jeans and t-shirt person so this is extremely difficult. When we go out, I usually wear my basic black slacks. The wedding reception will be an elegant and intimate (150 guests) affair. Our church wedding is at noon and the reception is at our country club at 5 pm. My problem is that I am having a hard time deciding what is appropriate to wear. I am 48, petite (but busty) and weigh 105. My church dress idea so far is a straight cut sleeveless black dress, nude hose and pumps. My reception dress idea is just below the knee black with maybe a little sparkle. I had considered a full length but am fearful I will look 2 ft. tall.
-Black Back to Back

A. The colors of the wedding don’t have to apply to your dress choices. You can opt for color if you wish, but it seems you’d rather be subdued and comfortable. Since you are the mother of the bride, you need to be equal or above the elegance factor of the bridal party attire. If you choose two black dresses to wear for the wedding day, then be sure that they are different in style enough to notice. And be sure they are dressy enough for a wedding and not just a cocktail party. Add great accessories to liven up the look of the dresses and wear great heels. And don’t hesitate to embrace a little sparkle in your dress.

Q. My senior prom is coming up in the first week of June and I cannot find anything to wear! The theme is a night in Paris, and every girl is shopping at BCBG, so that is out of the question. I live in Canada and we have most of the same stores as America. I want the dress to be short and maybe dark blue, red, or black. Do you have any suggestions as to where to shop and some of the dresses that would fit this occasion?
-French fashion wannabe

A. I skipped BCBG and sought out dresses that were classy, chic, young and sophisticated to help give off a French flair:

left to right: Polka Dot Cocktail Dresses by Kitty, $119 at edressme.com ; Eliza J Strapless Satin Party Dress, $138 at nordstrom.com ; Betsy & Adam Lace-Up Back Dress, $128 at nordstrom.com ; Red Silk Taffeta Cocktail Dress by eDressMe new york, $275 at edressme.com ; Laundry by Shelli Segal Strapless Taffeta Dress, $420 at nordstrom.com ; Kay Unger Stretch Satin Sheath with Bow, $348 at nordstrom.com

(PS get 15% off at edressme.com with code STYLEBAKERY through 6/1/07)

Q. I am going to a cowboy wedding! I need some helpful hints/tips?
-Cowboy Couture

A. It’s time to get out your cowboy boots for a rip roaring good time. Better learn a little line dancing as well! Depending on the invite, it's best to wear a dressy skirt and top or a dress with cowboy boots and perhaps a hat as well. Skip jeans unless you find out that half the attendees plan to wear them, and then please choose a dark wash. It’s always better to err on the fancier side. Why not wear a fancy A-line skirt, crisp white blouse and a fitted denim jacket? You can always add a big buckled belt as well. Or look for gingham or plaid light cotton shirts to pair with a full skirt. Pow wow with others attending the wedding and find out what they intend to wear and it will help you decode the invitation. There can be a big difference between a wedding in a barn and a fancy hotel or country club.

Try replacing the belts that come with these dresses with a big buckled belt. Then add a cowboy hat and perhaps cowboy boots.

left to right: Carmen Marc Valvo Battenburg Halter Shirtdress, $310 at nordstrom.com ; Plenty by Tracy Reese Surplice Silk Blend Dress, $320 at nordstrom.com ; Lux Plaid Ruffle Top Dress, $34.99 at urbanoutfitters.com ; Panama Cowboy With Sequin Trim, $88 at hatattack.com ; Etched Plaque belt, $28 at fossil.com

Q. I just bought a pair of gorgeous red ballet flats... but I really don't know what to wear them with. I don't know if I should just add them in my wardrobe as a bright accessory or should a wear them with a red shirt and jeans?
-Red Right

A. Consider them a bright new addition to your wardrobe that doesn’t require a matching red shirt. Pair them with navy and white stripes, black and white polka dots, or any pattern skirt, dress or top that has a bit of red in it. And they look fabulous with jeans.


Q. What color shoes should I wear with a gold dress? It is a halter top, tea-length, kind of ruched in the middle and I really liked it and figured I would just find some shoes for it later, now I need help! I have had friends tell me animal print or red, but I'm just not sure! Also, what color jewelry would you suggest, I was thinking something to match the shoes after I found them.
-Going for the Gold

A. Choose either a muted pale gold heel or go for a natural (cream, light tan) to add a sophisticated touch. Animal print or red may create a fashion faux pas if it appears over the top. And choose simple gold jewelry since you'll be shining in the dress already.

Q. Can you wear a sheer hose with cropped pants or capris?
-Capri Cover

A. The point of capris or cropped pants is to wear a “lighter” pant when the weather gets warmer. So, unless you’re wearing hose with a skirt or hose underneath pants to keep you warmer during the cold months, then skip the hose with leg baring pants.

Q. My girlfriend and I are having a debate about these Spring work horses. I maintain that they have been in the forefront of style for so long, they are going out, out, out, with the Bermuda or walking short replacing them. She debates with the truth that stores are still selling them. I am also very tired of them and I think they are not attractive on all of us.
-Looking for an Out

A. I am not a big fan of the Capris either, but alas stores are still selling loads of them. I find it a personal preference for most people. It should come down to fit and length depending on your shape and height. If one wishes for something lighter to wear then go for the walking short or Bermuda short.

Q. I am 21 years old and have been often told that I look like I'm 15! I want to look my age and dress up a bit with heels but I always end up wearing t-shirts, jeans and sneakers because I can never put together a girly, comfortable outfit. How can I achieve a look to show off the older girly side of me while being comfortable at the same time?
-21 going on 15

A. When you get to be in your thirties, you’ll be thankful that you look younger, so take care of your skin to prolong the 6-years-younger look. I can't make this suggestion stronger: make sure there is sunscreen in your daily moisturizer.

On to clothes...you seem to know what is appropriate for your age, but you keep grabbing what feels safe. Dark jeans are stylish for every age, but add a strappy heel or patent wedge with a cute top for a Saturday night out. For day, make gradual changes by wearing a skirt and a dress at least once a week. They can be casual, flirty pieces, but guaranteed you’ll feel more like a girl then a young tomboy. As for sneakers, each time you go to tie them on, make a switch and slip on a cute flat instead. And be sure you sport colorful or stylish “trainers” with your jeans rather than your sneakers meant for running or to the gym. Stylish New Yorkers would be lost without two pairs of run-around fun sneakers in our closet that are just meant for pairing with weekend wear.

Start with causal dresses or skirts that you can wear with sandals or espadrilles and you'll be well on your way to dressing your age:

dresses and skirts, left to right: Lacoste Colortip Crossback Dress, $145 at urbanoutfitters.com ; Free People Diagonal Floral Print Dress, $128 at urbanoutfitters.com ; Ruby Rox Ruched Poplin Tube Dress, $48 at nordstrom.com ; Necessary Objects Seersucker Skirt, $48 at nordstrom.com ; Kira Skirt, $34.50 at delias.com ; Lux Knit Deep V Tie Back Dress, $29.99 at at urbanoutfitters.com

shoes, left to right: Candy Sandal, $36 at delias.com ; Miss Sixty Strappy Ankle Wrap Sandal, $85 at at urbanoutfitters.com ; BP. 'Congo' Sandal, $59.95 at nordstrom.com ; Libby Flat, $36 at delias.com

Q. I am getting married in November (Australia) so it will be coming into summer there. I have 3 bridesmaids and want them to look and feel beautiful on the day, but I am unsure what style dress I can get to suit all of them. Bridesmaid #1 is 5'2, medium-large bust, curvy, with a defined waist and a big bum. Bridesmaid #2 is 5'2, small busted, slim athletic build with a bit of a bum. And my 3rd bridesmaid is average height (5' 7), large busted, defined waist and a big bum. They all have nice shapely calves and I was wondering if a tea length dress would suit them, or would it cut them off? Am I better off with a full-length dress for them? I am in a full-length gown, which is quite formal and elegant. Will tea length dresses clash with me?
-Bridesmaid Dress Dilemma

A. I hope to help you and other brides-to-be with dress shopping, as well as help the girls you choose to be in your bridal party. I can’t make this clear enough to brides-to-be: your bridesmaids don’t have to wear the same exact dress to look good on your wedding day. Choosing the same color, fabric and length with just slight variations in the dress style can be the right combination to make everyone happy and allow them to look their best.

For busty girls, look for halter styles or wider straps to hold up and cover a bra better. For “big bum” girls, look for the skirt portion of the dress to be an A-line cut which will help define the waist and hide the bum and thighs. Cocktail or tea length gives girls the best chance of possibly wearing the dress again and makes it easier to hit the dance floor.

Other tips:

• Please, no shades of color (each girl wearing a different color dress-I’ve never seen it work).

• If you choose a black cocktail length dress that is simple and chic, your bridesmaids will have a better chance of wearing it again rather than tossing it in the “I can’t believe she made me wear this” donation pile.

• Choose a dress style that works best for most body shapes. Don’t make a curvy girl wear a column style. A-line dress styles are most flattering. Empire dresses are sweet on slender or proportioned girls, but can make petite girls look too young and other girls look pregnant.

• No dyeable shoes. Consider giving a shoe color choice to your bridesmaids and let them buy their own. Some girls can’t wear a really high heel while others wouldn’t attend a party without them. They may already have that color in their wardrobe and it will lessen the burden on their bank account.

• You can make suggestions of jewelry, but unless you’re giving the girls a gift of jewelry to wear with their dresses, don’t expect them to buy accessories as well. If you do give your bridesmaids gifts, please try to mix it up by choosing various colors or slightly different gifts so they all don’t feel or look like clones.

• Don’t make your bridesmaids spend a fortune on the dress. Every girl doesn’t have a bundle to pay for a dress, heels, gifts galore, bridal shower, bachelorette party and perhaps travel costs. Be kind to their cash flow.

• Don’t ask every girl you think is your good friend to be a bridesmaid. Many hope to just come to your wedding and have a good time in their own dress choice without additional responsibilities.