November 2007 Archives

Q. I bought a pair of velvet trousers in gray (Boden Wideleg Washed Velvet Trousers from bodenusa.com ). Note: the coloring on the model is truer to the gray in real life than the color on the image of the pants. They are a lighter gray, with a slight very light purple hue. They're super comfortable, and work appropriate. But I'm having a hard time finding colors that coordinate well with them, other than brown and black. What other color tops I could wear with them?
-Soft and Comfy

A. First off -YUM. Love these pants! Take a cue from what the models is wearing and choose some colors to add to the richness of the gray velvet. Look for jewel tone or brighter sweaters like ruby, plum, deep purple, olive and teal. Beyond sweaters, search for tops with shine to give the pants a kick towards dressy.

1. Double Breasted Bell Sleeve Cardigan, $118 at freepeople.com
2. Merino wool turtleneck sweater, $78 at bananarepublic.com
3. Long-sleeve scoopneck sweater, $68 at bananarepublic.com

Q. Thank you for all the help you've given me in the past! I LOVE your website. I have noticed that my shoes, especially my leather ballet flats, have started to have a less than pleasant odor. How do I clean them and prevent the smell without ruining the leather?
-Smelly Situation

A. Simply head to your local pharmacy and pick up a shoe deodorizer spray or powder. If that doesn’t help then ask your neighborhood shoe repair guy for a suggestion (perhaps a deordorizing insole you can put inside the shoe) or make an appointment with a podiatrist if perhaps you have a continuing foot smell. Constant wear of shoes with bare feet will inevitably mean you’re transferring foot sweat into the fabric of the shoe. Be sure to give the shoes a day of rest in between wearings.

Q. I am stuck on what shoes to wear with this dress..it is winter! Is this white/ivory dress okay to wear in December?
-Dress Distress

A. I do think the dress is a bit light in fabric for December and probably best kept for spring through summer unless you're headed to a location that is warm. But if you really love it, then pair with sassy, embellished evening shoes like the ones I picked and just dash from the car to the party in a warm coat.

1. J. Reneé 'Stardust' Sandal, $89.95 at nordstrom.com
2. A. Marinelli 'Rella' Sandal, $94.95 at nordstrom.com
3. Martinez Valero 'Desiree' Sandal, $139.95 at nordstrom.com

Q. It is about that time again, for the office holiday party season. I was hoping you could point me in the direction of something that would be suitable for such an occasion. I know red/green plaids were big as a last year fashion but I was hoping to find something this year. My ideal dress would be full length plaid/tartan dress and thought you would be the perfect person to ask. 
--Seeking in Portland

A. I would have thought it would have been one stop shopping from Ralph Lauren, but this year he skipped much of his tartans and plaids for chic black. So I searched elsewhere and came up with a few options from a strapless wonder to long length glam and a few day to evening options that can be dazzled with a pair of sparkly shoes.

1. Wool Jacquard Black Watch Dress, $498 at brooksbrothers.com
2. L.A.M.B. Plaid Dolly Dress, $385 at saks.com
3. Ralph Lauren Toby Taffeta Tartan Skirt, $398 at ralphlauren.com
4. J Crew Kerin dress, $450 at jcrew.com
5. Donna Ricco Plaid Taffeta Shirtdress, $158 at nordstrom.com

Q. A business associate had a colleague comment on the fact that she was wearing a navy suit which is only appropriate in summer. The suit was modern, tailored with belt and year round weight. She was wearing a soft blue shell under. Your thoughts on navy in fall and winter?

A. When did navy become appropriate only for summer months? If it were navy linen, then heck yes, put it away until next year, but clearly the business colleague doesn’t have much fashion knowledge. Navy is an all year round color . It if weren’t, what would men do since they seem to live in navy suits all year long? For women, we’re lucky we can wear navy in winter as wool dresses, slim cashmere sweaters, navy plaid pants, navy pinstriped pencil skirts... You can pair navy with plum, burgundy, olive, ruby, purple and more to give the color richness in winter.

Q. One of my favorite summer dresses is a denim shirtdress. I would love to be able to wear it in the fall. Can I wear tights or stockings of some kind with it or do I have to relegate it to summer storage?
- Shirtdress Stretch

A. Keep that denim shirtdress in your closet all year long. For colder temps, wear opaque tights and suede pumps or knee high boots. And consider changing the look of the dress by wearing different belts at the waist from brown and black to a suede or pony skin in a bright color. And you can also layer a camisole or sweater underneath the dress to add warmth or add a cardigan over the dress and belt it.

Take a cue from this Marc by Marc Jacobs Sabrina Sateen Shirtdress ($328 at shopbop.com ) styled with leggings and ankle boots. To warm up the short sleeves, layer a thin black turtleneck underneath.

Q. I have a fabulous antique swing coat that is a subtle grey/black tweed pattern. The sleeves are 3/4 length and I am looking for some long leather gloves to wear with it. Do you have any suggestions? I have been having trouble finding a nice pair I like.

-Arm’s Length

A. I’m quite fond of vintage clothes and giving them a stylish second life. If the coat is warm enough to get you through two months' worth of wear during Fall and Winter, then perhaps buy two pairs of gloves - one long to cover the arms fully and another pair in a bright color that will pop when you wear a sweater with sleeves that reach past the length of the coat arms and to meet the gloves. Below are a few options from tres chic grey and embellished plum (warning: they're all a bit pricey ):

1. Nordstrom Chain Leather Gloves, $88 at nordstrom.com
2. Nordstrom Ruched Leather Gloves, $135 at nordstrom.com
3. Giorgio Armani Long Ruched Gloves, $285 at saks.com
4. Long Black Leather Gloves, $116 at shop.com
5. Saks Fifth Avenue Patent Leather Gloves, $198 at saks.com

Top photo:
6. Echo Long Side Button Gloves, $195 at nordstrom.com

Q. Hello! I need help! I've selected bridesmaids dresses for my very formal daytime wedding (10am ceremony, 1pm reception). The dresses are a portrait-neckline, tea-length dupioni silk in Navy blue. I'll be wearing opera-length gloves, and the groom/groomsmen will be wearing morning coats with white gloves. My mom says the ladies' gloves should be white, but I am afraid white gloves will look too stark against the Navy blue dresses. Should we do ivory or another off-white color instead? Also what color shoes - I was thinking of telling them to stick to either champagne or muted pewter or silver, but I can't decide if that is the right choice (I convinced my mom that they don't need navy blue shoes but I don't know where to take it from there). Last question - what length should their gloves be? 
-Worried in White

A. Since the dress is sleeveless, you should have them wear opera length gloves as well. I agree that off white would be less jarring than bright white long gloves. And kudos to you for convincing your mom that the bridesmaids do not have to wear matching navy shoes. I loathe the whole dye-the-shoes-to-match-the-dress thing. I think any of the colors you're considering like pewter or silver will be quite elegant.

Q. I have a pair of vintage Evan Picone trousers (mid-1980's), which are navy blue with a very light grayish-white pinstripe and I am wondering what to wear with them. I also have just purchased a pair of black jodphurs and wondering what to wear with them as well?
-80’s Revamp

A. There are many options for both bottoms. For both, don’t hesitate to add punches of color. They are both neutral colors that can be worn sleek and chic by wearing similar shades like a black cashmere turtleneck sweater with your jodhpurs and knee high boots or classic with a white button down that fits your shape well and add a patterned sweater.

For pants or jodhpurs:

1. Robinson coat, $298 at jcrew.com - mix stronger stripes with the subtle ones on your pants or wear with a t-shirt and knee high boots with your jodhpurs
2. Façonnable Draped Turtleneck Sweater, $175 at nordstrom.com
3. Cashmere cable turtleneck sweater, $175 at jcrew.com
4. Slim stretch shirt, $59.50 at jcrew.com - always a classic pairing with just about anything

Q. I’m having a dilemma with my mother. I want to know if wearing a gold dress with black leggings would look nice for a beach wedding in Mexico.
-Shine On

A. NO black leggings at a beach wedding in Mexico. And what kind of gold dress? What kind of material? Go for a fun, flowy colorful dress. It’s going to be hot and you’ll want to wear something light and adorable.

Q. I am a faithful reader of your advice column and now I have a question of my own. I work as a pharmacy technician and I'm on my feet for 6 to 8 hours straight, mostly standing and typing. I'm in search of comfortable shoes that are still cute and can be worn with jeans or nicer clothes. It seems like everything made for comfort is lacking in style and most shoes I'm attracted to are not practical for work.
- Standing Strain

A. We’ve all had long standing days that lead to aching feet. First tip is to skip pointy shoes and obviously high heels, but it isn’t necessarily a good thing to wear completely flat shoes either. Look for shoes that have extra cushioning, padded insoles, a small heel and breathable leather fabric or a shoe that bends a bit with the movement of your foot. I’ve picked out some shoe styles that meet those requirements while allowing you to move between jeans and nicer clothes.

left to right:
1. Aerosoles Best Intentions, $79 at aerosoles.com
2. Fitzwell Elaine, $69.95 at zappos.com
3. Geox D Ascot 1, $283.95 at zappos.com
4. Prari Candace, $299.95 at zappos.com
5. Martinez Valero Andie, $148.95 at zappos.com
6. Aerosoles Blind Sight, $79.99 (sale) at aerosoles.com

Q. I recently purchased a cute pair of grey suede booties. My problem is, I really don’t know what to wear them with besides black. Can you give me some suggestions that are age appropriate for a 39 year-old?
-Booty and Black

A. I think of grey as a soft neutral, which means you can pair your new booties with plenty of other options. Pairing with just black can be boring unless you wear them with a black sweater dress and patterned tights. Try dark jeans, navy wide leg pants, a plaid skirt, grey tweed trousers, a mini dress in plum, olive, teal or midnight colors and add opaque tights. If you wear them with a skirt or dress, make sure the length doesn’t hit more than three inches below your knee. Booties have a tendency to make people look shorter in height.

Q. I'm attending my best friend's wedding next year. There is no dress code but my friend asked everyone to wear what they feel comfortable in. I’ve already started looking for dresses. I would love to wear something like a cocktail dress but I know that not everyone will be wearing dressy clothes. So I'm looking for a great dress, that isn't too overdressed but still quite sophisticated and worthy for a best friend's wedding. I would love a green one, I never had one but I always wanted one, my skin is quite pale but green matches so great with my green eyes. Do you have any recommendations for a great green not too overdressed but still sophisticated dress?
-Green Girl

A. I’ve got plenty of options for green dresses that are sophisticated, but not over the top. You didn’t mention the time of year for the wedding, but when it comes to weddings you can generally get away with bare shoulders, strapless or halter styles all year long no matter if it’s cold or warm outside. While you mention that not all the guests will be dapper and dazzling I am positively adamant that for a best friend’s wedding, you should dress up. Quite frankly, unless someone gets married in the woods, guests should dress well for the occasion .

1. Kay Unger A-Line Satin Dress, $350 at saks.com
2. Caroline short dress, $129.99 at jcrew.com
3. Maggy London Silk Chiffon Halter Dress, $98 at nordstrom.com
4. A Common Thread V-Neck Empire Dress, $294 at nordstrom.com
5. Silk puff-sleeve dress, $148 at bananarepublic.com

Q. Can I wear black sheer hose and traditional black suede pumps to an after work event with the dress below? Or is that too dated looking? Or should I wear a trendier platform-y, peep-toe pump with tights? Can I wear tights with traditional black suede pumps? Or is that too early '90s?
-Black Mix

A. Wow, you’re sounding quite flummoxed. For an after work event, you may want to go with a trendier pair of shoes like a peep toe with opaque tights. The point of an after work event is to take a small step away from office conservative garb without overstepping and baring too much. While black sheer hose and suede pumps will be just fine, I think you can get a little more stylish with this dress. I also like the idea of opaque tights since this dress seems a bit mini.

Q. Why can't I buy Prada’s footless knee highs anymore, and are there any imitations out there?
-Footloose

A. I’ll admit I didn’t fall for these. While fanciful and truly trendy I don’t think I personally could pull them off, but I applaud the stylish gal that can strut down the street in her pair. I also would rather buy a pair of over the knee Falke cashmere socks for the price tag than pay $50 for the Prada footless knee highs. However, in my quest to help you strut your stuff, I did multiple online searches and even on Ebay they were sold out. I visited the Prada store on Fifth Avenue in New York City and they informed me that they have been completely sold out and impossible to find.

The Prada Version:

For some less than exact imitations you could get crafty and cut out the foot of a pair of knee highs and create your own pair. Or try these Trasparenze Esmerelda Footless Over The Knee Leggings at alexblake.com - just fold down the top to get the look of a sock.

Q. I love wrap dresses and am looking for a product I saw on a style show to make them less revealing. It's a "dickie" like triangle of fabric (it comes in several colors) that attaches to your bra straps instead of adding bulk with a tank top or camisole. It's called something like a "wickie".

A. I have searched countless sites for what you call the “wickie.” I’m at a loss - so if any of our readers know where to find this triangle of fabric, please let us know. In the meantime, I can suggest a product we featured in a past Daily Scoop called the Bosom Button . Made of a single Swarovski crystal or gem, these buttons are meant to be seen. Just pierce through your clothing in just the right spot and your cleavage will stay under cover all day.

Q. I'm 5'1" and would love a classic trench coat. What style would look best and do they come in petite sizes?
-Small Coverage

A. A trench is always on my top ten list of classic pieces a woman should have in her wardrobe. I spent big bucks on my Burberry trench two years ago which I adore - and since it has a button-out wool lining, I can wear it all year long. I’ve truly gotten my “cost per wear ratio” down to low numbers with all the times I’ve worn mine. A trench can be ideal for nasty rainy weather, but also be that “go to” coat to wear over dresses or skirts when you need a polished appearance. For petite heights you should shop for petite sizes to fit you correctly in the shoulders, or look for more fitted styles that hit around knee length.

1. Petite Nylon Trench Coat, $198 at anntaylor.com
2. Calvin Klein Short Belted Trench Coat, $188 at nordstrom.com
3. Michael Kors Three Quarter Trench Coat with Removable Lining , $148 at nordstrom.com
4. Gallery Three Quarter Trench Coat, $148 at nordstrom.com

Q. Do nude or black hose make thick calves look thinner?
-Color Choice

A. Hosiery, no matter the color, is a compression type garment that helps smooth the look of your legs so that clothes fit better. For a slightly slimmer look, choose black hosiery or even black opaque will do a little more to create the illusion of thinness.

Q. I want to get some ideas about semi formal jackets to wear over jeans. I am 5' 2" and am plump - with typical hourglass figure...small waist, big bust/thighs and hips.
-Jackets with Jeans

A. Best options are ones that belt at the waist or help define a waist. Look for jackets that cover just the tops of your hips and are not boxy. Avoid long jackets that will only make you look shorter or that resemble more of an outdoor coat. Since you plan to pair the jacket with jeans, be sure your top underneath isn’t bulky - keep it feminine with a v-neck or scoop neck top that is more flattering for busty girls.

1. INC International Concepts® Petites Cropped Double-Breasted Leather Jacket, $99.50 at macys.com
2. Petite velvet Bella jacket, $158 at jcrew.com
3. Semantiks Flecked Wool Jacket, $88 at nordstrom.com
4. Classiques Entier® Funnel Neck Belted Jacket (Petite), $198 at nordstrom.com

Q. For two seasons I've been looking for a dark hued denim A-line skirt. I'm not finding one anywhere! Lots of dark denim pencil skirts, or long, long Mormon looking skirts out there, but no A-line. Am I just out of the loop and crazy to think it's out there-- or still fashionable? I got one three years ago and it became a staple in my wardrobe. Great for summer, great for winter with boots and tights. I'm afraid I'll never find another one--- or even worse, that I'm out of fashion!
-Denim Desperate

A. You’re not going cuckoo. There are options for a flattering fit in an A-line denim skirt. And clearly with the right top and accessories you can wear any of these all year long with everything from sandals to tights and boots.

1. Esprit Pleated Denim Skirt, $59.50 at espritshop.com
2. Paper Denim & Cloth Denim Skirt, $51.99 at macys.com
3. Citizens of Humanity 'Cadet' Stretch Denim Skirt, $196 at nordstrom.com
4. Lauren Jeans Co. Stretch Denim Five-Pocket Skirt, $79.50 at macys.com

Q. I’m very excited to celebrate not only a first anniversary, but also Christmas this year with my husband. We got married a few days after Christmas last year. I’ve got an idea for both a gift (new snowboard and boots) and a getaway trip (snowbound for three days to snowboard and sit by a fire and snuggle), but I’m nervous he’ll find out. He’s quite the snoop when he thinks there’s a gift coming his way. It’s adorable, but I really want to surprise him. Any ideas?
-No Show No Tell

A. I’m assuming you probably have both joint and separate bank accounts. So first, pay for the gift with cash if you can so there’s no credit card bill that screams "Bob’s Ski Chalet" on the list of payments. Wrap the gift and securely hide it at a nearby friend's or parents' house until the day before Christmas. And be sure to figure out where you want to hide it once you pick it up from the off-site locale. Perhaps keep it in your car trunk under a blanket the night before and then pull it out when it’s time to actually give him the gift. As for the trip, if you can just put the reservations on hold with a credit card, then it shouldn’t show up on your bill. Ask the place where you are spending your anniversary to not send anything in the mail and instead email you. Print out email confirmations and then delete. You can give the gift of the trip in a nice big stocking or basket filled with a few things you’ll need for your trip such as sunscreen, cashmere or wool sport socks, new gloves, a bottle of good wine and decadent hot chocolate (I love Vosges - vosgeschocolate.com ) plus details of the trip written in a nice card. After he knows about the great trip, then go get the snowboard and boots as the extra terrific gift.

Since we’re on the topic of shopping and helpful ways of hiding purchases, you may want to detail your confession for ShopandConfess.com . They are holding a contest where you can submit a short, self-produced YouTube video telling your shopping story and you’ll have a chance to win $1,000 or possibly $20,000. Just do it by November 26th. (And by the way, I'm one of the judges !)

Q. I'm looking for a great denim skirt - A-line or pencil, not too short, not too long-for a thirty-something.
-Denim Dash

A. Your question has perfect timing. I’ve been on the search myself for a new denim skirt, one that fits my waist, my slight curves and is appropriate for my age. I’m excited by these shopping choices and have already ordered the one from Adec from shop.com and the Adriano Goldschmied from shopbop.com . I need to try them on before I make my final choice. I do believe they’ll fit the waist without shifting around and have a little give to walk comfortably, plus they’re just the right length for work or weekend.

1. Citizens of Humanity 'Novak' Stretch Denim Skirt, $150 at nordstrom.com
2. Earnest Sewn Maya High Waist Stretch Pencil Skirt, $230 at shopbop.com
3. AG Adriano Goldschmied Precise Pencil Skirt, $136 at shopbop.com
4. ADEC 2 Black Wool Denim Pencil Skirt, $79.99 at shop.com