February 2008 Archives

Q. I just moved to Wisconsin and the snow and cold have chased away all the flip-flops I wore all winter while in Texas. I'd like some cute snow boots that I wouldn't mind wearing all day or when going out downtown. The only problem, I have wide calves. Are there any boots out there for me?
 -Cold Feet

A. These stylish winter boots should comfortably slide over your wide calves and banish the winter blues you're facing. I also suggest you invest in several pairs of cashmere blend socks to keep your feet warm. May you trudge fearlessly through the snow and wear your flip-flops around the house...

1. Juicy Couture Snowflurry, $199 at zappos.com
2. Ugg Liberty, $279 at zappos.com
3. Shearling Boots, $89.50 at landsend.com
4. Via Spiga Graffa, $260 at zappos.com
5. Aquatalia by Marvin K. Ranch, $378.95 at zappos.com

Q. I love your site and would love to get your advice on a matching issue. I have a casual chocolate brown blazer that has a velvet-like texture to it and I'm looking for an everyday shoe that I could pair it with. Comfort is super important to me so something that is either flat or has no heel would be perfect. I'm concerned that wearing brown shoes is too matchy, but that black wouldn't be appropriate (in any case, I have way too many black shoes). And can you recommend any cute footwear in neutral colors?
-Matching Madness

A. Wearing brown flats with a brown jacket is not too matchy-matchy. I've shopped for flats that should offer all day comfort and are far from plain jane styles. Whether textured, embellished or in a pattern, these flats should stretch to coordinate with other items in your wardrobe.

1. Nine West Leduce, $82.95 at zappos.com
2. City suede ballet flats, $125 at jcrew.com
3. Maisie printed calf-hair driving mocs, $250 at jcrew.com
4. Corso Como Fleur, $130 at piperlime.com

Q. I'm getting married in June. My fiance is Indian and my family is of Scandinavian descent. To capture both of our cultures and personalities we are having a wedding focusing around pinks, greens, metallics, and adding paisley and embroidered elements which are very prominent in both themes. We are having a garden style wedding with our siblings as our honored attendants. We are keeping it really simple yet elegant (and inexpensive). I'm wearing a traditional white dress, my fiance is wearing a black traditional Indian outfit and our sisters are wearing black dresses and pink Pashminas. Our question: What should we have our brothers wear that would be very informal but classy? I was thinking of either a white shirt with a black tie or an Indian-style white shirt with light embroidery and a Nehru collar (which we cannot find anywhere!). Do you have ideas or suggestions?
-Culture Combination

A. A white button down shirt and tie is just fine, but have the men wear a tie in a color from the wedding to keep the colors bright and fun. I like the idea of extending the cultural expression at your wedding. Check out sites like monarch-garments.com and kaneesha.com where you'll find traditional Sherwani garments, Nehru shirts and colorful embroidered shirts. Here are a few additional sites and looks to help you shop and make your shirt choice.

1. Pink Half Silk Shirt, kaneesha.com
2. Magenta Half Silk Mens Shirt, kaneesha.com
3. Nehru shirt, proidee.co.uk
4. White Nehru Collar Shirt, fantasywaistcoats.co.uk

Q. I'm wearing a gown for a ball next month and I don't know what to wear over it for the cold weather. I was thinking a long cashmere or satin coat, or maybe a warm shrug, but I can't find anything anywhere that would look good. Maybe you know where I can look for something?
-Cold Weather Cover

A. It's difficult to find a long coat this time of year, but I found some fancy options that still work as a chic cover for a long dress and are appropriate even with your dress flowing out from beneath. And after scouring several sites, nordstrom.com had the most options at a more affordable price.

1. Tulle Funnel Neck Coat, $38.90 (sale) at nordstrom.com
2. MARC BY MARC JACOBS Gold Threaded Trench Coat, $262.90 (sale) at nordstrom.com
3. Andrew Marc 'Mode' Double Breasted Wool Cape, $158.90 (sale) at nordstrom.com
4. Michael Kors Double-Breasted Satin Trench Coat, $199 at macys.com

Q. I am crazy in love with Stylebakery.com! I just ordered these gladiator sandals by Nine West. Can you give me some outfit suggestions?
-Standing Tall

Nine West Heech sandals, $92.95 at zappos.com

A. You want to be sure you don't add anymore "weight" to your outfit so keep the pieces light. Wear trouser jeans to balance the wedge heel or skinny jeans cuffed or long to reveal the full sandal. As for skirts, an A-line or a pencil style that has a hem that hits around the knee will be most flattering. It's a strong shoe that you can balance with softer pieces on top unless you kick it rocker chic and add a modern cut jacket.

1. Sleeveless sash tunic, $44.50 at gap.com
2. Kimchi & Blue Floral Cutout Top, $42 at urbanoutfitters.com
3. Striped boatneck T, $22.99 at gap.com

4. Lux Hi-Waisted A Line Skirt, $58 at urbanoutfitters.com
5. Lux Carousel Circle Skirt, $68 at urbanoutfitters.com
6. Cuffed denim capris, $29.95 at fashionbug.com
7. Theory Strani Pant, $225 at shopbop.com

Q. I'm getting married this summer and I want a '60s inspired knee-length lace dress with sleeves that won't break the bank.
-Lace in Place

A. Oooh, this is a little tough. I scoured online retailers and found this lacy dress, but you may find your best options by working directly with a wedding dress designer or getting help from a fabulous vintage store like The Way We Wore in Los Angeles. You can contact the owner Doris Raymond (323-937-0878) and fill her in on what you're shopping for. She's an incredible curator of vintage fashions.

ABS by Allen Schwartz Lace Minidress, $330 at nordstrom.com

Q. What are your suggestions for a stay at home mom (40) with 4 kids, 7 years old and under who works part time? I am looking for a polished casual look that suits my very active lifestyle (I walk everywhere).
-Walkin' Workin' mom

A. To move flawlessly from errands to playtime to work, you need footwear that is comfortable and ranges from cute kicks to flats and low heels with padded insoles. I'm a big fan of Cole Haan's collection with Nike Air technology. For a look that can go from work to running after the kids, trouser jeans are a must have. Take a look at our Classics Rock style recipe for tips on choosing button down shirts, a sporty blazer and other key pieces that can be paired with jeans or pants. Additionally, you'll need shirts and skirts with stretch, fitted cotton jersey tops, and jackets that can pull double duty for play and work.

Jackets that can work and play and clearly don't define themselves by a stuffy office:

1. Semantiks Mandarin Collar Sharkskin Jacket , $138 at nordstrom.com
2. Stem Organic Cotton Jacket, $68 at nordstrom.com
3. Norma Kamali Oversized Turtleneck Jacket, $375 at nordstrom.com

Pair them with:


4. Slim stretch shirt, $59.50 at jcrew.com
5. Soft knit long-sleeve scoopneck tee, $38 at jcrew.com
6. TOMMY HILFIGER Montauk Paisley Shirt, $69.50 at macys.com
7. Diane von Furstenberg Gilligan Pant, $275 at shopbop.com
8. David Kahn Jeans Stretch Trouser Jeans, $168 at nordstrom.com
9. Cole Haan Fiona Mid Air Pump, $278.95 at zappos.com
10. Cole Haan Air Bria Woven Ballet, $178.95 at zappos.com zappos.com

Q. I'm invited to a formal Saturday night affair at the end of March in New York. I'm stumped regarding what season to dress for. It will probably be too cold for summer fabrics and styles, but too late in the season (after Easter) for wintry velvets and taffetas. Please offer some help both for my 7-year-old daughter and myself!
-Stumped

A. While March is considered the beginning of Spring, in reality there could be a fluke snow storm. But when it comes to a formal affair, many of the rules of seasonal dressing don't apply since many dressy looks don't cover us from head to toe. Best scenario is to choose a dress that is cocktail length and wear with tights or sheer hosiery and a high heel that is closed toe, d'Orsay or peep toe. If you wear a full-length dress feel free to skip the hosiery and wear a heel of your choice. Think silk, jersey, and even taffeta still.

1. Silk taffeta Felice dress, $235 at jcrew.com
2. Maggy London Ruched Crinkle Chiffon Dress, $158 at nordstrom.com
3. Kay Unger Ruched Gown, $388 at nordstrom.com
4. Sophia long silk dress, $225 at jcrew.com

And for the little one:

5. Alexis silk faille dress, $168 at jcrew.com
6. Us Angels Tulle & Satin Dress, $98 at nordstrom.com

Q. I am about to go on my first ski trip (to Meribel in France) and have no idea what to wear for apres ski. I am really impressed with your advice on the website but could not see anything relating to skiing. Are you able to help? There are 14 of us going and we are all in our early to mid-twenties. The expectation is that the apres-ski will form a major part of the trip! I am particularly confused about footwear. I have read mixed things about the need to take extra-grippy footwear for getting around the resort. If I am to buy moon boots or some other alternative how can I make them look stylish (tucked in jeans are a complete no-no as I am hefty of thigh)?
-Snowbound

A. You need to keep your feet warm and toasty, avoid tumbling on icy streets and still look cute and cozy for those drinks by the fire chatting with handsome European guys. I've made some simple picks of sweaters for the cozy look that you can layer with tops underneath and boots that your jeans or corduroys will easily fall over without a need to tuck in, but you could cuff if you wanted to.

1. Braided Neck Hoodie, $118 at freepeople.com
2. Triple Five Soul Upland Mock Sweater, $69.99 at urbanoutfitters.com
3. DKNY Jeans Cabled Turtleneck Sweater, $69 at nordstrom.com
4. DKNY Jeans Half Zip Sweater, $69 at nordstrom.com

5. La Canadienne Faye, $190 at piperlime.com
6. La Canadienne Alexa, $260 at piperlime.com

Q. How long can you wear boots for into spring?
-Boots On

A. While I've been surprised to see women wearing boots in 95 degree heat in Florida and California in the summer (how stinky and sweaty!), I still have high fashion hopes that most women know that boots are for cooler temperatures. Typically, the season is late September through March. You can squeeze in April if your city gets hit with the occasional freak snowstorm or cold snap.

Q. I recently purchased a pair of high waist gray denim jeans and have been trying to figure out what top would look good with this style. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I did see the recent issue of Elle which had a photo shoot with jeans of this kind but they showed a tank top and it is still cold where I live.
-High Waisted

A. High-waisted pants require a slim fitting top to tuck into the jeans to create a long lean look from shoulder to foot. You can layer a short jacket or sweater or, to still keep the illusion of length, you can add a long thin knit cardigan worn open and loose.

Tuck in a slim top:

1. Soda Blu Short Sleeve Turtleneck, $58 at tobi.com
2. Regatta boatneck, $34 at jcrew.com
3. Velvet Jovitas Top, $75 at tobi.com

Layer one of these over your tucked in top:

4. Camilla sweater jacket, $128 at jcrew.com
5. 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent Cambazola Professor Cardigan, $399 at bluebee.com
6. Tokidoki TD Cable Knit Sweater, $132 at tobi.com

Q. I recently brought a pair of gold shorts and I'm stuck for a top to wear with them for a night out clubbing. I'm 19 and would appreciate your help.
-Club Gold

A. I think back to my clubbing nights, dancing 'til the wee hours in New York and then heading to Florent in the meatpacking district for tea and toast at 5:30 before heading to bed. And my outfits ranged from a simple tank, cool necklace and jeans to a knockout top with a mini skirt and heels. I recently purchased and have worn once, gold hot pants from American Apparel. They scream '80s disco. I paired them with a blousy strapless top and gold heels. Here are some other suggestions, depending on the style of your gold shorts, to be a part of the scene.

1. Diesel Lenex Top, $140 at tobi.com
2. Dolman Sleeve Blouse, $68 at ardenb.com
3. Embellished Scoop Neck Tank, $48 at ardenb.com
4. Ruby Sky Striped Sequin Tube Top, $19.99 at urbanoutfitters.com
5. Lux Tinseltown Tank, $48 at urbanoutfitters.com

Q. I love the classic English equestrian or country look: riding boots, and skirts, etc. Is that look severely out of style, or is there a way to update it? Also, I am short. Can I pull it off? If so, how?
-Horsing Around

A. You can always wear your own homage to equestrian style without looking like you're about to compete in dressage. Button down fitted shirts, tailored blazer style jackets, riding style boots, genuine rubber riding boots, plus a simple, but stylish leather belt and slim pants. You can even purchase stretch riding pants, but definitely skip the jodhpurs. They are out of style, rarely look good on anyone and will make a short girl look squat. The trick for one who doesn't ride is to wear just a few items together rather than a complete ensemble, which could appear pretentious or contradictory. So wear your breeches with a comfy cable knit or turtleneck sweater and knee-high boots. And Pair your button down and tailored blazer with jeans and knee-high or ankle boots.

1. Wool hacking jacket, $235 at jcrew.com
2. Grand Prix Hampton II Low Rise Breech, $90 at manhattansaddlery.com
3. David Tate Gateway, $124 at zappos.com
4. rsvp Billie, $140 at zappos.com
5. Rubber Riding Boots (great for rainy days!), $37 at chicksaddlery.com

While boyfriends may come and go, it should always be easy to fall in love with yourself. You're not going to break up with yourself and the only cheating you may do is eating chocolate while on a diet. This may be the month that is overrun with red roses, chocolates and little candies with messages like "be mine" and "hug me," but it's also the month that has become famous for the American Heart Association's message about fighting the no. 1 killer of women. And this year, the campaign has been pumped up to further the phrase known as Go Red for Women . There are plenty of ways to spread the word or take part in your own health, just log onto goredforwomen.org to check out delicious recipes like berry meringue pie or bacon and veggie pizza, take a health quiz or shop for a cause.

I'm tagging all my luggage with these red leather tags, $12 at goredforwomen.org

Q. I have a challenge that needs sorting for summer. I am a 40 year old British woman living in a hot country. I cannot go bare legged in summer and have been desperately seeking some sheer very natural looking seamless toe hosiery that don't slip on mules when I walk in summer and that don't look unnatural when everyone else is walking around bare legged. Do you know where I can get something like this?
-Toe Free

A. More women are looking for opportunities to wear hosiery with their mules, peep toes and some sandals while still giving support and coverage to their legs. Thankfully, some designers are listening and creating toeless hosiery and tights. While I'm not a fan of hosiery in summer or with mules, I'm not about to tell you gals to forfeit them from your closet or go bare if you're not comfortable doing so. So here are some options that offer sheer and flesh toned colors. Just match them as closely to your leg color as possible.

1. Hue Toeless with Lace Control-Top Pantyhose, $6 at alexblake.com
2. Falke Shelina 12D Toeless Tights, $17 at mytights.com
3. Berkshire: Ultra Sheer Hose without Toes, $6.95 at barenecessities.com

Q. I am hoping you can give me some guidance here. I wear shoes of varying heel heights from flats to 4.5 inches. Is there a length of pant or jean hem that will work for any height heel? I'd like the option of wearing all of my jeans and pants with any of my shoes.
-Flats to Stilettos

A. Ahhh the conundrum of jeans. Unfortunately, there's no perfect length that will give us the option of wearing both heels and flats. My skinny jeans work with flats, my AG's are long enough for heels, my Citizens of Humanity can be worn with some heels, but still scrape the ground if I wear sandals. And then there's the Anlo trousers, the lighter wash Club Monaco's, my off white Paige Premiums that are too long for flip flops, etc.

The majority of us take so much time finding the right pair of jeans, owning several pairs designated for specific "jobs" and hemmed accordingly. Trouser styles look best with stylish shoes that have a slight to higher heel, so skip the flip-flops. If you love two pairs of dark denim, plan one pair for heels and high heeled sandals for evening and one pair that works with ballet flats or casual flat sandals. Light colored jeans are usually casual so you'll wear those with cute kicks and flats or flip-flops. I know it can be frustrating, but realize the bonus that jeans have evolved to cross into all fashion forays from work to play to evening.

Q. My husband is currently deployed to Iraq and he will be coming home in February. I am looking for a cute new outfit to wear for when I meet him again after 7 months. If you have any ideas or advice I would appreciate your help. I am 23 going on 24 and I want something that would fit my age and that my husband would love.
-Love Reunion

A. Let’s just say it: you’re a sure thing when he gets home. You certainly need a great dress, heels and something sexy for underneath it all since by the time you get home, I suspect those clothes won’t stay on for very long. Or set something seductive aside to change into when you get home for a special welcome home memory. This dress can be non-winter material since we are marking a momentous reunion, just wear a long coat to keep you warm. You need the VA VA factor without looking trashy.

1. Scarlet V-neck Charmeuse Dresses by Betsey Johnson, $310 at edressme.com
2. JS Collections Printed Charmeuse Dress, $206 at nordstrom.com
3. Juicy Couture Scoop Neck Jersey Dress, $198 at nordstrom.com
4. Lydia cotton cady dress, $250 at jcrew.com

And for underneath:

5. Chantelle Intimates 'Fete Starlette' Set, $115 at nordstrom.com
6. Betsey Johnson Stretch Mesh Camisole, $88 at nordstrom.com

Q. My fiance used to work in a tux rental store and believes that silver vests and ties look the best against black tuxes for his groomsmen. I would like the bridesmaids to wear black dresses with bright pink flowers. I also want the best man to wear a different color tie, preferably royal blue, and the maid of honor to wear a bright pink dress. My bouquet would have a mixture of white, blue, and pink flowers. Is it okay to have that many colors in the wedding?
- Tux Distress

A. It’s up to you how much cohesion you want with the color choices at your wedding. There are no longer hard and fast rules for a wedding. It just helps the unavoidable gossip mill when your wedding looks elegant and sophisticated. Keep the silver vests for the groomsman to a low shine factor and err on the side of a shade closer to platinum.

Have you discussed with the maid of honor her thoughts on a bright pink dress? With the addition of carrying pink flowers, will she feel like a big piece of candy? I love pink, but I guarantee you I never wore the dress from my brother's first wedding again. We all like to think we’ve been smart enough to choose a dress that our bridesmaids will be able to wear again, but they may think differently once they’ve seen your choice. Will one bright pink dress and one royal blue tie be the ideal way to pull in all your colors? What about having your maid of honor wear a more fabulous black dress compared to the other bridesmaids? Make hers long while the others wear cocktail length or have them or her wear a bright pink ribbon with the dress. I’d suggest a pale pink metallic strappy heel or silver heel with the black dresses to add a pop of color.

Q. I love your column! My boyfriend and I recently got engaged, and although I've been to tons of weddings, I'm so clueless about what to choose for my own bridesmaids. We're planning the wedding for early September, and although I've always wanted my girls to be dressed in yellow (I love the color), I'm worried that it's too summery for early fall in Canada. Also, we were thinking of using navy blue as a complimentary color, and we’re wondering if that would be a good choice since many sites that we have visited have said to use a pale green or purple with yellow, but I'm not very fond of those options. Finally, would silver or gold be better for accessories and shoes? I'm leaning towards silver, but my sister, who is my maid of honor, is petitioning for gold. Thanks so much for your help!
-Uncertain

A. As long as you choose a dress that isn’t too revealing or summery in style, then yellow will be fine for early September as your color choice. I agree with your sister’s petition for gold accessories since it will match better with the warm, bright yellow. Silver will seem mismatched and too much of a contrast. Or, you could choose a satin navy for your shoe choice as a great punch to the dress choice. I’m not a big fan of purple while navy will help add a strong, conservative and classic hue to the Fall wedding. Just choose a yellow that will work with all your girls' skin tones. Yellow can make pale girls look even more washed out and even sickly. Perhaps adding one band of color on the dress or wearing gold heels will help. And there’s always tinted moisturizer.

This Whitney silk faille dress from jcrew.com is shown with regal blue heels which lend a sassy touch. Add a ribbon band around the waist of the dress to add additional color.

$250 at jcrew.com

Q. I'm 16 years old and live in Nebraska. This is not exactly the fashion capital of the states, but I still like to be chic and stylish. What can I do with a yellow, brushed cotton, just above the knee yet full, pleated skirt?
-Skirting

A. Your skirt is probably a little too “light” in fabric for cold winters in Nebraska, but once the temperature hits 60, you can start showing it off with bright tops to give the look rich contrast and tanks and short sleeves shirts with sandals when summer arrives.

I like pairing brights together:

1. Jeanne Top, $24.50 at delias.com
2. Free People Bunny Hill Thermal, $29.99 at urbanoutfitters.com
3. Seamed 3/4 Knit Top, $35 at armaniexchange.com

When Spring/Summer hits, match the hues with a simple top underneath a cardigan:

1. Zip Front Logo Cardigan, $98 at armaniexchange.com
2. Deep V-Neck Polo, $60 at armaniexchange.com
3. Cable Brushed Ruffle Henley, $29.99 at urbanoutfitters.com
4. Jasmine Butterfly Top , $22.50 at delias.com
5. Julia Shirt , $32.50 at delias.com
6. Sequin Bow Back Racer Top, $19.50 at wetseal.com

Q. I recently bought an amazing python-skin sheath dress. The problem is, I do not know what type or color shoes to wear or what type of accessories would be best to show off this magnificent dress. I am 5'2" and a size 4. I love heels.
-Bare Feet Chic

A. Well, enjoy these suggestions from full pump to open toe to strappy heel depending on where and when you plan to strut your sassy self in your hot new dress.

1. Steve Madden Treason, $90 at piperlime.com
2. Cynthia Vincent Anna, $350 at piperlime.com
3. BCBG Max Azria Maroca, $230 at piperlime.com
4. Charles by Charles David Muse, $79.99 at onlineshoes.com