July 2008 Archives

Q. I just bought a Calvin Klein black pinstripe suit for a job interview, and I am trying to choose a white shell to wear under it. Since the suit is linen, I'm thinking a cotton/poly blend with a tiny bit of lace around the neckline or a viscose/nylon white shell knit. The knit looks good with the suit, but I'm wondering if a knit with linen "works". I think it looks good, but I know mixing the right types of fabrics together can make a difference in the overall look. What do you suggest?

A. Basically, just avoid heavy fabrics, particularly wool or thicker fabrics. A thin knit or light blend will work with your suit, but be willing to consider a variety of tops to pair with your suit in the future once you nab the job, from patterned white on white to chic tops with collars in bold colors. Don't just settle for the safety of black and white. Here are some white tops you might like:

1. Shawl-collar textured blouse, $64 at bananarepublic.com

2. Alfani Short-Sleeve Polka-Dot Mesh Top, $59 at macys.com

3. Nanette Lepore Women's Jamming Eyelet Top, $215 at bloomingdales.com

Q. I have a work event that has me totally stumped for an appropriate outfit! We will be at a theme park all day, immediately followed by dinner at a restaurant where the dress code is evening casual. Do you have any ideas?

A. For the day at the park, pair a patterned top with shorts so it's easy to beat the heat and enjoy a day of being a kid. Avoid white tops that may get wet at the park and become see-through, make sure your tops don't bare your midriff at all and that your shorts are long enough to cover a portion of your thighs while you scream with delight on the roller coaster. A patterned shirt will help hide any stains like a little mustard from a hotdog, dirt or camouflage you if you get wet.


1. Tommy Hilfiger Paisley Puff-Sleeve Tunic, $44.50 at macys.com

2. Lucky Brand Jeans Printed Cap-Sleeve Linen Top, $68.00 at macys.com






For the casual evening attire, pack some of the following simple, stylish suggestions into a tote and change in the restaurant, at a stop along the way or at the park before you leave for the restaurant. You'll look instantly refreshed and chic without overdoing it for the crowd. And remember, the park is for fun and the restaurant is to finish off the day with a good impression.



1. City Style Printed Halter Top, $32.95 at nyandcompany.com

2. City Style Caftan - Diamond Maze, $36.95 at nyandcompany.com

3. Paisley kimono-sleeve dress, $110 at bananarepublic.com

Q. I'm 28 years old. I'd like to buy a bathing suit (2 pieces) for this summer but unfortunately I have a small chest. As I don't want to look ridiculous, can you show me the best styles for people like me?
-Best Look Up Top

A. I doubt you'll look ridiculous and stay positive, you have more choices and less chance to fall out of your top. Look for tops with a touch of padding, or an under wire demi-bra style that makes the most of adding to your small bust line. You have the body to wear cute, ruffled tops that are hot right now. Triangle tops and bandeau tops are easy to wear as well. Here are some of my tops picks of the latest arrivals:


1. Love Surf Love Sunny Floral Bottom, $29.99 at urbanoutfitters.com
2. Insight Dream Quest Floral, $88 at urbanoutfitters.com
3. Kushcush Giselle Bikini in Aqua , $168 at couturecandy.com
4. Nina Brigitte Bikini, $141 at couturecandy.com
5. Billabong Safari, $68.50 at alloy.com

Q. I'm going for a weekend in July to New York City to meet up with my girlfriends from college for a mini-reunion (6 years out). We will go out for drinks, dine at some hot spots, and lounge at the rooftop pool of a very "Sex And the City" hotel. PLEASE help me with my packing list!

A. Ooh, sounds fun! Since your activity list seems mostly social, I'll skip recommendations for daytime touring and shopping and stick with some suggestions for your evenings out and time lounging at the pool. I'm not sure if you're a Carrie, Samantha or Charlotte, but the following should keep you looking "Sex And The City" chic all weekend long.

For the rooftop pool, go for glam, rather than practical. Start with a flattering swimsuit and add a chic tunic or caftan cover up. Add metallic flat sandals, oversized sunglasses and a sophisticated tote. Finish up the look with a gold cuff and hoop earrings - just remember to take them off if you go swimming! (Bonus: wear the tunic with white jeans when not at the pool)


For your evenings out, your best bet is to pack a few dresses - they take up little room in your suitcase, and will make getting dressed for the night a no-brainer. Just add some great shoes, a clutch, a wrap and some jewelry and you're all set. (Bonus: dress them down for daytime with your flat metallic sandals from the poolside look)

Q. Thank you for all the great advice you put in your column. I'm wondering if you can help guide me in the right direction with a white jacket I recently purchased from H&M. It's made of sateen style cotton so it has a subtle sheen to it, it's ivory and it's full length in the sleeves. I love the look and fit of it, but I can't seem to figure out what to pair it with, especially now, in the heat of summer. I sometimes feel like it makes me look like I stepped off the set of Miami Vice or am about to work as a waiter at a cocktail party. What should I do to avoid that look?
-White Jacket Worry

A. To avoid an homage to Crockett and Tubbs, the first step is to avoid wearing your white sateen jacket with pink or pastel t-shirts. Add patterned or rich bright hued solid cotton, voile, or sheer tops underneath and find belts that can be worn over the jacket and cinched at the waist. Collared shirts will also help draw the eye upward and attention away from the sheen of the jacket.

Q. My sorority is requiring us to wear an outfit that I'm having trouble with. We can either wear a pink, orange, or yellow solid sundress and we have to wear heels in one of those colors also, but it has to differ from the dress. I bought this orange dress but I'm having trouble finding either pink or yellow heels to go with it. Could you provide some inexpensive examples? Is it possible to make this bright color combo look good? Can an orange dress ever go with pink or yellow heels?
-Color Confusion

A. Well, your sorority sisters are clearly bright color conscious, but hey, in those brights it's hard to be cranky. You certainly can mix it up and I've found several options in the same heeled sandals in both yellow and pink all for under $83. And next time you pull on your little black, navy or white dress, then pull out your new pink or yellow heels and consider wearing them with your neutral dress to add a splash of color.

left: Boutique Nordstrom 'Gina' Patent Leather Sandal, $79.95 at nordstrom.com
right: rsvp Daina, $70 at zappos.com

Q. I recall seeing recently in a magazine (and now cannot find) a product that clips up pants that are worn with heels to be able to wear them with flats or gym shoes. While this might not look fashionable, it would be helpful as I commute on public transportation to work, and am ruining both my feet (blisters!) and my good shoes.
-Long and Short

A. I believe you are referring to Zakkerz Temporary Pant Rollups which we wrote about last year. These should do the trick to keep your pants fresh on your commute. Or as a last resort, there is always fashion tape, (or double sided tape).

Q. Wedding season is in full swing and I'm relying on this dress to carry me through several nuptials. I'm starting to have second thoughts on its overall cuteness and need help accessorizing to make it really pop with something like pink peep-toes or a yellow Pashmina. Also, can this dress translate from day to evening?
-Color Wanted

A. Don't rethink the simple sophistication of this dress, it will work for those special occasions this summer and a lovely way to make it pop is with a shot of color. We editors at StyleBakery adore our Love Quotes linen blend scarves, they work as a wrap with just about every summery dress I own and I can't do without them on my plane trips. They come in multiple colors, so choose a color and then add your heels as the potent pop to give flair to your look. I found several statement making pink strappy heels that would work with your patterned dress. As for a translation to daytime wear, tone down the look and keep it classic. Wear neutral heels or flat sandals and add a little cardigan or cropped fitted jacket and wear a thin patent leather belt around your waist over the cardigan or jacket. For sass, choose a belt in a color if the jacket or cardigan is simple.1. Nine West Solelyn, $83 at zappos.com
2. Nine West Argent, $83 at zappos.com
3. Charles by Charles David 'Soiree' Sandal, $114 at nordstrom.com
4.Martinez Valero 'Camila' Sandal, $126 at nordstrom.com 6. Love Quotes Scarves, $85 at pinkmascara.com

For daytime:
7. Leatherock Skinny Double Wrap Belt, $60 at nordstrom.com
8. Cashmere V-neck cardigan, $158 at jcrew.com
9. Summerweight cashmere short-sleeve cardigan, $168 at jcrew.com

Q. I absolutely love your daily fashion advice! I'm sure my dilemma is not unique; I am a size 0 on top, a 4/6 on the bottom, and petite (5'2"). Can you suggest top styles that would offset my lopsided figure and also perhaps recommend some dress styles for a wedding I'm attending in August? I don't mind getting clothes altered, but I just don't know what styles to look for.
-Lopsided

A. While you are still considered small on your bottom half as well, you seek balance. Best way to solve a "lopsided" figure is to find tops that have a little extra going on from the chest area upwards, including collars, slight puffed sleeves and wider necklines. Just beware that you don't go overboard since you are petite and don't want to look like a dress up doll. Patterns also help to keep the eye moving, and be sure to avoid big and baggy. There's nothing wrong with accentuating your waist while wearing a skirt or dress with a slight A-line shape that will flatter your slightly larger bottom half. I've found plenty of tops to choose from, plus some dresses than can be easily altered to fit your top and flatter you bottom half at a wedding.

1. BCBGMAXAZRIA Women's Musical Note Border Matte Jersey Top, $138 at bloomingdales.com
2. Aqua Women's Sleeveless Ruffle "2-Fer" Top, $58 at bloomingdales.com
3. Marc By Marc Jacobs Women's Cotton Sateen Jersey Top and Fiona Cotton Faille Skirt at bloomingdales.com
4. Nanette Lepore Feels So Right Floral Top, $285 at bloomingdales.com
5. INC International Concepts® Smocked Printed Peasant Top, $59 at macys.com

6. Maggy London Silk Cocktail Dress, $138 at nordstrom.com
7.. Silk faille Mirabelle dress, $395 at jcrew.com
8. Strappy Florence dress, $179.99 at jcrew.com

Q. Where can I find some reasonably priced short-sleeved summer dresses? I love the ease and comfort of one-piece dressing, but I don't want to wear strapless or spaghetti straps to work. I KNOW that I can wear a cardigan or a jacket--but there goes the ease of one-piece dressing! I am having a hard time finding them, and would love some help.
-A Little Arm Cover

A. There are short sleeve dresses galore, and just a click away on multiple listings in our sweet sites section. When the temperatures hit the 80s and 90s outdoors and the indoor air seems to be stuck on 60 degrees (damn those guys in suits who keep it so cold), we girls are left with a pile of cardys hanging over our desk chair. A short sleeve dress is the solution for looking polished and appropriate without being chilled to the bone. Check out some of my suggestions:

1. INC International Concepts® Printed Shirtdress with Full Skirt, $109 at macys.com
2. Maggy London Military-Style Belted Short-Sleeve Dress, $128 at macys.com
3. Adrianna Papell Print Matte Jersey Dress, $118 at nordstrom.com
4. BCBGMAXAZRIA Contrast Belt Shirtdress, $238 at nordstrom.com
5. Silk wrap dress, $130 at bananarepublic.com
6. Silk floral-print dress, $110 at bananarepublic.com

Q. What are some ways to dress down a dress? Odd question, I know. I'm a small-busted petite woman with a timeless/classic style preference. Wearing a dress makes me feel feminine, but a little too dressed up. I hope this makes sense. I want to be comfortable this summer and wear more dresses, but don't want to appear "dressy". Is this even possible? I've had some success so far wearing casual, solid color sheath dresses with flats. -Non-Dressy Dressing

A. Why so keen on looking less in a dress? What I love about dresses is the incredibly simple way to pull on one item and look so polished and feminine - and there's nothing wrong with that. Buck up and feel good about looking good. With that said, the simplest way to "dress down" the look is to kick off the heels and choose flat sandals, ballet flats, or espadrilles. Add a button down shirt layered under a dress or a shirt or cardigan worn over the dress and add a belt over that layer at the waist.

Q. I have a silk giraffe print tunic, but what do I wear on the bottom?

A. Living is easy this summer when you get to pull on a tunic, they're comfortable and easy to wear as a dress (depending on the length), a cover up or with shorts or leggings. Pair your tunic with leggings and flat sandals, with shorts that show a few inches just below the tunic and wedges or add white trousers and a low slung belt around the tunic top and heels. Here are three ways to wear a tunic:


1. with white slim pants and sandals (Tory Burch tunic, saks.com)
2. with black leggings and flat sandals (Tart tunic, shopbop.com)
3. with short shorts (Diane von Furstenberg tunic, shopbop.com)

Q. Would you please clarify whether it is appropriate to wear white to a wedding? I have a dress that is cocktail length in white and has a black 6-inch lace band around the middle. I was planning to wear a black sheer jewel wrap and black shoes. The bride is wearing white and the wedding ceremony is not at a church, but at the reception hall.
- Guest in White

A. It's always best to leave the focus in white on the bride. While your dress has a black band, it would still be better to wear any other color. And unfortunately the accessories are not distraction enough since you may remove the wrap for the festivities.

Q. I just bought a shift dress from Target in a gorgeous jeweled plum color. How do I accessorize it? It came with a waist tie, but I want to dress it up as much as possible with a belt. I was thinking metallic or perhaps turquoise? And the high neckline leaves me wondering how (or if) to wear a necklace.
-Accessorize Me

A. I always suggest that women skip the belt that comes with a dress and choose a new one to distinguish it from the rest. Choosing a color or a metallic belt is a great option to mix it up and create a look for day and night simply by changing the belt and shoes. As for jewelry, you can certainly wear a necklace, just be sure it hangs longer than 18" so it doesn't fall inside the dress. A multi strand chain link style or a larger "bauble" or beaded style necklace would be perfect. However, if you go with a bold belt, then try bigger earrings and a cuff bracelet instead of a necklace.