Accessories: June 2008 Archives

Shoes to Match the Zebra Mini Dress

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Q. I have my 10-year reunion coming up and purchased a fabulous Milly zebra printed dress (I have attached a picture). I am only 5'3" so the dress isn't quite so short on me, but with the sleeveless shape, I am concerned about shoes. I do not want to look too tart-y!
- Reunion Blues

NMT1937_mn.jpgA. We all obsess over making a grand impression at our reunions. We want to look cool and hip, young and stylish. We want to make ex-boyfriends think of us fondly and the snotty girls jealous, and mostly catch up with the old crowd we haven't seen in years while still looking good. I found several options that range from very hip to straight forward classy.

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Dress: Zebra-Print Shift Dress, $126 (sale) at neimanmarcus.com

1. Very Hip: Vince Camuto Alfie, $132 at piperlime.com
2. Still Hip: Lauren Ralph Lauren Women's Aaralyn, $100 at shoes.com
3. L'Autre Chose Shoes Open Toe T Strap Pump, $310 at shopbop.com

Dressy:
4. GUESS by Marciano "Hutton" Strappy Sandal, $95 at bloomingdales.com
5. Chinese Laundry Women's Colette, $69.99 at shoes.com
6. Franco Sarto Women's Utopia, $74.99 at shoes.com

To Veil or Not to Veil?

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Q. I've attached a photo of my wedding dress by Maggie Sottero (color shown in Pearl Rose) and unsure of what color veil I should wear. In fact, I'm even questioning if a veil would be appropriate for this dress, as I'd be afraid it's too overpowering. I have received so many opinions and I am completely lost! I'd appreciate your input.
- Overwhelm or Appeal

weddingdress.jpgA. My input is this: skip the veil. I agree with those friends who said it could be overpowering. I like the look of a flower, real or faux, or a jeweled or decorative hair comb. I had a milliner make a large, off-white fake flower with beautiful beading and attach it to a comb that could be hidden within my hair. I received many compliments and I was glad to have chosen something original.

Snake Print Dress

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Q. I need HELP! So, I just purchased this fabulous boat neck silk dress from J Crew. It's the Python Print Silk Dress. Now, some may think I'm crazy for such a wild print, but I'm a redhead so the color of the dress is a find in itself! I was wondering what color shoes would work? I'm hoping to carry these mystery shoes into early fall for a rehearsal dinner as well. I plan ahead. I'm an event planner, its what I do!
- Pythons Need Shoes Too

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A. I, too, am a planner and rarely buy shoes that won't work with other outfits or for other occasions. I'm sure you'll look quite sassy and stylish in the python print dress and I've found multiple heels that will work now and in the early fall for dressy events and even meetings with clients.
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Dress: Python-print silk twill dress, $79.99 (sale) at jcrew.com

1. Lucie d'Orsay high heels, $168 at jcrew.com
2. Pura Lopez 'M503' Pump, $270 at nordstrom.com
3. Boutique 9 Shiala, $130 at zappos.com

4. Linea Paolo 'Brooklyn' Peep Toe Pump, $129.95 at nordstrom.com
5. Elie Tahari "Crystal" Ankle Strap Sandal, $276.50 (sale) at bloomingdales.com
6. Pair it with opaque tights in later fall with these for a casual look: MICHAEL Michael Kors Devon Open Toe, $128.70 (sale) at zappos.com


Casual Dress Accessories

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Q. How would you recommend I accessorize this Banana Republic dress? It's obviously Navy inspired but I don't want it to look like a costume or a tennis outfit. What color/size bag should I carry with it? I'm unable to wear heels due to a recent foot surgery, so are ballet flats my best bet or would a cute pair of tennis shoes be too much?
- Shoe Troubled


BananaNavyDress.jpgA. What you wear - whether it be ballet flats, low-heeled sandals or cute kicks - should all depend on what activity you plan to do and with whom you'll be with. For running around comfort choose cute "kicks" not meant for the gym and for days when you want to wear the dress for nicer occasions then pair it with ballet flats or sandals. As for a bag, that too depends on what your needs are for the day, but I would lean towards medium size to carry your daily essentials.

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1. Juicy Couture Roslin, $129 at zappos.com
2. Bettye Muller Frame, $220 (sale) at zappos.com
3. Naturalizer Gersen, $51 at zappos.com
4. Steve Madden Synapse, $77 at zappos.com