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Fashion Stylist Q&A
Q: My
friend and I are having a discussion: She is wearing (to her sons wedding) a
very pretty dress, deep teal. She is having her shoes dyed the same color as
the dress. Now, the questions is, should she find a purse the same color or
have it dyed the same color as the shoes and dress or should she find a sort
of a pearl colored purse that matches or goes with the bead work in her
dress? What do you suggest? Thank you. (Posted Apr, 2006)
A: I suggest she go with
something that complements the dress, not necessarily the exact same color.
If you're not trying to match shoes, consider black for a darker color
palette and pearl or ivory for a lighter palette. Choose a style that is
simple, yet chic. Consider subtle patterns and minimal ornamentation. Thin
lightweight and compact.
Q: I
hate to wear panty hose in hot weather because my feet swell. The problem is
my feet kill me in shoes if I'm not wearing panty hose. What do you suggest?
A: I would really
recommend looking into some of the new shoes out there right now that are
made solely for comfort, but now have some fashion sense too! I recommend
Paul Green, Munroe and Born. You can find these brands at Nordstroms. If
your feet hurt as much as you say, then you will have to continue with some
form of panty hose and I would recommend Donna Karen's nudes in non control.
Q: I am
around 200 pounds. I hold my weight pretty well. I'm not small but people
can't believe I weigh as much as I do. I have my weight evenly proportioned
everywhere. What kinds of jeans are best for me to wear? I hate tapered
legs. They make me look fat and also boot cut doesn't seem to do much for my
figure. Do you have any suggestions?
A: Yes, there is a great
jean that just came out that looks great! It's called David Khan and can be
found at Point of View at Nordstrom's. I would also take a look at a line
called Citizens for Humanity. For additional information check out this
link.....Good luck!
http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200511/tows_past_20051115_b.jhtml
Q: I am
having my 16th birthday party, and I have no idea what to wear. It's just a
casual party with a picnic-style dinner at my house. I want to look pulled
together and stylish. Any suggestions? (Posted Jan, 2006)
A: Well, first and
foremost Happy Birthday! If this is a casual picnic style party I would say
go with jeans or a denim skirt and find a really great top to wear. Right
now we are in transition from winter to what's considered resort. Sounds
like you might be in a warm climate if you are having a picnic style dinner.
Perhaps look at the junior sections at both Nordstrom or Macy's. Color is
key and right now the colors to look for are vibrant! Teals, Purples,
Midnight Blue, Rich Greens or anything nautical like a navy and white
stripped top/sweater. Your young - work it!
Q: I
absolutely love the look of slouchy boots - especially the crushable slouchy
boots by Stuart Weitzman. Can you offer me a more affordable alternative to
these boots? They are $460 and a little out of my range.
A: OK, I did some research for you and the boots you mentioned are
very nice! I could not find anything at this time comparable. I will give
you three pieces of advice.
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One - continue to look online or
discount stores for something similar.
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Two - continue to look for this
boot online at all locations and wait for it to get marked down which should
be soon, as spring is on its way. They will need to get rid of merchandise.
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Three - I believe in investments
and if this is something that you love and will get a lot of wear from over
the years seasonally or if you live in places like SF with year round
weather, I would save up and splurge on yourself.
Q: What
are the differences between a formal dress and a semi-formal dress? Does the
formal one have to be longer?
A: I would definitely say
that a longer dress represents more formal, however, there are some long
dresses that are semi formal and you can tell because they are more casual.
The majority of semi-formal are short but dressy, but for formal attire it
does mean very dressy, floor length. Formal and black tie are the same.
How to become a fashion stylist (Posted Nov, 2005)
Q: I am
going to Las Vegas soon and I have these wild shoes I've been dying to wear.
They are fuchsia croc sling backs with a silver stiletto heel. I know they
may sound tacky but they are cute. I don't know what to wear with them
though. I Don't want to look like a prostitute but I do want to have and
out-of-the-ordinary look for me while in Vegas. (Posted Sep, 2005)
A: Well, you can wear them
with jeans cuffed or long and a halter top or any top or cropped little
jacket. You can also wear them with a nice miniskirt in black or denim or a
black cocktail dress. Go ahead and get funky or rock n roll with these shoes
- its Vegas!!! I think denim would be fun with this look.
Q: I am
attending a wedding in a weeks time. I am really finding it difficult to
find something to wear as I have lost a little weight due to a family
bereavement (weight that I couldn't afford to lose). I do not have a lot of
confidence and it means a lot to me to look nice. I have found one outfit,
but I do not know if it would be suitable. It was cream trousers, with a
sage and cream sleeveless top, sage shoes and handbag. This was not as a
suit but I was wondering if I could wear a sage poncho over the top for the
day. I have seen a dressy one in silky lace. Would this be suitable for a
wedding? Everyone else is going to be wearing hats and things. Also I do not
have a lot to spend on an outfit.
A: First of all, your
beautiful inside and out. You need to find the confidence from within, so
that you can own this look and any look you put together. Everybody deserves
to feel good about themselves, so be sure to focus on that. Take the time
and the effort for you. It will make a difference in how you feel day to
day. Your outfit does sound nice and the poncho will work. You need to wear
what feels comfortable to you. However, my only suggestion would be if you
do not do the poncho, perhaps find a nice shawl that you can hang over your
arms and/or wrap. You will be able to do more with that after the wedding
because of it's versatility.
Q: I was
thinking about trying out Dryel, that new gadget where you dry clean your
own clothes by putting it in this Dryel bag (I hope I spelled it right) and
into the dryer. Shall I try it, or do you think its gimmick?
A: Honestly, I have never
used it, nor do I know of anyone who has. Here is the link to the website. I
tried to do some research on testimonials, but I could not find any. I would
suggest buying it only if it has a full refund policy. That way can see if
it works. Check out the site and read about it first. If it works and saves
you money - go for it!
http://www.dryel.com/usa/using_dryel/using_dryel.shtml
Q: I
plan on saving $1000 on a shopping spree and was wondering when would be the
best month to go? Also i have trouble dressing well. i was wondering do u
have any tips to give to me. I am a tomboy, i do have some sense of style, i
just don't apply it to myself. HELP!!!
P.S. i would like to dazzle my poor bf. (Posted July, 2005)
A: Fall is a wonderful
time for a shopping spree, but then again so is spring. Since, fall is
closest I would start there. I was a tomboy way back when and then I came
into my own. It's ok. Take the time to really try on different looks i.e.
skirts, dresses, more feminine tops, dress shoes. Find out what appeals to
you and what accentuates your positives along with keeping you true to
yourself. Continue to do this until you really start finding pieces that
suit your personality. Personal style evolves over time. It take patience
and motivation. If you want change then you must be willing to take risks.
You can do it!
Q: Hello
there! I am 32 years old and have always been into fashion, but there is a
question that has come up time and time again that I am hoping you can help
me with. I know that with capris, ideally, trendy flip flops or cute sandals
work best, but for comfort (for example, going somewhere and doing a lot of
walking), do sneakers and carpis work??? I think it looks a little dorky,
but I am wondering if it is a true fashion faux-pas or if that is simply my
opinion. What do you think? Thanks for your help!
A: By all means wear a
pair of keds with your capris! Prep it out. I would not wear a big pair of
work out shoes with them. Keep it simple.
Q: I am
a 15 year-old girl living with my parents. We have a normal budget, and I
get some money to spend on clothes and such things every month. My problem
is that when I get a new piece of clothing, I wear it every day for as long
as I dig it, and then I get sick of it. That way, I get sick off my whole
wardrobe... What can I do to keep that "in-love"-feeling last?
A: It can be so easy to
wear a new piece that you love over and over again once you buy it. By
mixing up your looks everyday that keeps you in creative mode. There is
nothing wrong with wearing it a couple times a week, but every day is a no
no. So spread out how often you wear your new clothing for the season and
find new ways of wearing it each time.
Q: I am
13 years of age and really have a fashion problem, my b/f is shorter than me
so I try not to wear high shoes and I am having a lot of dressy events with
a black skirt attire that I have to go to what do I wear for shoes?
(Posted June, 2005)
A: There are so many shoes
right now that are elegant with a heel as low as 1/2 inch. Go to places like
Nordstrom in the BP dept.. They will definitely have something for you. Or
check out this website: www.bizrate.com or www.nextag.com or www.zappos.com.
Good luck!
Q: We
are going to Cancun/Cozumel on a 5 night cruise. Please give me suggestions
for evening wear. I have lost 17 lbs since first of year and hope to
continue up till cruise time.
A: On a cruise almost
anything goes, but I think its important to have some dress up nights. I
would look into purchasing a floral flowy dress or skirt long or midlength.
A sleeveless top or halter to go with the skirt. You can even get a black
tie evening dress if you wanted to. Some people go all the way on cruises.
Do what's comfortable for you, but splurge a little a glam yourself up!
Q: Help!
I'm a petite 5'2 and I have such a hard time finding jeans that fit length
wise. I know I'm short, but this is driving me crazy! Can you help?
A: It is best to shop at
places who specialize in petite's such as: Banana Republic, Levi's, Anne
Taylor, Dana Buchman and Nordstrom. Each of these places carry jeans for
petites.
Q: Where
can I find clothes for tall women (6 feet) who wear very small sizes (2 to
4) - 33 to 36 inch inseams, long sleeves, etc.
A: Check out J Crew online
and in stores as well as www.tallwomensclothes.com &
http://www.longtallsally.com
Q: I
adore trendy clothes, but find it very frustrating and expensive to try and
keep up with all of the different styles and trends in the magazines. It
seems like there are new things that are "must haves" every time I turn
around ? please help! (Posted May, 2005)
A: What I usually tell my
clients is to not spend too much on the novelty/trendy items. Find
inexpensive stores who are knocking off the seasonal trends and buy some of
the "must haves" from there. However, there are some pieces during each
season that you should pay a little bit more for. For instance, this season
we have the espadrille shoes the full skirts and floral dresses. Go ahead
and really find something worth your investment that you will wear again
next season. Remember to always mix and match with what you already have!
Q: I am
a petite woman and I love to wear cropped pants during summer and spring
months. I was just wondering, is it ok to wear them during fall and winter?
My coworkers say, sure go ahead, but I just don't know about that. What's
your advice?
A: Well, it depends where you live? If you live in the East coast
where fall and winter are very cold I would not. If you live in California
go for it! We do have a few nice warm days still, so why not wear what makes
you feel comfortable. I would not wear cropped pants on cold and rainy days,
nor would I suggest wearing spring colors during the off seasons.
Q: I own
a number of checked (hounds tooth) and paisley jackets. Are they still in
style for business?
A: You can definitely wear these two jackets if they are not too
dated. i.e. big shoulder pads and silhouette. By that, I mean 10 years old.
Paisley has made a comeback. I have not really seen too much houndstooth,
however, that is a classic look. If you work in a very corporate environment
then those types of jackets work. I would also incorporate a couple of new
modern blazers into your wardrobe, such as the cropped one button blazer. Oh
and color is a must!
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