Veronica is a talented and well regarded Miami based fashion stylist who has worked with Sony, Pepsi, Dress Barn, Marriott Hotel, Wyclef Jean, Denny's Pacific Bell, and Kleenex just to name a few.

Fashion Stylist Q&A

Q: Hi. I've been noticing that lots of women's suit jackets have those slit chest pockets and rear vents. I personally can't stand these features, but I'm wondering why so many designers are making blazers with these features. Is it because they are trying to do a woman's version of a man's suit jacket? Do you know if it's possible to remove chest pockets and sew a back vent shut? (Posted May, 2006)

A: I personally think that these features are a nice detail to add. Especially since suit jackets for women can be a bit plain and boring. These features, especially the chest pocket, are a plus for women who are small breasted, it gives and extra added touch. However, if you don’t like these details you can easily remove chest pockets and have the back vent shut.

Q: I've got close friends who are attempting to determine if low rise jeans are okay to wear with a side-slit style top. What's the projection for low-rise pants in general? Are they in? Are they on the DL?

A: I believe low rise jeans are in for a long time. Its great for women who are petite or those who are short waisted. Pairing them with a tunic, and I emphasize tunic (longer tops) is a great look. Wearing them with a short top with side slits, unless you have the body for it, forget it.

Q: I am 24 years old and pretty slim. My problem is with finding clothes or styles because I have a longer torso area than normal and shorter legs. I am 5'6. I often find shirts tend to be too short for me and pants always seem to be too long. I am wondering if you could give me your professional advice.

A: I think having a long torso is a blessing in the sky. I have dressed and consulted many women opposite of your situation, short waisted with long legs, and it is a nightmare. So you should be very happy. Nonetheless, you can easily get away with layering. Dresses over skinny jeans( have them professionally tailored), new longer tunics are also a big hit over skinny pants. Belted knee length dresses are also a big trend this summer, longer skirts, long dresses will also take away from your short legs and elongate your body. Which is always key.

Q: Is it possible that shopping could be better than therapy? Do we try to hide our old selves through the new clothing that we buy? (Posted Nov, 2005)

A: I think of wardrobe as the paint, and us as the canvas. The different colors of paint we buy determine the final portrait. Our image and how we feel are sometimes interpreted through what we decide to wear.
If a woman, who has just gone through a divorce or a separation, is feeling upset, her self esteem is really low. Her girlfriends decide to give her a beauty day. She buys new clothes, new shoes and gets her hair done. She looks and feels amazing. She walks out of the salon exuding this confidence and sexiness, and she gets the attention of many men. This has not happened to her in a long time. Hence her self-esteem is back up in high gear. The boost in her self-esteem gave her the strength to believe that she can over come this obstacle in her life. This is better than any therapy imaginable.

Q: How can I make a simple dress or an outfit, more elegant or different every time I wear it?

A: Can we say accessories!! That’s what it’s all about. If you have a classy style all you need to do it bring in a new pair of funky shoes, a great handbag, update your jewels and honey you have yourself a new outfit. Belts, bangles, brooches, scarves, all these can always an old item seem brand new.

Q: I’m a 42 year old man, who has been freelance in the advertising business for the past 15 years, and now considering going back on staff, I want to make sure I look presentable, trendy, but yet classy, without loosing my identity, how or what items can I buy to accomplish this?

A: First things first, make sure you are well groomed. I cannot emphasize this enough. Make sure your haircut is fresh, nails are trimmed and clean, and all facial hair is trimmed as well. Now the rest is pretty easy. First of all, get yourself a good trendy suit, you will need this for meetings and dinner parties that you may have to attend. The shirts you purchase should be a bit trendy. I think that being in the advertising business, you can afford to go a bit trendy with color and style. Your slacks should be brown, grey, tweed, and flat front. If you don’t have them already, get yourself a great pair of jeans. Jeans can be dressed up or down, so invest in a good pair. If you are daring, you can also purchase a velvet sports jacket. Looks great with jeans and t-shirt. I think this is a pretty good start. Good Luck!

Q: I have a spot on the back of my jeans where all the fabric meets in the middle that is darker than the rest of my pants. It looks like a wet spot but it isn't, neither is it a stain. I hate walking around in them because I'm afraid people will think I have a big wet spot! How can I get rid of this?? Thanks!! (Posted Sep, 2005)

A: Sorry for this awful situation, I have been there. Thankfully distressed jeans are in. So what you can do is brush the cotton down. Take a nail brush and a bit of detergent and brush away. What you are doing is fading the dye from that one spot of the fabric that absorbed too much. You may also want to try a very little bit of Clorox mixed with water and brush that in as well. If using this technique use caution.

Q: I am a very small woman (42 years old) specially, 5'3'' and 100 pounds. And most of the time I have to go to the kids department to find clothes that fit me. So, do can you suggest me what kind of coat should I wear. I have down jacket, but I am not sure if is right to wear it, because of my small frame.
Thanks for your help.

A: You and I share the same height and weight my dear. I have to tell you that BeBe carries coats that are XS and fit very well. I purchased a coat last year and I wish I would have bought 2. A classic fitted style, single breasted, hitting mid thigh is appropriate for our frame. Get rid of the down jacket, unless it has a tapered cut.

Q: Hello, I hope you can help me out, I'm petite and also am fuller figure, was wondering if you can tell me what type of jeans to wear? I would like to wear either a flare or bootleg jean but not sure what the difference is between them. Also the jeans (rather its bootleg or flare) are stretch) I really don't like tight jeans, was wondering what I should do?

A: Honey I have one word for you, the Gap. They now carry jeans to fit every shape and form. Also, if you live in NY, try going to the Levis store, they can custom make jeans for you. If I were you, I would stick to bootleg jeans rather than flare. Bootleg jeans are straight cut wide from the thigh to the bottom, where as the flare jeans starts to get wide from the calf area down to the bottom. So unless you are 5 feet 5 and taller, this is not recommended.

Q: I am a 31yo white female, mother of 2 young children (1 infant, 1 preschooler)in need of some sense of style. I am 5`6" 145lbs and usually wear a size 8. My problem is that I don?t have any clothes. I wear sweatshirts, sweatpants, jeans, turtlenecks, most of the time. I love skorts and v-neck styles (I think these hide my hips/thighs, and enhance my 34-36 B-C chest). My hair is med-brown with red highlights, I am fair-light complected with brown freckles. I would like to know what styles would be appropriate for my age, since I tend to dress too old or too young. I just got a new haircut that is a layered bob and I enjoy romantic styles and sporty style clothes. I don?t have much money to spend on a new wardrobe, so I need mix and match pieces. I have been told that I look best in "cool-winter" colors; however I like the earth tones, and neutrals. Can you help me? Or offer suggestions? I would also like to know the "in" styles and colors for this year. Thank you. (Posted Aug, 2005)

A: Hey little mama congratulations on your new baby. It seems to me that you have your hands full and no time for you. At 31 you could pretty much were any of the trendy pieces that are out now. NO Skorts!!

Key items you may want to consider:

• Denim skirt (to the knee), could be flared, or straight cut,

• low rise boot cut jeans,

• black pants also boot cut or full leg,

• long or to the knee print dress (that could be dressed up or down)

• Denim Jacket. that has a bit of shape to it

• Long tunics solid or print could be worn with jeans and a belt trendy yet comfy

• If you like v-necks try some halter tops and regular fitted (not too tight) button down shirts.

Spaghetti strap camisoles are a great mix and match pieces as well. If you can find one with a little lace detail, you could wear this with a pair of jeans, pearls and little heels and go to town.

If you like earth tone colors, stick to the darker shades. Browns, eggplant, burnt orange are all good choices. And I must be honest as far as the ?in? styles, if you are on a budget avoid the trends. Stick to classic pieces first, then add your trends a little bit at a time. Accessories are also a great way to update your classic look on a budget. If you can get your hands on a catalog called Anthropology, you can get ideas and try to copy their styles by shopping in stores like Target, H&M, Khols, and even Marshall's. I hope this helps you. Please keep me updated

Q: I'm going to the beach and I have a great figure, except for my butt and thighs are big. what kind of bathing suit could I wear. Plus, if this will help a little, I am kind of short. I really like bikinis but I don?t know what kind to get. What would make my legs look longer and my butt look smaller? Or maybe you could tell me some great exercises. What should I wear to the beach when I go out to eat or just walking around?

A: Okay First things, first if you are concerned regarding your butt and thighs being too big, the best exercise for this, are lunges, squats, and the all time favorite the butt blasters. But loosing weight doesn't?t happen overnight. So back to bathing suits, Try to find a suit that elongates your torso. For example, a color-block pattern (darker on the bottom, and lighter on top) with a halter neck works great. A Simple black, or brown halter one-piece is a great investment. Bikinis with full coverage bottoms, that have a jewel detail is another smart buy. After beach attire could be a gauze ?hobo chic? skirt, a sarong, a baby doll dress, even a long tunic is an elegant way to dress up your beach attire.

Q: I am a Sales Consultant and from time to time I do trade shows to introduce new customers to my company's product line. The only problem that I have is that everything in my closet is black. I want to try new colors that compliment me, but I'm not really sure. Help...I am 26 years old, about 5'6 and weight about 145. In the past I have to just bought suites for me from Bebe, but as you probably know most of the line of clothing there are black. If there is a line out there that is similar to that line around the same price if not cheaper that looks great too?

A: Oh honey if you think that Black and Bebe are it, I must warn u there is a whole new world out there, full of colors and best of all inexpensive clothing. My all time favorite if you have them where you live, is ZARA International. They basically are very trendy, with an assortment of colors and textures, They have all styles of suits with options of tops to match and the shoes as well all on the rack. Other stores that you may love is Arden B., BCBG, Club Monaco and H&M. I hope you are aware that you don?t have to stick to just suits. You should try to mix it up, try some dresses with pretty shrugs, tailored shirts with pencil skirts and throw on a denim jacket with some pearls, is always a nice contrast. Let me know how it goes.

Q: Looking for direction and advice regarding chic, updated and trendy fashions for full busted (36D/DD), curvy woman who is short (5'3") but otherwise small (size 2-4 pants), and fit. Cannot afford breast reduction at present time and find difficulty...fitted tops often look cheap and sleazy, however, loose fitting tops make me look fat. Any suggestions? (Posted July, 2005)

A: Honey what can I say? I am jealous! If you got them flaunt them, but everything within moderation. I think you should spend a little more on your tops. In this case stores like Bebe, BCBG, Club Monaco, and Arden B., offer clothing that could work for you. Ponchos and blazers hide without looking like a nun.

Q: I am a very small woman (42 years old) specially 5'3'' and 100 pounds. And most of the time I have to go to the kids department to find clothes that fit me. So, do can you suggest me what kind of coat should I wear. I have down jacket, but I am not sure if is right to wear it, because of my small frame.

A: You and I share the same height and weight my dear. I have to tell you that BeBe carries coats that are XS and fit very well. I purchased a coat last year and I wish I would have bought 2. A classic fitted style, single breasted, hitting mid thigh is appropriate for our frame. Get rid of the down jacket, unless it has a tapered cut.

Q: I am graduating from medical school next week. One of the graduation weekend activities is a dinner. Dress for the dinner is stated to be "cocktail attire". I have a dress that is black with spaghetti straps and beaded flowers around the top and bottom. The problem is that the dress falls between my knee and ankle. I always thought that a cocktail dress should fall above the knee to mid knee. I do not want to be dressed too formally for this occasion. Also, is black okay even though it is spring?

A: Congratulations, first of all!! I think the dress you have may sound a bit too formal. It also sounds like you are not feeling the dress for this special dinner. I think you deserve to treat yourself to a Suit, (Fitted and Trendy & does not have to be black) or you can do a black dress and it does not have to fall above the knee. It could be a classy pencil fit below the knee, if you are more comfortable with this. And black is a color you could wear year round.

Q: I am wearing fancy, strappy, dress shoes for special evening occasion. It seems dumb to have toes covered with nylons. If so, what color? please advise. (Posted June, 2005)

A: WARNING! WARNING! DO NOT EVER WEAR STOCKINGS WITH STRAPPY SANDALS!!! Girl this is rule number one of what not to wear, ever. My advise, get a great pedicure, tan those legs, put that sexy dress on and call it a night.

Q: I am in my early 40s, have good legs and still like my mini skirts. Should I opt for a more conservative look?

A: Girl, when you got, you got it. If you got the legs, don't be afraid of showing it off. You may try for a sexy conservative look, for example a pencil skirt, just below or hitting at the beginning of your knee may be another look you can achieve.

Q: I hate dresses and skirts but still need an evening look. How can I still look feminine?

A: I have to be honest, I hate dresses and skirts too. I sometimes go for the sexy wide leg pantsuit. Make sure the jacket is nice and fitted. This should not be an item that can be cheap, you must spend a little to look good. Another alternative, which is my all time favorite, is the jumpsuit. Think "Halston". Draped neckline, low back, wide leg should be some of the key features.

Q: I just received a Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Papillion bag as a gift. I am wondering if this bag is appropriate to carry during the spring or summer?

A: Oh honey all I can say is once you have Louis, you can wear it anytime, anywhere. It's a classic.

Q: How does one find out what clothes will look fashionable on them? (Posted May 2005)

A: Honey, know your body type. This should be the base of everyone's knowledge of what should or should not look good on them.

Q: I bought a brown velvet jacket, but I don't know what color shirts to wear with it. What color shirts can I wear with my brown jacket?

A: Anything earth tone would work with your jacket. Lilacs, and Pinks are also nice cool colors that work as well. You may also want to consider a texture, like a satin, lace, or dupioni silk.

Q: I ordered a casual sleeveless dress that is lime in color with small periwinkle flowers. What color shoes would match?

A: Stick to something that is neutral or flesh tone, so your feet disappear and give more emphasis on your dress. If you want to jazz it up, the new metallic colors, like silver, would be fun.

Q: I am a petite girl, 5'2" 120 pounds with about a 28 inch waist and moderately sized hips, however I have size 34D breasts and it seems no matter what I wear I look like an elephant. Is their a certain style I can adopt to make my figure more flattering and less fat?

A: First of all, lets start with placing an emphasis on your legs. Your height can be elongated, by wearing pants that are straight cut, (boot cut) from the hip, not flared. The limited and Victoria's secret make these pants that are straight cut and are very flattering for us women who are 5' 4" and under. You may also want to try V-neck shirts and blouses, (that are not snug), draw attention to your neck, which also ads height. Pair these items with a cute well-fitted blazer and you're in business. Think long and Lean!

Q: Why do garments look great in magazine ads, but just 'so-so' on me? (Posted April, 2005)

A: In the editorials/ads you see in magazines the garment are fitted to the
model. They are pinned and altered to fit them perfectly.

Q: I'm a 'slave' to fashion, and it's costing me a fortune. How can I indulge my habit without 'breaking the bank'?

A: You could try and shopping at outlet stores. For example Saks Fifth Ave has outlet stores that you can shop for all designer stuff at more than 75% off, as long as you could wait till the end of the season.

Q: I'm pregnant and beginning to show. Clothing at the maternity shops seems overly expensive, and I'm not thrilled with the small selection of styles. How can I look good for a variety of occasions during the next several months?

A: The best for all expecting mothers this spring/summer season is all the new trendy gauze, cotton & linen fabrics, which can be mix in for an evening attire, casual, and business as well. All these fabrics are available in a variety of colors, with and without sequins, and a variety of styles, which include tunics, Drawstring pants, dresses, and peasant skirts. As for inexpensive trendy maternity clothing, check out Target, Old Navy.com, and the Gap.com super cute and super cheap.

Q: What are some fashion styling tips for all body types? (Posted March, 2005)

A: In one word, Classics. This should be a staple in every wardrobe. By Classics, I mean owning the perfect little Black Dress, a good suit, a perfect white shirt, a great pair of Jeans ( boot cut of course), great pair of boots, a white and black camisole, and a great pair of evening shoe (Manolo Blahnik preferred). These pieces should be in every wardrobe
nation wide.

Q: What, exactly, does a fashion stylist do?

A: The description of a Fashion Stylist varies with the job they take. If they are contracted to work on a catalog job, then they act more like a merchandiser. You have to dress the models according to the image of the company and carry that image throughout the entire job. For instance, if you were working on a J. Crew account, you would never dress the models
like you did last week when you worked for Victoria's Secret. You would have to stick to the image of J.Crew. As for TV & Film, a stylist is more of a painter or an illustrator. You are hired because you can create a characters personality through their wardrobe and style.

Q: What kind of jobs can a fashion stylist have?

A: We could have a variety of different jobs. Some stylists that I know only work on catalog accounts, others work in the film and TV industry. Some are even specialized in different fields. For example you could be a stylist for children only, or men, and even be a wedding stylist. I think it is a good idea to have a little taste of all the fields before you narrow yourself to one specific field.

Q: What is the difference between 'Custom-Made' Apparel and 'Couture'?

A: Custom-Made is exactly what it describes, Custom. It is a piece in which the designer makes only one. Couture is a special design in which can be ordered by anyone who would pay the price.

Q: Why is designer clothing so expensive? (Posted February, 2005)

A: Designer clothing have always been known to be made of the finest quality imported fabrics and manufactured with great precision. You are also paying for the advertising that these companies have to pay for in order to promote their collections.

Q: How do you determine what styles look best on a client?

A: For me, a client's style is determined based on their personality. Their wardrobe needs to project a certain element of themselves, otherwise, they lack the self confidence needed to carry out that personal style. Always keep in mind that style is not determined with the clothes that you wear, but how you wear them.

Q: Do the same styling rules apply to TV, Film and Print, or are there other variables to consider (i.e., lighting, environment, etc.)?

A: Of course, there are different rules for every job. For example, when you are working on a Print job, the wardrobe needs to be immaculate, well pressed, clean, etc. However, in the Film and TV business, the wardrobe could look as if they have been worn, and not so well kept. Another rule of thumb is to be cautious of busy fabric pattern when working in TV &
Film, and now this even applies to digital photography as well. A busy pattern, like a plaid could easily "more' or move" in TV, Film, and Digital Photography, but in a Print job this does not matter.