dear fashion advisor: dress over pants...

i love getting questions from my readers...so keep sending them in...while this one made me think of my younger days...when my mom used to dress me with a dress over pants...although i don't think she was going for a stylish look...more so for a warmth & coverage look... =)

Q:  what is the "right" way to wear a dress over pants?

A:  i actually love this look...and have posted some wonderful pics of women doing it right...here are some tips...

 - proportion...for the length of the dress (or skirt) the most flattering would hit you about mid thigh...you can go longer depending on your height...but for most women - the longer hemlines will overwhelm your frame...this would work as in the first picture...because the bottom half of the dress is black as are the pants...so the line is long and lean...

 - the dress...should be fitted...and the more simple the dress - the better this look plays off...you don't want to have bulkiness all around the dress...not flattering on most...

 - the pants...pants should be fitted...think skinny jeans/cigarette pants...but boot cut or flared bottoms will work as well...but the thigh down to about below the knee should be pretty fitted...to pull off this look...

hope this helps!  i have tried to show a variety of pics from going dressy to a casual bohemian look...

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dear fashion advisor: traveling handbag...

Q...I'm getting ready for summertime travel and am wondering what is my best choice for a handbag that will take me through airport security, shopping and sightseeing?

a...all three of the activities you mention definitely are easier when you are 'hands-free'...and have we got just the bag for you...

the crossbody bag is very popular right now...and you can find it in a wide variety of colors and prices...your hands will be free to snap your photos or sort through great buys on your travels...and you won't have to worry about the security of your purse...
eric javits 'lark - squishee®' crossbody bag
nordstrom

if you have a fashion question...please feel free to ask via formspring...or email me...

dear fashion advisor: when white isn't white...

q... i'm excited for the warmer weather...but in the meantime...my summer whites just look dull...how can i spiff them up?

a...first of all...forget the bleach - it will weaken the fibers and cause yellowing over time...here's a better alternative....at the first sign of dullness...soak your whites overnight in a basin of water with a strong pretreater...like oxiclean (available in your local grocery) or melaleuca's prespot (not so well-known, but equally effective...) both of these are great at removing stains and brightening fabrics...then wash in warm or hot water and dry at a cool temperature...(hot dryers can also yellow fabrics...) your whites should be bright and ready to finish out the summer...


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dear fashion advisor: casual but stylish...

Q. I tend to dress more simply and casually these days. But I still want to look stylish and pulled together. Any ideas?

a. there is a great way to look casually stylish - it's as simple as a crisp, white shirt...pair it with a pair of colorful cropped pants or capri's - maybe top it off with a fabulous belt or scarf/belt combo at the waist...and voila! you've got a fabulous stylish...yet casual, look!

what will take your white shirt from good to great...however...is to pick a shirt with some special detailing...perhaps on the sleeves or at the neck or in the back...



if you can't wear white well near your face...this will work equally well with a shirt in your 'colors' - just make sure it has a great fit and also a great detail...pair it with white pants and you've got a fabulous spring look!

dear fashion advisor: those heavy sneakers...

Q. I like to keep up with my workouts when I'm traveling, but my sneakers take up SO much room. I don't want to substitute my hot heels for my sneakers, so what's my solution?

a. i hear you!! this becomes even more of a problem if you're taking only a carry-on on your travels...the solution is to choose a lightweight...packable shoe that can do double-duty - at the gym and for casual wear...

merrell has some great options...like the barefoot pure glove shown below...it's only 4.4 ounces...so it won't add weight to your suitcase...which is another consideration these days since airlines are charging not only for checked baggage...but even more for overweight bags...

i'm always looking for a good looking casual shoe for travel and these suit the bill...merrell has a wide range of styles to choose from...so you should find something that works for you...

merrell's barefoot pure glove

dear fashion advisor...

Q. I'm so confused! A number of my friends are getting married this year in many different settings. When I read the invitations and it gets to the part about the 'dress', I feel like tossing in the towel. Can you help me decode wedding dress codes?

a. i can totally understand that you may be feeling a bit intimidated about making the right choice in what to wear...but here are some basic guidelines to help you be a well-dressed guest...if no particular dress is indicated...your attire is determined to a large degree by the time of day...

now...from the most formal to the least:

black tie
as the most formal attire...women usually dress in floor length styles although that doesn't mean you can't get creative with convention...when in doubt...err in the direction of overdressing a little - in fact it's hard to overdress in this circumstance so pull out the stops...

black tie optional
though black-tie optional events necessitate a certain level of formality...don't feel compelled to wear a sweeping gown...a flirty mini or a knee-length style punctuated by luxe accessories feels modern and fits this sort of occasion...

totally traditional
while this look should err on the side of understated (and not show an excess of skin)...it doesn't mean you're limited to dowdy silhouettes in stiff neutrals...jewel tones are sophisticated yet subtle...while inspired accessorizing showcases your personal style...a simple elegant dress in a rich color is chic without being too showy...

in the city
treat this type of wedding as you would an art opening (especially if it happens to be at a gallery) or a fancy party...feel free to define "dressed-up" on your own terms-while being mindful of the sensibility of the couple...of course...a city setting means you can get a little edgier...go for graphics or cutout styles...

morning/afternoon wedding
depending on the season...your attire is likely to be lighter colored and a bit more casual than you might wear for an evening wedding...opt for a nice dress skirt or suit and something comparatively colorful or floral...

laid-back locale
outdoor or so-called "casual" weddings can be the most confusing of all...keep the look playful and festive as opposed to overly formal or out-and-out glam...airy fabrics accented by natural accessories fit the bill perfectly...choose a feminine whimsical print...it's fun and fits the lighter mood...

tropical destination
more than just a great excuse to drink mojitos poolside...a wedding in the tropics is the ideal occasion to break out of the basics with a bold flower print...neutral accessories provide balance and suit laid-back island style...tropical weddings call for something sassy...make a statement with a splashy floral...

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dear fashion advisor...

Q. I'm seeing all of these bright colors out there for Spring, and they remind me of the 80's (you know, been there...done that?) How can I incorporate them into my wardrobe in a current way?

A. ah yes...i know what you mean...the old saying is something to the effect: if you remember the trend from the first time around...you probably don't want to jump on board the second time around...but...if you're wanting to give a nod to the current trend...there are a few ways to do it (courtesy of british vogue...thank you very much!)

pair your favorite bright with a neutral - the calming effect of nudes, caffe latte, mushroom and silver grey help diffuse some of the 'pop'...

try a band of black to anchor the neon - whether it's a literal bank of black or a tie-dye effect or even black lace...


go conservative in styling - a prim suit and sensible skirt length will counterbalance the daring of the bright color...



if that's too much for you...try a neon accessory...it'll add an element of surprise to an otherwise neutral outfit...

of course...if you're the dramatic type...you may want to try the head-to-toe column of color...all you need is a brave state of mind...