What Works for Me

I am quite short, fair, big arm and shoulder, big hip and legs.Overall, I am not "the fat" type. People say the empire top will scan through the big belly, but I think I look like I am pregnant in it. What type of tops and bottoms/jeans do you recommend that would fit me most for office wear and casual wear?
What type of dresses would fit me most to cocktail/ wedding party> I have thick legs and thighs ...If possible could u post pictures to illustrate? Thank you.
Trudy

This isn't as hard as you think. For work, and casual wear, there are several tops that work for you. Here's my favorite, an empire top with a straight, not gathered, front. Note the seaming under the bust, and the straight drop of the cloth below. There's the wrap top with the same effect. This type of wrap top is available in knits, too.
For your bottom half, be sure that the top covers part of your belly; when it ends, it cuts the view in half. And avoid clingy fabrics for this, as well. Skirts should not be too tight; they should skim your hips, and then end at a wider hem, like this. The skirt hem should end at the narrowest part of your leg; usually just below your knee.

For dressier occasions, look for a wrap dress, or one with structure, like this!

Reunion Plans II

Be careful about what it says on the invitation. "Business Attire" doesn't mean that you should wear your hospital nutritionist outfit, complete with name tag (I have seen this); it means jacket&tie for men, and the equivalent for ladies. But don't take this too literally, either. If it's Saturday night in the Grand Ballroom of a Fancy Club, you'll be the only lady in a pants suit; the others will take the opportunity to show off a little. I'd substitute a great dress for business clothes, and have a jacket handy, if cover-up is needed.
Don't wear any memorabilia (I've seen this, too, and it isn't pretty.) If you have found your Senior Button or something like that, leave it on the desk where everyone signs in, so that they can enjoy it there. Please avoid any outfit that has an obvious name to it. You don't want to be "that girl in the red dress" to those who can't recall your name.

Reunion Plans I

I am going to a school reunion soon, and I need some advice. What to do?

Reunions are special events that require special planning, and we all know why.
First, decide what your best look is. Does a tailored collar flatter you, or do you shine in a deep V? Do pants make your legs look long, or does a skirt flow gracefully over your hips? What is your best feature? Your eyes? Your hair? Waist? Remember that we're not looking for your dream outfit (let's say Audrey in Breakfast); we're looking for the outfit that looks best on you. There is a difference.
Once you've determined your best basic look, find the outfit of this type that is appropriate for the season and the event. A jacket can work for BT (rhinestone buttons) or for a barbeque (denim blazer); and a pencil skirt can be wool, or lace overlay. Make no attempt to recreate the styles of yesterday; look for something that is current and fresh. That's the first step.

Old Legs or New?

I read that you are wrong, wrong about skin tone hose! They are OK to where! Yay! I love my pantyhose. Who knows what color my skin tone is, once I put on the stockings? And the the seams on the toes hardly show with sandals, either.
Thank you,
Socky

I know it's tricky; that's why it's so hard for you (and it's hard to give up something old, just like matching, right?) Folks hang on to past looks for too long. Flesh tone hose are out of style just now. Wear bare legs whenever it's appropriate (like in Summer.) When you need coverage for your legs, wear tinted hose, micro fishnets, and, for heavier coverage, patterned or textured tights. For shoes that are more open than a D'orsay (split) pump, wear bare legs. Wearing old fashioned hose isn't a crime, but updating them is a nice way to stay in style. (Remember, as always, work-related requirements should be adhered to.)

The writer of the advice you mentioned was probably aiming at an older audience. We wouldn't want to upset the elderly, would we, Socky? If you are young enough for fresh looks, try them! There's plenty of time to dress like a Granny.

Jewelry Investment

I have been offered a nice watch as a graduation gift. I will enjoy this piece as a keepsake and something to wear for the rest of my life.

So my problem is deciding between a gold tone watch and a silver tone one. I kind of want to use this as an opportunity to create a signature metal color to base my future jewelry on (ie. gold watch = gold ring band, gold earring posts, etc.)

I'm looking at this as an decision that will also affect my wardrobe (which will need a lot of overhaul as I enter the work world). Are there colors that go better with gold than silver or vice versa? I am drawn to blacks, navys, camels, olives, and chocolates as neutrals.

Are there any other coordination elements I'm overlooking or am I simply making too big a deal out of this?

Thanks for your perspective!
Lyra


I think this is an excellent question, and that advance planning for major purchases is very prudent. When I chose my wedding band, I was lucky to find a yellow gold band with white gold cross-hatches, and it has served me well; my daily watch is a stainless and gold mix. For more decorative, non-functional pieces, you may choose either white or yellow gold, and add them according to what is best for your outfit.
There are changing styles in jewelry, just as in clothes, and you won't be able to avoid changes in your jewelry wardrobe; but obtaining some versatile basic pieces is a great way to start. Your neutral clothing palette is excellent; and, being neutral, will support jewelry in any color. Like all other matching, matching of jewelry has been replaced with coordination of complementary elements.
Be sure to choose a watch that you absolutely love, and want to put on and run out the door! That's the best way to be sure of the right piece for you.
Congratulations on your graduation!

It Works!

Hello, Pres:
Here's what I did today to give some life to staple pieces in my wardrobe: I started with my pair of trousers,which are a tiny, tiny b/w houndstooth, and a white silk knit cardigan and shell.
I have a pair of black patent wedge closed toe shoes or a pair of red, peep-toe, high heeled sandals in a croc leather.
I bought a chunky black quartz bead necklace to wear when I wear the red shoes and a red coral multi-strand necklace with a red and gold pendant for when I wear the black shoes.
Previously, I would have matched the necklace to the shoes, but the other way looks so much fresher.
THEN, I added a straw bag that I usually use only on vacation. It's straight lines, very crisp, and has black leather cord straps with a few wooden beads. I really liked it with both combos.
... Thought I would support the premise!
Caron
Hello Caron,
I especially like the straw bag ("The bag stands alone.") Congratulations on the perfect outfits!

Dress and Bag

What? How about this the bag matches the dress and even the shoes. That's from your own sight Pres. I could add the tights.
Thank you,
Socky

Very nice dress. I would wear a neutral metallic clutch, such as pewter, instead; and I'd add suede or matte silk shoes. Even fishnets are too much here; off black sheers or bare legs are needed.

Love the Tights

Pres, I love the Tights from this post: Skirt Tights Shoes.
And I know exactly what to where with them and the nice skirt: A Lacy Cardi for Lacy Tights. The pumps are not tragic. They are awesome. And the heal is perfect height. Why do you think you know best? The picture is from JC Penney and that is a real model.
Thank You,
Socky

You're welcome, Socky. Don't echo prints, motifs, or bright colors (like yellow, pink or green) in ensembles. One tricky item per ensemble is enough. It takes more discipline to walk away from the jewelry or other accessories that obviously match up, but it's the right thing to do.

Pile of Laundry

Dear Pres:
I tried the unmatched look that you so dearly love, but it didn't work. I combined some clothes at random: A tannish skirt with embroidery, a beige unstructured cotton blazer jacket, a fuchsia tee, some tweed kitten heel pumps. It looked awful. I think the random look is disheveled and raggedy, and being foisted upon us by the Fashion Establishment. Coordinating the elements, as I always do, would have looked lovely.
Can you possibly defend yourself?
Susan-Isobel


Dear Su-Is,
For openers, the look isn't random. It may look unmatched when you review the components, but it's a perfect outfit nonetheless. And, it does require some fresh elements to make it work. If you separate an old Chanel suit, and add the jacket, with shoulders from 2004, to a gathered full skirt in a muted tone; then combine this with fishnets and pumps with a large toe box, you aren't going to get the latest ensemble. The unmatched look requires a snappy jacket with a new silhouette, like a swing shape; a pencil, or other fitted skirt; and low profile wedges, round toe spool heels, or structured flats.
I do understand the need to use pieces from your closet; but it's best to include just one vintage item in any ensemble, no matter how it's coordinated.

Skirt, Tights, Shoes

What do you think of this look, Pres?
Tights

There are several things wrong with the ensemble. First, the skirt has much too much texture, and too many pleats to support the patterned tights. I don't think the length is flattering, either, but that may be a function of the pumps, which are tragic. They might work with some wide cuffed pants that covered most of the shoe, but not with a skirt of any kind. The combination of the low heel and the triangular front, transected by the strap, is deadly. The tights are very busy, and the large opening of the weave allows for hyper-contrast with the exposed skin. In winter, these tights might be rescued by knee high boots and a plain black wool pencil skirt.
Aren't you glad that you asked?

Light or Dark Wash?

Hi Pres,
I'm looking for a high waist denim pencil skirt. Nordstrom's has a new one by 7 For All Mankind, but it has a faded look to it. Is the continuing trend for a dark wash, or are you seeing lighter denim on the streets? Thanks, Vava


It's this one, right, Vava?

The light wash denim isn't as versatile, and it's harder (but not impossible) to work into an outfit. The light needs really pristine support pieces, or we'll slip into the ramshackle. Being even more casual than the dark wash, the light would work well for a family barbeque (especially if you are the hostess) but not for adding a light pink tweedy or linen jacket and wearing to lunch with the ladies. I don't like the light with the heels shown; I'd prefer a thong sandal and a fitted tee shirt to the ruffled blouse shown, too.
So, if you are looking for something to wear at the beach, and change out of for even a casual dinner, the light wash is OK. For something more versatile, from casual to almost dressy (with an edge) stick with the dark wash.

I Love Matching

Hello Pres! I am glad that I found you hear. I was banned from another site for bad spelling I think but my spell checker never finds any miss takes. Anyway, I still want to talk about matching. I love matching. It makes getting dressed up easy and I love the dressy look it gives to match the jewelry to the colors in the out fits. Sometimes I match the jewelry motives in the patterns I where.
Why do you say this is wrong? Thank you, Socky

Hello, Socky. I am glad that you found me, too. I know that matching is hard to give up, especially when some of it is still good. I saw a lovely outfit today; green linen pants, a short sleeve black knit tee and a matching black cardi worn around the neck as a scarf. But black patent heels would not have worked with this outfit; it's best to add tan wedges, or another neutral shoe. The bag should stand alone, too. And matching green bangles would have destroyed this outfit; a neutral metallic (like silver) or bangles with mixed color stones would be perfect.

Plus Size Jacket

I'm a Plus Size. I need a lightweight, summer jacket for work (as an administrator in a hospital.) I'd like it go with most of the things in my wardrobe. Too much to ask for? Thanks in advance.

Not a problem. Look for something with a defined waist, in a neutral color and a summer weight fabric. Be sure that the hem hits right at the sweet spot on your hip; not too low. When you wear the outfit, try for a contrasting color for the shirt underneath. If you really want a slimming look, wear three colors; as I explain in my post here: "Prominent"
And, BTW, here's a Jacket.

Anything Goes?

Now you say that I can wear brown&black together and gray& brown together, but I can't wear turquoise bangles with my teal shirt? I'm lost.

I know, I know. It's tricky. That what makes it so good. The objective is to create a perfect ensemble, but not to look like you are trying too hard while doing it. There's more freedom to mix neutrals, but less to combine brights. If you need a rule, try basing your outfits on a neutral mix, and add just one punch of bright color per ensemble.

Don't Echo Colors?

What do you mean by "Don't echo the color [of your bag] in jewelry or a print"? I thought that "picking up" a bright color was cute?

Things have changed a lot. Matching colors is now called "Matchy-Matchy," and that's a negative term for unsophisticated, over-decorated ensembles. You can raise your sophistication levels, and avoid looking like you are trying too hard, without spending a dime. Rethink your ensembles to avoid the overdone, studied, too cute look that revolves around matching the bright colors in the accessories in your outfit.

Working Bright Bag In

I would love to buy one of the hot color bags that are in this Spring. But I can't figure how to add this to the wardrobe that I have. Pres, please help!

To assemble an outfit that can support a bright yellow, green or pink bag this Spring, search your closet for neutrals. Try a khaki or beige pencil or Aline skirt; a bright white shirt or tee, and a white jacket over; light gray or beige works, too, but I love the fresh look of a white jacket over a white shirt. Then add an interesting neutral necklace, such as large wooden beads. Wear beige fishnets, and a neutral shoe in cream, light brown, or tan. Black, especially black patent, works too.
Add a large hobo in the latest color. Don't echo the color in jewelry or a print. If you would like to add a print (maybe a scarf) choose one that's all neutrals, like a beige paisley, or a leopard.
Here's a bag to dream on: Yellow Bag
Don't forget some great big sunglasses.

Micro Fishnets

I understand that sheer fleshtone hose are out, but stockings flatter my legs by providing shading at my ankles. Sometimes, I can't add tinted hose to my outfit. Do you have any ideas?
Thanks!

Try micro-fishnets. They aren't at all like the large fishnets of yore. In a flesh tone or light beige, they all but disappear, leaving a nice shading of your leg. Experiment with the conservative colors and the size of the mesh; you'll be very happy with the look.

Perfect Interview Outfit

Hi Pres,
I have a very good problem, I think. I am going to be invited to interview for 2 different jobs in the next couple of weeks (both promotions!) Since you are not only an expert at fashion, but also conduct interviews, I know I'll get perfect advice.
My blue Tahari pant suit is great for an interview in the public school setting. It's dark, but not an dark as navy, a little more bright than navy. If you put a black shoe with the pants, there is a definite distinction between the two. I don't know if that gives you a good description. Normally, I wear a pretty spring green shell with it. I also have a brooch with shades of greens and blues that would be very pretty. (Someone once said on a fashion forum that it's good to wear an interesting piece of jewelry as a conversation starter.) Is this not conservative enough for an interview? And, I'm always perplexed about shoes. I've worn black slingbacks with it, but is there something else I should do, especially for spring?
Sorry to ramble and I'll try to post a picture, but I'm not the most competent at that!
By the way, I clicked on one of the ads here and found an awesome site for makeup tips! Keep up the great work - and thanks!!!
Halfpint


You make it easy for me. Your ensemble is excellent for an elementary school job interview. The colors are ideal; the brooch is a lovely touch. If I were wearing this outfit for a less formal Spring situation, I'd consider different shoes, maybe a dark tan, pointy toe croco print pump; but for your interview, I say: Go Get'em!

Adding Color

I am 30 and work for a conservative midwestern company. The attire is business casual, but I try to dress up a little more than that, just to be safe. (Who really knows what business casual is for women anyway? Men = khakis + polo, women = ???)

Anyway, my question is should I always stick to shoes that are at least as dark as my pants? I read that somewhere a while back, and I was just wondering if that is true.

For example, I have these great red croc shoes that hardly get any wear out of, so I decided to try to work them into a work outfit. I wore them the other day with black pants, a b/w tiny houndstooth pattern jacket, and a red turtleneck shell. Is that okay or should I stick to trying to wear them with denim (not to work, obviously) or gray pants.

I am trying to work more color into my wardrobe, which is a big departure since my entire wardrobe basically consists of various shades of black, white, gray, and brown. I felt slightly uncomfortable, but I wasn't sure if that was because it was such a departure for me or because it wasn't a good look altogether.
Jaime

I think you have a good idea about how to handle the elusive "business casual." It's usually best to err on the side of more formality, not less, when at work.

About the colors, the outfit is almost perfect. The only detail that I would question is the use of two red items in the ensemble (the turtleneck plus the shoes.) If you would like to wear the red turtleneck with the houndstooth/black ensemble, add neutral (tan, or gray) shoes. If the shoes are the red item, add a white or gray turtle. The rules have all changed (that's the usual thing for fashion rules); so I'm struggling to put together some useful guidelines: An outfit may contain several neutrals (the B&W, and Gray) but keep it to one accent color (Red, or other brights like Turquoise and Bright Yellow.)

Until recently, Red&Black together were a WNTW; but things have changed. I like Red&Black if there is some white or gray in the outfit as well.

So, to encourage your excellent plan to add color to your wardrobe, don't be afraid to mix up your (terrific) neutrals; gray with brown and gray with black, black with brown. Add one pop of color, like red, and you will create perfect outfits that you can wear with confidence.
Be sure that the neutral pants are the right length. They should cover most of the pump.

You might consider a turquoise bag as the one accent piece (instead of red) too.

Good planning, and good thinking, Jaime!

I have a medium blue knit tee that fits really well. The fabric is beautiful, but the color isn't very exciting, and I'd like to pair it with more than jeans. Do you have any ideas for me? Thanks.


1) Leopard print pencil skirt, black tights, black flats. A quilted shoulder bag on a chain strap.
2) White knee length shorts with cuffs, gray suede wedges, a large red clutch.
3) Tweedy brown pencil skirt, brown knee high flat heel riding boots.
4) Very dark pink cords, a light pink summery tweed fitted blazer with edging or fringed hems.
5) Emerald green satin ballet length evening skirt, high black strappy sandals.
6) Burgundy gathered bubble hem skirt, knee length or above, light cream stockings and cream closed pumps.
7) B&W houndstooth pattern skirt, black short jacket. Black tights/patent wedges. Tan croco pattern bag.
8) Pressed khaki pencil skirt, bright yellow quilted jacket, bare legs, brown leather loafers.
9) White eyelet full skirt, navy blue fitted blazer with gold buttons, white high heel(a wide heel) wide strap sandals.
10) Narrow black knee length crops, black patent open toe wedges, lacy shawl or pashmina, in white. Small clutch in brown lizard print.

New Spring Makeup?

Has something changed while I wasn't looking? My makeup seems very pale to me. What's going on?

It's nice that you noticed. The makeup colors for this Spring are much more vibrant. This is a problem for me, as my Mother looks like Tilda Swinton, and my coloring is becoming more like hers. Luckily, solving this just takes new make-up!

Be sure that your brows are dark enough. They should be just one shade lighter than your lashes. (Black lashes mean dark brown brows.) You can use terrific eyebrow mascara to add color to your (Perfectly Groomed! The Arch in the Right Place!) brows. Use a brow "corrector" (a pencil, or powder) to be sure that your brows are long enough at the sides. If you use a pencil, a thousand tiny strokes is better than one heavy one. Don't short change your brows.

Lipstick colors are deeper, too; and remember to pat some airbrush spray foundation around your lips, with a sponge, to avoid the bleeding of the denser color. If you like, place a dab of lighter color lipstick (we have some left over from last season, right?) in the center of your lower lip. This creates the illusion of light being reflected off of full, moist lips.

Prominent Chest

Although I am thin and curvy, I find that my chest is too prominent, and this makes me look fat. Do you have any tips for me?

To reduce the look of a prominent chest, and create a more willowy look, try this outfit: Wear a white or light colored deep vee neck knit top. A curved vee, with some cleavage showing, is good for this, if it's appropriate for the occasion. Add a dark jacket over. The cloth of the jacket should not be reflective; velvet and suede are good. The jacket should not be closed. The front of the jacket should create two dark, wide stripes down the length of your chest.

Place a light coat, like a khaki trench, over this. Use the belt of the trench to tie the sides back (tying in the back) so that the trench does not button in the front. The front of your chest should show, from the center out: The deep vee, with the light center; the sides of the dark jacket on either side, producing wide dark stripes outside of the center; and the light colored wide stripes of the trench on either side of that. If you find it difficult, or too warm, to wear 3 layers, replace the dark jacket with a dark scarf. The dark scarf, worn looped around your neck, and on either side of the vee, should first be folded to create a straight edge. If you break up the expanse of your chest with the three contrasting panels, you will like the visual results. A shirt in a single color, and an unbroken expanse of fabric from one arm to the other, will increase the look of width. For those that need to minimize a prominent midsection, the same effect will work; the jacket should be long enough to create three panels: jacket side, skirt fabric, jacket side. Got it?

More About Stockings

Here are some more questions that we received in Comments; they deserve their own post:

What does height have to do with the colour of stockings?

What about cream/white skirts/dresses? What colour stocking and shoes?
I read some advice against matching dark colour stockings with light colour dresses/skirts, but I've seen many girls wearing white dresses with black opaques. Seems nice to me, though. What's your opinion?


If you wear stockings that match your skirt, and shoes of a similar color, your legs will look longer. If you add a contrasting stocking, that will create a break in the line, and shorten the effect. It's your proportions that count, not your height. If you are shorter, but have long legs (compared to your torso) the contrasting color will work for you.

The look of black opaques with a light colored skirt is very fashionable. It requires parts of the outfit to be fashionable, too. Try a pencil, bubble hem, or mini skirt for this. I wouldn't advise it with a vintage full skirt that's knee length or longer. Old silhouettes won't support new combinations. If you have a light colored, traditional skirt shape, like an A-line or a gathered sweep hem, wear micro-fishnets, or tinted sheers, in any light color except flesh tone.

Eyelet Texture

Hi Pres,
Am I correct to assume that my solid black and solid white eyelet skirts are completely neutral and can be worn with other prints? The texture thing throws me off.
Is my pattern/texture question too fundamental to be asking? If so, guess I'll be pairing the skirts with solids again this summer. You can answer me privately if the question is too ridiculous for your site! Love your site, I visit it daily.



No question is too fundamental for SOS! That's why it's called SOS.

Eyelet is a lovely choice for summer wear. And, I think that your eyelet skirts can support print pieces in an ensemble, if the print is summery, and the shape of the piece is compatible with the skirt. I know that this isn't obvious, but a long textured silk shirt tunic with a geometric or animal print pattern might not be compatible with an eyelet skirt, and a cotton shirt with a fresh floral might.

The texture of the skirt is not as important as its total message: This is a summer skirt in a feminine fabric. I wouldn't wear heavy snow boots (winter), or sneakers (sports activity) with the skirt. Some prints and some fabrics, won't work either. But some certainly will.

Pres

The Stockings I Need

Hi, my legs are quite blah with many dark scars (both on upper and lower legs). But I love to wear some dresses that are already available in my closet, especially for cocktail parties, so I have to wear opaque stockings to cover completely.

I have a knee-length pink dress that is perfect for such a party, but I find it difficult to match stocking colour with this pink colour, and also I think dresses above knee length with stockings is much better than dresses at knee length with stockings...what do you think?

I also have another brown knee-length dress, with big buttons as the ornaments, but again, I find it quite tricky to find the colour of the stockings to match (my shoes are black pumps anyway. I am quite short (1m56, 48 kg), quite fair compare to other Asians (I use nude shade of 2 cake foundation) and can't afford to wear dress with bare legs ...

I would be very grateful to hear your advice! and tips to match colour of dress, shoes, or shorts, with colour of opaque stockings ! Thank you!
Trudy

Hello Trudy!
I think that you have the opportunity to add lovely additional colors to your outfits. Were you wearing skin tone sheers before? There are many tinted sheers that have the same coverage as the out-of-style skin tones. Also, consider micro-fishnets, which do provide plenty of coverage, as well. For pink, I like olive semi-sheers or opaques. Gray also works beautifully with a pink dress (with gray, or pewter shoes) in sheers or opaques. The black shoes would coordinate, since you have them.

You might consider some leg make-up for special occasions.

And, for your buttoned dress, don't forget gray with brown. I have some gray opaques that have a small faux fishnet print in black, and or in darker gray (they are reversible) that can support browns, or blacks perfectly.

A helpful rule is to match the hose to the skirt or to the shoes. That will solve your pink problem (Match the shoes! green, or gray; or some browns. Black opaques would be a snappy fashion forward look; you'd have to judge with your height.)

About leg coverage and length, I usually give more importance to the shoes: Don't wear hose with any shoe that's more open than a split (D'orsay) pump, and no stockings with an open sandal that shows your toes. If you are wearing closed pumps, we can always find stockings to compliment your look.

The Stocking Color is a long discussion, and it's tricky. That's what makes it so nice.
Let's keep it going.
Any comments, folks?

Pres

Golden Sandals

I have a pair of beautiful gold platform sandals. They have a high wedge, and thin shiny gold straps. I was thinking of wearing them with short cargo shorts, a casual shirt and a little cotton jacket. I am over 40. What do you think?

Your elegant sandals need a better support outfit. If you are wearing short shorts, add some low profile solid flats to that outfit, instead. To balance a high wedge, wear longer shorts (knee length) or capris.

For your gold shoes, look for a gauzy day dress in a cream beige, with a sweeping, or narrow skirt. Carry a soft hobo bag in a darker tan, or light brown. The entire outfit should be a bit oatmeal, because the shoes are a glitzy focus. For an alternative outfit, look for a crisp white shirtdress in a polished cotton, with a sweeping skirt, and a black belt. This tailored outfit can carry a little more glitz, so you may carry a tote or structured summer bag with gold hardware. If needed, drop a deep navy or other neutral blazer over.

If the blazer is very crisp, some other colors may be considered, but it's tricky.

I can also see the sandals for an evening look in the summer, with an off-white pleated grecian column long dress and big flowing hair. When wearing the sandals in the daytime, keep your hair smooth, and don't overwork any curls.

Not Your Grandma's Bag

Hi Pres. I have another purse question for you.

I try to find a very neutral bag that can work with almost anything because I often find when switching purses, I miss something important like my office badge. I usually go with black but am tired of black. I saw a very nice bag in white on the weekend but can't get past the image of my grandmother with her white bag. What is the scoop on white bags for spring and summer?
Cheryl

Hello Cheryl, 

Thanks for writing!

To update the white bag, look for the latest shapes.  Here are a few to consider :

Big Clutch

Shoulder bag

With Embellishment

I know these are high end, but these types are available at all price points. I've also seen bags that mix white with neutral prints, and not so neutral. You might consider  B&W, too.

Also, don't break out the white bag until the sunshine lets you know that it's time, and put it away before the trees are bare; and please, don't pair it with  low heeled white sandals with wide straps. 

I think it's a great idea for this summer. Let's see what you can come up with... 

Pres 

New Wardrobe for Tropics

Pres, I need your help! We've just moved to a hot, humid climate. I wear mostly knee length skirts and t-shirts. I own only one pair of shorts and one pair of capris.

We are living a very casual life style and due to that and the heat, wearing jackets is impossible. I am larger-chested so I tend to wear vee neck tops but also need to protect my skin from the sun. I feel prettiest and most polished in skirts. Do you have any suggestions for me? I am in need of more clothing and would like to be pointed in the right direction. I'm 5'7", decent figure, well proportioned and am 49 years old.

Also, I have worn shoes only twice in the past two months. Otherwise its sandals. All the money I'm saving on purchasing boots is going into pedicures! LOL.

Thanks, Joanne


Hello, Joanne!

Moving from the frozen north to the tropical south is certainly a fashion challenge. (OK, I'm exaggerating, but just a little.) I think that you have to understand that not too many of your favorite items are going to make the transition successfully. This happens to me with every end-of-season sale, when I think I can probably stretch the wearing potential of my bargain finds into the next few weeks. Not a chance. When summer comes, the "lightweight wools" and "classic colors" that I hope to wear usually fail me.

So, we're going to use the Pres method to build an entirely new wardrobe for you. Start with the hardest part to fit, and look for the second element of the ensemble; then move the ensemble over to shoes, and add some terrific sandals. Don't try to adapt clothes from the dark cold seasons; embrace the endless summer that you now have to dress for.

Here are some specific ideas:
Remember that animal prints often come from animals that live in the jungles. A dark leopard shirt, in lightweight cotton, is a perfect accent for white jeans. And white bags are available with cheetah accents. We can dream can't we?

For a wardobe that will highlight your beautiful dark coloring, consider Lilly. Her color scheme is great for hot weather, and the tops are cut for a full figure. You can find Lilly apparel on many sites, including Zappos (free ship) and I have called some of her stores to find a size I wanted, with great success. Although some of the shapes are a little dated, I'm sure that you can extract the best.

Here are a few more ideas:For the beach.
Gauze Separates

I wish I had this problem!
Let's hear how it goes...