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Q. HELP!! My Fiance's mother is throwing us an engagement party luncheon at a country club at the end of March in Boston and I have no idea what to wear. I went looking for dresses last weekend and found a few that I liked but I think they are all a bit to fancy for a luncheon. From people I've talked to, they all say something along the lines of "Sunday Best" but I can't seem to find something that looks good and doesn't look either matronly or like a child. I have a few weeks but I'm starting to panic that I won't have anything and will have to wear my standby LBD and I don't want to wear black, it's my engagement and I think I should be in color or white or something that makes me stand out a bit...but clearly I've never done this before so I don't know. I know the LBD is always classic and I can add color with shoes, purse and jewelry, but I'm a very classic girl, at least where jewelry is concerned, so I was hoping to be able to wear my grandmother's pearls or her diamond necklace. Any tips would be really helpful!

A. Deep breath. Your engagement party is going to be wonderful, no matter what you wear, but of course you want to look great since you'll be the center of attention. Though it is a luncheon, feel free to dress a bit nicer than the guests, it's your party! A dress or pretty top and skirt is your best option. Though we are huge fans of a classic little black dress, you are correct that this occasion calls for something a bit more colorful or bridal. You're in luck - pretty spring dresses are everywhere now, you just need to find your perfect one.

Since we love the idea of you wearing your grandmother's pearls or diamond necklace, we have selected some pretty dresses with necklines to accommodate them. Here are some pretty, yet classic, ideas for you that will look great in photos 20 years from now:

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Q. I'd like to go green for St. Patrick's Day and was wondering if there were any rules on wearing green and mixing greens. I heard green is a trend for spring, so how can I wear green fashionably?

A. I've never been one to wear green on St. Patty's Day, but lucky for you, it is a big trend for spring! We're seeing everything from pale pastel and jewel tones to blue-green marine hues and military olives. I do love to see different shades of green mixed together, but it is not an easy look to wear head-to-toe. Try mixing in gold, copper, yellow, blue, nude and more to blend with your greens. Here are some gorgeous green pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe, for March 17th and beyond:

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Q. I recently bought this adorable dress from Old Navy but I am having a hard time figuring out what to wear with it other than boring flip flops. Can you give me some suggestions on how to make this dress more versatile?

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A. Your chambray dress is perfectly on trend this spring. Skip the flip flops and dress up your chambray dress with one of this season's must-have nude sandals. Add a chic cuff bracelet or open up the top buttons and wear a statement necklace to add more style to the look.

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Q. I am in a wedding this spring and the bride has chosen some really beautiful stilettos for us bridesmaids. My problem? I've had the "luxury" of a casual-dress environment for the last several years and very rarely wear heels anymore! I will be in these shoes for at least 12 hours; I really want to enjoy her wedding and not have to resort to flip-flops (horror!) or - ahem - getting drunk to relieve my aching feet. Do you have a "best" insert/insole recommendation?

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A. Lucky for you, these heels aren't too high, so they won't completely destroy your comfort-shoe-loving feet. However, it certainly doesn't hurt to have comfort insoles on hand to help you dance the night away. For years, the StyleBakery team has used Foot Petals "Killer Kushions" to soften the pain of our cute-but-killer heels. They have a slim profile, so they work with even the most bare sandals.

We also really like Dr. Scholl's for Her High Heel Insoles which are made specifically for heels that are 2" or higher. They work by taking the pressure off the ball of your foot. They are clear and have a slim profile, so they work with virtually all shoes.

We can't guarantee that either of these products will give you an ache-free evening (even a 2" heel can hurt after 12 hours on your feet!) but they will certainly help. And a glass of champagne or two wouldn't hurt either.
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Q. I really, really want to get into this boyfriend blazer trend. I read about how versatile they are on fashion blogs, I see ladies rocking them at bars on my nights on the town; but, every time I see one in a store all I see are 1980s blazers-and-shoulder-pads turning women into linebackers in skirts and dresses. I'm plus size and pretty broad shouldered already with a large chest, can I really pull this look off on a night out or a casual day at work without having do to the Super Bowl shuffle?

A. You can absolutely wear a boyfriend blazer. The key is to choose a style without shoulder pads, since you're already broad, and to look for a long, slim cut which will give you a leaner appearance. Anything that is boxy or too short will make you look wider. Be sure to wear a slim bottom and wear heels, if possible, for the most flattering look.

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005_primary.jpgQ. Do you think that a woman of age 65 should wear a strapless dress? is there an age limit? I look good, no flap or sagging arms, my husband also agrees.

A. If you feel good in a strapless dress, and the style is age appropriate, then go for it! I found this photo on brides.com which shows how sophisticated a strapless dress can look on someone over 50.

Q. I've seen Dolman sleeve tops and dresses everywhere this season, but I'm not convinced that they'd be flattering. Can a petite woman (5') with a larger chest (34D) get away with so much extra fabric under the arms?

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A. Dolman sleeves are a big trend this season, but they can be tricky to wear for petite women or women with full busts. However, you don't need to avoid this trend completely. Dolman sleeves vary in size from giant batwing styles to more subtle kimono sleeves. Generally, you should opt for sleeves with a smaller drape. It's also important to consider the neckline; look for v-necks and scoop necks which are more flattering for a large chest than a higher neckline. Finally, you may find that a short sleeve or 3/4 sleeve is more flattering than a long dolman sleeve. 

A high neckline and exaggerated sleeves are not the best option for a petite or large busted figure
Better choices are smaller dolman sleeves with v-necks or scoop necks:
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Flattering silhouettes for a petite pregnant woman

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(note: this was originally published on our new site: StyleBakeryMom.com)

Q. I'm 12 weeks pregnant with my 6th child! I'm a petite athletic 5ft tall post pregnancy weight of 105. I've always had a hard time dressing my petite frame with all my pregnancies. I continue to run 30 miles per week and continue weight training but since I'm short I tend to look chunky anyway! I would like some tips on how to elongate my torso and look cute for once during my pregnancy. I have very toned arms, shoulders, and legs, how would I go about focusing on those areas rather than on my mid section which tends to hold a lot of my weight gain. Hope you can help!

A. First of all - your 6th child? Wow, congratulations! How you find the time or strength to run 30 miles a week and weight train is beyond me, but good for you!

It can be very tough for petite pregnant women to find clothes that are flattering, since most clothes tend to make you look like you're all belly. Since you're fortunate enough to have toned arms, shoulders and legs, you should flaunt them! Look for sleeveless tops, above the knee dresses and skinny pants or jeans that show off your slimmest features. Look for silhouettes that are sleek and form-fitting, and avoid extra fabric like ruffles that will overwhelm your figure. When possible, wear a sturdy heel or wedge to add height.

Some outfit ideas:

  • Skinny pants, fitted t-shirt and a cardigan
  • Short shorts and a bohemian printed top or loose tunic
  • Short sleeveless shift dresses
  • Long maxi dresses with or without a little jean jacket
  • Leggings and a slim fitting tunic top

Here are some pieces to get you started:

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Q. I know I'm two years late on this trend, but I am in a desperate search for black riding boots. I'm 5'3, so I don't want anything too tall. Please help!

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A. It's never too late to buy a pair of riding boots - they are a classic look that you'll wear for years and years. In fact, it's the perfect time of year to invest in a pair since many are on sale. Since you are petite, it's important not to choose a pair of boots that are too tall. Look for a shaft (the height of the boot) that hits an inch or more below your knee. A shaft that is too high and close to your knee can visually shorten the look of your legs. You may have to try on several different boots to find the most flattering shaft height for you, but try a 14" or 15" height to start. Here are some options that are 15" tall or shorter:

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Q. I love the snake print blouses I've been seeing everywhere recently, but they can so easily go from sophisticated to tacky. Can you recommend a short or long sleeve version similar to this Ella Moss Boa Tank? Tanks and 3/4 sleeve blouses abound, but I find them to be less versatile.

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A. I am a huge fan of adding a touch of python to your look, whether in the form of a piece of clothing or a chic accessory. When worn tastefully, it looks far from tacky. I love the tank you picked out (plus, it's on sale!) It may actually be more versatile than you think when you consider it makes the perfect underpinning for a blazer, jacket or cardigan. If your mind is set on a short sleeve or long sleeve version, here are some sophisticated contenders:

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