Q. I love the look of denim leggings but don't want to spend a lot on something that might be a short lived trend. Can you recommend some that won't break the bank?

A. When worn right, I am a huge fan of denim leggings. To make the most of the trend, look for leggings that are made of denim, rather than cotton leggings the look like denim. The best part is, there are many affordable options out there. Here are some of our favorites:

Q. I'd like to know how to look fashionable wearing Dansko clogs. They are so comfortable... but I'm transitioning from high heels and want that chic look. Is it possible?

A. Lucky for you, clogs are a big trend for Spring. Chanel featured them with virtually every look on the runways, including dresses, skirts and skinny pants:

Of course, the clogs shown on Chanel's runway were hardly of the comfort variety, featuring high chunky heels. However, you can get inspiration from these looks to wear your Dansko clogs with slim-cut pants, jeans, shorts and flirty dresses.

Here are some variations of the classic clog for spring:

Dansko 'Sonja' Oiled Leather Clog $109 - Nordstrom

Kors Michael Kors Sassy Platform Clogs $275 - Saks Fifth Avenue

Deena & Ozzy Mule $48 - Urban Outfitters

Lucky Brand "Maddox" Clogs $89 - Bloomingdale's

Ugg® Australia Women's - Abbie Chocolate Leather $130 - Jildor

Jeffrey Campbell Charlie $126 - Loris Shoes

Q. I am interested in buying a taupe Korset bootie from Steve Madden, but I am having a hard time figuring out what to wear with them. Please help!

A. The answer to your question: anything and everything! Lace up booties are a hot trend this season, pairing easily with everything from jeans and leggings to skirts and dresses. The neutral taupe color you've chosen looks great with black, denim, brown, red, pink... In fact, we can't think of a color it doesn't look great with!

Q. I received a pair of Stuart Weitzman Leopard boots for Christmas and am wondering what would look best with them. I am heading to LA for the Grammys and would love to bring them along. I don't want to do something overpowering. Any suggestions?

A. Lucky girl with a hot pair of boots and a trip to LA for the Grammys! Leopard print boots and shoes add an instant shot of chic to any look. Since you are looking for something low-key, let your shoes do the talking by pairing them with neutral monochromatic clothing pieces.

Since you didn't specify whether your boots were short or tall, we created two looks for you using both styles, one that is casual and one that is dressy.

Splendid Vintage Cotton Wrap Cardigan $85 - Piperlime

Paige Denim Rowena Legging $158 - Piperlime

Stuart Weitzman - Lace Me Up Leopard Haircalf $895 - Jildor

Stuart Weitzman leopard calf hair 'Anka' ankle boots $351 - Bluefly

Tennis Ball Shoulder Jacket $110 - Topshop

BOSS Hugo Boss "Darosa" Sheath Dress $595 - Bloomingdale's

Q. I bought a pair of Frye boots a few weeks ago (Jane 14 Tall Pull On) and LOVE them. I wore them with nylon leggings one day and they completely pulled the fabric (looked like an old cashmere sweater by the end of the day). Needless to say, they were ruined. I then bought a pair of 7 for all Mankind legging jeans, which I loved, until my boots did the same thing. I then learned I had to wear socks to cover my pants to protect them. So then, I wore nylons, with socks over them, and at the end of the day there were minor pulls. I am new to wearing tall boots and I am not sure if I should return them? Nobody else seems to have a problem with pants being ruined. They look great with my Fidelity jeans tucked in, but those jeans were so expensive that I don't want them ruined too! I am totally out of the loop?? Is there a special sock I should wear? I hope to hear back soon--otherwise these boots are heading back.

A. We're sorry to hear about the trouble you are having with your Frye boots pulling your pant fabrics. Several of us here at StyleBakery own Frye boots, and none of us have experienced the same problem. To prevent the issue from happening in the future, we suggest buying a few pairs of knee socks (not trouser socks which are too thin) and wearing them over your leggings, tights or jeans. Some people like to let their socks peek out over the top of their boots, but if this look isn't for you, just fold your socks down so they are hidden inside your boot. This should solve your problem and protect your delicate pants.

Q. I just lost some weight and I'm having major bra issues. My old ones are too loose and I'm having trouble finding a bra that's comfortable and fits well while giving me the right amount of lift. How do I know which style is right for me and what size to buy?

A. I recently had a life-altering experience (no kidding) with Susan Nethero, owner of {intimacy} stores and known as The Bra Whisperer. Susan, who has appeared numerous times on The Oprah Winfrey Show, has made it her life mission to prove to women that the right bra can instantly improve and transform your figure. As someone who has been professionally fitted for bras before, I was stunned to find that I've been wearing the wrong size bra for my whole life! At times wearing a 36C and 34D, Susan showed me that I am actually a 32F, and embarrassingly, amongst the 85% of women wearing the wrong size bra!

Once my true size was determined, I tried on several bra styles and learned some truly useful information that will change my bra choices forever:

• The back band of your bra provides 90% of the support, so it should fit firmly, yet comfortably, against your rib cage and never ride up your back. For those women who rely on the shoulder straps for most of the support, you're wearing the wrong bra.
• Women with fuller busts should avoid minimizers, which compress your breast tissue and make you look wider. Instead, look for bras that lift and center your bust line, making you look taller and thinner in an instant without compression.
• While seamless bras are comfortable and look great under a tight t-shirt, seamed bras actually offer more support and shaping. Susan recommends alternating between the two.
• Lace bras are actually more durable and retain their shape better than smooth bras which stretch out over time.

Susan prefers to fit people "holistically", which means she doesn't use a tape measure which she feels can be inaccurate. She offers a size guide on her site, but this is only a starting point. Here's how to tell if you are wearing the right size bra:

1) IS YOUR BRA TOO LOOSE?

• If you can pull your bra away from your body two inches, IT'S TOO LOOSE!
• If you raise your hands over your head, and your bra rides up over the breast tissue, IT'S TOO LOOSE!

2) IS YOUR BUST LIFTED AND CENTERED?

• Your bust should be midway between your shoulder and your elbow, or your bra is BUSTED!
• Your bust should be within your body frame, or you're busting out of your bra!

3) IS YOUR BRA POSITIONED PROPERLY?

• If your straps are falling down, your band is riding up your back
• Your band should be level across the bodice from front to back

4) ARE YOUR UNDERWIRES HURTING?

• If your bra is the right size, YOU SHOULD NOT FEEL THE UNDERWRE
• If your cup is too small, the bra will dig into breast tissue

5) DOES THE CUP SIZE FIT? (DON'T OVERFILL OR UNDERFILL!)

• If you're overfilling your cup, you'll spill out of your bra
• If you're under-fillling your cup, you can have puckering in the cup

Susan proved to me that the right bra can make you look better in your clothes, look taller and thinner and feel more comfortable. My best advice for every woman is to get a free professional fitting as soon as you can. (find a bra-fitting store near you)

Q. I am attending an auction gala at the end of February. The theme is Denim & Diamonds, so I've got the jeans and boots ready, but what type of top could I wear that would amp up the outfit?

A. What a fun party invite! Here are some outfit suggestions:

• Pair jeans and cowboy boots with a glam sequin blazer layered over a t-shirt. Or choose a velvet blazer or tuxedo jacket as an alternative. Crystal (or diamond) drop earrings and an evening clutch finish the look.
• Instead of jeans, pair a cocktail dress or evening gown with a denim jacket or vest.

Bcbgeneration "royal" clutch $58 - Dillard's

Rhinestone Embellished Hinged Cuff $24 - Arden B

Classic Denim Jacket $27 - Forever 21

Aqua Sequined Brocade Combo Dress $98 - Bloomingdale's

ABS Hematite Chandelier Earrings $95 - Max & Chloe

Sequin jacket $159 - Victoria's Secret

Steve Madden Dingo Women's Dillan Cowboy Boot $149 - Endless.com

Vintage Flare Jeans $80 - Topshop

Q. What is a functional yet fashionable school tote for a college student like me? I have noticed that many female students at my school carry around Longchamp Le Pliage bags. I do like these, but would like something more unique for under $200, and perhaps more durable.

A. Whether you're a student or someone entering the job force, a functional, chic and affordable tote is a must. You want something that's stylish, lightweight, roomy enough for all of your essentials and can fit over your shoulder. Here are some options you'll want to carry with you everywhere, and they're all under $150:

Q. I've been considering piercing my ears for a while, but I'm worried that I'll be allergic/get an infection/etc. I was just wondering if you had any thoughts on how much earrings contribute to an outfit or someone's style. For example, I notice that with many of my fashion idols, like say Alexa Chung or the Olsen twins, or models in photoshoots, they usually don't wear earrings. Is there a particular reason for this, or a general rule as to when/how one should wear earrings?

A. My ears have been pierced for so long that I'm always surprised when I meet someone whose aren't pierced, but this is something chosen by many women for various reasons. Personally, I fall in and out of love with earrings. Often, I'll wear no earrings or small studs, allowing a chunky necklace to take center stage. Other times, I'll forego a bold necklace and opt for dramatic earrings instead. Similarly, earrings fall in and out of favor with the fashion world with chandelier earrings being called a must-have one season and statement necklaces the next.

Earrings are by no means a necessity, but they are a great way to add interest to a look and draw attention to your face. Angelina Jolie at the 2009 Oscars and Vanessa Williams at the 2009 Emmys are shining examples of how earrings can elevate and enhance your look.

I would never try to convince someone to get their ears pierced, and am no expert on instances of allergies or infections from piercing. I do know that millions of women (and some children) have had pierced ears for years without incident, so I would guess that it's a relatively safe undertaking. If you're unsure, clip-on earrings have come a long way and are the perfect way to give earrings a try: