Recently in Where Can I Find... Category

Q. I'm looking for a great denim skirt - A-line or pencil, not too short, not too long-for a thirty-something.
-Denim Dash

A. Your question has perfect timing.  I’ve been on the search myself for a new denim skirt, one that fits my waist, my slight curves and is appropriate for my age. I’m excited by these shopping choices and have already ordered the one from Adec from shop.com and the Adriano Goldschmied from shopbop.com.  I need to try them on before I make my final choice. I do believe they’ll fit the waist without shifting around and have a little give to walk comfortably, plus they’re just the right length for work or weekend.

1. Citizens of Humanity 'Novak' Stretch Denim Skirt, $150 at nordstrom.com
2. Earnest Sewn Maya High Waist Stretch Pencil Skirt, $230 at shopbop.com
3. AG Adriano Goldschmied Precise Pencil Skirt, $136 at shopbop.com
4. ADEC 2 Black Wool Denim Pencil Skirt, $79.99 at shop.com

Q. Do you have any recommendations for which stores or brands have great layering tees for fall clothes?  I have seen a lot of examples of layering thin long sleeved shirts under dresses, sleeveless sweaters, vests, etc.  Where can I find shirts thin enough that they won't bunch up under the other pieces?
-Tees Please

A. I’m with you on avoiding bulk this Fall/Winter. Layering is key and a great way to continue wearing some Summer pieces like sheer tops and dresses. Some of my favorites include J.Crew’s tissue thin or tops with stretch, Splendid, American Apparel, and C&C California. And thankfully many of these brands are cutting longer lengths to help give coverage when paired with lowrise pants.

1. Long-sleeve crewneck tissue tee, $32 at jcrew.com
2. Baby Rib 3/4 Sleeve Boat Neck, $21 at americanapparel.com
3. Sheer Rib 3/4 Sleeve V-Neck, $34 at americanapparel.com
4. C&C California Basic Long Sleeve Tee, $55 at bloomingdales.com
5. Stretch cotton solid turtleneck tissue tee, $29.50 at jcrew.com

Q. I am looking for a thin, fitted black turtleneck that I can purchase online. Can you help me find one?
-Slim Thin

A. The black turtleneck is one of those classic items you always want to refresh in your closet with a new one each year. With constant wear and perhaps fading, you can find plenty of options online to replace your old one. Look for thin silk or cashmere, merino wool or Lycra blends. You want to look for one that can be layered under sweaters and jackets without adding bulk and is stylish and chic enough to wear alone with dress pants or your favorite dark jeans.

1. Diane von Furstenberg Carlos Turtleneck, $100 at saks.com
2. Adam + Eve Ribbed Turtleneck, $72 at saks.com
3. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Zoe Jersey Turtleneck Sweater, $89.50 at bloomingdales.com
4. Cullen Ruched Turtleneck Sweater - Merino Blend, $59.50 at shop.com
5. Theory "Leola Stay" Novelty Turtleneck, $110 at bloomingdales.com

Q. I am getting ready to go to college next month and I need to buy a backpack. I haven't used a backpack for a very long time and I want it to be unique and stylish, but am having a hard time finding just that. Can you help me find a cute backpack? And preferably for under $200.
-Soured Search

A. There are plenty of backpack choices under $200 as long as you don’t need a top designer name or all leather. In fact, Jansport offers endless prints and patterns for the same style backpack at zappos.com. Kudos to you for looking for a way to keep the weight of your books distributed on your shoulders. There are basic flap or multi zip styles and some even come with pockets and attachments for an iPod plus drawstring top packs. If you’re still not satisfied, look for a large messenger bag.

left to right:
1. Perlina Handbags Duplex Backpack, $217.95 at zappos.com
2. Jansport Big Student, $43.95 at zappos.com
3. Billabong Audry Backpack, $39.50 at buckle.com
4. OGIO Urboe 07, $63.95 at zappos.com
5. High Sierra Mia, $26.99 at ebags.com
6. Bellino Luciano Backpack, $66.60 at ebags.com

Q. I am turning 35 next month and consider myself to be fairly hot (for my age - ha!). I would like to find a backless dress. It seems like since I've been looking for a backless dress, I cannot find one - of course. Any ideas on where I can get one without spending a fortune?
-Bare Back

A. Adore a girl that has great self-confidence. One tip when choosing a backless dress: avoid anything too short or too tight - showing TOO much skin is never chic.

Bare that back at your birthday in one of these hot dresses:

1. Holly Toya Dress with Twist Rope Back, $185 at couturecandy.com
2. LaROK Joyce Dress in Cream, $187 at couturecandy.com
3. Alice + Olivia Paris Dress, $231 at shopbop.com
4. Rag & Bone Silk Mini Dress, $231 at shopbop.com

Q. I have several "big" events this year. The first is a late-July family wedding in the Midwest that won't be terribly formal. The second is my (gulp) 20-year high school reunion on September 1 in Phoenix, which also won't be terribly formal, and the last is the wedding of my closest friend in Santa Fe on September 8, also not formal, but probably dressier than the other events. I would like to have one dress to wear to each since there will be entirely different people at each event. The problem is that the first event is smack in the middle of summer, and the last event is just in the very beginning of fall. I was leaning towards a halter-style neckline dress with an empire waist (I am short and curvy and find this style highlights the shoulders and bust while hiding my non-flat tummy) and have fallen in love with a chiffon one that is black with white polka dots. Will this be too summery to wear to the September 8 wedding? If so, do you have any other suggestions of dresses in the style described that would be in a color and fabric that is more seasonless?
-Multi-Function

A. Your black and white polka dot choice will certainly work for all three events. I like that you thought beyond a simple black dress and chose a pattern. With none of the same people at any of the events, you have multiple options. A little black dress can be switched in a myriad of ways with different accessories and heels while a patterned or colored dress makes a fresh and more stylish impression. I found several flattering options for a petite, curvy figure:

left to right: Sexy Red Dresses from edressme new york, $42 at edressme.com; Adrianna Papell Floral Silk Halter Dress, $178 at nordstrom.com; Adrianna Papell Floral Silk Halter Dress, $179 at nordstrom.com; Maggy London Print Charmeuse Halter Dress, $178 at nordstrom.com; Maggy London Silk Chiffon Halter Dress, $148 at nordstrom.com

Q. I love all of your helpful advice! I am writing because lately I have been longing for a sweater dress, in a slightly shorter length (above the knee, but not obscenely so). The problem is most that I find are too thin/sheer, or simply cost an arm and a leg. I love the ones from Vince with the pockets, but they are too pricey. I don't mind paying more for a wardrobe staple but not for something as trendy as this. I am looking for something in the $50-150 range, any ideas?
-Bare Knit

A. We’re past the season for all the sweater dress best picks. I found very few at this time of year that fell within your price range since this time of year is really about sundresses. Go with the warm weather looks instead and come Fall you’ll have multiple knobby knit picks.

left to right: Kersh Kimono Sleeve Tunic, $78 at nordstrom.com; James Perse Long Short Sleeve Cardigan, $188 at shopbop.com; Ya-Ya Swahili Beach Marine Dress, $184.80 at shopbop.com

Q. I am a nurse in Minnesota, wearing scrubs nearly every day. What would be the best coat for me that would look ok with my super casual attire?
- Casual Coat   

A. A casual coat - that’s easy.  You live in Minnesota, so what you should be asking for is a casual coat that will keep you WARM.  We StyleBakery girls are big fans of lightweight, warm and comfortable puffy coats for causal attire and shearling for stylish attire when you need shelter from the cold.  Most coats are on sale this time of year, so now is a great time to buy.

Here are some suggestions for puffy, quilted coats that offer a body conscious fit (also check out our recent Coat Check style recipe) :

left to right:
Down Parka With Faux Fur, $125.99 at eddiebauer.com

Via Spiga Sunburst Three Quarter Length Down Coat, $148 at nordstrom.com
Quilted Down Coat, $89.50 at landsend.com

Q. I am in search of the perfect cocktail dress. I adore antiquing and vintage finds so I’d love to find a unique, one-of-a kind piece for a cooler than cool invite in November.  I’ve checked out the overpriced consignment shops in LA with snooty service and the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, but where else can I shop?
-Want One of a Kind 

A. Perfect timing!  I just returned from the ultimate vintage shopping experience - a vintage clothing and accessory shop where the owner is top notch informed. She’s a curator of clothes and the salesgirls are equally as helpful.  Check out, The Way We Wore in Los Angeles (323- 937-0878).  I recently spent three hours scouring the racks with my shopping compandre, Jordan, and played “dress up” while he sought out shoes to try with each outfit.  They even offered us muffins and drinks - who does that anymore?  I handed over my credit card for several purchases including a 1930’s gown and two 1950’s dresses that are truly unique. Check it out and tell her I sent you.

Q. Looking for a red and white fairly wide stripe top...who has such a thing?
-Striped Searcher

A. Easy Peasy-there are plenty of places and options for red and white striped tops. Some suggestions:

Lux Striped V Neck Tunic
$58 at urbanoutfitters.com

Lux Sheer Stripe Henley
$24 at urbanoutfitters.com

Free People Rugby Stripe Hoody
$78 at nordstrom.com