Recently in Where Can I Find... Category

Q. It's the beginning of the rainy season where I live and I need help finding a cute and fashionable umbrella to take around. I'm really into the clear ones with designs on them and can't seem to find any. Can you help??
-Stay Dry Stylishly 

A. We girls at StyleBakery.com are big fans of the Burberry bubble style clear umbrella that comes in several color combos.  We wax nostalgic about having worn yellow rain slickers to elementary school and splashing in puddles. Of course, I still splash in puddles with my toile rain boots on!  With a clear umbrella you can stay dry and still see what’s ahead of you.  I’ve found a few “clear” choices for you along with a pattern that just jumped out at me.

Burberry Clear-Panel Umbrella, $115 at neimanmarcus.com

see also the Kate Spade clear stick umbrella for $95 at neimanmarcus.com

We found a few cute clear umbrellas
at umbrellasusa.com, like this clear bubble stick
version for $17.90

Echo Print Umbrella
$45 at nordstrom.com
(also in a great striped print that I love!)

Q. I have been very frustrated by my inability to find fashionable jeans that fit those of use who wear bigger -- but not “plus” -- sizes. I am generally an 8 or a 10 but I find that I can't fit into the biggest size made by most premium denim brands, generally a 32. If I can even get them over my admittedly large hips and thighs, the waist inevitably gaps by many inches, far too much to fix through alteration. No one who looks at me would say I'm obese, but I certainly felt that way after spending a good 2 hours in an upscale department store recently. Must I resign myself to Gap or Lee jeans from here on in? I'd really like to have a pair of sharp jeans that I can wear in a professional situation, and Wranglers just don't cut it.
- Jeans Disjointed 

A. I feel your pain - jeans and swimsuits are THE HARDEST items to shop for and the most disappointing when you can’t find your dream purchase.  I have left many dressing rooms feeling like a reject when I couldn’t find a pair that fit me. 

First, make sure you are trying on the most flattering fit for your figure. Look for jeans with a slight flare to balance out your hips and thighs and avoid tapering or skinny jeans at all costs.  Be sure the jeans have pockets. Also, think about denim with stretch— or Lycra—one of the greatest inventions put into women’s clothes. Don’t bring a girlfriend with you unless she is super stylishly savvy and honest. And don’t assume that expensive jeans are more worthy - I have jeans in my drawer from Old Navy for $20 to Citizens of Humanity for nearly $200 and plenty of price points in between. I love them all for different reasons, whether it's the fit, the length or the wash. It’s more important to find the right fit that looks good on your body than spending the big bucks for the latest “hot” jean. 

As for designers to look for, there are so many brands out there, it’s hard to keep up with the claims. Before you become hardened towards jeans, go shopping at these stores:  Lucky Brand Dungarees (they have claimed they can find you a great fitting pair in four try-ons) and Levi's, where you'll find a wealth of sizes and fits with knowledgeable salespeople. Or, head to a store that has a designated area just for the jeans with pros on staff that know all the styles. In New York we have Barneys with their Jeans Bar - I adore the guys at Barneys co-op, they are honest and can remember the difference between my first pair and my fifteenth.

Most importantly, be patient. Even if you have to try on 50 pairs to find the perfect one, it will be worth it!

Q. I love, love, love the dress you wore on the Tyra Banks show.  Can you tell me who makes it?
-Dress Impressed 

A. Thanks for the compliment about the dress I wore on Tyra Banks.  These days, I am dress-buying obsessed and someone probably needs to restrain me! This nifty dress is by Conspiracy 8 and comes in two color ways: black with blue trim or chocolate with orange trim (currently on sale for $123 at mightyflirt.com). It is fairly low cut so be prepared to show a little cleavage, my fave right now is to pair it with the new Wonderbra Light Lift bra.

Wonderbra Light Gel
Push-Up Underwire Bra
$21.99 at onehanesplace.com

Q. What websites can I shop for trendy but affordable apparel for juniors?
-Junior Budget

A. You have so many choices, many of which you can find on our sweet sites section.  Check out delias.com, alloy.com, urbanoutfitters.com, fashionbug.com, rampage.com, espritshop.com, buckle.com, asos.com, and laredoute.com. Have fun shopping!

Q. I’m looking for a cute hat to wear on cold and rainy days that won’t leave me with terrible hat head (i.e. no tight fitting, knit hats). I am looking for a newsboy cap or a fedora-type hat. I know they’re very hot right now and can be found almost everywhere, but my problem is, I have a small head and most hats are too big for me. Even hats that are labeled "small" are too big. I need a hat that won’t blow off on windy days or when I’m riding my bicycle. Can you help me find an adjustable or small size hat?
-Hat Attack

A. I’ve never had your problem - most hats are too tight on my head so I’m always looking for the medium or large size.  And I, too, like them a little loose so I can “try” to avoid hat head.  But if you’re looking to be able to keep that hat on when it’s windy or when you’re riding your bike, you need a hat with a buckle so it’s loose on some days and tighter on others.   Before shopping for a hat, especially online, take measurements of your head so you can find the right circumference or diameter that will fit.  And don’t assume that a knit hat is not right for you, I have a knit newsboy cap that is loose on top, but fits around my forehead so my hair doesn’t get flat.  Also, don’t forget to spray a little hairspray on hair or in the hat to avoid static and loose fly-aways during the dry, crackly months of winter.

Twill Cabbie with Buckle
adjusts for all head sizes
$18 at urbanoutfitters.com

Suede Cabbie with Buckle
adjusts for all head sizes
$19.99 at urbanoutfitters.com



Burberry Wool Bucket Hat
check out their hat size
guide for the right fit
$195 at saks.com

 

Q. I know this may be asking a lot, but do you know where I could find some dark blue jeans that are nice and long (33"+ inseam). Flares are my favorites and I'm not rich, so a cheap chic jean would be great.
-Miss Long Jeans

A. There are plenty of jeans that come in different lengths to fit you tall girls. And I always tell women to choose a dark wash over any other color. For long lengths and more affordable prices check out, alloy.com which offers inseams up to 37" (the style at left costs just $45!). Also check out buckle.com for a range of designers in inseams up to 37", plus luckybrandjeans.com, gap.com (check out their Curvy Flares in X-Long - a great fitting jean!) and diesel.com.

Q. I love the look of many of the chic fur vests and jackets I've seen for fall--but I will not wear real fur!  Know of some good faux looks?
--Faux in the Know

A. How about these suggestions:

Persian Lamb Jacket
$98 at nordstrom.com

Black Rivet Faux Persian Lamb Jacket
$128 at nordstrom.com

Giacca Solid Reversible Faux-Fur Vest
$49 at macys.com

Reversible Faux-Fur Vest
$39.99 at target.com

Q. I have a non-working fireplace in my apartment and am looking to create a little romance and mood lighting with candles since I can’t light up any logs. And I don’t want to just put a bunch of candles in the area. I’m looking for something like a “chandelier or candelabra” effect for the space. I need help with some suggestions.

-Light Up My Hearth

A. Not knowing your design style, I wanted to give you several suggestions that may fit into your living room motif. There are several ways to approach the lighting effect for the room. You can fill the fireplace with logs or birch branches to give the look of a fireplace ready to light and then fit a fireplace screen with votive holders in front (like the one shown at left top from illuminations.com).

For inside the fireplace, consider a multi level candleholder to get varying heights of light whether in rustic bronze or modern steel (Malabar 5-cup candleholder, shown above right, from target.com). Or, you may choose a simpler design by placing several thick candles in varying heights on a wood, glass or metal “plate” and place it in the center of the hearth (metal and glass candle plate, shown left, lnt.com)

If you want a little more detail but still want to stick with a minimalist touch, buy a few hurricane candleholders and place them next to each other or in various spots of the fireplace and place large thick candles inside. Voila! Instant ambience. (open hurricane, shown right, pier1.com) Quick tip - be sure to measure the space before you buy anything to be sure you don’t start a real fire or leave visible smoke marks.

Also, take a look at your mantle (or put one up if you don't have one) and add candles, mirrors, artwork, etc. to complete the full effect.

Q. I have just gotten a short haircut and am interested in sporting some chic hats.
-Preparing for a bad hair day

A. I adore that you are interested in wearing hats this Fall. So many women shy away from wearing hats thinking they can’t pull them off. It takes a confident attitude and it helps to have a stylish haircut. For Fall, look for toppers in tweed and corduroy and newsboy driving caps that won’t cover up a short haircut completely. Avoid those wide brim boho chic hats made famous again by Sienna Miler, they’re meant for girls with long hair.

David & Young tweed newsboy cap, left, $16 at nordstrom.com; tweed topper, right, $68 at jcrew.com

Q. Love your site! I'm looking for a fun dress for my upcoming birthday party. I love the look of the new little lace dresses coming out, specifically the J.Crew French lace number and the longer one from BCBG Max Azria. But I'm looking for something closer to a quarter of their price...Any suggestions?
-Lace Luck

A. Stylish minds think alike! I just bought this dress for myself—it’s super cute, stretchy and comfortable for a lace dress. And even better it’s inexpensive.

Necessary Objects Lace Baby Doll Dress, $78 at nordstrom.com