Where Can I Find...

Q. I saw you for the first time on The View when you did the Playtex bra episode that aired March 27th. I'm a 34A. I have an interview in May and would like to know where I can buy a stylish but comfortable suit that isn't too expensive. The position is for a didactic instructor in a School of Allied Health. I live in Omaha, NE. I'm 41 years old, 5'5" and weigh 135lbs. I like brown, black and navy - are those colors okay?
- Suited for Teacher

A. Brown, Black and navy are ideal colors for a suit. You may even want to consider khaki as another neutral to add to your wardrobe. For a good quality, affordable option search the chain stores like J. Crew, Banana Republic, Club Monaco and Ann Taylor. For a slightly pricier classic, shop for Theory, which can be found in better department stores. Be sure to add a pop of color in the shirt you wear underneath the jacket.

Q. I'm someone who is bottom heavy with a slight Buddha belly and muscular thighs, but a tiny waist. (I wear a 12 on the bottom, but usually a 6-8 on top) I love the way side-tie bikini bottoms are so forgiving and help hide any unsightly bulges in the hip area. However, everywhere I seem to go, the front is always super tiny, even if the back offers full coverage. My question is are there any side-tie bottoms out there that offer fuller coverage in the front?
- Cover my Front

A. Check out my latest swimwear style recipe for additional options, but I shopped for a few options specifically for you.

1. Ruched Swim Bottom, $48 at martinandosa.com
2. Lux Racing Stripe Bikini Bottom, $29.99 at urbanoutfitters.com
3. Ralph Lauren Sport Skirted Halter Bikini, $87 at nordstrom.com
4. O'Neill Citrus Stripe Bottom, $44.50 at alloy.com

Q. I am looking for some cool gold sandals for summer. I could use a pair of heels (preferably under 3 inches) and a pair of flats to dress down cute summer dresses.
-Shine On  

A. Enjoy the warm weather when you step out in these shiny gold sandals.

Heels:
1. Claudia Ciuti 'Tulipano' Sandal, $350 at nordstrom.com
2. Stuart Weitzman 'Delovely' Sandal, $255 at nordstrom.com
3. Nine West Accolia, $69 at piperlime.com
4. Charles by Charles David Pandora, $100 at piperlime.com
5. J. Reneé 'Melina' Sandal, $84.95 at nordstrom.com 

Flats:
1. Diane von Furstenberg 'Molto' Sandal, $265 at nordstrom.com
2. Athena Alexander 'Audra' Sandal, $99.95 at nordstrom.com
3. Jessica Simpson Caralie, $6. at piperlime.com
4. daniblack Greet, $135 at piperlime.com
5. MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Tabitha' Metallic Thong, $97.95 at nordstrom.com 

Q. What panties/underwear would you recommend for underneath a bridesmaid's gown that is a champagne-colored, satin material? The dress requires a strapless bra with a long front so that the dress stays smooth, and now I'm looking for seamless underwear that I can wear underneath. We tried high-waisted Spanx to create a completely smooth, body shaper type look, but the waistband is easily seen through the dress. Do you have any ideas/recommendations?
-Seamless  

A. You need to look for a seamless thong that will banish the panty line. Look for a smooth thong with a side on the hip that is wider than a g-string style since a g-string may roll or dig into your hip and show a line on the dress.

1. Hanro: Perfectly Nude Thong, $49 at barenecessities.com
2. Felina: Hint Of Skin Low Rise G-Kini, $9 at barenecessities.com
3. Felina: Hint Of Skin Low Rise Thong, $9 at barenecessities.com
4. Calvin Klein Naked thong, $16 at figleaves.com 

5. Miraclesuit: Firm Control Strapless Body Briefer, $52 at at barenecessities.com
6. Naomi & Nicole: Luxurious Shaping Convertible Strapless Bra Slip, $48 at barenecessities.com
7. The Body Wrap: Body Wrap Lites Bra Slip with Underwire, $42 at barenecessities.com

Q. I am looking for a pair of moderately priced strappy sandals with a heel in a nude/tan color. I can't find them anywhere! I would like to wear them with a pink, just below the knee, bridesmaid dress in a spring wedding and with other summer dresses. I've heard that wearing a tan heel can lengthen the leg. Do you have any other shoe suggestions that can give the illusion of a longer leg?
-Illusionary Bare  

A. Heels always give the illusion of a longer leg and choosing a neutral color that is similar to your skin tone is like wearing the same clothing color head to toe - it elongates the body. I like that you've chosen a neutral cream color to wear with your pink dress, it's a sophisticated choice.

1. Kenneth Cole Reaction Rich N Post, $83 at zappos.com
2. Delman Magical, $298.95 at zappos.com
3. Charles David Calypso, $253.95 at zappos.com
4. Nine West Havard, $111.60 (sale) at zappos.com
5. Martinez Valero 'Desiree' Sandal, $139.95 at nordstrom.com
 

Q. I'm dying for a cool, worn in bomber jacket for spring. But I can't find one that's just what I'm looking for. I want one that's kind of slouchy, rock and roll cool, but not too over the top. Something I can dress up or down.
-Rock Chick  

A. I found plenty of options in all price ranges that you might fancy for rock and roll cool.

1. Theory Lanri Leather Jacket- Bloomingdale's Exclusive, $615 at bloomingdales.com
2. Xhilaration® Shirred Metallic Faux Leather Bomber, $29.99 at target.com
3. S.W.O.R.D. Lucca Jacket, $745 at tobi.com
4. Corpus Lambskin Quilted Leather Bomber Jacket in Black, $462 at revolveclothing.com 

5. Lux Faux Leather Bomber Jacket, $128 at urbanoutfitters.com
6. Converse by John Varvatos Zip Hoodie Leather Jacket in Olive, $611 at revolveclothing.com
7. S.W.O.R.D Piacenza Leather Jacket in Black, $770 at revolveclothing.com
8. Mossimo® Black: Faux Leather Button Bomber, $34.99 at target.com 

Q. For my 40th birthday, I plan to do the Holly Golightly, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" look. I have the perfect black dress, the tiara and gloves, but am struggling to find something similar to the triple strand pearls with the brooch in the middle that she had. I'm wondering what ideas you might have to recreate her stylish look. I would prefer the jewelry to be fake so it doesn't cost a fortune.
-Look-a-like

A. An homage to Audrey, much fun. I searched the net for affordable options to imitate the necklace and, while they are not an exact match, they should do the trick. They range in price from $49-169. Just add your own brooch for full effect.

1. 100 inch Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace, $95 at ice.com
2. Crystal Vine and White Simulated Pearl Multi Row Bib Necklace, $150 at carolee.com
3. Pearl Multi Row Crystal Deco Clasp Necklace, $125 at carolee.com
4. Three Row White Pearl Collar Necklace, $45 at carolee.com

Q. I just bought a lovely skirt suit. What camisole colors can I wear with a brownish purple suit? Need help fast.
-Color Clarity

A. When you say "a camisole under a suit," do you mean the basic simple tank style or a style more like lingerie? Depending on how strong the brownish purple color is, you can easily go with chocolate or purple. But I'd say choose something with more zing of color.

1. Hanky Panky Gilded Rose Camisole, $47.99 at barenecessities.com
2. Lace-trim camisole, $28 at bananarepublic.com
3. Nanette Lepore 'Kiss Me' Top, $255 at nordstrom.com
4. Classiques Entier® Twist Front Top, $98 at nordstrom.com
5. Design History Sleeveless Ruffle Top, $75 at saks.com
6. Silk Illusion Blouse, $58 at ardenb.com

Q. My question is based on something I keep seeing on celebrities - leather jackets. I love the black leather jackets I've been seeing on young starlets, they look great with both jeans and dresses. I'd like to find a jacket that is flattering (some I've tried on make me look wide) and has the rock and roll feel of the ones I've seen in magazines, but hopefully won't go out of style in the next few years. Could you help me?
-Rockin' It

A. A good leather jacket is not cheap, so I warn you now that it may be an investment piece. One that has some attitude and fewer over-the-top embellishments will last longer than others. Keep it sleek and look for ones that help define your waist. Add some of your own 'tude and you'll covet the jacket for years. Wear it with a tank top and dark jeans, pair it with a black cashmere turtleneck and tuxedo pants then throw it over a knit or lightweight wool dress on Saturday night.

I own this jacket in black and love it (Hayden-Harnett Rizzo Motorcycle Jacket, $650) >

Some more options for you:

1. Vince Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $774 at bloomingdales.com
2. S.W.O.R.D Genova Pocket Jacket, $825 at shopbop.com
3. Jill Stuart Lara Jacket in Mascara, $675 at revolveclothing.com
4. S.W.O.R.D Volterra Leather Jacket, $748 at revolveclothing.com

Q. I need your assistance shopping for a formal dress. I fell in love with a designer who is really pricey, but the dress looks damn good! It's Butter by Nadia brand and it's part of her Signature Satin line. I love it in Cobalt (bright blue). This dress is amazing and can be wrapped in multiple ways to create different looks. I need the dress for a special occasion. Here's my dilemma: Butter by Nadia advertises this dress online and online boutiques sell it for the same price in stores. I cannot afford this price. This online boutique sells it in my favorite color. Victoria's Secret's "7 in 1" is a look-a-like in jersey material but it doesn't come in Cobalt. The black is okay, but don't know if the Teal and Red are formal enough. It is $200 dollars cheaper. I'm not finding any more look-a-likes, but I have heard of a Mai Tai by Soprano that is exactly like the Butter by Nadia and it's $50. The stores that I go to are not selling it in my color and it is a mystery to me if it is sold online. Do you know any dresses in this color and style and price? If you can help me make this happen please I would be so grateful! I'm not so good at looking online. Can't wait to hear from you.
-Wrap it

A. I own the darker blue Butter by Nadia dress. I bought it for a Holiday party with my boyfriend and I adore it. Can't wait to wear it again and again so I can complete the list of the "20" ways to wear it. I like the silky feel of it, the drape and the color with shine. That said, I think the dress is a good investment if you think you'll get several more chances to wear it. However, I'm not going to recommend you eat Ramen noodles for the next two months to pay your credit card bill. Why not order the V.S. dress, try it on and play with the variations they claim? If the dress falls well on your body and doesn't seem like it will come apart at the seams, then you may have the ideal imitation. For the V.S. color choices, I'd recommend black, but I do love the colors from Butter. You'll surely be a stand out in the crowd in color. I did look for Mai Tai by Soprano and only found clubbing clothes on the sites where the name brought me.