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Q. I’m going for a weekend in July to New York City to meet up with my girlfriends from college for a mini-reunion (6 years out). We will go out for drinks, dine at some hot spots, and lounge at the rooftop pool of a very “Sex And the City” hotel. PLEASE help me with my packing list!

A. Ooh, sounds fun! Since your activity list seems mostly social, I’ll skip recommendations for daytime touring and shopping and stick with some suggestions for your evenings out and time lounging at the pool. I’m not sure if you’re a Carrie, Samantha or Charlotte, but the following should keep you looking “Sex And The City” chic all weekend long.

For the rooftop pool, go for glam, rather than practical. Start with a flattering swimsuit and add a chic tunic or caftan cover up. Add metallic flat sandals, oversized sunglasses and a sophisticated tote. Finish up the look with a gold cuff and hoop earrings - just remember to take them off if you go swimming! (Bonus: wear the tunic with white jeans when not at the pool)

Kenneth Jay Lane at ShopStyle

For your evenings out, your best bet is to pack a few dresses - they take up little room in your suitcase, and will make getting dressed for the night a no-brainer. Just add some great shoes, a clutch, a wrap and some jewelry and you’re all set. (Bonus: dress them down for daytime with your flat metallic sandals from the poolside look)

Kooba at ShopStyle
Q. Thank you for all the great advice you put in your column. I’m wondering if you can help guide me in the right direction with a white jacket I recently purchased from H&M. It’s made of sateen style cotton so it has a subtle sheen to it, it’s ivory and it’s full length in the sleeves. I love the look and fit of it, but I can’t seem to figure out what to pair it with, especially now, in the heat of summer. I sometimes feel like it makes me look like I stepped off the set of Miami Vice or am about to work as a waiter at a cocktail party. What should I do to avoid that look?
-White Jacket Worry


A. To avoid an homage to Crockett and Tubbs, the first step is to avoid wearing your white sateen jacket with pink or pastel t-shirts. Add patterned or rich bright hued solid cotton, voile, or sheer tops underneath and find belts that can be worn over the jacket and cinched at the waist. Collared shirts will also help draw the eye upward and attention away from the sheen of the jacket.
Q. My sorority is requiring us to wear an outfit that I’m having trouble with. We can either wear a pink, orange, or yellow solid sundress and we have to wear heels in one of those colors also, but it has to differ from the dress. I bought this orange dress but I’m having trouble finding either pink or yellow heels to go with it. Could you provide some inexpensive examples? Is it possible to make this bright color combo look good? Can an orange dress ever go with pink or yellow heels?
-Color Confusion


A. Well, your sorority sisters are clearly bright color conscious, but hey, in those brights it’s hard to be cranky. You certainly can mix it up and I’ve found several options in the same heeled sandals in both yellow and pink all for under $83. And next time you pull on your little black, navy or white dress, then pull out your new pink or yellow heels and consider wearing them with your neutral dress to add a splash of color.

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left: Boutique Nordstrom ‘Gina’ Patent Leather Sandal, $79.95 at nordstrom.com
right: rsvp Daina, $70 at zappos.com
lgdnmover_circl.gifQ. I recall seeing recently in a magazine (and now cannot find) a product that clips up pants that are worn with heels to be able to wear them with flats or gym shoes. While this might not look fashionable, it would be helpful as I commute on public transportation to work, and am ruining both my feet (blisters!) and my good shoes.
-Long and Short

A. I believe you are referring to Zakkerz Temporary Pant Rollups which we wrote about last year. These should do the trick to keep your pants fresh on your commute. Or as a last resort, there is always fashion tape, (or double sided tape).
image001.jpgQ. Wedding season is in full swing and I’m relying on this dress to carry me through several nuptials. I’m starting to have second thoughts on its overall cuteness and need help accessorizing to make it really pop with something like pink peep-toes or a yellow Pashmina. Also, can this dress translate from day to evening?
-Color Wanted


A. Don’t rethink the simple sophistication of this dress, it will work for those special occasions this summer and a lovely way to make it pop is with a shot of color. We editors at StyleBakery adore our Love Quotes linen blend scarves, they work as a wrap with just about every summery dress I own and I can’t do without them on my plane trips. They come in multiple colors, so choose a color and then add your heels as the potent pop to give flair to your look. I found several statement making pink strappy heels that would work with your patterned dress. As for a translation to daytime wear, tone down the look and keep it classic. Wear neutral heels or flat sandals and add a little cardigan or cropped fitted jacket and wear a thin patent leather belt around your waist over the cardigan or jacket. For sass, choose a belt in a color if the jacket or cardigan is simple.
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1. Nine West Solelyn, $83 at zappos.com
2. Nine West Argent, $83 at zappos.com
3. Charles by Charles David ‘Soiree’ Sandal, $114 at nordstrom.com
4.Martinez Valero ‘Camila’ Sandal, $126 at nordstrom.com
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6. Love Quotes Scarves, $85 at pinkmascara.com

For daytime:
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7. Leatherock Skinny Double Wrap Belt, $60 at nordstrom.com
8. Cashmere V-neck cardigan, $158 at jcrew.com
9. Summerweight cashmere short-sleeve cardigan, $168 at jcrew.com

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