StyleBakery.com | Ask The Style Chefs

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Q. I have been addicted to your website for years. It is so helpful for many reasons. I am writing to you for advice on finding a bathing suit. I am a 34D sometimes DD, but a size 6 on bottom. I am having the hardest time finding appropriate bathing suits (I am 38 years old) that don’t make me look pregnant in the middle, but fit nicely in the breast area. I usually wear halter type tankini’s, but lately the cuts are so low that I feel like I have to squeeze into it. Any suggestions or ideas on where to find decent bathing suits that are made for a woman and not a young girl?
- Suit Yourself from Long Island

A. I found several options that will fit a size D-DD cup size and offer coverage so you don’t feel uncomfortable at the beach or pool. Sites like jcrew.com and figleaves.com offer swimwear sections specifically for D-cups and you can buy separates to insure you get the right support on top and the coverage on your bottom half. Don’t forget to check out our swim style recipe with more swimsuit tips and suggestions.

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1. D-cup solid halter tank (available in 5 colors), $74 at jcrew.com
2. D-cup solid halter tank top (available in 6 colors), $57 at jcrew.com
3. Contrast Waist Suit, $152 at couturecandy.com
4. Women’s Regular Solid Ruched V-neck Tankini Swimsuit, $69.50 at landsend.com
5. Next by Athena Tiny Bubbles Tankini Top (D & DD-Cups), $56 at macys.com

Q. I recently bought some black high-waist (skinny) pants that I really love, but every time I think about wearing them I change my mind because I can’t find the right top. I want to tuck the shirt in to accentuate the high waist (naval level). I like the way the proportions look when I wear them with my J.Crew v-neck t-shirts, but it’s just too boring to wear a solid color on top and on bottom! Can you recommend some short-sleeve shirts that will liven up the look?
- Liven my Look

A. While it’s simple to tuck in a t-shirt or slim fitting tank, here are a few other options that will tuck into or still show off the high rise of your skinny pants. Don’t hesitate to wear a top that skims over your hips and add a wide or skinny belt at your waist, or tuck in a top and wear a belt over the waistband of the pants.

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Q. I have a Saturday night, black-tie wedding coming up and I have no idea what to wear. I know people traditionally wear long, black dresses, but since I’m kind of small (5’2”, size 0), I’m afraid I would get lost in a dress like that. Also, since I’m 24 and it’s summer, I wouldn’t mind straying from black and wearing something fun. Keeping this in mind, what would be appropriate? Would a cocktail dress be ok? Or are there any particular styles of long dresses that flatter shorter people? Do you have any suggestions?
- Distressed Over Dress

A. A long gown on a petite woman can look like an overwhelming amount of fabric or look like you’re playing dress up in your mom’s closet. Black tie affairs no longer require a long gown - just an appropriate dress that is fiercely festive, sophisticated and elegant. I shopped for several options and it’s purely coincidental that they all are strapless.

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1. Strapless Florence dress, $250 at jcrew.com
2. Jillian strapless dress, $295 at jcrew.com
3. Kay Unger Strapless Bubble Dress, $330 at saks.com
4. BCBGMAXAZRIA Silk Strapless Dress, $360 at saks.com
5. BCBGMAXAZRIA Silk Empire Dress, $156 (sale) at saks.com
6. BCBGMAXAZRIA Satin Cocktail Dress, $288 at saks.com

Q. Do stylish and comfy go together when describing a pair of shoes? I hope so! Going to New Orleans means a lot of walking and standing in the heat. Do you have suggestions for stylish and comfy shoes/sandals that would go well with casual dresses and skirts?
- Good Look Foot

A. You can stand, dance and explore New Orleans from the Garden District to the French Market to Bourbon Street in these sandals whether you wear a dress, skirt or shorts.

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1. Onex Icon, $79 at zappos.com
2. Taryn by Taryn Rose Extol, $195 at zappos.com
3. Aquatalia by Marvin K. Twist, $181.90 (sale) at zappos.com
4. Soul Mate, $49.99 (sale) at aerosoles.com
5. Picnic, $49.99 (sale) at aerosoles.com

Q. I love your site and have been checking out your great advice for a while now. I have a dilemma: I am going to several weddings this summer and purchased a lovely black cocktail dress from Banana Republic (very Audrey). However, I tend to be cold and it is a bit on the skimpy side. I have been trying to find a jacket or sweater to wear over it that won’t dress it down too much, and I am having very little luck. Do you have any advice?
- Chic Coverage

A. When looking for a little coverage, a Pashmina wrap is not always the best answer. To complete your Audrey Hepburn look add a jacket or cardigan, but rather than keeping it black as well, choose a color or shine to stand out and embrace Spring.

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1. Solid cashmere rosette cardigan, $188 at jcrew.com
2. Cotton-cashmere primrose cardigan, $98 at jcrew.com
3. Stardust sequin cardigan, $450 at jcrew.com
4. Metallic mosaic jacket, $300 at jcrew.com

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