StyleBakery.com | Ask The Style Chefs

Is It Okay For The Maid of Honor and the Bride to Both Wear Halter Tops?

April 14, 2008

Q. I’m the maid of honor (and only attendant) for an April wedding in Florida. Most of the dresses that I like have a halter-style bodice, which definitely flatters my figure. The bride’s gown is also a halter-style, and neither of us is sure if my dress will complement hers, or if it will look strange for them to be so similar. She’s in white, I’ll be in black, her halter is smooth satin with some beading, mine would be more of gathered silk or ruched chiffon, and so the only similarity would be the basic shape. What do you think?

A. I think you’ll be fine wearing the halter style. What would help distinguish them further is if your dress were cocktail length.

Metallic Shoes to Wear with Several Different Styles of Pants

April 11, 2008

Q. I love reading your suggestions! I recently purchased several pairs of wide leg trouser-style pants in white, dark blue denim and a light khaki. I would like to find a pair of shoes that would look great with all of them, perhaps a metallic platform. I am 5’3” so a little height helps make my legs look longer. Please provide some suggestions. Thanks so much!
- Well Heeled in Atlanta

A. Here are a few metallic platforms including a wedge, cork, and espadrille style.

Carlos by Carlos Santana Explicit Athena Alexander 'Alantia' Sandal

1. Roberto Cavalli T6039, $365 at zappos.com
2. Jessica Simpson ‘Miles’ Metallic Sandal, $78.95 at nordstrom.com
3. Ash ‘Shine’ T-Strap Platform Sandal, $159.95 at nordstrom.com

4. Carlos by Carlos Santana Explicit, $100 at piperlime.com
5. Athena Alexander ‘Alantia’ Sandal at nordstrom.com

Skirt Length for Height Challenged

April 10, 2008

Q. I have a question about skirt lengths. I just bought 2 amazing skirts that I just love, but I’m short and don’t know if they are too long. I am 5’3” and a size 12. The first skirt is black and has beautiful embroidery on the bottom, but it’s probably 5” below my knee. The second is a nice brown with embroidery also on the bottom, but is about 3” below my knee. Are these going to be too long for me? What are the guidelines on skirt lengths, not talking about mini-skirts!
-Short & Chic

A. The average woman’s height in America is 5’3” so you’re not alone in your confusion in finding flattering pieces. Generally, the best skirt length to give the illusion of height would be a skirt that hits around the knee. The skirt that is five inches below the knee may “shorten’ you further so why not keep the 3” inch embroidered version and find a second skirt that flatters, but doesn’t repeat the embroidery detail. Mix it up in your wardrobe. The best balance would be to pair it with a high heel or wedge.

Shoes and Accessories to match Gray Print Dress

April 9, 2008

Q. I need your professional expertise on my dress ensemble for a friend’s upcoming 40th B-day celebration. I have attached a photo hoping it gives you a good idea. What I need is advice on shoes and accessories. The dress is a cream and gray pattern and it falls like silk.
-Friend Function

A. Try a grey patent leather sandal or peep toe heel or neutral beige, and don’t get stuck on matching the hue exactly. The heels can be a little lighter or darker. I would go with a simple thin necklace that has a charm or pendant on the end as long as it lays within the “V” of the dress or choose a longer necklace that hangs about two to three inches longer than the “V.” Alternatively, choose earrings that have some colored beads like blue, violet or pink and then add an enamel bracelet in a color or pattern. There are great enamel pieces available at BananaRepublic.com and JCrew.com and I’m a big fan of the charm style necklaces on blueluxe.com.

1. Seychelles Big Bucks, $84 at zappos.com
2. Nine West Revengez, $83 at zappos.com
3. MAXSTUDIO ‘Ferris’ Sandal, $158.95 at nordstrom.com

4. kate spade ‘gwennie’ pump, $295 at nordstrom.com
5. Moda Spana Demi, $93 at zappos.com
6. rsvp Liz, $65 at zappos.com

Purple Jade, Grey Onyx, and Smoky Quartz Color Block Floating Silk Necklace

1. Cabochon-wrapped enamel bangle, $68 at jcrew.com
2. 1” enamel bangle, $35 at jcrew.com
3. Two-strand turquoise drop necklace, $49 at bananarepublic.com

4. Purple Jade, Grey Onyx, and Smoky Quartz Color Block Floating Silk Necklace, $89 at blueluxe.com
5. Rutilated quartz briolette necklace, $45 at bananarepublic.com
6. Genuine rose quartz vine earring, $59 at bananarepublic.com

What Dress Looks Best on Bottom Heavy Figures?

April 8, 2008

Q. I’m a young college student who is in a search for an affordable dress - something fairly casual, but something that can be dressed up as well. The trouble is, I’m bottom heavy. I’m a plus size on bottom due to my thighs and hips, but nothing ever correctly fits me at the waist, which means all my skirts either sag or are a little too tight at the waist; at the top I’m usually a regular size. I fell in love with the Ruffle Cotton Dress from Boden, but am not quite sure if it would work on me. I have a decent size chest but am not a big fan of showing off my arms or my underarms. Could you help me find one?
- Right Fit

A. This dress from Boden is young, flirty and has those extra details like ruffles and the wrap style that will help to define a waist. And with the short sleeves you’ll get a little coverage for the arms and under arms. Sticking with Boden, here’s another dress that should work with your figure - it will lay smoothly over your hips and thighs, has the flattering v-neck and gives arm coverage. Plus, I found a similar wrap style from Banana Republic in a pretty eyelet pattern.

1. Sexy Jersey Dress, $98 at boden.com (available in 4 colors)
2. 2. Eyelet wrap dress, $140 at bananarepublic.com (available in 2 colors)

Is It Okay For The Maid of Honor and the Bride to Both Wear Halter Tops?

Metallic Shoes to Wear with Several Different Styles of Pants

Skirt Length for Height Challenged

Shoes and Accessories to match Gray Print Dress

What Dress Looks Best on Bottom Heavy Figures?

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Is It Okay For The Maid of Honor and the Bride to Both Wear Halter Tops?

Metallic Shoes to Wear with Several Different Styles of Pants

Skirt Length for Height Challenged

Shoes and Accessories to match Gray Print Dress

What Dress Looks Best on Bottom Heavy Figures?

get the scoop

like us on facebook!

subscribe + win

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