StyleBakery.com | Ask The Style Chefs

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Q. I need help to figure out what type and color of shoes to wear as a bridesmaid for a beach wedding in Key West.  My dress is a tangerine color and is from JCrew.
-Tangerine Dream

A. Beach weddings are always tough in the sandal department. We all want to look our best and heels guarantee a good looking leg, but sand impedes that choice. The other way to look at it is you get to be more casual and dance barefoot. So before you kick off your sandals and go barefoot for the reception, choose a flat fancy sandal with a little gold embellishment.

Mystique 1919Nine West Rosmarie

1. Mystique 1919, $130 at piperlime.com
2. Nine West Rosmarie, $82.95 at zappos.com

Leggings Over 40

Q. Are leggings still acceptable?  I am 40-something with quite a few dresses that I think are too short for someone my age to wear without pants or leggings.  Love the dresses, but not sure how to wear them.
-Leg Wear

A. Why do you own so many short dresses? Are they from several years ago when you felt more confident sporting a view of your legs above the knees?  It’s fine to wear leggings once in a while with dresses, but not as a routine. So keep only your absolute favorite short styles and donate the rest to consignment, a younger friend or a charity run thrift shop. And start buying dresses that don’t require leg coverage all the time.

Q. I love reading your website, so I thought I’d reach out with a question of my own.  I am tall (5’8) and have large breasts (D/DD).  I really need a comfortable bra that will support me.  Right now most of my bras are comfortable, but unsupportive or a pushup style that leaves marks.  Is there a happy combination of both?  I haven’t had a lot of luck with chain stores, and am hoping you can recommend a specialty store where they will fit me (I live in Boston.)  I’m willing to pay whatever it takes for a bra that I will use over and over again.   I’m also in my 20s, so something cute would be much appreciated.
-Cute and Comfy

A. You’ve got to start with the best pieces underneath your clothes so you feel comfortable and confident with what you wear on the outside. And with busty gals, there’s no need to sacrifice support, comfort or even being sexy. A few tips when shopping for the perfect fitting bra:

  • If breasts spill out on the sides go up a cup size
  • If the cup has any wrinkles, go down a cup size
  • If straps leave marks, look for wider straps that are cushioned and adjustable
  • While underwire generally works best, there are plenty of new designs and technology that will still give support without the wire

As for Boston bra fitting experts, here are a few to help you with your shopping dilemma that are highly rated:

  • Lady Grace in Brookline
  • Intimacy of Boston in Copley Plaza
  • Lingerie Studio on Newbury St. in Boston

Some suggestions online:

 Bali: No Poke Wire® Seamless Underwire BraBali "Passion for Comfort" Minimizer Underwire BraLilyette® "Fit for You" Lace Wire with Sew Free Wing Panache: Inferno Convertible Underwire Plunge Bra

 Olga: Satin Edge Underwire Bra Le Mystère: Dream Tisha Seamless Full Fit Bra Bali: Seductive Curves Underwire Bra

1. Bali No Poke Wire® Seamless Underwire Bra, $24 at barenecessities.com
2. Bali "Passion for Comfort" Minimizer Underwire Bra, $32 at macys.com
3. Lilyette "Fit for You" Lace Wire with Sew Free Wing, $31 at macys.com
4. Panache Inferno Convertible Underwire Plunge Bra, $53 at barenecessities.com
5. Olga Satin Edge Underwire Bra, $32 at barenecessities.com
6. Le Mystère Dream Tisha Seamless Full Fit Bra, $68 at barenecessities.com
7. Bali Seductive Curves Underwire Bra, $24.80 at barenecessities.com

for even more optiions, check out our Ultimate Bra Guide

Q. I know that rain boots are in season right now, but is it okay to still wear them when it is NOT raining?
-No Puddles

A. All those colorful, printed, patterned rain boots were designed to make splashing through puddles more fun on a dreary day. To wear a rain boot when it’s not raining means choosing a boot that doesn’t scream "rain boot."  Look for boots that have minimal details that are stylish enough to pair with pieces in your wardrobe, while still blending with your outerwear. I dig these four styles for their fashionable to rugged looks. And remember in the winter months to wear a warmer sock since rubber doesn’t offer much insulation.

Tretorn
Plask W6628-471460-DLa Canadienne
DorinaAquatalia by Marvin K. Nasty

1. Tretorn Plask W, $129 at zappos.com
2. Sporto Lani, $68.95 at zappos.com
3. La Canadienne Dorina, $258.95 at zappos.com
4. Aquatalia by Marvin K. Nasty, $370 at piperlime.com

Q. I recently bought a few shirts that could use a black sweater to go along with them, but I am having a difficult time tracking down one that is cute and affordable.
-Basic not Boring

A. A black sweater is a classic and every woman should own a turtleneck and a v-neck or cardigan. But the sweaters don’t have to be dull in shape or style. For a sweater to stand apart in your wardrobe, look for extra details like a puffed sleeve, buttons in non-standard places, 3/4 sleeves and embroidery. All these sweaters are under $100:

3/4-sleeve buttonless cardiganVintage Lace SweaterBoyfriend Cardigan Sweater Gitano® metallic shimmer cardigan

 Chunky Cotton Cardigan Lux Santa Cruz Cardigan
 Lux Santa Cruz CardiganNoemi Smocked Sweater Zq1507 001

1. 3/4-sleeve buttonless cardigan, $68 at bananarepublic.com
2. Vintage Lace Sweater , $34.50 at delias.com
3. Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater , $24.50 at delias.com
4. Gitano metallic shimmer cardigan, $36.99 at fashionbug.com
5.  Chunky Cotton Cardigan, $88 at freepeople.com
6.  Lux Santa Cruz Cardigan, $48 at urbanoutfitters.com
7. Noemi Smocked Sweater , $29.50 at delias.com
8. Roundneck sweater, $39.50 at espritshop.com

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