StyleBakery.com | Ask The Style Chefs

Suggestions for cute, colorful luggage

January 31, 2006

Q. Do you have any suggestions as to where I might find colorful, cute luggage? I am traveling to France in the spring, and I would really like to find something that is not black or dark brown. It needs to be large, as I will need to stuff three weeks worth of clothing and souvenirs into it. I had a fuchsia DVF suitcase however, it broke and I need to find a replacement.

A. I traveled on 20 flights from Thanksgiving to New Years and that meant learning to travel light and finding the right carry-on bag for my book, magazines and pocket video recorder and a suitcase that’s easy to find on the carousel. Black is a big NO NO for suitcase colors - unless of course you want to waste time at the airport or worry that someone with the same style walks away with your precious cargo. I watched a guy chase after a woman who mistakenly had done just that in O’Hare airport!
I’m a big fan of finding the big names and a big range of luggage for less at stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls. There’s a fabulous new line of printed luggage pieces from gap.com. Also, check out styles from macys.com, overstock.com, ebags.com and tumi.com.

Here are a few suggestions:

Delsey Helium Lite
100 Luggage Collection
$30 to $130 at macys.com

Polo Ralph Lauren
2000 Rugged Collection
$151 to $459 at macys.com

Atlantic Altitude 24"
Expandable Upright
$64.99 at ebags.com

Advice for breaking into the fashion industry

January 31, 2006

Q. I want to break into fashion, but I haven’t graduated school yet, and I’m married. But for the past few years I’ve been wanting to design clothing and have others wear them. Now that’s all I ever seem to talk about. I get so upset because nobody will help me, and I feel that I’m so lost, it seems as though it’s completely taken over me. Please help me on how I’m able to get my fashions out there. Thanks.
-Fashion Break

A. First question: are you in school studying fashion design? If not, why not if that’s your passion? If you’ve just realized that designing is your dream and you’ve still got some courses left, meet with an adviser about taking some marketing, advertising or business courses that will help you develop a plan on how to reach customers or employers when you graduate. Many colleges offer co-op opportunities that allow you to make money at a job and receive college credit as well. Or how about an internship? Either way, next question: do you know how to sew, make a pattern, drape a muslin? This is where the co-op or internship fits in. Work with a dressmaker, a tailor or seamstress in your city or town. Buy some patterns and visit fabric shops and start making your own clothes and see if you get compliments on the fit, color choices and fabrics. Take apart or reconstruct clothes you already own. Pay attention to detail and check out what other designers are doing each season.

Also, realize that not every great designer creates their own collection; many work for other designers to learn the business and build a resume. Many get those jobs with minuscule starting salaries. And there are many people who hold regular jobs, but become custom clothiers (meaning they can create great skirts, tops, dresses, etc. each season in different fabrics or customers go to them with specific needs) on the side until they can financially sustain themselves.

It’s great to be hyped up and excited about taking on a new career or challenge and remember, it’s your dream so go after it, but don’t assume that other people are there to give you a helping hand. Some people may be holding back on encouragement or giving support until they see you take steps towards actually realizing your goals. Do some research, good luck and stay jazzed about your dream.

What shoes to wear with plaid capris

January 31, 2006

Q. I just bought a pair of brown and off-white plaid capris and an off-white sweater to wear with them. My dilemma is the shoes…what kind of shoes can I wear with them? And do tights look ok with them?
-Putting My Best Foot Forward

A. I’m not a big fan of capris during the winter months unless they’re a true cropped pant or gaucho that you can wear with knee high boots, in which case you’ve got many choices. Unless they’re a short length, stick with flats, wedges and kitten heels - and preferably worn with bare legs.

Steve Madden Sybel
$63.95 at zappos.com

Seychelles ´Habit Forming´ Pump
$74.95 at nordstrom.com

Taryn Rose Bijou Flat
$380 at nordstrom.com

Fashion help for large busted woman

January 31, 2006

Q. I am a fashion consultant and have a client who is large in the bust area. She is size 38 DD, but says her bras just don’t fit well. Her dilemma is she wears great suits but the wrong blouses and sweaters underneath. I want to help her accentuate her bosom, not hide it. She is a corporate secretary and has to dress business conservative. She wears too much black. What can I suggest as far as blouses are concerned to give her a polished look without buttons bulging in her blouses?
-Fighting Button Bulge

A. The first order of business is to find your client good fitting bras. A good bra can lift her breasts, minimize her bust and make her clothes look and fit better. Many department stores like Bloomingdales have bra fit specialists who can help your client find the RIGHT bra.

With a large bust, she should choose v-neck sweaters and avoid turtlenecks and crewnecks. She may also have to buy one size up in a blouse so she can button without the pulling effect and then head to a tailor to have any extra fabric taken in. Better to know your local tailor and spend a few extra bucks to look good than wonder about your appearance and the impression you’re giving at the office with ill-fitting clothes. And if she thinks black makes her appear smaller or more slender, then let her know that even red and navy blue can too when it’s worn head to toe. A solid colored suit that’s not black paired with a subtle patterned blouse or knit top can make others turn and take notice in a positive way.

What are some good stores or sites that have dresses that are below $100?

January 31, 2006

Q. I’m going to a spring wedding, but I’m having a hard time finding dresses. What are some good stores or sites that have dresses that are below $100?
-Dress for Less

A. I love, love, love any chance to wear a dress. It’s one of my favorite things, but they can end up costing a pretty penny. I scoured several sites for dresses that were within your budget and wedding appropriate. Also, do a little online budget shopping yourself at sites like edressme.com, fashionbug.com, rampage.com, bebe.com, jcrew.com, urbanoutfitters.com and the junior section of nordstrom.com for inexpensive dresses.

sleeveless satin dress
$39.99 (sale) at laredoute.com

black double v
flair dress
$72 at edressme.com

Kimchi & Blue
Velvet Beaded Dress
$59.99 (sale) at urbanoutfitters.com

Suggestions for cute, colorful luggage

Advice for breaking into the fashion industry

What shoes to wear with plaid capris

Fashion help for large busted woman

What are some good stores or sites that have dresses that are below $100?

get the scoop

like us on facebook!

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Categories

Suggestions for cute, colorful luggage

Advice for breaking into the fashion industry

What shoes to wear with plaid capris

Fashion help for large busted woman

What are some good stores or sites that have dresses that are below $100?

get the scoop

like us on facebook!

subscribe + win

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