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Q. I am taking my husband to the VA Symphony for his birthday. What would be appropriate to wear for both of us?
-Wear to Where

A. When it comes to events like the Symphony, Opera, Ballet and Theater, I recommend that people dress well for the occasion.  It’s not often that you spend much more than the cost of a movie ticket for a night out with your husband, so it’s a chance to dress up rather than wear your favorite jeans.  And what girl doesn’t like to receive compliments for looking pretty? For your husband, a sport jacket, button down shirt, tie, nice pants and well-shined shoes will be appropriate. For you, wear a dress or a skirt with details like beading and a cashmere sweater or even a velvet suit.  There are always options for a ladylike, chic look and sometimes it can just mean adding a printed scarf or long earrings to a simple solid colored dress.  And wear great heels! 

Q. I’m a mom of an 18 month old and 4-year-old boys. I want to graduate from a diaper bag to an everyday tote. I’m trying to find a basic black leather tote (with inside pockets that holds my cell phone and sunglasses) that isn’t over-embellished with decorative items. Have any suggestions on where to look?
-Bag It All

A. Now that you don’t plan to carry a dozen diapers, baby bottles and toys, you need a sophisticated, classic tote that will last for several years and not go out of style.  I’ve picked out several stylish totes that can carry your essentials as well as a bit of the baby gear. For a variety of totes that won’t put a dent in your budget and aren’t over embellished check out these sites: jcrew.com, efashionhouse.com, eluxury.com, landsend.com, llbean.com and nordstrom.com.

65616_bk0001
Leather tote
$198 at jcrew.com

146611blk
MICHAEL Michael Kors
Double Zipper Tote
$298 at nordstrom.com


P10718518_ph_hero


DKNY Urban Fusian Shopper
$185 at eluxury.com




If you still feel as if you need more pockets and compartments for all your essentials, try adding a Purseket organizer. It comes in several sizes with many different fabric options and can be moved from bag to bag when needed.
Large
$16 to $22 at purseket.com

Q. I am attending a black-tie event in November.  I don’t feel comfortable in floor-length dresses.  Is tea-length acceptable?  If so, what do you suggest?  Help…and hurry! 
-Black-tie challenged

A. If celebrities can walk the red carpet for the Oscars and Emmys in sophisticated tuxedos (a la Greta Garbo and Diane Keaton) and sweet tea length confections (think Sarah Jessica Parker), then it’s certainly fine for you to attend a black tie event in a dress that doesn’t skim the floor. Here are a few favorite finds:

166139
velvet dress
Laundry by Shelli Segal
$265 at edressme.com

166119

BCBG Max Azria
´D Esprit´ Trimmed Point Strapless Dress
$400 at nordstrom.com

Q. My husband and I are also traveling to NYC in mid November. My favorite color is pink so most of my wardrobe - boots, etc. - are pink. Is this color okay for New York during this time of year?
-Pinky

A. Hey, pink is one of my favorite colors too.  If it looks good and you love it, then obviously it lifts your mood.  And a smile is sometimes your best accessory.  Whether it’s flirty and fun or sassy and sophisticated just be sure you’re not head to toe in various tones of pink which can clash.

Q. I have always been afraid of color.  After my mom passed away, I am feeling the need to incorporate some brighter colors into my life, as part of my ongoing personal makeover.   Almost all of my clothes are black.  My friends say that I would look nice in colors, but I’m not sure how and whether I should build a new wardrobe up from scratch.  How do I start building up from the basics again?
-Color Wary

A. There’s no need to start from scratch when all you need is to begin adding a few new pieces of bight color until you find the colors that work with your skin tone and elicit the most compliments.  And believe me, you always receive more compliments when you wear color.  Black might be safe and it can be classy and sophisticated, but rarely does someone say, “wow, you look like you’ve got a tan in that shade of black.” Or, ”you look so fresh and young in that black top.”

Begin by mixing a few colors in with your black pieces. You may need to try on many colors to find the right hues that work for you. I used to think yellow would wash me out and make my skin appear sallow, but I found a sunny color in two tops this past summer that were a hit.  I couldn’t wear them enough before the cooler temps hit. So don’t be shy, grab some sweaters and head to the dressing room.  Start with a v-neck sweater that can be worn alone or under a fitted jacket and a bold colored jacket in a classic cut.

72258_bl8181This cashmere cable
v-neck comes in
many wearable colors
$148 at jcrew.com

165325

A red coat looks
great with the
black pieces
already in your
wardrobe

Stand Collar Jacket
$148 at nordstrom.com

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