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PG.NWEASYCOOL.DBRBKSU.PD.jpgQ. I am in need of some assistance with a fabulous pair of shoes that I found (Nine West Easycool Suede Peep Toe Platform Slingbacks)! Following my passion, I ordered first and thought about what to wear with them later! This usually works out just fine, as I LOVE building outfits around shoes. However, this time I am perplexed! They fall into that “this used to be a fashion no-no, but now is totally acceptable” category…they are two tone black and brown!! HELP! Do I wear black…brown…bright colors?? I usually do not have a hard time, but this one has me feeling very unsure of my style credentials!!! Also, I would love ideas for any season! Since they are peep toe I would totally rock them in the winter with some cute tights.

A. No need to fret, my dear, your shoes were not only a chic purchase, but a wise one! Black and brown is indeed an acceptable combination (as is black and navy!), and finding a pair of shoes that combines both colors opens up a wide array of color options to pair with them. Besides the obvious of wearing them with black and shades of brown, these will look great with purple, red, orange, pink, tan and more. They will work with pretty much any color you would typically pair with brown or black shoes.

As for wearing tights with these peep-toes, I would recommend opting for black tights since this is the color that surrounds the toe area. If you’re feeling daring, though, feel free to wear bright tights, too!

Q. Ugh, I am so bored with my winter wardrobe already. Do you have any ideas for adding excitement to my daily look?

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A. I hear you. Every year, right about this time, I tend to get bored with winter clothes too. Perhaps it’s the dreary winter weather or possibly all of the bright spring clothing starting to trickle into stores, but our daily sweater and skinnies uniform is starting to feel a little drab. The best way to perk up your look is to look forward - try adding a fresh new spring piece to your look. Not only will it help makeover your look, but it will also give you a few months of added wearings to your purchase. Who says you have to wait for warm weather to start wearing spring trends now?

One of our favorite trends for Spring 2011 is the color orange. In various hues, orange appeared on many designer runways, including Proenza Schouler, Tory Burch and Vena Cava. Try adding one orange piece to your winter blues, browns and grays to give them an instant wakeup. Below are some orange pieces worth the investment.



Another trend to try is spring’s bright lip. Celebs have been spotted everywhere sporting bright pink, orange and coral lips. It’s a bit daring, but also a guaranteed mood-lifter. Here are some tips on how to brighten up with a colorful lip.

Q. I’m attending my first-ever writers conference at the end of January, and am feeling a little lost about what to wear. From what I’ve heard, most of the people do business casual or dressier casual attire, and a suit would be a definite no-no. I usually feel more comfortable in a dress, but since the conference happens to be during winter in NYC, that might not be the best of ideas. There will be a lot of standing/walking around, so heels won’t really be practical either. I’ll be pitching my new book idea to some literary agents and I want to look professional, yet creative. There will be a lot of potential authors there, so I’d like to stand out (in a good way). I’m also very petite so I don’t want to look like I’m playing dress up in my Mom’s business clothes!

A. I love when you can infuse a bit of creativity into a work look. Since you feel most comfortable in a dress, wear one! We New Yorkers wear them all winter long - just add some opaque tights and a pair of boots and you’ll be fine. To add a creative touch to your dress, try pairing it with a sleek leather jacket. Another option is to pair skinny black pants with a belted jacket and booties. Add a stylish accessory like some great jewelry or an animal print belt or scarf, and a chic tote.

Though I understand the need to wear comfortable (and perhaps flat) shoes if you’ll be on your feet for hours, your best bet is to look for a stylish pump or shoe with a mid-size heel - this will help you to stand out a bit more since you’re so petite (sometimes we have to suffer a bit for fashion!) Find a shoe that you’ll be comfortable enough in that still offers a little bit of height and will add style to your look.

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Below are some looks for inspiration:

Q. I am attending an upcoming wedding. I have my dress picked out, but I’ve been requested to wear flats, something I don’t usually go for. What are some good formal options that won’t dress down my outfit?

A. When searching for dressy flats, look for sparkling accents like sequins and jewels, or formal embellishments like ribbons, bows and velvet. Here are some options that we’re loving. (TIP: After your event is over, wear your dressy flat with jeans and a blazer or cropped skinny pants and a chunky sweater.)

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Q. I love how nude heels go with everything and elongate your legs. My problem is I have very tan legs (I’m Filipino) and really light feet from sock tans and running shoes since I’m an avid runner. Luckily, the line isn’t quite distinct. It kind of blends. Should I wear nude pumps that match my legs’ tone or pumps that match my feet? My logic is to go with the lighter nude since wearing pumps that match my legs would look like “colored” shoes on my feet instead of “disappearing”. The lighter nude would match my feet and elongate the length of my legs, despite the two tones. But I’m not very sure if my reasoning is sound and I would like a second opinion. What do you think I should wear?

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A. Nude heels, or heels that match your skin tone, have the wonderful effect of elongating your legs, as well as matching any outfit. Since your feet and ankles are lighter than the rest of your leg, your best bet is to find a pair of heels that matches your foot and ankle as closely as possible, since this is the area of your leg that will be closest to your shoes.

Another option is to use self tanner on the lighter areas so that the color more closely matches the rest of your leg. If you’re not a big fan of self tanner, you can try a daily moisturizer that gives you a subtle gradual tan like Jergens Natural Glow.

Below is a selection of nude and tan heels to match a variety of skin tones:

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